The following are dispatches from Elzbieta "Ela" and Zygmunt "Ziggy" Chodzko-Zajko, lay missionaries of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Ela and Ziggy are stationed in Divine Mercy Hills, Mindanao, in the Philippines, where they assist the Marians with their many logistical and ministerial duties. The Marians' mission in that island nation first began in spring 2008.
July 14, 2010
Dear brothers in Christ,
It's the last two weeks before big celebrations here, so we will have lots of things to do. We need to have the Filipinos come and simply not worry! Father Jan and Ziggy can relax now as water and electricity has been connected and tested and everything is working. The building workers are still finishing the house so we're going to move in next weekend.
Here are some photos of the Monastic House as well as photos with our seminarians who are attending the archdiocesan seminary. They are there Monday-Friday and come back here to the shrine on weekends. Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to support us.
God bless!
Fr Jan, Fr. Wal, Brs. James and Thad, and Ela and Ziggy, Marian lay missionaries
May 15, 2010
Here are the latest photographs of the monastic house in El Salvador. Hopefully, it will be finished by the 18th July! They are now working 24 hours a day to try and finish it off, even Fr. Jan is keen to help!
Father Jan was away for a week on a retreat near Manila. He was invited by Fr. Fernando Suarez, a well-known healer who goes around the world. I met Fr. Suarez two years ago at our parish in Ealing, London. Father Jan had a lovely time and rested well — but now it's go, go, go!
— Ela
May 12, 2010
Finally, Br. Ziggy is back so I could get to some more photographs! I'm including photographs from Divine Mercy weekend. We had fantastic weather, and thousands of people came. Many priests came to help with the confessions, which went through the night. Father Jan did a marathon from Saturday 8 a.m. till Sunday 4 a.m. with very few breaks! The first Vigil Mass was at 5 p.m. on Saturday. Many pilgrims came and stayed. We had an all-night vigil of prayer and then a procession with the Divine Mercy Image at 3 a.m., which started outside the shrine. The first dawn Mass was at 4:30 a.m., then Masses followed at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
It is estimated that we had about 25,000 or more pilgrims visiting the shrine throughout the day. The dawn Mass was celebrated by Fr. Jose Cabantan who was new bishop elect. After the Mass we invited the bishop and other priests and nuns to us for breakfast. Father Wal and Fr. Jan are comfortably sitting on vice-rector's knee, Fr. Medz's. It is one big happy family here at DMH!
God bless,
Ela
May 6, 2010
Here in the Philippines right now people are praying for clean and honest elections. The elections will take place on Monday the 10th of May. We just had a night vigil here at the shrine and attended a 6 a.m. Mass. We have also been praying for the rain as it has been very dry and the farmers are loosing their crops.
Father Jan is away on a retreat in Batangas City near Manila at the shrine of Mary Mother of the Poor, which was started by a well known healer Fr. Fernando Suarez who has invited Fr. Jan to join him in his yearly retreat. We have not heard from Fr. Jan since he left! He will be coming back on the 10th of May and will get to see Fr. Mariusz, our 'man' in Manila for one day.
Zygi, our missionary, is finally coming back today from Poland, via London. Zygi left on the 13th of April, two days after our president in Poland, his wife and many dignitaries died in a plane crash at Smolensk. We also learned that a dear priest, Fr. Bronislaw, whom we had known over 28 years from London, and ex-president in exile, Mr. Kaczarowski were also on that plane. I was very anxious, and to add to my worries the volacanic ash stopped many flights! Zygi left in the morning on the 15th of April from London to Warsaw. He was one of the lucky ones as they started to cancel flights after that. He was attending the 12th International Conference of the Marian Helpers Association in Lichen from 19-21 April. This year due to the flight cancellations representatives from the U.S.A., Brazil and a couple from the U.K. could not be present. Zygi said that they managed to have a live conference with Mr. Fran Bourdon, the director of the Association of Marian Helpers in Stockbridge, Mass., U.S.A. On the 22nd of April, the funeral of our priest friend who died in the plane crash was taking place 2.5 hours drive from Lichen, so Zygi was able to attend and meet some people who came by coach from London to attend the funeral. Zygi is now in Manila for a few days spending time with Fr. Mariusz.
Now back to the photos, which are from Palm Sunday. Our priests dressed in red, and the palms are made from young palm leaves. Beautiful shapes and sizes made by people. Holy Thursday was a very long evening and night (see photo of Fr. Wal washing the apostles' feet). Here in the Philippines, once the apostles had their feet washed, it is then their turn to wash someone else's feet from the congregation.
After the Mass, an all-night vigil followed. The shrine was full of people — from very young to very old, for some it was just too long! (see photo). There was an all-night Adoration at the main chapel, and down by the field altar we had talks about Divine Mercy, conversation and then two films shown, the 10 Commandments and the Passion of Christ. At 4 a.m. we had dawn Stations of the Cross outside the shrine, and afterwards Fr. Wal and 11 apostles had their photo taken — what happened to the 12th apostle! (see photo). On Friday after the Adoration of the Cross, we had a long procession behind the van (see photo), and we were very tired at the end of it. Black Saturday, Easter Vigil started at 7:30 p.m. (see photo) and finished after 10 p.m. We then had a few hours sleep and up again for Sugat at 3 a.m. There are two processions starting at different places, one with the women and Mama Mary and the other with Jesus followed by men. The idea behind the Sugat is that Mary is the first to see the Risen Lord (see photo). You can see our Divine Mercy Youth Choir who sang a few songs to mark this occasion. Then the 4:30 a.m. first Dawn Mass followed (see photos).
God bless
Ela
April 27, 2010
It's been a long time since I wrote last. A lot is happening. Our priests recovered after Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday celebrations.
Father Walerian went to the National Divine Mercy Conference in Lipa — about two hours drive from Manila. He flew to Manila last Sunday (April 18) and met up with Fr. Mariusz who is also attending. There were also two other priests from here and people from the Foundation attending, too. So Fr. Jan has been left for a week by himself to look after the shrine. Luckily Fr. Pedro came a few times to help out so that Fr. Jan could attend to the monastic house matters.
Here are a few photos (guess which caption goes with which photo):
• Fourth Sunday of Lent — Rose Sunday the priests dressed up in rose-color vestments. I think the vestments were more on the pink side than rose! Anyway, Fr. Wal was very popular that day, and many pilgrims asked for photographs.
• Our priests attended a Chrism Mass at the cathedral with more than 100 other priests from this archdiocese. Archbishop Fr. Antonio Ledesma presided the Mass, and afterwards there was a snack.
• We attended Mrs. Monsanto's 90th birthday on March 13. Her son, who is a priest, Msgr. Monsanto, comes to the shrine twice a month to celebrate Mass on Sunday.
• Photo of Suzette and David, March 9. Suzette married David in January 2009, and she was finally given a visa to go and live with her husband in the U.S.A. Father Joe Roesch, MIC, attended their wedding here in El Salvadro.
God Bless!
Ela
Our fellow missionary, Brother Thaddeus Lancton, MIC, delivers rice.
March 29, 2010
During this Lenten season we have been sharing our food with the most needy. The priests purchased a 49 kg. bag of rice and tins of food that Br. Thad and I have been giving out to the most needy in the locality.
We have also become friendly and support street kids from Cagayan de Oro (main town, 20 minute drive from us) who come and visit our shrine on Saturdays. Father Jan and Fr. Walerian invited them on Saturday afternoon together with Mrs. Sally who looks after them, and we prepared some food for them.
They had great fun — not only them but us, too!
March 27, 2010
The roof tiles are now being laid down and much work is being done inside the Marians' monastic house here at Divine Mercy Hills, Mindanao. The following is a letter from Marian missionary Fr. Jan Migacz, MIC:
I am overjoyed to announce to you that on this coming July 18,
2010, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ, will arrive to concelebrate Mass
with Fr. General Jan Rokosz. After this Mass, the first Marian house
in
the Philippines will be solemnly blessed! I would like to express my
gratitude all of you for your help, organizing a financial support, and
prayer in our intentions. Thanks a lot. You are in our prayer. May
Merciful Lord bless all of you.
I would like also to invite you to this event, and in the mean time,
ask
for your prayers still.
Fr. Jan Migacz
MIC
March 7, 2010
On Feb. 11, we had a healing Mass and afterwards a procession to the big statue of Our Lady of Lourdes where Fr. Walerian presented a bouquet of red roses.
On the 6th of March we had a guest priest, Fr. Francis Tiquia, who was invited by Fr. Jan to talk about exorcism and how to protect ourselves. It was an all-day seminar. On the 8th of March both our priests were asked by the Foundation of Divine Mercy Hills to come and bless the site where their pilgrim house will be built.
Father Jan Migacz, MIC, celebrates Mass on Santo Nino.
February 1, 2010
Hello again!
Here in the Philippines they celebrate "Santo Nino" (Holy Child Day — Jesus). The Catholic Church here in the Philippines sets the Holy Child as an example of humility, and as a celebration of the Incarnation.
We were asked by Sally (who we sponsor with the street kids) to come and join in the procession and wear our red Divine Mercy T-shirts. We went to the cathedral for noon Mass on Sunday, Dec. 17, and then we joined in with the procession.
I should have taken my hat or an umbrella since the procession was about 1.5-hours long, and it was a hot and sunny day! You live and learn.
I was shattered at the end of the walk, but happy. The kids were thrilled that we were there, and they kept holding onto our hands. Afterwards, we bought them water, which is more expensive than Coke or Sprite, and some popcorn/candy floss and took some photos, as you can see.
Father Jan Migacz, MIC, celebrated the Mass and blessed all the Santo Ninos. The Filipinos dress them in all sorts of outfits, as you can see, and the most amazing were footballers or army outfits. After the Mass, they had a procession that we did not join but were invited for breakfast. On the way back home, we saw the procession coming back. They were exhausted, but they managed to smile and wave.
Father Mariusz Jarzabek, MIC, giving a blessing in the streets of Manilla.
January 5, 2010
Not forgetting Fr. Mario [Fr. Mariusz Jarzabek, MIC] our Marian in Manila! He has served as the guest priest since summer 2008 at the Archdiocesan Shrine of The Divine Mercy.
He is amazing! It was lovely to see him when he came with Fr. Joseph Roesch, MIC, the Marians' Second General Councilor in Rome, when they both visited us here at Divine Mercy Hills at the end of November. Father Mariusz seems happy. We talk to him often. He is learning Tagalog now, goes to visit the sick at the hospital, sits and listens to the confessions, and other times adores Jesus in front of the blessed sacrament.
Also, as you can see, a few more photos from our missionary home here in Divine Mercy Hills.
On Christmas Eve, Ela and Ziggy (center) join Frs. Walerian Pozniak, MIC, Jan Migacz,MIC, in front of the manger. We were in the Philippines, but we definitely added a "Polish touch" to the celebrations!
January 5, 2010
Hello everyone!
A quick summary of our Christmas. It is our second year away from our Polish home. This time last year we were in Brazil. (I recently looked at the photos from then and they brought back nice memories.)
Our Christmas was nice here, though we did miss everyone and all the lovely Polish traditions — not to mention the food! On Christmas Eve, we went to the manger outside our house and sang Polish carols. Then we went to Mass at 10 p.m. Father Jan Migacz, MIC, said Mass at one chapel, and Fr. Walerian Pozniak, MIC, at another. Father Jan got Ziggy and me to say something during the homily, and at the end of the Mass we sang Polish carols.
There were more than 500 people, and the Mass lasted nearly two hours. We were then invited for a meal at one of the houses. We didn't get back till around 1 a.m. On Christmas Day, we were invited by another family for a meal.
On the second day of Christmas, we had turkey that was prepared by our own chef: Ziggy. On Monday night, we had three Polish priests who work in the region come to visit us, so that was very nice. Also, there was a beach Christmas party on Dec. 30 for the choir people from the shrine and a parish lunch last Sunday ... So busy, busy ... and visitors dropping in.
The Marian missionaries lead a procession at Divine Mercy Hills.
January 4, 2010
Hi everyone,
All is well here — except for Fr. Walerian Pozniak, MIC, who has a cold. So we are giving him lots of garlic, lemon, and honey. The Marian Fathers have had much work, and the usual priests who come and help at the shrine did not turn up; they were exhausted. So now our priests are tired. Everyone is working hard, and we see the fruits of our labor. Many visitors now come to the shrine. It is certainly gaining a lot of publicity — people are flocking here! There are many organized groups. Lay as well as religious visit the shrine, so there is plenty to do.
God bless,
Ela and the rest of the household
A bird's eye view of the monastic house at Divine Mercy Hills.
December 31, 2009
Hi everyone,
It is still hot and sunny here, but recently we have had very strong winds (so no walking near the coconut trees!). Good weather for washing though! This morning we attended a wedding at 7.30 a.m. so had to get up early. Last night I opened one of our suitcases. I was looking for my small bag and found my jeans and jumpers were growing mold and you can imagine the smell — not very pleasant. The air is moist here. Additionally we get a salty breeze from the ocean that causes corrosion. Plus, at the back of our room, one of the water tanks is leaking, so we have wet ground — a good breeding ground for insects, so that's why we get bitten all the time. Today, we had to take out all our clothes to air them. I can smell the mold in our room, but I still love being here!
The dog Bonnie's mum just had four puppies, so our "congregation" is expanding! We have found homes for three puppies so they will be given away.
On Sunday, Nov. 22, we had the procession, and it was raining a little, but not too bad.
Time here just goes by very quickly, and I still can't adjust to the idea that it will be Christmas soon. Filipinos like to sing Christmas songs before and have parties as well as lots of lights everywhere. On Thursday, Dec. 1, we went to see some Polish priests who are in the next town. One priest celebrated "Names Day" on Nov. 30. We had a pleasant evening, and we will meet again in January for an evening of Polish carols.
Here are some photos of the Divine Mercy Hills monastery for the Marian Fathers!
Ziggy and Ela (left) join their new family in the Philippines.
December 31, 2009
Ziggy is busy with the building work here at Divine Mercy Hills. Plus, he's a 'gofor' (go for this, go for that!), and he is great at this and most importantly doing the accounts!
I'm helping with administration work, being a kitchen help, shopping, etc. We have a very different life here in the Philippines, and I like it. The priests are very busy and are very much liked here by the local priests and the people with whom they work.
Father Walerian Pozniak, MIC, really gets on with the vice-rector of the shrine here, Fr. Medz; they are best buddies! Father Medz said that after meeting both our priests and seeing how holy they are, he now has more zeal and is a better priest thanks to them. And other priests are hearing about this and calling our priests "blessed." They are!
Sometimes it is hard here due to weather changes. Some days I have a headache and feel very tired as I have low blood pressure, and so does Fr. Wal. Father Jan Migacz, MIC, has been tested for allergies because he has been having lots of problems with headaches and is allergic to cockroaches (the cockroaches are not small here!) He may also be allergic to grass, which they just planted around the shrine. He may also be allergic to dogs, which we had to get rid of! He'll be having some treatment starting on the 13th of January. He is well-looked after, medically. The president of the hospital is Linda, whose mother, Mdme. Rosales, died last July. She always looked after priests and has taught her daughters to do the same.
That's all for now. We will get some photos and write ups organized. Wishing you and your family much health, happiness and many God's graces for this New Year. Keep you in our prayers.
God bless,
Ela and Ziggy
December 31, 2009
We had a special visitor here at Divine Mercy Hills: Sister Teresa, who lives in Boston, Mass., and who is a member of the same congregation as St. Faustina, the Polish nun who became the great apostle of Divine Mercy.
A native of the Philippines, she has family in Manila near the shrine where Fr. Mariusz is staying. She spent a day here at Divine Mercy Hills and gave a talk about Divine Mercy, which was great.
She was lovely.