Physical and spiritual maintenance
I am one of three brother priests who were ordained in the Diocese of Butuan, Philippines, in 1994. One of my companions is working in the university, and the other is working as a chaplain in the bishop’s residence. I was assigned in a city parish as priest and chaplain. I only visited the hospital when I was asked to anoint the sick, until I got sick.
As priests in the Philippines, we often travelled to far and remote areas to interact with and minister to the people. I was really into playing basketball before. Whenever we went on an outreach trip I used to play hard. After our ministering and basketball games, we would pile back into the car for the three-hour trip back to the city. It must have been my not using hygienic practices, like washing my hands after the outdoor games and taking time to properly cool down before leaving the dusty areas to enter into the air-conditioned vehicle, that caused my body to react one day.
The year 2008 was a trying time for me. I was diagnosed with a medical condition that affected my veins and the clotting of my blood. It was a long journey to recovery. During that period I was also put on medical maintenance and had to learn how to take better care of my physical self.
In Romans 8:35-37, Paul writes: “What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? … No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.” It was the love of God and the constant remembering of my priestly ordination that pulled me through that tough time. Yes, God chose me to be a priest. I know he loves me as without God’s love I wouldn’t be here.
In 2010, my health improved. I met Father Manny Hewe who is from the same diocese. He invited me to serve with him in Hawaii. In 2012 I asked my bishop if I could grab the opportunity. My bishop told me that it was evident that I was being called to serve in the United States and thus allowed me to go forth.
Here in Hawaii, I minister as a chaplain in four hospitals with Father Jon Cabico. I like working with the sick and dying patients and their families. From the hospital patients, I have also learned to eat before 7 a.m. and 12 noon and to make healthier food choices.
I know I cannot do my hospital work well if I am tired, not relaxed, or feeling unhealthy. So, in addition to my daily medical maintenance, there is my spiritual maintenance. In my personal spiritual practice I take time to reflect on God and my life as a priest. In the morning I say my breviary. In the evening as I wait for hospital calls, I take a walk in the school courtyard and say my rosary. I am taking better care of myself, and in this way I am happy to be able to better serve the Lord and his people.
Father Sanchez, a priest of the Philippine Diocese of Butuan, was ordained on July 19, 1994. He works in hospital ministry for the Diocese of Honolulu and resides in the rectory of St. Anthony Church, Kalihi.
