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Fr om the
PROVINCIAL
SUPERIOR
Rev. Fr. Jayson D.C. Endaya, OSJ
E HAVE BEEN HEARING A LOT LATELY the of God is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:9). It will always be
phrase “the new normal” as quarantine proclaimed. Either virtually or physically, the power of
Wrestrictions have been eased off. We can see the Word of God will still move people to act in charity.
more safety protocols set by LGUs and the national
government. The use of face masks and face shields has Although we, as members of the Josephite-Marellian
become a must. Some people look like astronauts with Family, are not spared from the change that the present
their personal protective equipment as they interact pandemic has caused, the way we perform our ministry
with each other, go to work, buy groceries and the like. as Oblates of Saint Joseph should not change. As OSJs,
We have realized how important protecting ourselves let us not be content with celebrating the sacraments
from the dangers brought by COVID-19. However, no and just wait for the people to come to the Church.
matter how dangerous the disease is, some of us— Pope Francis in his Fratelli Tutti, encourages us to be
especially the medical and health workers—continue “heralds of hope.” As heralds of hope, “we have a great
their work in the frontlines of the war we wage against opportunity to express our innate sense of fraternity,
the invisible enemy. to be Good Samaritans who bear the pain of other
people’s troubles rather than fomenting greater hatred
The threat of the virus is far from over. This means and resentment. Like the chance traveler in the parable,
that we still have to follow the safety protocols set we need only have a pure and simple desire to be a
by the government: wearing face masks and shields, people, a community, constant and tireless in the effort
social distancing, and avoiding unnecessary trips. The to include, integrate and lift up the fallen” (no. 77).
“quarantined” lifestyle, which continues to take a heavy This is the meaning of love. Love “creates bonds and
toll on almost all forms of business and educational and expands existence” (no. 88).
cultural institutions, has led us to discover and rediscover
many valuable realities. Families and individuals, for As educators, the Holy Father reminds us also to form
example, living together in confinement have become people capable of responsibility; form students to
aware of the many things that were ignored during the become not just outstanding learners but also authentic
pre-COVID-19 times: the value of parental presence witnesses of our faith. Since the pandemic is still
and support, the importance of dialogue among family ongoing, the responsibility lies not only to us educators,
members and many others. Indeed, we have witnessed but also to you our dear parents and guardians. Let us
how people are rediscovering and treasuring familial respond together and not cower in fear. Let us all be
ties: eating together, doing household chores together, brave and firm as stewards just like St. Joseph.
praying together and resting together. The seemingly
forgotten family traditions are cherished again. I have to admit that I am looking forward to returning
to the “old normal.” But in some ways, things will never
We have slowly begun the “new normal” in the Church. be the same. Despite the global lockdowns, God has
Celebration of the Holy Mass will never be the same opened new doors for us to bring His saving message
again anymore as present rules do not allow us to do to His beloved people. I firmly believe that God can
whatever we were doing before the end of the second bring something good out of this pandemic, even in the
week of March 2020. Because of this, virtual celebrations most terrible and worst situation! And because of the
of the Holy Mass have been our best option to enliven power of God’s Word and love, nothing can hinder us
our faith. Things have gradually changed. But there from serving Jesus’ interests—not even the COVID-19
is one thing that will never change: the power of the disease!
gospel message. St. Paul reminds us that “[t]he word