“Welcome sisters to Ankara. How was your trip?” These may be just normal greetings but when spoken with sincerity as did our brothers and sisters, one would not mind hearing these a dozen times in the same afternoon.
The mission weekend was extraordinarily blessed. The visit was primarily to give the Christian Life Programme (CLP) talks but at the dinner table on Saturday night, brothers and sisters requested if additional teachings could be had. It was to profit from the mission visit they reasoned and to quench their thirst as well for more knowledge and wisdom. As might have been planned by the Holy Spirit, the topic on hand was “The Christian and his Emotions”. All six components were joyfully shared and talked about though not in very elaborate manner as it should have been if time was generous.
However, the listeners gladly heard the messages and were unwary of the deepening shadow enveloping the night. Sheepish smiles in the beginning turned to laughter as some related their own experiences and tried to see the point of understanding their emotions and how to deal with these. The scenario was so inspiring it wiped out traces of tiredness and lack of sleep for those on mission and that of the locals. The day after was equally blissful. The Sunday mass held at the Vatican Mission chapel, celebrated by a visiting bishop with two other priests, was a rare occasion. Then a picnic-style lunch was shared at the side of the chapel while a big dog kept watch from the border of the Vatican fence. After filling our stomachs with nourishment for our physical bodies, it was time for spiritual sustenance. The messages contained in the remaining three topics of the CLP were given.
Everyone had their ears and hearts open to gear up for a life of holiness. The graduation ceremony was the highlight of the day and everyone was in high spirits. The participants had their moments as they expressed their feelings with smiles on their faces. Tears of joy were shed and filled the air with more love, peace and forgiveness. It was a poignant moment.
“Father God, thank you for using us as your instruments in spreading your word. We also pray for continued guidance and be true to the CFC vision and mission of renewing the face of the earth. Amen.” (Babes Arupo)
N.B. Those who went on mission at separate weekends were Alice Cepeda, Babes Arupo, Girlie Dian, Lizanne Martinez and Lann Tablante.
