Fr. Emmanuel "Noel" Ferrer, SVD

I would like to share to you two inspiring moments that opened the year 2007. First was the visit of Bishop Paul of the Diocese of Suwon. On January 28 the Bishop of Suwon visited our community in Ansan and celebrated mass with us. The presence of the Bishop inspired the Filipinos because they see it as a gesture of love. A love that says we are welcome in Korea. A love that says the Korean Church acknowledges our presence.

The second inspiring moment was when I had the chance to see Sr. Inigona again. Sr. Inigona had worked with me in Galilea for almost two years. She is now assigned in St. Vincent Hospital in Suwon. On January 30, a Filipina named Cherilyn who was in a delicate pregnancy was brought by one of our volunteers to St. Vincent Hospital. It was Sr. Inigona who helped them processed the necessary papers. From the day Cherilyn was brought to the hospital until the day she left, Sr. Inigona was present when they needed her.

I am sharing you these inspiring moments because I want to affirm the power of presence. Perhaps the presence of Bishop Paul and Sr. Inigona are not as powerful as the presence of Jesus. But I am sure that if there is sincerity to extend one’s hand to someone who is sick and to someone who needs attention, the presence of that person can heal and console.

There are people who are deprived of God’s presence because we refuse to show our presence to them. We refuse to touch their lives. When are we going to realize that our presence is very powerful? Our presence has power within that could heal and bring joy and consolation to people.

Let us appreciate the power that is in our presence. Let us be present to one another and let the presence of God that is in us radiates with love.

I would like to thank the presence of Maria, Sr. Ambrosia and the many volunteers who are continually helping me to serve the migrant workers. Their presence makes my work in Galilea more meaningful and achievable.