HOPE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE • ESPERANZA PARA NUESTROS HERMANOS/AS INDÍGENAS
the chance to live and experience this sacred place. Though the time was short, the quiet acts of love I witnessed here have left a deep imprint on my heart. They have inspired me to live each day with renewed hope. I return carrying that flame –“hope is the faithful commitment to love. Bendum is simple in daily meals: a bit of vegetables, sweet potatoes, corn, and sometimes a little fish or meat, yet rich in human warmth. This love reveals itself in the silent sacrifices of those who dedicate themselves to cultivating faith, knowledge, protecting the environment, preserving clean water, and nurturing the green forest. Sr. Dinh Thi Dung, ACI: “ Bendum. A Place Where Peace Breathes and Hope Grows. ” I have not found any, peaceful yet full of life, like Bendum. I call it the world of those who love unconditionally and are loved in return. It is peaceful because it is surrounded by mountains and trees. It is peaceful because there is no phone signal, and modern technology does not disturb people’s lives. Furthermore, it is vibrant and full of hope because children are being carefully taught to serve their communities and care for the natural world. There are volunteers, like angels of God, working with love and responsibility to build a better future together. I cherish those kind-hearted souls and feel hopeful when I see life through the lens of what they have learned and what they are doing to create a greener world.- Sr. Gellie Ann S. Lomaad, ACI: “ We are all interconnected and each one holds the power to care for one another and the planet even from afar. ” What I cherish most about Bendum is the beautiful simplicity of life and the gentle, unhurried pace that it offers. Here, the desire to be fully present and to listen to the stories of those who enter the Balay Laudato Si or BLS— or anyone we encounter along our journey— is truly profound. Each meeting becomes an opportunity to dream together, igniting passions and aspirations. I was particularly moved when I heard the youth sing their favorite song, “A Million Dreams.” Leaving that place, I felt a powerful sense of responsibility to advocate for the indigenous people and to protect the environment in the best way I can here in the city. Living there even for a few days reminded me that we are all interconnected, and each one holds the power to care for one another and the planet, even from afar. - Sr. Eunice Paka Mbiya, ACI: “ They see God not just in the sky but in the land and in all creation. They recognize the divine on earth. ” Pope Francis emphasized that the Church must go to the margins and the peripheries rather than remaining locked in its comfort zones. I felt this deeply when I left my comfort zone in Manila for my immersion in Bendum. Before I left Manila, people told me that I would see beautiful seas, nature, mountains, and sunrises — and indeed I did. However, what I encountered was even greater
than anything I could have imagined. I met indigenous people who were joyful, kind, and full of faith. What touched me the most was the way they lived out their faith; they see God not just in the sky, but in the land, the trees, and all of creation. They recognize the divine in the earth around them, and although they have little, they live with peace, gratitude, and joy. Their simple, grounded faith taught me what it truly means to live in harmony with nature, with God, and with one another. “Hope does not disappoint.” (Roman 5:5) Jesus does not disappoint. With active hope for the well- being of our Indigenous brothers and sisters, we, handmaids, collaborate closely with local churches, various groups, and organizations, responding to the call for action wherever we are. Networking fosters a shared experience and a common concern for all. In some communities, both here and abroad, we have the opportunity to care for Indigenous people and even encounter them casually on the streets. This engagement is a ministry that we wholeheartedly embrace. Our mission goes beyond achieving a religious goal; it aims to unite faith, culture, justice, and the environment. It is a responsibility that God urgently
entrusts to us. This mission not only involves learning from Indigenous communities but also living alongside them. We must respect their identities and rights, support their holistic development, and recognize that Indigenous wisdom offers valuable insights for today’s world. They need our voices to advocate against all forms of pressure and to raise awareness about issues affecting their land, livelihoods, and spiritual lives. Ultimately, we find that God’s presence resonates deeply within Indigenous cultures, enriching our faith and understanding. Remembering St. Raphaela Mary and Mo.Pilar, we strive to welcome them into our hearts.
Collated by: Sr. Amavel M. Ortinero, ACI
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