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Sr Mata Malani Malo e lelie! Kia ora, Talofa lava, Bula Vinaka, Hello–a very warm greeting to you. My name is Mata Mahina Malani. I am a Sister in the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion–dolc. We are sometimes known as Home of Compassion Sisters, or Kuataha 'o e Kaunga–'Ongo'i. It is an honour to be called by God as one of His instruments in Religious life. I am blessed with a life that has many contrasts. As a younger Sister in the Congregation, life is at times enjoyable, fun, humbling and peaceful. Most of all, through my calling I feel as though I am a whole human being. I know I belong. Well, how did I get into this? I was born in Tonga, the third child of 10 children. My background is of very strong Catholic and Methodist believers. We were brought up nurtured in the Catholic Church, attending Mass daily. I had very strong ties and support in both the Church and my family. We children had the opportunity to speak and share our views and feelings after evening prayers. We felt appreciated and significant, heard and understood by our parents, and extended family. I was once ‘heard’, as a three year old in the middle of a Sunday Mass homily! I called out "I’d like to be like that woman who dresses up in white" – a Mission Sister was sitting on the right side of the Church! However the thought never even crossed my mind again for years after that. In my 20’s I even had a boyfriend who I planned to marry and have children with. But at the same time I wasn’t quite sure. There was a longing in me, but for what…? I was active in the Church as an Antioch member (that is a team of 12 youth members who commission to work and evangelise) for Youth group, teaching at Sunday school (ECL-Education Christian Living), and as a member of the Third Order of Mary. Then I met the two Compassion Sisters nursing my disabled uncle. I observed what they did, and felt my attention being drawn to them. So I contacted one of those Sisters, wanting to know more about them. However, I told her to keep it Top Secret. I didn’t want my family, friends, or anyone knowing what I was up to. My interest was on and off, until the same Sister invited me to come and meet Sr Catherine Hannan, their Congregational leader. At the time I was at work until 5 pm, so I arranged to meet her at 5:45 pm. All through this day I was talking to myself "Well God, if this is your will, let it be. If not, show me what to do." Because of extra work I had to do that day, I missed the bus. Disappointment grabbed my heart. "Lord, if you’re trying to tell me something, OK. If I’m meant to lead this life, I will get there on time, otherwise it isn’t for me." A group of us who had missed the bus managed to get a van down to Liahona (a neighbouring village), and then a big truck carrying stone took us to the beginning of my village. It was 5:40 pm. I ran and arrived at the convent on time, breathless and covered in white dust from the truck. I knocked on the door, and to my shock and horror my boss at work, Bishop Patelisio opened the door and welcomed me in. Sr Catherine introduced me to my Bishop, and then we were straight on to business. In 1990 I started "Come and See" at Toutaimana, in the Tonga Catholic Centre. From there I came to New Zealand, where from 1991-1992 I attended high school in Hornby, Christchurch. I studied English, Home Economics, Typing, and Maori language. By then I had decided to let go of everything and follow in the footsteps of our Foundress – Suzanne Aubert. This was the life I wanted and was longing for. …In 1993 I entered as a Postulant, in 1995 I made my first Profession. In 1996 I was sent to work as a member of the Maori Pastoral Team and Chaplaincy at Arohata Women’s Prison. In the year 2000 I was posted to Aubert Centre in Flaxmere, Hawke’s Bay, and in September 2000 I made my final profession. My current ministry in Flaxmere involves: Maori Mission work. This includes supporting and encouraging young Maori mothers and preschoolers – "Whanau Toko-ita-ora", and involvement with a youth club – "Wai patu". My Maori language skills are so helpful for making connections in the community, and also as a link back to our congregation’s roots. Outreach to the local Tongan community. This includes a sacramental program for young people, and CCD (Sunday school) Community visiting, and distribution of donated food (the bread run) Youth Group (with Sister Emaleti) Prison outreach: Chapel services Support for Pacific Island and Maori inmates, and their families Dioceses Trust Board member, representing local Maori. Through this work with my Sisters, with fellow Maori Mission workers, among needy people, prison inmates and the Maori people, I find such blessing. Through pain, and hard work at times, I have come to see people find dignity, and to know the love of Christ. I walk alongside people, where they are at, and in their own journeys. This is such an honour and privilege. At times we may be the only "Bible" that people we meet may ever read. Matthew 26: "I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Thank you, Lord, that through this life you have called me to, I can serve you in this way with your help and guidance. It is such a privilege!! An invitation to readers: |
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