Mosese Yacalevu sharing his mission story in the Philippines - Photo: Mosese Yacalevu
A Fijian student shares his story about the beginning of his missionary journey - 25/10/23
The feeling of utmost joy was what I experienced during our three recollections conducted during our Mission Trip in Mindanao and Negros. These two groups of Islands provided the mission areas for Columbans over the years in the Philippines. Basically, the mission trip was part of the First Mission Assignment (FMA) program. The trip very much enabled the three of us (me and my two Myanmar brothers) seminarians assigned to Mindanao, Philippines to experience the spirit of recollection with our mission partners and benefactors. In addition to our experience of the new culture, we also got the chance to share with the participants our own personal vocational story and a brief history of our own indigenous identity. The Columbans arrived in the Philippines in the year 1929 and over the years have contributed immeasurably to the growth of the local Church. As we settled into former Columban parishes, the hospitality was forever encouraging as the people shared their inspirational experiences journeying with the priests who were assigned to their areas. Some of these priests had passed on while others are on retirement.
The participants expressed their deep gratitude and thanksgiving for the growth of their faith over the years. Some of the participants were working students, catechists, sacristans, or just great friends of Columbans over the years. In the three recollections in Ozamiz, Negros and Gingoog, we even got to share our traditional dance and culture. The participants took part as we danced the Traditional Kachin Dance of Myanmar. The enjoyed it with great enthusiasm. For me, I shared our traditional I-Taukei Fijian dance (‘meke’) and also gave them a taste of an Indian dance. Moreover, they were also full of excitement meeting aspiring Columban missionaries coming from Myanmar and the little unknown Island of Fiji. One could say, we were the new generation of Columbans not originating from Ireland, Australia, or America for that matter. More than ever, we are forever grateful for the presence of Columban missionaries in Myanmar and Fiji over the years. Our faith and seed of vocation was nurtured and enriched by their life-giving presence.
The trip very much enabled us seminarians to experience the spirit of recollection with our mission partners and benefactors - Photo: Mosese Yacalevu
The sharing of our cultural dance and tradition with our mission partners and benefactors created the atmosphere of encounter with the Lord Jesus. The Son of God immersed himself among the Gentiles and went out of his way to minister to them. Therefore, in all goodness, the diverse cultures that we encounter enriches our faith journey as the realities of our time brings out the best in each one of us. The continuous nurturing of my vocation is very much attributed to the late Fr. Martin Dobey, the tall Irishman, who was my parish priest when I was a young boy at my beloved parish in Holy Family Church, Labasa, Fiji Islands. His immersion in the Fijian culture and invigorating work ethics provided me with the much-needed atmosphere of growth and understanding of my vocation. From these recollections, I have learnt the beauty of deep connections rooted in the spirit of a friendly encounter. The influence of past Columban missionaries were very powerful because they loved what they did, for it was rooted indeed in the Divine Provider. Now, it is on us deep down in our hearts to continue what they have inspired and effected in each one of us through the inner works of the Holy Spirit.
Daghang Salamat
(Mosese Yacalevu)
Related links
- Read more from the current e-Kaulotu - December 2023
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