The following are dispatches from Elzbieta "Ela" and Zygmunt "Ziggy" Chodzko-Zajko, lay missionaries of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Ela and Ziggy are stationed in Divine Mercy Hills, Mindanao, in the Philippines, where they assist the Marians with their many logistical and ministerial duties. The Marians' mission in that island nation first began in spring 2008.
January 14, 2012
Please read the story from the previous day. These photographs are from different areas where babies' milk was being distributed.
God bless,
Ela
January 13, 2012
Father Dariusz, MIC, the new house superior, together with the Sisters of the Daughters of Divine Love are continuing co-working with the Social Action group which is part of our Archdiocese. Marians, from the funds that they have been receiving, have already sponsored 1,500 school children to get back to school and are systematically providing babies' powder milk for 500 infants up to one-year old as well as helping pregnant women at different locations. Of the 19 centres for the typhoon victims, most are located either on basketball pitches or patches of land where tents have been erected. Father Dariusz says that thousands of people still need help urgently, especially the most poor. The local government seems to be very slow, and there are no concrete plans at present to reallocate the typhoon victimes. The church, charitable organizations as well as people of good will seem to be providing constant help for these people.
Can you imagine yourself and your family living at a basketball court and sharing it with thousands of other people? Your washing facilities are the street where there is a temporary water outlet; there are a few portable cabins with toilet facilities. You are given plenty of uncooked rice but have no cooking pot or utensils, have nowhere to cook it, or utensils to eat the rice with and your daily diet is rice and sardines. These people have been doing this since the 17th of December!
The media has now forgotten about these people. We continue to ask for your help and support. The statistics to date say that 7,000 children need our help. Many young people had to stop their studies as they cannot pay for their tuition fees and the Marians are in the process of sponsoring two young people who have lost their parents in the typhoon as well as one young girl who survived miraculously. To sponsor a young man or woman it costs about $558 per year.
Another project the Social Action group at the Archdiocese has proposed is to buy work tools and bicycles. Marians would like to sponsor such a project, but we need your help. These people would like to go back and earn their living but have no tools or means.
Just to give you ideas:
• Weekly feeding of 500 babies — 30,000 pesos (approximately $697)
• Monthly expenditure — $2,788
• Sponsoring a young person's studies — approximately 12,000 pesos per semester x 2 semesters a year = $558.
If you would like to know more about how you can help or become a sponsor, please contact the Marians here in the Philippines, philippines@marian.org, attention: Sendong Help
Thank you and God bless,
Ela and the Marian Community
January 12, 2012
On the 4th and 13th of January, the Marian Congregation, together with the Divine Mercy Foundation of Mindanao, organized help for the people affected by the typhoon.
The items given out were: pots and utensils, thermos flasks, 5-gallon water containers, blankets, slippers, as well as rosary beads and pictures of the Divine Mercy.
On the 13th of January, there were many volunteers including our novices. Altogether, about 1,900 victims were helped. As you can see from the photographs it was well organized and we had lists of families in need provided by the Social Action group from our Archdiocese. People lined up and were able to receive goods.
Some people are still staying in their damaged houses, which were covered in mud as they have nowhere to go. In some areas there is still no running water as the main pipes were damaged. Many volunteers and victims have died because of the Leptospirosis, a severe bacterial infection. There was not enough medication for treating those affected. Here is one extract taken from http://www.wdrep.com/?p=4243 "PHI.gov:
Thus, Bernadas said there is an ongoing outbreak of Leptospirosis in Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, especially, in areas affected by the flash floods brought about by Typhoon Sendong, where many people died, [or were] injured, [or are] missing and displaced. Majority of those affected with Leptospirosis waded or swam in flood waters, which resulted in morbidities ranging from acute respiratory infections, injuries, fever and Leptospirosis, among others." (You can read more by going into the website address).
The ordeal of the aftereffects of the typhoon still goes on, and much help is still needed to help the survivors.
If you would like to know more about how you can help or become a sponsor, please contact the Marians here in the Philippines, philippines@marian.org, attention: Sendong Help
Thank you for your donations, and God bless,
Ela
January 11, 2012
The Marians have been trying to help as much as they can, but with limited resources we are concentrating on helping the very young.
One of the small projects was purchasing school materials with the monies donated from our province in Brazil, Rome and donations made by Poland and U.S. We were able to help 1,500 school children to get back to school. In these photos you see our novices and priests who, together with the nuns, went first to purchase the items then to sort them out before we could give them out. The sisters kindly donated their time, cars and manpower for this project. We received a list of children in one area affected by the typhoon who were unable to attend school as they had no school materials.
While some of us were preparing the materials, others went with Sr. Tess to give out tickets to the families. Late in afternoon when all the bags were ready, we brought them to the Corpus Christi School in Macasanding from where we could give them out. Children came from a relief centre across the road where many families still reside (this is a basketball pitch where some live in the blue tents and others on the pitch. They still use water outside in the street).
As you can see from the photos, some nuns kept the crowds out and only allowed 10-15 families inside while others gave out the goods. The young children loved their new bags and had to take a peep inside!
God bless
Ela
January 3, 2012
+ + + TYPHOON UPDATE + + +
Our community, together with the nuns from the congregation of Daughters of Our Lady of Divine Love, today prepared meals for 300 people. The Marians sponsored the food purchase. Our day began at 5:20 a.m. when we left Divine Mercy Hills and drove to the sisters. First we all celebrated Mass at 6 a.m., then we all had breakfast. Soon after, our priests and novices were presented with aprons, and off to work they went!
We were chopping, cutting, cooking, lighting fires, frying and filling the containers. In between, our priests and novices had time to play with the children who live with the sisters. The House of Joy is for girls who were either abandoned by families or had to be removed. There are a few boys living there as well. The older one is staying temporarily; his family home was washed away during the floods.
The sisters have facilities outdoors to be able to cook for a large number of people. While we were cooking, one of the nuns, Sr. Tess, together with one of our novices and other helpers, went to give out green tickets to the flood families and inform them that we will be coming with the food later. Once the food was cooked and packed, we then drove to one of ,the areas affected by the floods.
People in this area are staying in their damaged houses, those that have a house left. There is still plenty of mud and rubbish everywhere and we were able to park in a dry area. Families came to collect packed lunch and water and thanked us for coming to visit them. We were also able to walk around a little (could not go too far as there was mud everywhere) and speak to the residents who told us many stories. You can see from the photographs the present situation.
During the last two weeks, the sisters have been collecting data of family members and establishing their needs in different areas affected by the floods, a request made by the archbishop. During their visits, they found that the mothers were so traumatized by the typhoon that they were not able to breast feed their babies but no baby milk was available. We were able to quickly collect some funds from our families and friends and the priests made a donation in order for the sisters to purchase baby milk. At present our priests are co-working with the sisters and the next small project will be to provide school materials for children to enable them to go back to school. They have nothing.
Please continue your support. These people need our help daily. Thousands have been left with nothing, and the help is not reaching these people quickly enough.
God bless and thank you,
Ela
January 2, 2012
Father Mariusz Janiszewski, MIC, the novice master together with his novices took part in two concrete deeds. Firstly helping out with the preparation and food distribution at three different locations and the other, helping sisters to clean out their youth centre, which was devastated by the floods.
These actions took place just before and after Christmas. One of the residents in El Salvador who had received monies from her daughters in the United States contacted Fr. Mariusz and asked for his help. As the scale of the devastation was emerging, it become apparent that thousands of people are left with nothing — no cooking utensils, no food, no water, no blankets, clothes, etc, etc., the list can go on and each day many people of good will were organizing hot meals together with bottles of drinking water and distributing to the survivors. Our novices were able to join the other volunteers in helping to prepare and distribute 700 hot meals (these photographs show the different locations).
The second deed was helping the sisters of Notre Dame (Lestonnac Youth Centre). Our novices had attended meetings held there that were organized for both male and female novices from different congregations so were familiar with this place before the floods. After the floods, the scale of the devastation was tremendous, and as Fr. Mariusz describes, it will take months, even years, to rebuild and put right. They went there twice. Father Mariusz and the novices were equipped with wellington boots, spades, other tools, as well as sheer determination to help.
As Fr. Mariusz says, "These are only small examples of our help, which we undertook to be closer to these people who are suffering because of loss of family members, their whole life's possessions and future plans. Our presence and prayer amongst these people and symbolic small deeds enables us to discover these people's great determination to survive in such horrific conditions. In our suffering brothers and sisters, we can discover the mystery of God's presence even in the most trying times."
God bless, and thank you for your support,
Ela
December 29, 2011
We drove past this village which is en route to the airport. It's only a 15 min drive from our shrine. We saw many houses, fields and work places full of mud. Thousands of people are now without shelter because their houses were washed away. They were not made of concrete but of natural resources as you see in these pictures. Families struggling to survive in temporary accommodation and still clearing debris and mud.
Happy New Year to everyone and thank you for your support.
God bless
Ela
December 28, 2011
These photographs show another area which was devastated by the floods. The photograph with the river shows a damaged footbridge in the background. Other photographs are of survivors in temporary shelters who have water containers and food delivered to them but still using river for washing facilities.
God bless
Ela
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December 26, 2011
The photos you have seen taken by us on the 23rd December of the area devasted by the flood you can now see from above. The area described is to the far right, patch of big mud by the river bank. It was an area full of houses and shacks, similar to the ones you see in the foreground now all washed away and only barren mud covered land left.Bodies are still to this day being found in the mud, and there are still many hundreds missing and unaccounted for.
God Bless
Ziggy & Ela
December 26, 2011
Short video made by Ziggy at one of the worst hit areas - Polish and English
(QuickTime may be needed to view the video. You can download it here.)
December 24, 2011
Some more photographs of the devastation and people. In these photos you can see me with some boys and men sitting at what used to be their home by the river. Ziggy with some youngsters who were laughing and joking with us and when we asked them where their homes are they pointed to the side where there was nothing. Also young people from fr. Janusz's parish who attended the dawn mass which is at 4.30am in the morning (9 day novena starting 16th Dec) had their breakfast and went down to the relief centre to help out. A woman on a bicycle with a child leaving one of the areas which was affected and you can still see mud on the bags - this was 6 days after the typhoon and a building thrown over the wall by the force of the water.
More updates to follow.
Read related article.
Make a donation.
Thank you and God bless
Ela
December 23, 2011
These photos show how people live at present. Thousands share same facilities either in schools, basketball courts or make their own temporary shelter. Those that live in community centres have bath and shower facilities outside on the streets, those that remained in devastated areas have temporary water tanks. We see small built shelters near bridges, on the bridges and near the rivers where these people are trying to survive.
At present everyone is trying to help and there are many volunteers who go to the relief centres which are located in the city or to the archbishop's house where people donated items. The volunteers pack food for distribution. We know of communities of other religious orders who drove up to 9hrs bringing in water, food and medicine.
God bless
Ela
December 23, 2011
Today, 23rd December Ela and I travelled into Cagayan de Oro and met up with Fr Janusz Burzawa, SCJ, one of the few other Polish missionaries working here within the Archdiocese and is presently the parish Priest of The Immaculate Conception parish in Macasandig, one of the worst hit areas in last weeks flash floods. We enclose a number of photos which you will see document the extreme devastation that occurred in the middle of the night in a total blackout.
There are still over 1000 people missing in the two main towns of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro although most now assume these can be counted as victims. Those who remain now face months in shelters and then the hard job of picking themselves up again. There are medical services on scene assessing the situation and some equipment to provide basic water supplies as in CDO the main water main was destroyed. Water is coming in tankers and local people are bringing food and clothing so at the moment that is good. But the next weeks are critical. The local university Xavier is bonafide and works closely with the Archbishop and they have an account for the relief fund set up and a coordinating centre up and running in their Gym. People can transfer directly to them or on our web site.
http://rimart.us/2011/12/xavier-university-tabang-sendong
This gives you direct stats in CDO on a regularly updated basis.
On a more personal note the people we met and talked to sitting around what used to be their homes are in good cheer. They thank God that they have survived and many referred to their ordeal as similar to Moses running away from the Red Sea in the Biblical stories. Few have sad faces even though many have experienced the deaths of close family and friends although the shock may yet hit them in the coming days. They thank us for coming to see their plight and for the help we are trying to organise for them. Many of the Cagayan clergy were hit hard and took some time to get their act together but now we see volunteers and groups organising relief work, packing food parcels, clothing, water containers etc. As usual it takes a lot to knock Filipino's down and much more to keep them down for long. Very resilient God fearing people and they deserve our help.
Thanks for all you are doing at your end, especially at what is always a busy time for you all and your families. We shall remember you all in our prayers and this time of joy, for the coming of Christ is joyful even though this year his light maybe shining through the mist of sadness. God bless you all and have a very Blessed Christmas.
Ziggy
December 19, 2011
Dear Friends in Christ,
The full scale of the disaster is slowly beginning to emerge. Br. Bart, our seminarian, went this morning on the bike and took these pictures. Thousands of people are left without homes and many lost their lives - they say mostly children and elderly. It is shocking for us to see these photos and being here so close to the disaster. We the Marians have not been effected. The town of El Salvador where we are has no water, including us who live a few minutes away from the shrine but those who have their own wells are sharing with the others. You see from these pictures survivors after the typhoon, many flattend areas, houses washed away and destroyed, temporary shelters, wreckage and mud everywhere. These places are only 20-25 mins drive from our shrine.
More to follow.
God bless
Ela
November 20, 2011
Christ the King celebrations this year were "rain free," and Bishop Jose A. Cabantan was able to say the Mass at the outdoor altar.
In these photographs, you see the Marians carrying the Blessed Sacrament and Fr. James blessing the pilgrims. The little angels were there too to accompany Jesus.
After the Mass, Bishop Cabantan was invited to our house for some refreshments and had a photograph taken with the members of our community.
God bless,
Ela
October 29, 2011
If you look back to Feb. 11, 2011 you'll see us digging the foundations for the church. We are now finishing the first phase of the church and still need lots of spiritual as well as material help. The church is being built by tripartite body, which includes the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Divine Mercy Foundation of Mindanao (Phils.), Inc., and the Marians of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (MIC). We are hoping to have the church finished by the end of next year. At present, Masses are being held at this chapel.
If you would like to be part of the project and would like to help, please contact us at philippines@marian.org or read further details on marian.org/philippines/cagayan.php.
Your help will be greatly appreciated.
Please continue to support us with your prayers.
God bless,
Ela
October 19, 2011
On the 19th October we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary with the Marian community where we serve.
I arrived back on the 18th October after spending three weeks at the center of the Association of Marian Helpers in Stockbridge, Mass., U.S.A. It was the first time I visited the U.S.A. I also had the chance to spend a few days with Ziggy's brother and his family in Champaign.
With God's blessing, I arrived back without any delays just in time for our celebrations! The novices collect the flowers that I'm holding. Father Paul, the Chinese priest in our community, sang a love song in Chinese. There was enough cake for everyone!
God bless
Ela and Ziggy
September 11, 2011
Another Marian comes to join our community at the Divine Mercy Shrine, Fr. Dariusz Drzewiecki, MIC. Another difficult name and surname for the Filipinos to learn.
In these photos you see Fr. Dariusz ascending and descending the long stairs that lead up to the heart of Jesus. Everyday, weather permitting, one of our priests exposes and reposes the Blessed Sacrament for the pilgrims. I was running up those stairs to get the photographs, and by the end of the journey my legs turned into jelly!
God Bless,
Ela
July 13, 2011
Dr. Bryan Thatcher arrived together with Fr. General Andrzej Pakula, MIC, and Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC. During his visit he was able to visit some of the places that benefited from the donations made and organized by his apostolate, the Eucharistic Apostles ofd The Divine Mercy (EADM).
Most of the donations were medical equipment. In these pictures you can see Dr. Thatcher visiting a hospital and talking to the medical staff. In the photos you can see an old labor bed and a new one that was donated; homemade incubator; prenatal weighing scale (blue one); and the children's ward. You can read more about his visit on the website.
God bless
Ela
July 12, 2011
Father Andrzej Pakula, MIC, and Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC, came to the Philippines on official annual General visit. This is not the first time for both of them. Upon arrival they were greeted by our novices from China, India, Australia, and the Philippines! Father Joe is well known and recognized by the Filipinos from his appearances at EWTN. They were both very popular with the Filipinos who wanted to have their photos taken with them. Who was the tallest? Father Wal still won the competition! Here are some photos from their visit.
God bless,
Ela
June 10, 2011
Fr. Wal is more than 2m tall, and the majority of the Filipinos are a "bit" shorter than Fr. Wal.
When he first arrived here, some boys started to call him "Fr. Palm Tree." Father Wal does have disadvantages by being tall — sitting all squashed up in a motorela, or trying to buy a banana. But the advantages are that he can see above everyone else!
Father Wal in action. Enjoy.
God bless,
Ela
June 1, 2011
There are all sorts of transports to choose from in the Philippines from a motorbike where there could be up to five people riding it to a jeepney "double" decker which means sitting on top of the roof. We've captured some photos of how people travel here in the Philippines and transport their goods. In some cases it is wise to keep a very, very long distance behind them!
God bless
Ela
May 18, 2011
On 18th of May, six young men became novices, Fr. Qingwang (Paul) from China, Antony, John Bosco, Vinso from India, Adolfo from Australia and Winmart from the Philippines. Our seventh novice Victor from India arrived a couple of weeks later.
You can see all seven novices with their Novice Master Fr. Mario Janiszewski by the statue of Mama Mary and in the classroom. In the photograph taken in our chapel on May 18, behind the novices you can see (from the left) Fr. Wal, Fr. Jan, Fr. Mario, Fr. Mariusz (from Manila) and Fr. Klaudiusz.
God bless,
Ela
May 1, 2011
This year was even more special because of the beatification of John Paul II whom the Filipinos love. Many priests from the archdiocese, and not only, came to help with confessions which went on for 36 hours nonstop. After the procession at 2:30 a.m. the first dawn Mass was celebrated by Bishop Nereo P. Odchimar of Tandag. At the end of the Mass balloons were released in the shape of the rosary — one red and one blue, plus yellow and white balloons. It was a great sight and everyone felt elated.
God bless!
Ela
April 30, 2011
Pilgrims start arriving on Saturday afternoon to stay overnight and participate in the prayers. At 2.30am a procession with the big picture of Divine Mercy Jesus on top of the car decorated with flowers leads the way while thousands of pilgrims walk behind praying, chanting the Divine Mercy Chaplet and holding candles. These are just few pictures of the sky just before the dawn Mass and picture of John Paul II.
God bless
Ela
April 24, 2011
Holy Week and Easter are very busy here in the Philippines. There are many night vigils, early morning and afternoon processions and confessions. Here at the Shrine, we had an all-night vigil from Maundy Thursday until 2:30 a.m. Friday, followed by Way of the Cross at 3 a.m.
In the afternoon, after the Adoration of the cross, there was a procession with the coffin with the statue of Jesus as well as little angels. It is traditional here to visit 14 churches during Good Friday, each representing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Our priests were very busy during that time, so they deserved a few days rest before the Divine Mercy Feast began.
Enjoy the photos!
April 22, 2011
Father Wal and Sr. Emma organized a retreat for the choir members and altar servers. At the end of the day, they were presented with a rosary (pink for girls and blue for boys!), which came on a container organized by Dr. Bryan Thatcher of Eucharistic Apostles of The Divine Mercy. They were all very happy.
April 17, 2011
The palms are made from young leaves of coconut trees. Young girls and women make them and kindly donated some to us. Father Mariusz, MIC, (we call him "our man in Manila") was here at Divine Mercy Hills, so he joined in the procession.
April 10, 2011
These are some of the lovely donations which were found in the container. Here you can see Fr. Mariusz with a group of children who live at the childrens' home. Ziggy together with Br. Winmart are unloading the goods for them. Also a pushchair (Ziggy driving it!) was given to a single mother who works as a restroom attendant, little Grace now can sleep while her Mom works and the little girls from the orphanage who came to visit us are happy with the tricycle which was donated — one last question "can you find Ziggy amongst the cuddly toys?"
Once again, thank you on behalf of all the needy at Divine Mercy Hills.
God bless,
Ela
April 6, 2011
The first container arrived at our religious house in Divine Mercy Hills, and I'm glad that our "not so" young men managed to eat big breakfast as there was plenty of unloading to do! Priests, postulants as well as other helpers had plenty of exercise. Most of the gifts were medical equipment but there was also room for cuddly toys, clothing and all sorts of gifts for the most needy in our area. It was wonderful to see all those donations and we soon managed to give all of them away. The local hospitals as well as children's homes benefited greatly from these donations.
God bless everyone who participated in this wonderful act of mercy for the most needy.
Ela
April 4, 2011
In the Philippines we see a lot of different wild life creatures and I'm slowly learning how to accept them and not to scream too loudly. When I took the photo of the snake in our board room I was standing up on the chair! The bat likes to hang out on our door and the scorpion was on our stairs. Some of the health hazards! The other photos are of the 'little piggy going to the market' and of beautiful children who will always pose for a photo. They are great!
God bless
Ela
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March 9, 2011
At last a beautiful Lady stood amongst us. Father Wal blessed the statue, and we all lined up for a photo shoot. As you can see from some of the foreheads, it was taken on Ash Wednesday!
God bless,
Ela
March 3, 2011
In the Philippines, birthdays are very special, and the celebrant needs to be ready for a party of guests who come at 3 a.m.! The well wishers come with a rose, a candle, a song sheet, and of course a guitar!
Filipinos love singing and dancing, so Fr. Wal had to dance with everybody in order to collect the roses. The party continues and moves into the dining area where food is brought in by the well-wishers and shared. This goes on for a few hours. Then fr. Wal has a few hours rest and invites all the shrine workers, volunteers, choir members to his party. So everyone is happy!
God bless
Ela
February 11, 2011
Big day! After the procession and Mass, we had an official "first concrete laying" for the construction of the Divine Mercy Church. Father Walerian, MIC, the rector of the shrine, Fr. Medz, vice-rector, and Fr. Klaudiusz, MIC, were present and ready to help as well as the rest of MIC members. Afterwards, there was a short speech and, of course, food for everyone.
November 28, 2010
On Nov. 28, Br. James after becoming a deacon, had his first homily and a special lunch for family, friends, shrine workers, and volunteers. You can find more photos and stories on the website.
God bless
Ela
October 24, 2010
On Oct. 23-24, some of our priests, postulants and lay missionaries attended and participated in a Divine Mercy Congress, which was about five hours drive from the Shrine. Many of the groups performed and sang, and our own lay missionary Ziggy also performed!
The participants in yellow tops are people from our area, with many of them being active at the Shrine where our priests serve. It was a very spiritual and social experience for all of our attendees.
September 27, 2010
Since coming to the Philippines in June 2008, Fr. Walerian Pozniak, MIC, the rector of the Shrine, has not had a vacation! He was very excited and left around the 1st of October for two months. He spent his time in Poland visiting family and friends. Before Fr. Walerian's departure we welcomed Fr. Andrzej Pakula, MIC, who came for a month to help out at the shrine. The Divine Mercy Foundation board members had a "goodbye and welcome" party for both priests. In one of the photos you can see the MIC members as well as some of the Foundation board trustees. In the other photograph in front of the Divine Mercy statue, you can see Fr. Andrzej Pakula, MIC (the Marians' third general councilor in Rome), Fr. Jan Migacz, MIC (superior of the missions) and Fr. Kladiusz Rokicki, MIC (postulant master).
The procession with Mama Mary.
September 8, 2010
Each year, on Sept. 8, on the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, thousands of pilgrims arrive at Divine Mercy Hills to participate in the procession at 2 a.m.
This year, we welcomed the pilgrims again.
The procession is then followed by Mass at the outdoor altar. Pilgrims start at the bottom of the hill with the statue of Mary. They recite the Rosary and sing songs.
The procession takes about an hour. This is the best time of the day here (because it's not hot!).
Father Jan Rokosz, MIC
July 19, 2010
On July 19, at 9 a.m., we celebrated our first Mass at the new Monastic/Formation MIC house. The Mass was attended by guests who stayed behind after the house blessing as well as by members of the Marian community. The priests at the altar are (from the left): Fr. Mariusz Jarzabek, MIC (serving in Manila); Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC (from Rome); Fr. Jan Rokosz, MIC (from Rome); Fr. Ignaci Anthonyraja (MIC missions delegate in India); Fr. Ernesto Panelo (from Manila); and Fr. Jan Migacz, MIC (superior of the house).
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ.
July 18, 2010
These photographs are from the blessing of the Marians' first Monastic/Formation house in the Philippines and Asia. It certainly was a very busy time for all of us. We moved in on a Monday and had guests arriving on Friday onwards.
The Marians' then-Fr. General Jan Rokosz, MIC, and Fr. Joe Roesch, MIC, were present at this event as well as our "man in Manila," as we like to call Fr. Mariusz.
We had a Mass at 10 a.m. with Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, presiding together with Msgr. Josefino Ramirez, vicar general of the Archdiocese of Manila and director of the Divine Mercy Apostolate of the Philippines. Immediately after Mass an invited group of 200 or so friends and neighbors gathered for the official blessing of the house, and then we all sat down to a meal with the Congregation.
Although the house is not small, such a crowd was difficult to squeeze in. But in true Filipino style, if you have your rice and "Lechon baboy" (roasted pig), who cares where you sit? People could be found everywhere.
People eagerly visited the chapel throughout the day and commented favorably. A real sense of goodwill and happiness could be felt throughout the day among all those present.
Of course it would be impossible to invite all those who had played a part in the Marians' early years in the Philippines, but two days later we held another feast for all the workers who helped build the house. Once again Fr. Jan thanked all those whose sweat and tears were shed in the building of the house, and as a token of the Marians' gratefulness each received a framed image of The Divine Mercy.
A few days later, Ziggy and I, thoroughly exhausted, got on a plane for our vacation to Poland and the United Kingdom!
July 14, 2010
Dear brothers in Christ,
It's the last two weeks before big celebrations here, so we will have lots of things to do. We need to have the Filipinos come and simply not worry! Father Jan and Ziggy can relax now as water and electricity has been connected and tested and everything is working. The building workers are still finishing the house so we're going to move in next weekend.
Here are some photos of the Monastic House as well as photos with our seminarians who are attending the archdiocesan seminary. They are there Monday-Friday and come back here to the shrine on weekends. Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to support us.
God bless!
Fr Jan, Fr. Wal, Brs. James and Thad, and Ela and Ziggy, Marian lay missionaries
May 15, 2010
Here are the latest photographs of the monastic house in El Salvador. Hopefully, it will be finished by the 18th July! They are now working 24 hours a day to try and finish it off, even Fr. Jan is keen to help!
Father Jan was away for a week on a retreat near Manila. He was invited by Fr. Fernando Suarez, a well-known healer who goes around the world. I met Fr. Suarez two years ago at our parish in Ealing, London. Father Jan had a lovely time and rested well — but now it's go, go, go!
— Ela
May 12, 2010
Finally, Br. Ziggy is back so I could get to some more photographs! I'm including photographs from Divine Mercy weekend. We had fantastic weather, and thousands of people came. Many priests came to help with the confessions, which went through the night. Father Jan did a marathon from Saturday 8 a.m. till Sunday 4 a.m. with very few breaks! The first Vigil Mass was at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Many pilgrims came and stayed. We had an all-night vigil of prayer and then a procession with the Divine Mercy Image at 3 a.m., which started outside the shrine. The first dawn Mass was at 4:30 a.m., then Masses followed at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
It is estimated that we had about 25,000 or more pilgrims visiting the shrine throughout the day. The dawn Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jose Cabantan who was new bishop elect. After the Mass we invited the bishop and other priests and nuns to us for breakfast. Father Wal and Fr. Jan are comfortably sitting on vice-rector's knee, Fr. Medz's. It is one big happy family here at DMH!
God bless,
Ela
May 6, 2010
Here in the Philippines right now people are praying for clean and honest elections. The elections will take place on Monday the 10th of May. We just had a night vigil here at the shrine and attended a 6 a.m. Mass. We have also been praying for the rain as it has been very dry and the farmers are loosing their crops.
Father Jan is away on a retreat in Batangas City near Manila at the shrine of Mary Mother of the Poor, which was started by a well known healer Fr. Fernando Suarez who has invited Fr. Jan to join him in his yearly retreat. We have not heard from Fr. Jan since he left! He will be coming back on the 10th of May and will get to see Fr. Mariusz, our 'man' in Manila for one day.
Zygi, our missionary, is finally coming back today from Poland, via London. Zygi left on the 13th of April, two days after our president in Poland, his wife and many dignitaries died in a plane crash at Smolensk. We also learned that a dear priest, Fr. Bronislaw, whom we had known over 28 years from London, and ex-president in exile, Mr. Kaczarowski were also on that plane. I was very anxious, and to add to my worries the volacanic ash stopped many flights! Zygi left in the morning on the 15th of April from London to Warsaw. He was one of the lucky ones as they started to cancel flights after that. He was attending the 12th International Conference of the Marian Helpers Association in Lichen from 19-21 April. This year due to the flight cancellations representatives from the U.S.A., Brazil and a couple from the U.K. could not be present. Zygi said that they managed to have a live conference with Mr. Fran Bourdon, the director of the Association of Marian Helpers in Stockbridge, Mass., U.S.A. On the 22nd of April, the funeral of our priest friend who died in the plane crash was taking place 2.5 hours drive from Lichen, so Zygi was able to attend and meet some people who came by coach from London to attend the funeral. Zygi is now in Manila for a few days spending time with Fr. Mariusz.
Now back to the photos, which are from Palm Sunday. Our priests dressed in red, and the palms are made from young palm leaves. Beautiful shapes and sizes made by people. Holy Thursday was a very long evening and night (see photo of Fr. Wal washing the apostles' feet). Here in the Philippines, once the apostles had their feet washed, it is then their turn to wash someone else's feet from the congregation.
After the Mass, an all-night vigil followed. The shrine was full of people — from very young to very old, for some it was just too long! (see photo). There was an all-night Adoration at the main chapel, and down by the field altar we had talks about Divine Mercy, conversation and then two films shown, the 10 Commandments and the Passion of Christ. At 4 a.m. we had dawn Stations of the Cross outside the shrine, and afterwards Fr. Wal and 11 apostles had their photo taken — what happened to the 12th apostle! (see photo). On Friday after the Adoration of the Cross, we had a long procession behind the van (see photo), and we were very tired at the end of it. Black Saturday, Easter Vigil started at 7:30 p.m. (see photo) and finished after 10 p.m. We then had a few hours sleep and up again for Sugat at 3 a.m. There are two processions starting at different places, one with the women and Mama Mary and the other with Jesus followed by men. The idea behind the Sugat is that Mary is the first to see the Risen Lord (see photo). You can see our Divine Mercy Youth Choir who sang a few songs to mark this occasion. Then the 4:30 a.m. first Dawn Mass followed (see photos).
God bless
Ela
May 1, 2010
Hello everyone!
Here are some photos of the chores and social things our postulants have been up to! Three postulants were accepted into the Marian Community: two Filipinos and one Australian. At the beginning of December, they went on an eight-day silent retreat and stayed with the Jesuit fathers who have a retreat center in Malaybalay, three hours drive inland. Before they arrived at the retreat center, they stopped en route at the Benedictine monastery (see photo). On March 1, the postulants sang a special song to Fr. Walerian as he celebrated his 52nd birthday. While taking rest from the "social events" our postulants are busy working around the house with their postulant master, Fr. Kladiusz Rokicki, MIC.
God bless,
Ela
April 27, 2010
It's been a long time since I wrote last. A lot is happening. Our priests recovered after Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations.
Father Walerian went to the National Divine Mercy Conference in Lipa — about two hours drive from Manila. He flew to Manila last Sunday (April 18) and met up with Fr. Mariusz who is also attending. There were also two other priests from here and people from the Foundation attending, too. So Fr. Jan has been left for a week by himself to look after the shrine. Luckily Fr. Pedro came a few times to help out so that Fr. Jan could attend to the monastic house matters.
Here are a few photos (guess which caption goes with which photo):
• Fourth Sunday of Lent — Rose Sunday the priests dressed up in rose-color vestments. I think the vestments were more on the pink side than rose! Anyway, Fr. Wal was very popular that day, and many pilgrims asked for photographs.
• Our priests attended a Chrism Mass at the cathedral with more than 100 other priests from this archdiocese. Archbishop Fr. Antonio Ledesma presided the Mass, and afterwards there was a snack.
• We attended Mrs. Monsanto's 90th birthday on March 13. Her son, who is a priest, Msgr. Monsanto, comes to the shrine twice a month to celebrate Mass on Sunday.
• Photo of Suzette and David, March 9. Suzette married David in January 2009, and she was finally given a visa to go and live with her husband in the U.S.A. Father Joe Roesch, MIC, attended their wedding here in El Salvadro.
God Bless!
Ela
Our fellow missionary, Brother Thaddeus Lancton, MIC, delivers rice.
March 29, 2010
During this Lenten season we have been sharing our food with the most needy. The priests purchased a 49 kg. bag of rice and tins of food that Br. Thad and I have been giving out to the most needy in the locality.
We have also become friendly and support street kids from Cagayan de Oro (main town, 20 minute drive from us) who come and visit our shrine on Saturdays. Father Jan and Fr. Walerian invited them on Saturday afternoon together with Mrs. Sally who looks after them, and we prepared some food for them.
They had great fun — not only them but us, too!
March 27, 2010
The roof tiles are now being laid down and much work is being done inside the Marians' monastic house here at Divine Mercy Hills, Mindanao. The following is a letter from Marian missionary Fr. Jan Migacz, MIC:
I am overjoyed to announce to you that on this coming July 18,
2010, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, will arrive to concelebrate Mass
with Fr. General Jan Rokosz. After this Mass, the first Marian house
in
the Philippines will be solemnly blessed! I would like to express my
gratitude all of you for your help, organizing a financial support, and
prayer in our intentions. Thanks a lot. You are in our prayer. May
Merciful Lord bless all of you.
I would like also to invite you to this event, and in the mean time,
ask
for your prayers still.
Fr. Jan Migacz
MIC
March 7, 2010
On Feb. 11, we had a healing Mass and afterwards a procession to the big statue of Our Lady of Lourdes where Fr. Walerian presented a bouquet of red roses.
On the 6th of March we had a guest priest, Fr. Francis Tiquia, who was invited by Fr. Jan to talk about exorcism and how to protect ourselves. It was an all-day seminar. On the 8th of March both our priests were asked by the Foundation of Divine Mercy Hills to come and bless the site where their pilgrim house will be built.
Father Jan Migacz, MIC, celebrates Mass on Santo Nino.
February 1, 2010
Hello again!
Here in the Philippines they celebrate "Santo Nino" (Holy Child Day — Jesus). The Catholic Church here in the Philippines sets the Holy Child as an example of humility, and as a celebration of the Incarnation.
We were asked by Sally (who we sponsor with the street kids) to come and join in the procession and wear our red Divine Mercy T-shirts. We went to the cathedral for noon Mass on Sunday, Dec. 17, and then we joined in with the procession.
I should have taken my hat or an umbrella since the procession was about 1.5-hours long, and it was a hot and sunny day! You live and learn.
I was shattered at the end of the walk, but happy. The kids were thrilled that we were there, and they kept holding onto our hands. Afterwards, we bought them water, which is more expensive than Coke or Sprite, and some popcorn/candy floss and took some photos, as you can see.
Father Jan Migacz, MIC, celebrated the Mass and blessed all the Santo Ninos. The Filipinos dress them in all sorts of outfits, as you can see, and the most amazing were footballers or army outfits. After the Mass, they had a procession that we did not join but were invited for breakfast. On the way back home, we saw the procession coming back. They were exhausted, but they managed to smile and wave.
Father Mariusz Jarzabek, MIC, giving a blessing in the streets of Manilla.
January 5, 2010
Not forgetting Fr. Mario [Fr. Mariusz Jarzabek, MIC] our Marian in Manila! He has served as the guest priest since summer 2008 at the Archdiocesan Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
He is amazing! It was lovely to see him when he came with Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC, the Marians' Second General Councilor in Rome, when they both visited us here at Divine Mercy Hills at the end of November. Father Mariusz seems happy. We talk to him often. He is learning Tagalog now, goes to visit the sick at the hospital, sits and listens to the confessions, and other times adores Jesus in front of the blessed sacrament.
Also, as you can see, a few more photos from our missionary home here in Divine Mercy Hills.
On Christmas Eve, Ela and Ziggy (center) join Frs. Walerian Pozniak, MIC, Jan Migacz,MIC, in front of the manger. We were in the Philippines, but we definitely added a "Polish touch" to the celebrations!
January 5, 2010
Hello everyone!
A quick summary of our Christmas. It is our second year away from our Polish home. This time last year we were in Brazil. (I recently looked at the photos from then and they brought back nice memories.)
Our Christmas was nice here, though we did miss everyone and all the lovely Polish traditions — not to mention the food! On Christmas Eve, we went to the manger outside our house and sang Polish carols. Then we went to Mass at 10 p.m. Father Jan Migacz, MIC, said Mass at one chapel, and Fr. Walerian Pozniak, MIC, at another. Father Jan got Ziggy and me to say something during the homily, and at the end of the Mass we sang Polish carols.
There were more than 500 people, and the Mass lasted nearly two hours. We were then invited for a meal at one of the houses. We didn't get back till around 1 a.m. On Christmas Day, we were invited by another family for a meal.
On the second day of Christmas, we had turkey that was prepared by our own chef: Ziggy. On Monday night, we had three Polish priests who work in the region come to visit us, so that was very nice. Also, there was a beach Christmas party on Dec. 30 for the choir people from the shrine and a parish lunch last Sunday ... So busy, busy ... and visitors dropping in.
The Marian missionaries lead a procession at Divine Mercy Hills.
January 4, 2010
Hi everyone,
All is well here — except for Fr. Walerian Pozniak, MIC, who has a cold. So we are giving him lots of garlic, lemon, and honey. The Marian Fathers have had much work, and the usual priests who come and help at the shrine did not turn up; they were exhausted. So now our priests are tired. Everyone is working hard, and we see the fruits of our labor. Many visitors now come to the shrine. It is certainly gaining a lot of publicity — people are flocking here! There are many organized groups. Lay as well as religious visit the shrine, so there is plenty to do.
God bless,
Ela and the rest of the household
A bird's eye view of the monastic house at Divine Mercy Hills.
December 31, 2009
Hi everyone,
It is still hot and sunny here, but recently we have had very strong winds (so no walking near the coconut trees!). Good weather for washing though! This morning we attended a wedding at 7.30 a.m. so had to get up early. Last night I opened one of our suitcases. I was looking for my small bag and found my jeans and jumpers were growing mold and you can imagine the smell — not very pleasant. The air is moist here. Additionally we get a salty breeze from the ocean that causes corrosion. Plus, at the back of our room, one of the water tanks is leaking, so we have wet ground — a good breeding ground for insects, so that's why we get bitten all the time. Today, we had to take out all our clothes to air them. I can smell the mold in our room, but I still love being here!
The dog Bonnie's mum just had four puppies, so our "congregation" is expanding! We have found homes for three puppies so they will be given away.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, we had the procession, and it was raining a little, but not too bad.
Time here just goes by very quickly, and I still can't adjust to the idea that it will be Christmas soon. Filipinos like to sing Christmas songs before and have parties as well as lots of lights everywhere. On Thursday, Dec. 1, we went to see some Polish priests who are in the next town. One priest celebrated "Names Day" on Nov. 30. We had a pleasant evening, and we will meet again in January for an evening of Polish carols.
Here are some photos of the Divine Mercy Hills monastery for the Marian Fathers!
Ziggy and Ela (left) join their new family in the Philippines.
December 31, 2009
Ziggy is busy with the building work here at Divine Mercy Hills. Plus, he's a 'gofor' (go for this, go for that!), and he is great at this and most importantly doing the accounts!
I'm helping with administration work, being a kitchen help, shopping, etc. We have a very different life here in the Philippines, and I like it. The priests are very busy and are very much liked here by the local priests and the people with whom they work.
Father Walerian Pozniak, MIC, really gets on with the vice-rector of the shrine here, Fr. Medz; they are best buddies! Father Medz said that after meeting both our priests and seeing how holy they are, he now has more zeal and is a better priest thanks to them. And other priests are hearing about this and calling our priests "blessed." They are!
Sometimes it is hard here due to weather changes. Some days I have a headache and feel very tired as I have low blood pressure, and so does Fr. Wal. Father Jan Migacz, MIC, has been tested for allergies because he has been having lots of problems with headaches and is allergic to cockroaches (the cockroaches are not small here!) He may also be allergic to grass, which they just planted around the shrine. He may also be allergic to dogs, which we had to get rid of! He'll be having some treatment starting on the 13th of January. He is well-looked after, medically. The president of the hospital is Linda, whose mother, Mdme. Rosales, died last July. She always looked after priests and has taught her daughters to do the same.
That's all for now. We will get some photos and write ups organized. Wishing you and your family much health, happiness and many God's graces for this New Year. Keep you in our prayers.
God bless,
Ela and Ziggy
December 31, 2009
We had a special visitor here at Divine Mercy Hills: Sister Teresa, who lives in Boston, Mass., and who is a member of the same congregation as St. Faustina, the Polish nun who became the great apostle of Divine Mercy.
A native of the Philippines, she has family in Manila near the shrine where Fr. Mariusz is staying. She spent a day here at Divine Mercy Hills and gave a talk about Divine Mercy, which was great.
She was lovely.