The Bougainvillea Flower

Faith and formation in Fiji- Photo: Liezl LadaranFaith and formation in Fiji- Photo: Liezl Ladaran

A few years ago we had our retreat in Nadi Ashram. On the way I saw a beautiful bougainvillea. Despite being a very old tree with few leaves on it, I was struck by its beautiful flowers. Every time I passed that tree, I just had to look at it in wonder. I knew one day its meaning would be revealed to me.

While in Fiji during my mission assignment the flower that caught my attention and is meaning starting unfolding. I saw one parishioner here in Ba, an elderly 72-year-old widow. I had observed she was very active in the church and one of our Faith and Formation members. She supports the Catholic Women's League and was also part of our evangelization group, Columban Companions in Mission. She is well respected and an excellent leader and role model, her presence is very encouraging and her words are very much valued. She is the pillar of strength in the group.

This made me realize that faithful women are the backbone of the church not only here but also in many places. I saw her as a good example or a mirror of what Mother Mary had done during her time. In her I have seen the hidden work of Mother Mary.

I have never encountered this kind of a person before with her love and commitment for the work of God. She gives her time and energy and is an asset to the church and community. She advises and encourages the people and is very reliable in her family, the community and parish. She is a follower of Jesus and Mother Mary. She told me if we do not see her in church that means she is not well. She is like Mother Mary who was always present wherever and whenever the apostles gathered.

This made me realize that faithful women are the backbone of the church not only here but in many places. I saw her as an example or a mirror of what Mother Mary had done during her time. In her I have seen the hidden work of Mother Mary.

Bougainvillea Flower - Photo: Liezl LadaranPeople used to call her name "Bubu Sisi" (grandmother Sisi). She used to call me "Makubuqu" (my grandchild). She is like an old bougainvillea that bears much fruit in her old age. It perfectly described her participation in the work of God. One day I told her of her comparison with that old bougainvillea that bore beautiful flowers. She laughed and was happy to hear that I could make that comparison with her. Jesus was telling me that there is no retirement in serving God, and God still uses people as long as their spirit is willing to be guided by Him.

I was really amazed by her love of the Lord, as she always said to me, "For the love and work of our Lord Jesus Christ I can take an extra mile, for he gives me the strength."

She is a great role model to all the women in this parish. She has the courage to go out and proclaim the word of God in the villages at her age, as long as she is able to. She always said, "Have faith in God, if God permits then I can go with you." She is a good example of someone who lives by her faith; she walks her talk. She always encourages other people to put their faith in action.

Columban lay missionary Liezl Ladaran lives and works in Fiji. 

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