Life Journey of Aurora Luceno

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LIFE  JOURNEY of Aurora Luceno
Columban Lay Missisonary

I joined the Columban Lay Missionaries in June of 1993. Before joining the Columbans I worked as a Civil Engineer with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and later trained as a Community Development Worker with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

My parents worked with the Columban missionaries in our diocese (Pagadian. Philippines) and I witnessed the commitment of the Columbans in their involvement with our people. The missionary spirit was planted in my childhood and my dream of becoming a missionary saw its fulfillment when I met and was guided by some Columbans who became friends to me.
Following eleven months of preparation/orientation and waiting for the visa, I finally arrived with two others in my team in Lahore, Pakistan on May 1994.

While in Pakistan, I had the privilege to live and work in predominantly Christian communities of street sweepers and house cleaners actively participating in the formation of small faith communities. I journeyed and accompanied groups of women, doing catechesis for children and the youth formation. I worked with other Columban missionaries as a pastoral team in the local parishes.

Living with the people allowed me to enter deeply into the Pakistani culture and way of life, experienced the richness of the Pakistani culture and arts, and the simplicity and hospitality of the Pakistani people (Christians and Muslims alike).

At the same time it brought me into a greater awareness of the struggles of the Christian communities as a minority group. I saw the difficulties of women who are treated as third-class citizens (Christians and Muslims alike) - a group of people bound by the harshness and restrictions of the culture. I witnessed a people constantly living under the threat of war and conflict.

Likewise, I was actively involved with the apostolate for migrant workers in Lahore. Accompanying and facilitating them in their needs introduced me to the stark reality of loneliness, abuse, competition and survival in a place very alien to these overseas workers. Many times I felt very helpless and was pained by the experiences of the people I have journeyed with in Pakistan. However, having loved and valued these people with whom I now share great friendships, I grew in my belief in the commitment of the Columbans in this part of the world.

My missionary journey in Pakistan was a very meaningful journey for me personally and in my relationship with my God. It has enabled me to respond appropriately and with joy to the call to discipleship.

Walking the dusty streets of Shadbagh and living as a single, female lay missionary in the Islamic society was a real challenge for me.  Nevertheless, I have been greatly blessed by God’s love and faithfulness.

Since the beginning of my life as a lay missionary, I have been very conscious of how God has worked in so many aspects of my life – a God whom I have learned to trust more fully as a friend and a companion in the journey.

During my time in the Pakistan I was greatly blessed with a community of Columbans who made serious efforts to value and support one another as we lived with each one’s uniqueness and gifts. I also had the love and the support of my Pakistani friends in the communities who took me as one of their own.

I left Pakistan for the Philippines (where I am now based) in December 2005 bringing with me the learning and the richness of that Pakistani experience into my new role in the Columban Lay Missionaries-Central Leadership Team.

My first long term agreement was marked with many transitions, new learning and challenges which saw me in different roles, places and situations that I have welcomed with openness, patience and deep trust.

I feel privileged to have been a member of the CLM-Central Coordinating Committee then later as Central Coordinator of the LMCLT; roles I now see as my mission and my ministry.

The challenges presented to me in living out the roles brought me to deep prayer and reflection and provided me great opportunities to know myself more.

The stories and experiences of both Columban lay missionaries and ordained continue to inspire me and strengthen my resolve to always give my best to contribute to the mission of God.

Aurora C. Luceno
Columban Lay Missionary