Fr Tomás King and friends in Pakistan. Photos: Fr Pat Raleigh SSC
Having spent almost five weeks in isolation in the Joti Catechetical Centre in Mirpurkhas in Pakistan, I was delighted, in the final week of my stay, to be able to travel to Karachi for an overnight stay. I am indebted to Fr Tomás King for driving the three and a half hour journey. The scenery on the way to Karachi had not changed since I was there in early March, but this time the weather was much hotter, having reached over 40 degrees daily for a number of weeks. While there was a lockdown it didn't seem that way. The road to Karachi was full of traffic, especially large trucks. The only change was no public transport. I admired the skillful driving of Tomás as he carefully weaved his way in and out of traffic. I know that I could never drive in Pakistan again although at one time I loved the challenge of it.
Meeting the Columbans in Karachi.
The beauty of the visit to Karachi, while short, was meeting up with the small group of Columbans there: my classmate Fr Joe Joyce from Ireland, Fr Louie Ybanez from the Philippines, Fr Pat Visanti from Fiji and Mona Esteban and Hazel Angwani, the two Columban lay missionaries from the Philippines. They were also in lockdown. I was particularly happy to meet them, especially Fr Pat Visanti who had just returned from Fiji, after suffering a double bereavement, his mother and brother. I wish all four every blessing as they begin their new missionary outreach in a very challenging situation. I am so glad that I was able to spend a short while with them.
The return journey to Mirpurkhas
On the way back to Mirpurkhas we had a very pleasant visit with the four Columban Sisters in Hyderabad who were now five weeks into lockdown. After my visit I realised how lucky I was having had space for movement in the compound in Joti. All the Sisters had was a small roof area. We kept social distance during our brief visit. The four sisters represent Ireland, the Philippines and Korea. Despite the conditions, one had to admire their cheerfulness and enthusiasm for mission.
Our final stop was in Hyderabad where we visited Fr Liam O'Callaghan from Waterford who together with his
co-worker, Danish Yakoob, is very involved in Justice and Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC) and Interfaith work.
The final days
I spent the last few days in Joti wondering whether my proposed flight to London would go ahead on Sunday April 24 with Pakistan International Airlines. My earlier booking with Qatar Airlines had been cancelled. I kept hoping that this might be third time lucky. On Saturday morning April 25, which coincided with the beginning of Ramadan and the feast of St Mark, we set out bright and early for the long journey of 14 hours to Lahore to board my plane. For one moment do not have a bit of sympathy for me. We had a lovely air-conditioned car with a driver. Fr Tomás King certainly went beyond the call of duty by accompanying me. While the drive was undoubtedly long it was very pleasant. We travelled on the new superhighway.
Fr Pat Raleigh with Pakistani woman. Photos: Fr Pat Raleigh SSC
It was an added bonus for me as I never expected to see the lovely rich landscape of the Punjab. The wheat harvest had just taken place and many people, including women and children, were still working in the fields. It is difficult work and for the most part they are poorly paid. We passed a number of brick kiln factories on the way. They brought back many memories of my years in the Punjab. There is no doubt that it is bonded labour and the workers are forever in debt. In one sense I felt like a hypocrite and a cheat that I was in a position to escape. It gave me a lot of food for thought.
Visit from Fr Dan O'Connor
Fr Dan O'Connor from New Zealand made a special trip from Badin to see me on my last night. This was very special as our friendship goes back to the early 1980s when he arrived in Lahore as a student together with
Fr Finbar Maxwell. Since then we have remained close friends. We shared many memories and were sad when we said goodbye to each other the next morning.
The flight to London
I was very relieved when I got on the plane in Lahore. I was so happy that it was not cancelled. I thought that it would be half-empty but every seat was occupied. So much for social distancing! To their credit, the airline staff wore protective clothing and we were well looked after. On arrival in London and after collecting my luggage, I proceeded to the Aer Lingus desk to check in for the flight to Dublin.
It is so good to be back and to have the luxury of the beautiful grounds and walks of Dalgan Park which I very much enjoyed this morning. My sincere thanks to the Columbans in Pakistan and others who made me very welcome. It did not turn out as I had planned but I am one of the lucky ones. My thoughts are with not only the Columbans there but with the people, the vast majority who are very poor. I am so grateful and fortunate.
Columban Fr Pat Raleigh worked for many years in Pakistan and as Regional Director in Ireland.
Listen to "Farewell to Pakistan"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East, June 2020
