On Memorial Day weekend, I slipped in my bathtub and twisted and sprained my ankle. It became swollen, and I’ve been out of commission for about a week now — and counting.
During that time, I was confined to the rectory and felt a bit of sadness and loneliness. Since Father Joseph [Ciar] and Father Philip [Ramos] had their own duties and responsibilities, I was left alone most of the time.
For a very long time, I hadn’t felt downcast. For those who know me, I’m usually an optimistic, cerebral and positive person. But this time, it felt different. I felt a bit gloomy — perhaps because of my limited mobility (I couldn’t walk around), or more likely, because I’m far from home and I couldn’t fulfill my priestly duties, especially visiting the sick and the elderly.
Visiting and giving Holy Communion to the elderly and sick is one of the highlights of my week. I always try to visit a few parishioners regularly to administer the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confession. I felt despondent that I couldn’t visit them — especially a 100-year-old parishioner and others who are unable to attend Sunday Mass.
In my time of melancholy, I turned to prayer and called my family back in the Philippines. I spoke to my mother, who I affectionately call Mama Fely (short for Felicidad, which means “happy” in English).
She was very concerned that I had injured my left ankle. Her first question was, “Have you eaten yet?” — a typical Filipino greeting. I promised her I would indulge in my comfort food, i.e., anything with rice in it. [Note: During that week, I ate a lot of rice! Yummy and delicious!]
Mama also reminded me to take care of my ankle and assured me of her prayers for my complete healing. She wished she could be here to take care of me. Just speaking with my family — especially Mama — made my day. She radiates happiness and joy, just like her name suggests. And just like that, I felt energized and hopeful. Truly, mother knows best! I’m still recuperating, but with a positive outlook.
We all need to maintain a positive outlook on life. On Pentecost Sunday, 50 days after Easter, we are invited to renew our faith and deepen our bond with our Lord Jesus Christ. We are reminded that on Pentecost, our Advocate — the Holy Spirit — descended from heaven upon the Apostles, the Blessed Mother Mary and all who were present.
Just like them, may we recall the moment of our Confirmation, when we received the gifts of the Holy Spirit: knowledge and wisdom, understanding and piety, counsel and fortitude, and fear of the Lord (reverence).
In the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2:1–11), we hear: “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled … they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
For Pentecost in my parish, we had parishioners — both young and adult — read the Universal Prayers (petitions) in their native languages: Portuguese, Spanish, Polish, Ukrainian, Filipino and English. By doing so, we hope to demonstrate that our parish community of Saint Simon Stock embraces unity and universality — just as we are Catholic. Although I may be far from my family, I feel that I have found another home (far from home) — one that shows kindness, compassion and love.
May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to shower you and your family with His blessings, love and joy!
Father Michael de Leon, AM, is pastor of Saint Simon Stock Parish, Berlin.
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