REMEMBERING Pilar Tilos

By Fr Liam O'Callaghan, SSC

Pilar Tilos, Columban Lay Missionary in Pakistan, 1990-1996

 

On January 4, 1996, Pilar Tilos died in her sleep in the Columban house in Lahore to the shock of us all. Pilar was born in Negros, Philippines, in 1940 and was very involved with the Columbans there and considered herself a Columban from the beginning. She joined the Columban Lay Mission (CLM) and was one of three of RP1 (first team of lay missionaries from the Philippines) – Emma Pabera and Gloria Canama being the other two – who were sent on mission to Pakistan in 1990.

She was in her second term when she died and she is buried in Buddhu ka Awa graveyard near St. Paul’s parish, Shadbagh, Lahore where Columbans worked from1984 - 2007. 

Pilar worked in Shadbagh parish after language studies until her death, involved in many parish activities but particularly in the women’s group and also in health care. The rented apartment of the lay missionaries was in a Muslim area not far from the Parish Center. Her health work, including acupuncture, allowed her to get to know many of her Muslim women neighbors through her caring, non-threatening and friendly manner, not to mention her medical knowhow. It was only after her death that we fully realized the impact and deep impression she had made on so many. 

Friends say goodbye to Pilar

 

There was a large crowd at her funeral as her death was a major shock in the parish where she had been so well known. Her Muslim neighbors also turned out in big numbers which was very unusual for a Christian funeral. Many cultural norms were broken at the funeral, as Muslim women came to view the body and many women, Christian and Muslim, went in the procession to the graveyard which normally did not happen. Bishop Armando Trinadad was present, as was Fr. Des Quinn, who represented the Columbans in the Philippine Region, and who had also worked with her in Negros. 

Pilar's funeral wends its way through the streets of Lahore

As we remember her on the 27th anniversary of her death, we are reminded by her life and ministry that we are called to be messengers of peace, joy and healing. And in reaching out to others, we can break down barriers and taboos and bring about harmony and understanding. 

May Pilar rest in peace.