Good News from the Mountain

One of the mission stations of the Marist Fathers here in the Philippines is the Parish of Our Lady of Salvation in the mountains of Timanan, South Upi, Maguindanao. This province is known over the past months because of the political motivated massacre of more than 50 people, including members of the media. Timanan’s population is composed of 50% Tiduray (native tribe), 25% Muslims and 25% Christians.

As two Filipino Marists in the future, Roque and I were assigned there for our Pastoral Placement as part of our Bugey experience in the novitiate. Our two weeks of stay there with Fr. Aliki Langi, Fr. Long Mechavez and Reynan (lay missionary), were quite challenging, and at the same time overwhelming and very inspiring. We went to different chapels for Masses, visited people and stayed with them. I should say that our visits to the different chapels was very moving and fulfilling, particularly for me.

One of the experiences that really touched and struck me really was when we went to a place called Limbuguin for the fiesta celebration of Sto. Niño as the Patron of the chapel. The place is an hour travel by motorbike (sometimes, it’s 2 hours if the road is wet), mostly Catholics but surrounded by neighboring Muslim places. Prior to the day of the feast, Fr. Aliki told us that the people there are living in fear because of the rebels from the neighboring villages who used to steal their livestock and products (corn), and destroy their houses. At first I was so afraid because of the background of the place. It was so surprising also for me that the last time that they had their feast was 6 years ago, and last October 2009, they have began the new community with a newly built chapel. I remember Fr. Aliki said that when they had the Mass again, the people were very enthusiastic, and you can see the smiles on their faces. Somehow the newly built chapel became a sign of “Hope” for them.

True to what Mary wants, the Marists there are a living expression of Mary’s presence into the newly founded community of believers. In many ways, the Marists there are a good support to the people of that community and to show to them that they are not alone in their fear and suffering, that they are in solidarity with them. Somehow, Mary’s presence (through Marists) with them, makes the faithful realize that the chapel is a sign of Jesus’ love and care for them.

When we arrived at the place, we could really see the energy and the hope from the people through their smiles and the joy in their eyes. It was a simple fiesta celebration which started with a thanksgiving Mass, followed by lunch and then games for the kids. But what really touched me was during the thanksgiving message of the leader of the chapel, where he thanked the Muslim brothers from there who helped them in building the bamboo- made church. I was really surprised when I heard it, and for me it was not just an ordinary help, but a wonderful expression of trust and unity among Muslims and Catholics in the area. Despite the fear that they have, they were still able to give service to one another. And for me, as a visitor to them, it was indeed a wonderful experience, it is Good News!

This story made me reflect how a simple and small church brought together the people from different religions who worked together with trust and concern for each other. From a very simple support of Mary to the people who are in fear, comes the Peace, Love and Hope of a better tomorrow.

Isn’t it Good News?