Beyond the Clouds by Fr. Jacob Nampudakam, S.A.C. | Page 83

and with this candle, she lighted that of the whole community. It was,
therefore, the half-extinguished little lamp that had produced all these
beautiful flames, which, in their turn, could produce an infinity of others and
even the whole universe. Nevertheless, it would always be the little lamp
which would be the first cause of all this light. How could the beautiful flames
boast of having produced this fire, when they themselves were lighted with
such a small spark?”
I once met a little spark during my Visitation to Hong Kong in June 2018. As
part of the trip, I was supposed to meet with the country’s Apostolic Nuncio.
When the day finally arrived- to my greatest surprise- my confrere told me he
would no longer be able to accompany me to see the Nuncio, as he had another
important commitment. Rather, he introduced me to a middle-aged woman
from Africa, who landed in Hong Kong as an unemployed migrant. She spoke
little English, and was alone and fighting hard to survive in her new country. I
had never faced such a situation anywhere in the world; the Rector General
being taken to the Apostolic Nuncio by a migrant, whom I had just met for the
first time in my life! Not only that, but the confrere gave her a Mass kit for us
to celebrate Holy Mass in her apartment!
Nevertheless, the poor woman arrived late and I left with her. She knew the
city very well, so we took the bus and metro, arriving just in time to meet the
Nuncio. His Excellency was a fine person and received me warmly. However, I
couldn’t explain to him who the lady- ever so gracious- was.
After parting, we proceeded to her apartment for Mass. I imagined there would
be some people, but no. Not a soul was in sight except the Chinese workers
outside as we ascended to her tiny room in a skyscraper. She made a small
altar, placing the cups, chalice, and books, then sat on the floor as I celebrated
Holy Mass.
On our way to her home, she narrated the harrowing experiences in various
countries, and her struggle to carry on. Knowing her story, my heart had great
compassion for her, and I prayed to God that He may bless her with all the
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