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Category: Mission Experiences

  • AN INCOMING SEMINARIAN’S MISSION MUSINGS AND REALIZATIONS

    AN INCOMING SEMINARIAN’S MISSION MUSINGS AND REALIZATIONS

    Reflection by Charles James Somontan Antolan, a Local Youth-Mission Volunteer

    Before the Mission in our Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Balabagan which lasted from March to May 2021, I have been serving already as an Altar Server. In fact, I am entering the seminary this August and while I am still in our Parish, I was invited by the Mission Coordinator to join the mission as one of the Local Youth Mission Volunteers. Indeed, I accepted the invitation even though I did not have much knowledge on how the mission will go. What I only thought at that time was this year’s theme of the Philippine Church, “Year of the Missio Ad Gentes: Gifted to Give,” and that through this opportunity I would be able to share myself to others.

    However, behind my “yes” to the mission, I felt worried just like my co-local youth mission volunteers, on how I could be of help to the team. I know that I lack talents and knowledge. I was also anxious on how I would socialize with the Mission Team especially as they were composed of priests, lay-missionary, seminarians, deacons and other youth mission volunteers. I am aware that I am an introvert person. Though I am not shy but I tend to be more silent and a serious type of person. I thought that these traits in me will prevent me as I join the mission. Yet, when the missionaries arrived and stared the mission, what I expected never happened because each of them was very friendly. It was not difficult to meet and encounter each of them. And I felt at home with them.

    It is true that the mission brought many changes in our parish particularly to myself. Undeniably, the people here in our parish are in thirst of the living Word of God especially those chapels and communities that can only celebrate the Holy Eucharist once a month. Through the mission, the people quenched and have been satisfied in their thirst to joyfully celebrate the Holy Mass and to listen to the regular formations and teachings. I myself witnessed this visible scenario especially during the team’s delivery of talks. The people would always pay attention. In fact, every time I would give a part of the talk, I would see in their eyes their willingness to learn and of their joy because of the presence of the mission.

    I am glad that through my participation in the mission, I was able to visit areas in our municipality which I have not been to before. I was able to encounter other people and made friends with other youth who were also serving their chapel like me. Through these encounters, I have witnessed and realized the beauty in their life that even in simplicity they remained grateful and joyful in sharing their graces.

    I remember, there was one time that four of us in the team (a priest, a deacon, myself and another co-youth volunteer) slept in the area because there will be a dawn novena-mass at 4 AM. It was a mountainous area and most of the people are farmers like their Patron Saint, San Isidro Labrador. We stayed overnight in their newly made waiting shed made of bamboo. The area was fresh and there was no presence of mosquitos around. However, what amazed me so much during our stay were their act of generosity and welcoming spirit. They didn’t just provide us food and shelter, they also spent their time socializing, eating with us, and most of all providing security by guarding the vicinity the whole night. These might be simple things but these meant a lot. For me, they showed concern, willingness to sacrifice and to show their love for visitors.

    The three-month mission helped me to be closer to God. The Redemptorist Itinerant Mission Team lived a prayerful life. Aside from celebrating the Holy Mass, we regularly have our morning prayer and the prayer I would never forget, the grace before meals. During our team study of the modules, I learned a lot especially about our Catholic Faith. Those learnings gave me other perspectives in looking at life. Like my co-youth volunteers, I have also proved to myself that I can really face and talk in front of a crowd, even among professionals, to give and deliver formation talks. Though there would be many times that I would perspire excessively while giving talks, but I have become happy about myself because at the end of the day, I was able to touch and impart knowledge to the people. And I believe, this is all for the greater glory of God.

    My journey in the mission brought me into these three general realizations.

    THE PRESENCE OF GOD IS TRULY ALIVE. Wherever I was, I always saw the image of Jesus to people who are kind-hearted, to the simple and poor, to the grateful and generous, to people who are always ready to sacrifice for the sake of others, to the witnessing, serving and prayerful individuals.

    GOD CREATED US WITH PURPOSE AND MISSION. The Redemptorist Missionaries were sent by God in our Parish in Balabagan to accompany us in celebrating our Golden Jubilee as a Parish, to preach the Gospel and to share their lives for the good of the people. Our people in the parish and in every area also helped for the success of this mission. Thus, each one of us has his or her own purpose and mission in life. What we need is to discover and to realize its fulfillment for the sake of others and for the glory of God.

    Third and lastly, I also came up with a personal realization.

    THE LORD HAS PREPARED ME FOR MY VOCATION IN LIFE. I realized that I have been called by the Lord to join the mission not just that I will be of help to the team, but also to prepare myself as I am about to enter the seminary for my priestly formation. I became more aware of myself. I have discovered some of my potentials and those that needs to be developed. Through the mission, I am reminded of the need of priests in our Parish and in the Prelature as a whole. This awareness gives me now the courage to continue. As I lived with the Mission Team for three months, I closely witnessed and experienced the life of priests. Their dedication and joy in serving inspires me to also aspire and become a priest like them, “puhon” (hopefully/in God’s time).

    I am much grateful that God gave me this privilege to experience the life of being on a mission. Thank you so much. Maayong Good Morning!

  • MY MISSION-JOURNEY WITH THE TEAM

    MY MISSION-JOURNEY WITH THE TEAM

    Reflection by Darwin H. Malayo, Youth Mission Volunteer from San Isidro Labrador Parish, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur

    The arrival of the Redemptorist Itinerant Mission Team in our Parish in Balabagan brought so much changes in our community and including myself. I have been involved in the 3-month mission. I was called as a Local Youth Mission Volunteer, yet, honestly, I do not have much experience in this kind of thing. I am more focused on my studies and looking for a living since my father had died already and my siblings cannot support my studies. They have married and have their own worries now. This means that I have not involved so much myself in Church activities.

    During the first week of the mission, I did not have any plan to volunteer. My studies and the situation of modular classes that we are going through because of this covid-19 pandemic brought so much difficulties already. However, I was invited by my benefactor, the one who sponsors my studies, to volunteer in the mission. I was quite hesitant because it might affect my studies.

    However, I am more surprised at how God worked. I felt that God has allowed me to join the mission team, to share my talents and presence. Here, I mingled and joined the company of missionary priests, deacons, seminarians, lay-missionaries and youth-mission volunteers like me. As what I have experienced, it did not affect my studies and I have become more determined and learned to manage my time.

    Honestly, I felt anxious and shy especially when it comes to our team study of the modules and in sharing and delivering the inputs to my co-parishioners. I felt inadequate as I socialized with people and believed that I cannot do what they were doing. Nevertheless, I realized that I cannot do anything if I would not believe and trust myself and make myself open to learn new things.

    It is my joy now to continue what has been started by the Mission Team. The rapport developed by the team with the parishioners was very much alive because it inspired the people to willingly support the team and join them, rain or shine. The presence of each member of the team also brought inspiration because of their attitude of saying yes to the mission. Despite the difficult terrain, with the experience of being stuck in the river and going through arduous roads, the team continued. Everyone would offer a helping hand when there would be a task. Each one would try to understand in spite of our differences. All of these, challenged me personally. The Mission Team members were not from our place, but what I saw was their willingness to share and preach the Gospel to our community for the development of our Christian life.

    Their knowledge, expertise and simple way of life, touched me very much. I witnessed how they have built a good relationship with the people. In fact, I wished that everyone would learn this attitude. I have also witnessed how people expressed their generosity even in the midst of difficulties brought about by this pandemic. This did not prevent them to share their graces. These experiences are indeed one of a kind which became so dear to me. It is because of these experiences also that I have realized, I have become closer to the Lord and I also continue to live my Christian life according to the Gospel.

    These are now, not just invitations to me but challenges also to young people like me that we may confidently do what we can do and to share what we have to others. Accordingly, as I learned in the mission, “greed has no place in our community.” It is an invitation to live simply, generously and humbly, to live in the holy fear of God, and to learn to truly love.

    Finally, I am most grateful to the team for forming me. I have learned a lot and changed for the better because of those wonderful experiences and the teachings I got. Thank you very much.

  • MY LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF MY COMFORT ZONE

    MY LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF MY COMFORT ZONE

    Mission Reflection by Rizza Mae O. Malalay of RYM-Iligan

    There is a quote that says, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. ” So, I was wondering if it is true or just a mere quote. The Balabagan Parish Mission was my longest mission exposure so far. It was also my first time away from home for almost three months. I did feel scared, nervous and I also had doubts about myself. But my excitement in joining the mission outweighed all of those. I was thinking of what would be my part in the mission team? And in what way I could be of help? Occupied by those thoughts, little did I know that it was the other way around.

    Balabagan is one of the municipalities of Lanao del Sur. They do not have malls or fast food chains. When you buy things it is quite pricey. They also have power interruptions every now and then and they do not have signals in some of the areas.  But despite that, they have the most generous and happy hearts. I remember every time I was at the parish health center, they would always offer me some snacks. They shared not only their food but also their stories, their life-lessons, their story of faith, their  love, their warmth and themselves.

    There was a particular Nanay whom I got close with in one of the areas. She would just let me do what I want. I also loved to tag along with her wherever she goes. She would let me scratch the ‘buko’ for our snacks and told me many times not to include the inner brown one, for it will only add bitterness to the buko. And yes for the record, I always include to scratch the brown one 😁. She would also let me do the traditional grating of coconut meat, even though I do not know how to do it. She was just there smiling patiently waiting for me to give up. And who would have thought that she would let us dug their sweet potatoes in their backyard? So, I asked her why she was so good to us, even though she was kind of disconcerted when we were around. She just replied to me that she was grateful and joyful that God sent us there, that’s why she wanted to provide us all the best that she have.

    What I also loved in Balabagan was the presence of the youth. They were just one call away. They were willing to help in any of the activities of the parish. And I just have to inform them ahead. One time, I had this conversation with them, I asked them about the situation of the youth in their community. They casually told me about teenagers getting married at a young age and about teenage pregnancy.  They also told me that they want to learn and discover more about themselves and to have a deeper relationship with God.

    Those encounters led me to these realizations.

    • There is beauty in simplicity. I grew up where when you buy coconut,  you will just add 15-20 pesos and the machine will do all the work, no sweat. We do not have coconut trees or even land for crops. So technically I have to buy everything. Living there for almost three months, made me dream of a simpler life, doing things manually, not checking my social media accounts every now and then, or not binge watching K-Drama series for the whole day. In this world of artificial intelligence, I yearn to always go back to simple things, looking above to see the stars, the moon, beholding sunsets, sunrises, mountains, seas, hiking under the heat of the sun and getting wet in the rain.
    •  It may sound absurd, but I was so touched when the youth talked about their concerns about their fellow youth. It shows that they were not blind at all about what is happening around them. They can see and they can hear. They knew what is wrong and right, they just don’t know how to make a move with regards to it. They were also afraid that they will make a wrong move or they will fail. These are reasons why they were too shy to show their talents and creativity. They felt afraid that they were too young to involve themselves in the community.

    So, here are my takeaways in this journey;

    • People who are joyful and grateful do not complain, instead they just live for the moment. Life is neither perfect nor it is easy. But, being joyful and grateful would help us lighten all the loads and burdens that life throws at us. Not to mention the truth that in this life’s journey, we are never alone. When we have a grateful and joyful heart, we will be able to see God in everything that we do and we will be filled with His grace.
    • When you love what you are doing, you don’t count the cost. You are willing to give more and you always do your best. That is how powerful love is.
    • To make a better world, we are called to empower the young. That they should be confident about themselves, that their thoughts and their views, matters. That they matters. We should form them to be Christ-centered, fully human and mission oriented. Reminding them that they are beloved, gifted and empowered. So that they can maximize their gifts and resources. Allowing them to use them for God’s glory. To have a better world we need to be a better citizen first.

    The quote “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” may be true to some. My life has started as I am going through this rollercoaster of emotions and phases of life.

    We are a little lost in life, aren’t we? As for me, life begins when you find out your purpose in life and when you share your life with others. When you discover your purpose, then you will know where you are going and you will never be lost. At the end of the day, it is not about me, it is about the lives of the people whom I have touched. Because by others, by serving others, one will be able to know who we are and will be able to discover more about ourselves.

    I pray that I may fill my heart with love and my life with service.

  • MISSION CROSS: HANDUMANAN SA MISYON

    MISSION CROSS: HANDUMANAN SA MISYON

    Why do we love making memories?

    What strengthens the bond of friendships, of families and communities are the memories (unforgettable ones) that they make together. This is what I believe, at least in my personal reflection. And there are three reasons that I see why.

    First, because it was done “together.” Joy is being experienced being together with people we love and cherish. “Togetherness” is such a big word but means a lot when we have the presence of each other. The company of each one is enjoyed and friendship or family tie is developed.

    Second is the opportunity to know each other more. Discovering ourselves and others brings learning opportunities for us especially of the likes and dislikes, of the differences, strengths and weaknesses of our friends and/or family members. Allowing ourselves to be discovered, of who we really are and welcoming others too, bring us towards intimacy, to a deeper friendship or relationship.

    Third, this inspires growth in us, growth in the way relate with others, growth that we experience personally, as a group of friends and as a community. Behind this growth were the moments of “sharing” – in extending oneself for a friend, for a family member. This is how we share food, drinks, resources, time and our presence. We also share our stories, share our burdens as well as our joys. We share our person, our talents and abilities to one another.

    Growth then, is experienced when we learn how to extend and go beyond ourselves for a friend, for a brother, a sister, a parent, a cousin or a relative. Because of these experiences and reasons of making memories, we make “memorabilia” – like photos which we commonly have. In the past, we have photo albums created and labeled each photo to remind us of those memorable events.

    The Parish Mission Cross

    The three-month Parish Mission in San Isidro Labrador Parish, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, became an opportunity for me as a missioner and a pastor with the Mission Team, to make memories with the people. Aside from the photos we have, it has been the tradition of the Redemptorist Missionaries especially here in the Redemptorist Province of Cebu to erect mission cross in every chapel and community to remind us and the people of the mission that we share together.

    With Ate Portia Awayan, FLARE, Ate Milgaros “Erot” Miole – Chapel Coordinator of Upper Itil, Balabagan, LdS

    The Mission Cross, as it bears our Christian identity, culture, tradition and faith in the Risen Christ serves also as a “reminder to the people that as a Church, we continue the mission of God.”

    The formal three-month Parish Mission in celebration of the 50th plus 1 anniversary of the Parish did not just end there. The Mission Crosses now erected in the Parish and in its chapels bear the identity that each of us, is a missionary. As missionaries we make more memories as we relive the memory of Jesus in the Eucharist and in every Sacrament that we celebrate.

    As a young Redemptorist Missionary, the Mission Cross, as Handuman sa Misyon (Reminder/Sign of the Mission) imprints three realizations for me.

    First is the “JOY” of being with the Mission Team and with the People of God in Balabagan. The presence of each member of the team and of the many people in the Parish paved the way towards friendship.

    Second is the opportunity for me to discover myself more, my strengths and weaknesses as a team leader and as a young pastor. As I discovered myself, I also began to develop friendship with the people and to learn more in welcoming differences.

    Third is the experience of personal growth by being challenged to go beyond my comforts, to take the risk to become a person for others. Moreover, what inspired more of the growth was the very experience of generosity of the team members and of the people around me. They have not just shared their resources but also their talents and abilities, time and presence, their hearts and homes. This became an occasion for me to develop more friendships and homes among the people of Balabagan even in the midst of this pandemic.

  • Mission Experiences

    Mission Experiences

    Reflection by Pearllyn Obina

    Pearllyn, known to us as La Ling, was a full-time Youth Mission Volunteer during the 3-month mission in the Parish of San Isidro Labrador, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.

    It’s difficult to have two religions at the same time because I know that I have to choose one. And I chose to be Catholic because this is what is in my heart and mind. I too have my personal reasons why I did not choose the other one.

    As I joined the Redemptorist Mission Team in San Isidro Labrador Parish, Balabagan, that was also the time of discovery about myself and time for me to learn more. Yet, I was anxious and afraid at the same time.

    I had mixed emotions. I was anxious, afraid and happy during those times when I was with the Mission Team.  I was anxious that I might not be able to connect and relate with them since it was my first time to meet and mingle among missionaries. They might have many expectations from me that I could not do. I was afraid that my father’s relatives or worst my father himself might see me with them. Yet, I felt happy also because I was given the chance to make new friends. I do not have many friends in my hometown. I have been out of town for a long time when I left to study. I was overjoyed too because I had many opportunities to learn more in serving the Lord and ways in living out fully my Catholic faith.

    I have many mistakes and failures. I caused pain to others and especially towards my family. Because of these memories, it led me to ask myself. Am I deserving enough to be part of this mission? Why me? I don’t have enough knowledge in my Catholic faith. The only thing in my mind is that, this is (Catholic) my religion and I commit myself to it.

    The 3-month long mission in San Isidro Parish in Balabagan, I served as a local youth-mission volunteer. With this experience I learned a lot in living out my faith today.

    I also realized that there were many things that I thought I could not do, but then, I did. The Mission Team helped me and gave me the courage to do what I was most afraid of before. I stood in front of many people and began to deliver talks and reflections. Though, I know that what I did was still very simple and I have not yet fully overcome my stage-fright, but then, I did my first step. I know now that I can do it if I shall will it.

    It was also because of this mission experience that I gained the courage to express my hurt feelings which I have been keeping for a long time. I am deeply hurt by my father. I hated him for almost half of my life. I served the Lord with hatred in my heart. Yet, the days of being with the Mission Team became a way for me to see the light and to let go of those hatred and anger in my heart. In all of these, I know that it was the Lord who may this possible for me to meet these people. Through them, I slowly moved out from the darkness of hatred that my heart has been controlled so that I will be able to serve the Lord fully and wholeheartedly.

    I myself, have become a recipient of the grace of this mission. I have learned that planting hatred in my heart will only ruin myself. I learned to forgive the one who have hurt me and to ask for forgiveness to those I have hurt. I realized how important it is to love one another and to love friends as well as enemies. Indeed, serving the Lord is not a platform to advance my personal agenda and not a space so that people will recognize and love me. This is an invitation for me now to serve and love the Lord with all my heart and mind. I will serve God until my last breath. Amen.