God Found it All Very Good

In line with the university's commitment to embody the spirit of Laudato Si and answer Pope Francis’ call to honor the ancestral wisdom of indigenous peoples in their reverence for creation, I feel incredibly fortunate to participate in this year’s Asia Pacific Contextual Theology for Engagement Program (ACOTEP) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia last June 23 to July 1, 2024. Utilizing the “pastoral spiral” approach, this involved lived experiences or immersion in Kiau Nuluh Village and an overnight stay in Mt. Kinabalu, prayerful critical analyses of our experiences, and theological reflections of Fr. Jojo Fung, SJ, Fr. Ambrosio Flores, SJ, Fr. Jomari Mazano, SJ, Ms. Angelica Suimi and Ms. Ann Lasimbang. The program is capped with a workshop on creative ritual reconciliation with nature and the reintegration of Indigenous identity and Catholic faith. Most nights concluded with profound spiritual dialogues, deepening our understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness between faith, culture, and the environment.

 At the bosom of ‘Aki Nabalu’

Hiking to the bosom of Mt. Kinabalu and immersing myself in the culture of Kiau Nuluh Village was a transformative journey that profoundly impacted my perspective on nature, the indigenous community, and my faith. Nestled in the heart of Sabah, Malaysia, Mt. Kinabalu stands as a majestic symbol of endurance and beauty. Little did I know that this journey would also introduce me to the warm embrace of Mother Nature, Kiau Nuluh Village, and its people, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. The ascent to Nunuk Camp on Mt. Kinabalu was arduous yet exhilarating. Each step tested my physical limits and mental fortitude, urging me to push beyond what I thought possible. Yet, recognizing the spirit of nature helping each one of us, I found myself humbled by the sheer magnificence of nature. As the landscape unfolded around me, with its lush rainforests and rugged terrain, the challenges of altitude and exhaustion were tempered by moments of the awe-inspiring beauty of nature—rushing rivers separating lands yet making them one, the sound of chirping birds and the occasional strange sound of the forest. Perhaps, this is what God saw when he looked at everything he had made, and found it very good (Genesis 1:31). 

What moved me deeply was the Laudato Si Mass we celebrated at the camp, marking the first Mass ever held in that sacred space! Fr. Jomari Manzano, SJ, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures, led us to spontaneously pray for reconciliation and seek forgiveness from God's creation. There, I prayed, 

Forgive us Lord,

For all the deaths we caused, death of human beings and all creatures, 

big and small, because of our selfishness, greed and irresponsible actions

For the times we fail to die to ourselves and cause death in relationships

allowing pride to overpower us

For all the times we refuse to face the reality of life, 

and choose not to embrace the beauty of Sister Death, which we will all face

For the souls of our beloved dead, and all the dead we have forgotten,

For all of these, Lord, have mercy

When the cold night embraced us, one of my wildest dreams came true: sharing a meal deep in the woods, learning the 'forest language,' and hearing about the village's challenges—all of this sharing illuminated in the glow of a single central furnace!

In our descent into Kiau Nuluh Village, tucked away from the tourist trails, this village offered a glimpse into the daily lives of the local Dusun people. Their warmth and hospitality welcomed us into their community, sharing stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations. I learned about their deep-rooted connection to the land and their reverence for the mountain they call "Aki Nabalu," which translates to "the revered place of the dead."

The Unity and Oneness

Interacting with the villagers taught me valuable lessons in resilience and sustainability. They live harmoniously with nature, practicing eco-friendly farming techniques and preserving their cultural heritage amidst modern challenges. Their simplicity and contentment stood in stark contrast to the often fast and hectic pace of urban life, prompting me to reflect on what truly matters in life. 

Moreover, the friendships forged in Kiau Nuluh Village transcended language barriers and cultural differences. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we connected over shared experiences and mutual respect. Through laughter and shared meals, I discovered that human connection knows no bounds—a universal language that bridges gaps and fosters understanding.

My encounter with indigenous peoples like Amay Sintiah and Amay Lanting who have integrated their Catholic faith with the local Dusun spirituality is also striking. The sharing of Amay Lanting on his spirituality of honoring God, the guardian spirits of the Dusun ancestors, the forests, and all creation really moved me. For him, there is no separation between his Catholic faith and indigenous beliefs; rather, he experiences the unity of both spiritualities because he believes that the guardian spirits of nature are God’s creation.

With this, I believe we have often undervalued traditional Indigenous spiritual practices because we do not understand them well, so I realize that we should educate ourselves better henceforth so as not to misunderstand who they are and what they are.

The program has been transformative, enhancing my understanding of both my strengths, physical and spiritual, and areas for growth, particularly in spirituality and resilience. I also realized how close my beliefs and values are with the Kadazandusun spirituality. Interacting with diverse co-participants while we try to embrace the beautiful Kadazans, a need to be more open and receptive dawned on me. Overall, the program has empowered me with critical resources for overcoming challenges, while cultivating a profound self-awareness and fostering my personal growth.

The Call to a Purposeful Life

Reflecting on my journey from Mt. Kinabalu to Kiau Nuluh Village together with the knowledge I gained about Liturgical Inculturation, Reconciliation with God and his creations I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced both the physical beauty of nature and the richness of cultural heritage. This adventure has enriched my perspective on inclusive citizenship and reinforced the importance of preserving and respecting diverse cultures and environments. It has inspired me to see  life with a greater sense of humility, curiosity, and appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world. My experience has ignited a profound calling within me towards environmental stewardship and social justice. Inspired by the insights I've gained, I am compelled to actively raise awareness and advocate for respect for indigenous communities and their spiritual traditions. Additionally, I feel driven to engage in and apply in my present ministry in AGS practices that honor the interconnectedness of all life forms and prioritize the well-being of both humanity and the planet.

Overall, now committed to embodying the spirit of Laudato Si', these convictions lead me towards a purposeful life rooted in Christ's love for all creation. I look forward to fostering a more just, sustainable world where respect for the environment and social equity are paramount. It was indeed a journey that challenged me physically, enriched me spiritually, and reminded me of the beauty that lies in embracing both nature and humanity.

Rose Ann B. Reballos

Campus Minister, AGS

Mission Integration - Ignatian Spirituality Formation