REFLECTIONS OF A YOUNG THEOLOGIAN

This website offers a space for reflection through images, videos, and writings as tools to delve deeper into the Word of God through biblical passages and everyday experiences.

Michelle Orellana, SSpS. Born in the city of La Paz, Bolivia. She is a Missionary Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and Letters from the Bolivian Catholic University (UCB) and a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the San Pablo Faculty of Theology (FTSP) in Cochabamba. She is currently serving as a missionary on the island of Mindoro, Philippines, sharing life and mission with the Mangyan tribes. Email: michelle.yessir@yahoo.com. ORCID: 0009-0009-1615-2336.

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PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

ENGLISH

SPANISH

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PICTURES

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VIDEOS

A BOLIVIAN MISSIONARY IN PHILIPPINES

We are in the municipality of Roxas, in Barangay San Mariano on the island of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, where the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit share life and mission with our Mangyan sisters and brothers, particularly with Bagon and Buhid tribes. In our Roxas community, we welcome teenagers and young people from various tribes who wish to continue their studies at a nearby school, as this is impossible in their remote communities. Currently, we live with 18 young people from the Mangyan tribes of Alangan, Hanunoo, Buhid, and Bangon in the formation house of San Mariano and 11 collogues students in Bongabong, 3 in Calapan and 2 in Batangas. With them, we share moments of prayer, gardening, cooking, schoolwork, and recreation. Additionally, on some days during the week, or usually on weekends, the sisters (occasionally accompanied by the SVDs) often ride motorcycles, tricycles or cars as far as the road allows, and then continue on foot, crossing forests, rivers, and mountains to reach the different areas (Liguma, Naswak, Tagascan, Tauga-Diit, Tinis-An, Sipaco, Bataangan, Fanuban, Magdayaga, Akliyang, Bayang, Magod, Talsi, Togo, Safa-Dagat, Lucban) to share the Bread of the Word and the Bread of the Eucharist and also listening about their necessities in the areas (sitios).

LET'S GO TO NASWAK!

Naswak is a remote and scenic area nestled within the lush landscapes of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, often accessible only through rugged pathways that cut across rivers and mountains. The region is surrounded by dense forests teeming with native flora and fauna, giving it a sense of tranquility and isolation from urban life. The area is home to Mangyan communities, where traditional ways of life are preserved and celebrated. Houses are often simple structures made from local materials like bamboo and palm leaves, harmoniously blending with the environment.

In Naswak, the Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit regularly visit to connect with the community, bringing spiritual support, educational opportunities, and aid. Despite its beauty, Naswak faces significant challenges due to its remoteness, including limited access to schools, healthcare, and resources. The area’s residents are resilient, relying on farming, and community cooperation. Life here is enriched by a deep connection to nature and cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations. The presence of the sisters provides companionship and a bridge to essential resources, creating a nurturing bond between the mission and the Mangyan people.

LET'S GO TO LIGUMA!

Liguma is a secluded, mountainous area in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, where verdant landscapes and dense forests stretch as far as the eye can see. This remote region is home to Mangyan communities, who maintain their ancestral customs and practices, living in harmony with the natural surroundings. Paths through Liguma are often rugged, winding through steep terrain and crossing clear rivers, making the journey both challenging and breathtaking. The area’s villages are typically small clusters of homes made from natural materials like bamboo and nipa, skillfully crafted by the Mangyan people to withstand the local climate. Farming and gathering resources from the land are central to their way of life, with community members relying on each other for support and survival in this isolated setting.

The Missionary Sisters Servants of the Holy Spirit make regular trips to Liguma, sometimes accompanied by members of the SVD. They brave the challenging routes to bring spiritual guidance, education, and practical support to the community. The residents welcome the sisters’ presence in Liguma, and appreciate the blend of friendship, prayer, and assistance they provide. In return, the sisters are deeply enriched by their interactions with the Mangyan people, learning from their wisdom and dedication to preserving a way of life closely tied to nature's rhythms.

MALIGAYANG PASKO!

Christmas party in San Mariano Mangyan Formation Home. Our Mangyan students enjoy the lights in Bansud and the food, games, and dance in the formation home.

SIMBANG GABI 2024

Almost 10 minutes summarizing my Christmas missionary experience in the Philippines 🇵🇭

The Church in the Philippines traditionally observes *"Simbang Gabi"* or Dawn Masses, during which the faithful prepare to celebrate Christmas. This year, the SSpS and SVD celebrated *"Simbang Gabi"* with the Mangyan Bangon and Buhid tribes in the villages of Magod, Talsi, Togo, Safa-Dagat, Akliyang, Bayang, and Naswak.

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14).