TLDR: I have rested and accomplished a great deal in my first month away. Please read on for a report.
This week marks the end of my first month of sabbatical time and I find myself filled with gratitude. I have reconnected with several friends from my seminary days, two who are Roman Catholic Priests, one who is a university professor, and one who is a Social Worker in one of Medellin’s Shantytowns.
The two priests, although younger than I, look considerably older and are afflicted by several medical conditions each. The ordained ministry is a difficult profession in a country that has been seriously affected by poverty and violence for almost a century. And, although Colombia has come a long way, there are still trouble zones where the Guerrillas, the Paramilitaries, or the army have caused the exodus of many farmers to the country‘s cities looking to escape the violence and in search of employment.
Priests are often seen as Social Workers, therapists, confessors, community advocates, and pastors. The weight of all these duties, poor nutrition, inadequate healthcare, and loneliness exact a heavy toll on clergy. All in all, however, they have enjoyed long pastorates, and have great love for their people. I have been humbled and honored to hear their stories over a cup of coffee or a meal.
My friend the Social Worker planned a visit to our boarding school to search the records. We were looking for the names of former classmates, pictures of our time in school, and perhaps some small evidence that we influenced in some small way the place that molded and formed us. Sadly, we could not find any records older than 1989. The priest in charge apologized, saying, “I am pretty new and have no idea what happened to those records.”
Visiting the beautiful campus, which has been kept in pristine conditions, filled us with immense gratitude for our years there. The place was truly a haven in the midst of a blood thirsty city, at the most dangerous time in Colombia’s history. Without it our lives would have been very different.
I have spent a great deal of time with two of my siblings and have eaten my way through the city. We have laughed, told stories, listened to untold numbers of popular music, cooked together, and traveled to several beautiful small towns near Medellín. This has been invaluable time with them, especially because both are getting older and I have missed so much of their lives.
Finally, I have read some great books in Spanish and I have prepared for the class I will teach in early June. Three lessons on Systematic Theology at a local college where one of my friends is a professor. I am looking forward to these sessions.
I am thinking about all of you and remain very grateful for your love and support. I will reach out in a month’s time. Please continue to keep me in your prayers.
Blessings,
Fr. Roman, your wandering Rector
