This summer break, I was assigned to Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines for my summer apostolate from June 10 to July 10. I stayed in the Jesuit Community within the campus of Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan).
The objectives of the summer apostolate are to provide an opportunity to learn and develop new apostolic skills; provide direct contact and engagement with persons and communities in the margins of society and, explore possibilities and interests for future ministry in the Society.
During my immersion, I had the chance to stay with a catholic family for 4 days in Marawi – known as the Islamic City with 95% Muslims and only 3.7% Catholics. During my stay, we visited Ground Zero, a commemorative spot of the siege that happened in 2017 from May 23 until October 23, and caused the death of 1,200 people. We also visited the MSU gymnasium (Mindanao State University), a place bombed on December 3, 2023 during an ongoing Sunday mass – 4 Catholics died and 50 others were injured.
As I reflected on the life of the Catholics in Marawi, I came to understand that their faith is deepened and strengthened by their perseverance. Perseverance with faith in God is the only tool that encourages and inspires them to be strong and hopeful amid the chaos and adversities they face. Despite the siege and bombing, they have not given up living out the value of the gospel, such as sharing love, humility, compassion and forgiveness. Their perseverance gave me a sense of being a true follower of Christ – which means facing trials, uncertainty, rejection and even persecution. Like sheep among wolves, they are called to be a channel of Gospel value to others, and they are called to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, their lives remind me that suffering for Christ is not a sign of defeat, but a path to witness the truth. Indeed, to be a witness is to rely on Jesus Christ and let God’s spirit be with us in every trial, so that we may be strong and courageous to endure and remain faithful until the end.
As I lived with them, I was deeply touched by their unity and generosity. As a small group in Marawi, they work together and collaborate to renew and enlarge the chapel for their Sunday mass and other activities. At the same time, they also organize community prayer – gathering every Sunday afternoon to pray the rosary and share the Bible. These activities bring them together to share with one another their lives, especially their struggles and faith. When we visited each catholic family within Marawi, I sensed that their smallness creates a strong unity and faith. Their unity is rooted in joy. I described them during my birthday celebration at the house of a family that they are joyful, generous and welcoming. I felt their generosity as they welcomed us to their community. Indeed, their unity and generosity made me feel courageous and hopeful too. It changed my perspective about Marawi and it transformed uncertainties in my mind because I experienced a warm welcome and a great accompaniment from them.
All in all, this experience was a great chance, and Joy, because I came to witness how God continuously protects, guides, and inspires people when they encounter challenges in their lives. I am fortunate also to witness how people persevere and unite in love, hope, and faith in God alone.
Written by: Sch. Jonas Carvalho Soares, SJ