By Sunhee Kim
Columban Lay Missionary from Korea
I recently
began my new ministry in Our Lady of Remedies parish in Malate, Manila.
Although I am familiar with this parish, having visited it on many occasions,
my feelings are different now that it has become the area for my mission.
People who I used to greet casually before, now I ask how they are doing, and
the places I used to pass by without a second thought before are now pause for
a closer look. This is my first time to work in a Columban parish, and I am
looking forward to it.
I went to
the Adoration chapel not long after I arrived in Malate. I saw many people
coming and going to the chapel for just a short period of time. For me, the
Adoration chapel is a place to visit on purpose, to pray faithfully. However,
the people who would come to the adoration chapel seemed to be familiar with
this as if it is part of their normal routine and were comfortable with it.
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Malate Church, Manila |
In
retrospect, the first time I got to know anything about an Adoration chapel
was as a middle school student in Korea when one was built in my parish for the
first time. I was reminded repeatedly about the sanctity of this place and the
proper etiquette to follow. A notice of the dress code, and what dress should
be avoided when visiting the Ado-ration chapel was posted on the board in the
parish. There were also strict visiting hours for security reasons. Perhaps I
carved this in my memory without realizing it, and I thought it was important
to keep it. That’s why the people I met that day at the Adoration chapel in
Malate were quite a novelty to me, not only due to their familiarity, but also
due to their natural appearance.
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Parishioners in the Adoration Chapel of Malate Parish |
They meet
God in their own natural way during the course of their daily life regardless
of social status, appearance, careers, and so on. I know that the Lord does not
see our outer appearance but rather our inner selves. As simple and obvious as
it may be, I often overlook it. In addition, sometimes I used to be negligent
in my prayer life under the excuse of being busy. I have learned, however, from
the people I have met in my ministry by observing their faith, which is a
natural part of their everyday life; they consider serving God as their
mission, they pray wherever they are (they do not separate the places for
prayer and their daily life). Their devotion inspires me. By breaking
perceptions inside me one by one through various experiences, I have become a
little freer and more flexible since I became a missionary. Thankfully, I have
been given opportunities to learn and grow. I look forward to seeing what is
waiting for me in my new ministry. I believe it will be a inspiring and meaningful
journey with good people.
My Lord, open my heart, Amen.
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