Episode 27: Commune with the Lord... | The Word of the Lord with Fr. Rector

Father Rector shares his reflection on the Gospel (Mark 6.30-34) on this Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. He mentioned: “As soon as the apostles returned from their mission, they gathered around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught…This is an important gesture on the part of the apostles, that we, present disciples can imitate. We need to constantly return to Jesus, speak to him, and listen to him. And from him, we will draw continual source of strength, courage, and determination to carry on with our mission. The celebration of the Eucharist is the very fitting avenue for us to return to the Lord, to gather with him, and to give him an accounting of the tasks we have completed and are still carrying out…”
Father Johmer Faderanga, in-charge of St. Theresa’s Mission* shared about his missionary journey. He said: “St. Theresa’s Mission is the farthest place [of ministry] and the time of travel is the longest and the road is rough and risky…but it is where I was sent and it is where I meant to be - to serve the family of the First Nations, to be the hand and the heart of God in their midst…The profound historical recollection of the elders: they are truly grateful and blessed of the presence of the religious, the priests or even nuns who have come before me…”
Father Johmer also expressed his gratitude to Catholic Missions in Canada and the Diocesan Appeal (Called Together: Giving, Sharing, Serving) for their unwavering support to this mission. He added: “with strength provided by God I can do with all my heart the mission entrusted to me.” He has been fulfilling St. Theresa’s Mission for seven years now and counting…
*St. Theresa’s Mission includes four communities: Fort Babine, Takla, Fort Ware, and Tsay Keh.
Father Rector responded: “You mentioned earlier, how the elders described the missionaries before you or before our time…they remember them so much, you will be remembered so much by them too! Because of the fact that they are far away, in obedience to the bishop you go and you fulfill what’s being asked of you; it speaks a lot not only of yourself but also of the church, that even if these people are far away, we have you representing the church to them…even if they are on the periphery, there you are, reaching to them, delivering God’s message and there I am sure you also meet the Lord.”
When asked what are his regular ‘outlets’ or what sustains him in continuously giving himself in the ministry, Father Johmer mentioned three things that he carried with him in his missionary journey, namely: (1) Prayer; (2) the people and the community that he serves; (3) longings and hopes of the people…
At the end, Father Rector thanks Fr. Johmer by saying: “thank you for sharing with us your experience, we can assure you of our prayers and the people you serve…let this interview also be an appeal to continue to support Catholic Missions in Canada and our own Diocesan Appeal…”
Watch and listen, get to know Father Johmer Faderanga and his missionary journey!

[@s.ma.dodeguzmanrvm9455]

Thank you Fathers for or all your sacrifices in the Mission in whatever ministry entrusted to you. GOD BLESS YOU !

[@dantasticguy5435]

Thank you Fr Rector and Fr Johmer!!