By Sujata Jena

Manila, Dec 30, 2019: Saint Joseph Freinademetz, a Divine Word missionary to China, once said, “The most beautiful vocation in the world is being a missionary.”

His words has special meaning for me as I wrap up my nearly two-year stay in the Philippines.

To tell you the truth, I did not ask or choose to come to the Philippines. When my congregation asked me go to the Philippines to study theology, I grabbed it as a great opportunity to learn about another country.

For my studies, I took “Missiology,” a branch of theology. It was one of the best educations in my life as a religious.

As I wrap up, I realize the two years have been a journey so wonderful like no other—full of joys and challenges, victories and testing, learning and unlearning.

My stay here has prepared me to be a ‘missionary disciple of Christ’ as Pope Francis says. I am empowered to reach out to others with generosity and compassion.

Outside of my study and community life, I was drawn to meet people. In the Philippines I met many real Christians and Christian organizations who deepened my conviction that my religious vocation is to be with people and I ought to mingle with them by becoming part of their lives.

Filipinos are awesome. Their culture of happiness, silence, prayer, devotion, friendliness, love for their fellows, strong family ties, and a hope for a better future are some distinctive characteristics I encountered among the Filipinos.

“Whether the government does anything for the poor and homeless or not, we will feed the hungry and care for the homeless. It is a responsibility that comes from our devotion to Jesus,” says Ric Ching who with his wife, Viaz Ching runs a weekly feeding program for the homeless in the Sacred Heart Parish Shrine, Kamuning, Manila.

Filipinos are among the most generous people in the world, according to a study made by a charity foundation. And I am a witness to it.

The Philippines placed 17th overall worldwide in the 146-nation World Giving Index 2012 that was led by Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA.

The Philippines also placed 26th on helping strangers.

There are several associations and groups of laymen and women that help in the mission of the churches. One of them is Handmaids of the Sacred Heart. It is a parish ministry group that diligently works to raise a fund for the mission of the Church.

“I am happy to offer my weekend in the service of the Lord,” said Leny R Fabul, a member of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart who works as the executive director of the Philippines Hotel Owners Association.

The group sells religious articles, stuff collected from shopping malls of their friends.

Emma Ciable, a finance and administrative officer of a public relations firm, says, “Every day I make at least three rosaries before going to bed to contribute to the mission of the parish.”

“I have experienced the wondrous deeds of the Lord. In return, I am doing very little,” she says.

Filipinos are compassionate and resilient especially in the face of unpleasant situations. They allow you to live. They will not push you to death.

Manila, the national capital is known as the world’s largest homeless city, but it has no record of starvation death. The poor and hungry are fed by churches, religious institutions and kind-hearted individuals and organizations.

Devotees of Santo Nino (Child Jesus), Black Nazarene, Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Padre Pio, feed the hungry and care for the poor voluntarily.

Most Filipinos are Christians, with about 80 percent people being Catholics. It is the only Asian country with so many Christians.

Christmas begins September in the Philippines. People hoist party, give-up gifts and do charity works. The poor, hungry, homeless and indigenous from distant rural villages come to the city for feasting during Christmas. The city takes care of them.

Patience and tolerance are the characteristics of Filipino people, if they can forget all the Typhoons (about 20 of them in a year), the earthquakes, the politics, the drug war and live in hope and courage. It is a virtue because it gives a chance to journey towards conversion and hope.

There is a place for everybody. Priest and religious have a special place in the lives of the people. The doctor, for example, gives free consultation and discounts on treatment for priests-religious many-a-time.

Living in the Philippines taught me not only about a new country, but even more about myself. It helped me to shift my focus away from myself and reach out to others crossing the boundaries of culture, philosophy, world view and way of life.

This means making new friends, learning other cultures, accepting different opinions and values, sharing what is good, beautiful and true.

I do not know how much I have changed since coming here, but I am going home richer in faith, life experiences, and values.

I cannot thank the Lord enough when I think of the countless graces that I have received and continue to receive until now from God because I am a religious, a missionary.

I do not consider this as a sacrifice that I offer to God, but as the greatest gift that God is giving me.

(Sujata Jena is an Indian and a member of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary).