While the hospitals are likely the most risky places during this pandemic, they are the haven for work and ministry for these two OMI priests in Cotabato City. CRMC and NDH are one of the busiest places when it comes to hospitals. Patients coming from North and South Cotabato come here since they have the most advanced facilities in the area.
CRMC is a government hospital which caters mostly the indigents and the poor who can’t afford medical health services in private hospitals. NDH on the other hand is a private owned hospital by the Dominican Siters. It is the biggest private hospital in Cotabato City with more advanced health facilities with their competent doctors and nurses.
Priests like Fr. Gomez and Fr. Canonizado were assigned as hospital chaplains for several years now. But Fr. Gomez served in this ministry almost all his entire priestly vocation. Ministry to the sick is a call to all priests. It is more than a duty as some would say. It is a commitment to one’s vocation to seek those who are in need, especially those who are poor and marginalized.
Fr. Gomez said, “it is not about us (priests) bringing Christ to the people. Visiting the sick in the hospitals is not entirely about healing. Rather, our presence is an avenue for those sick people to feel and deeply experience God in their lives, especially in their sufferings. It is God who decides and acts on miracles and healing, not the priest.”
A very simple man of God, Fr. Gomez experienced different moments of healing, miracles and deaths to those he meets in the hospitals, either, by chance in the hospital’s corridors or by his regular visits. And not only spiritual healing and personal conversations, Fr. Gomez also see to it that those who are in the hospitals will have some food to eat or money to buy for medicines.
Some people and friends would show their generosity by helping Fr. Gomez in his ministry to the sick, financially, to be used for the needs of the sick and their families. “Sometimes, you have to wake up in the wee hours and go to the hospital because someone is in need of a priest. And for 24-hours, your cellphone must be ready for any calls or texts. Whether you have eaten or not, have taken a bath or just woke up, when someone is in need, then you must go,” Fr. Gomez, said.
Fr. Canonizado, assigned as NDH chaplain also have his regular visit to the sick. Aside from his regular morning mass in the NDH chapel near the hospital, like Fr. Gomez, he also administers the anointing of the sick and converse with the families staying in the hospital. With the advent of COVID-19, many would think that they are at risk of contracting the disease. They underwent some tests, and they were found NEGATIVE. When Fr. Ben was asked about what he thinks of not getting infected with COVID-19, he said that the doctor told him that he has a strong immune system. But he still feels that most of his health condition is by the grace of God, who protects him everyday.
The ministry to the sick caters all people regardless of one’s faith, race or religion. For these two priests, they believe that some people in the hospitals simply need someone to talk to, someone who will listen to them, someone who can comfort them in times of their sickness.
The OMIs, in the presence of Fr. Gomez and Fr. Canonizado is a great reminder for all of us to always trust the Lord especially in this time of uncertainty and to search and serve those who are in need. It may not be easy, but it is a call to live a life worth-living.
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