{"id":65610,"date":"2015-11-27T23:00:25","date_gmt":"2015-11-28T05:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=65610"},"modified":"2015-11-25T05:13:04","modified_gmt":"2015-11-25T11:13:04","slug":"bloom-where-you-are-planted-fr-ben-ebcas-jr","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2015\/11\/27\/bloom-where-you-are-planted-fr-ben-ebcas-jr\/","title":{"rendered":"Bloom Where You Are Planted: Fr. Ben Ebcas Jr."},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Fr.<\/a>
Fr. Ben Ebcas, Jr.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Raised by hardworking parents who instilled the value of earnest work and honest deeds, Father (Fr.) Ben Ebcas Jr.\u2014together with his nine siblings\u2014grew up believing each life is a gift from God and therefore should be cherished.<\/p>\n

So when Typhoon \u2018Uring\u2019 devastated the City of Ormoc, Leyte in November 1991, Fr. Ben knew he had to do something to help his city. This longing to help out continued even when he moved to Canada in 1996.<\/p>\n

\u201cI moved to Canada in July 1996 after I have finished my [masters] Pastoral Ministry in Manila in order to take some courses in Crisis Intervention and Strategies. I wanted to continue helping my townmates who were devastated by Typhoon Uring,\u201d Fr. Ben shared, adding that over 7,000 locals were affected by the typhoon.<\/p>\n

While he was studying, he was given the opportunity to serve as an associated pastor in the Diocese of Peterborough and Archdiocese of Toronto.<\/p>\n

Fr. Ben was ordained as a priest in July 3, 1983, but in 2000, he became a pastor with several pastorates. Today, he serves at Our Lady of Assumption Church.<\/p>\n

Fr. Ben admits he also encountered challenges when he first moved to Canada, just like any immigrant in a new land.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have met interesting challenges in the areas of enculturation and pastoral ministry. I had to make adjustments to the varied cultural groups that I was serving and try to speak English that will be understood by my parishioners,\u201d Fr. Ben recalls.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven at school in Durham College and Schulich in York University, I had to adjust to the methodology\u2026 However, knowing that I was not doing these things for myself but for my flock and my family and friends back in the Philippines, I was determined to finish what I have started,\u201d Fr. Ben tells the Philippine Canadian Inquirer.<\/p>\n

But more than cultural differences, Fr. Ben battled with one of the biggest hurdles for anyone who had to leave their family behind: Homesickness.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have to accept the fact that I couldn\u2019t visit my parents and my siblings weekly as I used to because they’re thousands of miles away and it’s way too expensive to go home,\u201d he said. \u201cFaith in God’s providence and generosity is the central source of my strength. Magtiwala at manalig sa Diyos dahil hindi ka Niya pababayaan<\/em> (trust and rely on the Lord because He will not forsake you).\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Fr.<\/a>
Fr. Ben driving Mother Teresa around Tondo, Manila<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Despite being thousands of miles away from his family, Fr. Ben made the most of his stay in Canada. He soon realized that he is in a land brimming with opportunity\u2014especially for hard workers, like many Filipinos.<\/p>\n

\u201cCanada offers a lot of opportunities in many facets of life, [like] education, work, self-advancement, health coverage,\u201d he explained. \u201cBut the most common denominator to succeed in Canada is not just accepting what comes, but affecting the outcome of one’s future. In other words, you have to do your own share of hard work, focus, and more importantly, trust in God,\u201d he says, expounding on the importance of faith.<\/p>\n

\u201cThings will not come out good if we work and work without maintaining our focus and purpose,\u201d Fr. Ben continues. \u201cThere are lots of temptations around not only in terms of material but also emotional allurements due to distance from families and longing for close relationships. Hence, I stress the importance of faith, focus, and future of the whole family when making decisions in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite being in Canada for almost a decade now, Fr. Ben still can\u2019t help but look back at his life in the Philippines\u2014relishing in the nostalgia of his family, friends, and the overall warmth of Filipino culture and life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI miss the country life, the simplicity of the joys of the rural folks, the smiles and convivial treatment of the lolas, children, and of course, our gulay, isda, tuba<\/em> (vegetables, fish, fermented coconut liquor)\u2026 The inspiring and joyful devotional fiesta celebrations year-round,\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n

To relive and celebrate his Filipino heritage anywhere he goes, Fr. Ben shared that he imparts Filipino values to the people he meets.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo matter where I go\u2014whether in Europe for pilgrimages, around Canada or our neigbours down South\u2014I bring with me the treasury of my unique cultural and religious values as a Filpino,\u201d he started. \u201cUtang na loob, pag-galang sa mga matatanda, hiya<\/em> (in a positive way), malalim na pananalig sa Diyos, at pag-alaga sa mga paboritong<\/em> devotional practices (Debt of gratitude, respect for the elderly, shyness (in a positive way), strong faith in God, and taking care of our beloved devotional practices.)\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Father<\/a>
Father Ben preaching to his flock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After 32 years of faithful service to the Lord and His ministry, Fr. Ben hasn\u2019t grown weary or tired of his God-given tasks. In fact, he wish he could do more of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my vocation and life. I love my ministry because it’s my personal response to God’s call to serve His people,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is my big \u2018Thank You\u2019 for His goodness and bountiful blessings to me, my love ones, and my parish.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe continuous challenge is my health,\u201d he opens up. \u201cHow I wish I am healthier so I can serve more and do more for my parish family, but I am not discouraged because I remember what Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta told me when we were together in Tondo, Manila doing apostolate: \u2018No matter how small is your task, do it the best you can and do it with love.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am happy when I hear news that the kababayans we’ve tried our best to help are now permanent residents or have found a job, reunited with their families… These are some of my little sources of joy and inspiration,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/p>\n

Fr. Ben believes that it is the grace of God that enabled him to bloom where he was planted\u2014whether it was in his hometown of Ormoc or in this foreign land.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoving to Canada has broadened my perspective in life in terms of the hard realities of immigration, adjustments in terms of work, emotional needs, and my pastoral ministry,\u201d he shared. \u201cThere is an exigency to adapt to your new environment but at the same time not losing your unique Filipino heritage and values. Above all, have Faith in God who sees our needs.\u201d<\/p>\n

For fellow Filipinos who are still thinking of moving to Canada\u2014or have already decided to take that leap of faith\u2014Fr. Ben has a few words of encouragement and wisdom.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo my kababayans, magsikap, magtiyaga, magdasal, at huwag makalimot sa pinanggalingan<\/em> (To my countrymen, work hard, persevere, pray, and never forget where you came from).\u201d<\/p>\n

All photos courtesy of Fr. Ben Ebcas, Jr.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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