Naga memories 2.0

CANDLES IN THE DARK
The Authorised Biography of Fr Richard Ho Lung
and the Missionaries of the Poor

“To Peter & Charlie God’s blessings & prayers- Fr
Richard Ho Lung MOP11-7-15”

I went on this journey looking for something for me. However, the
generosity of the Brothers and all I met overwhelmed me. They Fed me,
Sheltered Me and Shared their lives with me.
All this costs money, and I am in a better financial position than almost
everyone I met, yet they never asked me for money other than the
suggested donation in the initial information form I looked at online.
Having experienced their generosity, and willingness to go without so I
and others may have, I felt a need to contribute. I encourage you to give
what you can, not necessarily just what they ask for. In my experience,
God’s blessing comes back tenfold.

If you would like to know more about the Missionaries of the Poor, check
out the website

www.missionariesofthepoor.org

If you would like to know more about Naga MOP, go to
www.missionariesofthepoor.org/phil-nagacity.php

I acknowledge my Gratitude to God for His Blessings

People & Places

So many places & many different faces to
remember all of the locations & names, all

have wonderful memories attached – of
food & great company, laughter & tears.

My Journey I joined in with the Brothers caring
for the poor, homeless, the elderly

Hi there the young, disabled & mentally
challenged - all with needs physically

No two people will experience exact & spiritually.

emotions or feelings when placed in Like you, I too wasn’t aware of the
the same circumstance or situation. trip I was going to be going on,
We are all gifted with individual nothing was pre planned it had just
makeups, beliefs, actions & happened & very quickly.
reactions, this is what makes us

unique individuals, each with our own
interpretations allowing us to decide I decided to share my journey with
my family & friends by trying to
how we are going to allow certain
things affect or not affect our lives. keep a weekly blog on what I was up
too, so everyone could follow the

This evaluation is of my personal work I did & people I encountered,
experiences encountered when I this all hugely depended on Internet,
embarked upon my mission in Naga. power sources available, &
Maybe you too will receive an WEATHER.

inspiration or a calling from my
experience & feel the need or call to This was a journey that hadn’t been
planned with sight-seeing, cocktails
explore your own mission.
on the beach type scenarios, but a

Thanks for joining me on what was place where I would be living & giving
going to be a simple review that has of myself to others who were in
now become a memoir of my stay in need of food, love, care & support,
the MOP Missionary Naga. something I knew I would be able to
give freely from my heart, this was

I stayed in Naga City for a month my Pledge to myself & to the
staying with Fr Lawrence & the Brothers of M O P.

Brothers at the Missionaries of the

Poor located in Camerines Sur

Provence.



All By Myself

I was at a breaking point in my life, my faith & my trust in human nature
had diminished to ‘nothingness’.
But the Lord had other plans for me.
He wasn’t going to let me stay in that place long enough to get comfortable.
NO!
He called me on a mission.
Never in my wildest dreams had I ever contemplated that I would go & live
the life of a missionary for a month. Yes, I have been in awe of missionaries
from within my parish in Australia, but never personally felt that need.
Yep, this sounded doable & great at the time.
BUT… now
What was I thinking – when I asked Fr Ho Lung, “Could I be a part of their
team?”, & adding to my own pressure – “I will be travelling on this journey
alone”. No support of my loved ones or friends to help me through.
“OMGNess what have I done?” So how do I prepare myself?
This mysterious question could be answered in many different ways. I guess
because nothing had been revealed to me, I could only say I was taking a
leap of faith, I would be putting all my trust in God, I would follow Him
trusting in His plans & in all that He had in store for me.
“I will put my hand in His & walk along with him” Mother Theresa.
First up, I guess I should find out where Naga is located. All I know is that
it’s in the Philippines – The Philippines is a BIG place, so let’s see – On the
map, it tells me that Naga is located on the Southern end of the main land
in the Bicol region.

August

2016

Why did I do this?

Pete (my husband) went to a book launch in July 2015 of a Buddhist Monk
who lived in Jamaica, turned to the Catholic faith, became a Father & had
written the story of his life & the development of MOP Missionaries.
Pete was impressed with the work the Fr & Brothers were doing & told me
of their wonderful musical talents & skills of which he said, “acted like the
pied piper calling in all the people from everywhere to dance, sing & praise
the Lord” – Pete strongly suggested that “I needed to see them”.
The following week, Pete invited me to attend a farewell luncheon for Fr &
his entourage of musical supporters who were about to leave Brisbane to
tour Melbourne. After twisting my arm & with much reluctance not knowing
what to expect- I attended.
Little did Pete or I know this would be where I would receive an extremely
strong calling for my help, in the MOP missionary of Naga the Philippines.

August

2016

Charlie never does things by halves. Peters Exp
When she makes a decision (sometimes in my MOP in Naga howe
opinion with flawed reasoning), she likes to difficult, primarily be
throw herself into it headlong. She is what appears to be “doers
I would describe as a “Doer”, and forward visit and we will work
planning hasn’t really been her strongpoint. No one at the trave
When I invited her to come with me to see Naga. In fact, they
the Missionaries of the Poor, I had two it was. It turned o
motives. Firstly, I thought she would particularly knowledge
benefit from the experience by meeting the Philippines either.
other people who had dedicated their lives able to book our fligh
to helping those less fortunate, and in that issue on connections
way, increase her gratitude/ appreciation services I thought C
for what she has in her life, which is what I make her trip more m
think she needed to do at that time of her service in Manila, an
life. Secondly, I wanted someone to close to the airport,
accompany me, because I get invited to service…(none of whic
these things a lot! planned).
Charlie’s decision to respond to the My protective nature
invitation to “visit” was a typical example of “plan” for every e
her “doer” nature. She knew Jamaica was a significant cause for
long way away, and thought there would be experience. Co-ordina
somewhere closer… So she asked? Anywhere Charlie’s monthly inf
closer to me than Jamaica? Yes, the Charlie hadn’t quit
Philippines? OK I’ll go there. This is ensuring that she wa
definitely not how I would select a location than 30 days (the m
to visit, but perhaps there is a lesson for requiring a visa), the
me in that. between saying yes, a
The second part of the problem was that I that organising donat
usually travel with Charlie, or plan difficult and Charlie’s
everything for her when she travels, so that contributed to the
she is unlikely to get herself into a situation “allowing” Charlie to
without an exit strategy. Finding out about own, to parts unknown
before. This was par

perience offering, asking the Lord to help me to
Trust Him in taking care of Charlie.
wever, was extremely Eventually I did, and by the day of
ecause everyone there departure, I was at peace with the fact
s” too. Just come and that the Lord would be looking after
it out! Charlie.
el agency had been to In fact, even when there was the largest,
too had no idea where most destructive Typhoon the Philippines had
out that they weren’t experienced in over 60 years, I was not as
eable about travel to worried as I thought I would be, because I
r. They were however, knew the Lord was looking after Charlie, and
hts, (with a few logistic because of our fairly frequent conversations
s) and some of the on Facebook and Skype, I knew He was
Charlie would need to rewarding her in what she had been seeking,
manageable, like a taxi and was therefore, taking care of her, far
nd a reasonable hotel better than I had been able to in the
and an airport lounge previous 6 months. That said, I was still
ch worked out quite as very grateful to eventually pick her up from
the airport, in order to drive her to her
e, and my tendency to infusion on the last possible day it was due.
eventuality, gave me – By Peter Carrigan 2015
r frustration in this
ating the visit between
fusions was something
te contemplated, or
asn’t there for longer
maximum time without
relatively short period
and going, which meant
tions and supplies was
s view of the world all

anxiety I felt in
take this trip on her
n, where I hadn’t been
rt of my daily prayer

Nothing is “Impossible I’m possible”

Thanks to the idea of my God Daughter (Georgie), I planned
something that I could focus on to help me through. I
decided to change my Facebook profile picture to Wonder
Woman, a constant daily reminder to me, saying I have the
power & strength to conquer anything that I am challenged
with. A constant daily reminder to me - saying: "I have the power &
strength to conquer anything that I am challenged with".

My mantra was -
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE.IM-POSSIBLE
I am a strong woman who is wanting to experience firsthand & at the grass
roots level, how blessed we are to be living in Australia. I have been sent
to live & work in one of the poorest of poor cities in the world for a month
Naga City, The Philippines.
I can do this, & I will return with an endless wealth of inspiration to be

18th Sept 2015 - It’s 5 days itinerary and tickets, taxi tickets,
before I leave. I seem to be accommodation reservations, gifts,
checking & double checking that luggage, phone, iPad, glasses –
everything is in order. I've got all
of my personal gear that I'm Let's get ready to rumble.
wanting to take over. Next week
I'm to pick up the balls that have 3 days to go & nerves were playing
been donated, then I'm ready, on my mind/ I kept having to go
nothing else to organise. through my list & things to make
20th Sept 2015 - I've got my sure I hadn’t forgotten anything –
Passport, cash, cards, colour coded Ohh or have I?

TURN OFF TIME -

I'm now going to log off & turn off the computer & outside

disturbances until I hit the airport on Wednesday 23rd, try

to relax, hoping to spend some down time with

my husband before I leave. Looking forward to

keeping you all updated on my journey. Love you all See you Sept

soon CharlieX X X O O O 18

The Gifts The Samford football oldies over 35’s team
take it a step further.
I was overjoyed when the guys donated the
$150.00 that was meant to be for the football field lights for
Wednesday nights touch game. Donated to take to Naga for the
Monastery.
I was so impressed that they would do that for me. I never even
contemplated raising funds, this was so unexpected - “the BEST”
The next day Pete told me there was now an extra $300.00 &
more people wanted to donate. ...WOW!!!
This is was truly a miracle. it was only a couple of days ago I was feeling a little low
because I wasn’t able to take as much gear over as I would have liked. At this point, 6
days before departure, there was no point asking for donations of items as it usually
takes a good month for businesses to process paperwork.
So I resigned myself to the fact the gifts that I was taking would be enough –but
that wasn’t all – ANOTHER SURPRISE ….
Along with this, the footy team have made another offer, for me to take over a Team
footy Shirt & each time someone is seen wearing it in a photo posted on my blog, they
would donate more money.
OMGNESS this is amazing.
The Samford over 35’s are a group of wonderful men & I thank you with all my heart
& I’m sure the Fr & Brothers will be even more appreciative of your charitable gifts.
I'll let you know how & for what, they plan using your gifts.
While we're on the subject of donations - each year
for Christmas, instead of buying gifts for people,
who don’t really want, need or even like the gifts
they receive, my family members each donate
$50.00 and we choose a charity that we would like
to support. Donations are collected and it's sent out
as a gift to that charity.
My family have managed to raise $650.00 & have
decided to offer it to the Naga MOP Ministry this
year.
Along with these generous gifts –my sister-in-law &
my son have managed to get some balls that I can
take over for the Brothers.
Every time Pete & I went shopping for ourselves we would pick up small things that
the children may need or like.
Where I felt I wasn't taking much over with me, turns out a pretty good bag of
gifts - I'm so happy with that.

I’m off

8.30am & time to board. My
nerves had really kicked in, I felt
sick, pretty sure it was because
of the unknown & the fact I was
doing it alone.

I’m going to a country that speaks
another language, has different
currency is totally foreign to me
& I’m not going to know anyone &
I’m leaving behind my travel
partner behind.

Walking away down the gang way I kept saying to myself –“ Just get on
the plane Charlie, walk away from Pete stop turning around to see him &
just get on the plane.”
– OK one step at a time, let’s do it – My head is screaming – “Wonder
Woman where are you?”

walk through to the other aisle,

Manila their legs are propped up against
the wall so that no one can walk

All flight gates were changed! Not through, & if people do try they
receive a, “it's not a thorough fare
in a small way, but moved from
gate 10 then changed to gate 45- you know”, along with a scowling
nice little stroll to stretch the legs look.

in prep for the long flight ahead.
That's OK. Made it with an hour to They are both pretty tall, my feet
spare. Phone call time, called Pete, only just reach the wall when I
baby sis & chatted for a bit, then slide down the seat a little & they
can reach it quite easily with still a
on to my son, Chris.
bent knee.

An hour seemed to fly by, boarding The Lord - He is so looking out for

time again. me - wow - keeps getting better,

Boarding this flight wasn’t as hard I'm like, “Queen PooBah”

as the Brisbane flight, perhaps

heaps easier because no one pulling

me back (Pete).

You wouldn’t believe it – my seating
– the most awesome seat/seats, all
mine
– this is luxury….
too good to be true,arm rests don’t
lift up, which gives me the 2
middle seats, all to myself.
WhoooHoo ! Need to say something
about my two friends! They are
both very precious about their
seats, both being frequent flyers
who always book these 2 seats.
God help the people who try to

Sept

25

My meal has been served personally “We are experiencing a
by a stewardess. I thought I’d wait problem with the water
until the guys meals were served supply & would like to
before I started, but after half an inform everyone that we
hour, hunger got the better of me, I still have an hour of flying time
started to eat. So another 30 before we land in Manila so if we
minutes went by, finally ,yes, they could all be conscious of this fact
were served. I’ve got to say I was & limit the use of the facilities
feeling a little uncomfortable eating also washing our hands to be kept
in front of them/everyone. Yummy to a minimum, thank you”.
meal, Thai vegetarian, was great.
Then all topped off with a hot drink. Well, this started a mass evacuation
The guys had the beef that smelt from seats & a stampede towards
pretty good too. the toilets.
Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum. A couple of minutes later another
announcement in Philippino, pretty
Time seems to be going very slowly, much telling people that we’re almost
still 2 hours to go. out of water so don’t use the
facilities unless urgent.
Qantas doesn’t offer free wifi so Slowed them down a little but didn’t
unable to send messages or texts, I totally stop people.
sit back & relax, play some games & It was an amazing sight to watch – as
chat with my plane companions. soon as the first announcement was
I must – I must remember when we finished there was a constant line-up
arrive in Manila to pick up a SIM to use the toilets…not just one but
card – (smart ?data card) so I’m all toilets, unbelievable.
assured to have WiFi wherever I go. Descending into Manila, my new
An hour out of Manila an found bodyguard friend told me he
announcement over the mic, would help me when we landed, going
through customs & out of the
airport.

This I appreciated – we My new found friend really went

disembarked , collected our bags & out of his way to help me out

off I followed. through the airport & to locate my

We walked straight up to an empty driver

counter, had our passports I never knew his name & will

checked & walked through. I probably never meet him again but

assumed we still had to see more will never forget all of his help

authorities & asked, “so where to

now?” he said, ” lets go & find your

driver.”

“But what about customs?” “We’ve

Thank You and Maydone it, that’s it.”
God Bless you AlwaysGlancing back, where everyone was
gathering, a huge line of people

with children & luggage waiting to

get through customs, & here we

were, walked straight through, no

questions asked .

Hello Toto – were not in Brisbane anymore…

The Taxi driver was friendly enough but didn’t speak an awful lot of
English. That was OK. I was looking out the window watching the cars,
trucks, bikes & people all playing in this war of ‘the quick or the dead’. I’m
not sure why they have operating traffic lights or lines on the road because
everyone just does what they want to do & go where they want to, it really
is ‘the quick or the dead’.
About an hour and a half later when we finally arrived at the Hotel, I
thanked Mr Taxi Driver & congratulated him for being such a good driver &
getting me there alive.

September 24 – Up early, showered & now time to slowly wander down to

ready to go. I’ve repacked my bags, the gate. I have a couple of hours to

now time for breakfast. spare so will catch up on blog & make

A quick buffet breakfast of Kimchi & some last calls.

rice. Was great to face message with

After my yummy breakfast I went Pete . Unfortunately the airport was

back upstairs, brushed my teeth, busy & too loud so we only managed

collected all of my things from the to get half an hour in.

room & went to the foyer where I I was getting used to the airport

found my driver waiting. He had stops & the waiting around thing &

arrived half hour early – so off we was quite relaxed when the

went. announcement came to board. I

Like last night the traffic was thick boarded a shuttle bus that took us to

but in a steady flow. We arrived at the plane.

the airport with PLENTY of time,

luggage & boarding pass at the ready,

This plane is tiny!

I've always been a little frightened of flying, but when I stepped out
of the bus onto the Tarmac I was petrified, all my nerves screamed.
This plane is tiny. There's only about two dozen people boarding.

I kept saying to myself -
“I'm a big girl now, I can do this – Hail Mary full of grace……………..”
I took all the time I could to step up each step into the plane. Oh look
I’m in a window seat.
O dear, my seat is at the window, yes right beside the outside, un-
shielded, exposed propellers – “Blessed are you among women………………..”
Once we were in the air it wasn't too bad - calmer now.
Off to meet Fr Lawrence & the Brothers I’ll be there in no time.
Wow - I braved it & looked out the window, similar to the Bali
landscape.

The lady sitting beside me, turned out to be a was your flight, how long
Doctor from Naga who has visited MOP a few did you stay last night” e
times. We talked about her encounters, how I
found out about MOP & how long I would be When we arrived at the
staying. through a dining room. T
men in robes sitting aro
Skipping straight to Naga Airport. looked up at me, I just s
eat. I wasn’t introduced
idea who they were.

Brother Joel told me to
to find Fr Lawrence & th

There was no one to be
table had all disappeare

It is so small, I just wandered around

you seem to walk in through the doors into the hello to the one person t

terminal then 15-20 more steps & you are standing

at the door that leads outside to the other side of Half an hour passed the

the building. Outside, people are lined along a Deon, came & introduced

temporary gate/fence looking into the building for room, unlocked the door

the people they are picking up. Brother gave me a run d

I would be hearing perio

I'm glad I was informed what the Brothers would

look like - White robes with a Blue sash - because He told me to keep an e

there were a couple of different orders waiting because that’s prayer ti

outside. While collecting my luggage I saw 2

Brothers among the people, Brother Michael & I asked where Fr Lawre

Brother Joel. They greeted me with the biggest was in Manila for a coup

smiles & hugs, it was sooo good, I felt accepted & to me because I’d just f

welcomed……home. well, later.

The trip to the monastery was just the usual, “how Brother left me to get s

g has it taken all up, where The room was very basic with 2 double bunks, a
etc… desk & chair, a large water cooler that provided
hot & cold water, an air-conditioner which I never
e monastery we walked used, bathroom with toilet, wash basin & a shower.
There was a table of Boys/
ound eating a meal, they all All I needed. The Brothers had even provided me
smiled & they continued to with soap, towels & washing powder…. I hear a bell
d so at that point had no ringing…

o look around while he tried Father didn’t turn up until a few days later. When
he key to my room. he arrived he was extremely apologetic & asked if
the Brothers were looking after me. “Of course”.
found, the boys from the
ed By the time Fr had returned I was into the
Brothers routine & we were all doing fine.
& took some photos, said
that walked passed me.

en someone else, Brother
d himself & took me to my
r and welcomed me in.
down on my room & the bells
odically & their meaning.

ear out for the next one
ime in the chapel. “OK”.

ence was & he said that he
ple of days. This was a shock
flown from there. Ohhh

settled in.





In the dining room the brothers away but would endeavor to know
showed me to my place where there them all by the end of my stay.
was a smorgasbord of breads, fruits
& cereals in front of my place, we all They all clapped! Now time for us to
stood behind our seats until everyone do some work.
arrived. Grace was said, then the
Brothers went to serve themselves Like worker ants everyone stood up,
breakfast . Brother Deon & I sat. some gathered items off the tables &
Brother Deon was seated next to me wiped off any mess, while others
& mentioned I would be going with were washing dishes, drying & putting
Brother Thomas & Br Cyrus to the away
Community Center to care for the condiments,
special people. house chores
done, next…….
After we had all finished eating, Br
Deon announced my arrival & got the One of the
boys to each stand, say their names, Brothers main
then be seated again. When they work & support
finished it was my turn. I thanked in the
them all & told them that I was not community is
going to remember their names right the - Heart of

Mercy Formation Center & it’s disabilities, incarceration or abuse.
residents. They are the rejected ones in society
Not only do the Fr & Brothers freely with no one wanting to care for them.
support the residents with food &
shelter & clothing but most all of Today at the center there will be a
them need to be medicated on a daily celebration for the nurses who have
basis. With a broad spectrum of given their time & gifts for 4 years,
needs these items are expensive & so there is a party being set up.
sometimes difficult to get. Fr &
Brothers need to beg themselves The Nurses are providing the
most of the time to obtain medication entertainment, games, prizes, food &
& scripts. drink for all of the residents, but
These could be for – epilepsy, mental before all that - one of the Brothers
health, neurological or ongoing health will take me around to familiarise
issues which need daily attention. myself with the complex.
Unlike Australia there is
no Medicare or
government support.

The children & adults of
the center now live a
wonderful life they are
truly blessed.

These children & adults Sept
have been rescued by the
brothers from either abandonment, 26
some poverty, homelessness,

Rosa

The Children

I don't think I've ever seen so many smiles on so many little faces, along
with the adults. Everyone is so happy walking & holding out their hands
so that they can take mine, kiss the back of my hand, ask for my name &
who I am.
After all the introductions with the community members & staff,
Brother asks me if I can work with the children – “YES - where do I
start?”
The children's morning tea time. I was set up with Liezel who I spoon
fed a cup of milo milk to. All introductions ended, now work starts - I
gave my all to help the staff with the needs of the children, preparing
them for the afternoon party. It was a little difficult at the start
because of the language barrier, but we got through.

Ramah Br Michael
&

Leizel

alie

beautiful smiley girl

Julia Jason
Peter

Alex

Josh

Emmanuel Jasmine

Nanna nap it was a decent sleep.

Another day I missed afternoon prayers & was
woken at dinner time by the bell.

Naga – Another full day of work Still feeling tired after dinner I

with the Brothers. This morning I went back to my room where I
am assigned to the community house showered, laid down on the bed -
crashed out for the night.
to work with the children.
September 28
I am greeted with warm hugs &

smiles from the children & the Friday & Saturday nights are
staff. recreation nights
After we had finished with the

children & our allocated chores, we After all chores are completed
returned to the monastery where around 8pm, the Brothers can sit &
we all had lunch. relax, play board games, card
I finally met Fr Lawrence. games, table tennis or just sit &
After we greeted each other he chat.
introduced me to his secretary

Loraina saying, “If I missed joining them last night
ever I needed any because I was exhausted from the
help with anything day’s activities so tonight I sat with
just ask her”. them. A couple of the Brothers
Then general chat didn’t know how to play card games
asking how I was so they came & sat with me &
settling in, was my chatted. I ended up showing them
accommodation how to play a game on my iPad
alright etc… (Blast). They had heaps of fun &
Fr said he needed to go & would laughs.
catch up later. His appointment had

arrived –
“Meet you at dinner”. “It’s a date”. When I first met the Brothers
I’m still getting used to the heat, it they were all pretty shy & didn't
talk much, as time went by & they
seems to make me tired. When
finished with Fr & Loraina I went to got to know me better they became
my room & took an hours Nanna nap. more comfortable talking with me.

It ended up being more than a



An Apostolates Life

I haven’t mentioned yet, that the Apostolates
are between the ages of 17-23. There are 15
of them.

All of the boys are called Brothers and the
way you know their seniority is by the colour
of their belts.

White Brothers – white belts, just joined
Brown Brothers – brown belts, 3-5 years
Blue Brothers – blue belts 6 years on,
then there is the Father – only one, Fr
Lawrence.

The Brothers hold 100% control of everything to do with the Missionary &
Center. They don’t have chefs or cleaners or washers on hand, but all of
the Brothers are allocated certain chores that they are responsible for at
the Missionary. Some looking after & feeding the animals, gardening,
center duties, cooking, feeding, cleaning, stocking, shopping, office work.
All chores kept on a Weekly roster sheet for them to
follow. This regime works very well and all chores are

Life of Prayer

5:30am Rise 4:00pm House
5:45am Mass, Morning Prayer Duty/Music
7:30am Meditation 5:00pm Evening Prayer, Rosary
8:15am Breakfast 6:30pm Study, Recreation
9:00am Classes 7:15pm Supper
11:45am Midday Prayer 8:00pm Study
12:25pm Lunch 9:00pm Night Prayer
1:00pm Apostolate/Field Work 9:15pm Study

Morning Abstinence

September 27th – Wow had a bit of Flight was winning my struggle,
a surprise this morning when I when I fought the desire to leave
arrived at the breakfast table, the the room. I looked down at my
table wasn’t fully set (plates & empty plate, I closed my eyes &
cutlery) There were only mugs & said a prayer. I served myself a
drink jugs filled with milk. At the huge amount of noodles & started
place where I am seated the to eat, swallowing my tears, trying
cutlery, plate, mug, condiments, 5 not to think or look at the boys.
sweet buns & a huge bowl of noodles
with Veges were all set. I ate as quickly & as quietly as I
could & kept my face down toward
Father said the blessing for the my plate so that the Brothers
food & everyone sat down & started couldn’t see how this was effecting
pouring cups of milk. me, a couple of tears dropped into
my plate.
Sunday's are silent so no one was
talking. I looked at one of the I was ashamed, my senses were
Apostolates & got a nod to eat, I heightened, feeling the eyes of the
waited for the Br’s food to arrive Boys & “the silence” - the silence
but nothing. I bent close to Fr was so loud it was deafening,
Lawrence & whispered, “where is chewing my food sounding as if it
the food you are all eating?”, Fr were amplified through a
whispered back, “we do not eat megaphone.
breakfast on Sunday's”.
I had finished, placed my cutlery
This instantly overwhelmed me; in
front of me I had all this food, together, glanced toward Father
enough to feed 6 people. At this
point I was still looking at Fr when acknowledging I had finished.
tears started rolling down my face,
he kept drinking his milk without Father said a prayer & excused the
acknowledging my tears.
Brothers to continue with their

chores before Mass. When there

was only Fr Lawrence & I left

sitting, I turned to him &

said, Sept

27

“Well that was hard” & proceeded to He smiled at me & said No!

cry. “How could you do that to me?” “Thank-You Father” I picked up my

No matter how hard I tried, the plates, took them to the kitchen

tears kept rolling down my face. For where I rinsed them off to be washed

the first time Fr handed me a napkin later.

to wipe my tears. I pulled myself The breakfast scene was all wrong:

together saying I’m sorry, “Sorry”. Fr “The Mother was eating while the

was apologetic, & said he too was sons watched & went without”.

sorry. I told him it wasn't his fault & I now understand why the Brothers

I was Ok. – I’m now aware Sunday don’t eat breakfast on Sundays.

mornings no-one eats, I’m prepared Sundays are very busy mornings

Explaining to him how it took me back with little time &

to the days before Pete. many preparations to get ready for

When I was a single mother my 2 sons the Sunday Community Mass. The

& I didn't have much money, there front gates are opened welcoming all

were many times when I went without to come, everyone is welcome to

food so that the boys could eat. As a share from out in the community

mother I would happily give my meals (streets).

to the children so they would have When all the Brothers & I arrived at

full tummies. the center, as people saw us,

Father then explained why they skip “Magangdang Lumaga”, “Magangdang

Sunday breakfasts & how they made lumaga Po” was being called, people

up for it Sunday lunch - Feast time. wanting to receive a blessing & when

20 minutes had gone by & there were you’re walking where there’s a lot of

Brothers walking passed looking at us, people this forces you to stop & bless

I knew time was getting on. I asked alot.

Father for the time, “Time to get All lined up in their pushers, ready,

ready”.. off we went, staff, helpers, Brothers,

He asked if I was ok? “Yes I’m good." everyone grabbed hold of a pusher or

“We really need to get ready to leave wheelchair & went to the chapel.

for Mass at the center”. I sat in the first row behind the

We both stood up, children when all of a sudden 2 then

“One last question, you don’t have 3, then 5, then up to 9 children

anymore surprises like this one for me gathered beside me, standing looking

again do you?”. at me.

I moved up the seat & said hello and

sat here. I asked the older of the This girl/child is amazing.

girls what her name was “Rose Atte Linda explained to me that the

Marie” – what a beautiful name. We children were here for Mass but also

talked, I asked questions put all the to see Fr to see if they can get some

pieces together, – all these children food. They haven’t eaten in a couple

were one family, brothers & sisters. of days. Because the father is sick

It was Benny Boy’s birthday today. He the mother has to look after him, no

was 10. I asked where are your work, no money, no food….

parents, she told Mass started & the children all sat

me Papa was sick, down on the seat & floor.

Momma at home. Half way through mass Billy Boy was

Another question, asleep along with a couple of the

is your Pappa sick younger ones, Atte Rose Marie said

& your Mama is they tired & hungry.

with him? Yes. Hhmmm. Mass will be finished soon

How did you then you can see Fr.

children get here? Making a long story short: the

Walk. children received a small amount of

Do you live near money for some food then went on

here? No Po their way back home to their parents,

At that point walking along the main road, 8 of

Atte Linda spoke them in tow with Atte Rose Marie.

to the children in Tagalog, then told The following week they arrived again

me that the mother is looking after & sat with me again. I asked how

the sick father & the children walked Pappa was, she said he was still sick.

to come to mass. I asked, “Do they

live nearby?” No they live about 20

minutes away.

Wow – I needed to know – “they

walked here by themselves?”

Yes they come to Mass every week,

Atte Rose Marie is very good with the

children she looks after them all the

time when her parents go out to work.

The Brothers had built a small house

for them to live in.

The initiation t

September 29

– 5am up & started my washing. Unlike at home removing the nappy, I didn
where we use the washing machine, here we use a close.
concrete tub & start rubbing & scrubbing. It’s
great for working on those soggy biceps & triceps. I can’t believe these swee
to me – “OH YES I CAN”.
I only got through half so will return after Mass,
just leave it soaking.

5.30am prayers & Mass

I spent the morning with the children, returned to We all ended up in great la

the Monastery for lunch, after lunch returned was laughing.

back to the center to help bath, share some The children LOVE bathin
cuddle time & afternoon tea with the children. excited, they’re like little

The brothers set me up at bath time and this was their legs & splashing.

my first time to help with the bathing. So after that experience,

There are big concrete tubs (empty) where the initiated into the bathing t

child is put in then stripped down to nothing then used to it but I’m handling

rinsed down, soaped up & washed then rinsed off. mouth not the nose.

Br Cyrus handed over an apron & said, “Here put After all are bathed & all
this on”. He’d be back with a child for me. MMMMmm smell is so swe
with the young ones.
Br placed the child in the tub for me to undress &
bath. That’s alright, everything fine, let’s go – This young man is the best
“Emmanuel”. He is totally b
keep in mind today is muggy & steamy, everyone is malnutrition & love depriva
wet with sweat – the children are wet with sweat touch so when I went to pu
& it’s afternoon, so nappies are pretty full & mattress with the other c
needing to be changed. with a tight grip. I laid dow
beside him where he clung
WOW, OH MY – Mothers you would understand monkey and we cuddled fo

this – you can handle the I still had my plastic wash apron on & was sooo hot,

smell of your own child with difficulty I pried him off so I could change.

but when it comes to He was moving off the mattress searching so I

someone else’s touched him & said OK I’ve got you, he clung on to

OMGness. me until he fell asleep where I then put him in his

crib.
The Brothers laughed as

I gagged, when I was

n’t vomit but was sooo Emmanuel never received any love or human

contact from his mother or family, he was

et Brothers would do this unwanted & abandoned to die. He craves close
touch with people.

It reminded me of the skin on skin therapy that

aughter, even the child newborns have with their parents for bonding.

Emmanuels cuddles are so special it was like we

ng, they all get so were joined by the skin, melting together just
laughing fish, kicking letting love flow between each other. BEAUTIFUL.
I believe a child that is deprived of nutritious

food, love & touch will lack the capability to grow &

, now that I’ve been develop to their full potential. This fact is true

team I am, I wouldn’t say looking at the children of the center.
g it– breath through the Emmanuel had no hope for survival until the
Brothers rescued him, now he is very loved, fed &

baby powdered, well cared for he now has some quality of life….
eet, close cuddle time
He has an odd quirkiness of instead of sucking his
thumb for comfort he sticks his fingers

underneath & behind his eyes. How do I know this,

t cuddler in the universe I caught him with his fingers behind his eye today
blind & suffered from & I asked the Brothers about it.

ation. He loves human

put him down on the

children he grabbed me

wn on the mattress

g to me like a little

or ages. Sept

29

Some truths

Naga - Philippines· September 30– The Brothers are very busy getting things re

It is the mowing, trimming, putting up tents. Celebration of 3 of the Brothers Pr

– – I need to take you back to what happened I asked Br Cyrus to help
yesterday afternoon at the center because today I cards –he explained to me
have found out some truths about the children…… and the children's name a
Yesterday after washing & cleaning the children a in absolute shock, so man
couple of the smaller ones were put straight back my head, this was all wron
to their cots for sleep. I noticed what I thought be - this one is older than
was an ID card with Julias’ name and a date here, is this true? I had t
attached to the crib, I read it & it didn’t calculate thoughts because at that
so thought it must be just coded, I looked at a everywhere & not making
couple of other cribs & the same, nothing was
seeming correct & it confused me. No one was Half an hour later after s
around so I let it go. returned to Julia, stood b
down at her, she looked a
- Today my interest was peaked again, this time I into the smallest smile &
spoke to a Brother. was as if she was reading

eady for tomorrow’s celebration.
rofession of Faith. outside, but it’s looking more & more like moving on to Plan B.

“finally you know, I am not who you thought I was”.

me understand the ID Tears rolled down my face & I told her I was sorry I

e that all of the ID cards didn’t know.

and date of Birth. I stood

ny things were going through From that point on I spoke to Julia & a couple of the

ng – how can this baby not others with a lot more detail to my conversations. I

n a couple of the Brothers felt the need to speak to them according to their

to walk away to collect my ages.

t moment, my head was

g any sense. After all, they have been experiencing growing up

with disabilities, just because they can’t talk, they

sitting with Br Cyrus, I can still hear & I’m sure if they could talk back ,

beside her cot & looked they would have some amazing stories to tell.

at me her mouth turned up

she looked into my eyes. It

g my thoughts saying, Sept

30

Let me re-introduce
some of the children to you:

Raymar Melchor
12yrs old Age unknown

Emmanuel Julia
8yrs old 20yrs old

Liesel Emmanuel
5yrs old 8yrs old

Jasmine Rosalie
9yrs old 12yrs old

Jason
18yrs old

Anniversary

October 1 - it's Pete & my Wedding Anniversary today. I tried to contact
Pete before morning prayers but couldn't get through
Half way through prayers permission was granted to leave to call Pete
again -
NO ANSWER--Ah No No No.
Finally - we connected, by that time I was a little emotional but was Ok,
we spoke, I cried. I miss him dearly.
We had sent video cards to each other but looks like they too will have to
wait till I return home, inaccessible both ends.
Today I will have to settle for love & cuddles from the children. Father
gave me a blessing for Pete & my anniversary.

Oct

1

Profession of Faith

Poverty, Chastity, Obedience and Free Service to the least of our
Brothers and Sisters.

Temporary profession is made at the end of the Novitiate for a
period of six (6) years. After this period, Perpetual Profession is
made by the religious in accordance with the universal law of the
Church and the laws of our Institute. Each professed religious
devotionally renews his profession each year, on March 25, the Feast
of the Annunciation.

The Profession of Faith is where the Brothers take the next step
towards becoming full members of the MOP community. They profess
Poverty, Chastity, Obedience & free service to the least of our
Brothers & Sisters.

The three Brothers – Br Michael, Br Jason & Br Rae, profession of
faith.

I was the first reader in the mass –
Neh 8:1 1-4a, 5-6, 7b-12.

All of the community residents, the Brothers & the families had a
wonderful evening.

The three Brothers have now been relocated to Jamaica for 6 years.



Half way

October 2 – Shopping day for the Monastery, Br Joey & Br
Johnson are taking me to the 'clean' markets today. What a place
to experience the Philippine culture, the food, the people, the
different stalls, the smells & tastes.

The overall atmosphere of store holders repeatedly cutting prices
in order to undersell competitors to sell there wares, was
exciting.

The MOP Brothers are known as large buyers of fresh produce so
everyone would see them coming & all would implore the Brothers
to buy, each stall saying that their produce is the best value.

Today was the day I am to buy all of my ingredients needed for
my cooking for the Monastery in a couple of days time; I am
needing

Potatoes, eggs, cheese,
milk, leafy greens, rice,
chickens, lentils, fresh
beetroot, garlic,
onions, chillies, soy
sauce, curry leaves,
ice-cream-4by
1.5litres.

This shop would have
been the equivalent to
a half years worth of
food for Pete &
myself, but only a 1/3
of the cost of a half
year shop.

Cheeky boys – strike a pose

Oct

2

The Animals

To all you farm animal lovers –
As you can see by the photos, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, cows, goats,
dogs heaps of animals. OH – how can I forget the cats & kittens?
The Brothers are well set up in the meat department; while I was there
they had slaughtered 4 pigs.
Father asked if I had met the Ostrich. “Yes”
He then said that they did have the partner but
one day he forgot to breathe, “OHhh”.
“Yes, he was good”.
“What do you mean – He was good?”
Fr smiled
“Oh you didn’t eat him did you?”
“Just like chicken”
“No.” “You didn’t did you?”
“No just kidding with you”
That was when I learned Fr was a bit of a joker. I
wasn’t quite sure whether to believe all he said a lot of the time, he had a
great poker face.
How can I take him seriously!?

I Feel Blessed

I
have been told "Many are called but few are chosen".
Little did I know I had been accepted to be fully immersed into the
brother’s community.
Apparently no visitors or missionaries are allowed to stay at the
brothers house, there is a guest house for visitors, to eat, sleep wash
clothes etc...
I have been accepted as a full member of the MOP Missionaries along
with the Brothers.
This was a shock to me when Fr Lawrence told me. I had not wanted to
be treated any differently to anyone else but that was when he quoted
the above .
I am truly honoured & blessed
that I am allowed to share so
much with the Brothers - I am
at home.
14 days left until I leave, time
has gone so fast…..
Even though I’m looking
forward to going home, I’m
finding this place addictive. I’m
wanting time to slow down so I
can get as much as I can from
here.

.

I know I will miss Naga & it’s people, all whom I have met

FOR THIS I NEED TO CR

Imagine you’re standing in the
Picture it stripped bare of all light

Just a bare concrete sh
No window panes or fly screens just bars, just wide en

able to see throug
You can see in one corner is a toilet bowl (just the p

plonked in
The opposite corner has a large concrete square bath

attached to t
2 soiled grotty looking mattresses, 5 single bed frame

missing springs & along w
You scan the room, there are about 3 thro

sheets of plasti
Now a pungent smell of urine & faeces invade your s

notice your feet are bare & there's a warm
Looking up again you notice the walls are cove

You hear a powerful force tell you to step c
painful sounds a

You discover, 2 occupants are wit
1 young & the other an elderly women, the young one
distance with urine dripping down her legs onto the flo
on the floor lying in the foetal position covered with a p

heighten your imagin

With these 2 woman, bring into focus an
as dishevelled, wretch

eye infections, TB, sexually transmitted diseas

Do you feel your imagination h
Can you imagine it being even worse ? I welcome

REATE A STRONG IMAGE

e middle of your 4 car garage.
t sockets, power points & fixtures.
hell, dark, grey & damp.
nough to put your hand through up to your forearm & be
gh to the outside.
porcelain) sitting in the open with no lid or seat, just
n a corner.
h tub, sitting in clear view of sight, there is a thick hose
the tap head.
es looking like they belong in a museum, they are old,
with the frames, all rusted
ow rugs scattered on the floor, a couple of
tic here & there.
senses, you can't help but gag, while bending over you
m, wet sensation going between your toes.
vered with graffiti written by markers & faeces.
closer, closer towards where the soft pitiful,
are coming from.
th you in the same dark dank cell.
semi naked, standing & staring at nothing but into the
oor circling her & your feet, the elderly woman on a mat
plastic sheet & moaning softly. So far not too bad, let’s
nation another notch.

n extra 15 women most of them looking
hed, broken & beaten.

ses, malnutrition, Ross River, the list goes on....

has been heighten to it’s peak?
e you to, "The Naga Government Mental Hospital".

“The Naga Governme

This was how the hospital was 4 Only that I come away knowing
years ago before changes were made. Australians are very well looked
They now have tiles laid on all the after in MH Hospitals.
floors, making morning cleaning After talking with the women I
easier where it’s all hosed out into found the majority of them didn’t
the drains. want to be there, but they have no
Showering is the same. other place they can go- no family,
There are 5 wards in the women friend or support system to care for
section. Most of the women range them.
between the ages of 16-30 , but Noone else to care for them but
reaching to a greater age around each other, there in the NGMH.
55-60. The older residents usually Behind some of the horrific, visible
just sit & stare. All these women are scars that weren’t all self-inflicted,
crammed in the tiny cells, no such you find beautiful, intelligent, but
thing as personal space. frightened, broken young girls
Some of the high needs patients are in late teens who are educated but
in smaller cells, usually shackled to maybe had fallen into a crowd of
their beds with handcuffs so they abusers.
won’t hurt themselves or others, Now, not only scared on the outside,
while other patients walk around the but also wounded emotionally,
room in their own world. physically & mentally unable to
Yes, the sight & stench of human socially fit into society.
urine & faeces along with sweat & We held each other’s hands while she
heat, is mainly attached to the two told me her story & she asked me
higher needs wards. Otherwise the questions. Then she spoke Tagalog:
floors & other cells are pretty clean. Salamat Po (Thank you Madame) She
The hospital feeds them 2 meals a melted into the crowd & that was the
day, equalling 2 cups of rice. They last I saw of her.
are medicated daily so are all pretty Another young lady grabbed my hand
calm. for a blessing> She couldn’t speak
I was saddened to see how these and could only get out unintelligible
people were not. or were not. being mumbles & noises due to the fact
treated. No words can really express that her vocal cords had been ripped
my feelings about the hospital. out. The scars around her neck