By Vera Santos

On 13 April Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, retired Archbishop of Manila, was the main celebrant at a Mass to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of Punla, the only L’Arche community in the Philippines. It is located in Cainta, Rizal.’L’Arche’ is the French for ‘The Ark’, a name derived from Noah’s Ark. L’Arche Philippines is known as Ang Arko ng Pilipinas.

Over the years a number of Columban seminarians have done pastoral work in Punla.

In this article Vera Santos tells us how her ten years of involvement with Ang Arko has blessed her.

Lala and Hachi

‘Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all encouragement,who encourages us in our every affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God’ (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, New American Bible Revised Edition).

For the past ten years that I have been a friend and now a volunteer in the Punla Community, I’ve come to realize that one of the most joyful discoveries in my encounter with the Core Members is that in recognizing, affirming and comforting them, I find myself being recognized, affirmed and comforted as well. Let me recount my experiences with Raymond, Jordan, John Paul, Mariflor, Rea, Lala and Benito and why I find peace, joy and comfort when I am in Arko:

Ang Arkong Pilipinas – Special Friends

RAYMOND always welcomes me with a vibrant smile, while grabbing my hand, squeezing it hard and rubs both my palms on his well-shaven head. Not only do I get a good hand massage, I recognize and feel his trust in me.

JORDAN looks at me and when I call his name, utters his usual sound and gives his angelic smile. Though wheelchair-bound, I can see peace and contentment in his eyes and I find comfort in that.

L’Arche – it’s all about love

JOHN PAUL is a power-pack of energy. He will always tell during our kumustahan activitiy in Daycare how his breakfast gave him energy that day, and of course never forgets to say it is his Kuya Hesus (Brother Jesus) who is his main source of energy. He is so inspiring and unaware that he is teaching us because of his eagerness to learn and he is alwayshappy and focused in whatever work he does.

MARIFLOR never fails to greet me with a ‘Good morning, Ate Vera! How are you today?’ every time I come to Daycare for my volunteer work. She comes out of Biyaya House and asks for a hug followed by her proud recounting of what she will cook for lunch that day. She is a good cook and even gives me helpful tips on certain recipes and I appreciate that because I learn from her too.

REA - I am amazed that one way or another I can understand what she says and we communicate well. She is carefree and full of laughter. I am surprised that she always remembers the little things I do for her and thanks me more than enough.

LALA is the quiet type, so relaxed in her work yet so dedicated. I see her as the Ate (big sister) to the other core members because I see how she cares for them too. She is also a good dancer, very graceful and a quick-learner.

BENITO is also a quiet lad and a small boy at heart. He likes to play with his marble collectionand loves to read books on history and science discoveries. What I admire in him is his great talent in playing the guitar. That is his forte. I was once requested to be his tutor and I found him patient and eager to learn. Sometimes heconfides in me about his fears about coping with his studies. A little assurance and perseverance readily allays them.

L’Arche – Jean Vanier (Founder Jean Vanier speaks about the beginnings and the meaning of L’Arche).

I feel so blessed and privileged to be with the community and to share my life with all the members of Punla. I love all of them and I feel so humbled to be a part of Ang Arkong Pilipinas.

‘I believe that those we most often exclude from the normal life of society, people with disabilities, have profound lessons to teach us. When we do include them, they add richly to our lives and add immensely to our world.’ Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, Becoming Human).

Gallery