Living among poverty and plenty in Manila
Canberra priest Fr Steve Tynan of the Missionaries of God’s Love reflects on his 23 years in the Philippines.
Fr Steve Tynan giving a talk at a Life in the Spirit Conference 1998.
It was in October 1995 that I first visited the Philippines with our Moderator Fr Ken Barker as we hoped to begin a mission there.
The years since have been a rollercoaster and learning a new culture continues to be a fascinating experience.
Back in 1995, Fr Ken and I met with then Cardinal Archbishop of Manila, Jaime Sin who invited us to serve in Manila.
How the Church works and ministers in the Philippines is very different to Australia as both the culture and conditions are very different.
Coming to grips with living in the midst of both poverty and plenty is a constant challenge. There are so many needs, spiritual and physical, that one has to make a choice about how to use limited resources. Being an MGL this meant a focus on evangelization, youth and the poor.
For the first eight years, I spent much of my time in the Parish of St Peter (45 Masses on a Sunday in 15 different Mass Centres).
Celebrating Mass at ‘The Feast’ a Catholic movement for the unchurched 2015.
I have also worked with many charismatic communities and experienced the full range of Filipino organizations and spiritualities which include mission work with the poor, large movements like Couples for Christ and individual ministries such as homes for the aged (Anawim), unwed mothers and abandoned children.
There have been some extraordinary experiences such as baptizing 273 children in one ceremony. Tempting to use a fire hose but I refrained!
The experience of Simbang Gabi – 3am, 4am and 5am Masses for the nine days leading to Christmas – is enjoyable and exhausting, as are the multitude of Masses and other Sacraments.
To donate to the MGL Missions or Typhoon Relief:
Missionaries of God’s Love Manila Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 062-902 ACC: 1016 5274
Fr Steve can be contacted at frstevemgl@gmail.com
Education
It is unreasonable to expect people who are struggling to get by day to day to have much time or energy for spiritual activities.
Preparing coconut milk to make chicken curry, 1998.
This led to the creation of a scholarship program with about 75 students. We could increase it with more funding. Education is the ‘silver bullet’ helping students get a better paying job and life choices.
Without education, the only jobs are poorly paid with minimal security.
One of the beautiful realities of Filipino culture is how they stick together as a family. I have lost track of how many times I have heard a student say they want a degree “to help their family.”
The average assistance we give amounts to about $600 a year; a small price for the massive opportunity it brings.
Mission
Youth Ministry, started by Fr Brian Steele, continues to develop. It has constant challenges yet is so rewarding. Fr Alex Nolasco pioneered youth mission trips into the provinces and to the indigenous people of Mindoro (Mangyan) and Pampanga (Aeta).
We run several missions annually. Our youth misyoneros are usually from poor backgrounds and grow in skill and confidence as they bring the Gospel and Discipleship Training to places with few resources.
Parents of our scholars have complained that we do a lot for the youth but not much for them!
Disaster Relief
After the recent big cyclone/typhoon that devastated a swathe of the Philippine islands we did a lot of recovery work with extraordinary locals in some of the hardest hit areas.
Australians donated generously and we distributed 5,000,000 pesos ($145,000) of aid. Half went on food and immediate necessities.
I have never seen anything like it – enormous trees uprooted and carried down the road; entire neighborhoods flattened and washed away; farmers and fishermen suffering devastating blows.
More money bought boats and fishing supplies for church cooperatives. We also bought water buffalo to help families till their land. We helped one family who were still without electricity five months after the typhoon.
I said Mass for a fleet of new boats and people’s gratitude was overwhelming.
Having spent most of my priestly life in the Philippines. I could not have wished for a more varied, exciting and rewarding ministry. And the fullness of our reward is not now – it awaits us in heaven!
To donate to the MGL Missions or Typhoon Relief:
Missionaries of God’s Love Manila Commonwealth Bank
BSB: 062-902 ACC: 1016 5274
Fr Steve can be contacted at frstevemgl@gmail.com
Disciple of Jesus Covenant Community, Manila 1998.
Fr Steve, thank God for the gift of your priesthood and your gift of service. May you be an inspiration to others, the harvest is great but the labourers are few – always in our prayers as are your wonderful parents. John Smith, Serra Club of Canberra.
Fr Steve! So good to read about your life’s ministry!!! Thank you for your yes – I’m proud to claim friendship with you!