November-December 2014 $1.00

November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 1 GUEST EDITORIAL

ear friend of ScarboroD Missions... “...tidings of Thank you for your faithful great joy” prayers and generosity to us. We will continue to be good CONTENTS By Fr. Ron MacDonell, S.F.M. stewards of all your gifts as we Vicar General put ourselves at the service of FEATURES “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see— others. Searching for Padre Juan I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the By Jo-Ann Ortega 4 We welcome enquiries about Scarboro’s people: to you is born this day in the city of David priest and lay missioner programs. Colourful Guyana a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” By Donna Joy Tai 8 Please contact: (Luke 2:10-11) Fr. Ron MacDonell (priesthood): Passing on the Light [email protected] Reprinted from Wellspring 12 e all like to get good Carolyn Doyle (laity): Finding God’s fingerprint news. When we answer [email protected] By Ashley Aperocho 14 the phone or read an www.scarboromissions.ca W Learning how to be email, joyful news makes us come alive. By Paulina Gallego 15 We feel uplifted and desire to share the news with others. This is what happened more than Vocation is a continuing journey 2,000 years ago when the shepherds received the By Deacon Luis Lopez 16 “tidings of great joy” from the angel of God who told Summer School Express them that Jesus the Christ was born. They hurried off By Mike Traher, S.F.M. 17 to Bethlehem and discovered the child Jesus cradled Returning to Carabayllo Volume 95, Number 5 in the arms of Mary, under the protection of Joseph. By Rosina Bisci 18 November-December 2014 They fell on their knees in adoration and repeated the Called to serve news of the angel to the astonishment of all. Publisher: Scarboro Foreign Mission Society The shepherds were the first missionaries. Sent by the Editor/Designer: Kathy Gillis Scarboro’s one-year mission program 20 angel of God, they sought out Jesus. The newborn was the Son Letters to Pope Francis The Scarboro Foreign Mission Society (Charitable of God, proclaimed the message of God’s angel. We are called to be like the Reg. #11914 2164 RR0001) is a Roman Catholic Students of St. Justin Martyr Catholic Elementary School 22 missionary community involved in mission overseas shepherds, first to listen to the angels who speak in our hearts of God’s pres- and in Canada. Founded in Canada in 1918 by Fr. ence, second to seek out Jesus, and third to announce to others this amazing John Fraser, Scarboro’s initial purpose was to train and send missionary priests to China. Forced to leave Good News: God is in our midst through the person of Jesus. China after the Second World War, Scarboro began COLUMNS Scarboro Missions is pleased to present this Vocations issue with stor- 2015 CALENDAR working in the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America. ies of missionary witness. All are called to be missionaries in our own fam- Scarboro Missions magazine publishes four editions Guest Editorial “The Integrity of creation” ilies, communities, and parishes. We are called to be missionaries here in each year, plus the calendar. The articles published By Ron MacDonell, S.F.M. 3 represent the opinions of the authors and do not nec- Canada, announcing God’s invitation to create a just and peaceful society, to NOW AVAILABLE! essarily reflect the official position of the Society. build interreligious dialogue, and to honour the diversity of cultures. Some Please address all inquiries to: Scarboro Missions, 1 to 99 copies @ $1.00 each 2685 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON, M1M 1M4. of us are called to be missionaries overseas, learning from our sisters and Tel: 416-261-7135; Toll-free: 1-800-260-4815; 100 to 199 copies @ $ .90 each Fax: 416-261-0820 brothers, especially those who suffer poverty and persecution, and standing Email: [email protected] (General) beside them in projects of solidarity. 200 to 299 copies @ $ .80 each [email protected] (Magazine In this Advent season, we prepare ourselves for celebrating the birth of Over 300 copies @ $ .70 each [email protected] (Subscriptions) Printed in Canada and mailed from Toronto East the Lord at Christmas by prayer and reflection. Let us remember the shep- Postage extra L.P.P., Scarborough, ON. Return postage guaranteed. herds. Let us imitate them by bearing the “tidings of great joy” to those An invoice will be included with your ISSN 0700-6802 around us, announcing that Jesus was born to be our hope, our salvation, shipment. and our love. Actual size: 10” x 16” COVER: Shania is one of 30 children at the Sisters of Charity daycare in New “They made known what had been told them about this child; and all Contact us today for quick Amsterdam, Guyana. The daycare is an area of volunteer ministry for Scarboro who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them.” (Luke 2:17)∞ delivery! lay missioners serving in Guyana. Credit: Paulina Gallego

2 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 3 Overseas ministries... Dominican Republic

Left: Fr. Buddy with members of the par- ish (circa late 1980s). His friend Victor remembers him as a visionary who was able to see what people needed and to Searching for Padre Juan find a way to help them make it happen. A long awaited visit to Bani in the Dominican Republic leads to an encounter with the Below: With construction soon to be com- missionary life of a beloved cousin, Fr. John Robert (Buddy) Smith pleted, young people still enjoy the par- tial basketball court at the Club Cultural y Deportivo Juan Roberto Smith, a culture By Jo-Ann Ortega and sports club named for Fr. Buddy and founded in 1995.

he Fr. Buddy Smith that I knew ery was incredible, lush with fruit trees, was full of life. He would come a stunning mountain range covered in Tto our home, often with inter- tropical greenery, and temperatures national friends in tow, looking for a that were more bearable than in the good cup of tea and some old fashioned city. We stopped for dinner and a rous- hospitality. If we were lucky he would ing game of dominoes at Freddy’s let us pile into the car and go on an mother’s house, then on to Salinas adventure with him; and it was always Beach, and finally into the heart of Bani an adventure. He would drive all over in search of Padre Juan Roberto Smith. Antigonish County, Nova Scotia, stop- We didn’t know exactly where we ping to visit Smith and MacDonald were going and I’m sure my husband family members along the way. And and his family thought I was a little maybe we would go strawberry picking bit crazy to expect anyone there to still too. You never knew where you might remember a priest who had passed end up on a Fr. Buddy adventure. away almost two decades before. Yet, Almost every summer he came they humoured me and we drove to home to Nova Scotia and his visits the centre of town to the Catedral were often the highlight of the year for Nuestra Senora De Regla (Cathedral my brother Brian and me. As young of Our Lady of Regla). Our plan kids, we found him fascinating. Brian was to talk to the priest at the cath- wanted to grow up to become a mis- edral to see if he knew of Padre Juan Victor told us that Buddy’s illness was so advanced by sionary, traveling the world and help- Joan and Jo-Ann Ortega at La Puerta De Roberto. We arrived just in time for the time of his last Mass that it was difficult to under- Victor Rodriguez, president of the Club ing people in the footsteps of Fr. Bud. I La Fe (The Door of Faith), a large outdoor Friday afternoon Mass and my hus- Cultural y Deportivo Juan Roberto Smith stand him, but people came from everywhere just to church where Fr. Buddy Smith cele- was more of a homebody but as equally band approached a Sister as she hur- and a very good friend of Fr. Buddy, brated his final Mass.Bani, Dominican awed by the stories—in particular the ried inside. She had never heard of shared many stories about his friend. celebrate with their beloved pastor and friend. Republic. one about his shoes. The story goes Fr. Buddy. He approached a second that he arrived home one summer with from Gaspar Hernandez, a city on the person, also headed to Mass, and founded by Sister Catherine McGowan, at the many Dominican baseball play- church where Buddy celebrated his holes in his shoes and his mother, my country’s north coast. I often told him explained that Padre Juan Roberto was a Sister of Charity and a friend of ers making it big in the major leagues, final Mass. I wasn’t prepared for the mother’s Aunt Katherine, bought him a that I wanted to go to the town of Bani his wife’s cousin from Canada and we Fr. Buddy’s. Here we encountered yet there were so few coming from emotions I felt, picturing him there new pair. A year passed and Fr. Buddy near the south coast to see where Fr. were there visiting, hoping to see where another good friend of Buddy’s, Victor Bani. If the people of Bani had a base- among the people he loved. Victor told returned home again, wearing the same Buddy had lived and worked. That he lived and worked. The man stopped Rodriguez, who was genuinely happy to ball stadium and a place to practice, us that Buddy’s illness was so advanced holey shoes from the year before. When excursion finally happened in the fall in his tracks. Of course he remembered meet us. Dropping everything, Victor the major leagues would find them by the time of his last Mass that it was asked, he grinned and stated simply of 2013. Joan and I were married in Padre Juan Roberto Smith! regaled us with stories of his own too. So Buddy managed to secure land difficult to understand him, but people that he had met a man with no shoes, Puerto Plata that October and after After embracing both Joan and I, adventures with Padre Juan Roberto. and together with the help of already came from everywhere just to celebrate so the holes in his hardly seemed a a week there we headed out on what he placed a call on his cell phone and For me, it was quite an emotionally successful Dominican ball players, the with their beloved pastor and friend. problem. we termed “a different kind of honey- excitedly told the person on the other charged experience. All of us were over- stadium was built. Victor told us that We then drove to a large school, Fr. Buddy died in 1997 after dedicat- moon.” end that Padre Juan Roberto’s cous- whelmed to hear of the incredible work many famous baseball players from the the largest in the entire province of ing his life to Scarboro Missions and to Since Joan’s brother-in-law, Freddy ins were here from Canada. When he Buddy had done in the area, the effects area directly credit Padre Juan Roberto Peravia. The school cost more than five the poor and vulnerable of the world. Pimentel, is from Bani, he agreed to be ended his call, he asked where our car of which are still being felt today. with their careers. million dollars to build and Fr. Buddy His last decades were spent in the our tour guide. Eight of us piled into was parked. Now there were nine of Victor took us on a little tour, stop- Not far from the stadium, we made had raised the vast majority of that Dominican Republic. My husband Joan the car and set out on the 45 minute us in the car, driving through winding ping first at a baseball stadium. He another stop at La Puerta De La Fe money. (pronounced Jo-WAN) is Dominican drive from Santo Domingo. The scen- streets to the Elizabeth Seton Center explained that Buddy often marvelled (The Door of Faith), a large outdoor Our final stop was at the Club

4 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 5 Witnesses posters – set of 32! Witness to the poor Witness to determination Witness to education The terrorists thought they Poverty in the would change mymy aims ambitions, and stop world is a scandal... but nothing Where there is so “ changed in my “much wealth, life except this: so many resources The mission weakness, fear, to feed everyone, and hopelessness it is unfathomable died. Strength, that there are so power, and many hungry of Christ courage was children...so many born... children without an “ education, so many poor persons. is worthy of Pope Francis

he first person from the Americas to be chosen Pope I have the right to sing. I have the right to talk.” was a 76-year-old Argentinian, Jorge Mario Bergoglio. On October 9, 2012, a masked Taliban gunman boarded a Malala Yousafzai Dressed simply in a white cassock, he announced to bus and shouted, “Which one of you is Malala? Speak up, other- the crowd in St. Peter’s square on March 14, 2013, work that has been steadily growing since Pope Leo XIII wrote his wise I will shoot you all.” Malala was shot at close range. The bul- that he would be known as Francis. By invoking St. Francis of n 2008 Taliban militants began a ruthless campaign to take Assisi, the new pope told the world that he would be one who landmark encyclical let went through her head and neck, and lodged in her shoulder. T cis has taken time to affirm and explain the option for the poor, a over the Swat Valley of northwestern Pakistan. They shot Rerum Novarum She was kept alive and treated by doctors in Pakistan, Germany, cared greatly about creation and about the poor. In his first and beheaded policemen and hung their lifeless bodies in principle of Catholic Social Teaching that in 1891. was first In particular, articulated Fran- by and finally Great Britain where early in 2013 she had surgery to months as leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, Pope Francis a public squares. They enforced strict rules on the population, was to explain more than once, “My people are poor and I am Latin American theologians nearly 50 years ago. lifetime. reconstruct her skull and restore her hearing. Istopping women from shopping, and banning television, music, The assassination attempt received worldwide attention and one of them.” In an apostolic exhortation written in his first year as pope, Francis said the Church “cannot and must not remain on the side- and the education of girls. By the end of the year the Taliban had produced a wave of sympathy and anger. Immediate protests When Time magazine named Pope Francis person of the lines in the fight for justice.” He called on all Christians to show blown up nearly a hundred schools. were held in several Pakistani cities and more than two million year, no one was surprised and only a few were disappointed. Wanting to show how educational restrictions were affect- concern for the building of a better world. Far from desiring the people signed a petition that led to the ratification of the first Right One of these was an American radio host who denounced the poor to merely escape dire poverty or be seen as charity cases, ing girl students, the BBC Urdu language service searched for a to Education Bill in Pakistan. pope’s economic views as “pure Marxism.” The Pope’s response schoolgirl who would blog anonymously for their website. The girl Since her recovery, Malala has received many awards Witnessshowed tact and humour. “The ideology of Marxism isto wrong,” Franciscommunity made clear that the fight for justice “means education, access to health care, and above all employment, for it is through chosen for this was Malala Yousafzai. Only 11 years old, Malala and met with a number of world leaders. When she met Barack he said. “But I have met many Marxists in my life who are good Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston- Road free, creative, participatory and mutually supportive labour that was already an outspoken proponent of education. Encouraged Obama in the White House she appealed to him to stop drone people, so I don’t feel offended.” Scarborough, ON, M1M 1M4 human beings express and enhance the dignity of their lives. A by her father, Ziauddin, a poet and educational activist, she had attacks in Pakistan, saying they fostered terrorism. When she In fact, the Pope’s economic views rest firmly on the teaching Tel: 416-261-7135 just wage enables them to have adequate access to all the other once given a speech to the local press club entitled “How dare the was awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought from of Jesus, who from the beginning announced that his mission was Toll-free: 1-800-260-4815 goods which are destined for our common use.” Witness to Talibanperseverance take away my basic right to education?” the European Parliament in November 2013,Fax: 416-261-0820 she used the occa to bring Good News to the poor. Francis says, “An authentic faith For two months in early 2009, Malala’s blog entries appeared sion to plead on behalf of nearly 60 millionEmail: children [email protected] around the – which is never comfortable or completely personal – always Francis exhorts the church to recognize the poor as key to the new evangelization. God showed mercy to the poor and in so on the BBC and were reprinted in local newspapers. She wrote world who cannot go to school. “Starvingwww.scarboromissions.ca children who live in fear. involves a deep desire to change the world, to transmit values, doing showed us that this is an essential aspect of our faith. “We about the fighting and disruption of normal activity, about study- Children who dodge bullets and bombs. Girls whose families lock to leave this earth somehow better that we found it. We love need to let ourselves be evangelized by them,” he says. “The new ing for exams she wasn’t sure she would be able to write, and them away from the world inside theirCredit: homes…This Photo Service – L’Osservatore must shake Romano this magnificent planet on which God has put us, as we love the evangelization is an invitation to acknowledge the saving power Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road about the closing down and reopening of schools. She criticised our conscience,” she urged the parliamentarians who gathered to human family which dwells here, with all its tragedies and strug- Scarborough, ON, M1M 1M4 the Pakistani army for not doing enough to protect schools from celebrate her prize. gles, its hopes and aspirations, its strengths and weaknesses.” at work in their lives and to put them at the centre of the Church’s Tel: 416-261-7135 pilgrim way. We are called to find Christ in them, to lend our voice being destroyed. That summer, as the Pakistani military battled Francis also draws on Catholic Social Teaching, a body of Toll-free: 1-800-260-4815 the Taliban in the Swat Valley, Malala appeared in a documentary to their causes, but also to be their friends, to listen to them, to Fax: 416-261-0820 film and fearlessly gave interviews in print and on television, once speak for them and to embrace the mysterious wisdomOne which of the Email: [email protected] telling CNN, “I have the right of education. I have the right to play. God wishes to share with us through them.” To livewww.scarboromissions.ca the Photo courtesy of the JFK Library Foundation marvelous full life one must things about “have the courage “ community is to bear the that it enables us responsibility to welcome and help of the needs of people others. in a way we Robert (Buddy) Smith, SFM 1933-1997 couldn’t as individuals. n 1973 General Augusto Pinochet led a coup that overthrew should help to make that happen. He said, “Canadians are living the government of Chile. The president was assassinated in a theme park and they don’t know it.” and many thousands were hunted down. Those caught faced While church people in Canada pressured their reluctant gov- imprisonment, torture or death. Despite this, Canadian diplo- ernment to accept Chileans as refugees, Fr. Buddy worked inside mats reported that the human rights abuses were directed only at Chile to identify people needing protection. He left only when I Aung San Suu democracy,Kyi and human rights. There has to be a united deter- “the riffraff of the Latin American left.” Our government refused to his life was in imminent danger. Returning home he prepared to mination to persevere in the struggle, to make sacrifices in the name of enduring truths, to resist the corrupting influences of help. It was left to the Canadian churches to do something. The welcome the refugees and organized the use of the Scarboro scholar and writer who lived abroad for nearly three desire, ill will, ignorance, and fear.” decades, Aung San Suu Kyi did not become involved To quell the pro-democracy movement, the SLORC placed Jean Vanier Canadian Inter-Church Committee on Chile was quickly estab- Missions seminary as temporary housing until they could get directly in politics until she was more than 40 years Suu Kyi under house arrest without charge or trial. Despite her old. In 1988, while visiting her ailing mother in Burma, detention the NLD won 82 percent of parliamentary seats in the lished and Scarboro missioner Fr. Robert (Buddy) Smith was settled. By the end of 1976, 4,500 Chileans were taken in by 1990 elections. The SLORC refused to recognize the results of Ashe was drawn into a most tumultuous period in Burmese his- ean Vanier left a promising career as an officer in the Cana the election and Suu Kyi remained under house arrest for 15 chosen to make a rescue mission to Chile. Fr. Buddy was well Canada, with 170 residing at Scarboro Missions. By this time, Fr. tory. With mass demonstrations against the military dictatorship of the next 22 years. She repeatedly rejected exile to another dian navy to discern what God’s call might be for him. While being violently suppressed by the army and thousands killed in country in favour of living in her homeland with severe restric- studying philosophy and theology at the Institut Catholique in suited for the job. Buddy had repeated his work in Chile with a similar assignment in the streets, Suu Kyi sent an open letter to the government. In it Paris he began to receive direction. He met Father Thomas tions on her personal freedoms. She explained that “to live the - ering drew 12,000 people from all over the world, including 4,000 she demanded fair and multi-party elections. The letter propelled Philippe,J a Dominican priest and professor who was to become full life one must have the courage to bear the responsibility of with intellectual disabilities. In the three years of preparation, Born in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, where he was steeped Argentina. her into public life. In her first speech she addressed several Jean’s spiritual mentor. Through Father Philippe, Jean became the needs of others.” participants met in small groups to build relationships with each hundred thousand people. Released from house arrest in November 2010, Suu Kyi aware of the plight of thousands of people institutionalized with in the social gospel, Smith joined Scarboro Missions and was In his last decade of life, Fr. Buddy suffered from a rare dis- Instead of granting democratic reforms, the military estab- developmental disabilities. Jean decided to settle in France and other. Vanier and Matthieu called this new worldwide movement immediately returned to public life with the intent of reviving the invite two men from an institution to live with him. He bought a Faith and Light. Today, more than 1,400 groups of developmen ordained a priest in 1958. He was assigned to the Dominican ease that switched off his nerve endings. His balance went first, lished the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC). pro-democracy movement. The long and nonviolent struggle small house and named it tally disabled people, their families and friends meet regularly for The SLORC banned political gatherings of more than four per- for democratic reform resulted in concrete victories. In the 2012 Ark. discussion and prayer. Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road Republic, a country that endured a ruthless dictatorship, a civil then his speech. Still he insisted on new postings. Assigned to sons. Arrests and sentencing without trial were rampant. national by-election, Suu Kyi was elected and the NLD won L’Arche, the French term for Noah’s Suu Kyi was soon appointed secretary-general of the newly “When you start living with people with disabilities,” Vanier “One of the marvelous things about community,” says Vanier,- 26 of 28 seats contested. She was able to finally travel abroad “is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we Scarborough, ON, M1M 1M4 war and a U.S. military invasion in the first six years of his time Nicaragua, which was rebuilding after the overthrow of the dicta- formed National League for Democracy (NLD). Defying the Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road said, “you begin to discover a whole lot of things about yourself.” and in June 2012 visited Oslo, Norway,Scarborough, to receive ON, the M1M Nobel 1M4 couldn’t as individuals.” SLORC ban on political gatherings, Suu Kyi made a speech- He learned that “to be human is to be bonded together, each People in the community poured out of their homes to meet Fr. Buddy’s family, sharing stories and photographs of him, Tel: 416-261-7135 Peace Prize she had been granted inTel: 1991. 416-261-7135 When asked by there. Fr. Buddy was accustomed to protecting people in the tor Somoza, he begged Canadians for everything from medicine making tour throughout the country. She continued her campaign with our own weaknesses and strengths, because we need each Following a retreat Vanier gave in Ontario in 1969, the first a reporter if she had ever imaginedToll-free: in the decades 1-800-260-4815 since her community of L’Arche in North America was founded. The next Toll-free: 1-800-260-4815 despite harassment, arrests, and killings by soldiers. In one Fax: 416-261-0820 other.” midst of upheaval and crossfire. and baseballs, and led community efforts to build a clinic, a library Nobel honor that she would reach Oslo one day, Suu Kyi raised year, again after a visit by Vanier, the first L’Arche community in incident she walked defiantly towards soldiers whose rifles were her eyebrows, smiled broadly andEmail: said, [email protected] “Yes of course, I always Though heavily involved in the rapidly growing community at Fax: 416-261-0820 www.scarboromissions.ca L’Arche, Vanier began giving conferences and retreats around the India was founded. Since then Jean Vanier has travelled the world The assignment in Chile required a person who was tena- and an agricultural high school. aimed directly at her. It was during this campaign that Suu Kyi believed that. That’s why I have always said that the first time I even though it had been 16 years since his death. Bani, Dominican Republic. world. In his travels he met a couple with disabled children who fashioning a network of 145 communities in 40 countries where Email: [email protected] delivered her famous Freedom From Fear speech in which she traveled abroad I would come to Norway. I never doubted that. people with developmental disabilities, volunteers and a sprinkling Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road proclaimed that the spirit of nonviolence must be at the heart of Photo credit: Éric Bellefeuille, L’Arche Agapè, Hull, PQ had been denied participation in a group pilgrimage to Lourdes cious yet diplomatic. This was Fr. Buddy. He was described by a Near the end, he wrote to a friend saying, “The mission of Did you?” of staff live together in community. Vanier says these homes bear www.scarboromissions.ca Scarborough, ON, M1M 1M4 Burma’s advance towards democracy. because of the fear that their children would upset other pilgrims. friend as “a master of mediation with the street smarts of a barrio Christ is worthy of a lifetime. Now is the time to look over the Tel: 416-261-7135 “Without a revolution of the spirit,” she said, “the forces Jean and his friend Marie Matthieu decided to organize a pilgrim witness that Christian love is possible in a materialistic world: Toll-free: 1-800-260-4815 “Jesus is the starving, the parched, the prisoner, the stranger, the which produced the iniquities of the old order would continue to age for those who had always been excluded. The Lourdes gath Fax: 416-261-0820 naked, the sick, the dying. Jesus is the oppressed, the poor. To (neighbourhood) burglar.” Fr. Buddy felt that people everywhere horizon to the world that awaits us and see things another way, as be operative, posing a constant threat to the process of reform Email: [email protected] live with Jesus is to live with the poor. To live with the poor is to Photo credit: Scarboro Missions www.scarboromissions.ca and regeneration. It is not enough merely to call for freedom, should be able to live in dignity and that those who were better off Jesus did.” - live with Jesus.” - Actual size: 13”x19” Photo credit: Dr. Clayborne Carson Cultural y Deportivo Juan Roberto though it had been 16 years since his one who loved them and who became Smith, a culture and sports club named death. one of them. And his legacy lives on in for Fr. Buddy and founded in 1995. Waving his hands towards all the the hearts and minds of all who were ORDER TODAY! carboro Missions is pleased to present its 32 poster set Victor is the president of the board. houses as far as the eye could see, blessed to know him. S featuring women and men who have been outstanding The club has half of a basketball court. Victor explained that in 1979 Hurricane I set out to find the places where Number of poster sets: ______@ $35 per set (taxes incl.) witnesses to their beliefs and to the dignity of all creation. With monies for the second half now David wiped out all the homes in the Fr. Buddy Smith lived and worked, but The set comes with a Teacher/Study Guide with suggested finally secured, construction was region. Through Buddy’s efforts, the what I found was even more spectacu- Total: $ ______ways to utilize the posters in group settings. expected to get underway the following people were able to rebuild. lar. I found Padre Juan Roberto and Postage/shipping extra. An invoice will be sent with shipment. An ideal classroom and retreat resource. month. Children and teens were play- This visit allowed me to encounter my life may never be the same. I know (Please print) LIST OF WITNESSES: Aung San Suu Kyi, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, ing on the half court and the sound of Padre Juan Roberto—the Buddy that that some year on October 8, on the Name: laughter filled the air. we in Canada didn’t get to see first anniversary of his death, we will return Rachel Carson, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dorothy Day, Victor continued to share story after hand. Our larger than life cousin was to Bani to be part of the community’s School/Parish: Anne Frank, Mahatma Gandhi, Chief Dan George, Helen story about Fr. Buddy. And then some- their larger than life hero who stood up annual Mass, celebrating and giving Keller, Craig and Marc Kielburger, Wangari Muta Maathai, thing very surreal happened. As word to corruption and demanded better of thanks for the life of Scarboro mis- Address: Elaine MacInnes OLM, Nelson Mandela, Bishop George Marskell SFM, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, trickled out that some of Padre Juan government. sioner Padre Juan Roberto Smith.∞ City: Roberto’s family were there, people Victor described him as a vision- Blessed Mother Teresa, Pope Francis, Pope John XXIII, began coming out of their homes, ary. He said that Buddy was able to see Jo-Ann Ortega lives in Antigonish, Province: Postal Code: Pope John Paul II, Monsignor Leonidas Proaño and Bishop wanting to meet us and to share stor- what people needed and to figure out Nova Scotia, the birthplace of Fr. John Samuel Ruiz, Louis Quinn SFM, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Please complete and mail this form to Penny Aver, Scarboro Missions ies of him and of the positive impact he a way to help them make it happen. Robert (Buddy) Smith. Oskar Schindler, Vandana Shiva, Robert (Buddy) Smith 2685 Kingston Road, Scarborough, ON, M1M 1M4 had on their lives. They also brought He was someone they could count on SFM, Dorothy Stang SNdeN, David Suzuki, St. Thérèse of Or call 416-261-7135, Ext. 284 (Toll free 1-800-260-4815) Lisieux, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Jean Vanier, their photographs of Fr. Buddy, even when they had no one to turn to, some- Email: [email protected]. Betty Williams and Mairead Maguire, Malala Yousafzai Or order online: www.scarboromissions.ca 6 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 7 Overseas ministries... Guyana Left: A Good Friday reenactment of the Passion of Christ. Below: On Easter Monday Guyanese of all faiths flock outdoors to fly kites that are meant to symbolize Christ’s resurrection and ascension into Heaven. On Colourful Guyana this day, picnics abound. Scarboro missioner Bev Trach (left) and former lay missioner Miriam Wheeler with Giving thanks for the beauty and diversity that is Guyana Melina and her family. Georgetown, Guyana.

By Donna Joy Tai

fter a year of living on the coast of Guyana and Ayet to visit the fabled interior regions, my experi- ence of Guyana so far has been colourful. In fact, Guyana is a paradox of colourful oxymor- ons, mores, language, “call names” (nicknames), flora and fauna, geography, weather, houses, history, and religious Even President Donald Ramotar was festivals. there. Just as everyone is Irish on St. For example, would the Patrick’s Day, everyone plays Phagwah. nickname “Tiny” conjure up in This year the festival fell on March 17, your mind the very tall, strap- St. Patrick’s Day, so I painted green ping woman to whom it refers? shamrocks on the cheeks of the boys at Would you expect hot sunshine the orphanage as they threw powder at at the same time as a down- each other. pour? Would you expect to see a Around the same time as Phagwah, brown muddy ocean (from river the Roman Catholics commemorate sediment) Good Friday with a re-enactment of the along the coastline of a Passion of Christ through the streets Caribbean country? When of Georgetown. Last year was a pro- strolling down a straight road duction by the youth of Sacred Heart without sidewalks, would you Parish in full costume with about a understand the warning “Walk hundred faithful following behind the actors under a blazing midday sun. in the corner!” to avoid being Children joyfully celebrate Phagwah (Festival of Colours), an annual Hindu festival during hit by a vehicle? Would you be which white-clad revellers, kids and adults alike, throw powdered dye or coloured water at On Easter Monday, Guyanese of surprised by the common sight each other to celebrate the triumph of good over evil and to welcome the new spring. all faiths flock outdoors to fly kites All photos in this article by Donna Joy Tai and Fr. Michael Traher, SFM. of mixed marriages of Muslims, of many sizes, colours, shapes, and Christians, and Hindus? Would types on the seawall or in neighbour- just before Easter but right on time but I threw myself into the melee this you wonder at seeing a mother faith- hood parks. The kites symbolize for Phagwah. At this annual Hindu year, starting with the boys at the St. fully going to Mass while her children Christ’s resurrection and ascension festival, white-clad revellers, kids and John Bosco Orphanage where I volun- are being schooled as Muslims like into Heaven. This holiday is a vibrant, adults alike, throw powdered dye or teer and ending at a cricket field filled their father? Would you be perplexed fun event for the entire family. Every coloured water at each other to cele- with Hindu families and a handful at seeing people of all faith traditions year, our friend, Melina, and her family brate the triumph of good over evil of wanton foreigners like my friend, celebrating Hindu festivals and holy load up the back of a pickup truck Dressed as the goddess and to welcome the new spring. It is Juan, a Mercy volunteer from Chicago, Lakshmi on one of days? with Guyanese dishes such as cook-up the Indo-Caribbean version of the very and myself. We were thoroughly and the many bright and rice, curry, dahl, roti, pholourie, and colourful floats dur- important Hindu Holi festival, the gleefully powder-bombed in blue, Festivals and Feast Days mithai, along with drinks, blankets, ing Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Colours. red, purple, and yellow, and caught In March 2013 I arrived in and hammocks, fully prepared to enjoy Festival of Lights. I did not “play” Phagwah last year, up in the exuberance of the crowd. Georgetown, Guyana. Georgetown, the capital of Guyana, the activities at the National Park until

8 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 9 In Canada ministries... Interfaith Dialogue

Mr. Saadettin Ozcan, principal of Nile Academy, Plunkett Campus, is pre- sented with Scarboro’s Golden Rule poster by Tina Petrova, a member of the student ministry team at Scarboro’s Mission Centre. Tina was invited to Nile Academy, a Muslim private boys school in Etobicoke, Ontario, to speak on the subject of tolerance. The entire school assembled in the gym for this special presentation. Tina utilized Scarboro’s Golden Rule materi- Scarboro missioner Donna Joy Tai and students at John Bosco Academy don costumes als, showed clips from the Golden Rule movie, and handed out the 13 for Mashramani (“Mash”), an annual carnival-style celebration usually held on golden rule texts to every student and teacher. The texts were read aloud February 23, the day in 1970 when Guyana became a Republic. in both Turkish and English. Tina’s presentation was part of the school’s Photos at right: Beautiful bougainvillea blossoms in the city of Georgetown. observance of Tolerance Week, which is intended to encourage acceptance Enjoying the waters of a creek stained dark with tannins leached from the surround- and respect for each other’s differences. ing forests. sundown. floats and spectacularly costumed ners that day as we celebrated in soli- grasshoppers, butterflies, and poison Emancipation Day, August 1, brings bands of revellers. Mashramani is an darity, conviviality, and joy. arrow frogs. The great biodiversity of out a proud display of African colours Amerindian word that means “the Not to be outdone by these colour- the region attracts many natural scien- as the Afro-Guyanese commemorate celebration of a job well done.” The ful religious festivals are the beautiful tists with good reason. the liberation of their ancestors from President, or a delegate, presides over painted homes of green, blue, yellow, Now into my second year in Guyana, slavery. Their African heritage is show- a flag-raising ceremony in Georgetown pink, mauve, or red—all the colours I continue to learn more colourful cased in drama, song and dance, art and in each of the 10 regions of the of the rainbow—lining the streets of Creolese expressions. I smile when a and literature, food and drink, and high country to commemorate the found- towns and villages throughout Guyana. burst of colour draws my gaze as I go fashion. Many African queens are seen ing of the Republic on this date in Some businesses and churches also join about my day: purple morning glories about town with their kings, princes, 1970. This simple act, usually followed the mosaic of colour. or yellow buttercups, a double rainbow, and princesses. by a reception, has since been over- schoolgirls in their distinctive uni- One of the biggest splashes of col- shadowed by the grandiose parade The colours of nature forms, Hindu women in eye-catching our comes in early November with and weeklong partying—the “frolic After all these man-made colours, saris. I look forward to this year’s fes- the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali, and fun,” as described in a Guyana let us look now at the ever present, tivals and holidays and the continuing featuring a nocturnal motorcade of Chronicle newspaper article. simple, yet beautiful colours of nature prism of colours on which to feast my new festival song, dance choreography, as pork knockers (gold diggers) and ornate and brilliantly lit floats winding This year the theme for Mashramani that I see here in the exquisite flowers, eyes. And I give thanks to God, creator drama, poetry, and steel pan orches- Itanami Indians are some of the popu- through Georgetown and up the coastal (referred to as “Mash”) was Cultural birds, and insects; the fruits and vege- of all things, who seeks to permeate tra. All facets of Guyanese culture were lar legendary figures and folklore char- highway to several villages. Hindu Folklore: Celebrating 44 in recogni- tables; the bauxite red dirt roads and our souls and our senses with the vivid encouraged and showcased, especially acters the boys portrayed. We took to homes and temples (mandirs) are simi- tion of the nation’s 44th anniversary. the Coca-Cola coloured water of creeks colours of Love—love for God, love for among students in all the schools. the streets of the village of Plaisance, larly lit up with lights and candles at The various bands and floats competed framed by the green of a variety of ourselves, love for others, and love for We held our own “mini-Mash” at waving flags and dancing to the music night. for best costume design, original- plants. Guyana boasts lush tropical all Creation.∞ John Bosco Academy for which the of an ambulant DJ. On returning to our Let me not forget Mashramani, a ity, and other criteria, while passing a rainforests and broad savannahs, home teachers and students designed and school grounds, the bands were judged festival that coincides with Republic number of judging stations en route to rare species such as Amazonica— Scarboro lay missioner Donna Joy created costumes based on the cultural on design, creativity, gyration (dan- Day, February 23, and is celebrated to the National Park. Leading up to the largest water lily in the world and Tai, from Montreal, Quebec, completed folklore theme. Moongazers, jumbies, cing), enthusiasm, and interpretation Trinidad carnival-style with a big parade day, there were also country- Guyana’s national flower, as well as jag- the formation program and was mis- Ole Higue, and Bacoo (spirits), as well of the theme. Indeed we were all win- parade of elaborately constructed wide cultural competitions for best uars, giant otters, and vividly colourful sioned to Guyana in March 2013. 10 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 11 Passing on the Light

he light shone in the darkness AndT the darkness did not overcome it To Julian and Margery For the Light and Life of the world was destined to enter whose lives were hidden until the world was ready the darkest of darkness and it seemed for a while as if the darkness had won… To Ignatius, to Teresa who found God in the power of imagination But in the darkest hours just before sunrise darkness gave way to a new dawn, an eternal dawn: But the light became divided and humans tried to possess it: eternal light shone upon the world to claim it as their own

The Light of the World returned to God Yet the light was not defeated: But passed the light on to his disciples, The light passed to those who loved God’s Word to Peter, to Mary, to the Twelve who translated it and placed it into the hands of believers

And to the Three Thousand The light passed to those who sought to understand God’s creation who saw the light of the Spirit’s new coming and explored its wonders and believed The light passed to those who saw the dignity of human beings And the light appeared to Saul and fought to bring justice to the poor, and Saul became Paul freedom to those who were slaves and took the light to the nations, to Rome The light travelled to new continents And some took the light into desert places and passed to new peoples And some to the east to Rose and to Juan and to those who believe in the Americas And some to the south to Paul Miki and to those who believe in the East And some to the north to Charles Lwanga and to those who believe in Africa

The light dwelt with Benedict and Scholastica The light passed to Bernadette and Therese The light went with Patrick, to Ireland to Charles de Foucauld And came from Ireland to Iona with Columba to Dietrich and to Maximillian and was passed to Aidan, to Hilda to Martin Luther King and to Dorothy Day to all the Celtic peoples to Brother Roger and to Mother Teresa to us And the light lived in the darkness of the fall of Rome It passed to Gregory, to Augustine The light waits and small lights shone in the darkness of the Dark Ages Who will keep the light burning in our day? The light passed on to Hildegard Who will take the light into the world? to Dominic, to Thomas, to Eckhart Who will carry the light into a new year, a new century, a new Millennium?

To Francis and to Clare This is a part of a liturgical reflection produced by whose lives glowed with the power of simplicity Who will carry the light, if we do not? Wellspring © 200X Wellspring www.wellsprings.org.uk/liturgies

12 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 13 Overseas ministries... Guyana Witness to integrity

I hope that I have learned that for that is Finding God’s fingerprint God alone is my strengthlove and that I have learned a little how to Mission in Guyana has been about learning to recognize God in a different context “ our greatest vocation.

By Ashley Aperocho

ebras with their black and white stripes all have a distinct unique pattern, sort of like a fingerprint Z SFM 1935-1998 that sets them apart from each other. When a baby zebra is born, it walks - political and civil leaders who preyed on the people. He stood Bishop George Marskell,with his people against rich landowners who tried to take over the acreage of uneducated peasants. He set up vigilance committees around its mother several times to s bishop of far-flung villages in his 92,000 square kilo to guard rivers and lakes in order to stop the plundering of fish meter diocese of Itacoatiara in the heart of the Amazon reserves by outside trawlers. Because of his pro-people stands, jungle, Bishop George Marskell lived and breathed “the he was considered by the military to be a “suspect” bishop. He preferential option of the poor.” was one they called a communist. George was a casual person who loved to joke and have fun imprint her pattern of stripes into its George’s pastoral mission was one of empowering the - A with people. “I wish the new priests would stop calling me Bishop people to recognize their dignity as sons and daughters of God. George and just call me George” he once told a newly ordained He knew hundreds of them by name. He spent six to seven Scarboro priest. To the people of Itacoatiara he was “the bishop in mind so as to recognize her from the months each year on the river, on his boat, visiting isolated com blue jeans.” munities, maintaining constant dialogue with the leaders whom he Shortly before his death in 1998 George wrote: “I am grateful treated as equals and co-builders of the Kingdom. His mission as for Scarboro Missions and for my vocations: Christian, priesthood, their “shepherd,” as he was called himself, was to be a presence and episcopacy. I hope that I have learned that God alone is my - herd. Thus, the longer the baby spends among them. George was never a builder in concrete or stone, strength and that I have learned a little how to love for that is our but he was a builder of Christian community—300 communities, greatest vocation.” tiny cells of God’s kingdom. George’s funeral was held in the cathedral in Itacoatiara. The Following scrupulously the pastoral plan of the Brazilian people organized an entrance procession with symbols represent with its mother, the easier to recognize Conference of Bishops and adapting it to the needs of his people, ing George’s life: his bible, his rosary, his glasses, a small wood George’s vision was the full and abundant life for all. “I hope to Scarboro Missions, 2685 Kingston Road carving of a boat, a pair of his shoes, his bishop’s staff, one of Scarborough, ON, M1M 1M4 see the day,” he said, “when people have enough to eat, just his shirts, and a pair of his blue jeans—old, worn out blue jeans, her in different circumstances. Tel: 416-261-7135 salaries, better working conditions, title to their land; because that faded and frayed. Toll-free: 1-800-260-4815 is what God wants—fullness of life for all people.” Fax: 416-261-0820 By nature and temperament, George was a peacemaker, but Email: [email protected] he fought for the rights of the poor. When Brazil was ruled by a Being in Guyana has made me feel www.scarboromissions.ca military dictatorship, George was a professed enemy of corrupt like the baby zebra. My first month Photo credit: Scarboro Missions here has been taxing emotionally, Above: One of 32 posters in Scarboro’s Scarboro lay missioner Paulina Gallego with a few of the 30 children at the Sisters spiritually, and physically. The weather new Witnesses poster set. of Charity daycare, which offers childcare to families in difficult circumstances. (See ad on page 7.) Paulina helps with naptime and meals, as well as with reading books and teaching is different. Their sense of time is dif- them new words, praying, playing games, and singing songs. ferent. Even the Our Father is differ- ent. My philosophies, my work ethic, and my personal autonomy have been that it is necessary to be humbled and Learning how to be broken down in order to be in a dis- challenged. It has felt like situations, By Paulina Gallego people, and my conscience are forcing position to receive what Guyana has to me to question my actions, thoughts, teach me about God. Just as the baby eave the ordinary behind.” It is interesting and at the same time absurd and behaviours. zebra gets better at recognizing its “Lto think that for me, the ordinary was to have a job, to be busy, to be pro- The differences have helped me to mother, I hope that my time in Guyana ductive… to DO. This month in Guyana has taught me that the ordinary is to become aware of my North American Ashley Aperocho with some of the children at the Sisters of Charity daycare where will allow me to get better at recogniz- BE. And the first thing is to be able to be with myself, to understand and recog- she volunteers. Georgetown, Guyana. views. The last time I remember feel- ing God in all things. nize my abilities and limitations, and to be able to accept that I need to relearn ing this way was in first year university I am going to end with a quote from a language that I thought I knew, to be patient with myself, to move slowly, to when I experienced independence for Pedro Arrupe that explains why, at the In the past six weeks I have asked myself over and over let things go… to BE. the first time. I am learning that the age of 22, I have given my life to God. Before leaving Canada many people asked me if I was ready to serve in over- more independence I have, the more again, why am I here? Why am I doing an overseas mission “Nothing is more practical than find- seas mission, and my answer always was, “I don’t know.” I think one is never dependent I become on God. In the with Scarboro Missions? The answer, put simply: ing God, than falling in love in a quite ready to serve in mission. Mission is something that takes many forms, some- absolute, final way. What you are in midst of moving to a new country, to serve God. thing that changes constantly, something that is hard but at the same time culture, and people, I am being chal- love with seizes your imagination, will extremely rewarding. I think if someone waits to be ready, they might end up lenged, like the baby zebra, to recog- affect everything. It will decide what incarnate in Guyanese culture, being that I am being drawn closer to the waiting forever. nize the same God in a different con- will get you out of bed in the morning, immersed in the unfamiliar is bringing heart of God. I am not an expert on missiology but I do know that God uses our vulner- text. what you do with your evenings, how to surface my brokenness and this has In the past six weeks I have asked ability, our fragility, and our skills for great things once we let God take control, I am finding that missionary life you spend your weekends, what you been a hard reality to accept. Being able myself over and over again, why am once we believe more in God’s love for us than in our own weakness. In the end, so far is first and foremost about the read, whom you know, what breaks to see myself in contrast to Guyana has I here? Why am I doing an overseas true mission for me is leaving the ordinary behind in order to BE for God and inward journey to Jesus rather than your heart, and what amazes you with shown me that there is still so much to mission with Scarboro Missions? The for God’s people.∞ ministering to others. In Paul’s first let- joy and gratitude. Fall in Love and stay learn about myself and that I will con- answer, put simply: to serve God. ter to John it states, “We love because in love, and it will decide everything.”∞ tinue to grow as long as I am open to Although the beginning of mission life He first loved us.” With the Gospel change. It is through this experience has been difficult thus far, I believe 14 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 15 Overseas ministries... Guyana

Vocation is a continuing journey Summer School Express Missionary life is a life of love Parish youth respond to Christ’s call to love and serve others By Deacon Luis Lopez

By Fr. Michael Traher

ocation is a word that we upporting and encouraging our assume we understand. A lot Catholic youth in discovering Vof thought, discernment, and Stheir vocation and develop- even struggle may go into deciding on ing their talents is vital to the future a vocation, whether it be to religious of the Church in Guyana. One of the life, to marriage, to a single life, or to a traditions at Ascension parish in New particular career path. We may think Amsterdam during summer vacation that once we have found and chosen has been to offer the children a week of our vocation, the hard work is done. summer school. Our Summer School However, what I have discovered since Express is designed for fun, with craft I entered the seminary is that my voca- making, Bible stories and verses to tion is a journey that keeps growing learn, songs and games, and a chil- and evolving. It is a call to live life to dren’s movie, and all from 9:00 am the fullest every day, and this can be to 1:00 pm each day for one week in done in a variety of ways at different August. times in our lives. Vocation is a jour- The 40 or so children who attended Rebekah Jotis, a member of the Maria Goretti youth group at Ascension parish, was ney of learning and growing in love. this year loved their week of summer one of several enthusiastic youth facilitators at the parish Summer School Express. Because my vocation is a continu- school and so did their parents. Had ing in skits, and doing crafts. She was creations, they nodded and smiled ous call from God, I may be asked to Scarboro Deacon Luis Lopez (centre) and members of the Maria Goretti youth group we been able to offer a second week, determined to share these talents with with pride at what the Summer School at Ascension parish, help out with the parish summer school program for children. answer again and again with a yes or New Amsterdam, Guyana. they would have signed up in probably the children of the parish and sur- Express had accomplished. no. even greater numbers. rounding neighbourhood. Rebekah As pastor, I was amazed and involve these types of activities. As I a brother, a priest (hopefully soon), Since I arrived in Guyana a little In recent years there has not been also managed to recruit one elemen- delighted at the success, but I appre- live my vocation I realize that even a Scarboro missionary, a friend. My more than three months ago, I have a parish summer school. Traditionally tary school teacher to her organiz- ciated most the young people of our though we think of vocation and of vocation is to share my life with every- been learning many things about the this responsibility is carried out by the ing team, as well as Luis Lopez, our parish for their leadership and initia- going to mission as an exotic adven- one in a variety of ways and through country, its people, and its culture. Sunday school catechists. However, for Scarboro deacon who is assigned here tive. Our youth were affirmed in their ture, most of the time we end up doing small gestures done with love. Our There have been so many learnings, various reasons, especially family and in the parish. talents and ability to work together, seemingly mundane things. Yet, no actions remind us and others that God some good, some challenging, but all work priorities, the catechists have not Less than two weeks after the team and in their generosity and eagerness matter how small or unimportant these is love and we are all loved. We do have been a calling to grow in love— been free to organize and direct this was struck, everything was ready: to provide the children with a week activities might seem, they never are. not live our vocation on our own but to grow in loving God, the other, and beloved annual event. children signed up, parents on board, of fun and learning. Their openness I have come to see that it is the little always in communion with God and myself. An example of this growing in As early as last Easter parishion- and parish centre prepared. It was of heart and commitment to the task things that matter the most at the end others. These are some of the learnings love happened at the annual parish ers began asking if there was going to truly God’s dynamic Spirit at work. helped them to deepen their own faith of the day. It can be taking a moment and blessings that I have received from fair, which is a fundraiser for the par- be a summer school for the children Throughout the week of summer and self-awareness, which is after all, to talk to someone, bringing a chair for the people of Guyana and as I continue ish. I had been helping to get things this year. We were finally able to say school, the excited children had fun an essential part of discerning a future a grandmother to sit on, or any other to live my vocation journey.∞ ready for two weeks prior. On the day yes, thanks to the young people of our and grew in faith and learning. vocation in life.∞ small act that might help to reveal of the fair I found myself nailing signs parish youth group. Sparked by the On Friday, the final day, it was time God’s love. By our presence, in friend- Scarboro missioner Deacon Luis to stalls, setting up chairs and tables, enthusiasm of 18-year-old Rebekah to celebrate. The children’s handiwork After 10 years in leadership as ship, we help others to see that God is Lopez is assisting alongside parish and taking care of an array of last Jotis, several youth and young adults was displayed and a special lunch Vicar General on Scarboro’s General all around us. priest Fr. Mike Traher at Ascension minute details that seemed never-end- in the parish signed up to help. was prepared with ice cream for des- Council, Fr. Michael Traher has As I come closer to ordination to the Parish in New Amsterdam, Guyana. ing. I also sold sweets and drinks to the An active member of the youth sert. We also placed their artwork and returned to overseas mission as priesthood, I have come to understand people attending the fair. group, Rebekah has shown creative photos of their activities at the back pastor of Ascension Parish in New that my vocation is made up of many When I first thought of mission and talent for choreographing dance pres- of the church on Sunday. As parents Amsterdam, Guyana. things—I am a human being, a son, my vocation I never expected it would entations, singing, producing and act- and parishioners viewed the children’s

16 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 17 Overseas ministries... Peru

Returning to Carabayllo Mission in Peru had been an affirming and transformative experience, and today the friendships still remain

By Rosina Bisci

n 1980, I graduated from York searching for a way to integrate my transformative. What can I tell you University with a History degree. social concerns with my faith commit- that you don’t already know? The II’d been offered admission to the ment. poverty was gut wrenching, injustices Faculty of Education, but didn’t pur- In a sociology course at York were callous and blatant, and there sue it. Although I was interested in University, I read about Liberation was ongoing violence on numerous teaching, I wanted to be involved in Theology, a theology articulated by levels. education in a way that would advance Gustavo Gutierrez, a Peruvian diocesan The transformative part was the social-economic development. Why, priest and university professor. For friendships that I made. Through those you ask? me, Liberation Theology lit the path, friends, I experienced some of the At the Catholic high school I describing an option for the poor and vulnerability, pain, and fear of those attended in Toronto, the FCJ (Faithful powerless, a way to stand in solidarity who had very few choices in life. I also Companions of Jesus) sisters and most with those at the bottom of our social experienced their incredible resili- of the other teachers were terrific edu- pyramids, and a way to confront the ence… They went on under conditions cators and role models. I came out of oppressive social, political, and eco- that to me were impossible and over- there fired up with questions about nomic systems that keep the pyramids whelming. They didn’t give up. If one On International Women’s Day (Día Internacional de la Mujer) a group of friends gather (L-R): Sr. Sara, Gricel, Tirsa, Elena, why there was such great inequality in of power in place. way didn’t work, they tried something Sr. Rose-Marie, Daniela, Rosina, Celeste, Luzmila, Elsa, and Ysabel. our world, why such horrible poverty, I applied to Scarboro Missions and else. And they knew that the only real Facing page: Although living standards have improved in areas of Carabayllo, the outlining hillside neighbourhoods still lack and what could I do about it. Having went to Lima, Peru, as a lay associate power that they could exercise was a many basic services. Peru. grown up in an Italian Catholic family, member. The four years that I lived in collective one. In spite of great odds, active faith was in my DNA and I was Carabayllo, on the outskirts of Lima, they formed alliances, committees, Through those friends, I experienced some of the vulnerability, were both extremely and very large grassroots organizations pain, and fear of those who had very few choices in life. affirming and that included neighbours, members of Christian communities, teenagers, I also experienced their incredible resilience… teachers, health workers, politicians, mothers, fathers, and families. ways to bring attention to the con- ated in Carabayllo. some people think that resurrection is And they met and found ditions of their neighbourhoods in During the March break this year, impossible, along with miracles and Carabayllo. I went back to Carabayllo with my creating God’s reign of justice and In the 1980s, the district did not husband. I’ve been back before, but peace. But our faith is all about believ- have potable running water. Water was this time it had been a little more ing in the impossible and living in delivered sporadically by tanker trucks than 30 years since I first arrived and community with others who share that and then sat in cylinders in the sun I thought it would be a good time for belief. outside people’s homes. Infant mor- some reflection. Many things have My faith journey led me to tality was high and intestinal diseases changed… Too many things have not Carabayllo—to experiences and friends were common. It took years of meet- changed enough. Yet, what remained who continue to inspire me and give ing, talking, making agreements, and throughout all this time was the friend- me hope.∞ keeping the organizations together, as ships that we forged. More than once well as pressuring federal politicians, during my visit we said to each other, Rosina Bisci teaches at St. Patrick international financing institutions “Seeing you again feels like time has Catholic Elementary School in like the World Bank, and construction not passed.” We’ve grown older, but we Niagara Falls, Ontario. As a Scarboro companies to bring this basic human are still the same in the ways that mat- lay missioner, she was the first person right to these communities. Finally, in ter most. to head up Scarboro’s Department of 1988 the water project was inaugur- In our age of science and logic, Lay Association in 1988.

18 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 19 Called to serve Scarboro’s one-year mission program

o you feel called to serve or be a presence, to help make the Frequently Asked Questions world a better place? Are you interested in gaining valuable Dexperience for cross-cultural work? Scarboro’s One-Year Mission 1. What could I do in mission? Program is a way of introducing young adults to mission. As a lay missioner, one would be a presence among the poor and offer your particular gifts and talents in response to people’s Application Deadline: February 13, 2015 needs. This can include health, education, project management, Formation: July and August 2015 social work, youth programming, construction and more. Overseas placement: September 2015 to May 2016 Debriefing: June 2016 2. Where can I serve? Currently, one-year missioners are in Guyana. However, we Program objectives: are exploring placement possibilities in other countries in South • to provide the chance to deepen one’s faith while encoun- America, Asia, and Africa, where Scarboro has established tering the Catholic Church in a cross-cultural context over- relationships and where there are active lay missioners and/or seas; partners. to provide the opportunity to work in social justice or humani- • tarian areas in solidarity with the poor and marginalized; 3. Will I be supported financially? to facilitate interfaith dialogue while in mission among people While overseas, basic needs such as accommodation and • of other faiths; food are covered by Scarboro Missions. During the two-month to challenge missioners to live out their Christian vocation by Formation Program in Canada, room and board is covered. • witnessing to the love of Jesus Christ. Candidates should come with some funds to cover their personal expenses during this two-month period. Requirements for admission: Catholic, having expressed their faith in service to the margin- 4. How do I prepare for mission overseas? • alized through a social justice commitment or other outreach Scarboro Missions provides a compulsory, two-month live-in Canadian citizen or permanent resident Formation Program that begins in June 2015. Through courses • Personal maturity and adaptability to changing and unfamiliar and workshops, tools are taught for living and working with • situations others in a new cultural reality. The ongoing process of adapting Good overall health (physical, emotional, etc.) to a new culture continues in the mission country. • Willing to make a one-year commitment without a home visit 5. What are the overseas living conditions like? • except when there is a family emergency (life threatening ill- Accommodations will be basic but safe and clean. Volunteers ness/death) will likely live with other one-year missioners, or long-term lay At least 21 years of age • missioners, and/or with a local family. • Willingness to try and learn a foreign language if your mission work calls for it. Applicants are encouraged to learn the basics 6. What immunizations are required? of the local language. Once a candidate is accepted into the One-Year Mission College and/or university graduate or required skill • Program, Scarboro Missions requests that each person meets with a doctor at a travel clinic to ensure that all necessary vac- People who have experienced recent significant events cinations are up-to-date. Candidates may also need to take anti- in their lives (e.g. divorce, death, marriage, conversion to malarial drugs. Catholicism, any psychological/physical/mental trauma, new Canadians) are asked to allow a period of two years to elapse ill you respond wholeheartedly to the call of the Spirit and before applying formally for admission. the Church? Say “Yes!” to God’s call and contact us. We Winvite you to walk with us...it may change your life!∞

20 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 21 Letters to Pope Francis

enjamin Lam and Winnie Kam, friends of Scarboro missioners Fathers John Walsh and Ray O’Toole, entertained a group of chil- Bdren at their home this summer. All of the children are schoolmates of their son Herman (below left) at St. Justin Martyr Catholic The Au brothers, Andrew Elementary School in Markham, Ontario. The family has visited Fr. Ray who is missioned in Hong Kong. They also attended Fr. Ray’s (top), Brian (below left), and 50th anniversary of priesthood in Little Bras d’Or, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, in August 2013. When Herman found out that Fr. Ray Christopher. was going to meet Pope Francis in Korea this past August for Asia Youth Day, he told his friends and they each decided to write a card to the Pope. Fr. Ray presented their cards during his visit. Herman’s father, Benjamin, photographed the cards and kindly gave us permission to print the children’s letters in Scarboro Missions magazine.

You are so nice and peaceful. You take care of lots of people in the world. I wish you can take care of I am Christopher. I love more people. Please stay you. You take care of us and healthy and be happy! the world. Thank you for Dear Pope Francis, Love Brian Au everything you do. I wish you You are such a really good Pope. good health... You always pray for the poor and sick. You made the canonization of Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII... You also made the world united in peace. Thank you so much for the Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be hard work you did! Sincerely, Herman Lam called the children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Hello, my name is Jaden. My name is Jeffery Li. “ I am 10 years old and live in I am 12 years old and in Markham, Ontario, Canada. Grade 6. I am from Canada I have an older brother and and go to St. Justin Dear Pope Francis, a loving Mom and Dad. I Martyr CES in Markham, I am so happy that you go to St. Justin Martyr Ontario. And I also play became the new Pope! I would Catholic School. Next year hockey. I also have one love to get to meet you someday I will be in Grade 5. I am question: What is it like and celebrate Mass with you. I in Ms. Espe’s class. My being the Pope? I would hope that you will continue to be favourite part is hockey and greatly appreciate if you a nice and generous Pope, and if my favourite subjects are can answer. you could, it would be awesome Social Studies, Math, Music, if you would be able to come and PE. I hope you have a visit Canada! good trip to Korea. Love Sherry Shu Sincerely, Jaden Li

22 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014 November-December 2014/Scarboro Missions 23 witnessing to the christian faith in today’s world

Through 12 videos and accompanying lesson plans, parishioners, students, educators, and others can learn about mission as it is defined and understood today. The videos follow the journey of Scarboro Missions, a Canadian missionary society, from 1918 to present, and the lived experience of Scarboro missioners who have been witnessing to the Gospel overseas and in Canada. (Produced by Villagers Media Productions Inc.)

FREE VIEWING ON-LINE at www.scarboromissionstv.com or www.youtube.com/ScarboroMissionsTV

24 Scarboro Missions/November-December 2014