S
Sirach2
Guest
Last night on EWTN Live, Fr. Mitch Pacwa spent the entire program in discussion with his guest, Fr. Ho Lung, Founder of Missionaries of the Poor. He did not even deviate into the normal questions at the program’s end … there was so much to share that he did not interrupt.
I had seen details of his missionary work briefly in the past, but this was very special - an hour of details that really touched my heart. This charity organization is one that I have no qualms about donating to, and I am even more determined to do what I can to help them.
Father started the MOP with 4 men and himself in 1981 and it has grown to 550 brothers. These people are so very poor that they do not bring money to the mass, but goods from their substance, bananas, eggs, vegetables, and whatever they think the MOP can use for the poor. He added that the offertory procession can be rather lengthly, but it is a beautiful personal participation in their celebration, similar to what took place in the early church. Fr. Pacwa commented humorously that this may be why the priests wash their hands after the offertory procession.
He spoke about Pope JPII’s visit there right in the heart of the ghetto, and how the people just loved him and hugged him passionately. I’m not aware of any specific purpose to visit there, such as WYD or anything, so it seems he wanted to see with his own eyes they work of this holy priest. JPII encouraged him to open his ministry world-wide, and he has honored that request. Father spoke about his work in India, particularly - awesome!
One dying man with HIV whom they took in their care was so obstinate with the brothers that when they brought him food, he would throw it down and refuse to eat it. Turning the other cheek time after time, responding in kindness, eventually the man was won over and died in Christ’s peace.
The story of two martyred brothers was very sad, but God brought so much good from it as the brothers decided to resist the revolutionaries and stay where God had led them, despite the danger. They would not come down from the cross. The word spread, and many came to believe in the faith. Father wiped up their blood, rinsed it into a special cup that he placed on the altar so their prayers could be added with Christ’s for these people. I need to listen again, for it was quite touching.
He celebrates 4 masses on Sunday, and each one is packed. This too, had grown from basically just a few to large numbers who come to pray and worship.
I expect that this will be uploaded perhaps by tomorrow on Youtube.com/EWTN. I highly recommend watching it to witness saintliness in action.
I had seen details of his missionary work briefly in the past, but this was very special - an hour of details that really touched my heart. This charity organization is one that I have no qualms about donating to, and I am even more determined to do what I can to help them.
Father started the MOP with 4 men and himself in 1981 and it has grown to 550 brothers. These people are so very poor that they do not bring money to the mass, but goods from their substance, bananas, eggs, vegetables, and whatever they think the MOP can use for the poor. He added that the offertory procession can be rather lengthly, but it is a beautiful personal participation in their celebration, similar to what took place in the early church. Fr. Pacwa commented humorously that this may be why the priests wash their hands after the offertory procession.
He spoke about Pope JPII’s visit there right in the heart of the ghetto, and how the people just loved him and hugged him passionately. I’m not aware of any specific purpose to visit there, such as WYD or anything, so it seems he wanted to see with his own eyes they work of this holy priest. JPII encouraged him to open his ministry world-wide, and he has honored that request. Father spoke about his work in India, particularly - awesome!
One dying man with HIV whom they took in their care was so obstinate with the brothers that when they brought him food, he would throw it down and refuse to eat it. Turning the other cheek time after time, responding in kindness, eventually the man was won over and died in Christ’s peace.
The story of two martyred brothers was very sad, but God brought so much good from it as the brothers decided to resist the revolutionaries and stay where God had led them, despite the danger. They would not come down from the cross. The word spread, and many came to believe in the faith. Father wiped up their blood, rinsed it into a special cup that he placed on the altar so their prayers could be added with Christ’s for these people. I need to listen again, for it was quite touching.
He celebrates 4 masses on Sunday, and each one is packed. This too, had grown from basically just a few to large numbers who come to pray and worship.
I expect that this will be uploaded perhaps by tomorrow on Youtube.com/EWTN. I highly recommend watching it to witness saintliness in action.
