News Flash on Mission Project in Vietnam/Cambodia

THE JOURNEY OF FAITH WITH THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE
Starting the journey by coming home

Early morning of Oct 5th, 2013, the group of IFFAsia students and staff started our journey by entering the land of Vietnam.
We were warmly welcomed in the Parish of Fr. Joseph Tuan (Responsible of Children Ministry of Saigon Diocese, Chaplain of Eucharistic Youth Movement).

We could feel how much we were treated as a family and how much the church today is open to receive us. We are touched by their generosity to open the parish to us, to take care of all our needs without any condition.

Although we have different nationalities but we create a common unity that builds a community.

“They were so kind to us and would really accompany us whenever we needed. Sometimes, unexpectedly, they would just lend a hand for us.” – Jhimus (Philippines)

Witnessing Vietnam Church today
We’ve witnessed a very active and dynamic faith and church life in Vietnam. We saw how the people value their faith and participate actively in the church life. They have a systematic way of building the faith integrated in the person’s life. They make sure that the foundation is built from a young age as seen in the Sunday catechism classes.

The Youth encounter had been a good time to share and discover the life of young people in Vietnam.

“ I was amazed by the spirit of volunteerism of the people who are really actively participating in church activities.” – Evelyn (Malaysia)

“These people are young professionals and some are very young and committed.” – Angela

“Changes start from within”
Meeting also the NGO’s like Initiatives of Changes (IofC), One Body Village and the Businessmen Group showed us how to live mission and affect change in the society- no matter how small the step or action could be. The most important is the faithfulness to take the little steps. “Change start from within.” “Be a voice – lend a hand. Make a difference – Save a life” – a slogan from One Body Village that called us deeply.

“I was able to see weakness that I am not so aware of, that brings such impact on to the society. This experience helps me to be part of starting changes. Start the changes from me.” – Tugso (Mongolia)
“Before this I am easy to give up and often time run away from God. I cannot carry my cross, especially when I have any problem, I always complain to God. But today, I understand God loves me and always calls me to be joyful in God’s power.” – Evelyn (Malaysia)

“I was so afraid of taking the risk for my life. I felt that I have so many things that I cannot balance or handle anymore. Sometimes, it becomes so heavy for me. The time with IOfC, It encourages me to make change for my life. The opportunity is there.” – Suong (Vietnam)

“I am fully aware that I am on a mission, and I can’t contain myself on being the way I was, I should respect other’s culture and belief, I must put more effort to be more flexible, adaptive and interactive to the new community I am engaging with. I am not in my own world now, this is the new world I am dealing with, the world for understanding, world full of respect and compassion to one another and the world with sustainable peace and equality.” – Angela (Philippines)

Time with students’ family
We also spent a good time meeting the family of the students. Parents were very grateful of the changes they have seen in their children. What was also important in all these meetings and encounter was the witness we gave as Institute, the witness of the students of their transformation because of the formation… no matter how small it maybe when put together becomes a bright flame of witnessing God’s transforming love and action in our life.

As we ended the first part of Mission Project in Vietnam…
… what was strong are the words… ”we have pitched the flag of mission in Vietnam as Fondacio” and with the Church welcoming and ready to collaborate with us. We have proven ourselves as an Institute, in our sincerity to form their young lay leaders for the building and the moving forward of the church in Vietnam which today they are seeing the fruits of the difference they are making in the church and society. They are now more open to collaborate with us in whatever mission we are called to respond to in Vietnam.

Initiatives of Change (IofC) is a world-wide movement of people of diverse cultures and backgrounds, who are committed to the transformation of society through changes in human motives and behaviour, starting with their own, in the areas of trust – building, ethical leadership and sustainable living.

One Body Village (OBV) is an Organization which its vision mission are: To combat human sex trafficking in developing countries; to provide at risk children and survivors with shelter, medical and behavioural health care, educational assistance, and vocational training to improve their future.

Third Malaysian IFFAsia Graduates Gathering

“It is the beginning of unity between East and West Malaysia, bringing hope to the community, walking towards one mission in one country. There is also a better structure that will take care of the growing community in Asia.”

PORT DICKSON : This year, the third Malaysia IFFAsia Graduates Gathering was held at Champagnat Youth Centre (Marist Brothers), Port Dickson on September 27th to 29th, 2013. Eight members of Fondacio Malaysia and ten IFFAsia graduates attended the gathering. This is the first "joint venture" gathering which is one of the fruits during the 6th Fondacio Asia Pastoral Gathering held last October 26 - November 5, 2012 at Oblates of Mary Immaculate Formation Center in Quezon City, Philippines. During the gathering, Fondacio Malaysia members and Malaysian IFFAsia graduates, came together to discuss, explore and discern on how best they could journey together in the mission.

Morning Prayer

The main purpose of this yearly gathering is to reflect on one's vocation and direction after the formation process in IFFAsia, Philippines. On the second day, Charles Bertille, the Fondacio Asia Coordinator facilitated the two-day event, moving us towards greater integration in our mission journey.
During the 'integration' session, we were asked to reflect on our goal and how do we see ourselves five years from now. Not only that, we were also asked to reflect on our limitations and our uniqueness. We were given given time to reflect on 'This is who I am' and to later share it within the group.

Charles also shared to us about the three characters in the Acts of the Apostles. Peter, someone who is relational, Stephen who is efficient and Paul who is effective / balance. We were told to reflect on this three characters and to see where we are and to ask grace from any of them if we need blessings from Peter or Stephen or Paul. He also reminded us that our faith is a covenant and if we do not live the covenant, it will slowly die. Therefore, everyone need to check or balance their life. He also said that, our discipleship is not based on other people's opinion and goals but on values. The gospel values will change us to 'This is how I am'.It was a wonderful time for each and everyone of us. Not only we were able to have our "me" time with God and to be refilled in our spiritual life, but we were also able to strengthen the relationship bond between the graduates and the Fondacio members. Alice Tan the current acting director of IFFAsia, Philippines was also present during the gathering to lend support to all graduates of IFFAsia. The next gathering will be in October 2014 in Kuching, Sarawak.

New Intake for IFFAsia Schoolyear 2014

Nurturing lay leaders for a renewed Asian Church and Society 

The Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) is now open for application from potential applicants for the schoolyear 2014.

Deadline for the submission of application forms is on November 30, 2013. For further inquiries, email us at iffasia@gmail.com.

Download below for your reference: 

  IFF Asia 2014 Intake Cover Letter by FondacioAsiaCommunications

IFF Asia Application Kit 2014-Contents by FondacioAsiaCommunications

For those who wish to apply for the English Course at the Assumption Language Center, download the Application Form below.

English Course Application Form by FondacioAsiaCommunications

IFFAsia 2013 Brochure

Download the IFFAsia 2013 Brochure here.

English Version

Vietnamese Version

Video: Mukah Youth Camps

A Continuing Journey with the Young People of Mukah, Sarawak

Facilitators and participants, together with Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese.

Sts. Peter and Paul, Mukah – Once again, the graduates of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia came together to facilitate the follow-up Youth Leadership Camp Program at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Mukah, Sarawak.

Previously, on the 26th to 28thApril 2013, IFFA graduates Mag Chin (Batch 1), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong (Batch 4) and Anna Teresa (Batch 5), together with Annie Yap, Country Coordinator of Fondacio Malaysia, and Br. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of The Disciples of the Lord (CDD) animated a Youth Leadership Camp in Mukah. With the theme ‘Servant Leadership in Me’, 34 youth from 5 parishes (Mukah, Dalat, Julau, Kapit and Selangau) gathered to experience God’s love through the Camp.

Held from 15th to 16th June 2013, the follow-up Camp was meant to integrate and recollect the experiences of the youth leaders from the 5 parishes, especially their one-month experience after the Camp in April. At the same time, these two days gave them the opportunity to equip themselves with leadership skills that can help them in their ministry. This follow-up program was conducted by Ezekiel Raj (Batch 2), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong and Roselinah Francis (Batch 4). Nineteen youth leaders (Mukah - 10, Julau - 2, Kapit - 2, and Selangau - 5) participated in this Camp.

Integration of the previous Youth Leadership Camp, by Nina Chan.

Day 1 started in the afternoon of 15th June. The participants were led by Nina Chan to look back at their experiences after the Camp in April. Through the questions on ‘The changes in me’ and ‘The changes of my other youth leader friends’, the youth were invited to realize and to see the graces that God gave to them and to see the growth in their friends. They were also able to see their own limitations and take steps towards improving themselves.

The Dialogue on Youth Ministry was facilitated by Nina. It gave the Youth Leaders the opportunity to understand the meaning of Youth Ministry and to see the situation of the youth in their own parishes. The presence of Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese, Ezekiel Raj, Pastoral Assistant, Campus Ministry Office and Penang Diocesan Youth Network 2008-2010, Roselinah Francis, Youth Coordinator of Keningau Diocese, and Cecilia Ong, Youth Coordinator of Mukah Parish, as panelists during the dialogue opened their minds to see the reality experienced in youth ministry. Using SWOT analysis, they learned to analyze the situation happening in the parishes.

Dialogue on Youth Ministry.

Ezekiel Raj started the evening by inviting the leaders to see that doing a program of activities for the young people require skills. Without skills, they will not be able attract the young people. The participants were then challenged to plan and facilitate games through the session on Facilitation, which was facilitated by Roselinah Francis. It was meant to equip them with skills and prepare them for their mission on the ground. They prepared Structured Learning Experiences and facilitated these themselves.

Finish the Line! - Participants encouraging teammates to reach the finish line.

Day 2 started with a recap of the previous day from Nina Chan and followed by the session ‘Introduction to Youth Clubs, a Fondacio Pedagogy’ by Cecilia Ong. In this session, she emphasized that a Club is a place where young people experience life and a place where they can feel a sense of belonging. She tackled the four principles in creating and implementing a club: Fun, Food, Sharing Time (Input) and Spiritual Time.

Group Discussion - Each group was asked to conduct a game.

The participants were then divided into four groups and assigned to plan and implement the club to the whole group. This was really a learning process so that they could actually apply the facilitation skills that they learnt the day before. With the theme “The Power of Hand” the participants worked as one community in planning and facilitating a club. It was a remarkable experience for all the young leaders to work as a team and to accept feedback from each other.

Learning to animate in small groups.

Finally, the Camp ended with a commissioning Mass by Fr. Michael Lee. In his homily, he invites each one to follow the example of the Sinful Woman, being humble before the Lord.

A message from Fr. Michael Lee, Youth Chaplain of Sibu Diocese
“Go down from the mountain to reach out…
We need to understand who we are…
We need to become the Salt and Light of the Church.
How can you serve the youth if you are not confident with yourself?
We are God-given youth. Be one.
Show to others that we are different from the world because of our Faith.
Sometimes we underestimate our life.
Go, bring joy to others. You can do it wherever you are.
But if we don’t have God’s love, we can do nothing.

L-R: IFFAsia graduates Ezekiel Raj, Cecilia Ong, Roselinah Francis, and Nina Chan

Roselinah Francis belongs to Batch 4 of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. She is currently the Youth Coordinator of Keningau Diocese.

Malaysian IFFAsia Graduates Join Forces for Servant Leadership Camp

The facilitators together with the youth leaders from Julau, Dalat, Selangau, Mukah and Kapit.

Mukah, Sarawak – Four Malaysian graduates of the Institute of Formation Fondacio Asia, namely Mag Chin (Batch 1), Nina Chan (Batch 3), Cecilia Ong (Batch 4) and Anna Teresa Amandus (Batch 5) joined hands together with Annie Yap, member of Fondacio Malaysia, and Bro. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of The Disciples of the Lord (CDD) to facilitate a 3-day Youth Camp at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Mukah, Sarawak.

This is one of a few team-ups carried out by graduates of IFFAsia and members of Fondacio in organizing programs with and for the youth. This was previously done in the Diocese of Handan, China, where Mandarin-speaking graduates from both Malaysia and China came together to organize a camp for the youth.

In the Diocese of Sandakan, Sabah, IFFAsia graduates Roselinah Francis and Cecillia Ong (both from Batch 4), together with Patrick Sta. Maria, member of Fondacio Malaysia, were invited by Anna Teresa and Sharon Tan (Batch 6) to help out in giving sessions during the recent Youth Leader’s Camp II in Holy Trinity, Tawau. It was a very positive approach to continuously be in formation and at the same time journey as one community, especially for the IFFAsia graduates from China and Malaysia.

The camp was held from the 26th to 28th April 2013 and participated in by 34 youth leaders from 5 parishes—Mukah, Dalat, Julau, Kapit and Selangau. The theme was 'SERVANT LEADERSHIP IN ME' and the objectives were: (i) to become aware of their own attitude towards themselves, the people around them, and their own life; and (ii) to experience God’s love.

Expectation Check!

Day 1: The participants were drawn into discovering themselves through sessions like ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘My Strengths and Struggles’. This allowed them to look, to discover and to acknowledge the beauty in themselves, from the inside to the outside. They were also invited to accept and embrace the good and bad in themselves, because in the end, the good and the bad are all THEM, created by God. The day ended with night prayer - praise and worship led by Anna Teresa.

My Strengths - The participants were invited to list down the positive characters of the persons whom they like and admire, and pasted these on the human form drawing.

Day 2: The participants experienced prayer with nature led by Cecilia Ong, followed by an outdoor activity ‘Treasure Hunt’. It was really a challenging event as it required them to work and walk as a team. Their communication and attitudes towards one another were also essential towards making the whole hunting a success.

Teamwork during Treasure Hunt.

This then led to a related session ‘My Attitudes in Life with Different People’ facilitated by Nina Chan. In this session, Nina helped the youth to identify different attitudes and characters in them that always appear, either consciously or unconsciously while they are in community, from as small as the family, school, working place or Church. She also shared about attitudes that help to build or destroy a Christian community. It was a very enriching moment for each one because as youth leaders it is very important to first change themselves before changing others.

In the evening, Annie Yap invited everyone to experience God’s love, especially after they had gone through the first two days in the camp. Day 2 ended with a peaceful Taize prayer led by Mag Chin.

Taize Prayer - Offering the participants' letters to God.

Day 3: Finally, the participants arrived at the peak of the camp, the Servant Leadership of Jesus—'Washing of the Feet' facilitated by Mag Chin. It was a very touching moment for everyone because they really felt Jesus' presence during the process. Washing one another's feet is an act of humility, a criterion necessary for servant leadership.

Washing of the feet, an act of humility.

Participants were given the chance to share their own experiences. They were requested to make their commitments in areas of their life that they want to change. The final day ended with a short movie ‘I Am Special’. It was a good way to end the day as the movie showed how great our God, who created humans completely, is and that uniquely and above all He does not make mistakes. He loves us so much that He made us just the way He wants us to be.

It was a fruitful camp for both the participants and the facilitators. For the youth, they experienced friendship and God’s love. For the facilitators, they learned to let go and be docile to the Holy Spirit. It has always been God’s work and He alone has made it happen.

What am I committed to change?

The camp did not end there; some of the facilitators continued their journey to Mary Immaculate Concepcion Church in Kapit, a 3-hour boat ride from Sibu, on the 30th April 2013. Nina, Cecilia and Anna took the chance to share with the youth about the Personal Development Plan (PDP). As for Bro. Joseph Lim of the Congregation of the Disciples of the Lord (CDD) and Janet, a volunteer from Kuala Lumpur, they spent their time experiencing life in the Iban Community at a long house in Julau.

After PDP session with the youth of Mary Immaculate Concepcion Parish.

On 2nd May 2013, both teams met up and headed back to Mukah. The next day, the teams had their recollection, to collect and integrate the fruits from the past days in Mukah. Each one shared about their fruits, what was awakened in them and God’s invitations for them when they return to their respective places.

"What a wonderful way to end the Sarawak Journey! The beautiful sunset, as though God is saying 'thank you' for our hearts and efforts. Simply relieved and happy - our mission accomplished!" - Nina Chan.

“REDISCOVER, RENEW and RECONNECT WITH CHRIST, being open to God, letting go of myself and letting God lead me. This made my faith journey in Mukah a refreshing and energizing experience with my teammates and the youth, with myself and God. I thank Jesus for knocking on me at the right place and at the right time. It has always been His plan...” – Anna Teresa

L-R: Cecilia Ong, Mag Chin, Bro. Joseph Lim, Anna Teresa, Annie Yap, and Nina Chan.

Anna Teresa Amandus belongs to Batch 5 of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. She is currently the Director of the Diocesan Youth Office of Sandakan.

IFFAsia: A New Door Opens for Lay Pastoral Workers

Exchange of MOA between IFFAsia and Xavier University. Front row, left to right: Dr. Ignacio Rosselot, Fondacio President; Mr. Charles Bertille, Fondacio Council member for Asia and former Director, IFFAsia; Fr. Roberto Yap, SJ, President, Xavier University, Philippines; Dr. Dulce, Dean of Arts & Sciences, XU. Back row, left to right: Dr. Sealza, Dean of Graduate Studies, XU; Ms. Alice Tan, Acting Director, IFFAsia.

Starting schoolyear 2013, the Institute of Formation, Fondacio Asia (IFFAsia) partners with Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan to undertake a common mission of collaboration for the formation of youth and laity, especially from the emerging churches in the Asian region.

To seal this partnership, both institutions came together last November 5, 2012, to sign a Memorandum of Agreement. This event was held at the campus of Xavier University, a private Jesuit institution located in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

This help in building up capable lay leaders who can participate to bring about changes is IFFAsia's response to the call of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC) for a renewed church and society.

This partnership responds to both formation and academic needs of the students of IFFAsia. In this program, the student can earn a Certificate or Diploma in Pastoral Leadership, or a Master's degree in Development Leadership. The program accreditation is granted by the Commission on Higher Education in the Philippines.

Included in the IFFAsia formation program is a skills training focusing on micro-finance and entrepreneurship at the South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN), of Xavier University.

Bishop Joel Baylon of the Diocese of Legazpi, and IFFAsia Chairman of the Board, calls the formation at the Institute an "experience lived in the context of a community and missionary spirituality".

Wilfred James of Sabah says, "What I learned in IFFAsia four years ago – Christian values, the spirituality of Fondacio, the formation of the human person – is really sustaining me in my mission, and transforming my attitudes towards relationships and work."

Since its launching in May 2006, IFFAsia has produced almost a hundred young pastoral workers, eighty five percent of whom continue to serve full-time in their local dioceses, parishes and other church organizations. Their areas of ministry include children and youth, basic ecclesial communities, evangelization, community building and social development. Graduates have come from Cambodia, China, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

IFFAsia Mission Project 2012

Trusting in the Divine Providence of God with the spirit of going beyond...

Dear Friends,

Greetings to you all and Happy Valentine's Day!

We would like to share with you what’s going on in the current IFFAsia Mission Project 2012, here at SEARSOLIN, College of Agriculture of Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro.

SEARSOLIN stands for South East Asia Rural Social Leadership Institute. It is one of the outreach units of Xavier University and a training center dedicated to the formation of socially committed and competent leaders in the struggle for poverty alleviation and holistic human development. As an international center of learning, it caters to a wide range of diverse cultural and religious traditions in Asia, Pacific and Africa. It further aspires for a just social order, where respect for human dignity, deference of various religious beliefs, equitable distribution of wealth and care of the bounty of the earth prevail.

IFFAsia students and interns at SEARSOLIN, with Ms. Rachel Polestico, SEARSOLIN Executive Director (4th from right, front row), and Mr. Abraham Chongo, IFFAsia Mission Project Coordinator(1st from left, front row).

The students and staff of IFFAsia arrived in Cagayan de Oro on February 4, 2012 for their Technical and Skills Training. This is being done through classroom sessions, lectures and inputs from various practitioners within their own fields of expertise. A big part of these inputs are very much grounded in visits and exposures/immersions to various community initiatives in the area. Students and staff had an opportunity to visit the victims or survivors of the SENDONG typhoon, in the places affected. They also went to the relocation sites where these people have been provided with temporary shelters/tents. At this point in time, we can only say, it has really been a God-filled experience of last week.

One may want to ask, why Cagayan de Oro, and particularly SEARSOLIN? As we have mentioned earlier on, we have been moved by the Leadership Training Program of SEARSOLIN. It is a program which facilitates change and promotion of the welfare for the emerging rural communities. As a school of discipleship for young adults and professionals in Asia and society, IFFAsia regards itself as being at the service of local churches and communities. It strives to form the young adults/professionals as leaders for a renewed Church in Asia to become actively involved in the affairs of the church and civil society. IFFAsia envisions itself to be a hub of formation for laity in Asia. Its mandate is to transmit the needed knowledge and skills for effective ministry. At the same time instilling values and attitudes that can help to empower young adults and pastoral workers to become responsible leaders, capable of taking on initiatives for church renewal in Asia. Concretely, it simply means putting in place measures that put focus on quality program for excellence.

Having looked at the vision and programs of SEARSOLIN against that of IFFAsia, it became evident that these can be mutually enriching for both institutes. With this in mind, a program (Module) was designed with the theme or focus on: Building Entrepreneurship for Social Pastoral and Development Practitioners. The module aims to equip students and staff with the knowledge and skills needed in the promotion and development of micro-enterprise, marketing, management and micro-finance.

Students and staff, on the banks of the Cagayan de Oro River, offer prayers for all those affected by the Sendong typhoon, which caused massive flooding in a large part of the city last Dec., 2011.

At the end of this intensive course, students are expected to come up with two major outputs. The first is the Business Plan for a particular community (where they are being exposed), stipulating what steps they will take to initiate and implement this business venture. The second is the Social Development Action Plan (SEDAP). This is a proposal plan which will address the question of “what” each of the students intends to do when they go back home to their own countries and “where” (specific place) they intend to carry out these projects.

So far, the students have started exploring self-help financing schemes in support of new or existing micro-enterprises and other income-generating projects within the community. As part of a measure and strategy that help the learning groups to experience and see in action how enterprising people can be, the students were exposed to the present situation of the recent SENDONG calamity that took place in Cagayan de Oro. To help IFF Asia students and staff have a hands-on-experience of the impact of the tragedy, a “Sendong Tour” was organized. This tour gave students a wider perspective of how enterprising people can be even times of great calamity like, people have found a reason to strive more for a meaningful life. Micro-enterprise and Micro-finance are indeed a strategy and modality for survival and livelihood for communities in a recovery situation.

With this in mind, we invite you to journey with us as we continue to learn from local people and the SEARSOLIN community on what it means to be Social Development and Pastoral Micro-finance Entrepreneurs. We ask for your prayers, support and contributions in any way you can toward this year’s mission project. This is a big contribution to our formation program cost. It is also our way of sharing and being in solidarity with our local people out here.

The group having fun after finishing a community survey in Cabula (a local area affected by the recent flooding in the city), part of the requirements in their course.

We will be updating you on a day-to-day basis about the wonders the Lord is doing in these young people from all parts of Asia. God bless you and make you fruitful, generous and cheerful givers of life.

Abraham S. Chongo
Mission Project Coordinator, IFFAsia

We continue to appeal for your support for the project. For financial contributions, please email us at ifa.fondacio@gmail.com.

The Story of a Long-Lost Daughter

The Mayon Volcano, in Albay, Bicol, was the backdrop for the recent social immersion (Oct. 20 - Nov2, 2011) of the current students of IFFAsia.

When I first heard that we were going for social immersion in Bicol, I remembered my experience with the Catholic Student Group (CSG) going for exposure and living with foster families. This time, my motivation for going was to really experience God in the lives of the people and to see His surprises for me. I was quite excited, but at the same time, a little bit nervous. All thirteen students were separated from each other, as each had to live with a different foster family. I found it difficult at first because I knew that my weakness is relating and communicating with new people. Another difficulty for me is that I could only speak English and very little Tagalog. However, I took this as a challenge to overcome my difficulties.

Before leaving IFFAsia, we were divided into three groups, and each group was assigned to stay in a different barangay (village). My group stayed in Barangay Mariroc of Tabaco City, Province of Albay. My most significant moment during the social immersion would be the time that I spent with my foster family, consisting of my mother, two brothers and two sisters. My father passed away 12 years ago because of a heart attack. My family owns a small business (sari-sari store) and a rice field, and raises pigs. This is their source of income and they live a simple life, not really poor, but they have just enough to survive.

Sheerah (right), with Aleona (left) and a young Bicolana lass.

My mother always found time to talk with me, even if she had housework to do. I wanted to help her with the household chores, but most of the time, she did not allow me to do anything. I felt quite guilty of not being able to help. But, I often found ways to help with the housework. For example, I would just automatically wash the dishes or sweep the floor without telling my mother or my brothers and sisters. For me, it was my way to integrate with the family, and to make them feel that I was actually part of this family, not just a visitor.

There was a moment when all of us were inside my mother’s room, sitting together, looking at pictures in Facebook and watching TV. I really felt their family bonding is very close, and it reminded me of how my bond with my own is very much lacking in this sense. I was quite sad during meal time because I could neither converse with them in their dialect nor even speak in Tagalog. I was only listening to them, but could not really understand what they were talking about. However, I really loved the atmosphere because I could feel their love for each other (even if they do not literally say “I love you”) just by hearing them talk and laugh, and watching them do household chores together without my mother telling them.

One evening, I told her, “Thank you, mum, for cooking for me. I really appreciate what you have done.” Surprised, she smiled and replied, “It’s okay. I always cook for my children and they really love my cooking.” As I reflected on this, I realized that I never thanked my own mother for cooking for me, but I was thanking my foster mother whom I barely knew.

The IFFAsia students presenting to a local community in Bicol.

On my last morning there, I woke up early around 4:45 am. My mother woke up, too, and asked me about the time. So, I told her. I planned to continue sleeping, perhaps wake up at 6:00 am. But, before I could do that, she hugged me, just as my own mother used to do to me when I was still small. My tears slowly flowed without me noticing it. It was really a tight hug, her way of telling me that she loved me. I felt that God was trying to remind me that I am my parents’ daughter and will always be their child no matter what happens.

When my friends and I left the barangay, I also came to know that, years back my foster mother actually lost a daughter because of a miscarriage. If she were alive, she would be of the same age as I am. My tears began to flow again. I really felt that God has given me the right place to stay in. For this family, I was like an incarnation of the daughter and sister that my foster mother, brothers and sisters would have had, a long-lost daughter who came back to them. For me personally, God has found me through them. I lost myself as a daughter and sister to my own family. Before, I did not even treasure my own, but now, I really miss them so much. I can say that I learned to understand my relationship with my family, though not fully yet. I learned to appreciate each one as he or she is, and I think living far away from them made me realize the many important things about my family back in Malaysia.

Sheerah Yangus comes from Sabah, East Malaysia. She belongs to the current batch of students under the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. She writes about her reflection on her recent experience in Bicol.

I will be a mother? Oh, no!

Aleona (in green shirt) with the new Batch 6 students

“And now, you will conceive in your womb…” (Luke 1:31)
“How can this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)

As I start my mission and accept my responsibility as an intern in IFFAsia, this Bible text reminds me of my situation today. I am the head of a household where I am entrusted to take good care of six beautiful ladies from different countries in Asia. Two of them come from Laos, and one each from China, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Malaysia. I will be their temporary mother for 10 – 11 months of their formation at IFFAsia. A 24-year-old young lady like me taking good care of these young ladies? I became an instant mother. Now, I can relate with Mary when she had her first call.

As I reflect on my situation, I find it funny how God planned everything when I said yes to His call for me to be an intern. At first, I didn’t know what will be my assigned task; I just accepted the call. I find it funny because my greatest dream is just simply to be a mother. I desire to have my own family in the future. As I am reaching out for my dream, God is already preparing me for this through my mission. Amazing, isn’t it? I will have a taste of how it will be. However, it is far different than usual because my “children” are all grown up, with almost the same age as me - 22 – 26 years old.

My mission is a bit tiring because I need to be with them always. The household is a place where we build a small family. I take part in the daily tasks like cooking, dishwashing or cleaning our home. When we are in sessions, I am their sister who will assist them with their needs. When they start their studies at Saint Vincent School of Theology (SVST) this June, I will be their classmate in one of their subjects. When they need a person to share, play, go with, I can be their friend. Every day, we eat, clean, cook, pray, and study together; this is almost the same as when I was a student last year, but I had different responsibilities. I must also set a good example for them, and it is not easy. I keep on asking myself, how can I accompany these young people, hoping that in the end they will be good disciples of Jesus? I just started less than a month ago (May 8, 2011), and it is my first time to do it.

It will not be easy for me; however I am still happy because I have my community to journey with me. During my mission I won’t only give, but will also receive. I will learn from the students how to be a good mother, sister, friend and classmate. This will also be a place where I can continue my personal formation and deepen my relationship with God. My objective this year is to let my heart be filled with God’s love as I continue my love story with him. And as love overflows in my heart, I will share it with others. I will keep on reminding myself of my call every time I struggle.

Aside from that, my prayer life helps me a lot to have a peaceful, happy and good disposition in spite of my busy day. I try my best to set a time for prayer every morning before I start my tasks, and for journaling of my reflections before I sleep. It is not easy, but it is helping me to have strength to go on throughout the day.

Yes! I will be a mother, sister, friend, and classmate for them, not only for the 6 ladies in my household, but for the 13 young disciples in Asia. I will do my best! “Let it be done with me according to your will.” (Luke 1:38)

Aleona Natalio belonged to Batch 5 (school year 2010-2011) of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia. This year, she continues to be at the Institute as an intern. One of her tasks is to be responsible of one of two households of students belonging to the incoming Batch 6 (schoolyear 2011-2012). This is her reflection on her new mission.

Two Poems

THE LOVE OF MY LIFE

When I was alone
          You made me know the love of my friends;
When I was cold
          You gave me your warmth;
When I was angry
          You sat down and listened to me;
When I was disappointed
          You brought to me Your hope;
When I fell down
          You picked me up;
Every moment, everywhere,
          You are always with me.

The love of You, now I know;
          it is the smiles of the children,
          it is the hands of my friends that helped me to stand up,
          it is the arms that embraced me when I was sad,
          it is my friends who always walk with me,
          it is my family where I can go back to every time.
Your love is everywhere I go,
                   everyone I meet,
                   everything I do,
                   every moment I spend.

Thank you for Your love;
          because of Your love,
          I want to give love to others,
                     to help others feel Your love in them.
And I know I can’t do it alone,
                  I need the help of others,
                  I need my friends and I need You.
I want to share what happened to me,
                          what changed in me,
           to help the youth to know
                      who You are and what You do,
           to bring You closer to them.

Lord, You are the Love of my life,
                      the Way I should go,
                      the Truth I should speak,
                      the Light I should shine.
Lead me in my mission
        to be a witness to others
                 through my daily life.

I NEED YOU, LORD

Sometimes I was excited
          with the new things
          that I discovered;
          I wanted to do many things.
And I was tired.
          I called God
                    and got angry with Him;
          I asked Him
                    why I have to do all.
          But I forgot
                    it was my choice,
                    I did not listen to Him.
I focused on what I wanted to do;
I forgot God.
I forgot He walked with me,
              He talked with me.
But I did not see Him,
      I did not hear Him.
I was confident in what I did,
          I thought everything I did for God.
But I did not know
          when I forgot God’s presence,
          I did for myself
                    more than I did for God.
I was proud of myself.

Now I think
          I have to stop,
          go down to take the time
          to feel and look at
                    the life around slowly,
          to see both sides of the situation,
          to find out the needs
                    of the people
                              and of God.

Yes, Lord,
          I need to stop,
          I need to go back,
          I need You to lead me,
                     You to teach me how to do.
          From that I will do my mission
                    with You and through Your Name.

Mary Thanh Thao, from Vietnam, belonged to Batch 4 of the Basic Formation Program of IFFAsia. She is currently a junior trainer of the Eucharistic Youth Movement, at the same time working at the Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh. The poems she wrote were the fruits of her reflection during her maranatha retreat in 2010.

IFFAsia Launches School Year 2011 - 2012

A Courtship with God

“How beautiful you are my love, how very beautiful!” (Song of Solomon 4:1)

This is my Bible text for the year. God is affirming my beauty as a person. Letting me know that I am His beloved. Saying that I am special, a gift that needs to be opened for others.

As I finished my Basic Formation at IFFAsia, the most crucial part was my discernment, where I needed to decide which path I will choose in line with His will for me. I had three choices in front of me: 1) to be an intern at IFFAsia; 2) to serve in the Youth Development Center (YDC), a social development project of Fondacio Philippines for the youth of Payatas; and 3) to be part of the Youth Ministry in Ina ng Lupang Pangako Parish in Payatas.

It had been two months of discernment. Last January, God opened the door of the Youth Ministry while we were having our Youth Ministry Module. I saw the advantages if I choose to work there. I can apply what I learned, stay closer to my family and it will challenge me. It is certainly a place to grow.

Last January 17, 2011, we went to Sabah, Malaysia, for our one-month Mission Project. In the Diocese of Keningau, God opened another door, the path to YDC. It was a very clear message. While doing mission in YDC, I will be able to stay, and spend more time, with my family, and do mission there also. This message convinced me and I decided to choose YDC.

I went to the Adoration Chapel in the Tatal Retreat House in Keningau where we were staying. I prayed fervently for my choice, asking for His guidance and listening for His answer. In silence, the word IFFAsia appeared vividly in my vision. I was so sad and refused to accept this answer. I was worried that I may not be able to do my mission in my family if I chose to be in IFFAsia because I will have to stay there 24/7. I can only go home once a week. It has been very difficult for me to answer this call.

As we continued our journey in the Diocese of Sandakan, the eastern region of Sabah, I was struggling to accept my new mission. I needed to ask signs from Him to make sure that this is what He wanted for me. And he showed me many signs from other people, so I continued praying about it until our closing retreat back in the Philippines. I was able to see the reasons why I needed to be an intern in IFFAsia. I’m still halfway into my personal transformation, and I needed to continue my love story with God. I know IFFAsia is the right place to help me through this. I also need to improve my social and pastoral skills and to know Him deeper as I grow in my faith.

As I say “YES” again to His call, I will continue my love story with Him as He proposes to court me this year. This is a year of getting to know Him more deeply and accepting the love He offers me despite my own limitations. It is a time to let His love flow. As I journey as an intern in IFFAsia, I will let my heart be filled with His love and share this with others.

Aleona (left), with Roselinah and Chieko

Aleona Natalio, from Payatas, Philippines, was part of Batch 5 of the Basic Formation Program at IFFAsia last year. This year, she committed to a two-year internship at the Institute. Here, she writes about her reflection on the discernment she made to say “yes” to this call of God for her life today.

Helping Build Youth Leaders in Laos

Last May 14-15, 2011, 39 active youth leaders from the different parishes in the Savannakhet-Thakhek Diocese came together for the first Youth Leadership camp. This was facilitated by Baow, Hiew and Fr. Lo (Youth Office, CBCLC).

The 2-day camp focused on the attitudes and qualities of a good leader. The participants also looked at the dreams they have for themselves, as well as for their particular youth groups. The process involved some inputs, group sharings, games and similar activities.

This leadership camp, which will be a monthly event, hopes to make the leader-participants more active in their own parishes, establish connection with each other and follow-up on fruits of parish activities, help them understand about faith and about how to be leaders, and make them more aware of the situation of the youth in their own parishes. The participants will also learn about making plans for their groups.

Baow and Hiew, both from the 5th Batch of IFFAsia’s Basic Formation Program, will be taking turns planning and preparing for these monthly Youth Leadership camps.

Other activities are being scheduled in the Diocese this June, including an English camp for the youth in the center, and a retreat for the youth leaders.

We thank God for the blessing so that this camp can push through. And we thank all those who continue to pray with and for us.

Baow, Laos
(Batch 5, IFFAsia Basic Formation Program)

After completing his basic formation last March 2011, Baow has since gone back home to Laos to fulfill his 2-year commitment on the ground by working for the youth in his Diocese. Last April 2 – 8, 2011, he became part of the mission group sent by Fondacio Asia Youth Pastoral to Cambodia, which facilitated a Leadership Training Program for potential young leaders coming from the Vicariate of Phnom Penh. He now shares this new experience by facilitating similar camps for the youth leaders of his Diocese.