Deaf Ministry during Pandemic

 By Lanieta Tamatawale
Columban Lay Missionary from Fiji

 

 During this pandemic, the deaf people are more isolated in their own world; they only know what is going on in the world through things visual, like watching TV and social media. However, the information interpreted for them is limited.  Ministering to them is a challenge. It is even made more difficult because of the limitations set by the government. 

 

In our ministry with them, we keep in contact with them through video calls on Messenger, communicating through sign language to inform them on what is happening around them. We are very dependent on internet connection. Some of the Catholic deaf attend Mass but they cannot fully participate because the Mass is not interpreted for them.  We do home visitations with precautions and give donations of food for their families. There have been many uncertainties and we could not plan for our ministries but simply take one day at a time. With these limitations, I keep them in my daily prayers in these difficult times. But we continue to celebrate, and deepen the gifts of faith and Christian service to each and everyone. It reminds me of the mystery of faith: “We remember how you loved us, through your death, and still we celebrate for you are with us here, and we believe that we will see you when you come, in your glory Lord, we remember, we celebrate, we believe.”

The pandemic has deepened my faith, reflecting on what God is telling us. What can I do for them? How can we deepen their faith in this difficult time?

God is so good. In February this year, Fr. Erl Dylan Tabaco, a Columban Priest working in Peru, came home for vacation. I was very happy because I know that his heart is for the deaf. I first met Fr. Erl in 2003 when I was assigned to his parish, Holy Rosary, Agusan, Cagayan de Oro. We worked together with the Youth and Deaf Ministry in the parish. Father Erl shared that it was through his work with the Deaf ministry that inspired him to become a priest. Not many priests were interested in learning the sign language to communicate and serve in the Deaf ministry. This experience made him ask the questions “Who will hear the confessions of the deaf?”, “Who will preside for their wedding ceremonies?”, “Who will help them receive the sacraments and educate them in the Catechism of the Catholic Church?”

True enough, Father Erl made himself available for the Lent and Advent recollections for the Deaf, hear their confessions and celebrate the Eucharist. He was very helpful in deepening their faith giving them hope to always have Jesus in their hearts. It also reminds me that the Holy Spirit inspires us to serve no matter the cost. We are never alone! The TRINITY is always with us. We care and even we need caring.

Fr. Erl Tabaco celebrates the Eucharist with the Deaf