Temperatures in Richmond, British Columbia this morning (March 21) were mild but brisk. When compared to Toronto, it’s not too bad. Even though the temperature was only three degrees Celsius, I felt perfectly comfortable in my normal workout clothes. The weather was perfect for a Sunday service.
Richmond, British Columbia is such a beautiful and caring city. This is something I will never forget because this is where my son and his family entered with their approved International Student visas. After ten long years apart, I finally reunited with my son, his family, and my three beautiful grandchildren, aged 16, 12, and 6. When I left the Philippines, my son was a single, carefree adolescent trying to find himself. My son and I reconnected in Richmond where he is now an adult but still has the look of a child seeking his father’s embrace. He hugged me so tightly I thought I was going to pass out. Maybe it was the desire for a father. I returned his embrace and assured him that I miss him dearly as well.
The plan was for everyone to meet up at church on Sunday and then head into downtown Vancouver for the “Status for All” rally. The flight from the Philippines to kumustahan (a Tagalog word with depth of meaning i.e., to greet or to welcome or to be welcomed) was long and tiring, so they spent the entire day sleeping. That made perfect sense to me. I told him over text that we could spend time together at a friend’s place and even spend the night.
Everyone at St. Mary the Virgin Church’s Sunday service welcomed me with open arms. The parish’s pastor, the Reverend Expedito Farinas, affectionately known as Apo came to greet me and assured me that I would feel right at home in his congregation. Grefa Pinera, the Rector’s Warden, and Aiko, the church pianist, also introduced themselves and expressed a genuine desire for me to join the congregation. Chris Sorio and Tita Erie, two of my British Columbia-based friends, invited me to attend Mass for Migrante BC as part of its Status for All campaign. The First Reading was supposed to be done by Tita Erie, but I wound up reading it instead. Tita Erie just instructed me on how to conduct the First Reading correctly. I never decline an invitation and always accept with enthusiasm. After reviewing the Sunday service reading schedule, I realized that Migrante would be responsible for most of the readings. Chris, a long-time friend of mine, is the People’s Warden at St. Mary’s.
Before the end of the Sunday service, “Apo” urged the congregation to support the plight of migrant workers by advocating their demand for permanent status for all migrants. Apo contended that a devout Christian would take such measures to protect the rights and well-being of the helpless. Christians who truly follow Christ are concerned about the plight of the poor and powerless. The image of the congregation holding up “Status for All” signs or posters was inspiring. Apo even ordered the congregation to raise their hands in unqualified demand for permanent residency as a show of solidarity with the migrants. I was also moved by the mother and child holding a “status for all” flyer.
Following worship, the congregation sat down to a meal together, where they likely discussed their struggles as immigrants and as members of the extended Christian family helping one another.
What I witnessed was a beautiful Sunday service that adhered to Christ’s teachings and focused on assisting the weak and vulnerable. This Sunday service was filled with compassion and love, much like my two lifelong best friends.
IMAGES
- The parish gathers for a group shot "Status For All"
- The author, Lui Queano with friend and church warden, Chris Sorio
- Chris Sorio, the Reverend Laurel Dykstra, Grefa Pinera and Tita Erie
Photos Submitted