Fr. Efren de Guzman, SVD

January

January 12, Friday

One of our beloved lepers died. His name is Macupa, 39 years old. Our leper catechists read the psalm 116: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” During our shared homily, another leper said: “People usually think of the dark side of death. For us lepers, death is a blessing from God. For us lepers, death is not gloom but glory.”

13 Saturday

As usual we held formation for the youth. One of the main themes: “Fortune Favors the Bold: We do not normally plan to fail, we normally fail to plan.”

14 Sunday

Two Filipinos and two Englishmen were killed in a land mine explosion, one of them was the general manager of the company.

16 Tuesday

Meeting of the association of the fishermen in Santiago, 30 kilometers from Luanda. One old fishermen inspired us by his words: “One grain of sand at a time, one task at a time.

18-19 Thursday, Friday

I flew to Nzagi to celebrate mass for the victims of the land mine explosion. Some Filipino OCWs were really crying. One of them supposed to leave the following day for his home vacation. Other Filipinos commented: “We are ready to die for our families.” Some of their families had been begging them to come home. The biggest problem of the company is the government is not paying its debts. The police and the military deserters want the company out of the mining site. One Portuguese was hit by a sniper on the leg after the mass.

31 Wednesday

We visited the community that is engaged in the project of weaving. The Franciscan sisters who are managing the project gave this lesson: “Trust is like a thread; once it’s broken, it’s hard to join the broken ends again.”

February

8 Thursday

I was going to Funda (The Leper Colony) passing Casas Novas when people asked me to chase a trunk on which three children had climbed up at the back and were in danger of falling off. Two of them feel from the truck and got some minor injuries. I was able to overtake the truck and save the third child from falling. The driver didn’t know that the children had climbed onto the back of his truck

10 Saturday

After the formation of the catechists, I was invited to pray for the dick in Caxito, 65 kilometers from Luanda. Some members of the government controlled television arrived to witness the occasion. They wanted to interview me, but I refused, telling them to interview the parish priest instead. Later I gave in to their request after they interviewed the parish priest. We had the same answer: “It is the Lord who heals.” In John 10:10, Christ said, “I have come that you may have life and have it lived completely.” Christ wants us to be healed not only physically, but integrally.

12 Monday

We visited a widower who’s taking care of some of our orphans. His name is Madaleno. 54 years old. He shared with a paradox: God is really amazing. If you give up the need for security, you will be secured. God is a sure security.”

16 Friday

During the Landmine Seminar the following procedure were given –
First: Contact the specialist (who normally do not come). Second: Blow it up by putting a stone on it and pull it by a string. Third: Blow it by shooting at it from 30 meters. Never try removing a land mine. Blow it up!

I guess this all for now. May you be God’s instruments of Love, Joy, and Peace! God bless and best wishes.

“People usually think of the dark side of death. For us lepers, death is a blessing form God. For us lepers death is not gloom but glory.”

Someone in Distant Land

You may travel a thousand miles, leave your families and friend behind. But most important one you know is always in your mind. Giving you joy and smiles. The scene may change, climate, chill and warmth. In a strange and distant land, but still you fell the warmth of Someone who holds you in his hand.
You feel Him in the morning sun and in the even tide. And don’t feel so lonely. For He’s always at your side.