Connection in Prayerful, Humble Silence

Source: tablet.co.uk

Leona Fernandes, a Novice with the Congregation of Jesus (CJs), reflects on the completion of her Noviceship Experiment (placement) with Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS) as a Detention Centre Visitor at Harmondsworth Immigration Removal Centre near Heathrow airport in London, UK.

In these strange times of COVID-19, I write this from the confines of my room where I have been for the past few days dealing with my symptoms, confident that what I have is mild and will soon pass, and grateful that by God’s grace I have all that I need.

That said, I feel called to reflect on the grace of connection in solidarity with all of our JRS friends.

In a detention centre where linguistic, cultural, and barbed-wire physical barriers exist, what communicates care, decency and solidarity? Small gestures of connection: the willingness to look someone in the eye, the offer of a welcoming smile, a listening ear in the face of distress, and even a single, gentle word of support.

All of these acts, particularly when undertaken with strangers, communicate the very presence, love, and support of God for each one of us.

Our JRS friends know and also model this for each other. In the open waiting area where the welfare visits take place, some detainees await the coveted legal visit, others negotiate the temperament of a security officer just to book a visit, and still others hang around in order to support friends with an English translation.

Through it all, I have noticed a tangible sense of fellowship and camaraderie among the detainees and a sincere compassion amid heaviness, worry, and fear.

Of those who arrive at the JRS welfare desk, most manage a smile, a genuine handshake and an openness to receive any assistance with their case. The connection is almost always immediate, joyful, and appreciated.

I have often been struck by the resilience of detainees in the face of the entanglement of paperwork (often written in ‘legalize’) and their perseverance in doing what is needed for today, even if that be just to wait.

I have seen in their faces hurt, disappointment, and frustration at the bureaucracy—but also hope and joy at the possibility of change. Sadly, I have also seen JRS friends with mental health issues who also cannot communicate in English. It is with these most vulnerable friends that sincere connection through eye contact and body language counts the most.

I am from Canada and perhaps my most heartbreaking moment was when I encountered a young detainee from North America, the only person from North America I had ever seen there in the UK Immigration Removal Centre.

He spoke like me and dressed like me and from the outside easily looked like any young man from my parish back home. He seemed disconnected, maybe even in shock as he had just arrived there. My heart just bled for him as I wondered to myself from deep within, ‘What are you doing here, brother?’

We sat, mostly in silence; he seemed too troubled to speak. I have learned that there’s little that can be said given the gravity of their circumstances. But I have also witnessed the strength and sanctity of prayerful, humble silence.

What this silence opens up is not empty… it is a safe space of connection in trust and accompaniment. It is a peace that enables both of us to enter into the grace of the present moment.

And in that present moment, if we are open to it, the opportunity exists to encounter God, whose grace is at work in the both of us for our mutual good and growth.

As we prepare to approach the sacred Cross this Holy Week, let us pause to reflect on the ways God may be calling us to connect with others, even if only possible from a distance and in silence.

Leona Fernandes is a novice sister with the Congregation of Jesus (CJs). She is a graduate of St. Michael's College and Regis College at the University of Toronto and joined the English Province of the CJs in the UK.

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6 Comments
  • Peter Bisson SJ
    Posted at 09:17h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you Leona! It is good to hear from you!

  • Barbara Lewis
    Posted at 09:27h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you for your beautiful reflection.
    May our Father sustain you in your vocation.
    Peace!

  • Lorraine Majcen
    Posted at 11:50h, 06 April Reply

    Hello Leona, thank you for sharing your experiences. You are not alone. Your words about sitting in silence with someone, evokes emotions within in me, of how important this is and that in this stillness and silence we can and will feel the presence of our loving God. Thank you for being the hands, feet and voice of Christ. Blessings to you!

  • Grace Colella
    Posted at 12:43h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you for your thoughtful words Leona. I will remember them. Especially what you said about silence.

  • John McManus
    Posted at 13:25h, 06 April Reply

    Thank you for this Sister, for reminding us that the simplest forms of communication are often the most intimate and profound. Courage and perseverance in your work. Get well soon.

  • Maria Bernal
    Posted at 13:21h, 15 September Reply

    Leona, thanks for sharing. Hope you doing well.

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