BY SHAY CULLEN
IT IS NOW 20 years since the violent death of Father Rufus Halley on Aug. 28, 2001. He was a missionary of the Society of Saint Columban, my classmate and friend.
Born in Ireland, he was on his chosen assignment in the Prelature of Marawi, Mindanao, building bridges between conflicting communities of Muslims and Christians.
He was revered and respected like a prophet of peace by both communities. When we met in Manila, we would sit in the silence of the chapel in the Columban house in Manila. We shared our joys and sorrows, challenges and triumphs, fears and worries.
We had received threats for having a stand to oppose evil-doers and support the right of the poor. That is the task of being a missionary. It is the path and life we have chosen. Like many others, Father Rufus had answered that call.
It is a long sacred tradition for men and women, priests and lay-people to go on mission. They leave families and friends for a life of dedication to justice in foreign lands. It was a commitment for life to bring the Gospel message of God’s love and justice, human dignity and rights to the poor.
Over the years, hundreds of Columban missionaries like Father Rufus lived and worked among the poor and oppressed and brought education and hope to countless people in the Philippines and countries all over the world.
Many stayed with the people through war and pestilence and gave hope and help. In a 72-year period of missionary work, 24 missionaries died violent deaths in serving the people of the Philippines. The poor respected them, admired them and were inspired and encouraged and affirmed by them. They choose to live for goodness and justice and help their neighbours as good Samaritans. Father Rufus was one of those who gave his life for his friends.
Several Columban missionaries suffered as did Jesus of Nazareth. They were reviled, betrayed, falsely charged by the evil-doers, imprisoned and some 24 were murdered. In the Philippines, missionaries of all nationalities, men and women, have given their lives not only in daily commitment to the poor but for their unshakable belief that love of neighbour, goodness and truth will overcome evil. Rufus Halley lived out that commitment, his spirit and memory lives on inspiring, encouraging and empowering people where he lived and worked and his spirit lives on with his Columban brothers and sisters.
Rufus was a man with a mission to be one in friendship with people of all faiths and be a bridge between communities in conflict and families with feuds. He was a bridge-builder and a peacemaker.
He negotiated peace that healed years of gunfights and killing between two families and he brought them peace. He was director and a teacher in his school, Our Lady of Peace in Malabang, Marawi.
He brought the students, both Muslims and Christians, together with a shared life experience of education where understanding and mutual respect were the values that would unite both Muslim and Christian communities together. (To be continued)/PN
