U.S. Catholic Church in mission overseas

® Summer 2021 maryknollmagazine.org

Challenged to Respond FROM THE EDITOR FEATURED STORIES DEPARTMENTS

popular maxim holds that we cannot control what happens to us Chamelecón Revisited 2 From the Editor but only how we react to it. Of course, sometimes we can control By Gregg Brekke 10 A what happens, yet, not to quibble, there is plenty in life to which we 4 Photo Meditation have only our response. So much of this issue of Maryknoll magazine is less Friendships about what happened than how Maryknoll missioners and others around the in Christ 8 Missioner Tales world are responding. Some of these responses deal with the challenges of By Maria-Pia Negro Chin 18 COVID-19, while others look beyond this pandemic. Spirit of Mission We see this in how people in a barrio in Honduras carry on the loving Building Hope 16 legacy of a late Maryknoll priest who served there, in the efforts of a in Jamaica Orbis Books peacebuilder in South Sudan who helps resolve conflicts among rival ethnic By Carolyn Trumble 24 30 groups in the fledgling nation, and in how a Maryknoll sister works with World Watch young and old alike to help deepen faith in the southeast Asian nation of Essay Contest 56 Winners 2020 East Timor. In the winning entries from Maryknoll’s annual student essay 34 contest, two young scholars eloquently address Pope Francis’ call to “build a 58 Partners in Mission civilization of love.” Peacebuilding Like the rest of the world, we at Maryknoll have grappled this past year in South Sudan 40 61 Readers’ Responses with how to respond to the immediacy of the pandemic, and now, going By Gabe Hurrish, MKLM forward, with its long-term impact on mission and mission education. As part of our response, we continue to develop new channels for messaging and The Joy of invite you once again to go to www.maryknollmagazine.org and click on our Coming Together FRONT COVER: By Mary Ellen Manz, M.M. 44 News category for more stories about Maryknoll and Catholic mission overall. Hunter Lopez unloads mud from his mother’s flooded home in Lynn F. Monahan Forming Christian Chamelecón, Honduras. Editor-in-Chief Communities in Bolivia By Giovana Soria 50 COVER CREDITS: Front: Gregg Brekke/Honduras Back: Susan Wanzagi/East Timor

“To those who love God, all things

® work together for good ...” U.S. Catholic Church in mission overseas Romans 8:28

Editorial Staff: Maryknoll, the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of Raymond J. Finch, M.M., Publisher America, Inc., was established in 1911 by the U.S. Lynn F. Monahan, Editor-in-Chief bishops to recruit, train, send and support American Margaret Gaughan, Editor Emeritus missioners in areas overseas. Maryknoll is supported Maria-Pia Negro Chin, Associate Editor by offerings and bequests. Giovana Soria, Staff Writer Mary Ellen Manz, M.M., Maryknoll Sister Liaison Maryknoll (ISSN 0025-4142) © 2021, Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M., Contributing Writer Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, Inc. 10 24 50 Diane Mastrogiulio, Art Director All rights reserved. The title Maryknoll ® is Michael Calvente, Graphic Designer registered with the United States Patent and Marco Gallo, Graphic Designer Trademark Office. Regina Gelfer, Graphic Designer Facebook.com/MaryknollSociety Twitter.com/MaryknollFrsBrs Instagram.com/MaryknollSociety

Visit MARYKNOLL online Direct all correspondence to: The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic and the Maryknoll Lay Missioners share the MaryknollMagazine.org Raymond J. Finch, M.M., Publisher Maryknoll name and charism of commitment to the mission of Jesus Christ, sharing God’s love with people worldwide. P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302 MisionerosMaryknoll.org/RevistaMisioneros While these three Catholic organizations often work together in mission, each is responsible for recruiting and supporting 914.941.7590 Magazine of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers its own missioners. The Maryknoll Affiliates is a movement grouped into local chapters both in the United States and abroad of lay people who seek to reflect the Maryknoll charism within the context of their own lives, careers and communities.

2 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL • VOLUME 115 • NUMBER 3 MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 3 Photo meditation on Corpus Christi On the night of his last supper Gathered with friends in the upper BREAKING OF THE room he ate his final meal.

Word made flesh makes bread his body Bids us take and share the glory Bread of God’s kingdom here on earth.

‘Round the table with him sharing By Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M. Broken bread then cross he’s bearing Beckoning to follow him.

Seed once broadcast, fallen, buried Harvested the sheaves are carried To the miller’s to be ground.

Sean Sprague/Bolivia

4 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 5 Wheat from chaff the thresher scatters To the winds but saves what matters Into jars of finest flour.

Christians who break bread together In his name forever gather As Christ’s body here on earth.

Recognizing Jesus’ presence In all peoples without difference Who become one in the Lord.

Down in adoration falling Rising to answer our calling To find Christ in all we do.

Nile Sprague/Bolivia

6 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 7 Sean Sprague/Tanzania Missioner Tales Bond teaches a weekly yoga class there and assists with marketing and social media efforts. We hope to offer more retreat moments in t. Justin Centre for Children in Nicaragua?” My immediate an- the future when the situation of with Disabilities is a place in swer surprised us both: “I learned COVID-19 improves. For now, we SMusoma, Tanzania, where to love myself.” continue doing workshops and in- you see kids struggling to walk, My time in Nicaragua then was dividual sessions online during this to communicate, or to do a sim- my first experience of not being sur- traumatic moment on our planet. ple drawing, but they welcome you rounded by my family and friends, Kathleen Bond and with so much love. Eighty kids live on whom I had always counted for Flavio Rocha, MKLM there with the loving support of the affirmation. My Spanish was at Immaculate Heart Sisters of Africa. such a beginner level that I would uoch Chol Kuon is a When I was a Maryknoll lay mission- not have known if people were af- 12-year-old boy from the er serving in Musoma, I asked the firming me or not. This sense of M village of Nasir, southeast sisters to give me a list of the chil- being loved by self was definitely a of Malakal in South Sudan, where I dren’s needs. The list included uni- gift from God. serve. He was bitten by a snake and forms, shoes, mattresses, food, etc. Without this gift of God, I would since there are no medical facilities I am happy to report that new mat- never have had the courage to be in his village, he was brought by his tresses for all the students came that “boundary person” I have been father to the hospital in our U.N. from a wonderful donor. I shed lots called to become. camp. The boy’s infection was so of tears as I watched the smiling Catherine Madden, serious that they had to amputate children carry their mattresses to Maryknoll affiliate his left leg from the knee down. their rooms. The first time I met Muoch, I was Angelica Ruppe n January we teamed up to fa- touched by his gentle smile and cilitate a weekend retreat ti- sparkling eyes. Muoch wanted to he late theologian Paul Tillich Itled “Holistic Health in Times learn English. As we talked daily, I said, “Life on the boundary of Uncertainty” at Afya Women’s would teach him words in English. T often entails great loneliness Holistic Center here in João Pessoa, He was so eager to learn. The most as the boundary person can never Brazil. Participating in processes important part of our visit would be totally at home on either side.” such as breathing techniques, med- be drinking porridge together. If I I know I am deeply loved by itation and dynamics to reconnect missed a day coming to visit him, he my sisters and brothers here in with ancestral lineage, 12 people would use his father’s cell phone to Nicaragua. Yet I will always be the started off 2021 focused on integral call me and tell me to drink porridge fair-skinned foreigner. In the United health, self-healing and community with him. States I will almost always be con- building. Muoch eventually was able to get sidered the “visitor,” one living out Afya (which means “health” around using crutches and return of a suitcase. in Swahili) was co-founded by to his village. He still calls me every After I returned from my first Maryknoll Sisters Efu Nyaki and the week by cell phone and we greet eight months in Nicaragua, a friend late Connie Pospisil in 2000. Many each other with his asking me if I asked me, “What is it you learned Maryknoll lay missioners have had any porridge today. about yourself during those months worked there. Currently Kathleen Michael Bassano, M.M.

8 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 9 Chamelecón REVISITED

By Gregg Brekke

The legacy of a late Maryknoll priest lives on in a poor and violent barrio in Honduras devastated by hurricanes

he mud-stacked streets of Barrio Chamelecón in San T Pedro Sula, Honduras, serve as a visceral reminder of a people forgotten. In January 2021, two months after rains from Hurricanes Eta and Iota overflowed the banks of the adjacent Chamelecón River, filling homes and businesses with more than three feet of sediment, residents of this poor suburb were surviving in soggy squalor without basic services or neces- sary support from the municipality. More than 100,000 people live in cramped quarters in this low-lying community, where an estimated 20,000 homes were destroyed or damaged and 40,000 people displaced by the re- cent storms. Hardship and poverty are no strangers to this com- munity, and neither is Maryknoll. From 1999 through 2008, Father Thomas Goekler, a Maryknoll missioner from West Haven, Connecticut, served the people of Chamelecón. During his nine years here, Father Goekler focused on helping people grow in their faith, receive much needed health care, advance in their education, and learn valuable life lessons through work and service. Several programs initiated by Father Goekler in San Pedro Sula, which he called his “adopted hometown … a little bit of heaven, and a lot of heartbreak,” have had a lasting impact on the people of this neighborhood. Although Father Goekler Cleanup continues in Chamelecón, a neighborhood in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, died in 2010 of a heart attack in neighboring Guatemala, his after Hurricanes Eta and Iota in late 2020 caused massive flooding in communities along the Chamelecón River. (Gregg Brekke/Honduras)

10 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 11 Father Thomas Goekler pauses for a coffee break with two local youths and a visiting Angelina Enamorado at her home that also serves as a drop-in medical clinic and store doctor, Brandon Stark of Chico, California, in a 2006 photo. (Sean Sprague/Honduras) in Barrio Chamelecón, a neighborhood of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. (Gregg Brekke/Honduras)

ministries are still making a differ- ing them for their violent deeds, teach at the same schools they at- checks, or for children to be immu- ence in the community through the even condemning them for recruit- tended. According to one graduate nized, they listened.” She says he leadership of those he formed and ing and corrupting young children of the program, none of the pro- also built relationships with orga- in practical ways that support health during a service held for a deceased gram participants entered a gang. nizations in the United States that and sustainability for the people liv- gang member. He is also remem- Although a Catholic Worker house provided supplies and medications. ing here. bered as a compassionate, though founded here by Father Goekler is Enamorado helps residents with The primary aim of these minis- strict, mentor to at-risk youth and no longer functioning, some ancil- such needs as prenatal care, basic tries was to counter gang recruit- an advocate for the poor people lary programs are still operating, medications, checkups and diagno- ment and to improve the well-being living in Chamelecón. including two health clinics, one of ses. Health issues such as heart dis- of residents. Chamelecón is often More than 50 young men made which provides tattoo removal ser- ease, skin and lung irritations, and referred to as the “murder capi- their way through Father Goekler’s vices for former gang members and a myriad of gastrointestinal issues tal of Honduras”—some claim of Walking for Peace (Caminando Por those hoping to leave gangs. plague residents, and are exacer- all of Central America—due to the La Paz) program during his tenure “People loved him, and they fol- bated by standing water and sew- prevalence of rival gangs. The MS- here, where in the process of building lowed him,” says Angelina Enam- age overflow following the storms. 13 (Mara Salvatrucha) and MS-18 homes for residents, they helped to orado, who runs a small medical clin- The hurricane damage to her small (Mara 18) gangs wage a daily turf better their community and acquired ic and convenience store from her pharmacy is visible in a side room war here centered around narcotics trade and construction skills, leader- home in Chamelecón. She expresses stacked with medical aids and in- distribution, human trafficking and ship and valuable life lessons. deep gratitude for the Maryknoll struments, such as crutches and extortion under the threat of vio- With the benefit of another pro- missioner who supported her 32-year a wheelchair, in need of cleaning lence in the guise of “protection” gram called Street Teens (Jovenes effort to improve the community. and restoration. for local businesses. En La Calle), many of these youth re- “He really helped a lot,” she says “We were already under a pan- By all accounts, Father Goekler ceived counseling and scholarships of Father Goekler’s support for her demic situation when the hurri- was fearless in the face of gang to attend local schools. Several went clinical outreach. “When he said canes came,” she says. “That re- members’ contempt, often chastis- on to complete college and now it was important to have medical mains our main worry right now.

12 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 13 The clinic, which sees as many as It’s this exercise of love for the 70 people per week, is staffed main- people of Chamelecón that still mo- ly by Bonilla as the lead medical tivates Bonilla through the hardships practitioner. Health consultations, of the pandemic and hurricanes, and she says, are free, although people even past the loss of her friend Fa- are asked to pay what they can for ther Goekler over a decade ago. additional services. Besides the com- “To love one another—other hu- mon illnesses and wellness checks, man beings—as Jesus teaches is why the clinic distributes and administers we’re still here,” she says. “It’s some- antiretroviral medication to people times very hard to love somebody, living with HIV. but my faith teaches me that this Yet now, in 2021, Bonilla says the [medical] practice is the way I can main concern of those she sees is show love to people.” “only the virus.” COVID-19 cases have skyrocketed in the tightly packed Gregg Brekke is a photojournalist barrio, and while she says mask use and writer from Bellingham, Wash- is common, many people still do not ington, dedicated to telling stories of wear them, and social distancing is justice and faith. not practiced universally. “We have seen daily deaths due to the virus,” she says. “It’s the most difficult time I’ve experienced as a medical provider. We are unable to help once people become too ill.” Residents move a reclaimed couch during a torrential rainstorm in Chamelecón, a Bonilla and her husband, José, neighborhood of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. They hope to clean and resell it to those also operate the Goodbye Tattoos who lost everything during Hurricanes Eta and Iota last year. (Gregg Brekke/Honduras) (Adios Tatuajes) program from the clinic, using a laser to remove gang People don’t know who is infected floor kitchen area of the home. members’ tattoos. and they are scared.” “Any work that’s been done to In the 30 years that Adios Tatu- Enamorado’s riverside neighbor- clean homes or remove waste has ajes has been in operation, Bonilla hood of San José in Chamelecón was been done with our own hands,” estimates they have removed an in- hardest hit by the 2020 storms. Navi- Lopez says. “This community will be credible 26,000 tattoos, mostly from gating the muddy streets by foot in- the last to have its streets cleaned those who have left gangs and no volves walking between puddles and (in San Pedro Sula). It is all but for- longer want to carry on their bodies over mounds of debris, often spanned gotten by the government.” the symbols of that involvement. by planks, sodden mattresses or the Another of Father Goekler’s lega- “A lot of young people who’ve remains of broken furniture. cies is a second clinic in the barrio’s had their tattoos removed come Here Hunter Lopez mucks mud central business district operated back and say, ‘Look, I’m working from his mother’s home across the by Suyapa Bonilla, a nurse assistant. now, thanks to you.’ Those moments street from Enamorado’s house. She met the priest when he arrived are some of our most successful mo- Heavy rains throughout January in Chamelecón in search of people ments—changing the lives of those washed much of the previously re- who understood the community. who belong to the gangs so they moved mud from the street and Health providers offered a conduit can get a job and enter back into Suyapa Bonilla at her health clinic in Barrio back into the courtyard and ground to develop other relationships. normal relationships,” Bonilla says. Chamelecón. (Gregg Brekke/Honduras)

14 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 15 Spirit of Mission

We Are All the Body of Christ By Joseph R. Veneroso, M.M.

ometime in December 2019 a keen insight resulted from Paul’s customer at the Huanan Sea- conversion experience on the road Sfood Market in Wuhan, China, to Damascus, while hunting down sneezed while buying fish. Sixteen Christians to arrest them. Suddenly months later, 117 million people had he heard a voice that asked, “Why contracted COVID-19 worldwide, of are you persecuting me?” Paul which 2.6 million died, a half million asked the speaker’s identity and of these in the United States alone. heard: “I am Jesus whom you are This dramatic manifestation of our persecuting.” This was years after global interconnectedness, which Jesus died, rose and ascended. continues to impact our lives, is a What Christ revealed is whatever we Dr. Anne Berry, who served as a Maryknoll lay missioner in East Africa, talks with a modern application of John Donne’s do to one another, we do to him. woman in the maternity ward at Bukumbi Hospital in Tanzania. (Jerry Fleury/Tanzania) classic 1624 meditation, “No Man Is Paul further expanded this col- an Island.” lective identity of believers in his tween peoples of different nation- ty and solidarity: “If only we might “No one is an island entire of it- epistles, uniting Jews with Gentiles, alities, races and religions in recent rediscover once for all that we need self, everyone is a piece of the con- men with women, free people and years, violent resistance to such one another, and that in this way our tinent, a part of the main; if a clod slaves. St. Matthew would take up solidarity, especially by people who human family can experience a re- be washed away by the sea, Europe this theme in his account of the Last identify as Christian, is shocking birth, with all its faces, all its hands is the less, as well as if a promon- Judgment, “Whatever you did to one and alarming. Even though China and all its voices, beyond the walls tory were, as well as any manner of of these least of my brothers and sis- struggled to contain the COVID-19 that we have erected.” thy friends or of thine own were; any ters, you did to me” (Matthew 25:40). virus, many supposedly Christian COVID-19 exposed a sad truth: Far one’s death diminishes me, because We in the English-speaking, Chris- Americans responded with acts of too many people died from soul-drain- I am involved in humankind. And, tian West have thus had this under- anti-Asian aggression. Strident op- ing isolation as well as from the therefore, never send to know for standing of our oneness in Christ position to wearing masks, social dis- disease. But it also revealed the no- whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” ingrained into our culture and phi- tancing and lockdowns put the most bler side of humanity: people risking It should come as no surprise losophy for thousands of years. vulnerable in our society at risk and their lives for others. A random inci- to learn Donne was a cleric in the St. Francis of Assisi met with Sul- violated the most basic tenets of our dent half a world away can impact us Church of England, for his spirituality tan al-Kamil and, after dialogue, faith: we are, in faith and in fact, our all, but so too can acts of charity and clearly mirrors that of St. Paul, who each recognized the other as a brothers’ and sisters’ keepers. sacrifice. As Christians, we cannot articulated his analogy of the body brother in faith, children of the same In his third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti exist in a vacuum, separated physi- in 1 Corinthians 12:12. “For even as God. Surely this prefigured the his- (All Brothers), Pope Francis blames cally, emotionally and spiritually from the body is one and yet has many toric meeting of the saint’s name- such deplorable responses to the others, but must search out new, cre- members, and all the members of sake, Pope Francis, with the Grand COVID-19 pandemic on a failure in ative ways to express our connection the body, though they are many, are Ayatollah Sistani in Iraq last March. global cooperation due to the break- to one another. We are the Body of one body, so also is Christ.” This Despite heroic acts of unity be- down or absence of human fraterni- Christ here and now.

16 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 17 Friendships in CHRIST

By Maria-Pia Negro Chin

For a missioner in Taiwan, hospitality is a way to spread the Good News

Taipei Archbishop Thomas Chung An-zu (left), then bishop of Chiayi, visited Maryknoll Father Nhuan Nguyen at his parish in 2018. (Nile Sprague/Taiwan)

ver since his first assignment good memory. So I drink the tea for current parish, St. Joseph the Work- Church—a church he built in the Tai- E as a pastor in Taiwan, more good health.” er, in the Diocese of Chiayi. He is the chung Diocese. “Father Nguyen has than 27 years ago, Maryknoll For Father Nguyen, tea—and the first Maryknoll priest to serve in the experience growing the local parish Father Nhuan Nguyen has been in- friendship associated with it—is diocese. (in Taichung), making it like a pil- viting friends and parishioners to part of his mission ministry. “Because Father Nguyen is quite grimage site,” the then bishop said. join him at the rectory for tea or The priest says that evangelizing hospitable to the visitors, we are When Father Nguyen arrived at a home-cooked meal. While pour- in Taiwan, where Catholics account beginning to attract nearby believ- St. Joseph in 2017, the church com- ing the tea for his visitors one day, for only 1.5% of nearly 24 million ers,” said Taipei Archbishop Thom- pound was dilapidated. Overgrown before COVID-19, he extolled the inhabitants, is not easy. Yet, he as Chung An-zu, who, as bishop of weeds obscured the property and virtues of green tea, a gift from a says, the way to help others know Chiayi, invited the missionary priest “only pigeons came to stay here,” 90-year-old friend. Jesus Christ is “from friend to into the diocese. he recalls. “She gave it to me and said that friend.” He said he was happy to have “The church was in very bad it is very good for the body,” the He makes friends easily, he says, Father Nguyen in the diocese be- condition,” says Dr. John Chu. He missioner says. “She has no high probably because he talks and cause of the Maryknoll priest’s suc- and his wife, Justine, used to go blood pressure and has a clear, jokes a lot. He is doing this at his cessful evangelizing at Guadalupe to nearby churches before Father

18 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 19 Nguyen arrived in Chiayi. He drew on his building experi- ese migrant workers and Taiwanese It took six months to clean up the ence at his previous parish and on Catholics in the community. church grounds, the missioner says. his experience building schools and Parishioners say the statues that With limited parish funds for reno- homes for those in need in his na- Father Nguyen has obtained from vations, he was able to count on do- tive Vietnam. Vietnam and that now adorn the nations from his former parishioners Once the repairs were completed, church compound attract people in and his Catholic friends in Taichung. the priest reached out to Vietnam- the community as well as travelers. “The marble statues of St. Joseph helping young Jesus, the Assump- tion of Mary with surrounding an- gels, 12 disciples—it becomes so conspicuous that Taiwanese people know it is a Catholic Church,” the Chus wrote in an email. Father Nguyen, who will turn 68 in May, is open and receptive to Christians and non-Christians. “I welcome anyone who wants to come,” he says. “I open the door outside the church. People come in to take pictures with the statues. I go (to them) right away and start A local woman and Father Nguyen stand conversations.” with a cross made by the missioner at the Last December, Father Nguyen re- request of a Vietnamese priest in Taiwan. ceived a call from a man asking for (Courtesy of Nhuan Nguyen/Taiwan) a funeral Mass for his wife. “The lady was Buddhist. They were all During this year of St. Joseph, Buddhist,” says the missioner, who the parish is encouraging young went to visit the family. “I asked, Vietnamese workers to follow the ‘Why a Mass?’ and they said that saint’s example of fatherhood, Fa- the wife had worked at a Catholic ther Nguyen says. kindergarten.” The family wanted “(They) left their homeland to to go to church that Friday—which come here and earn some money so was December 25. “There were a lot that their families could live decent- of people singing for Christmas and ly,” the Chus explain, adding that I said that Jesus was born for us and the workers’ faith brings new life to brought us new life. The family was the parish. very happy. They are still in contact The church is home to 25 to 35 with me.” Vietnamese migrant workers who Father Nguyen spends most of his come to Mass every Sunday. On time visiting hospitals, ministering holidays—such as Christmas and to the elderly and nurturing friend- Chinese New Year—there are up to ships, all while sharing God’s good 100. “If people cannot come, it is be- Father Nguyen shows a statue of St. Joseph helping young Jesus, one of many statues news. He also shepherds Vietnam- cause they are working overtime,” crafted in Vietnam that now adorn the campus of St. Joseph the Worker Church. ese workers. (Courtesy of Nhuan Nguyen/Taiwan) Father Nguyen says of the migrants,

20 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 21 every family,” Father Nguyen says. made friends with the Taiwanese. “But when we went to a poor fam- “If you know Mandarin (the official ily, he did not ask for money—he language), people tell you ‘hello gave them money.” and goodbye,’ but the Taiwanese Inspired by the priest’s example language is for the family,” he says. and his own family’s strong Cath- “The Taiwanese like Maryknoll be- olic faith, Nhuan entered the Con- cause we speak Taiwanese.” gregation of the Mother Co-Re- Recently, a Chiayi priest asked Fa- demptrix minor seminary when he ther Nguyen how to raise money to was 13 years old. That's where he repair or rebuild a church. “I told learned construction and carpen- him two things are important. First, try. But in 1975, when the commu- everyone has to pray. If God wants nists took over, he was one of the you to, you can rebuild the church. thousands who fled to the United Two: Do you have many friends? States by boat. If you don't have friends, nobody Later, he left the congregation helps you. If you have friends, they and pursued a degree in business can raise money with you.” data processing. Following a life- The missioner is happy that St. Jo- long dream to serve others overseas, seph the Worker is now a welcom- he entered Maryknoll in 1985. He ing place where parishioners are en- was ordained as the first Vietnam- gaging in evangelization activities, ese Maryknoll priest in 1993. including processions and celebra- Assigned to Taiwan, he focused tions. These events, he says, help on learning the country's history, people recognize God already living culture and language and quickly and acting in this area.

Father Nguyen visits the 96-year-old mother of a parishioner in Taichung. Visiting the sick and elderly is part of the missioner’s ministry. (Courtesy of Nhuan Nguyen/Taiwan)

who are mostly in their 20s and 30s. during home visits in a suburb south “They are always working, working, of Saigon, the capital of South Viet- working. I tell them that if they are nam at the time. (Saigon was re- too busy, to pray at home. But do not named Ho Chi Minh City after the forget Sunday.” Vietnam War and it is now the larg- He also encourages them to keep est and most populous city in Viet- in touch with each other using con- nam.) The country was at war be- tact information from the parish. tween the communist North and the “They are lonely,” he explains. “I anti-communist South. Every week visit them sometimes.” there was a funeral or memorial Father Nguyen learned about Mass, he recalls. During the home the importance of going out to the visits, the pastor gave Communion people in his homeland. As an altar to those mourning the dead. server, 10-year-old Nhuan joined Fa- One day, the priest needed to raise Vietnamese migrant workers share a meal with Father Nguyen after Mass, during the ther Vu Dinh Trong, his parish priest, money for the church. “He went to days the priest was working to rebuild his parish. (Courtesy of John and Justine Chu/Taiwan)

22 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 23 On a Maryknoll immersion trip to Jamaica, Carolyn Trumble makes a new friend. (Dennis Kelly/Jamaica)

Building HopeJAMAICA in

By Carolyn Trumble

In the midst of poverty and pandemic, Catholics in Jamaica open a new school

here are an infinite num- to find work. As one school board T ber of reasons not to open member describes it, “The boy’s a school while facing a pan- wings are clipped too soon in the demic, says Franciscan Father Colin educational process.” King, vicar of education for the Di- Confronted with poverty and few ocese of Montego Bay in Jamaica. opportunities for work without an He mentions challenges that include education, young men are often financial constraints and the risk of recruited into gangs and into ille- failure. But his diocese was willing gal scamming. to “stare down fear and the uncer- Responding to the urgent need to tainty of a pandemic,” he says, to help such youth and, in the words open a school for boys last fall. of Father King, “trusting that God In this Caribbean island nation, will lead us,” the Diocese of Mon- he says, many children grow up in tego Bay opened Monsignor Glad- one-parent families, with a mother stone Wilson College in October or grandmother being the sole par- 2020. Named for a Jamaican priest ent. “Our young men are suffering who lived from 1906 to 1974 and from that,” says Father King, refer- distinguished himself as a scholar, ring to the lack of male role models. the school has begun with a handful Without father figures who see of students in what Jamaicans call the value of education and take sixth form, the U.S. equivalent of responsibility for supporting their 12th grade. Their curriculum follows families, many boys drop out of the STEM (Science, Technology, En- school, says Maryknoll Father Leo gineering, Mathematics) methodol- Shea, who served in the Montego ogy, including some college courses Bay Diocese for several years. “The in the U.S. educational system. Jamaican male is a lost segment of The school is currently located in a society,” he says. transformed parish hall in Montego The downturn in the economy Bay’s Blessed Sacrament Cathedral, has exacerbated the plight of boys but the Ministry of Education for and young men in Jamaica, forcing Jamaica plans to help the diocese those who were in school to leave build a school that will be able to

24 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 25 of what an investment in quality education can do to open doors not only for them but for the lives they will touch in the future. “They would not have been able to finish high school without help because their families did not have the money,” says Father King. “They are all grateful for the opportunity to pursue their education.” Jamaica currently has several all- girls schools that have been success- ful and are a model of what can be achieved with a school for boys. Jamaican universities are reporting their student bodies as 80% female and 20% male. The Catholic com- munity of Montego Bay is commit- ted to helping boys catch up. “The history of Catholic education

Deacon Baldwin Powell (left) and a young Jamaican resident tell visitors about their Caribbean island nation. (Courtesy of Maryknoll’s Church Engagement Division/Jamaica)

accommodate more students and geously navigating his first year at grade levels. Monsignor Gladstone Wilson Col- “We are building hope,” says Dea- lege is Chrison. The pandemic has con Baldwin Powell, who serves at forced him, like students through- Blessed Sacrament Cathedral and is out the world, to go to remote a member of the Maryknoll Deacon learning. With no internet service Mission Partners. “Our goal is to es- or computer at home, he attends his tablish a school to try and reduce the classes on a cell phone. Father King risk of these vulnerable boys so they has helped Chrison buy more data can be prepared to live lives of ser- for his phone so he can participate. vice, be committed in relationships Gifford and Andre are two other and be good citizens. We want to young men whom Father King has put a lifeboat out there for those helped with their education in an- who are struggling and drowning. other school. Gifford is studying to We want them to know that even be an architect and aspires to build though they may come from bro- community centers to provide a safe ken homes with no father figure, it place for the children in his commu- does not mean that will determine nity. Andre is working to become a their future.” teacher. All three of these bright, One of the students who is coura- talented, young men are examples At St. Paul’s Chapel in Glendevon, Montego Bay Diocese, Deacon Powell (right) explains to an immersion trip participant the Church’s mission in Jamaica. (Matthew Dulka/Jamaica)

26 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 27 Jesus said, "Follow me..." — Matthew 4:19 is to never forget the forgotten,” tory of healing the sick, feeding the says Father King. “It is designed to hungry, welcoming the stranger and uplift people and try to empower educating the young. A MISSION OF them. We want to help these young Faced with all the challenges of the men to reach their full potential and COVID-19 pandemic and a struggling for the kingdom of God to take root economy, the diocese has chosen to UNCONDITIONAL LOVE in their lives.” move forward, assembling talented, Deacon Powell echoes that senti- committed people who together ment. “Our hope is to inspire these courageously took a leap of faith, IS GOD CALLING young men and to build a better Ja- trusting that God will open doors. maica. We want them to excel and YOU TO A LIFETIME to take their rightful place in society Carolyn Trumble is a consultant who OF COMPASSION, as leaders,” he says. writes and edits educational ma- Led by Bishop Burchell Alexander terials for Maryknoll’s Church En- ADVENTURE AND McPherson, the Catholic Church in gagement Division. She served as a MERCY OVERSEAS? Montego Bay continues its long his- Maryknoll lay missioner in Brazil. Join the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers

Maryknoll Father Gregory McPhee will serve in Bolivia.

Contact: Fr. Rodrigo Ulloa Father Colin King welcomes student Alex Gordon and dad Mike to Monsignor Gladstone Vocation Director Wilson College, where Mike is on the school board. (Courtesy of Colin King/Jamaica) [email protected]

28 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL Maryknoll Vocations.org (914MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG) 941-7590 x 241 296 Maendel, winner of a Maryknoll essay Maria Shriver, Thomas Merton, Books Spotlight contest, suggests for those her age: Robert Ellsberg, John Dear, Joyce “I will probably never get a chance Rupp, Sojourner Truth, Mohandas Preview by Michael Leach to put my life on the line like the Chris- Gandhi, Maya Angelou, John Lewis, tians in the Middle East, but nonethe- Peace Pilgrim, St. Francis and many less, I can take a stand for peace and others. nonviolence every day. At school, the The Way of Peace is fifth in a series way I interact with my peers will in- of books on spiritual values that trans- fluence the younger students in our form our lives. First came The Way of school. I can also show interest and Gratitude, followed by The Way of support the local organizations in my Kindness, The Way of Forgiveness community that work for peace: our and The Way of Suffering. The pur- local police officers, AA and other or- pose of the series is to reassure read- ganizations that work towards bring- ers that these values reap tremendous ing peace to those who are trapped benefits, and to offer them some in- in a cycle of violence. Even though spiration for the journey. our efforts might seem small and in- Without peace in our hearts, there significant, we are actively working can never be peace in our family or for peace.” on earth. It begins but does not end “Peace is not something you wish on the spot where “we live and move for,” said John Lennon. “It’s some- and have our being” (Acts 17:28). thing you make. Something you do. I hope you find The Way of Peace Something you are, and something a beneficial companion on this our you give away.” communal journey. his anthology of stories, essays, Part Two focuses on examples of Other contributors to The Way of poems and prayers is meant to individuals from all walks of life who Peace include Pope Francis, Dorothy Michael Leach is publisher emeritus T inspire readers of all generations have spread that peace to others. Day, Martin Sheen, Michelle Obama, of Orbis Books. to cultivate peace in themselves, their Cultivating inner peace and becoming ✁ family and the world. “Not the peace an instrument of peace are insepara- that the world gives” (John 14:27) ble. “If one is authentic,” writes Fran- M0321 but the peace of God “that makes all ciscan Sister Pat Farrell, “it leads to Please send: copies of #416-5 The Way of Peace @ $20.00 each things new” (Rev 21:5). the other.” Standard Shipping: FREE The Way of Peace is organized into Part Three brings in prayers from *CA, CT, DC, FL, IL, KY, LA, MN, NY, OH, TX, WA, WI Sales tax*: three parts: Peace of Heart, Peace on all faith traditions that plant the seeds Earth and Prayers for Peace, which of peace in ourselves and the world. ❑ Check enclosed ❑ MC ❑ VISA ❑ AMEX ❑ DISC TOTAL: weave into and support each other. Theologian and novelist C.S. Lewis The premise of the book is that peace writes, “God can’t give us peace and Name of heart extends itself to peace on happiness apart from himself because Address E-mail earth—and that none of this is possi- there is no such thing.” City State Zip Phone ble without God. The book makes clear that few of Part One sets the table with medita- us are called to give up our lives for Card Number CVV tions and practices that help us nour- peace as Jesus did, or to work tire- Exp: Signature: ish inner peace. “Peace in the world lessly for peace like Gandhi did. But Orbis Books • POB 302 • Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302 cannot be made without peace in the each of us can perform the life-chang- 1-800-258-5838 • M-F, 8-4 ET • Online: www.orbisbooks.com heart,” writes Henri Nouwen. ing little things that eighth-grader Riva use code M0321 for FREE standard shipping!

30 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 31 “Unlike disagreement and conflict, persistent and courageous dialogue does not make head- lines, but quietly helps the world to live much better than we imagine.” —POPE FRANCIS Fratelli Tutti

A girl in Atlanta holds a flower during a vigil at a makeshift memorial outside the Gold Spa following deadly shootings March 16 at three day spas in Atlanta. (CNS photo/Shannon Stapleton, Reuters)

32 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 33 2020 STUDENT DIVISION I (Grades 6-8) ESSAY WINNERS First-Place Winner: DANIELLE CARRADORINI Referencing Pope Francis’ call to “build A Civilization of Love Includes Everyone a civilization of love,” we asked students to explain what they think the pope The coronavirus has affected many aspects of our lives, not only in America, but throughout means by that phrase, how they have the world. As Catholics, we are called to respond to these stressful and dividing times with seen people building a civilization of Christian love. In Pope Francis’ address on Sept. 9, 2020, he talks about how we all need to love during these extraordinary times contribute to building a “civilization of love.” The pope believes that the pandemic is giving and how they will do so going forward. us an opportunity to create a more “healthy, inclusive, just and peaceful society.” We received 2,743 essays from students According to Pope Francis, a “civilization of love” is one in which everyone is included. The love that we need to have for relationships to flourish starts in the home with the family. Pope competing in two divisions (grades 6-8 Francis calls us to share that love and let it spread into social, cultural, economic and political and grades 9-12). Following are the relationships. As a “civilization of love,” we cannot overlook the vulnerable or do something winning essays. just because there is a benefit in it for us. Relating to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses shouldn’t be developing vaccines as a money-making venture, but rather out of love for the people who need them. We must show “the best in our human nature and not the worst.” Also, in association with the election, we shouldn’t try to divide people, worsen the con- flict, or seek benefits for ourselves when voting. According to the LiCAS.news website, the pope said that “love must be unconditional and must be expressed even toward perceived enemies.” The same website also reports the pope saying, “inclusive love can generate social structures that encourage us to share rather than to compete.” Instead of competing to be the first to develop a vaccine, keeping it for ourselves, and not sharing it with other countries, we can share the medicine for the good of all people and not have such an egotistical mindset. The just society that Pope Francis speaks of is one that includes all people, doesn’t overlook individuals, and encourages sharing instead of competition or self-centeredness. We can see, especially during these times, a number of people who are helping to build a society of love. One way people have done this is by making an effort to support small businesses that are struggling because of the pandemic. Supporting them both economically by buying from them and emotionally by sending them letters and kind words is helping to spread love to them. Another way people are helping to build a “civilization of love” is by feeding the hungry. Many people are giving food to and volunteering at food banks. This is showing the part of the pope’s vision which is sharing and not being selfish. The volunteers do not get paid for the work they do, and the givers of the food are sharing their goods with others who need it. Also, at the beginning of the pandemic, people were giving cards and gifts to the residents of nursing homes to make sure that they knew they were not forgotten. This shows that the usually overlooked and vulnerable people in nursing homes are being cared for and noticed by lots of people. When good people work together, the “civilization of love” grows. Since every person is included in the “civilization of love,” it is important that we all con- Deacon Kevin McCarthy gives Danielle Carradorini, a seventh-grader at Saint Albert tribute to the making of it. Going forward, I can help to build it by abiding by all the precau- the Great School in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, the first-place Bishop Francis tions put into place for both my school life and life at home. Even if I don’t want to, or I am X. Ford Award for Division I of the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest. not at risk, I will do it to protect everyone around me. I can also help my mom make dinners

34 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 35 for healthcare workers who are working so hard on the front lines dealing with COVID-19 In a world separated by political ideology, culture and now an invisible six-foot social patients. Another thing I can do to build a society of love is to pray for the dying. I can pray distancing bubble, finding a “civilization of love” seems like a far-fetched goal. Together, to Saint Joseph, who is the patron saint of a happy death, because many of the people dying however, we can begin the road towards love, hope and a community-wide family. We of the coronavirus are dying alone because family and friends are not allowed to visit them. need a civilization not built on personal gain and greed, but one designed on the prin- To conclude, as Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the world. We ciples of kindness and compassion. We yearn for a society built not on arrogance and have to respond with love in these unusual and divisive times. If we do, we can emerge from ignorance but on knowledge and faith. We live in a civilization whose roots stem far into this pandemic, as the pope believes, a better and more loving civilization. dishonesty and cruelty. Pope Francis calls us to amend that, and shower the roots with hope and love so that our community may grow stronger and taller. The pope’s message is directed towards finding a way where neighbors can love neighbors, and people learn DIVISION II (Grades 9-12) to respect and appreciate the values of others who have different viewpoints, even though you do not always agree with them. First-Place Winner: CONNER CRUISE I have witnessed, firsthand, a community of hope and love. On the afternoon of Mon- day, August 10, a severe weather complex known as a “derecho” sent intense winds and thunderstorms over a 700-mile stretch of the Midwest. My hometown of Cedar Neighbors Help Neighbors Build a Rapids was severely impacted, with more than 800 buildings suffering at least partial Civilization of Love collapse. Nearly every home and business was damaged, and roads were impassable due to trees, debris and downed power lines. An estimated 500,000 people throughout Iowa were without power for many days. In the aftermath of the storm, Cedar Rapids was in desperate need of repair and cleanup. It started within each individual neighborhood, as families rallied together to get the streets and yards clear of debris. People loaned battery-powered generators and power saws to those in need. My high school mobilized volunteers to help within the greater community. A group of high school friends and I went from home to home helping cut down and remove trees and rubble from yards. We took ice, water and other necessary supplies to people in need. It was an incredibly powerful experience watching neighbors and members of the community rally together to help those who were severely impacted. We heard stories that broke our hearts while at the same time, inspiring and strengthening our resolve and determination. When Pope Francis speaks of a “civilization of love,” I recall this powerful experience. Our civilization, one like many others, came together, not for personal satisfaction or gain, but to love and serve others in our community. This experience has shown me the true love that a community can have for each other. Pope Francis calls us to spread this love to all civilization. We are all a unified people under God. Love, like nerve networks in our brain, weaves itself into billions of different short pathways in the community, usually only reaching as far as extended family. The pope calls for us to fill in the gaps in the pathways and build a connected blanket of love that stretches as far as there are living things. I, personally, am only one out of seven and a half billion people. However, as one individual I can impact and love others in my community and abroad. God calls us to love one another. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). Everyone who calls themselves a follower of Christ is called to walk in love. We are called to love wholeheartedly and sacrificially, as God loves us. It is my fervent desire to give the very best of myself, as Flanked by his parents, Chris and Kimberly, Conner Cruise, a 12th-grader at Cedar Jesus did for me. Each and every day I plan to look for new opportunities to show God’s Rapids Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, wins the first-place Bishop Patrick J. Byrne Award for Division II of the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest. love for all of mankind and help build a worldwide civilization of love.

36 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 37 SECOND-PLACE WINNERS THIRD-PLACE WINNERS

DIVISION I DIVISION I AMY POTTS DELANEY BUCKEL Grade 7 Grade 8 Morgantown House School Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral Morgantown, West Virginia School, Phoenix, Arizona

Citing examples of people in her com- For Delaney, building a civilization of love munity helping others this year, Amy means putting our own needs aside to says, “We need to combat this pandem- help others. Among the many who have ic with the virus of love.” But, she ac- done that during this pandemic, she men- knowledges, love needs to start at home. tions healthcare workers and people buy- She plans to build a civilization of love ing groceries for elderly neighbors. She beginning with small things. “I can wash too wants to share her gifts with those the dishes, clean my room or look after in need. “We all take part in making our my little brothers,” she says. world a better place,” she says.

DIVISION II DIVISION II EMILY ARTMAN ADAM DURR Grade 12 Grade 11 Green Mountain High School Lansing Catholic High School Lakewood, Colorado Lansing, Michigan

To illustrate that building a civilization In a civilization of love, says Adam, all of love often consists of small moments are welcome. This year, he points out, of kindness, Emily shares the story of her society has been forced to consider the 8-year-old cousin comforting a lost child. pain of those who have been excluded. “I saw Jesus working through her that “All around the world we see people day,” Emily says of her cousin, “and it coming together, striving to help, pas- serves as a reminder to me that through sionately calling for justice,” he says. compassion and love even the darkest He promises to join those efforts to moments can be broken with light.” build a world where all are loved.

Essays of all 2020 winners will be published on For future news of the Maryknoll Student Essay Contest, stay MaryknollSociety.org/winners and discoveryourneighbor.org. tuned to MaryknollSociety.org/essay. 38 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 39 he village was waiting for in the southeastern part of South Su- PEACEBUILDING IN Romano Longole to begin his dan to work together for peace and T presentation. All the Toposa unity. His is not an easy task in an SOUTH SUDAN men, women and youth were sitting area that emerged from years of the in the central area. Their stick and country’s wars, only to be beset with mud huts with grass-peaked roofs ethnic rivalries and hostilities. By Gabe Hurrish, MKLM surrounded them. Cattle, goats, Today’s workshop is part of Lon- chickens and dogs wandered here gole’s ministry at Holy Trinity Peace A Catholic Church initiative in South Sudan sends a team to and there, yet everyone was atten- Village–Kuron. Better known as tive as Longole began to speak to Kuron Peace Village, this model ini- remote villages to promote harmony among ethnic groups them in parables. tiative in a remote part of Eastern Longole’s job is mediating and mo- Equatoria is a project of Catholic tivating the Toposa and other ethnic Emeritus Bishop Paride Taban of groups who live in the Kuron region the Diocese of Torit. Over the past 20 years, Bishop Taban has worked to build what he describes as “a community where people with

Romano Longole stands before tribal leaders in the Kuron region, ready to help them work for peace.(Gabe Hurrish/South Sudan)

40 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 41 different ethnicities and religious portant resource in several of the backgrounds can live side by side in cultures of South Sudan. The peace harmony and fellowship.” team is often approached by elders Romano Longole is well suited to seeking help with mediating be- this ministry. Born in Uganda but tween conflicting groups. raised and educated in Kenya, he is The topics for discussion that a member of the Karamojong ethnic Longole and his team facilitate are group and speaks the Karamojong all-encompassing. Besides clan dis- language. This is also the language agreements and gender inequal- of the Toposa of South Sudan. He ity, Longole addresses issues like speaks English and Swahili and un- alcoholism, thefts and other social derstands several other languages. problems. He is doing what the gov- Longole has been working with ernment should be doing, but gov- the Catholic Church on peace and ernment officials are absent here. justice issues for decades. He often Longole is very enthusiastic about uses images to convey his message, his work. In a short time, he has such as using the eyes to represent gained the respect and admira- male and female when he is discuss- tion of the chiefs and local people ing issues of gender equality. through his humble and unassuming Today he tells the villagers, “You ways. Being a Karamojong, to which can’t see so well with only one eye. the Toposa are related, he is well Maryknoll Lay Missioner Larry Parr (second from left) You need two eyes for clear vision. aware of the dominant issues the works in youth development So send your girls to school.” Topo- Toposa face and how to approach in El Salvador. sa men are resistant to this idea and them about changing attitudes and prefer to keep the women in the behaviors. He knows, and is known house. Thanks to efforts like Lon- by, so very many in this area. gole’s, however, attitudes are slowly In addition to his gentle and calm changing. More and more girls are disposition, Longole has a quick wit asking for schooling, and more fa- and keen insight into the people he thers are allowing them to study. works with. Like Jesus, he silences his Longole’s responsibilities often critics with common sense and faith. take him into remote villages like He insists that these Toposa men and this. He and his team, two young To- women devote their lives to truly posa men named Eliah and Peter, go living as Christians and not seeking where the people are. They are con- revenge for previous wrongs. stantly on the move and, of course, I have been honored and blessed in these settings, things can change to work with Romano Longole at quickly. The team may spend one or Kuron Peace Village. We spend time two nights in any community trying talking about many things, and I to resolve problems. have learned so much from him. I The main issue the team attempts thank God for his presence here. to address is violence arising from cattle raiding. This is a deep-rooted Maryknoll Lay Missioner Gabe Hur- issue and cannot be changed over- rish has been working at Kuron night. Cattle are seen as a most im- Peace Village since October 2020.

42 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 43 ne morning when she was in the marketplace in East Timor, Maryknoll Sister Susan Wanzagi had an experience she was not The Joy of O prepared for. “A woman came up to me and said, ‘Because I did not go to Mass, I want to kiss your hand to get a blessing,’ ” she recalls. Initially taken aback, Sis- COMING TOGETHER ter Wanzagi was moved by the woman’s respect for her religious vocation and obliged. “I have many blessings that I may share with others,” she says. By Mary Ellen Manz, M.M. Since 2018 she has been doing just that in the southeastern Asian nation of East Timor, where she serves in mission. Sister Wanzagi, who was born in Musoma, Tanzania, is one of five Mary- Maryknoll Sister from Tanzania shares blessings and is blessed knoll Sisters, all from different cultures, currently serving the people of Sts. serving in East Timor

En route to deliver the supply package on her head, Sister Susan Wanzagi and youth pause for a selfie. (Courtesy of Susan Wanzagi/E. Timor) in the 1930s to Polish Sister Fausti- to East Timor with Portuguese trad- na Kowalska, now a saint, in which ers in the 16th century, they plant- Jesus instructed her to make known ed the seed of the Christian faith God’s merciful love in a variety of and the Catholic Church, which has ways. All Divine Mercy groups com- helped the people to survive oc- mit to saying special prayers each cupations by foreign nations and afternoon at 3 o’clock, the hour of tremendous suffering, persecution the Crucifixion. and wars. “In our group we pray the Divine Catholics today make up about Mercy prayers every day at 3 o’clock 85% of the inhabitants of the coun- and visit people who are sick at try, and Sister Wanzagi is inspired home or in the hospital,” says Sister by their religiosity. Wanzagi. “We also visit people who She also finds much in the Ti- are needy, the elderly and disabled. morese culture that is similar to her We prepare and distribute packag- own Tanzanian culture. “For exam- es of basic things like food, sham- ple,” she says, “when visiting a fam- poo, oil and soap.” Sometimes, she ily, they will prepare food for you, Sister Wanzagi beams in the background as children she mentors show off their artwork. (Courtesy of Susan Wanzagi/East Timor) says, the youth and Divine Mercy and if they do not have much food, groups work together doing char- they will prepare coffee or tea. This itable works. culture of generosity is the same Peter and Paul parish in the moun- Sister Wanzagi sees her role in all as my Tanzanian culture and this tainous district of Aileu. There she these groups as advisory. “My minis- makes me feel at home.” uses her skills and experience as a tries help me share the love of God East Timor has two official lan- teacher to do what she calls “infor- with the Timorese and build rela- guages, Portuguese and Tetun, the mal education,” outside of a school tionships with them,” she says. dialect of the Timorese people. Al- setting. “I teach English to the chil- When Dominican friars first came ready fluent in Swahili, English and dren, youths, and professional peo- ple like doctors, firefighters and po- lice,” she says. She also works with a youth club that aims to help deepen the faith of young Timorese through weekly Bible study, retreats, feast day celebrations and singing at their parish church. “These young people are learning that to be Christian means to reach out to help others who are needy, by visiting the sick and doing charitable works,” Sister Wanzagi says. The parish, she adds, has a Divine Mercy group, which—like other such groups throughout the world—is committed to spreading the mes- Sister Wanzagi and Divine Mercy group visit an Maryknoll Sisters Julia Shideler (left) and Susan Wanzagi (right) visit homes and listen sage of God’s love for all. This de- elderly neighbor. (Courtesy of Susan Wanzagi/E. Timor) to the concerns of their neighbors in Aileu. (Courtesy of Susan Wanzagi/East Timor) votion was ignited by apparitions

46 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 47 caption goes here... Photo credit goes here...

Sister Susan Wanzagi (white shirt) joins the women’s group in clearing their cornfield after they harvested the crop to feed their families and sold the surplus. (Courtesy of Susan Wanzagi/East Timor)

the tribal dialects of her own coun- selling food or doughnuts had to try, Sister Wanzagi concentrated on close down and soon found them- learning the Tetun language shortly selves unable to feed their families. after arriving in East Timor by tak- This included a women’s group that ing formal classes at the language Sister Wanzagi accompanies. The school in the capital of Dili for two group chose to look for a solution. months. She is now fluent in Tetun, “We decided to have a women’s which enables her to be of service garden and we started cultivating and to develop friendships with the vegetables, sweet potatoes, white many women, teenagers and chil- potatoes and corn,” says Sister Wan- dren with whom she works. “I thank zagi. “This has enabled the women God that I now speak Tetun, and I to feed their children and family really like the language,” she says. members as well as to build their The Democratic Republic of East agricultural skills.” Timor is one of the poorest nations By growing enough food as a in the world. According to the World group, they are able to sell the sur- Bank, 20% of the population is un- plus of what they grow, thus help- employed and 52.9% live on less ing the project to be sustainable than $1.25 a day. As a result, many and a source of income. struggle to feed their families, edu- “Another very positive and most cate their children and care for their important result,” Sister Wanza- sick, all of which leads to domestic gi adds, “is that it has helped the abuse and sometimes abandonment women to build good relationships by husbands. Despair has led many among themselves, and to experi- men and women to commit suicide. ence that working together gives During the COVID-19 pandemic, them strength.” This, she says, is a women who had a small business blessing for all.

48 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 49 Father Paul Masson (holding a hat) greets parishioners of St. Pius X parish. (Nile Sprague/Bolivia)

efore COVID-19 broke out, “That is what the Catholic Church FORMING CHRISTIAN Maria Terrazas’ routine on teaches us: When we serve our B Sunday was to get up early brothers and sisters, we are serv- and prepare to visit the inmates of ing the Lord,” Terrazas says. “Some COMMUNITIES IN BOLIVIA the San Sebastian women’s prison people ask me why I visit the in- in the heart of Cochabamba, Boliv- mates and I tell them that it is not ia. After passing a rigorous securi- me, but God who is acting within By Giovana Soria ty check, Terrazas would go to the me. It is a commitment that I have prison chapel, where she assisted with the Lord.” In addition to help- Maryknoll missioner guides parishioners of St. Pius X Church in Maryknoll Father Paul Masson as he ing at Mass, Terrazas supports, Cochabamba to evangelize celebrated the Eucharist for more listens to, and brings clothes and than 30 inmates. food to the inmates.

50 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 51 During the pandemic, members of Christian communities gathered with Father Masson In addition to five-decade rosaries, participants and Seminarian Matthew Sim (green shirt) to make rosaries. (Rossy Bedoya/Bolivia) made one-decade rosaries. (Rossy Bedoya/Bolivia)

Terrazas began this service more assemblies: La Chimba, Cuzco, from the Huayna Kapac assembly plastic rosaries for the inmates and than five years ago after being part Huayna Kapac and Siles. During the offered her house and some mate- other things the prisoners needed. of a Christian community in her pandemic, the leaders of the as- rials to start making rosaries. Lorena Simons, who belongs to parish, St. Pius X, a community that semblies and other members have For a couple of nights, the par- the Cuzco assembly, was one of the is now led by Father Masson. The continued to meet once a week on ticipants, including Father Masson initiators of the Christian communi- priest, who began his mission in Bo- a Zoom call.” and Maryknoll Seminarian Mat- ties five years ago. She remembers livia in 2015, lives near the parish While COVID-19 cases persist, Ter- thew Sim, who also lives in Cocha- knocking on doors in the neighbor- and serves as a spiritual guide for razas can’t enter the prison. How- bamba, gathered in a large room, hood to invite people to join. “At its base Christian communities. ever, the inmates asked her for ro- all wearing masks, to make more 5 in the morning we would call “We were asked through the saries, since they were using their than 50 rosaries and one-decade people by megaphone to come out Maryknoll Mission Center to help fingers to say the prayers. Terrazas, rosaries. “The rosaries we made to pray. We would call for half an this parish, St. Pius X, to be a mis- who belongs to La Chimba assem- were beautiful,” says Bedoya. The hour and we would walk down the sion parish,” says Father Masson. bly, approached the other members group members decided to sell street praying the Rosary. At the “We discovered four Christian com- of the Christian communities to ask those rosaries. With the money beginning, we were about 30 peo- munities that parishioners called for help. Immediately Rossy Bedoya they made, they bought cheaper, ple,” she says. “After we attended

52 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 53 serving, seeing what is happening; For Sim, the accompaniment reflecting on what are the signs of of Father Masson has helped the the times; and then acting.” members of the Christian commu- He emphasizes that one of the im- nities understand and integrate portant initiatives of the Latin Amer- their role in the mission of the ican Episcopal Conference of Me- Church. “The group started as a dellín in Colombia in 1978 was the Bible study group, reading the idea of forming Christian communi- Scriptures and examining how it ties so that people would not only go connected to our lives,” he says. to Mass on Sundays but also live their “During the pandemic, the group faith and form communities. through Father Masson’s sugges- In addition to his ministry in pris- tion shared our experiences, con- ons and the support he offers St. cerns and reflections from the Pius X Church, Father Masson men- Scriptures in terms of how we tors Maryknoll seminarians, includ- might change our negative emo- ing Sim, and brother candidates tions from our current situation. who are experiencing mission and The change in our way of being as discerning if this is something they a Christian community had a great want to do for the rest of their lives. impact on everyone. Instead of be- As part of their formation, these ing just a group for prayer and re- men spend two years in Maryknoll’s flection, the members of the group Overseas Training Program. became contemplatives in action.” Sim, from Singapore, who start- Father Masson, who was or- ed participating in the Christian dained in 1972, served in Chile for communities three months ago, 20 years, working with different says the pandemic has been a call Christian communities in formation to be more creative in terms of ac- and with apostolic movements. In companying the community. 1998 he was assigned to be part Father Masson, playing the guitar, and Maryknoll Seminarian John Siyumbu (white shirt) “I feel it would be meaning- of the Maryknoll border team in meet with Christian communities at Father Masson’s home. (Nile Sprague/Bolivia) ful to share what I have learned, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, where he methods of pastoral theological served for 10 years. He was a mem- Mass, we talked about our prob- “The custom is that the priest al- reflection, updates on Church ber of the Maryknoll General Coun- lems, we prayed, we sang and we ways has a voice, but it is very im- teachings, papal documents and cil from 2008 to 2014. had a breakfast with everyone.” portant to find a way for a new other new developments in the When the pandemic is under con- From this group, the assemblies church where people have a voice,” Church,” he says. “As a foreigner, trol, Maria Terrazas hopes to serve were born. Father Masson says. “The only way I felt that I could offer another the inmates again. In the mean- For Father Masson, 78, it is im- to make a church that is more open perspective during these meet- time, she will continue to evange- portant to base the meeting on the is with community participation.” ings. At the same time, I believe, lize, listen to people and give them Gospel and the life of Jesus. When The missioner from Rouseville, like the Catholic Church, that this advice based on the word of God. the communities gather every near Oil City, Pennsylvania, says accompaniment is enriching for us. “I thank God for being a part Wednesday, they discuss a Gospel that if you want to be present in These dialogues invite everyone to of St. Pius X Church. I have learned passage or a document from Pope people’s lives, you have to take cul- discern and create a new way of a lot from Father Masson and the Francis. Participants share reflec- ture and reality into account. “In being Church together by recog- Maryknoll missionaries who help tions on the reading and what is Christian communities,” he says, nizing the presence and wisdom of us,” she says. “They are like a light currently happening in their lives. “we use the methodology of ob- God that exist in different realities. that illuminates us.”

54 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 55 World Watch

2021: A Year Highlighting Child Labor By Kathleen Kollman Birch

he United Nations has named The majority of child labor occurs 2021 as the International Year in the agricultural sector, about 70%. T for the Elimination of Child La- About two-thirds of child laborers work bor. Throughout this year, U.N. mem- in family enterprises. About half of ber states and civil society are being child laborers work in what is known as A young child in the Philippines works making handicrafts. (Sean Sprague/Philippines) called on to take concrete steps to “hazardous” labor, or jobs that place end the practice of child labor, which them in direct physical danger. involves an estimated 152 million chil- In many societies around the world, dren worldwide. it is expected that children will prior- as strict criminalization, which can ers are urging recommitment to the This global focus on child labor itize helping with agricultural labor or unfairly target poor families and drive fight against child labor. “There is no could not come at a more urgent providing income for the family over the practice underground, making it place for child labor in society,” said time. Coronavirus restrictions around education. This is especially true for even more dangerous. Studies have ILO Director-General Guy Ryder. “It the world have shut down schools girls, whose education is often least shown that working against child la- robs children of their future and keeps and pushed an estimated 120 million valued. Research demonstrates that bor requires an integrated approach families in poverty. … With COVID-19 more families into extreme poverty, inappropriate levels or types of child that increases social protections threatening to reverse years of prog- making it even more likely for children labor can cause significant and life- and addresses the root causes of ress, we need to deliver on promises to be burdened with the responsibility long developmental harm for children, the problem, including the structural now more than ever.” to earn income. International agen- which has led to the global movement causes of poverty, lack of incentives cies such as the International Labor against child labor. for education and other social norms Kathleen Kollman Birch is communica- Organization (ILO) are expecting a Now, with families experiencing that legitimize the practice. tions manager at the Maryknoll Office large increase in child labor this year, even more desperate poverty during Despite the challenge, global lead- for Global Concerns. a trend that will have enormous impli- the coronavirus pandemic, the prob- cations for years to come. lem has grown more endemic. The FAITH IN ACTION: What exactly constitutes child la- United Nations has estimated that be- • Explore resources on the issue of child labor in advance of the U.N. World bor? The ILO defines child labor as tween 2000 and 2020, the number of Day Against Child Labor on June 12: http://bit.ly/June12ChildLabor “work that deprives children of their child laborers had fallen by about 40%, • Explore the U.N.’s official website for the Year for the Elimination of Child childhood, their potential and their but UNICEF now suggests that the ef- Labor and make a personal pledge of how you can take action: https://end- dignity, and that is harmful to physi- fects of the COVID-19 pandemic could childlabour2021.org/ cal and mental development.” In ad- almost entirely reverse that progress. dition, it is most often work that in- Ending the practice of child labor The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, based in Washington, D.C., is a re- terferes with their education or that is will be no mean feat. Around the source for Maryknoll on matters of peace, social justice and integrity of creation, “mentally, physically, socially or mor- world, certain approaches to combat- and brings Maryknoll’s mission experience into U.S. policy discussions. Phone ally dangerous.” ing child labor have backfired, such (202) 832-1780, visit www.maryknollogc.org or email [email protected].

56 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 57 Partners in Mission

Emerging leader for the Church and society By Jorge Rivera

ope Francis emphasized in his She was a catalyst in encouraging apostolic exhortation Evangelii young adults in her region to engage in P Gaudium that a “Church which the National V Encuentro of Hispanic ‘goes forth’ is a community of mission- Ministry’s multi-year process. She al- ary disciples who take the first step, so leads a committee organizing the who are involved and supportive, who 2022 Raíces y Alas Congress, a na- bear fruit and rejoice.” Carolina Perez, tional Catholic congress in Hispanic a young adult leader from Chicago, is ministry. Carolina Perez (third from right) with other participants at a discernment conference not afraid to “take the first step.” She In addition, Carolina is pursuing a called Catholics on Call at Catholic Theological Union. (Courtesy of Carolina Perez/U.S.) gives of herself, always looking out for master’s degree in justice ministry those in the margins. at the Catholic Theological Union in I’ve known Carolina since her late Chicago. “After I graduate, I hope to ly organized a group of young adults Carolina is part of the young adult teens and have witnessed her passion be able to educate more people in from Chicago to participate in World empowerment communities that for mission. Now in her mid-20s, she Catholic social teaching, which is very Youth Day in Panama. As the group’s Maryknoll started in 2020 to help represents the face of a vibrant young close to my heart,” she says, “not just mentor, I witnessed how Carolina young people grow in faith and mis- Hispanic church. to educate, but to accompany and helped participants from five different sion. “I was drawn by the action com- “I live out my call of missionary dis- walk with young people in the Church parishes live out the experience as a ponent,” she says. “There are not cipleship by forming community and and the peripheries of society.” pilgrimage rather than merely a trip. many local organizations that support working in pastoral de conjunto to Carolina is impressed by Maryknoll’s Pope Francis describes youth as Hispanic ministry and social ministry, build a more loving, merciful and just vision and mission, particularly the “the age of choice” and suggests so that differentiates Maryknoll from society,” she says. (Pastoral de con- focus on Catholic social teaching. “I young people should not be “afraid other opportunities.” junto, or communion in mission, is a truly love that component of being to take chances and make mistakes.” Focusing on her goal to be a mis- model of Church that is communitari- a missionary disciple who is called He must have had in mind young peo- sion educator, Carolina says, “That an, evangelizing and missionary.) to action,” she says, adding that a ple like Carolina, who work for the missionary spirit that’s instilled in me Carolina, or Caro, has evolved from Maryknoll missionary discipleship re- common good and live in the present since I was 19 continues to see the a ministry leader in her parish and treat in 2014 impacted her life. “Even as courageous missionaries. fruits of sharing faith and community archdiocese to an emerging leader though I already had a heart that was She has been a bridge-builder in to be an Iglesia en salida (a Church in national organizations such as The partly missionary, the commissioning her ministry to Hispanic/Latino young that goes forth).” National Catholic Network of Pastoral at the end (of the retreat) was the push people. Drawing on her Mexican Juvenil Hispana-La Red and the I needed. … It encouraged me to take roots, she understands their culture, Jorge Rivera was a mission educa- National Catholic Council for Hispanic ownership of that vocation.” values, and the importance of religion tor-promoter for the Maryknoll Fathers Ministry-NCCHM. Two years ago, Carolina successful- and family to them. and Brothers from 2018 to 2021.

58 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 59 READ MARYKNOLL Readers’ Responses

ONLINE COUNTERPOINT much time discussing the four U.S. I am a Trumpist and my views on churchwomen who were martyred 40 immigration and border protection years ago in El Salvador. These wom- We invite you to visit us on the web at maryknollmagazine.org to run counter to much of what I read en have had a special place in my read our digital edition as well as our expanded online coverage of in Maryknoll magazine. Maryknoll’s wife’s and my heart over the last four ideological bent is not in sync with my decades, and to see Melissa serving Catholic news worldwide. conservative outlook on life. the poor, not only as a lay missioner That being said, I read Maryknoll but in the very region of El Salvador with interest each time it arrives. Your where two of the martyrs—Sister We remain committed to bringing you stories of God’s mission articles are thought-provoking and Dorothy Kazel and Jean Donovan— through our quarterly print issues of Maryknoll magazine. usually challenge my worldview. I served brings great joy to us. Melissa, thank you for that. Otherwise, I might we at La Roche are so proud of you. forget how fortunate I am to live where Edward T. Brett I do and how lucky I am to have been Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania born in the United States. It is not that I am unfamiliar with the FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS developing world. As someone who In the Spring 2021 edition, I read served in the military in Vietnam, I the article “Families Working Together will always appreciate what we have in El Salvador.” versus those who have not. Never- I was impressed by the work Melis- theless, life gets so busy sometimes, sa Altman and her family were doing I forget to take the time to thank God at the Acomujerza cooperative. After for his blessings and Maryknoll serves reading about the friendship bracelets as a great dope slap to help bring fo- made by local young people, I wanted cus to that reality. to help out and purchase some of the I wish you the best with your won- bracelets, but I didn’t see any infor- derful missionary work and hope you mation on how to purchase them. will continue to slap me upside the Please let me know where I can find head with your coverage of the U.S. additional information regarding these Catholic Church in mission overseas. bracelets. I’m sure there are other Believe it or not, you have even in- people like me reading this article who spired this narrow-minded soul to would like to help out and purchase take positive action in that regard. some bracelets too. Brian F. Sullivan Marc Dent Plymouth, Massachusetts Kirkville, New York Editor’s note: For those who wish to PROUD OF STUDENT contact her regarding bracelets, Me- I was delighted to see the article lissa Altman gives the following email: SUBSCRIBE TODAY for Maryknoll magazine, on Melissa Altman and her family in [email protected] the Spring 2021 issue. I was Melissa’s online and in print at maryknollmagazine.org history teacher at La Roche Universi- LOVE POEM or call 1-888-627-9566. ty in Pittsburgh and in class we spent My mom and I were deeply touched 60 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 61 by Father Joseph Veneroso’s beautiful Graces Flow in Taiwan” by Yu-Mei Lee love poem to Jesus in the Spring 2021 in the Spring issue of 2021. It touched issue of Maryknoll magazine. His wri- my heart very much. Being an immi- ting demonstrates a childlike, artist’s grant from Taiwan, I appreciated so sensitive heart that deeply loves the much the contributions Maryknoll Fa- Lord and his Church. Can you tell us thers and Brothers have given to my about the gorgeous carving of Christ motherland. I heard Father Eugene that accompanied the poem? Murray is still in Taiwan. His dedica- All the stories were beautiful, but I tion is admirable. really appreciated the stories out of Joseph Ku Asia, where Christians have bravely Palo Alto, California endured threats of the harshest per- secutions for centuries. The convert DIFFERENTLY ABLED from Taiwan touched me especially in One of the Maryknoll priests who light of the dangers her people face in died this past year was Father Bren- their relationship with communist Chi- dan O’Connell. na. These souls are living testimonials His family moved to Waterbury, to us to value and defend our Chris- Connecticut, from New York City tian Catholic faith and especially the when he was still in the seminary. My ability to receive the sacraments from brother and I served Father O’Con- noble souls like the Maryknoll priests. nell’s first Mass in June of 1963. The The early Maryknoll seminary in missioner was assigned to Taiwan, Pennsylvania is now a Baptist college, where he opened a school for devel- oblivious to the Catholic heroes who opmentally disabled children. Nile Sprague/Taiwan trod the halls, the chapel erased of all In 1980, while Father O’Connell references to the Blessed Mother or was home on leave, he baptized my the saints, but we walk those mag- daughter, Martha, who was born with Maryknoll Father Nhuan Nguyen offers tea and welcome to people in the community and nificent grounds conscious that they Down syndrome. Father O’Connell’s Vietnamese migrant workers in Taiwan. Your gift to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers will bore the blessed footsteps of martyrs. sister, Helen, had Down syndrome. support missions in more than 20 countries around the world that help the poor know they Dorina Amendola Joseph P. Nolan are not alone. Scranton, Pennsylvania Waterbury, Connecticut Editor’s note: The figure of Je- ✁ sus is part of a life-size Way of the MODEL ST. JOSEPH Yes, I want to share in the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers’ Cross made by stone carvers from What a wonderful article about St. the Artesanos Don Bosco in Hua- Joseph in your Spring 2021 issue. mission of helping the poor around the world. raz, Peru. The statues are installed Father Joseph Veneroso was able to in a prayer garden at Holy Spir- show us how St. Joseph answered it Catholic Church in Las Vegas. God’s call and how he can be an in- Please accept my gift of:  $10  $15  $25  Other $ ______spiration to us in so many ways. Name: ______MY MOTHERLAND Pete Winkler I just read the article “Abundant Saratoga Springs, New York Address: ______City: ______State: ____ Zip: ______ Check enclosed  AMEX  MC  Visa  Disc Card #: ______Exp.: __ / __ The editors invite Maryknoll readers to send us their views. Write to: Readers’ Responses Name on Card: ______Signature: ______P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, N.Y. 10545-0302 Please mark code 2138471003 on your check. Our e-mail address is: [email protected] Make your gift payable to: Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302 62 SUMMER 2021 MARYKNOLL MARYKNOLLMAGAZINE.ORG 63 Give online at MaryknollSociety.org or call toll-free 1.888.627.9566 M–F, 8–4 ET MARYKNOLL FATHERS AND BROTHERS Nonprofit Org. youth groupsinEastTimor visitingtheirneedyandelderlyneighbors.Seestory, page44. SisterSusanWanzagi (brownskirt)accompaniesmembersoftheDivineMercyand Maryknoll P.O. Box 302 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Maryknoll, New York 10545-0302 Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers

Facebook.com/MaryknollSociety Twitter.com/MaryknollFrsBrs Instagram.com/MaryknollSociety

recycled paper