1 From the desk of fr. ken INSIDE mazur

Dear Readers, I remember that day ten years ago as if it were just last week. The story is long, sad, and agonizing, even as I recall it in my mind now. In case you did not know, Fr. Steve Baumbusch drowned in a rip- current accident while swimming with PIME Seminarians on the Philippines coast. We were great friends, although, in many ways, we were opposites. He was short and athletic; I am tall and not. When we met in our first year of high school, he was not much of a rule-follower. I tried to follow the rules perhaps too much. Most at odds between the two of us, he was from Ohio and a huge Buckeyes football fan; I am from Michigan and an avid Wolverines fan, their rivals. As we went through the seminary together, we made many friends who were good guys but who left little by little when they realized that the missionary lifestyle was not for them. Soon, there were only a couple of us left in our class. After ordination, we would divide even further, pursuing our vocations ON THE COVER in different directions. Eventually, only he and I remained from a large and extraordinary group of Mission men, and many of us are still friends. Fr. Ace Valdez, PIME, who now Mary’s House, a reflection on the Over seven years, Steve and I were a dream team as we worked side-by-side at the PIME High helps those discerning the 10 influence of Mary in Mexican culture School Seminary in Ohio as teachers, deans, and principals. We could often read each other’s minds. 12 missionary call in Brazil, tells of by Fr. Alessandro Maraschi, PIME. He had talents that I did not, and I could field the areas where he lacked. Years later, he told me that we how Fr. Steve guided his vocation. We take a look at Holy Family should join the TV show “The American Race” together. I was assigned to the missions first, to Japan in 1991, and he finally got his mission destination in 1998: the Philippines. We visited each other in our Church in Detroit while reflecting 20 respective missions often. I was amazed at the size of his parish in Parañaque, Metro Manila. Once, I Featured on the significance of the door in church architecture. was there visiting, and 600 children received their First Holy Communion on a single Sunday; there A Saints Peter and Paul Minor were six First Communicants total in my parish that year. Seminary alumnus describes the Fr. Steve had a way of genuinely touching people’s lives brought about by his deep spirituality, he Misión en Acción impact Fr. Steve had on his life. 08 was brilliant but also practical. When we were young priests, we often talked about going skydiving, Highlights of this month’s issue for my desire to do so quickly diminished, but that was not the case for Fr. Steve. When he was in the In an effort to merge our Missionary our Spanish-speaking supporters. United States visiting in 2008, he took a day of lessons and went skydiving. I guess you could say that efforts with our confreres on the 26 Lo más destacado de la edición de he was fearless, he knew that God was on his side. 24 North American continent, Mission este mes para nuestros partidarios Ten years on, and I still find myself asking, “What would Steve have done?” I wonder if I could World joins Misión en acción. hispanohablantes. send him an email and get his advice about something. When I find myself facing a daunting task, he comes to mind most; we could always handle things together. I still do ask his advice and, you know, Publisher: PIME is present in the following parishes he answers. He even answers when I do not ask for his opinion. I just wish I could hear his voice one Fr. Ken Mazur, PIME in the United States: more time. Executive Editor: St. Ann & St. Lucy - Harlem New York, NY Fr. Daniele Criscione, PIME San Francesco – Clinton Twp., MI PIMEMISSIONARIES SINCE 1850 Translation: St. Rosalia - Regina Pacis - Brooklyn, NY Fr. Dino Vanin, PIME St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception - Monroe, MI Editing & Design: (313) 342-4066 Fr. Ken Mazur, PIME Patrick Carroll U.S. Mission Office Mailing in Canada: Proofreading: 17330 Quincy St. 980 Louis Avenue [email protected] US Superior Stacey Bentley Detroit, MI 48221-2749 Windsor, ON N9A 1X9 www.PIMEusa.org 2 Mission World Brooke Grobbel 3 walking in his footprints Featured “You step exactly where the lead climber steps, climber. Where he stepped, I followed. Still- do not go out of his tracks for any reason. Why? today, I benefit from his work. I also benefit Within his footprints, it is safe, and if you step from the work of many others who came before outside of his footprints, you risk your own life me, and one, in particular, would be the late and the lives of others.” Fr. Giulio Mariani. Both PIME Missionaries Why do I mention this personal story while were very good with public relations, perhaps writing about Father Steve Baumbusch? Well, sometimes this was the cause of conflicts with that is because, without my knowing it, he has other more reserved priests, yet their talents been my lead climber in my adventure as a always worked out for the good of the parish. PIME Missionary. I During the past met father Steve in two years as Pastor 1997 when I came to of Mary Queen of Detroit as a PIME “Fr. Steve Apostles Parish, I seminarian to learn have heard people English. As I arrived, recall father Steve Fr. Steve was about Baumbusch and his mission- to leave for the Phil- ary work, especially ippines. After many his passion for the years, I became a has been my poor. Even though priest, and eventu- he was here for ally, my mission led only three years, he me to the Philip- lead climber; left a remarkable pines; this was the footprint. Let me first footprint. share some of them. In 2010, we were where he Agnes Seña, a deeply saddened by senior catechist, Fr. Steve Baumbusch, PIME, leads the his sudden death. He shared how much faithful of Mary Queen of Apostles drowned while on a stepped, Fr. Steve loved and Parish in a Palm Sunday procession. trip to visit a mission supported the Pre with some seminari- Cana Catechists, a ans. Fr. Steve was the I followed.” group of catechists Rector of the PIME that work solely my family originates. At the Seminary in Tagaytay in the Philippines. After towards preparing couples for the Sacrament time, I was still a seminar- a few weeks, Fr. Gian Battista Zanchi, PIME of Matrimony, and counseling for married ian of the Diocese of Como. Superior General at that time, called and asked couples. Two significant tasks when you Walking in Every year, we would have a me if I would be ready to take Fr. Steve’s position, consider that poor couples in the Philippines ten-day summer camp with at least, for the time being. I accepted, and I left cannot afford to pay a psychologist when facing our formators. Alongside the Euntes Formation Center in Zamboanga difficulties in their relationship. His Footprints my fellow seminarians, we City in the south of the country and moved Pons Cabanlit, President of Parish Pastoral ventured up that mountain. to the city of Tagaytay on the Northern island Council (PPC), shared how much the late PIME By Fr. Simone Caelli, PIME joy and humble servitude that he The path is not that steep, yet of Luzon, not far from Manila. Once here, I Missionary used to stress the importance it is still dangerous. Through- Fr. Simone is a PIME Missionary left behind on the hearts that he became acting Rector of the PIME Seminary; of Christian lay formation according to the out the journey, climbers have Priest and Pastor of the beloved, served. this was the second footprint. diocesan pastoral policies. and historically PIME-ran, n the summer of 1994, to cross a glacier with several Years later, in 2018, I was appointed as Many shared with me that Fr. Steve always Mary Queen of Apostles Parish I climbed 12,365 feet hidden crevasses. So, our Pastor of Mary Queen of Apostles parish, found ways to raise money for good causes. in Parañaque City in the Phil- up Monte Cevedale, in alpine guide tied us together where Fr. Steve served in the same role from When our diocese, the Diocese of Parañaque, ippines. Ten years later, he the IAlps of Northern Italy, in with a rope in groups of 10, 2005-2008; this was the third footprint. As you started to construct the Diocesan Center for recounts the legacy of genuine the Lombardy Region, where and then he instructed us, can see, Fr. Steve Baumbusch has been my lead Evangelization, every parish was encouraged 4 September // October 2020 Philippines 5 the early 1970s knew that Steve was a guy who did not care much for rules or authority and was never afraid to speak his mind. I guess you could say he was edgy. He certainly did not exhibit the stereotypic pious seminarian. Few of us did, actually, but with Steve, you got the sense that it was important to him not to be perceived as prudish or even upright; most of us envied him. Then something happened when we were on retreat toward the end of our junior year in high school. The retreat had generated a sort of charis- matic experience for a number of us, for Steve espe- cially. What I remember most about the retreat was the theme: Jesus is the One Way. One Way became a sort of a buzzword for all of us for a while. You would say it while pointing up to heaven. It was an expression of personal conversion that involved emotional engagement. Weeks later, it either died down or morphed into something else; for some, it had even been subject to ridicule. Few of us inter- Featured nalized that experience, but Steve did. Steve did not become a saintly choirboy Fr. Simone Caelli, PIME, shares a overnight, although he sure loved to praise God similar joyous method of proclaiming A young Fr. Steve. with song. He still had a rebellious streak, laughing the Gospel as the current Pastor of at bawdy jokes, and always pushing the envelope, Mary Queen of Apostles. but somehow you could tell that he was different. He believed with everything he had that there is only One Way. In college, Steve took a semester off from the seminary, as did I. We worked together at the one way Montgomery Wards in Southfield, Michigan, while we finished our final semester of school. I sold dog to contribute 500,000 pesos begins Reynaldo Reyes, Deputy Alay ko (My age, my donation). food, and Steve sold suits. While I cannot remember (about $10,300) each. Under President of the PPC, “Fr. Steve Edad ko, Alay ko, meant that By John Brennan many of the specifics of our conversations back Fr. Steve’s guidance, we were always pushed for everyone to everyone was asked to donate then, I knew he was going back to the seminary and one of the earliest among the give out any ‘crazy ideas’ for the same pesos as his/her age. A former classmate of Fr. Steve Baumbusch, John on to the missions. Steve gave himself to Christ 50 parishes of the diocese revitalizing parish activities, I still have to walk a lot Brennan, tells the personal story of the missionary and lived out his baptismal calling. There was just to complete the task, even and he used to say that ‘even on my path, yet my journey is vocation’s discernment from the outside. something about him; it seemed to me that it began exceeding the target as a total if you think it is a crazy one, it somehow more manageable ertain songs, sounds, smells, or places with a personal conversion that he had always of 650,000 pesos ($13,400) was is worthwhile.’” Reyes added, since I have only to place my will often trigger memories for many of kept a hold on. Yet, he felt compelled to share that us. Two things always trigger memories given to the bishop. How did he “Fr. Steve was always present feet on the footprints left by spirited conversion with everyone he met. of SteveC Baumbusch for me. One is the sound of I mean it when I say that I cannot go to the ocean manage to accomplish this? He during the meetings of every those who were here before waves crashing on the shore, the other is a song or Lake Michigan without thinking of Steve when I asked for personal donations, commission, ministry group, me, Fr. Steve being the best from the 70s, by a band called Hot Chocolate. The hear the waves, but I no longer feel as sad as I once and - with Fr. Robert Ngairi, and parish council, and that he lead climber to follow. I am song is “I Believe in Miracles,” and it is not exactly a did. Steve Baumbush believed in miracles, and the PIME, his assistant priest would always make sure that genuinely grateful to you, hymn. I do not know if Steve liked the song or not, miracle he believed in was the One Way. I sincerely - visited people personally they were lively. He was fair to Fr. Steve. Now, I am the lead but when it came out, he loved to sing the verse. He believe that he left us knowing that God is Good All reaching out to them in their all, and had no biases.” climber, so someone else will would do it in such a way that would make him and the Time. I know that he intercedes for the PIME homes for blessings almost Ruth Tan, the present coor- eventually follow me and step anyone around him laugh. Father Steve Baumbusch Missionaries and for anyone who asks him for help. every day, covering the entire dinator of the Mother Butler in my footprints. loved to laugh, and he believed in miracles, too. Steve died to self and lived for Christ, and I will area of our parish (at that time Mission Guild, recalls how he I met Steve as a fellow seminarian and got to always be blessed to have had him in my life. about 80,000 Catholics). also introduced a funny way know him during our time at PIME’s Minor and Major Seminaries. Anyone who knew him back in “During our PPC meetings,” for fundraising, called Edad ko, 6 Mission World 7 role models

By Mark Levine Featured Although it has been closed for years, the Saints Peter and Paul High School Seminary in Newark, Ohio, remains an open connection in the hearts of many mis- sionaries, alumni, and friends. Fr. Steve Baumbusch was pivotal in the education of many who passed through the school’s halls. Even though it was only the beginning of his life in the priesthood, many would never forget the effect that he had on their lives. Mark Levine, a former student of Fr. Steve, recounts the impact that the missionary priest from Ohio had on him. ou would think that ten years would be enough time to gain perspective on any given event. A decade of life is long enoughY to watch my nieces and nephews grow up, graduate, get married, and even have children. We measure our lives by milestones, mostly the good Fr. Ken poses for a photo with Fr. Steve ones if we are lucky. Sometimes though, it is the bad at the airport before the former leaves anniversaries, the hard stuff, or the challenges that for his Mission Assignment in Japan. stick with us from the impact they have made. Ten years ago, I received a phone call from Fr. Ken Mazur, late at night, with the news that Fr. Steve around the world. We called the new alumni golf had died in an accident in the Philippines. I was event the Old School Invitational (O.S.I. for short). visiting my sister and her family at the time. Luckily, This year will be our 18th annual O.S.I. event. Over it was late enough that everyone had already gone the course of nearly two decades, we have joined to bed. I was overwhelmed by a tidal wave of grief. together to reminisce and support the cause of the Even now, I cannot quite talk about it, at least not missionaries. Fr. Ken has attended a number of without fighting back my emotions. them, and, thankfully, Fr. Steve was able to join us in I was one of the many kids who walked through 2008. Many years of laughter and friendship piled the halls of the PIME High School, Saints Peter and up as a result of this great event. Paul Seminary. If you know anything about that As I write this, I realize that this joy is directly a little high school in Newark, Ohio, you would see result of Fr. Steve and Fr. Ken’s influence on my life. that it means the world to me. Fathers Steve and I cannot mention one without the other, as they set Ken played absolutely every single role possible: an example of true friendship. Their friendship has principle, dean, coach, director, disciplinarian, always been genuine, the kind that challenges you priest, teacher, role model, confessor, counselor, one day and you laugh about it the next. Regardless detective, good cop, bad cop, judge, jury, mentor – of how much time passes, you pick up right where PIME Frs. Dino Vanin, Steve Baumbusch, and whatever role was needed at the time. Thanks in no you left off, a kinship that becomes so valuable, Ken Mazur celebrate the first Mass of former small part to them, I have too many stories to tell every gathering is a lifelong memory, the kind that PIME Priest, the late Fr. Francis Mossholder. and so many good memories. you cannot forget. Throughout college and my early professional That is the simplicity and depth of the sorrow career, I stayed in touch with Fr. Ken and Fr. Steve left behind following Fr. Steve’s untimely passing, as they lived their vocations. Some of my best the void of pure friendship. I can still hear him and memories involve visiting Fr. Ken in Japan, traveling see him, with his wry smile and machine-gun laugh, to Mexico with Fr. Steve, golfing with him, playing telling us all to suck it up already. However, in one volleyball together, and even living at the Quincy year, ten years, twenty years, or more, we will all House for a summer. There were so many good times still miss him. and so much laughter. Thankfully, we now have the friendships that When the PIME Golf Day in Ohio stopped, some we made in the halls of that school in Newark, and ROle Models alumni and I started our own golf outing in Califor- in those friendships, the memory and spirit of Fr. nia to support the work of the PIME Missionaries Steve remains. 8 September // October 2020 9 Mission MISSION DEVELOPMENT Mary’s “house” encompasses the whole world, as she often transcends the Fr. steve boundaries of countries, languages, and mary’s even religions. PIME asked its mission- baumbusch aries worldwide to write about the effect that our mother’s love has on the cultures memorial they serve. Over the next few issues, we will print what they had to say. project house The PIME Missionaries are asking i, everybody! My name is Fr. Alessandro, I am a PIME Mis- for support for a worthy project in sionary in Mexico. Here in Mexico, the importance of a party is the Philippines in memory of Fr. often measured in firecrackers! Every time there is a feast day, Steve Baumbusch. Fr. Simone Caelli especiallyH a religious one, you usually start to hear firecrackers the day succeeded Fr. Steve as Rector of the prior; this is especially true in working-class neighborhoods. The feast of former PIME Seminary in Tagaytay Our Lady of Guadalupe falls on December 11th and 12th, and not a single minute of the day or night pass in Mexico City without hearing a firecrack- and as Pastor of Mary Queen of er blast. A sea of people pour into the sanctuary, and endless masses are Apostles Parish in Parañaque. All celebrated in the streets, workplaces, and homes. funds collected for this project will Experiences such as these are the most striking to those who arrive go to aid the parish in its activities. Donations are requested to aid in Name: from other countries. Take Shrines for example, in other countries, they Fr. Alessandro are places of spirituality where one goes to ask for Mary’s intercession. establishing a fund for this project Maraschi, PIME The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is something more. The Virgin of that will undoubtedly change lives Guadalupe is a distinctive trait of the Mexican faith. The Virgin guides positively and permanently, just Date of Ordination: souls to the faith and leads them by the hand to her Son, Jesus; this partic- as Fr. Steve did. A Virtual Serata June 8, 2019 ular element in Mexico, and Latin America as a whole, has historical roots. Zoom videoconference devoted to When the Europeans arrived on the American continent, they brought Fr. Steve will take place on Oct 6th. Missionary missionaries with them, which meant that the natives linked the new Donations will go towards this Assignment: religion to the conquerors and foreign domination. The story of the appa- PROJECT #10103 FUNDS NEEDED project. See pg 25 for more details. Mexico City, Mexico rition of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the indigenous Juan Diego took place ten years after the conquest of Tenochtitlán, which today is called Mexico City, in 1531. emergency COVid-19 During this period, there were many questions among the conquerors, one of which is whether the natives were people like themselves. Mary relief fund appeared four times to Juan, who reported the visions to the Franciscan COVID-19 has spread across the world, and Bishop, Juan de Zumárraga. He did not believe Juan. In the last apparition, many countries are already struggling with Mary says to pick roses from Castile as proof. When Juan opens his cloak in rapidly growing numbers. The poor of these front of the bishop and reveals the flowers, he discovers with amazement countries are threatened the most by this that the image of Mary has remained imprinted in his cloak. The imprint virus. Funding allows for food aid in India, is a specific image with explicit indigenous references, both on Mary’s Brazil, the Philippines, and Bangladesh as physical features and the clothes and symbols around her. Mary shows well as healthcare aid in Myanmar, Ivory herself as the mother of all, especially the natives. Mary will become one Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Cameroon. of the most critical unitive elements in Mexican history, born from the Donations are desperately needed clash between the indigenous population and those of European origin. Mary said to Juan Diego, “Am I not here, that I am your mother?” A phrase for these projects, as the situation is PROJECT #10096 FUNDS NEEDED that is a seal of hope, of motherhood, of being accompanied by Mary to continuously changing. Jesus, an image that is very strong in Mexican culture. It is a sign of the universal Church. Mary is the mother of all who gives birth to the faith

and accompanies us towards Jesus! *Upon receipt of your contribution, if your project is already funded, we will direct your donation to another needy project. 10 Mission World Projects 11 the smile that changed my life Cover Story

like those who “looked like us,” how to speak the “language” of bit longer to continue our con- yet they seemed similar in how the youth, without compromis- versation with the family. I could they treated and related with ing his image as an authority; he not help but notice how he was us. Only in my teenage years was very supportive. speaking with the family. Even would I understand who they There came a time when I had though his Tagalog was basic, he THe smile were: missionaries. Like other to have on-the-job training expe- was still able to communicate congregations, PIME Mission- rience to complete my college and relate with the families. It aries occasionally receive new course. In 2007, I had the oppor- was as if his gestures were more mission assignments. A new tunity to work at the parish office important than his words. At that priest will rotate in, as the past doing paperwork; during that moment, I saw how vital a priest’s that changed priest is reassigned. In presence was; being 2005, Fr. Steve arrived close to the people was at Mary Queen of ““God has been witnessing God’s con- Apostles as the new solation and encour- pastor. The church is agement. located between the very good and Weeks passed, I cities of Paranãque was still working in my life and Las Pinãs, suburbs the parish and seeing of Manila. At that loving to me. this PIME Priest’s way time, everybody was so of life. Watch as he was anxious about meeting close to the youth and him since that was I would like to always made himself the first time in more available, with a smile than 20 years that our on his face, caused parish had a “non-Ital- share this love, something strange ian” missionary priest. to grow in my heart. I was an active After witnessing Fr. youth animator of especially with Steve’s example, I the parish’s youth asked myself, “What ministry group and those who if I offer myself the Little Angel’s club, totally, not only my a scholarship program time but also myself?” of Mary Queen of might not know I wondered, “How Apostles. I was a bene- come this priest from A youth group from Mary Queen of Apostles ficiary of the program America decided to be Parish poses for a picture; the group includes PIME and received a college him yet.” a missionary, leaving Missionaries Fr. Robert Ngairi (current missionary in scholarship through behind his comforts, Myanmar), the late Fr. Steve Baumbusch, and future the help of the parish. The first period, I had the opportunity to and choosing to be among us?” I PIME Missionary Fr. Ace Marbella Valdez. meeting with Fr. Steve went as get to know Fr. Steve more closely. kept thinking and asking, only to usual, getting to know the group, Aside from the daily office work, realize that God already planted its activities, and how to work I would occasionally accompany a particular call in my heart- the together. Parish life is full of him on appointments; one time, missionary priest vocation. I said By Fr. Ace Marbella Valdez, PIME od is good, all of the time. And all activities, and the schedule of he invited me to come with him to myself, “God has been very of the time, God is good” was Fr. a parish priest is quite hectic, to visit the sick. When we arrived, good and loving to me. I would Fr. Ace- ordained a PIME Priest in 2017- currently Steve Baumbusch’s favorite catch- especially when you have to he greeted everyone with a like to share this love, especial- works to shepherd those discerning the missionary phrase“G to get everyone’s attention whenever he “shepherd” more than 100,000 somber version of his normally ly with those who might not priesthood in his mission of Brazil. He recounts his began or concluded meetings in the parish. The parishioners. Despite being busy kind smile. After a little chat with know him yet. I would like to be time as a youth minister at Mary Queen of Apostles PIME Missionaries founded my hometown parish, with dozens of meetings, Fr. Steve the family, he started to pray for a missionary like Fr. Steve!” At Parish in his hometown, and the influence that the late Mary Queen of Apostles, in the late 1980s. I grew always made a point to be present the sick. Following the rite’s cel- that moment, my discernment Fr. Steve Baumbusch had on his vocation. up in this parish, often seeing priests who were not during youth activities. He knew ebration, we stayed there for a journey started. Like other young 12 September // October 2020 13 The Smile that changed my life

Fr. Steve about my parents’ approval, he invited them to the PIME house to have some “merienda” (afternoon snacks). When we arrived at the PIME house, Fr. Steve greeted us with his signature smile. While enjoying merienda, Fr. Steve told my parents that they should not worry about my new journey. He said, “PIME will take care of your son the way you have taken care of him.” These words were not only calming for my parents to hear but for me as well. At that moment, my parents felt that they were not “losing” their son, and I did not feel like I was “losing” my parents. Instead, the family is getting bigger, welcoming PIME Fr. Ace at his ordination with as a family of missionaries. several current and future PIME A few days before leaving Missionaries, among them is the to participate in a missionary late Fr. Giulio Mariani, PIME. course at the Euntes Missionary Center in Zamboanga (similar to a pre-seminary year), Fr. Steve men, I was confused and troubled spiritual director. He told me to told me that he was called by since I was already almost at finish college first, intensify my the General Council of PIME to Now a PIME Missionary in Brazil, Fr. Ace the end of my college courses. I personal prayer life, and continue be the next rector of the PIME shares Fr. Steve’s method of charismatic was nearly ready to return to my participating in parish activi- Seminary in Tagaytay. It was a evangelization, in his own way. previous work after the on-the- ties. In the meantime, we would big surprise for me, and although job training period, and I had be on this discernment journey I was sad that he had to go back planned to start a professional together. to the United States for a year to career. A year later, in 2008, I take a course, I was elated that he PIME Seminary was a theological seminary; I was to me and looked on me with kindness, with trust, Following a long period of graduated from college, and my would return as the new rector the only one taking philosophy courses at a different from the very beginning of my vocation journey. prayer and thinking, I mustered family had gone into a financial of the seminary at the same time school. He never missed school-related activities, of He always believed in me and supported me; his up the courage to talk to Fr. crisis as my father had recently that I would be entering. both my school and the other seminarians’ school. testimony awakened my desire to become a mission- Steve about what I was feeling; lost his job. Everyone in my family After almost five months of Fr. Steve was very open to dialogue and sugges- ary priest like him. He molded me into the person I my desire to become a mission- was looking for work to help, and missionary courses, and three tions for improving the seminary’s community life am today. I know that wherever he is, he will always ary priest. After finishing the my parents were expecting that I months of mission exposure - and the personal formation of each seminarian. He continue to say his catchphrase; “God is good, all of day’s work, I went to his office would return to my old job. When visiting the different missions was friendly, but without losing his authority over the time. And all of the time, God is good!” Indeed, and explained everything that I told them that I had resigned to of PIME in Mindanao - I decided matters concerning our formation. He was not only Fr. Steve was a witness that God is good all the time! was on my mind. I told him, enter the seminary, at first, they that I wanted to pursue my a Rector nor a Formator, he was a real father figure Through him, I felt the goodness of the Lord, and “Father, I would like to be like were surprised by my decision. vocation through seminary to us! When he drowned while on vacation, it was now that I am a PIME Missionary Priest like him, all you, a missionary priest, but I They were worried not only for formation further, and in 2009, I hard for all of us, we were grief-stricken. Never did that I can say is that I am forever grateful to him. I do not know how to begin. I am our family but for my future as entered the seminary. My family we imagine that we could lose him in just a glimpse owe him my vocation. It was God’s grace that called confused and worried. Can you well. Soon after that, my parents accompanied me to the seminary, of an eye. Not only did we lose a priest, but we also me to be a missionary priest, but it was through Fr. be my spiritual director?” I recall saw that I was at peace with my and Fr. Steve embraced each of lost a missionary, and a father; we felt that we had Steve - his missionary testimony and his welcoming looking to his face for an answer decision; they were happy and us, he had a way of making you been orphaned. smile – whom God used as an instrument to change and seeing that distinct smile. He gave me their blessing to follow feel welcomed. In the seminary, Whenever I share my vocation story, I always my whole life! happily accepted the role of my my heart’s desire. When I told he was very supportive, since the give credit to Fr. Steve. He was the one who listened

14 Mission World 15 16 Mission World 17 the mission of the church holy family architecture Detroit Architecture has its own mission: To proclaim the Kingdom of God and to introduce DID YOU KNOW? the faithful to the Mystery of God. The church is not only the place where we get “The door” was very important in the celebra- together to worship the Lord, but it is also a liturgical space. Liturgy is an action that tion of the church, so much so that there was makes space for the action of the Lord Jesus, who makes himself present in this a ministry called: ostiariate. It was the lowest assembly. The liturgical space, therefore, is not a simple container; it is an important of the minor Holy Orders. Ostiarius, literally language, which contributes in a decisive way to “make space” for the Lord. ‘doorkeeper,’ from the Latin ostium – door. The Ostiariate was abolished as a minor order by The multiple languages in which the liturgy resides - words, silence, gestures, Pope Paul VI in 1972, following the liturgical movement, music, songs - find the place of their global expression in the liturgical reform desired by the Second Vatican Council. space. As for its part, the space contributes with its own specific language to The ostiarius had the task of opening and strengthen and unify the symphony of languages in which the liturgy is rich. Space, closing the doors of the church - it was compa- like time, is also involved in the celebration of the saving mystery of Christ, it takes rable to the function of the sacristan. During the particularly crowded liturgical celebrations the on new and original characteristics as a consequence of this relationship; a form so ostiaries directed the movements of the faithful. specific so that it can be referred to as “iconic.”

Saint John of Damascus writes: “If a pagan comes and says to you: ‘Show me your faith!’ Take him to church and show him the decoration with which it is HISTORY 1946 - The church adorned, and explain to him the series of sacred paintings.” The church itself and is decorated with one small mural 1960s - Changes its decorations become an opportunity for the proclamation of the Gospel, and 1910 -Designed by of a dove above 1955 - Fr. Benedict were made in the accompaniment in the faith journey. 1907 - In the hall Edward A. Schilling the altar and Ferretti was the interior murals. of St. Peter and and Edward C. Van chandeliers. The first priest to Angels appeared Paul Church, Leyen, the Church area of the altar change the trim over the altar. The a committee is building at 129 and altar rail are art and to put a old wooden rail OUR MISSION formed to organize Hastings Street is painted to resemble full mural over the was replaced with To approach architecture as space of the mystery that we celebrate, and a mani- the parish. completed. marble. altar. marble. festation of the experience of our faith in Christ. This goal of furthering our faith will be done through a series of six themes explored through six churches that call the Archdiocese of Detroit home. Our focus is to bring together PIME, Detroit, and our supporters to encounter Jesus Christ anew. 1990 - Holy 1980s - Holy 1980s -Under Fr. 1970s - When the Family Church Family Church Noel Patacconi, expressway and was designated is designated a even more murals the 22-story Blue a Michigan State Michigan State are painted, Cross building Historic Site. Historic Site. covering almost are finished, the every inch of church’s exterior is the church. The painted for the first *Detroit’s Holy Family Church. 100 years of Sicilian artist was Angelo time. Tradition, Bonnie Leone, Arcadia Publishing, 2008. Lanzini. 18 September // October 2020 Art & Culture 19 spirit. The door is a portal and a privileged archi- On the right we have the door of the penitents. If the first theme: tectural place; it marks the path to the heart of the you look at the window on the door of the Penitents, celebration-space. The liturgical hall is accessed you will see two Christological signs. The first is through an atrium, entered through a door; while a Chrismon, the monogram of Christ formed by the atrium represents the maternal womb of the two greek letters: ‘χ’ and ‘ρ,’ the initials of the name the door ‘Χριστός’ – the Greek name of Christ. The second Church, it is a representation of Christ. Jesus says, “I am the door. Whoever enters sign is that of a fish, in Greek fish is ἰχθύς; during the By Fr. Daniele Criscione, PIME through me will be saved and will come in and go persecutions it was used as an acronym for Ἰησοῦς out and find pasture’” (John 10: 9-10). Χριστός, Θεοῦ ͑Υιός, Σωτήρ which means, “Jesus “From there they sailed to Antioch, where Christ, Son of God, Savior.” Jesus is the only Savior, they had been commended to the grace of God for Everything starts from the threshold, and Pope Benedict XVI, in his Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei only through His mercy and forgiveness can we be the work they had now accomplished. And when saved. The first thing that you will find on the right they arrived, they called the Church together and (The Door of Faith), explains how this happens: “The ‘Door of Faith’ (Acts 14:27) is always open of the Church is the confessional. Above the confes- reported what God had done with them and how he sional, there is a fresco with the quotation of the Gospel of John. “And when he had said this, he breathed had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles” (Acts for us, ushering us into a life of communion with God and offering entry into his Church. It is possible on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose 14:26-27). We are in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas sins you retain are retained’” (John 20:22-23). have accomplished their mission and are returning to cross that threshold when the word of God is pro- Following the Roman Basilica method of construction, to the other disciples to share their experience. Luke claimed, and the heart allows itself to be shaped by the interior has three naves and an apse. The ceiling describes what happened along the journey as the transforming grace. To enter through that door is to consists of three barrel-vaults in the naves, while in the opening of a door: “the door of faith.” set out on a journey that lasts a lifetime.” - Benedict apse, there is a half dome. The naves represent the members In medieval times, they often embellished doors XVI, Apostolic Letter, Porta Fidei, 1. Rome, October of the body of Christ, and the apse – sometimes called the with biblical scenes to emphasize the importance 11, 2011. sanctuary - represents the head of the body. In the building, of the transition between the outside, the profane Let’s take a look at some details- everything has meaning. The vaults represent the heavens, world, and the inside, a pure space reserved for the and the nave symbolizes the earth. On both sides of the vault angels and saints (Benedict, Silvester, Catherine of Siena, The Entrance: Built in the 17th-century Italian Baroque Frances Cabrini, Therese of Lisieux, Maria Goretti, John style, Holy Family Church is designed similarly to churches Bosco, and Gregory the Great) are painted on the vaults; the from that era in southern Italy. The entrance consists of ceiling brings you to Heaven! three doors. According to Christian symbolism, the central, larger door represents Christ; the two smaller side doors are Below is the faithful who look up, but these are not two separate realities. The one the door of the catechumens and the penitents’ door. There who unites the two realities in Communion is Jesus the Christ, true God and true are two ways to enter the Church; as a catechumen, one who man. He has become the door between the two realities. At the base of each arch has not yet been regenerated in the faith, or as a penitent, that supports the vault, there is the monogram of Christ; the Architecture one who has not yet been regenerated by God’s mercy. tells us that He holds everything.

Each nave is made up of four vaults. At the base If you then look at the windows of the central doors, of the central nave, the revelation is represented there are Christological signs in the center. JHS, the through eight panels, with four on each side. The Old contracted form of Jesus, is inscribed in a circle on the door Testament panels are on the right and feature the to the left. The letters Alpha and Omega are inscribed on the four prophets: Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and Daniel. other. Jesus said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first The New Testament panels on the left showcase the and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev 22:13). four evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

In the center of the central nave vaults, we have four more paintings of the story of the Holy Family, as it is told in the first two chapters of the Gospel of Matthew. On the left is the door of the Catechumens. If you look at the window on the door of the catechumens, you will see the letters M and A, signs of the name Mary. Mary rep- resents the Church as a mother, as she has generated the In the left nave, there are the symbols of the body of Christ; through the Baptism, the Church continues New Testament; and in the right nave, there to generate the body of Christ. In fact, the first thing you see are the symbols of the journey through the on the left side of the building is the Baptismal Font. Old Testament. 20 Mission World Art & Culture 21 Featured

Fr. Deodato Mammana stands at the entrance to San José Chapel in Ecatepec.

parish when he had to leave for reasons of service. A Fr. Deodato poses for a photo with local beautiful friendship, and an equally impressive col- women religious and Fr. Alessandro laboration, was born between us. After about a year Maraschi, PIME. Serving and a half, Fr. Graziano returned to Italy but never to Mexico due to health reasons. In September 2014, Without Borders I was appointed administrator of the same parish. PIME founded the parish of San Agustín, opening of a new mission, I went that is a suburb of Mexico City. non-indigenous people to the By Fr. Deodato Mammana which is located in Cuanacaxtitlán, a village in to Acapulco to administer con- We found ourselves working with chapel for Mass and Confessions. the municipality of San Luís Acatlán, in the Costa fessions and celebrate Mass, this indigenous immigrants from As for the other Sacraments, the Fr. Deodato recounts his time as an Associate of Chica of Guerrero and the Archdiocese of Acapulco. experience was very enriching. other Mexican states, especially non-indigenous people must the PIME Missionaries, serving as a Fidei Donum The inhabitants of Cuana are almost exclusively Even though I should have been from Vera Cruz but also from turn to their parish. Dividing up priest in Mexico. Fidei Donum priests are diocesan Mixteco. In the last period of my service, I was exhausted, I was not tired; on Oaxaca and Puebla. Our natives, these two groups has helped us religious serving temporarily as missionaries, on left alone, but on Saturdays and Sundays, and in the contrary, I wanted to be more in most cases, lived in wooden bring the Word of God into many loan from their respective dioceses. Historically, moments of greater need, one of the brothers from and more available to penitents. I shacks or houses built along families and begin the work of priests like Fr. Deodato have been the driving force Acapulco came to help me. rejoiced for the many people who the railway or even “vecindad” integrating the natives with the between the Catholic Church’s collaborative spirit I left the parish definitively on December desired to convert their lives even - multi-family dwellings with other inhabitants. There is still in the missions. 1st, 2015, when the first diocesan parish priest among the “narcos.” a central outdoor corridor that so much to do as the mission is n September 2011, I arrived in Mexico with had already been appointed. In pastoral action, I On May 13th, 2016, I arrived provides access to small homes only starting, even though four Fr. Graziano Rota, who was then superior followed in the footsteps of the first two parish at Ecatepec de Morelos, with my that often share services. years have already passed. Now, of PIME Mexico. It was a dream come true priests and human promotion was the cornerstone confrere in charge. On the 15th, We were given a chapel with I am waiting for a plane to take for me,I one that I had already thought, for so many of my role; this was the first phase of my presence Pentecost Sunday, the Bishop rooms for pastoral care and the me back to Italy to continue my reasons, could not come true. It was finally becoming in Mexico. I lived it with great enthusiasm even if, as presented us to the Community. possibility of housing two priests. pastoral service in my diocese of a reality. PIME had welcomed me as Fidei Donum of always happens, there were hard moments of mis- In the first mission we were “lost” We started, nearly from scratch, origin. the Diocese of Catania, without any pretenses. I only understandings and difficulties in general. in the mountains, in the new one visiting families, celebrating had to keep Fr. Graziano company and stay in the After leaving the parish, while waiting on the we were in the city; a large city along the railway, and welcoming 22 September // October 2020 Mexico 23 Mission of the American Church body. Misión en acción - the name of this space DEARLY DEPARTED MISSIONARIES reminds us of our history as PIME in Mexico, as Fr. Luciano Ghezzi, PIME it was the name of the delegation’s first offices. March 20, 1946 - August 05, 2020 It was PIME Missionaries from the United States who returned to Mexico in the early Born on March 20th, 1946, in Cernusco di Naviglio to Luigi and Enrica; he 1990s to serve in the Diocese of Acapulco, in the entered the seminary on October 1972, made his Final Promise on March 8th, 1974, and was ordained a priest on June 28th of that year. Assigned to the Philippines, he state of Guerrero. left on February 15th, 1978, where he remained until 1990. He returned to Italy and They returned there because 100 years served in the one-time Lay Missionary Delegation; from 1995-2004, he was a member earlier, another group of missionaries had of the U.S. Region, and Vice-Regional for some years. He also worked in the Mexican mission at the been assigned to the Apostolic Vicariate of Baja church of Cuanacaxtitlan in Guerrero State. He returned to Italy in 2004, eventually settling in Sotto California, based in La Paz. Most of them were il Monte. Fr. Luciano Ghezzi passed on August 5th in Milan, Italy. He was 74 years old. forced to leave after 1917, when a new constitu- PIME Mexico poses for a photo (taken tion, that prevented foreign missionaries from before Fr. Deodato’s return to Italy). Fr. Silvano Magistrali, PIME excercising their ministry, came into effect. February 22, 1940 - August 18, 2020 The missionaries from the United States, when the experience in Mexico began again, Born in Piozzano, Italy, on February 22nd, 1940, to Guglielmo and Ancilla Magis- trali. He entered the PIME Seminary in 1961, made his Final Promise on June 25th, initially alternated, serving in a parish just Misión en acción 1965, and was ordained a priest a year later. In 1970, he was named Spiritual Director outside Acapulco for a few months. Later, they of the PIME Seminary of Vigarolo, which closed in 1972. He was then assigned to the Mission in Action moved outward to Guerrero’s hills to live with new PIME Mission in Thailand with Frs. Campagnoli and Zimbaldi. In 1980, he returned the mixed indigenous communities, where they to Italy and collaborated on the causes of Servant of God Angelo Ramazzotti and Blessed John By Fr. Alessandro Maraschi, PIME still are today. Mazzuconi. In 1984, he returned to Thailand to teach, and returned a decade later. He was assigned to From 2016 on, following Pope Francis’ trip Mascalucia and then became Rector of the General House from 1995-1998; after that, he was named e’re in the same boat,” is the to Mexico, we opened another experience in the General Secretary (1998-2001), Rector again, and then Treasurer (2001-2003). He was in charge of the phrase pronounced by Pope vast suburbs of Mexico City, in the diocese of office for sick missionaries from 2003 to 2011, and onward he served as General Secretary. He returned to his Father’s House peacefully, the morning of the 18th. Francis during an evocative Ecatepec, to try to respond to that call to be an moment“W of prayer last March 27th, given in a “outgoing” church. deserted St. Peter’s Square. Mission in action, made up of feet that get After these few months, the risk is that dirty on the dusty streets; of a foreigner sharing PIME Spotlight despite this powerful image - which was able life with people in places where it is often not virtual serata to clear the dark clouds and throw hope on easy to find someone willing to go; of searching humanity in solidarity of joys and sufferings - for the signs of Christ’s passage in our time; Please join us on October 6, 2020 at 7pm for our we will fall back into the rough seas where the and of roads to guard and cultivate them. Virtual Serata Zoom Video-conference. Visit boats are ready only to save themselves. The stones of the bridge have already been laid for some time. All that remains, is to www.pimeusa.org/events/virtual-serata-signup/ So let us play with the first word of our name for more details and to receive your invitation to this “pontifical,” which means “bridge builders,” and continue the work and hope that the journey, on this same sea and this same boat, will last as Zoom-hosted event sent directly to you email. You let us try to build a bridge between the United cannot miss this free event! States and Mexico. Let us build a bridge similar long as possible! to the friendship between members of the same This issue marks a family, that of neighbors. new initiative with our world mission sunday We create it with geographical convenience; confreres on this North to be an outgoing church, sometimes all you American continent. In honor of Fr. Steve and his This year, World Mission Sunday will take place have to do is knock on your neighbor’s door. integral role in beginning on October 18th at Saint John Neumann Catholic We create it because we sincerely believe that the PIME Mission in Parish in Canton, Michigan, starting at 11:00 am. we are “in the same boat” We put ourselves Mexico anew, our maga- Afterward, there will be a small reception outside on the line to discover the other and discover zine’s final pages will be with snacks and beverages while maintaining proper ourselves in their eyes. We create it thinking of PIME in Spanish to share news social distancing guidelines. We hope to see you all the many Latin American people who are part MÉXICO of our work with our MISIONEROS DESDE 1850 there! neighbors. Mexico 24 25 Misión Misión en acción. El nombre de este espacio y domingos, y en los momentos de mayor trabajo nos recuerda nuestra historia como Pime en Destacado pastoral, uno de los cohermanos venía a ayudarme México: así se llamaba el primer sitio de la del- desde Acapulco. egación. Salí definitivamente de la parroquia el 1de Fueron misioneros de PIME, provenien- diciembre de 2015, cuando el primer párroco tes de Estados Unidos, quienes, a principios de diocesano ya había sido nombrado. la década de 1990, regresaron a México para En la acción pastoral, seguí los pasos de los servir en la Diócesis de Acapulco, en el estado dos primeros párrocos. La promoción humana de Guerrero. fue la piedra angular. Esta fue la primera fase de mi presencia en México. La experimenté con gran Regresaron, porque cien años antes, otro El padre Deodato Mammana se entusiasmo incluso; y como siempre sucede, hubo PIME México posa para una foto (tomada grupo de misioneros había sido asignado al encuentra a la entrada de la capilla de antes del regreso del P. Deodato a Italia). momentos difíciles de malentendidos y dificultades Vicariato Apostólico de Baja California, con sede San José en Ecatepec. en general. en La Paz, hoy uno de los destinos más bellos Al salir de la parroquia, esperando la apertura de de México por su naturaleza. Con la entrada una nueva misión, estuve en la Catedral de Acapulco Mission in Action en vigor de la nueva constitución de 1917, que Sirviendo como confesor, y para la celebración de las Santas impidió a los sacerdotes extranjeros ejercer el Misas. Esta experiencia también fue muy enriquec- Misión en acción ministerio, la mayoría de los misioneros dejó el sin fronteras edora. No me cansaba, por el contrario, quería estar país. cada vez más disponible para los penitentes, porque de P. Alessandro Maraschi, PIME Cuando reiniciaron su experiencia en de Fr. Deodato Mammana me alegraba por las muchas personas que querían México, los misioneros de Estados Unidos, se convertir sus vidas, incluso entre los “narcos”. El Padre Deodato cuenta su tiempo como Asociado El 13 de mayo de 2016, llegué con el hermano stamos en el mismo barco”. Es la alternaban por unos meses, sirviendo en una de los Misioneros PIME, sirviendo como sacerdote responsable de la nueva misión a Ecatepec de Parroquia justo en las afueras de Acapulco. Más frase pronunciada por el Papa Fidei Donum en nuestra misión en México. Los Morelos, donde el día 15, día de Pentecostés, el Francisco, el pasado 27 de marzo, tarde se mudaron a las colinas de Guerrero, para sacerdotes Fidei Donum son religiosos diocesanos obispo nos presentó a la comunidad. Mientras que durante“E el momento evocador de oración en la vivir con las comunidades indígenas mixtecas, que sirven temporalmente como misioneros en en la primera misión estábamos “perdidos” entre plaza desierta de San Pedro. donde aún se encuentran. préstamo de sus respectivas diócesis. Histórica- las “montañas”, en la nueva nos encontrábamos El riesgo, después de unos meses, es que Desde 2016, después del viaje del Papa mente, sacerdotes como el P. Deodato, han sido la en la ciudad; una gran ciudad, que de hecho es un esa poderosa imagen, capaz de disipar la Francisco a México, hemos abierto otra experi- fuerza impulsora del espíritu de colaboración de la suburbio de la Ciudad de México. Aquí también oscuridad, y arrojar una luz de esperanza para encia en los suburbios de la Ciudad de México, Iglesia Católica en las misiones. nos encontramos trabajando con indígenas; sin una humanidad unida, y capaz de compartir en la Diócesis de Ecatepec, siempre para tratar n septiembre de 2011 llegué a México embargo, también había inmigrantes de otros alegrías y sufrimientos, es la de quedarnos con de responder a ese llamado a ser una “Iglesia junto con el P. Graziano Rota, en aquel estados de la República, especialmente de Veracruz, además de Oaxaca y Puebla. Nuestros indígenas, en la imagen de un mar agitado, donde los barcos que sale al encuentro”. entonces, Superior de PIME-México. Se realizabaE para mí un sueño deseado desde siempre. la mayoría de los casos, viven en chozas de madera, son diferentes, y están listos para estrellarse Misión en acción, porque está hecha de pies Y cuando, por muchos motivos, ya pensaba que o casas construidas a lo largo del ferrocarril, o que se ensucian en caminos polvorientos, está contra los demás, para salvarse. no podía materializarse, tuvo lugar. PIME me incluso en “vecindad”, casas multifamiliares con Queremos jugar con la primera palabra de hecha de un “ser extranjeros” que se encuen- había acogido como Fidei Donum de la diócesis de un corredor central al aire libre que brinda acceso nuestro nombre “pontificio”, que literalmente tran y comparten la vida con otras personas, en Catania, sin pretensiones. Dada mi discapacidad, a casas pequeñas, a menudo con servicios comunes. significa “constructores de puentes”, e intenta- lugares donde a menudo no es fácil encontrar solo tenía que hacer compañía al P. Graziano y per- Nos dieron una capilla con cuartos para el mos construir un puente entre Estados Unidos a alguien dispuesto a ir, buscando las huellas manecer en la parroquia cuando, por razones de cuidado pastoral, y para el posible hogar de 2 Padres. y México, conformado por la amistad entre del paso de Cristo en nuestro tiempo, y caminos servicio, él tenía que alejarse. Una hermosa amistad, Comenzamos casi desde cero visitando familias, hermanos de la misma familia de Pime. para “labrarlos y cuidarlos”. y una colaboración igualmente hermosa nació celebrando a lo largo del ferrocarril, y dando la bien- Lo creamos pensando, precisamente, en Las piedras del puente han sido colocadas entre nosotros. Después de aproximadamente año venida a los demás a la capilla para misa y confe- la proximidad geográfica; pues para ser una hace tiempo, ¡sólo tenemos que ponernos a y medio, el P. Graziano se fue a Italia y no regresó siones. Para los otros sacramentos, los no indígenas van a la parroquia. Esto nos ayudó a llevar la Palabra “Iglesia que sale al encuentro”, a veces es sufici- trabajar, continuar la tarea, y esperar que el más a México por motivos de salud. En septiembre de 2014 fui nombrado administrador de la misma de Dios a muchas familias, y a comenzar una obra ente llamar a la puerta de mi vecino. Lo creamos viaje en este mismo mar, y en este mismo barco, parroquia. de integración de los indígenas con los demás habi- sea lo más largo posible! porque creemos profundamente que estamos La Parroquia de San Agustín, fundada por PIME, tantes del lugar. Todavía hay mucho por hacer, “en el mismo barco” y salimos ahí, afuera, para Hace tiempo se colocaron las piedras del tiene su sede en Cuanacaxtitlán, un pueblo en el la misión es sólo el principio, incluso después de descubrir al otro y descubrirnos a sus ojos. puente; ¡sólo tenemos que ponernos a trabajar, municipio de San Luís Acatlán, en la “Costa Chica” haber pasado 4 años. Ahora espero que un avión me Lo creamos pensando en las muchas continuar la tarea, y esperar que el viaje en este de Guerrero, en la Arquidiócesis de Acapulco. Los lleve de regreso a Italia para continuar mi servicio personas latinoamericanas que forman parte mismo mar, y en este mismo barco, sea lo más habitantes son casi exclusivamente mixtecos. En pastoral en mi diócesis de origen. del cuerpo de la Iglesia estadounidense. largo posible! el último período, me quedé solo, pero los sábados 26 México 27 La sonrisa que me cambiÓ la vida Historia de portada

pero eran similares en su trato y Sabía hablar el “lenguaje” de la bración del rito, nos quedamos relación con nosotros. Solo en mi juventud, sin comprometer su allí un poco más para continuar adolescencia entendería quiénes imagen de autoridad. Él fue muy nuestra conversación con la eran: misioneros. Al igual que en solidario. familia. No pude evitar notar cómo La Sonrisa otras congregaciones, los mis- Llegó un momento en que hablaba con la familia. A pesar de ioneros de PIME ocasionalmente tuve que tener formación en el que su tagalo era básico, todavía recibían nuevas asignaciones empleo para completar mi curso podía comunicarse y relacio- de misión; un nuevo sacerdote universitario. En 2007, empecé narse con las familias. Era como llegaría, a medida que si sus gestos fueran que Me Cambió el sacerdote anterior más importantes que fuera reasignado. “Dios ha sido muy sus palabras. En ese En 2005, el P. Steve momento, vi cuán vital llegó a María Reina era la presencia de un de los Apóstoles como bueno y amoroso sacerdote; estar cerca la Vida el nuevo pastor. La de la gente era pres- iglesia está ubicada enciar el consuelo y entre las ciudades de conmigo. Me aliento de Dios. Paranãque y Las Pinãs, Pasaron las suburbios de Manila. gustaría compartir semanas, y yo todavía En ese momento, todos estaba trabajando en estaban ansiosos por la parroquia viendo la conocerlo, ya que era este amor, forma de vida de este la primera vez en más sacerdote de PIME. de 20 años que nuestra Viendo como él estaba parroquia tendría un especialmente cerca de los jóvenes sacerdote misionero y siempre disponible “no italiano”. con una sonrisa en su Fui animador con aquellos rostro, causaba que juvenil activo del grupo algo extraño creciera de ministerio juvenil de que aún no lo en mi corazón. la parroquia, y del club Después de presen- de Pequeños Ángeles, ciar el ejemplo del P. un programa de becas conocen.” Steve, me pregunta- Un grupo de jóvenes de la parroquia de María de María Reina de los ba: “¿Qué pasa si me Reina de los Apóstoles posa para una foto; Apóstoles. Fui benefi- ofrezco totalmente, no el grupo incluye a los Misioneros PIME P. ciario del programa, y recibí una a trabajar en la oficina parro- solo mi tiempo sino también a mí Robert Ngairi (actual misionero en Myanmar), beca universitaria con la ayuda de quial, haciendo papeleo. Tuve la mismo?” Me preguntaba: “¿Cómo el difunto P. Steve Baumbusch, y el futuro la parroquia. El primer encuentro oportunidad de conocer al Padre es que este sacerdote de América Misionero PIME P. Ace Marbella Valdez. con el P. Steve fue normal - cono- Steve más de cerca durante ese decidió ser misionero, dejar atrás ciendo al grupo, sus actividades y período. Aparte del trabajo diario sus comodidades, eligiendo estar cómo trabajar juntos. La vida par- de oficina, ocasionalmente lo entre nosotros?” Seguí pensando de Fr. Ace Marbella Valdez, PIME ios es bueno todo el tiempo. Y todo roquial está llena de actividades, acompañaba a las citas. Una vez y preguntando, sólo para darme el tiempo, Dios es bueno” fue el y el horario de un párroco es me invitó a ir con él a visitar a cuenta de que Dios ya había El P. Ace, ordenado sacerdote de PIME en 2017, actual- lema del P. Steve Baumbusch para bastante agitado, ¡especialmente los enfermos. Cuando llegamos, plantado un llamado particu- mente trabaja en su misión de Brasil, como pastor de llamar“D la atención de todos cuando comenzaba o cuando tienes que “pastorear” saludó a todos con una versión lar en mi corazón: la vocación aquellos que exploran el sacerdocio misionero. Él relata concluía reuniones en la parroquia. Los misioner- a más de 100,000 feligreses! sombría de su sonrisa normal- de sacerdote misionero. Me dije su tiempo en el ministerio juvenil de la parroquia, os de PIME fundaron la parroquia de mi ciudad A pesar de estar ocupado con mente amable. Después de una a mí mismo: “Dios ha sido muy María Reina de los Apóstoles en su ciudad natal, y la natal, María Reina de los Apóstoles. Crecí en esa docenas de reuniones, el P. Steve pequeña conversación con la bueno y amoroso conmigo.Me influencia que el difunto P. Steve Baumbusch tuvo en su parroquia, a menudo viendo a sacerdotes que no siempre se propuso estar presente familia, comenzó a rezar por los gustaría compartir este amor, vocación. eran como aquellos que “se parecían a nosotros”, en las actividades juveniles. enfermos. Al terminar la cele- especialmente con aquellos que 28 Mission World 29 La sonrisa que me cambiÓ la vida prendió. Estaban preocupados, no solo por nuestra familia sino también por mi futuro. Poco después, mis padres vieron que estaba en paz con mi decisión. Fueron felices y me dieron su bendición para seguir el deseo de mi corazón. Cuando le dije al P. Steve de la aprobación de mis padres, los invitó a la casa de PIME a tomar la merienda. Cuando llegamos, el P. Steve nos saludó con su sonrisa característi- ca. Mientras disfrutábamos de la merienda, el P. Steve les dijo a mis padres que no deberían preocu- parse por mi nuevo trayecto. Dijo: “PIME cuidará de su hijo de la misma manera que ustedes El P. Ace en su ordenación con lo han cuidado”. Estas palabras varios misioneros actuales y no sólo fueron tranquilizadoras futuros del PIME, entre ellos el para que mis padres las escucha- difunto P. Giulio Mariani, PIME. ran, sino también para mí. En ese momento, mis padres sentían que no estaban “perdiendo” a su hijo, y yo no sentía que estaba “perdiendo” a mis padres; en aún no lo conocen. ¡Me gustaría do y preocupado. ¿Puedes ser mi cambio, la familia se estaba Un misionero de la PIME en Brasil, el P. ser misionero como el Padre director espiritual?” ¡Recuerdo haciendo más grande, dando la Ace comparte El método del Padre Steve de Steve!” En ese momento, mi viaje haber buscado una respuesta en bienvenida a PIME como una evangalización carismática, a su manera. de discernimiento comenzó. Al su rostro y ver esa sonrisa distin- familia de misioneros. igual que otros jóvenes, estaba tiva! Aceptó felizmente el papel Unos días antes de partir para quería seguir mi vocación a través de la formación perdimos a un misionero y a un padre. Sentimos que confundido y preocupado porque de mi director espiritual. Él me participar en un curso misionero en el seminario, y en 2009, ingresé al seminario. Mi habíamos quedado huérfanos. ya estaba casi al final de mis dijo que primero terminara la en el Centro Misionero Euntes familia me acompañó y el P. Steve abrazó a cada uno Cuando comparto mi historia de vocación, cursos universitarios. Estaba universidad, intensificara mi vida en Zamboanga (similar a un año de nosotros; él tenía una manera de hacerte sentir siempre doy crédito al P. Steve. Él fue quien me casi listo para volver a mi trabajo personal de oración y continuara pre-seminario), el P. Steve me dijo bienvenido. En el seminario, él fue muy solidario. Ya escuchó y me miró con amabilidad, con confianza, anterior después del período de participando en las actividades que el Consejo General de PIME que el de PIME era un seminario teológico, yo era el desde el comienzo de mi trayecto vocacional. capacitación, y había planeado parroquiales. Mientras tanto, lo llamó para ser el próximo único que tomaba cursos de filosofía en una escuela Siempre creyó en mí, y me apoyó. Su testimonio comenzar una carrera profesion- estaríamos juntos en este viaje de rector del Seminario de PIME en diferente. Nunca se perdió de las actividades rela- despertó mi deseo de convertirme en sacerdote al. discernimiento. Tagaytay. Fue una gran sorpresa cionadas con la escuela, tanto de la mía como de la misionero como él. Me moldeó en la persona que Después de un largo período Un año después, en 2008, para mí, y aunque estaba triste de de los otros seminaristas. soy hoy. Sé que donde quiera que él esté, continuará de oración y pensamiento, reuní me gradué de la universidad, y que él tuviera que regresar a los El P. Steve fue muy abierto al diálogo y sugeren- diciendo su lema; “¡Dios es bueno todo el tiempo. el coraje para hablar con el mi familia entró en una crisis Estados Unidos por un año para cias para mejorar la vida comunitaria del seminario ¡Y todo el tiempo, Dios es bueno!” ¡De hecho, el Padre Steve sobre lo que estaba financiera, ya que mi padre, tomar un curso, estaba eufórico y la formación personal de cada seminarista. Era Padre Steve fue testigo de que Dios es bueno todo el sintiendo - mi deseo de ser recientemente había perdido porque regresaría como nuevo amigable, pero sin perder su autoridad sobre asuntos tiempo! A través de él, sentí la bondad del Señor, y sacerdote misionero. Después su trabajo. Todos en mi familia rector del seminario, al tiempo en relacionados con nuestra formación. No sólo era ahora que soy Sacerdote Misionero de PIME, como de terminar el día de trabajo, fui buscaban empleo para ayudar, el que yo estaría entrando. Rector ni Formador, ¡era una verdadera figura él, todo lo que puedo decir es que siempre le estoy a su oficina y le expliqué todo lo y mis padres esperaban que Después de casi cinco meses paterna para nosotros! Cuando se ahogó durante agradecido. A él le debo mi vocación. Fue la gracia que tenía en mi mente. Le dije: volviera a mi antiguo trabajo. de cursos misioneros, y tres las vacaciones, fue difícil para todos nosotros. de Dios la que me llamó a ser sacerdote misionero, “Padre, me gustaría ser como tú, Cuando les dije que había renun- meses de exposición a la misión - Estábamos desconsolados. Nunca imaginamos que pero fue a través del Padre Steve, su testimonio sacerdote misionero, pero no sé ciado para ingresar al seminario, visitando las diferentes misiones podríamos perderlo en un abrir y cerrar de ojos. misionero, y su sonrisa de bienvenida, a quien Dios cómo comenzar. Estoy confundi- al principio, mi decisión los sor- de PIME en Mindanao - decidí que No solo perdimos a un sacerdote, sino que también usó como instrumento para cambiar toda mi vida.

30 September // October 2020 31 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PIMEMISSIONARIES SINCE 1850 PAID Pontifical Institute 17330 Quincy St. for Foreign Missions Detroit, MI 48221-2749 313-342-4066 PIMEusa.org

The PIME Missionaries are asking for struggling families in the parish with Coro- support for a worthy project in the Philip- navirus aid baskets. Donations are requested pines in memory of Fr. Steve Baumbusch. Fr. to assist the people of this massive parish Simone Caelli succeeded Fr. Steve as Rector to carry on the hopeful spirit of Fr. Steve in of the former PIME Seminary in Tagaytay a place where his memory and love live on and as Pastor of Mary Queen of Apostles in the hearts of so many. A Virtual Serata Parish in Parañaque. All funds collected for Zoom videoconference devoted to Fr. Steve this project will aid the parish in its activi- will take place on Oct 6th. Donations will ties, which include everything from funding go towards this project. See pg 25 for more youth education and activities to aiding details. Help us to carry on the legacy of Fr. Steve Support Project #10103 or donate online at www.pimeusa.reachapp.co/projects