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“I’ve been trying a lot of food I’ve never had before!” said Fr. Steve. We aren’t sure if this face means that he likes his latest Philippine meal or?

As noted earlier, Fr. Stephen Huffstetter is visiting our communities and ministries in the Philippines. Today we have a “two-fer” — one text written on Sunday and one today for the province blog. Internet connections being a bit unreliable when traveling, we got both at once: 

Cagayan de Oro

I’ve seen and experienced so much in such a short time. I have much to think about and process and so many questions about a culture so new to me. Fr. Aloisio and Fr. Khoa served as today’s tour guides and gave me background on how our parish projects and formation programs developed and changed in the 25 years since the first SCJ foundations here. Fr. Al said that when he first arrived 20 some years ago he was ready to write a book about all his observations. A year later as he began to learn the nuanced complexities which are true of any culture, he wasn’t sure he could write even a page. I can identify with that already.

At the Shrine of the Divine Mercy

The Divine Mercy Prayer and devotion has caught on with many Filipinos, and they suggested I visit the shrine. The picture I had in my mind was completely blown away by the size and scope of the place of pilgrimage. The statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was as tall as a ten story building, his face alone bigger than me. We climbed up a staircase built upon the rays shining forth from the heart, and found a heart shaped chapel where people knelt in prayer. Signs encouraged people to “approach the Heart of Jesus” in prayer.

At the foot of the statue are beautiful gardens and lawn that are use for gathering spaces for outdoor prayer. Behind the statue is a large church, with seating for perhaps a thousand.

The shrine was built by lay people, and is run in conjunction with the diocese and a group of priests from the Marion Helpers community. We dropped by the rectory where Fr. Valerian told of his work hearing confessions, saying mass and providing programs for visitors. We had a lively discussion about “religious tourism.” The goal of any such devotion or shrine is to help people have a lively, daily faith and commitment to their community rather than be just an occasional filling station that makes people feel good for a short while. I suppose that’s the challenge in all of our parishes and other ministries.

In town we visited two contrasting shopping areas. The air conditioned mall could have been in most any Milwaukee suburb. It’s one of the few public places with (as they call it) “air con” and many townspeople just come in to cool off, window shop ands people watch. Then we stopped at the public marketplace, a vast concrete warehouse with rows upon rows of farmers selling fresh fruits, vegetables and dried fish of all shapes and sizes.

Students at work!

We arrived home as the students were finishing work period. I saw then sweeping off the basketball court with brooms made from coconut leaves. This Hoosier was tickled to find that basketball is also king of the sports in the Philippines. I picked up a ball and started shooting around with one of the guys. You can have a great conversation between shots and the students were grinning to watch the old man nail a few jumpers.

I met a group of young women visiting the compound for a Dehonian Youth Missionaries gathering. The Philippine Province has tried to spread Leo John Dehon’s message to a wide audience, and I’m encouraged to see it taking root among the laity.

After supper we visited the SCJ parish in the nearby Aluba neighborhood. The formation house is within its boundaries and in makes a good training ground for seminarians to do apostolic work or Deacons to intern. Fr. John spoke of the challenges of having sections of the parish both wealthy and poor, and trying to bring the two together as a faith community.

Celebrating Mass

Locuban

Yesterday I presided at morning mass with the students in Cagayan. We took a couple of group pictures, then I felt like a rock star or visiting celebrity as they lined up for individual pictures before I bid them farewell.

Fr. Arthur (Totong) is the district treasurer, vocation director, and like most every religious, wears many other hats as well. He was born and raised in the area, and proved an entertaining and informative tour guide as we wound our way five hours through costal villages and mountain huts, rice paddies and colorful villages in the Zambuanga del Sur region. Some years ago there were clashes with militants in the area, but recently it has been calm. We did pass a couple of police checkpoints as they try to keep the area safe.

Totong spoke of his hopes for the SCJ community as it grows and matures in the Philippines. He described a Filipino value of wanting to show generosity and give back, and hopes one day they will provide missionaries to areas of the world and congregation in need.

We ate at a few local spots Totong knew along the way. The chiles here are way too hot for my taste and he prevented me from trying one I surely would have regretted biting into. I’ve been willing to try many different foods and accept the hospitality of what I’m offered. So far I’ve held up well, and he complimented me for having a “missionary stomach!”

I was told the novitiate in Locuban is one of the most beautiful spots in the congregation. It is build on the side of a mountain, and the chapel overlooks rolling mountains and lush green valleys. With mist rising over the hills I felt like I was in the Blue Ridge or Great Smokey mountains until I noticed that most of the trees are palms. The setting is remote and so very calm and quiet. Once the sun set the view out chapel windows looked like solid black paint in the absence of any light.

Three SCJ priests and a deacon serve the Dumalinao community about 15 minutes away. They are responsible for 92 chapels. Some are accessible only by foot and it is a special occasion whenever they are able to say mass in those communities. They put a lot of emphasis on training local catechists and lay leaders who can pass on the faith and keep it vibrant.

Fr. Lukas, originally from Indonesia, studied ESL in Hales Corners in 1996-97 before being missioned to the Philippines. He asked about many of our guys he fondly appreciates, and we reminisced about some who have since gone on to their eternal reward.

A selfie with students

The SCJs invited me to a favorite local restaurant to sample yet more local specialties. The place also featured Karaoke, which is another Filipino passion. They called for the American to sing something so with two beautiful backup singers with real talent and the church organist from the cathedral on the keyboard for support, I belted out “Let it Be.” We left with smiles and happy memories.

This morning I had mass with the novices, and after communion shared a little about myself and our province. They had lots of follow up questions at breakfast. Then they went off to take care of morning chores, feeding the chickens, watering the garden, gathering eggs and the like. They raise goats and cows as well.

Fr. Totong drove us further west to visit our parish in Kumalarang. We were joined by Fr. Yohanas from novitiate, and Juliette, a college-aged woman who has helped work in the various churches since she was nine. I asked her what she knew and thought of Fr. Dehon. She is so grateful the SCJs go to where people are and ask not just for their help, but for their opinion and input.

In Kumalarang the SCJs again serve many remote and hard to access chapels in the mountains. The pastoral team relies on some 120 catechists, and other groups of lay leaders and councils to meet the ongoing needs of the people. They have a simple guest house where those coming for monthly trainings can stay overnight due to the complications of travel in the area. A few couples were arriving to take part in a marriage encounter type program. The chapels and church halls are sturdy yet simple, with open air sides to cope with the tropical heat.

As noted previously, Fr. Stephen Huffstetter is spending much of September learning about our communities and ministries in the Philippines and Vietnam. Today he writes from Cagayan de Oro, where he visited with undergraduate formation and the Kasanag Daughters Foundation.

Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao

Our boat arrived in port just after sunrise. Watching the crew maneuver the large ship into the dock with fist-sized ropes and mechanical winches gave me an appreciation of their skill at a complex task. Too often I take for granted the daily labors that produce and transport our daily bread.

Our pre-novitiate formation house is located in this university town. When we drove through the college campus I was surprised to see all the students wearing high school-type uniforms. It saves a lot on student expense as they don’t have to compete with the latest styles, and gives campus security a clue as to who are visitors. Tuition and fees here would run about $800 per year. While that seems so little compared to costs in the United States, that represents a year’s income for about a third of the population.

A student feeds the community chickens

The formation house holds several different programs. The largest group is those earning a degree in philosophy. A smaller group is in an initial orientation program to learn about the SCJs and community life. Often these students improve their English skills to get them ready for college-level work. One section of the building is for the postulants, who after philosophy, are preparing to enter novitiate.

We headed away from the coast into the interior hills where SCJs staff a parish encompassing some 30 small chapels. As we drove I noticed people using the paved road to dry and even grind corn and other produce. The area is rich in coconuts and tropical fruits. Many of the people are tenant farmers who are able to get by only with the basics. I saw a good number of school-aged children along the way. When their families can’t afford uniforms or school fees the children often work in the fields or other jobs.

The parish sponsors a dormitory near the high school, which enables students from more distant villages to attend school. The place is simple, with sleeping mats rolled up during the day in the two common rooms. On weekends some will walk 10 miles home to spend time with their family.

A sign describing the Kasanag Daughters Foundation

We visited the Kasanag Daughters Foundation, a home and place for healing for girls 11 and up who have been sexually abused. Kasanag symbolizes sunlight, rays, and the dawning of a new day. With the support of a house mother, social worker and counselors the girls attend school and try to rebuild their lives. This was the SCJ project I was most interested in seeing.

After a tour of the house, I sat in the living room with five of the residents who have been in the programs for several years. Two are finishing college, two are in high school, and one is still in elementary school.

They were fairly nervous in the presence of a stranger, but Fr. Robertus’ presence, since he is their chaplain, helped some. When I told them about my work with Native American children who often came from difficult family backgrounds, that helped as well.

I learned about their daily routines and the support they get that is allowing them to finish school and build a future. When asking about interests and talents, one girl loved music so I asked if she would mind playing a tune on her guitar. The whole group joined in with lovely harmonies on a hymn that was so uplifting. When it came time for a goodbye, I was asked to give them a blessing. I asked if they knew the song Amazing Grace. They all did, when I borrowed the guitar to lead a few verses they all joined in. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come… I appreciate the difficulties these young women and girls have been through and prayed for their continued healing.

Fr. Steve with novices

I was invited to have a conference with the formation students after supper. I spoke briefly about my vocation story and background of the kinds of ministry I’ve done, then opened the floor up for questions. They ranged from who is my favorite basketball player to who is my favorite philosopher. I’ve never been asked that one before. They also asked good questions about how you handle doubts and struggles along the way as you try to discern God’s call in your life. They had lots of questions about our US Province and asked about possibilities of someday studying or ministering in the States.

The formation staff double as farmers in student community!

The new Indian District administration.

Fr. Tom Cassidy is in India until October 20, assisting with formation and administrative tasks. During his last week there he will be the moderator at the Indian District Chapter. Fr. Tom often keeps a journal while traveling; the following is taken from his first week of journal entries.

New district administration

Today began my three-day meeting with the new district administration who officially took office on this the feast of the Birthday of Mary. It was, by the way, also the 52nd anniversary of my own religious profession. We began the day with morning prayer and then the parish Mass.

At the Mass I used as my theme the “yes” of Mary that made both the incarnation and thus human salvation through the acts of Jesus Christ possible. I used that to show there were three other expressions of “yes” we were experiencing: 1) the “yes” of Fr. Dehon who said his inspiration to establish our congregation came together at a visit to the shrine of Loretto, 2) the “yes” of the students to their call to explore their vocation with the SCJs, 3) and finally the “yes” of Fr. Thomas and his council to accept the responsibility of leadership of the Indian District.

Our meeting day began at 08:30 a.m. and we planned four sessions for each day, two in the morning and two in the afternoon. I called one of the first day’s sessions the “Game of 20 Questions.” Although this is my third visit, there is still so much I do not know of the SCJ Indian reality, especially within the context of church and society. The questions were a way for me to get a better understanding of the district and India itself.

I think we had a good day of meetings with a lot accomplished. Fr. Michael Benedict was asked to take minutes since a district secretary was a position still to be filled and he did it for a couple of years during the last administration.

I managed to get my walk in after lunch. Mother Nature was good to me as it stayed dry most of the afternoon.

On the last day of the meetings we celebrated the start of Fr. Thomas’ second term as district superior and the new term of his council. Fr. Emmanuel brought a cake, although it actually took a couple of days before we were able to eat it. Fr. Thomas and several councilors were away from the house for a few evenings, taking advantage of errands they could do in the larger city.

Speaking of travel to the city, all of the council travel is done by train. It takes most of the councilors 20 hours to get here by train. Much of that travel will be at night, so they’ll have second class sleeper arrangements: bunks stacked three high with no air-conditioning. No dining cars on the train. Meals are made in the community kitchen and packed for the ride.

Our last day of meetings ended at noon and I took my afternoon walk on one of the few streets of Kumbalanghi.

As I began my walk I ran into a Catholic funeral procession headed to St. George’s Church.

I knew it was a Catholic funeral since the procession was led by a purple banner bearing a cross. Instead of a line of cars with headlights on and funeral flags flying this procession was a long line of men and women dressed in their best, walking in silence heading toward the church.

At the end of the procession the body was carried on a cart pulled by men.

It was no ordinary cart but one built especially for a funeral. The body of the deceased was in a glass enclosed case, dressed in white with the face exposed. The top of the cart was covered with flowers as were the corners of the glass case. Just in front of the funeral cart the priest and servers walked behind men carrying banners representing various church organizations.

As a six-foot American I do stand out when strolling the street. I’ve been here since Saturday and have taken a daily stroll so that by now I think I’m less of an oddity — though I’m sure some wonder why in the world would someone want to take a walk for no other purpose other than to walk! Many people will greet me with a “hello” or more often a nod of the head that may well come from not knowing English. The children are the most expensive both in trying to speak English and in their broad smiles.

When I returned home I saw some of the students playing badminton. This and cricket are among the more popular games here.

On Monday the church celebrates the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, which, I am told, is a big feast day in this part of Kerala. Fr. Emmanuel, who hails from Andhra Pradesh, was saying to me this morning how vibrant the church is in Kumbalanghi and, I presume all of Kerala. He attributed that in part to the fact the church is strong [large number of Catholics] here and has long and deep roots in this part of India.

Near by St. George’s parish is getting ready for the celebration. It is a tradition to line the street in gold and white streamers. I will not at all be surprised if there is a large procession as part of Monday’s celebration. The decorations reminded me of the 175th anniversary celebration right here at St. George’s that I participated in last January.

Fr. Steve with SCJs in the Philippines

As noted yesterday, Fr. Stephen Huffstetter is visiting our missions in the Philippines and Vietnam this month to learn about the community and its ministries there. Today he writes on the way to Mindanao:

In the past few days I’ve traveled using many different modes of transportation. I write this from a bunk in a cabin on a ship bound overnight for the Island of Mindanao. The Philippines consists of over 7,000 islands, and in many places, water is the primary means of passage.

SCJ parish in the Philippines

Monday we toured an SCJ parish on the outskirts of Manila. St. Roque is in the Bagonsilang district of Caloacan City. Fr. John Karl, the pastor, tells me that there are 50,000 families here in one of the densest parts of the city. He, Fr. Nino and Deacon Chris live in a simple concrete block structure from which they reach out to the needs of their flock. We arrived shortly after the feeding program for elders and youth. A worker was putting the finishing touches on a shower that homeless people could use. They also participate in a government program to sell, at cost, rice to poor families. They take seriously Fr. Dehon’s call to get out of the sacristy and go to the people.

At 4 a.m. yesterday, while driving to the airport, the retro radio station played the Jackson 5 version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” And here I thought we began Christmas way too early in the States! In the Philippines, however, the Christmas shopping and decorating season officially kicks off with the advent of months ending in “ber.”

Fr. Steve rides the ferry

We flew to Cebu City and began a three-hour drive to the other side of the island where we caught a ferry and motorized tricycle to a remote part of Bantayan Island devastated last November by hurricane Yolanda. Working with the group “True Life in God,” the Priests of the Sacred Heart have helped sponsor and build 72 homes in two locations. Built with the labor of the affected families themselves and volunteers, people can have a basic cinderblock and bamboo/ plywood home for about $1,200. Francis, an architect who is giving his time to the project, and his wife, Beth, were our hosts and guides.

The government has been overwhelmed by the scope of the devastation so it has been necessary for private charities to step in. The first three months after the hurricane were merely relief efforts, making sure people had food and water to survive. It wasn’t until June, six months after the disaster, that people began moving into their homes and rebuilding a life for their families. Many of the men fish the sea for a living, and most of the village boats were destroyed as well.

Above is a photo of a banner that hung at the entrance to the village. It says “Welcome Priests of Sagrado Corazon. A million thanks to your congregation for helping us. Building our home and bringing back our dignity as human beings.”

With the size of the homes, and many children sharing one room, I was reminded of my past ministry in Cherry Creek, SD, on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Besides seafood, people tend goats and plant gardens and gather nuts and bananas from the countryside. Groves of bamboo provided housing and furniture material. As we visited one home I was amazed to see a middle aged woman scale a 50 foot palm tree in a matter of seconds to break off some coconuts and send them crashing to the ground.

While life is simple and poor here, I see people with joyful hope and gratitude. It’s humbling to see tears of appreciation and receive credit when it was not I but our generous donors who have made this project and many others throughout the world possible.

In the first location we stayed in one of the homes built to house volunteers who work with the communities. The amenities were very basic, yet the view of the sea and volcanic islands was priceless. A small gecko perched on the ceiling above. I was told not to worry because they are friendly. The first night villagers sat around us to tell the story of what they experienced in the aftermath of Yolanda and how they’ve begun to rebuild their lives. While I didn’t understand the language, except for a few brief translations, I could see in the emotions and expressions of how traumatic the devastation was. Yet many people spoke of how it has also pulled them together as a community and deepened their faith and they have emerged stronger and more united.

The second location was on a small island. I climbed aboard a small wooden outrigger canoe and a young man used a long pole to propel us across the shallow waters. Children gathered under a tent provided by UNICEF as their school. I laughed to hear them singing the same ABC song I learned as a child.

Hurricane damage is still obvious

Part of the reconstruction was the building of a chapel and folks were gathered waiting our arrival. I was given the chance to address the community and tell them of our prayers and solidarity. Several of the typhoon victims then recounted their stories of survival.

We toured the homes that have been rebuilt so far, and the makeshift building where families on a waiting list slept. There is still much work to be done. All of the homes had a picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus enthroned in a prominent place, and a few had carved or painted an image of a heart on the door.

When we returned to the chapel, the women of the village had each brought some of the day’s catch: fresh crab and squid and shrimp, other fish I didn’t recognize, along with fruits from the area. The Filipinos brag that their mangos are the world’s best and I won’t argue with them!

Fr. Steve with parishioners in the Philippines

A few of our theology students in the Philippines

Fr. Stephen Huffstetter is spending much of September visiting our communities and ministries in the Philippines and Vietnam. His first stop is the Manila area (Quezon City is a part of the Philippines Capitol region) where he is staying with our student community there. From there he writes:

After a trio of flights lasting two, 12 and 4 hours I was a weary traveler when I finally landed in Manila Friday night. I was warmly greeted by Fr. Delio, the head formator, and Sergio and AJ, two of our students. Metropolitan Manila has around 12 million people, and even at 10 p.m. the mass of cars, motorcycles and jeepnys was bumper to bumper. We drove past highly developed  shopping and nightlife areas with advertisements like you might find in Times Square, as well as row upon row of densely packed cinder block and corrugated metal homes. As with any part of the world, the contrasts between the “haves” and “have nots” is striking.

The SCJs have 15 theologians studying at one of three area seminaries and living in community. Those in final vows hail from Argentina, the Philippines, Poland and Vietnam. Most of the students are native Filipino, joined by four Vietnamese and one Brazilian.

The first Saturday of the month is a day of recollection for the students. They left for a nearby retreat center to discuss their Community Plan of Life. Each of them shared how they are trying to be faithful to the SCJ Rule of Life in relation to the individual and community goals they have set for the year.  Looking at their community life and dedicated prayer routine challenges me to look at how I can also improve.

Fr. Steve shares communion

Fr. Indra invited me to Mass at the parish just a five-minute walk from our house. I noticed no parking lot and everyone was walking to church as those who arrived early prayed the rosary, which was broadcast over loudspeakers to the neighborhood. The music, lead by a youth choir, was quite melodic. While Mass was in English, many of the songs were in Tagalog.

In a devotional custom new to me, instead of shaking hands the parishioners lightly grasped my hand and gently raised it to their forehead for a blessing. The prayer and devotional life here are rich with art, decoration and communal prayer.

My favorite part of being here is sitting at table with the scholastics and hearing how they came to the SCJs, and of their hope and dreams for the future. While the needs here are great, the members also have a missionary spirit. One of the more recently ordained priests is preparing to go to the SCJ region in Finland, where perhaps 30% of the Catholics there are Filipino.

The community of 20 shares two cars, so rides have to be coordinated. One of the vehicles is both truck and van which seats 15. Navigating that through winding marketplaces full of bikes and people carrying poles with goods balanced on each end made me glad I wasn’t the driver!

Fr. Delio and Fr. Steve concelebrate

Youth active in Church

Sunday Mass was celebrated in a church packed with mostly young people who walked from the surrounding neighborhood. In the States we often comment on the graying of our congregations, but here 95% of the crowd had a full head of dark hair. People sang and prayed with gusto. When the gifts were brought up I noticed several useful food items to keep the parish priest fed.

I followed along as best I could since this Mass was in Tagalog. I got a quick crash course so I could at least say “Katawan di Christo” as people approached to receive our Lord in communion.

The closing procession included a blessing with holy water as we made our way down the aisle. At most sprinkling rites that I’ve done people try not to get wet, but here people raised their hands to make sure water came their way. Afterwards, I was surrounded by parishioners thanking me and asking for the hand to the forehead blessing.

Part of the area we drove by included the House of Representatives, an impressive modern complex in what was once the capitol. Nearby was a huge garbage dump area where people scavenged for items to recycle so they could earn, at least their daily a bread. The contrast was striking.

Close to home we stopped to see the campus of the School of Theology. We arrived just as their parish Mass was ending and we were invited to stay for a meal in honor of the parish feast day. I was treated to a smorgasbord of dishes, with many fruits and vegetables new to me, but all deliciously prepared.

Today the students got back into their school day routine. Most are up well before sunrise as adoration began at 5:45 a.m. When I worked in formation students complained about a 7:30 a.m. start to the day! Prayer is slowly prayed in choir accompanied by piano, guitar and percussion, as several students share their musical talents.

Students take turns cooking breakfast, which consists of rice and a few accompaniments. Today, Sergio’s specialty was a beef hash mixture, with fish on the side. I have eaten quite well here, but did take a pass on fish so early in the day!

While they are in school the plan is for me to learn more about our parish outreach projects.

Click HERE to view Br. Andy’s video of OLG’s Opening Mass.

When asked to send something for the province blog, Br. Andy shared a video that he took of the Opening Mass at Our Lady of Guadalupe School. The photos below were taken by Br. Andy of Frater Joseph Vu’s vow renewal.

Br. Andy Gancarczyk, SCJ, has been a part of the SCJ community at Our Lady of Guadalupe, Houston, since early this summer. Originally from Poland, Br. Andy served as a missionary in Uruguay for five years before coming to the United States to put his Spanish language skills to use in Houston.

After a couple of months at OLG, Br. Andy writes that “a Texas accent is now heard in my Spanish and I fear that I am now losing all hope of mastering English! When it comes to Mexican food, sometimes I think it gives me some crazy dreams but generally I like it and I feel great being here in Houston at Our Lady of Guadalupe.

“I love to write, it is my second vocation! But I am still adapting to my new environment, so instead of writing, I am taking many photos and videos. I observe everything that surrounds me and I enjoy meeting the people here.”

If a picture really is worth “a thousand words,” Br. Andy sent us several thousand with a few photos from Frater Joseph Vu’s vow renewal ceremony, along with a video from OLG’s first Mass of the new school year.

Frater Joseph Vu renews his vows

Joseph signs his vow renewal while Fr. Ed Kilianski, pastor of OLG, looks on.

Joseph is congratulated on his vow renewal.

Fr. Tom Cassidy’s final blog post about his recent visit to Asia was written back at home, at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake:

This will be the final journal entry as my visit to the Philippines and Vietnam came to an end yesterday afternoon when United #882 touched down at Chicago’s O’Hare Field and I began the final journey to my SCJ community residence you see pictured above. My day began in Manila as we departed for the airport at 05:30 local time. From there I would fly 3+ hours to Tokyo’s Narita Airport, and then 11+hours from Narita to Chicago, ending it all with a 90 minute bus ride back to Milwaukee.

It’s now actually Wednesday (06/08/14) as I took a nap in the afternoon and stayed in bed until 03:00 this morning. I may have been able to go longer but Mother Nature was putting on a pretty good thunder & lightning show outside my bedroom window. I think with that long sleep my body clock is now in sink with the Central Time Zone and I should be able to follow the normal schedule around here.

In the next couple of days I will put together a report to the provincial and his council on my sabbatical year. In brief it was more then I could have hoped for and then some. For me the high points were my time in India and the Philippines working with young men who either were preparing to enter the community (pre-novitiate) or as in Eluru, both professed theologians and the postulant class that entered the novitiate last April.  I had extended stays that allowed me to get to know the local situation and personnel and in turn they got a good sense of who I am as well.

With the exception of Indonesia, where the Dutch SCJs began their mission in 1923, the other Asian SCJ entities are much younger. The SCJs began in the Philippines in 1989, India about 1995, and Vietnam around 1998. The US Province has had a close relationship with all four. We had several American SCJ missionaries in Indonesia, including Fr. Tom Fix, who also worked in India before his death, and Fr. Mark Fortner, who is now retired and living in my community — he was also a novitiate classmate of mine.

The US Province helps to financially support India, Vietnam and the Philippines and often assists Indonesia when requested to do so. In particular, the US Province has sponsored a number of Indonesian SCJs for studies here in the US. Because of all those connections I have a keen interest in what is taking place in our Asian entities.

I first visited Indonesia in 1989, and was taken by what I can best describe as a stateliness in their culture. I have been back several times since and technically will complete my sabbatical year in October when I will visit Indonesia for three weeks. Because of my extended stays in both India and the Philippines it was not possible to work it into the year allotted for my sabbatical.

The sabbatical was truly a time of grace and growth for me. In its own way it was a spiritual experience, a long retreat if you will. I had the time and opportunity to reflect and pray and learn from observing the world as seen through Indian, Vietnamese, Filipino, South African, Irish-Scotish-British and Polish eyes. We all do the same things, but culture and custom gives a twist to how, when and why things are done.

Perhaps this is not the best example, but it will get my point across. When it comes to meals, some use their hands, some use chopsticks, some use a fork and spoon, and some use a fork, knife and spoon; the method may vary but the object is the same, i.e., how to feed oneself. One can argue which method is the best, but in the end they all accomplish the same thing. I use a fork, knife and spoon because I was born into it. I have learned how to use the fork and spoon, chopsticks and yes (though still not good at it) how to eat with my hands.

A small matter to be sure but there are so many other things and experiences about living and visiting other cultures and other worlds. In the end they help make you a better person who has a deeper understanding of his/her own culture with its strengths and, yes, its shadow side as well. Ultimately travel is one of the schools we all should attend if possible — it’s a great education.

Receiving rice for the student community.

Fr. Tom Cassidy, SCJ, writes from the Philippines:

Last night I was hard pressed to decide what to write on my last day in Manila and my last day in Asia as tomorrow morning at 05:30 I will leave for the airport and the long trek home. Then this morning I was talking at breakfast to Br Dang van Nuyen, an SCJ from Vietnam, who asked me if I had photos of the Rice Lady from St. Paul’s from Ho Chi Minh City. He told me about her and what she does for our community and I think her story is worth telling.

It’s worth telling first of all since the US SCJ Province financially supports Vietnam, India and our Philippine SCJs to one degree or another. It’s especially true for Vietnam and India since they both were founded some years after we began here in the Philippines and neither society has a majority Catholic population as you find here.

The “Rice Lady”

That financial support comes from thousands of donors, in may ways just like The Rice Lady, who give what they can when they can to support our works and the SCJs. Any SCJ worth his salt thanks God daily and prays daily for our benefactors who truly do make all that the US Province does possible. Part of “what is possible” is the support we give to our mission efforts in countries like India and Vietnam as well as in Africa and Latin America.

I met the Rice Lady on my first day in Vietnam when we went to visit St. Paul’s parish and Huong Tam School that the US Province supports. At the end of the visit we met our Rice Lady and two helpers who had a couple of sacks of rice for us to take back for the community. The rice is the widow’s mite of the story.

You see this woman is not wealthy and really cannot afford to pay for two sacks of rice each month to help feed 22 hungry young men trying to master English as they begin their studies in hopes of becoming SCJs. But this woman has figured out a way to solve that problem and provide the much needed rice.

Each month she collects money from friends, neighbors and Lord knows who else, to gather enough funds to pay for four sacks of rice. Each month, somewhere in the city once known as Saigon, and now called Ho Chi Minh City, she meets up with SCJs, like Br. Bat (my Mi Kong Delta companion) to get the rice headed to the SCJ kitchen and into the bellies of hungry, active and grateful young men.

When you realize that rice is served seven days a week, and at least two meals a day, it takes lots of pounds of rice to last a month. Our rice lady does her part to make it all possible.

Now if you were to ask me: Why do you go on trips like this and what to you get out of it? I really think this story of the Rice Lady (the widow’s mite) says it all. It’s such a humbling experience to meet people like her who give so much and who love the SCJ community and the Gospel values of caring for others it represents. Without my connection to SCJs in Vietnam or the Philippines or India it would never be possible to meet up with a woman like this. I am ever so thankful for the window to the world being an SCJ has given me. Likewise I really am humbled by the story of the Rice Lady of Ho Chi Minh City and what she gives to us.

Fr. Tom and Fr. Rino with the chidden of Huong Tam

Doing much with little

Fr. Tom Cassidy writes from Vietnam, where he is learning about the newest of the congregation’s entities. Today’s visit was to Huong Tam School, a project partially supported by the US Province:

This morning Fr. Rino, SCJ, and Br. Bat, SCJ, and I headed off by taxi to visit Huong Tam School. It is about an hour from here depending on traffic. It is a social project close to the heart of any Dehonian and one the US Province adopted about 10 years ago. On the far right of the picture partially hidden by the bush (top of page) is Fr. Paul Tong. He is pastor of St. Paul parish, which founded Huong Tam School for Migrant Children. The congregation became aware of the school and its needs when SCJs began doing their pastoral year with him at the parish. In fact, Br. Bat has just begun his year at St. Paul’s.

Huong Tam serves the needs of the children of migrants from the north who come to Ho Chi Minh City looking for work. They are not able to pay the fees for public school and without Huong Tam the students could not afford to be in school. At present it is located in a factory area renting five or six small rooms that house 40 to 48 children in each room. Over the course of the year a few students drop out either because their family has moved because of lack of work, or in a few cases, the students are old enough to drop out of school to go to work to help support their families.

Unfortunately for me the school already let out for the summer but the staff were able to round up a few volunteer students who sang a song or two for us and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I don’t think the promise of a free lunch hurt the attendance figures any. Fr. Rino and I were enlisted to help pass out the snack and soda to our eager young recipients.

Fr. Rino and Fr. Tom hand out lunch

We were told by the staff that the majority of students do well on their state exams. Vietnam has a system of yearly qualifying exams to pass from one grade to the next. Although this is a private school it has to meet state standards and does receive state inspection.

While all that is true, the physical layout of the school leaves much to be desired. The rooms are small and poorly ventilated — remember, this is a tropical climate. It is located right next to a factory so noise from it and its trucks and equipment create a distraction to learning. Fr. Paul was informed that a new location must be found by the 2016 school year as the owner needs the space for his own operations.

The school has many needs from such simple things as notebooks and pens/pencils for the students (many come from families living on the margin with no money for such supplies) to blackboards, and fans to improve ventilation. Those are a few of the items mentioned in our long conversation that stick out in my mind. Getting salaries closer to what a public school teacher makes is also a great challenge.

If I were to sum up my impression of Huong Tam School it accomplishes a great deal with very limited means. The staff (all women) are very dedicated to their task of teaching young minds who represent the future generation for their country. Sometimes I think many Americans tend to forget that investment in education is an investment in the future. With help from the US Province and other funding sources our SCJ Vietnam District in serving the educational needs of over 200 boys and girls who otherwise might very well fall through the cracks of society.  That investment is in keeping with our Dehonian Charism.

Tomorrow morning I leave for Da Nang and won’t return to Ho Chi Minh City until June 10 so I may not have WiFi access until then, though I will continue to write my daily journal and pass them along when I can.

A street-view of our house

Fr. Tom Cassidy has moved from the Philippines, where he was assisting with the English program, to Vietnam. This is his first post from Ho Chi Minh City:

It’s almost 14:30 and the house is quiet as it is siesta time in our formation house. I’m getting ready to go with Fr. Rino Venturin, SCJ, district superior, to visit one of the local markets. It’s more of a scouting trip to look for some small gifts I want to bring back to the States for some family members and friends. I’ll do my real shopping upon my return to the city towards the end of my trip. Looking today will also be a good measure to see if there are items elsewhere in Vietnam that will be better suited as gifts.

My trip from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City was a nighttime affair. Happily we left Manila on time at 22:50 and landed in Ho Chi Minh City just about at midnight local time as there is an hour’s time difference between the two cities. Getting through passport control and customs in the middle of the night wasn’t too difficult as I think we were the only plane that landed on the international side at that time of night. Fr. Rino and one of our Vietnamese SCJ students, Br. Bat, met me as I walked out of the airport.

At present the SCJs do not own a car so we returned to our house by taxi. The streets were all but deserted which made for a fast trip. The roads between the airport and our house are good and so the trip is not nearly as long as what one experiences in Manila.

Motorbikes are the main method of transportation

If you were to describe traffic in Ho Chi Minh City the word I would pick would be: motorbike. I’m sure I’ll be able to snatch a picture or two while I’m here for some future journal entry. The ones you see here are from our parking garage and are those used by our students. This does not represent all as some of the students were off to school by 07:30 this morning when I shaped his shot. I suspect if you count the bikes you’ll probably have a good idea how many students we have.

The students fall into two groups: (1) Those who are completing their college education and (2) those studying English to prepare to go to the Philippines. Those who graduate from step two will leave this October and continue their English studies and next spring, hopefully, another member from the US Province will go to Cagayan de Oro and help with pronunciation.

Fr. Rino said I should sleep in this morning and we’d have the community Mass at 18:00 this evening. I woke up around 06:00 and got up shortly after that. My room is on the third floor right next to the small SCJ chapel. Unfortunately, the chapel is being remodeled and the men doing the work are making a lot of noise. I was offered the chance just before lunch to move down to the first floor but since I’ve already unpacked and will leave in a couple of days for my extended tour of the country I said I was happy staying put.

I am familiar with this house since I came for its blessing as the US Province helps support the Vietnamese SCJ District, including the funding of the house. I was not expecting an air-conditioned room but was happy to learn when I got into the room about 01:15 this morning that indeed it had air. Not all the rooms in the house have air conditioning; it made for a comfortable sleeping environment.

I decided to take my walk this morning as it is a cooler time of day. Our three house dogs greeted me as I excited the house. I noticed this morning that the road in front of our house has been paved since my first visit. I say road but think more like an alley back home as the street is narrow, though two cars can pass one another without too much difficulty. Once I got to the main street, walking became a little more problematic as there are no sidewalks and the traffic, while consisting of a lot of motorbikes, was heavy. Not knowing the neighborhood well I stuck close to home but managed to get in an hour’s worth of walking.

It probably was a good thing as I was thinking lunch would be served at noon so I was a bit surprised when the bell for lunch was rung at 11:25. Soup, chicken, rice and vegetables made up the meal, along with yogurt for desert. In my honor our head table had Tiger Beer as well. I always like to try local beers when I get the chance. Though made here in Vietnam, I was told Tiger is actually a brand out of Singapore.

House chapel

Fr. Halim, SCJ, joined us for lunch. He is the district treasurer and also will be my guide during my visit. I know Fr. Halim from his days as a student of scripture in Rome and the stint in ESL he did in the States. He has been a part of our Vietnam project from almost its beginnings. He is a native of Indonesia of Chinese background.

It’s now just about 15:00 and Fr. Rino should be knocking at my door any minute now to begin our visit to the market. I’ll bring this day’s journal to a close with a picture taken in the main chapel on the top floor (see above, right). As I quip this is not an old man’s building as the dining room is on the first floor and the main chapel is on the top (fifth) floor!