An Oblate missionary journey to England

A missionary journey to EnglandIn less than two years after ordination, left the Philippines to serve in the OMI Anglo-Irish Province, to fulfill the mission of the OMI Philippine Province of witnessing withimmense hope to the Good News beyond all frontiers” (Vision Statement excerpt).On September 3, 2011, Fr. Irvin boarded the flight bound for London. Mixed feelings of excitement, anxiety, and fear surrounded him. He was overwhelmed by the thought of the long travel, being out of the country for the first time, treatment by immigration officers, and the marked difference between his roots, a Third World Country and staying in a First World Country. Despite journeying into the unknown – not knowing what awaited him nor having any acquaintance in London, Fr. Irvin totally surrendered himself as a true Oblate submitting himself to the unknown.His first two years was spent in parish work with a multi-cultural Oblate communityand a Sri Lankan, a Congolese, British, and three Irish priests. They shared a common meal during lunch but they were on their own during breakfast and dinner due to their ministries but, during Sundays, they Oblates had lunch and dinner together at the London Center for sand//www.facebook.com/missionariorrsoares Missionário Soares on.He found the liturgy too technical and methodical that integrating creativity became difficult. The faithful usually belonged to the older age groups who liked shorter liturgies. His creative nature was channelled with kids who were receiving their first communion. At the start of the Eucharistic Celebration, the kids were gathered in the parish hall and then they offered their creative work which consisted mostly of art and illustrations.The Filipino community in the parish numbering over a hundred came for Filipino Mass every third Sunday of the month. This was an enjoyable occasion for Fr. Irvin for he felt totally at home. They showed warmth and looked after the needs of priests.After serving in the parish, Fr. Irvin was assigned to the Youth Ministry in three Oblate London parishes. The difference in culture and level of modernization brought a poor response from the Londoners. Computers, cell phones and secularism caught their attention that competing with such became a tough challenge. To them, church matters were outdated. Socialization with the youth was likewise hampered by the safeguarding policy of the church due to the sexual misconduct and scandals. Thus, everything was structured, limiting and lacked spontaneity.News about leaving his ministry in London was received with a sense of loss by the parishioners. It was then that words of appreciation such as, It’s a shame you’re leaving us,” were expressed by the Londoners. They were indeed grateful of the Filipino missionary’s presence. Although the Anglo-Irish Province lacked personnel, the determination to live on and not die a natural death stays on for their mission remains relevant to the present time. Thus, helping them is in character with the congregation’s international and intercultural nature. Fr. Irvin left England with a heavy heart and is back in the Philippines but, for him the bottom line is heeding the Oblate vow of obedience whatever and wherever is the mission. (moss)