A Missionary’s Homecoming

 

Teaching Religion, students' eagerness deepens my missionary zeal.

After six years of mission work in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, I returned to my homeland, the Philippines, with a heart full of gratitude, sadness, and anticipation. Stepping into my new role as an educator at St. Vincent’s Catholic School of Bayambang, I found myself rediscovering the joy of service within a vibrant and faith-filled community.

By Sr. Charito A. Quinones, OP

After six years of fruitful mission in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, I was sent back to my homeland, the Philippines. 

My heart was stirred with mixed emotions—excitement for a new mission, sadness for leaving behind the people I served, loved, and who became part of my life, and a bit of worry about the new challenges that awaited me. 

I was reminded of the saying, “Sometimes it is more challenging to be a missionary in one’s homeland than outside one’s country.”

As I began my new mission, I was filled with amazement and awe at the novelty of the tasks unfolding before my eyes. 

I thank the Lord for entrusting me with such a beautiful mission: to teach young minds at St. Vincent’s Catholic School of Bayambang, Inc., a Catholic school owned by the Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. It is one of the fifteen Catholic schools administered by the Archdiocese in Pangasinan.

One of the things I deeply admire about this institution is the celebration of the Holy Spirit Mass for all Catholic teachers in the Archdiocese at the beginning of the school year. 

Witnessing over five hundred educators gathered in communion, united by a shared mission, made me realize that God has given me a wonderful family to journey with, learn from, and cherish. I also appreciate the collaborative initiatives between the Diocese and the teachers to continually update their knowledge and skills, ensuring they can effectively deliver quality Catholic education.

At St. Vincent’s Catholic School, I was given the task of teaching Religious Education to eight Grade 11 classes and training 65 student catechists to do catechesis in public elementary schools in Bayambang. One of the most exciting parts of my work is also assisting the pre-elementary pupils during their monthly tests.

As I venture into my mission of teaching Religion to Senior High School students, I have witnessed their openness and eagerness to learn about our Catholic faith, which makes me all the more enthusiastic about this holy endeavor. 

I have observed that when Religion is taught using an approach distinct from other disciplines, students become more receptive and more willing to reveal their vulnerability. 

By evoking their human experiences and connecting them to the faith, they are able to relate more deeply and show a genuine desire to learn more and to live out their faith.

My heart overflows with joy and gratitude as I step into this new chapter of my missionary journey. The years I spent serving in Indonesia have shaped me in ways beyond measure—deepening my faith, broadening my perspective, and strengthening my commitment to God's call. 

Now, I return to my homeland with renewed spirit, ready to continue the mission with fresh hope, deeper love, and unwavering faith. 

This homecoming is not an ending, but a beautiful continuation of God’s unfolding plan in my life.

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