Association of Filipino Catholic Missionaries in Korea (AFCMK)

YOBOSEYO

Filipino missionaries in Korea with Amb. Luiz Cruz

& Labatt Delmer Cruz; Autumn Gathering, 26 Oct 2009
Gukje Hotel

Message
Newsletter of the

Our autumn gathering in Baeron, Jechon, last October

2009 was certainly worth remembering. The autumn
leaves gave a colorful background to the merriment and
pleasantries, as well as a solemn ambiance to the per-
sonal sharing and prayer.
Now, Christmas has come and winter is here. Apparently,
everyone has been engrossed with Christmas activities or
meeting long-missed family and friends during vacation. I
was also busy with typical Christmas schedules. Your
sharing and updates on this issue attest to the various
things that preoccupied us all in the past weeks.
We are eager to gather this winter to feel the warmth of
fellowship once again, to be enriched by one another’s
fruitful service and learning; and to thank God together
for bestowing upon us the wonderful gift of missionary
calling and ministry.
My sincere appreciation to all the contributors of this
issue. Your genuine sharing and reflections are so touch-
ing and inspiring; they taught me this, “Though our mis-
sion journey is not easy, there is deep joy in our hearts as
we discover moments of grace along our way.”
(Fr Alvin, MSP)
Winter 2010
 By Lilibeth Alcasarin, THE EMMAUS MIGRANT COMMUNITY CENTER

At the first Christmas in Bethlehem, the baby Jesus was first adored by the
simple shepherds. In the same spirit, despite the influence of commercialism and
globalization, we need to keep the celebration simple but with love, peace, joy and
hope burning in our hearts.
Christmas tradition from the Philippines has been somehow brought to
Korea. The way Filipinos celebrate it in the homeland, from “Simbang Gabi to No-
che Buena,” is also done here.
Since December 15, we, the Emmaus staff, with Fr John as the presider,
have started the Simbang Gabi at the Center; just a simple imitation of the Philippine
“Misa de Gallo,” the 9-day traditional Mass, as a spiritual preparation for Christmas.
We celebrated Masses in areas where some migrants, especially the Filipi-
nos reside. Though, we did not complete the 9 consecutive days, at least it created
more awareness especially among the Koreans who joined us.
On December 24, the midnight Mass was also celebrated at the Emmaus
Center at 9pm. Fr. Francis Kim from Anyang-Emmaus concelebrated with Fr. John.
A good number of participants joined us. Then, a simple party or “Noche Buena”
was served and gifts were distributed to those who attended the Mass.
December 25, Christmas Day, the usual mass at 4:30 pm in Godeoung-
dong Church was held. After the mass, we all came back to the Center for the party.
Some volunteers and Filipino migrant workers from Gunpo also came. Ate Betty and
company prepared delicious Filipino foods and everybody enjoyed the meals to the
full.
December 27, Sunday, Christmas celebration continues. After the Mass at
2:00 pm, a “multi-cultural” Christmas party followed with sharing of various songs,
dances, and prayers in different languages. People also came to greet and give gifts
to Fr. John on his feast day in honor of St. John, the Apostle and Evangelist.
The party was held at the ground floor of Gedoeng-dung Church, where the
raffle draw – Christmas Bonanza was also conducted. Very hearty snacks of soup,
pancit, sandwiches, fried chicken and drinks were served.
A Pinoy band played music and some famous singers entertained us as well.
The special participation of Korean “mestizo” Francis Kang, who sang “Pinoy Ako”
was well applauded. Everybody received simple gifts from Emmaus Center, not only
those who won the raffle draw, as we have said, “Christmas is for everyone.”
At the end of all the celebrations there was a heavy fall of snow but we all
trod our way back home with happy and grateful hearts. It was somehow a manifesta-
tion of the abundant blessings from the Lord above. ***
 Ang Aking Kwento
By Maira San Juan

April 2, 2007 ng dumating kami ni Viol dito sa Korea.

Nadatnan namin sina Cita at Cris na kapwa din Columban lay mis-
sionary, at ang ibang mga paring Columbano na masaya rin sa am-
ing pagdating. Kahit Spring nang kami ay dumating, para sa amin
ito ay sobrang lamig. Ngunit hindi namin maikakaila ang init ng
pagsalubong na aming natanggap, bukod sa mga damit panlamig na
naka handa na para sa amin. Kahit nagsisimula na kami ng language study
hindi parin kami nauubusan ng oras para pumunta sa iba’t ibang lugar upang
makita ang ganda nito. Sa kabila ng pagiging abala nila Cita at Cris sa
kanilang mga ministry, may oras pa rin kaming mag kwentuhan, magnore-
bang, mag-explore ng iba’t ibang pagkain ng Korea, dumalaw sa ibang mga
Columbano na nakatira sa mga probinsya o kaya ay ipakilala kami kay Sr.
Amy na isang Columban Sister na nakatira sa Chun-chun at sa AFCMK (isa
sa naging suporta namin habang nandito kami sa Korea). Kung may isang
dahilan kung bakit hindi kami gaanong nahirapan sa aming pagsimula,
(bukod sa aming Columban family at AFCMK) ay dahil sa dalawang Pilipi-
nang Columban lay missionary na gumabay sa amin. Hindi parin nalilimutan
ng puso ko ang kabutihang loob at ang mga masasayang ala-ala na aming
mga pinagsaluhan.
Akala ko sa halos isang taon na nilagi namin ni Viol sa orien-
tation habang nasa Pilipinas ay kilala na namin ang bawat isa at
magiging madali ang buhay namin dito sa Korea bilang magkasama sa
misyon. Ngunit sabi nga ng matandang kasabihan “makikita lang ang
tunay na kulay ng isang tao kapag kasama mo na ito sa iisang bubong.”
Tama nga dahil lumabas ang kulay at sungay namin. Pareho kaming
nahirapan na tanggapin ang mga ugali na aming natuklasan sa isa’t isa,
ngunit ito rin ang naging daan upang makita namin ang ganda at ha-
laga ng bawat isa. Hindi nag simula ang misyon namin ni Viol pag-
katapos ng language school. Dahil nagsimula na ito sa bawat araw na mag-
kasama kaming dalawa, sa oras na parang halos ayaw na naming makita ang
isa’t isa, sa mga pag-kakataon na naiiyak kami sa sama ng loob, sa mga san-
dali na pinag uusapan namin ang aming mga nararamdaman at sa paghingi ng
paumanhin sa nasaktan na damdamin ng bawat isa. Ngayon nauunawaan ko
na kung ano ang ibig sabihin ni Hesus ng pagsugo niya ang kanyang mga
apostol na may kasama. Ito ay upang maging instrumento ng Kanyang pag-
mamahal at patuloy na pag-gabay. ( continued on p.9 ) 3
 Viol & Mai bonding
Autumn gathering in Baeron, Oct ‘09

Basti & Froilan with Filipinos in Masan

Autumn gathering in Baeron, Oct ‘09

Cita with multi-cultural

 The Child in Them
by Sr. Maria Teresa M. Tabella, cssjb

“Thank you, Sister! I was very happy today. It was my very first time
to take part in the Holy Mass in English.” Thanks, Sister for that great party!
It has been the first experience I ever had in my life!” These are just two of
the text messages that I received after the Eucharistic celebration and Christ-
mas party that I organized for my Korean-ajuma-students in English last De-
cember 29.
The Eucharist was celebrated in English by a Korean priest, also my
student. It was an additional opportunity for him since he celebrates Mass in
English for the migrants every other Sunday. The first reading, the responso-
rial psalm and the prayers of the faithful were assigned to individual readers.
The songs were also in English. I have chosen the ones that have Korean ver-
sions so teaching them was made easy as I don’t have a knack for music or
singing. I started practicing them since last week of October, especially the
pronunciation of some words which they find difficult. One of my students
plays the flute. She willingly offered to accompany our singing during the
Eucharistic celebration.
The students brought various foods that we shared after the Mass. I
cooked “pancit,” Pinoy na Pinoy talaga! After eating, we played parlor
games with prizes for the winners. I also asked them to bring things, which
are no longer of use for them at home and give them away to make others
happy.
During the games, the children and the ajumas were free! They
seemed to have forgotten their problems. They were focused on only one
thing - to win and obtain the prizes, as all children do. Their laughter spoke
so much of the carefree zest of the children. There was so much more joy as
they beheld the contents of the prizes. Everyone enjoyed so much that we did
not realize how fast time was running. We had to stop and proceed to the gift-
giving. We ended the party with a spontaneous prayer of thanksgiving and
the singing of the “Hail Mary,” to thank Mary for bringing Jesus to the world
on Christmas; and above all, to thank God for His love. God’s love is the
only reason why there is Christmas! ***
 WINTER
Season Of Waiting
By Violie
(excerpts from her mission experience
evaluation)

My first winter here was a mix experience.

First, excited, I was looking forward to see at last the
so called “white Christmas.” Unfortunately, we
didn’t have much snow here in Seoul during that
time. Secondly, the freezing cold gave me tough
time. We often remarked that winter felt like we
were inside a large freezer. And, wearing so many
clothes at the same time, feeling so heavy, was not fun.
My first snow was on November 19, 2007. I will never forget that one be-
cause that day was also the first death anniversary of my father. When the first snow
fell, Maira and I went outside and played like little children. The snow thrilled us so
much that we even tasted it. Then, the long cold night of winter was all around us.
“The Christian season of Advent has its central theme the coming of the
Christ-Star into the world. It is a time to remember how God’s Beloved came to re-
store from shining through all beings. The Christ-Star, this Irresistible Love in us,
this Radiant Goodness, is at the core of our souls. Advent reminds us that each of us
has the light of this Shining Star within us. This special season assures us that we can
radiate love and goodness to others.
Just as a star led the Magi to the Christ Child, so we are meant to be stars
leading to others to the Divine Love. Others are also stars for us, leading us to Di-
vine Love. In each of us, the manifestation of Divine Love is a magnificent gift of
hope and encouragement.” (Excerpts from the book THE CIRCLE OF LIFE, Joyce
Rupp and Macrina Wiederkehr)
Allow me to end this sharing, with the text above. The season of waiting
also taught me to keep trusting and hoping, for as they said every season’s entrance
and departure is part of the great turning of the circle of life.
I want to thank here the people I met and encountered, whom I will not
mention for they are too many. They are those who in their own ways, be it good or
bad, are all the stars, who lead me to the Divine love. I quote here again, “We are
meant to be stars leading others to the Divine Love. Others are also stars for us,
leading us to the Divine Love. In each of us, the manifestation of Divine Love is a
magnificent gift of hope and encouragement.” With a grateful heart, MARAMING
SALAMAT! . THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ***
 My Christmas in the
Philippines
By Fr Willy Jesena

I spent a good number of days being in parties with the migrant

workers, and my relatives in Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, Bacolod and Los
Banos. I had a lunch date in Lipa with former migrant workers in
Korea. Being in the Philippines on Christmas season explains the
parties.

However, my younger brother's return from Canada also gave rela-

tives reason to celebrate. Three of us, still living brothers, have not
come together since our high school days. My older brother got
married and studied in the United States when I was a seminarian in
India. My younger brother left home for studies in Manila and
worked in Canada. So we were scattered to far distant places. In
that way, it was very good for us to be reunited once again.

My older brother and his wife also had their 50th year wedding an-
niversary, so it was great to celebrate the Eucharist with them and
their children. My two brothers were not around for the funeral of
our parents and sister, so it was fitting that together we had a Mass
for them. Other relatives also came in the celebration. . I have
come to know more of my young relatives during the various reun-
ion parties. So I consider all these experiences, moments of grace.

One sad event was the death of a confrere, Fr. Abdon Josol. We
were together during our seminary days in India and had worked
together in rural missions. I am grateful to have participated in his
funeral.
I hope that these experiences, sad and joyful, will help me under-
stand deeper the meaning of life, especially how others have shaped
my life and positively contributed to who I am today. May God be
Fr. Jerry, cfic is still doing his ministry with and for the migrants in Hwa-
seong area for almost 2 years and 6months now. He stopped studying the Ko-
rean language for fear that he might break his head. He is “still alive and
kicking” inspite of the cold, though sometimes he almost gets frozen when
walking from their convent to the bus stop, not counting the time spent in
waiting for the bus that brings him to his area of apostolate. ***

Bro Dominic. “On December 25, the Brothers of Saint John visited around
10 houses where some Korean widows live. Many of them are poor and
sick. It is sad to say that they are practically alone the whole day... but some
of them have friends who visit them from time to time. Our visit made them
happy and all of them were touched by our fraternal visit.”

“December 27 was the feast day of our Father Saint John, the Evangelist. We
had a Eucharistic celebration which was followed by a little program. The
program was begun by a prayer and followed by a snacks and singing. Two
young Koreans played the violin and cello. There were about 80 persons who
attended.” ***

Emely is enjoying her winter vacation with her family in the Philippines
while doing a research about the PEFTOK veterans who fought during the
Korean War and writing a Religion textbook for HIgh School. While she is in
the Philippines, she still edits the SAMBAYANAN Newsletter. She is pre-
paring for the coming of 17 more Filipino graduate students who will study at
CUK on March. ***

Juliet. “Anneonghaseyo! I am glad I am back to Seoul. For those who do not know
me, I am Juliet B. Bacamante. I first came to Korea in 1998 to 2004 as Columban
lay missionary. In 2005, I studied at East Asian Pastoral Institute (EAPI), Ateneo de
Manila. After my studies I was invited to work as a substitute staff at EAPI for 6
months. While discerning for the next chapter of my missionary journey, a Korean
priest came to EAPI to look for a Filipino staff to work in Changwon Migrant center,
Masan Diocese. My contract with Masan Diocese expired last December 2009. I am
thankful to Fr. Alvin, MSP for welcoming me at the Filipino Center, Archdiocese of
Seoul. I am looking forward to seeing you.” ***
 (Ang Aking Kwento…from p. 3)

Dumating ako sa isang yugto ng aking buhay misyonero na tinata-

nong ko ang aking sarili kung bakit ako naglilinis ng kubeta? Bakit ako nag
lilinis ng bahay, halos araw-araw na nagluluto? Bakit ako nagbabalot ng mga
medyas o gumagawa ng electric socket? Misyonero ba ako dito o katulong at
factory worker? Inisip ko na wala akong ginagawa, nababagot ako; di sana
pumasok na lang ako ng katulong o kaya ay factory worker may sweldo pa.
Ito ang mga negatibong bagay na naisip ko. Hindi ako makapagsinungaling
sa sarili ko na gusto kong maging sikat, maitaas ang sarili at maghangad ng
higit sa kaya kong gawin, na punuan ang mga bagay na kulang sa akin, na
ako mismo ang nagbigay ng titulo sa sarili ko at nalimutan ko ang dahilan
bakit ako tumugon sa tawag ng Diyos. Ang katotohanang ito ang nakasugat
sa aking puso. Halos isang araw kong iniyakan ang sakit na naramdaman ko
sa pag tanggap na ito ang totoo . Masakit tanggapin ang katotohanan ngunit
ito rin ang nakapagpalaya sa akin. Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa mga taong
naging instrumento ng Diyos upang makita ko ang totoo sa aking kalooban,
na hindi ito dapat ikahiya dahil naging bahagi ito ng aking paglago bilang tao.
Buong puso kong niyakap ang katotohanan na malayo ako sa pa-
milya at mag-isang nakatira sa bahay. Pagkatapos ng buong araw sa aking
ministry masaya akong umuuwi sa aking bahay at nag papahinga. Ngunit du-
mating ang isang araw na kapag binubuksan ko na ang pinto ng bahay nara-
ramdaman ko ang lungkot ng katotohanan na mag-isa ako, na walang tao na
sasalubong at mag tatanong kung kumusta ang araw ko, na mag isa ako na
kakain, makikinig ng radyo, mag isang maglalaro ng scrabble at mag-isa na
matutulog lalo na kapag malamig ang panahon. Bilang tao at isang babae na-
ramdaman ko ang pangangailangan na hindi kayang takpan ng pagiging abala
sa aking ministry, ang katotohanan na hindi na ako bumabata at gusto kong
magka-anak, na kailangan ko ang taong makatutugon sa mga ito. Dahil sa
pangangailangang ito, may posibilidad na makagawa ako ng desisyon na
pwedeng makabuti o makasama sa akin. Kaya ang karanasang ito ang nag-
turo sa akin na makinig sa sarili, tingnan kung saan nanggagaling ang pan-
gangailangan ko, at kung paano ang nararapat na pagtugon.
(continued on p.11)

More Updates…
Basti & Froilan. As usual the two Franciscan OFMs are attending to the needs of
the migrants at Gyeongnam Province in Masan Diocese, most particularly in Jinju
ang Changwon City. Fr. Froilan went to the Philippines for his annual vacation last
December 26, 2009 and will be back on Feb. 1, 2010. ***
 Busy Winter
By Fr Cidrik Alimbuyong, MSP

Simbang Gabi. We had Simbang Gabi last December 15 to 24, 2009

at the basement of Chonma Church here Maseok. The decision to have only
one venue for the celebration worked positively because more people at-
tended. Volunteers took turns in preparing snacks after the holy Eucharist,
which started 9:00 pm after the recitation of the Holy rosary. Fr. Alvin and
Fr. Jerry came to celebrate on December 22 and 23, respectively, while I was
home for the wedding of Lisa Baja and Oscar Helton in Bohol, Philippines.
We also had Christmas party last December 20 after the Sunday
Mass. It was attended by more or less 100 Filipinos, plus some migrant
workers from Mongolia, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Some Koreans
married to Filipina women also came to grace the occasion. Staff from Guri
Exodus Catholic Migrants Center also came to distribute Christmas gifts for
the workers. Doctora Emely Abagat and Hermie emceed the program with
flashing disco lights installed by the Music and Sound committee.
Wedding in Bohol. After almost two years of ministering to the Filipino
migrants here in Korea, finally I had the chance to solemnize the marriage of Lisa
Baja and Oscar Helton from Dongducheon last December 23, 2009 at St. Joseph Ca-
thedral in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. Last November 26, 2009 I had the
privilege to baptize Oscar. Lisa and Oscar were living together for almost two years
while waiting for the divorce decree filed by Oscar against his Korean wife with
whom he was legally separated for six years. When the divorce was granted, the cou-
ple apply for a civil wedding and the church wedding in Bohol.
Happy Return Program. The Korean Labor office here in Namyangju
City held a "Happy Return Program" educational drive for all foreign workers. The
activity was held at the Chonma church last December 13, 2009. The pro-
gram focused on the re-orientation of workers to save money for their future and
their eligibility to be hired as workers of Korean companies in the Philippines when
they go home.
Additional Tagalog Mass. The Filipino Catholic Community in Paju-Pong
Ilcheon will have twice a month Tagalog mass (first and third Sunday) starting this
year. This program was made due to the increase of attendance and the community’s
desire to have regular Tagalog mass in the area.
Fil-Mission Auxiliary Association (FMAA). This newly organized asso-
ciation in Maseok is preparing to send members to participate in the FMAA General
Assembly in Bohol on April 23-25, 2010 by conducting the following activities:
Fund Raising, Basic Mission Orientation Seminar (BMO), and Lenten Recollection.
 (And Aking Kwento… from p.9 )

Sa halos araw-araw na paglaan ko ng aking oras sa mga tao na bik-

tima ng HIV at sa mga taong may learning disabilities ay mas lumalim ang
pagtingin ko sa buhay, sa totoong halaga ng isang tao at maging sa simpleng
paraan ng Diyos. Noong una may takot ako sa aking puso na baka mahawa
ako ng HIV kung expose ako masyado sa mga taong may AIDS. Ngunit sa
halos dalawang taon na kasama ko sila at namuhay na kasama nila unti-unti
kong natutunan na hindi dapat katakutan ang mamuhay kasama nila. Naging
buhay na saksi ako kung paano nila hinaharap ang buhay na may pag-asa sa
kabila ng kanilang sitwasyon. Ang pinakamalungkot at mahirap tanggapin
ng isang tao ay ang malaman na positibo ito sa HIV. Walang tao na na-
mamatay sa AIDS. Namamatay ang taong may AIDS dahil sa komplikasyon
ng sakit at kakulangan ng gamot.
Sa halos tatlong taon ko dito sa Korea bilang misyonero marami na
akong mga taong nakilala, may ibang naging kaibigan, yung iba naman ay
dumaan lang. Marami nang kwentong narinig, malungkot ngunit puno ito ng
inspirasyon at kulay, mga kwento at karanasan na patuloy kung iingatan sa
aking puso. Ang aking pagka-tao at relasyon sa Diyos ay pinag tibay ng mga
karanasan at mga taong naging bahagi ng aking buhay, ng aking paglalakbay
bilang tao na katiwala ng Diyos sa kanyang misyon. Sa pagbabalik-tanaw,
masasabi ko na walang nasayang sa aking buhay. ***

More Updates...
Cita has been in the multicultural family ministry in Ganghwa for 4 months
now, but feels like she had been in the ministry for years already. The work is
very demanding and thus consumes much of her time but she finds it very
challenging and fulfilling. She gives individual counseling, phone counseling
and group dynamics activities for Filipinas, and facilitates family program
activities. The rest of her work in the center is to help in the ongoing pro-
grams for women of different nationalities, family visitations, and regular
trainings and workshops. ***

Maira and Violie. Time flies for them. They are finishing their first 3-year
term as Columban Lay Missionary here in Korea. Their final evaluation will
be on January 19, 2010. Please include them in your prayer. They will be
going home this coming April 2010. ***
***

Meeting schedules A Winter Memory

18 January 2010
Philippine Embassy, Etaewon
Fresh-fallen snow, untouched by
man, tops bushes fence and tree;
9:00 am Prayer The strong, gusty wind, whirling
it 'round, improves and enriches
9:15 SHARING its beauty.
It sauntered down in the silence
10: 15 BUSINESS
of night, leaving a scenic delight;
Meeting
Now, in the sun, it dances and
11:00 MASS winks as we drink in the
wondrous sight.
This is a picture-post-card scene -
12:00 LUNCH &
winter at its best;
Updates
It leaves a mark etched in our
3:00 pm GAMES heart of when winter was our
Bowling guest.

by Joan Adams Burchell

Jan-Feb Birthday Editorial Staff

Celebrants
Fr Alvin Parantar, MSP
Jan 01 Sr Sue Sr Ma. Teresa Tabella, cssjb
Jan 22 Fr Froilan Violeta Villaraiz
Jan 22 Fr Basti
Feb 10 Sr Ma Teresa “Snowflakes are one of nature's
most fragile things, but just look
Happy Birthday, more power to what they do when they stick
your mission! together.” (Verna M. Kelly)