Edmund Rice Brothers, Philippines Mission Diary - 31
9th November 2009
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 REGISTERED NAME: Edmund Rice Brothers, The Philippines, Inc. CN200825020 |
Hilongos News:
NEWS FROM FRANK:
Things are rolling along here OK; we are into the second school term after a one week break following a 22 week first term. Have to hang in there till Christmas when we get our next break. We (the four of us)l travelled across to Cebu on morning of 23rd October for our combined meeting at Redemptorists House next to the Presentation Sisters. It was a great opportunity for the two communities to get together.
We received a big box of books from Jim van der Zalm and the Girrawheen community. This time the selection of books was much more sensible, with many excellent children's reading books and library books. Also hidden away among the books were three large bottles of marmalade, and two boxes of Uncle Toby's muesli, so well done Jim.
The Third Year students (Brother Peter Thrupp’s 2nd year RE class of last year), carefully prepared a Thank You card for him, which I was supposed to post. (Peter is still in Mt Archer recovering from dengue fever but from reports is doing well) I assumed that they were making a card out of colored paper etc, and would get everyone to write or sign. I tried to hurry them up when they began to take several days about the project, and was absolutely astonished when they showed me what they had produced, at the beginning of last week. It was a scrapbook the size of a photo album, beautifully written, decorated etc. and their faces fell when I told them that I could not send it to Australia, for fear that it would be seized and burnt by Australian customs. What they had done was to make the cover of the book out of natural materials, including coconut husk, banana frond, dried flowers etc. It must have taken hours. I tried to tell them that such products are absolutely banned from entry into an agricultural country like Australia and that I did not want to get into trouble by trying to sneak it through the post. Hence they are starting all over again. Maybe they will keep it simple this time.
Yes, there have been a couple of heavy typhoons in the north of the Philippines, but we have escaped down here in Leyte, so no problems whatsoever. Hope that it stays that way. We welcomed Cliff Fogarty here recently. He was with us for a week as he made his video about the Brothers in the Philippines. Our cluster leader, Tony Hempenstall is arriving today and will spend a week with us before going to Kabankalan to visit the Brothers on Negros. Christmas is nearly upon us and Paul and Dennis will be returning home about then so Carl and I will spend Christmas Philippino style.
Photo: Library below Classroom above – job done.
The good news is that the first year classroom that had been left unfinished for so long has finally been completed. Thanks to the wonderful donation from various Oceania Schools. Photo above.
Kabankalan News:
NEWS FROM LAURIE COLLINS:
Six months after returning from three years in Kenya, I was asked to move to the Philippines for a six month period, to cover a short term need. Kabankalan City is located 10 degrees north of the equator, on the island of Negros. From Manila it is an hour’s flight to Bacolod, followed by a 2 ½ hour drive further south. We are living on the narrow coastal plain at the foot of steep hills. The whole island of Negros is dominated by sugar cane, though with significant rice paddies. My first and abiding impression of The Philippines was the high humidity. Adjusting to this has been one of the greatest challenges. After four months here I have yet to wear a pullover or coat, or even a long sleeve shirt.
Teaching theology in another culture is quite a challenge, and in some ways more so here where the country is so dominantly Catholic (over 80% of the population), and with its own distinctive culture. KCC places considerable emphasis on devotions, sodalities and external practices, especially the Rosary. Participation in liturgies, retreats and religious activities is demanded rather than just strongly encouraged. All students (Education, English/arts, business, computer studies) are obliged to include one unit of theology each semester, while those majoring in Religious Education include many more.
When I arrived in Embulbul in December 2005, I quickly discovered that the three major living issues were water, electricity, and security. Here the supply of water is plentiful, as it should be with such an abundant rainfall. Acting on advice, we avoid drinking tap water, but rather buy all our drinking water in large flagons.
While I have experienced four blackouts during the past week, the electricity supply was restored each time fairly quickly. We have a broadband wireless internet connection in the house, which makes a huge difference, but there are fairly frequent interruptions. The biggest difference with Nairobi/Embulbul is in regard to security. It is not a problem here. We do not even lock our front gate, and we have many visitors during the day.
I note that the Philippines has featured in the world news due to the devastation that the tropical storm, Ketsana, caused in Manila and surrounding areas. Reports have been circulated of 240 deaths, 375000 displaced persons, and 80% of Manila flooded. Brian Gore informed us that the large Columban centre at Singalong Street in Manila, where I stayed a night on my arrival in Philippines, is now surrounded by a huge lake, with the waters lapping the ground floor. Apparently the worst flood in 40 years. Two more tropical storms are anticipated. Fortunately we in Kabankalan have been spared this, and have only suffered minor side effects.
MORE NEWS:
Julie Morgan made her first visit to us in the Philippines recently. Responsible to the OLT for Overseas Ministries, Julie’s visit took on a more than usual importance as Vince Duggan and his Team need to find responses to the situation where three of the original seven Brothers returned to Australia for health related reasons earlier this year. The immediate wonderful response was three Brothers for roughly six month stints. We are very grateful for Laurie Collins (Kabankalan) and Denis Sullivan and Paul Coster (Hilongos) who are due to return to Australia in December and January respectively for their supportive presence and contribution to our efforts. Julie’s report will be an important help to the OLT in their deliberations in mid-November.
Julie was accompanied by Martin Kelly, OIC of the Edmund Rice Volunteer Service. Martin came to Kabankalan to support and be reported to by Joe and Anne Steyns, our first ERVS personnel in The Philippines. He was also exploring needs for further volunteers for next year. As part of this investigation he accompanied Julie also to Hilongos to see what possibilities there might be there. Anne and Joe also return to Australia to take up their lives in Goulburn in December. I will write further on their contribution, and Laurie’s next bulletin.
Soon afterwards Cliff Fogarty joined us to make a video of our life and work, commissioned by Steve McLaughlin. We found Cliff very adroit and hard working at this task. He has the ability to ask very pertinent questions that require considered answers. There was not much room for the media shyness some of us felt. He was also a wonderfully prayerful and relaxed person to have around the house when not behind his camera.
Both Communities met in Cebu on 23rd to 25th October. The focus of discussions was our present and future ministries. We were jointly and very ably led by Laurie and Paul for a total of 11 ½ hours of meeting time. We also enjoyed relaxed ‘down-time’ together. Some of us were meeting each other for the first time. Cliff was also with us recording the sessions. A report of this meeting was sent to the OLT and individual Brothers have also sent personal reports.
Rod travelled to Brisbane immediately after the meeting principally to make his retreat – a very wonderful experience at The Archer. Yes, he did climb the mountain – and No, he didn’t fall over the edge! An address to the Nudgee student’s assembly followed by golf with Peter Thrupp, Dr. John Ryan and friends on November 3 (with a break to watch the big race) was very acceptable (see photo). He met with Vince Duggan and Peter Harney on November 4th and separately with Steve McLaughlin before returning to Manila the next day.
So, life is busy here in Kabankalan Diocese but life is also good. Best wishes to our Brothers and many supporters wherever you are and may the Christmas season be a great blessing to you all back at home.
John, Laurie, Anne, Joe and Rod
I return to Perth in the New Year after a very fruitful four months at the Archer acting as “property manager”. Rod Ellyard and I just recently climbed Mt Archer made famous by Peter Dowling. Rod has just completed a six day retreat with us, as mentioned above, and I was able to help him out by being his driver for a few days as he caught up on all his appointments. We did get one golf day in Melbourne Cup day thanks to Doctor John Ryan. Rod has now returned to Kabankalan and is already back at work. My health has improved and I feel I am ready to take on 2010 with renewed energy. My dream is to return to the Philippines one day; if that’s not possible maybe I can offer my services in a worthwhile ministry in Northern WA. I send Christmas greetings and many blessings to all our brothers and sisters of the Oceania Province.
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| Newly completed Sacred Space - The Archer | Home at the foot of Mt Archer |
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| Melbourne Cup day in Brisbane |
Thanks again to all our supporters who stuck with us throughout 2009 and be assured you are constantly in our prayers. The new website for the Philippines in 2010 will be:
http://www.christianbrothers.com.au/erpm/
Till next time.
P X Thrupp (cfc)
