Lani Tamatawale and Pau. - Photo: Lani Tamatawale
It’s a humbling experience to teach sign language and share our gifts with those who are eager to learn and serve the people of God.
The world faced devastation during the COVID-19 corona-virus pandemic. Millions of people died, and many others suffered when they lost their work and could not support their families. Many continue to suffer. Most young people tried to cope with the pandemic, which brought them family problems and difficulties with online classes etc. Some did not see any good coming out of that time; others were grateful for the good things that happened unexpectedly because of living differently.
In November 2022, I met a young man named Pau, who joined our vocations “Come and See” session. He shared with me that the pandemic had brought something good to his life. Before the pandemic, he said he was not always active in church activities nor did he attend Mass often. He usually stayed home and focused on school. He did not even socialise much with his friends.
During the pandemic, he had time to reflect and search. This brought him closer to the church community and changed him for the better. He joined the youth group and got involved in youth activities; he also became a lector at Mass.
He made new friends through the youth group and associated himself with Columban Missionaries, whom he met in his local chapel. He is very grateful because, if not for the pandemic, he would not have become active in his church community. I shared with him that God really loves him and wants him to come closer to him.
On Columban’s Day, we celebrated Mass at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish for the Feast of our patron, St Columban. Most parishioners attended the Mass, and I interpreted for the two deaf people present. Pau was also at the Mass and became interested in learning sign language to serve the deaf.
I asked him why he was interested, and he explained that one day when he was in a jeepney, two deaf persons boarded and paid their fare. They wanted to tell the driver where they were going but could not make themselves understood because of the language barrier. Pau tried to help them but, like the jeepney driver, could not. It was this experience that made him want to learn sign language.
Since being elevated to a parish, Our Mother of Perpetual Help has introduced a Deaf Ministry as one of the parish ministries. I began to visit chapels and attend Parish Pastoral Council meetings to introduce the Deaf Ministry in the hope that some parishioners might be interested in learning sign language. Some women in one of the chapels, together with some of the youth, including Pau, were responsive.
Every Sunday afternoon, I would have sign language classes for those who were interested. Pau was very committed and eager to learn. He never missed a class. We always have fun in class, especially when we have a quiz to see what we remember from the lessons we studied. Young people are naturally competitive and are very interested in learning. I have always hoped and prayed that after learning sign language they will have the heart to serve the deaf.
In February 2023, the Deaf Ministry was introduced to the parishioners of the parish, and the deaf were invited to attend the 8 am Mass every Sunday, during which there would be interpreters. As an inclusive church, we welcome the deaf and interpreters to Mass every Sunday. I am proud to say that Pau is a member of the Deaf Ministry and interprets during Mass on Sundays.
He has come a long way. I am so happy for him and with his enthusiasm and commitment. I hope and pray that he continues to serve the deaf. The more he communicates and engages with them, the more sign language he will learn. The deaf are so happy and willing to help him learn more signs.
“A life unlike our own can be our teacher.” St Columban.
Columban lay missionary, Lanieta Tamatawale lives and works in the Philippines.
Listen to "A life unlike our own can be our teacher"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - January/February 2024
