An a.m. with the P.M.
04.02.2009
Last Saturday morning 22nd November Kevin Rudd the Australian Prime Minister left the bitumen roads of the city and followed the rocky, dusty road that leads to the 'Cerro Candela' area in the slums of Lima.
I was present for his a.m. visit. Sydney Mercy Sisters, Patricia McDermott & Joan Doyle (a third sister, Jaqui Ford, is presently home in Sydney) have been working for a dozen years there in the area of children's health and women's well-being.
Most 'Aussie' Columbans and some 'Aussie' Josephite Sisters were present. Patricia & Joan let us know that the invitation was accepted and that the P.M. would make the trip to see the Health Centre. 'Cerro Candela' is part of the Columban Parish where Peter Woodruff from Melbourne is parish priest.
It was an impressive visit by the P.M. He demonstrated a depth of humanity that is encouraging, given the common images and stereotypes of political leaders. A considerable media contingent including both Australian and Peruvian media networks were present. There was some good political public relations here for him: visiting a shanty town and being among the gathered people in one of the poorest parts of city where he announced the donation of $ 40,000 for X-ray equipment. His easy-going manner, together with his words when he spoke officially, were most impressive and moved beyond a "nice politician's visit".
The fact that he was prepared to make the effort within a very busy APEC schedule is worth acknowledging.
The visit highlights the great work, initiatives & dedication of the Sisters of Mercy in 'Cerro Candela' with generous support from people especially in Australia and the Mercy network. And it is providential that Kevin Rudd has 'Mercy connections', his primary schooling was with the Mercies, then his secondary at Marist College, Ashgrove, in Brisbane.
A person I know from the neighbourhood after hearing the translation of what he had to say said "We need leaders like him in our world".
It certainly was an amazing moment of affirmation for the local people living in poverty as they realized that they were being visited and recognized by a world leader. And us Aussies among the crowd were warmly greeted as well, especially both those who knew us as "Padrecitos" (an affectionate way of saying "Fathers"). There was a festive atmosphere. It has presented us as 'Aussie' ambassadors and, hopefully as instruments and witnesses of Gospel values.
While all the attention was on Kevin Rudd and he was given the tour of the clinic I was interviewed by Chris Uhlmann from ABC. Paul Bongiorno Channel 10, Karen Middleton from SBS and others of the media contingent were very interested and personable. Karen has written a reflection on her blog site; it's worth reading. It can be found on the "SBS.com.au" website.
The project of the Mercies is a concrete example of faith in action for social justice and in defense of life and the dignity of people with emphasis on the preferential option for the poor. And, not to sound "preachy" but it connects with this past Sunday's Feast of "Christ the King" and the powerful & challenging gospel of Matt. 25 ..." Whatsoever you do to the least of these my brothers & sisters you do to me ...".
I consider that the visit was providential, and there was a feeling of some pride in being an Australian citizen. We are certain that Kevin Rudd was the only Government Leader attending APEC who ventured outside the "golden triangle" of the most wealthy suburbs of Lima, the luxury living conditions of the 5-star hotels and conference centres for the APEC Forum, and the massive security, to visit a shanty-town suburb among the sprawling slums of Lima.
The experience of witnessing his visit and feeling the joy of the people has had me and others recalling with gratitude the continued generosity of people in Australia and New Zealand towards projects here in Peru for the people. Because of your generosity and big-heartedness we can attempt to make some little but positive and dignity-promoting difference in the lives of the people of Peru among whom we find ourselves.
The P.M. spoke with a lot of heart. There was a depth and spirituality to his words. He highlighted the moral responsibility of wealthy nations to assist the poor. He stressed the importance of the "Millennium Development Goals" and his commitment to them, and he said something that really touched me ... "if we question the practice of foreign aid or our responsibility for assisting the poor, then we just have to look into a child's eye as I'm doing this morning". A significant moment came when one of the local women dressed in traditional dress thanked him as an Indigenous Person of Peru for his "Sorry Statement" to the Indigenous peoples of Australia earlier this year. It was an affirming moment for the people of "Cerro Candela".
There were no vegemite sandwiches, but, all in all it was a memorable occasion.
There were certainly "rays of hope" on the smiling faces of children and adults out at "Cerro Candela" last Saturday morning with the visit of P.M. Kevin Rudd.
Fr Bernie Lane works with local lay missionaries in Lima.
