Remember the newly ordained priest Fr Michael Cheong? He and his fellow Singaporean Fr Neol Campos are from the Verbum Dei missionary order. Our priest, Fr Paul Ngo, mentioned that Fr Michael was featured in last week's Catholic News (Sun 31 Jan 10), as he was inspired by Fr Michael's words that he left all as he has found his Treasure and his Treasure is Jesus Christ our Lord.
For those, who may be like me, uninitiated to what Verbum Dei is, here is the quote from the Catholic News:
"Verbum Dei was founded in 1963 in Majorca, Spain by Fr Jaime Bonet, a diocesan priest. Approved in 1969 as an Institution of Consecrated Life in the Catholic Church, Verbum Dei's objective is to form apostles of Christ from among people of every state of life, regardless of gender, race and social condition. Its specific contribution to the Church is guiding and directing retreats and recollections, and initiating people in the life of prayer with the Word of God and by building up Christian communities of disciples so that they, too, can be evangelisers to proclaim the Word of God.
Verbum Deicomprises female and male missionaries, as well as missionary couples with a commitment of total availability to mission at service of the Church. Its missionaries first arrived in Singapore on Sep 12, 1997, to set up the first foundation in Southeast Asia."
For your info, both Frs Michael and Neol were university students when they first met the Verbum Dei members. It was after their retreat did they have a transformation from a Sunday catholic to having a personal encounter and conversation with the Lord. Both queried Jesus if they have to be priests then, and Jesus told them no. But finally, they decided to become priests as they have found their treasure and purpose in life. Both turned down great career prospects and even a girlfriend for nothing can compare to the limitless joy with Christ. As Fr Neol said " This is something that gives me spousal joy."
That article touched me and confirms that Jesus is very real and is still with us...when He chose to love us, all of us humankind, He never changes through all eternity, that's why He died on the cross for us. I don't think I dare to have a chit-chat session with Jesus, I'll go bongkas, thinking like St Faustina did..."am I going crazy?" but so wonderful to have a first hand account and witness through these two priests, that Jesus is real and has not abandoned us and is with us...we just need to be still and listen to His gentle prompting and words in order to see and hear Him in our very busy and chaotic lives.
Last night when I held Bert's hand, I thank the Lord for sending Bert into my life. Bert is like a little piece of Heaven to me...he's generosity, love and care is a reflection of Jesus' love for me, heaven made real for me. Again, I selfishly pray that when we die, I should go first, or else both of us, because I don't think I can live without Bert on earth. Bert's mum's death is so final. We can never see her again on earth. I don't think I can bear that if Bert is gone before me.
Love Theresa
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