What you do not need, you should not own!

or The emptying of our closets on the first month of every year,
the pooling of goods and resources, the universality of our mission

Decades ago, the Catholic Church in Latin America got into serious trouble when it advocated a more equitable distribution of wealth and started to tell rich landowners that what they do not need, they should not own. The response came swift and effective, twofold. First, the Church was mocked as hypocritical, labeled as Marxist, and told to practice what it preached. Secondly, contributions to its projects and charitable works plummeted. By way of damage control, most Catholic preachers decided to shut up. To this day, they have remained silent. There is no mystery involved here—matter is quantitative. The Church, often enough, has too much. And judging from its reaction, unwilling to let go.

The Church has skillfully skirted the unequivocal gospel message that it needs so little to be truly Church and truly Christian. There is no mistaking this in the long history of the Church. Like a courtesan fascinated with patrons of substance, she continues to flirt with wealth and power.

MJ could not dare go as dramatic, as in the case of the Latin American Church. We simply do not have that much to give up. We cannot boast of material assets (as a group, that is). In many cases and places, we are still struggling for what may be considered basic—funds for our pastoral and missionary commitments, reasonable health and medical insurance, lodgings and offices, etc. Yet, I would not want the first month of the year to end without pointing to something related that I’ve noticed in the course of our separation from Scheut, something difficult to miss as we were cast out from our former CICM quarters. Namely, the boxes—the many boxes, trunks, and suitcases filled with our personal belongings. Books and clothes, mostly. But let us not forget the canned goods, the bottled spirits, the heaps of souvenirs!


Some might think I am advocating that MJ go à la Francesco of Assisi. Not really. I am a known proponent of sober comfort for religious, especially for the elderly and the sick. Besides, if the Franciscans themselves are unable to heed their wonderful founder, who are we to outdo them? I am just amazed at how we have accumulated so many things we do not actually use and, therefore, do not need. There are, of course, exceptions. Norman Soriano is exemplary in this respect. Some of us would recall that even the very little that he had was stolen by thieves in the CICM Provincial House!

It became highly observable as we transferred from one temporary lodging to another that there are many “squirrels” among us. The appropriative habit of these rodents ignores any proportion between need and ownership. In this light, I am proposing a couple of things that, in due time, could become part of our collective practice.

1. THE EMPTYING OF OUR CLOSETS ON THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR

As we seek funds for our missionary commitments, we could also begin the practice of emptying our aparadors (closets) of things we do not need or will not use again, ever. The start of every New Year, January, seems an appropriate time to do this. Could we even go further by emptying them of things we think we still might need in the fuuuutuuuuure? Have you noticed how readily we become advocates of security in the future when dealing with stored goods? Is this a prudent exercise in foresight or simply the inability to let go of things, for no other reason than that we have become attached to them. Besides, things do not get attached to us, we get attached to them.

Some Benedictine communities practice the positive version of what I am proposing. They maintain a common cupboard filled with gifts received—clothes, towels, handkerchiefs, canned goods, candy, liquor,

lotion, etc. These items are placed at the disposal of the community members, given to beggars who come knocking at their door, or given away to people in need, especially disaster victims. In considering this, let us keep in mind that our situation in life has been and is such that there are always others in greater need.


2. PERSONAL COLLECTION OF BOOKS VS. COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

There is no arguing that a number of us could be laid comfortably to rest on the mound of books we have accumulated through the years of pastoral and missionary work. Though this might speak well of our intellectual pursuits and determination to keep abreast of developments in theology and other fields, personal libraries are not exactly consistent with the ideals of religious community life. The custom of maintaining personal libraries forms part of our inherited Scheutist tradition that originates from the accepted practice of diocesan curates who, for the most part, live alone. However, as we begin our own traditions in MJ, there is a patent need to rationalize the tendency to acquire books for personal libraries, usually exclusive! Why not community libraries instead? After all, the fundamental difference is location, a few meters of distance. Instead of reaching for books in shelves some feet away from our desk, we might have to walk a few meters to reach the community library. Instead of keeping books in our rooms, another place more accessible to community members, as well as others, could be found. This seems more in keeping with vowed community life.

3. THE EPIPHANY OF JESUS AS A COMMUNITY FEAST TO SYMBOLIZE

AND INDICATE THE UNIVERSALITY OF THE MJ CHARISM AD GENTES

The star of Bethlehem shone for all men and women of goodwill. Thus, Matthew tells us in the story of the Wise Men from the East. The search of these men is the universal search of every person seeking the Truth that saves. We have taken upon ourselves to promote the universality of the Christian message. Would it not be in keeping with this fundamental option to have the Epiphany of our Lord as our first congregational feast?

07 January 2004
WILFREDO T. DULAY, MJ

Following Jesus as Friends and Disciples

Family Day Message-09

‘Following Jesus as Friends and Disciples’. This is the guiding thought of our Family Day this year 2009. Who is a friend-and-disciple-of-Jesus? Let the story below help answer the question.

Once upon a time, so says the story, there was ruler who had a magic ring. He was much loved by his subjects. It was said that he was so noble and excellent in character, and therefore much loved, because of that magic ring. It was a ring that was passed down through the ages from one ruler to the next.

Now, this beloved ruler had three children. And he loved each child with an equal love. He became bothered by the following thought: to whom will the magic ring be passed on when he dies? To the eldest …to the middle one…or to the last born? –since as we said, the ruler loved each one truly, deeply, and equally?

He commissioned the jeweller of the kingdom to make two other rings in exactly the same fashion as the ring he wore. And before he passed away, he secretly handed each of his three children a ring. Soon after, the ruler died.

It did not take long before the three siblings found out that each had a ring. Who would be the next ruler? Who had the true ring? They took the case to a Wise Man of the realm. This is what the wise man said: “You yourselves, each one of you, can prove which the magic ring is, and who the next ruler will be. It will be the one whose character is noble and excellent. Go your ways, therefore: be good, be kind, be brave, be truthful, live wisely, love much, and be just in your dealings. Remember, the matter will be proved by the manner of your lives!”

We MJ’s have never wanted to posses the title friends and disciples for ourselves. Our thoughts go back to those days when we MJs were struggling to survive. Who helped us to our feet? Who encouraged us? Who gave us a pat on our backs? Our families! Our friends! Our mission partners! When you share our concerns, when you have the missionary spirit of MJ … you are a friend and disciple of Jesus. We are missionaries where God puts us. We MJs in the field. You in your homes, in your workplaces, in your neighborhoods. That is because the matter is proved by the manner of your lives. Go your ways, therefore. Be good, be kind, be brave, be truthful, live wisely, love much, and be just in your dealings. Be a friend and disciple of Jesus.

- Fr. Manny Gacad, MJ
MJ-USA Superior

Messages From Here and There (June 2009)

In behalf of the General Coordinating Council and all the members of the Missionaries of Jesus, I would like to express and extend my wholehearted appreciation for including us in your intentions during the Rosary month celebrated this past October.



Already for many centuries, the Rosary has been a cherished part of Catholic prayer life ... May the bond of faith that sustains us continue to grow ever stronger as we pray for today's world. May wars everywhere cease and godly peace begin to reign in every comer of the globe.


In a special way, let us continue to ask Our Lady of the Rosary to plead to her Son for selfless and dedicated priests and religious for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.


Thank you for remembering in your prayers all the Missionaries of Jesus serving in Guatemala, in Papua New Guinea, in the Philippines and especially in the United States of America. Your prayers and friendship sustain us in our commitment to serve God's people. I thank you very much.


I remain fraternally yours in the Good Lord,

- Wilfredo T. Dulay, mj
Coordinator General
Missionaries of Jesus

Our parish scholars here in Sto. Niño, Modesta, Rizal send you their greetings from! Thanks a lot for all your prayers and the financial assistance you have given us. It would surely be a big help to our scholarship program. With your help, the beautiful dreams of our scholars can come true.


The thought that there are loving people like you out there, who are with us in our quest for a better life, gives us more courage and perseverance to keep on dreaming.


Once again, we thank you and may the Lord reward you a hundredfold!

Gratefully yours,
- Fr. Efren (Wren) Reyes, mj
Parish Priest


I would like to acknowledge your mission consciousness-raising in your rosary activity. Together with your parishioners, you are indeed making the local church missionary.


To all the parishioners who joined the mission-rosary activity, I express my deepest gratitude to all of you for your efforts to pray and help the MJ missionaries in their ministry and mission. We are all one in sharing God's mission - his call to proclaim his presence to the world today. There is nothing small in the eyes of God. Your prayers, your coming together, your financial contributions and efforts to build community are all significant and meaningful for us, MJ missionaries and above all, for God, who dreams with us in recreating a new humanity based on service and love.

Warm greetings from me,
- Fr. Percy Bacani, mj
Vicar General Coordinator

Greetings to all our brothers and sisters of St. Kevin and Precious Blood! In the name of all the Missionaries of Jesus working here in Papua New Guinea, I would like to extend our gratitude for your prayers and support.


Here in my parish, I also concluded the Month of the Rosary with the celebration of the Mass. We brought the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary to all the communities.


Once again, our thanks for your prayers and support.

- Fr. Albert Sayson, mj

Many thanks for the prayers and the monetary contribution you have shared to our formation communities. They are greatly appreciated. We keep you all in our prayerful wishes and thoughts.


Full of gratitude, I remain,

- Fr. Eugene Cañete, mj
Formator of MJ Seminarians

We are touched by your gesture of praying for us here in Guatemala during the month of the Blessed Rosary ... We felt your warm spiritual presence with us, as we did our pastoral work with the people in the 45 communities we have in the parish ... You were with us - whether we were celebrating the Eucharist, or sitting with the people and listening to them, or when visiting the sick or when facilitating workshops and seminars.

We are doing fine here, despite the heavy rains. It has been three weeks since the sun shown. Many rivers are swollen and towns flooded. Many farmers have lost their crops. We expect that epidemics like malaria, cholera, and dysentery will follow.

Please continue to pray for all of us here. We thank you for the prayers and the generous donation you sent us. May God continue to bless you and your families. May our Mother Mary intercede for you always.

Your friends and co-disciples in Christ,
- Fr. Rey Tejico, mj
- Fr. Aris Villanueva, mj
- Fr. Joseph Guerreo, mj

Community Organizing: One L.A.

The author narrates the humble beginnings of organizing and the fruits the communities enjoy because of their participation with One LA. She recognizes that it is not easy but the time, treasure and talents invested begin to bring in the returns: access to affordable housing, scholarship, relative peace and order, and many others. The communities feel that they are empowered.

Quiero comenzar comentándole que en nuestra comunidad era desconocido el tema de la Justicia Social, no se hablaba de atender a las personas con diferentes necesidades en sus barrios o sectores. Cuando vinieron los Misioneros de Jesús, el padre Melchor Villero nos hablo de las juntas de casa que era importante conocernos unos a otros y empezamos con los líderes de la parroquia los pocos que habían) también comenzamos a caminar en nuestros vecindarios e invitando a nuestros vecinos a hablar con ellos de sus historias, de sus preocupaciones, de cosas que han impactado sus vidas aquí en Estados Unidos y por supuesto en sus barrios o vecindarios.

Empezamos a conocer los Organizadores de ONE LA y como es que funciona esta organización. Hemos tenido un organizador a nuestro lado que nos ha escuchado y anos ayuda-dos a articular las actividades. Y nos ha ayudado para identificar líderes.

La mayoría de las personas han hablado de su preocupación por la vivienda, el costo y las condiciones insanas en que viven. La seguridad en los barrios y calles, la educación en las escuelas

Entonces Padre Melchor nos empezó a motivarnos para ir a los talleres de organización con ONE LA para que aprendiéramos en qué consiste estar unidos y organizados para que nos escuchen aquellos que manejan y tienen el poder en la comunidad y prestan servicios a esta: como la policía, los oficiales electos de la ciudad, el control de bebidas alcohólicas, La Junta directiva de los Colegios comunitarios, El Distrito Unificado de los Ángeles y otros.



HONORING IMMIGRANTS --- Community supporters ally themselves with undocumented immigrants. Photo by Ellie Hidalgo (from Tidings)

Nuestros sacerdotes nos han ensenado la importancia de establecer relaciones con otras entidades e instituciones y con otros grupos de la comunidad como sindicatos sinagogas, uniones Escuelas etc. Y este grupo es lo que se llama ONE LA

Hemos participado en asamblea para presentar nuestras preocupaciones sobre la Educación. y buscado oportunidades para personas que desean seguir estudiando pero se les hace difícil., por la economía y los horarios. El año pasado unos colegios comunitarios ofreció ayuda con un curso de CNA para personas de 18 a 30 años que tenían dificultad o habían parado de estudiar por vario tiempo. Se inscribieron varias personas de nuestras parroquia, algunas no calificaron por el estatus legal. Y otras por qué no ganaron el examen de admisión.

También en el 2007 presentamos al Departamento de Bebidas alcohólicas (ABC) Nuestra preocupación por muchas tiendas con venta de licor alrededor de nuestra parroquia y esto deteriora la vida de las personas.

El ano pasado en agosto del 2008 tuvimos una asamblea en Preciosa Sangre donde asistieron 200 personas Invitamos a la Policía de la División Rampart y al concejal de nuestra área el Sr. Ed Reyes para presentarle la preocupación de los vecinos por la falta de seguridad en los diferentes barrios de la Parroquias San Kevin y Preciosa Sangre, y esta asamblea surgió después de las caminatas por los barrios y juntas de casa que hicimos.

También se presento a la policía el problema de actividades ilegales en las calles, y falta de seguridad, y que más personas viven con miedo de salir porque temen por su vida. Logramos el compromiso de ellos para trabajar con la comunidad y necesitamos tener otras juntas de seguimiento. En esa asamblea también se presento la preocupación por las condiciones insanas de los apartamentos.

Como seguimiento de esto hemos tenido unas conversaciones con el departamento de la vivienda para ver como logramos su compromiso de trabajar en este problema y lograr ayuda para superarlo.

En el año 2006 estuvimos promoviendo los derechos de los inquilinos porque ha habido una ola de desalojos, y la gente siente que no hay solución o nadie que les pueda ayudar ellos han conocido sus derechos como inquilinos y las 12 razones por las que pueden ser desalojados pero también sus obligaciones, y como se presenta una queja el dueño.

En Octubre del 2008 estuvimos en una asamblea donde asistieron 1500 personas para presentar una propuesta sobre los embargos de casa para las personas con este problema se hablo con representantes de algunos bancos, concejales electos de la ciudad , el condado y El Estado, también sobre oportunidades de empleo y educación.

Los Misioneros de Jesús nos han enseñado a ver la necesidad de estar organizados para crear poder yparticipar en las decisiones de nuestra comunidad, para que ellos tengan mejores oportunidades y mejor calidad de vida.

No ha sido un trabajo fácil porque la organización toma tiempo y encontrar lideres con el apetito y el deseen de dar sus vidas a favor de la comunidad también pero hemos logrado bastante y hemos aprendido mucho especialmente como abrir relaciones con aquellos que ejercen poder en la comunidad y pueden hacer sus programas enfocados en la necesidades más importantes de la comunidad.

- Brenda Morales

Asistencia Sanitaria

¡Era una de esas mañanas hermosas de California: clara, asoleada con una suave brisa! Gozaba de un día libre de mi trabajo como costurera en el centro de la ciudad. ¿Qué mal podría pasar? Sin embargo, no me sentía bien, ¿Qué comería esta mañana?

Caminando sobre el bulevar Sur Occidental cerca de la oficina parroquial había un letrero que decía: Hoy la enfermera parroquial se encuentra aquí. No era la primera vez que me di cuenta de la presencia del letrero. Apenas eran las diez de la mañana y me sentía pésima y no quería perder un día entero tan precioso. Sabía muy bien que sin un seguro médico no podría ir a una consulta sin que me cobraran mucho. “Ni modo, “dije en mi interior; “trataré de ver qué me podría hacer la enfermera aquí. “ Toqué el timbre y me di cuenta de que sólo había una persona esperando su turno y a mí me tocaría el siguiente.

Esa visita con la enfermera parroquial un día martes en la mañana cambió mi vida entera para siempre. Sin saberlo, estaba acortando mi vida poco a poco. Tenía cuarenta y cinco años de edad pero la presión sanguínea estaba peligrosamente alta y el nivel del azúcar en la sangre llegó a más de 250 mg./dl. La enfermera me explicó, con mucha dificultad (ella no habla español)pero con mucha compasión, la condición crítica de mi salud. Ella arregló una cita en una clínica de QueensCare cerca de la Iglesia de Preciosa Sangre.

Ya han pasado dos años desde ese día martes. Ahora tengo la salud bajo control con la ayuda de las enfermeras y médicos de la clínica.

Este corto relato de uno de los clientes se podría multiplicar muchas veces con la variedad de resultados exitosos. QueensCare es una organización basada en la fe y que provee cuidado de salud accesible a las personas de bajos recursos y que no tienen seguro médico. La iglesia de Preciosa Sangre (y ahora San Kevin también) está afiliada a QueensCare por medio del ministerio de la salud llamado Gabinete de Salud, cuyos miembros son de la comunidad y se comprometen a servir a los más necesitados.

QueensCare es una alianza de fe y salud que provee a una enfermera parroquial cada martes para hacer consultas, referencias y ofrecer educación de salud. Cada mes el gabinete ofrece servicios de salud en el salón parroquial: examen de colesterol, nivel del azúcar en la sangre, presión sanguínea; chequeo de la visto y el oído, mamogramas, examen de los senos o Papanicolaou o de osteoporosis y dar inmunizaciones, etc. Todo esto se ofrece gratis o a bajo costo.

Todos los servicios y programas incluye un elemento fundamental de la educación sobre la salud que les pueda servir de capacitación para tomar en sus propias manos el control de la salud y así, disminuir las incidencias de enfermedades prevenibles.

Cada cliente recibe un cuidado comprensivo que incluye cuidado del cuerpo, el alma, la mente y el espíritu. Se toma en cuenta la capacidad del espíritu humano de encontrar la esperanza y la fe y el sentido y profundo designio de la vida para lograr la salud complete e íntegra.

- Cande Bak

Health Care for the Uninsured

“It was one of those glorious California mornings: clear, full of sunshine and cool breeze. What could possibly go wrong? It was my day-off from a sewing factory job downtown. But I felt a generalized discomfort and a queasy stomach. What did I have for breakfast?


“Along Occidental Blvd. next to the Church office was a sign: "Parish Nurse Here Today." It wasn't the first time I'd seen it. But today, I really felt rotten and it was only ten in the morning. The whole day was still ahead of me and feeling this way will surely spoil the rest. With no insurance to see a private doctor, I thought: ''what the heck! I'll see what the nurse can do for me." I rang the doorbell. There was only one client ahead of me. So, I was next.

“That Tuesday morning visit with the parish nurse made a world of difference in my life! Without knowing it, I was slowly, but steadily shortening my life. I was only 45 years old with a dangerously high blood pressure and a blood sugar of over 250 mg/dl. The kind parish nurse struggled with her broken Spanish to make me understand how very serious my condition was if left untreated. She was firm and determined to get me help. She set me up for an appointment in one of the QueensCare low-cost clinics close to the church.

“That was some two or more years ago. Now I have my health under control guided by nursing and medical professionals of the QueensCare Clinic who truly care.”

This brief account of one of the many clients can be multiplied many times over with varying degrees of success. QueensCare is a faith based organization that strives to provide accessible health care for the uninsured and low-income individuals and families in our area. Precious Blood Church and St Kevin Church (two parishes served by the Missionaries of Jesus) are affiliated with QueensCare through the parish health ministry known as the Health Cabinet. Members are parishioners who volunteer to serve the uninsured and low-income fellow community members.

QueensCare Health and Faith Partnership provide a public health nurse for health consultations and referrals every Tuesday in the parish office of Precious Blood and every Thursday at St Kevin Church. Every month a health event or program is offered by QueensCare and the Health Cabinet. Most of the services are free: blood pressure and glucose screening, bone density testing, vision screening, cholesterol and blood glucose tests, mammogram, Pap Smear, etc. All these services include an important, central element of health education, which is essential in empowering the patients to take control of their health; thus, avoiding or minimizing preventable diseases.

Each client is provided with a whole person health care involving the mind, body and spirit. The unique capacity of the human spirit for relationships of trust hope, faith, meaningfulness and purpose is seriously recognized and used to bring about health and wholeness.

- Cande Bak
Health Cabinet Ministry
Precious Blood Church

Winds of Faith

The story was told by us about the unpleasant burglary experience we had at our house in Tierra Blanca at 12:10 AM on March 3. This story was re-covered by the people. It represents one of the principal evil forces that dominate the Guatemalan society. Assaults, assassinations, drug trafficking and other heinous crimes lead daily news. The country's structural problem of impunity, cuddled since the 30-year internal conflict, favors the rise of violence. Of the 200,000 killed or abducted and 669 massacres that took place in mainly indigenous villages, cases of genocide and other military abuses, no person was brought to justice, held responsible for these atrocities. Today, out of every thousand inhabitants, 48 homicides happen, making Guatemala as one of the most violent countries.


The poverty culture theory narrates that the poor are condemned to hopelessness manifested through their expressions of fatalism. They are passive expectorators to expressions of violence; they suppress their anger and sedate their pain through prayers.

However, on the day that we told our story to the communities around us, they begun to re-open their eyes and called on everyone to act on the seemingly advancing malevolent force that want to control their lives as a people. Faithful from the different evangelical sects, of the Maya spirituality and the Catholic Church as well as committed people for the well-being of the community came on several occasions to discuss how to safeguard peace in their communities. The first thing they did was to dismiss the auxiliary mayor of the village who seemed to be indifferent to the degenerating peace in the community and accorded upon local decrees to prevent delinquent doings especially from organized criminal groups.

Oppressed people rise. Silenced people come forward to speak. God rises them up. We may have thought that hope for these marginalized people have been snuffed by destructive forces - it may have always seemed that way. Their hope may be like amber overwhelmed by dust that has covered it overtime. Burning flames may have died down. But winds of solidarity, courage, faith and audacity would put aflame this amber. As long as signs of life manifest in the poor, the oppressed and the excluded, there is always a reason for us to be with them prophetically. This is somehow what resurrection experience means.

Let the winds of the Spirit bring back the flames of life in our hearts.

Happy Easter!

- Joseph Guerrero, MJ