The journey continues

Despite closing missions in the Philippines and Brazil, the bonds of friendship and presence remain unbroken.

By Sr. Lorie Nuñez, O.L.M.
May/June 2014

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The story of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt illustrates how God’s protection and faithful presence sustained them, especially when they thought they had lost everything. Through grace we recognize this loving presence as a gift. Although Our Lady’s Missionaries have closed its missions in Brazil and the Philippines, the many people with whom we journeyed there sustain us to this day by their continued presence. In return, there are signs that our presence remains with them too.

Renen Nuñez, brother of Sister Lorie Nuñez, at his auto mechanic shop. Gingoog, Philippines.

This is a story from the Philippines. My brother who is an auto mechanic is at times called to repair vehicles as far away as the next province, Bukidnon. A few years ago, after spending twelve hours on a job, he began the long journey back to Gingoog, our hometown. It was already past midnight when he approached Binuangan, a small town where OLMs once lived. Hungry and thirsty, he planned to stop at one of the karenderiyas (eateries) located on the highway passing through the town. To his dismay he saw that all of them were closed. Knocking at the doors, he hoped some merciful soul would serve him something, even if it was just a cup of hot water, but no one answered. He tried one last door and felt so grateful when a woman came to the door and even offered him something to eat.

When he asked for the bill the woman gently explained that since her home is located right next to the karenderiyas, many passersby assume that hers is one as well. She continued to explain that whenever that happens she welcomes the travellers and is glad to be of help.

OLM’s presence in Binuangan, Philippines is remembered. Above: Sister Margaret Walsh and Fidel Cabildo.

My brother was embarrassed but also extremely touched by her kindness and generosity. He told her that he used to visit Binuangan when the OLMs had a place there, as his sister was an OLM. Upon hearing this, the woman’s eyes lit up. Her name was Tina she said and she was the only dressmaker in the area, so the OLMs would go to her whenever a special occasion required a new outfit. Now, whenever my brother passes through Binuangan, he stops at Tina’s place and enjoys a continued friendship that began so long ago.

Meanwhile in Brazil, the tradition of an annual Christmas party at the OLM’s house in Pici had been long established when Sisters Clarice and Lucy and I planned one last Christmas gathering before closing the mission. The celebration was bittersweet as there were people present who had journeyed with the OLMs since the beginning of our Brazil mission. It was an emotional time for all, especially when they shared moments of faith that they experienced with OLMs throughout the years. As the party drew to a close, someone suggested that even though the OLMs were leaving, the community should continue the tradition and come together each year for prayers and a Christmas celebration in the Pici house, which was being given to a local NGO (non-governmental organization).

In Pici, Brazil, Bernardo Rosemeyer (holding a child) and friends gather for a Christmas party, keeping alive this OLM Christmas tradition much loved by the community. Photo by Francisco Fernando.

In order to support their idea, the next year Clarice and I sent cranberry sauce and special paper serviettes to the Pici house a few weeks before Christmas. Many of our friends in Brazil had been fascinated with the colourful serviettes that we always used for parties. Some people had even saved them each year for framing and hanging on their walls. These simple and inexpensive paper serviettes were actually a memento of the struggle and hope that OLMs shared with the people.

And today here in Canada, Gingoognons (people of Gingoog, Philippines) meet once a month to work out a plan to become a non-profit charitable organization and support one another by sharing stories of their struggles with immigration papers. Together we celebrate life in spite of the distance from our loved ones and we find ways to share our blessings with the poor back home.

The OLM journey continues, friendships grow, a legacy is established, and though the pain of letting go is still there, these ongoing signs of presence help me to recognize where and how God is doing something new.

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