Come join us in a Prayer Vigil for the people of Chile and their miners, who are trapped underground awaiting rescue.  Join us as we pray for their help and for suffering people all over the world.

This Vigil is supported by:

6 St. Joseph House * Lazarus House

 The idea first came as I sat in the small brick chapel waiting for a Mass to begin.  I was thinking of how Janet had given vital and nourishing support to this group of people in their endeavor to lay claim to this land.  The utter bareness of the brick walls without windows and the floor of sand told me that these people had first built their church community and only now are building their community church.

 Now here we were, celebrating fifteen years of effort to own this land named after Antônio Conselheiro, a famous spiritual leader in Brazil in the eighteen nineties. Janet had worked hard along with the members of the land Pastoral Team and would be so pleased to know they had not forgotten her.

 Thoughts stirred up in this very place led me to the idea that our Lady’s Missionaries could donate a picture of Janet to this new chapel. The elderly and dearly beloved pastor, Fr. José Maria was delighted. The idea seemed to blossom.  Others suggested that more people be included in the picture, which of course we knew Janet would like. Then rather than a few of us gathering for the presentation of the picture at a small ceremony, we discovered that a date was set, friends and co-workers were invited, arrangements for food preparation and a bus to transport people from Fortaleza were finalized.  A celebration was under way.

 The Eucharist would be central.  The parish pastoral team prepared with a little help from Our Lady’s Missionaries.  Hymns from the seventies were chosen, an era when the church assumed the option for the poor, and a reminder for us of the great years in Aratuba, Mulungu, and Palmacia, when Janet was with us working for justice and life for the landless.

 It was a time of remembering and celebrating.  Fr. José Maria spoke of Janet’s courage in going to Aratuba alone.  He spoke as Fr. Moacir often does of Our Lady’s Missionaries choosing to go to the rural areas in those difficult times.  Some people from those difficult times were with us and thanked God for priests like Fr. José and Moacir who initiated the Base Christian Communities and taught the poor their rights.

Several people, including Raimundão, Rosa, and Sr. Bete Flynn spoke beautifully of Janet, moving us all to tears and laughter.

 The Celebration continued in the home of Fatima and Manoel, members of the CPT, with the sharing of food, stories and music.

 We left there knowing that this celebration was meant to be and that Janet had brought us together to remember friends and to thank God for life and the beauty of a place called after Antônio Conselheiro.

 Janet’s picture now hangs on the wall of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora das Candeias (Our Lady Source of Lights) in the Parish of Aracoiaba.

One hot humid day this summer the Gift and Coffee Shop became a “cool off spot” for many of our Residents as they enjoyed ice cream fruit sundaes while visiting with friends as they forgot all about the high hot temperature outside.

Stirrings

• Did you know that there is a movement to pledge to pray for one minute of peace at noon hour on September 21st?

If you’d like to learn more and pledge to pray, please click on this link:

 http://www.amillionminutesforpeace.org/

The Road to Emmaus

Scripture points to the significance of the road as a symbol of journey in Jesus’ life.  It was on the road that Jesus taught, healed and carried out his ministry.  Reflecting on this, I can see that in our time we also learn many things on the road that is life.  I feel that I am also on the road to Emmaus as I continue to deepen my understanding of my Christian vocation. 

In the story of the Road to Emmaues (LK 24:13-35), the disciples of Jesus were discussing what had happened in Jerusalem (Jesus’ death and resurrection) when Jesus joined their conversation and they did not recognize him.  The phrase that strikes me in this story is the question that the disciples asked him, “Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have been happening there these last few days?”

As I reflect on this phrase I feel a call to be mindful.  Of what ought one to be mindful at this time?  A good look at our world today shows that we face many challenges:  violence, environmental issues, poverty, land disputes and so much more.  Am I the only a visitor in Brazil who doesn’t know what is happening here?   It is an invitation for me to explore the culture and the lifestyle of the people.

In the story, the disciples invited Jesus to stay with them and eventually they did recognize who it was who was speaking with them.  How often does Jesus talk with us on the road of our own lives? 

Right now, my own road is leading me to explore the culture of Brazil.  It’s a journey full of fun and learning.  A little while ago we were invited to a big celebration for a woman who is a close friend of the OLM sisters here in Brazil.  It began with the celebration of the Eucharist, led by three Bishops and five Priests.  The liturgy was so rich in symbols and so alive with drummers and a flutist playing.  There were also five young women who offered a liturgical dance each wearing one of the four colours of native peoples:  white, red, yellow and black, to symbolize the four directions of the earth.  The fifth woman was wearing green to symbolize the Earth itself.  The church was full of people whom this woman encountered in her 60 year journey of life which includes many long years of work and 40 years of marriage.  She was recognized as a good mother, a friend, and wonderful co-worker for so many.  Her achievements were reflected in the large number of people who had come out to celebrate with her.  Looking back on all of this I hear a call for us to become more mindful of what is happening to our companions on the journey – the human ones and the other- than- human ones.  Am I the only visitor in Jerusalem that doesn’t know the things that are happening to the Universe?  I hear a challenge to be more mindful of all the tiny events of life happening around me at each moment.

My own road to Emmaus right now is challenging, but full of fun too. I enjoy learning Portuguese and discovering the lifestyle of the people in Brazil.  As a stranger in this land, I can feel the hand of God leading me on the road to my destination of making this place and these people my home.

 Quirino Grand Stand was a sea of yellow, the colour of Noynoy and his mother, Cory, for this historic event.  People from all walks of life from as far away as Tarlac arrived in droves.  It was estimated that more than 500,000 were present.  Moreover, representatives from 81 countries and various organizations, and about 200 overseas supporters came to grace Wednesday’s event.

 It all began with the singing of the national anthem, and then three religious leaders were called to lead the national prayer:  a Catholic priest, an Imam (a Muslim religious leader), and a Protestant pastor.  When they finished the prayer, a succession of Filipino songs was rendered.

 Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile read the joint resolution of the 14th Congress declaring Noynoy and Binay the duly elected president and vice president of the Republic of the Philippines, respectively.

The excitement is filled with hope as the 15^th President of our country states his desire to make “democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all.”  And all felt the security of a new beginning.  Two disturbing questions were also mentioned in his speech:

“Is our government beyond redemption?  Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?”

What is most beautiful about the speech is the acknowledgment of the present condition of the people—that most Filipinos suffer from inept, even unjust governance.  It is time, therefore, for the government to regain the trust and confidence of the people.  How will he do it?  President Noynoy says he will represent the People, and will do his best to cleanse the bureaucracy of graft and corruption.  He will be the foremost example of a true and honest Filipino citizen, meaning the Filipino people are his boss.

What is note-worthy about his speech are his thoughts on transforming government, from an inept and tyrannical one to a participative government, one that hears and opens itself up for criticisms and observations.  Aquino vows to effect a feedback mechanism, a communication system, whereby government will be able to adjust its policies based on the people’s perceptions and views.  This is the first time that government will try to effect a participative or a responsive system, a system which relies on a mass-based feedback mechanism.

The core message of the speech though is simple—for change to occur, the people must take part in the process of nation-building.  The inauguration ended with the oath taking of the different sector’s representatives led by Sr. Mary Grace Mananzan, osb proclaiming “P-noy ako!”  (I am Filipino!)

by Lorie J. Nuñez, olm

Our Lady’s Missionaries is grateful to Scarboro Missions for their generosity, and to Kathy Gillis, editor of the magazine, for all her hard work.

To see past issues of the Scarboro Magazine, click here:   http://ourladysmissionaries.com/?page_id=627

Scroll down and the links on this page will take you to the Scarboro Missions website where you can learn more about Scarboro Missions and subscribe to their magazine if you wish.

In his homily, Fr. Boy Ibana declared that for Nimfa and Dodo, living life fully begins today.  He pointed out that Nimfa and Dodo are saying yes to each other and to God so that they can confront meaninglessness in life. 

Nimfa Codilan and Elpedio G. Tinoy made their commitment to each other and to God.  Together with their family and friends, Mary and I, witnessed the vows of seekers who will begin life by loving each other forever.

The event ended with a reception at the De Luxe Hotel in Cogon where all kinds of people from all walks of life celebrated with the newly wed couple.  Congratulations and best wishes to both of you Nimfa and Dodo!

 by Sr. Lorie Nuñez OLM

My first two weeks in Fortaleza , Brazil have left me with many experiences and impressions.  I was particularly struck by my first Mass.  During the “Glory to God,” people waved their hands as they sang joyfully, a sign of a personal relationship with God.  After the Gospel was read, people clapped their hands, acknowledging God as very much alive in their daily lives.  Towards the end of the Mass, the priest called me up and introduced me to the People of God.  I felt warmly welcomed by their smiles and applause.  Afterwards, people came to greet me, expressing gratitude for my presence here.

During this time I have had a glimpse of God in the hearts of the Brazilian people.  Once, as I tried to explain in very simple Portuguese to a child who greeted me that I can’t yet speak his language, I felt his understanding and friendliness despite the language barrier.  His child voice comforted me and inspired me to keep hope in my heart that someday I will be able to speak Portuguese fluently.  My worries about learning this new language melted away.

I have experienced the kindness and goodness of God in this new land.  The OLM sisters have welcomed me and have provided me with a good Portuguese teacher.  I believe that with the help of Elana I will learn the language well.           E-mail messages from friends have also inspired me to keep the faith during this time of so much adjustment.  The Brazilian people, OLM sisters and e-mail greetings of friends all help me to keep in mind that God is with me always through the blessings that are the people around me.