William Paul and Albino with members of the Talaandi Tribe.
To develop a sensus christi through sharing lives with the local people and to strengthen the apostolic spirit through the concrete experiences of a mission trial, the first year juniors underwent a Summer Exposure Program. Last April 14, eight juniors traveled by ship to Mindanao.
Albino Goncalves (ETR) and William Paul Win Hpone Myint (MYN) joined Fr Dario Miguel M. Saniel (PHI) in Miarayon, a part of Bukidnon Mission District. They stayed in St. Teresa Parish where Fr Dario is parish priest. He also runs St. Teresa High School, the only high school in the area, and assists students with scholarships and subsidies.
Albino taught basic computer while William Paul gave sports lessons to the students. Both visited some families and their vegetable farms and stayed for three days in the home of a member of the indigenous Talaandi Tribe. On Sundays, they went with Fr Dario to celebrate the Holy Eucharist in some of the chapels. For Albino and William Paul, the experience was wonderful and a remarkable one. They were inspired by the simple lifestyle and hardships of the local indigenous people.
A native of Caohangan with her child posed with Rui, Lan and Top.
Meanwhile, Lan Moniz (ETR), Rui Nunes Muakandala (ETR) and Top Chawalit Chaiyarak (TAI) faced a different challenge in the hands of Fr Mateo "Mat" A. Sanchez (PHI) in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. They had to walk for eight hours to reach the Caohangan community, one of the remotest areas in the mountains of Bukidnon. The community was waiting for them; people were standing in the rain just to welcome them, with faces clearly showing the love and respect they have for Fr Mat. It was one of their great consolations besides the beauty of nature that surrounds them.
The most inspiring scene for them was seeing Fr Mat, at the age of 75, climbing mountains to reach Makilu. Young as they are, the juniors stumbled a few times along the dangerous path. For them, this encounter was a strong "Fire" that kindled their zeal to serve God more, like Fr Mat. This is the real "Fire" found in GC35, decree 2, "A Fire That Kindles Other Fires". They are very grateful to God for the opportunity to experience the "frontier mission" of the Jesuits in the Philippines.
Lastly, Afonso Alves (ETR), Gabriel Aung Htoo Naing (MYN) and Roberto Encarnacao (ETR) went to Zamboanguita with Fr Adriano "Bogs" R. Tapiador (PHI). The three juniors taught basic computer course and cataloged the books in the high school library. They also visited places with Fr Bogs to say mass and interact with the people there.
All juniors flew back to Manila last May 19.
