Any missionary would feel grateful, fulfilled, proud for having contributed in many ways, no matter how little, to the spread and growth of faith in and among our Filipino people.
Our faith planted in the heart is manifested in peoples’ character, ways of looking and responding to the events and situation, good or seemingly bad, they live or confront. This trust and faith in God keep us strong and more positive in life. Our life, I can claim, is founded on the rock.
We are in deep gratitude to the first and present missionaries and those women and men, young and old whom they have touched and molded in the values of the gospel. They are the ones watering and nourishing the faith in them and among others.
Now, more lay people are considered missionaries. We are amazed at how the overseas migrant workers all over the world have been instrumental in spreading the faith where they are. They make Jesus Christ present through their generous and dedicated service to different Churches. The Eucharistic celebrations become alive and enjoyable with their singing, proclamation of the Word, serving at the altar and other services. Their smiles, laughter and happy disposition despite many problems are also forms of evangelisation.
A beautiful Mass was celebrated by John Cardinal Tong Hon and other priests to mark the 500th anniversary of Christianity in the Philippines at St. Francis’ parish, Ma On Shan on June 13. The presence, the efforts, commitment, sharing of talents or gifts, the community spirit before and during the celebration that day manifested their deep love for their faith, for the Church and for everyone. The full support and cooperation of the Chinese parish council was admirable. Thanks to the initiative and the motivation of parish priest Father Manohar Jyothi that made their gifts flow throughout the celebration!
As missionaries we thank God for the gift of vocation! It is indeed a great joy to spread the Good News and witness its fruits in many peoples’ lives! Thank God for the gift of faith given to lay people that bears much fruit as we witnessed during the Mass.
In the history of Philippine Christianity, we are proud that the missions started by founding missionaries are sustained now by lay people. The People Power Movement in 1986 was a very clear explosion of the people’s faith as called for by the very oppressive and inhumane, unchristian situation!
God is alive and will continue to journey with everyone. God be glorified!
Sister Corazon Demetillo RGS
