Each year Scarboro Missions has generously dedicated one issue of their magazine to Our Lady’s Missionaries.  This year’s “Special Issue” is out! 

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.

The morning of April 17th Sr. Mary and I hopped on a jeepney (public transit) to go to St. Peter’s Church in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro.  We were heading for the wedding of Nimfa Codilan, an OLM associate, and Elpedio “Dodo” Tinoy. 

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 Impressions

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.