Magay: A Tale of People’s Faith and Recovery after Yolanda

(Frt. Michael is a temporary professed member of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. He is currently studying at Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University.)

PART 2 OF 2

Seeds of Vocation

Witnessing the dedication of the Augustinian Sisters for her townsfolk, Nicole, seven years young, gave Sr. Zaida a letter of gratitude. She also inquired, “Paano po ba maging madre?” (How can I become a nun?)

The short stay of the brothers in Magay has also encouraged young boys to consider the vocation to religious life.

Ten memorable days

During the day, we would stay with our respective families and help in the construction of their houses. The brothers, filled with youthful energy, enjoyed participating in the Bayanihan. And after the first day of construction work, snores became the night’s lullaby.

If there was no schedule for Bayanihan, the brothers would visit families and listen to their stories.
It was with the stories that I felt closer to the Magaynons. As they shared their fears and tears during the onslaught of Yolanda, my heart was wrenched and I could not keep my tears.

But despite everything, they said that it was faith that strengthened them in those crucial hours and the difficult days and weeks thereafter. However, they did not think of Yolanda as a divine punishment, as it was for them a time to even intensify their trust in God.

In one of the stress debriefing sessions days after Yolanda, the facilitator asked them to list both what they have before and after the calamity. The facilitator was said to be awed that common to all was faith—and a stronger one at that!

Right after Yolanda, when I heard of Leyte, it painted pictures of devastation, of death, of despair, and the question was, “Where is God in all these?” Now, a year after, when I hear about Leyte (and has seen it for myself!), it paints pictures of integral rehabilitation, of so much life, of strengthened hope, and no question is raised but the conviction that God has been so dedicatedly at work here.
And I could not think of any other way to have better spent my semestral break.

A Mission in progress

A year after Yolanda’s storm surge wiped out the place (Magay faces the Pacific Ocean), the place has become a model barangay in Tanauan, if not in whole of Leyte, of an effective and integral rehabilitation program where donations and support have had a clear result.

Meanwhile, the holistic rehabilitation in Magay, as well as in many areas in Leyte and Samar, is projected to be substantially achieved in five years.

Hence, the Augustinian Sisters, and their Mission Partners, still welcome support from generous people and organizations. For any inquiries to support and sustain the mission, please contact Sr. Zaida Villareal, OSA through 09197095854.