See the fields ripe for harvest (Jn. 4:35)

Fr. Ismael (far right) with misioneros in the Philippines

See the fields ripe for harvest (Jn 4:35)

by Fr. Ismael Barros, FMVD

Fr. Ismael Barros, FMVD, General Superior of Verbum Dei’s male branch, arrived  in July for a month’s visit.  He writes with warmth and affection about his days here, as well as his trip to Vietnam and Australia.

​During my stopover in Thailand on my flight back to Europe I had a moment to reflect on what I have experienced on this trip to the Philippines, Vietnam and Australia.
 
With a grateful heart to God and to the brothers and sisters, I am aware of all that I have received. I was very happy to see each missionary again after three years. During the pandemic we had seen each other and talked to each other through the computer screen but it is not the same as meeting live.
 
This trip has been bathed in affection and joy to hear from so many people how grateful they are for the work the missionaries do. I have felt very cared for and well looked after. I was asked if the work of the General Responsible is difficult, always visiting different communities, but the truth is that I have the feeling of getting the best part of it. In all the visits I am shown the best and I can enjoy the fruits and feel personally proud of the work that my brothers have done.

​Everything speaks to me of growth, challenges and development. There is a deep sense of newness that makes us feel small and sometimes inadequate. How to maintain our work of vocation animation and at the same time form the vocations that are already knocking at our door? How to distribute the forces and resources we have?
 
Everything becomes a challenge when we had planned it in a well-defined project on paper and now we have to implement it. The objectives are being achieved and that opens up other steps to take. We have prayed a lot for vocations and when they come we have to form them. We have to have structures to welcome them. It is a change of rhythm similar to that of a young married couple when they start having children — you have to prepare rooms and you have to change lifestyles.
 
I was happy to meet missionaries who, the last time I saw them, had not yet taken their final vows or were not yet priests. I enjoyed concelebrating the Eucharist for the first time with several missionaries.
 
I want to take this opportunity to thank God for all the people who collaborate with our mission. Thank you for all those who pray for new vocations and for the perseverance of those of us who have been serving for years.
 
I also thank God for the welcome that the local Church in each place gives us through the Bishops and other authorities. The Church values our contribution.

Fr. Ismael with Fr. David and Bro. Darwin in Vietnam

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This article is part of the 4th issue of the Verbum Dei newsletter in Quezon City, Philippines (page 11).
​You can read the whole newsletter at this link. 
​Verbum Dei QC Word News - Issue 4