The Rev. Manie Manuel, a former seminarian, shared his reflections about serving the Catholic faithful in the South American nation of Colombia.

The Rev. Manuel told All Saints Catholic Church, that he arrived in Colombia, South America on Aug.16, and shortly after arriving began to suffer from illness. He discovered it was altitude sickness because the city's altitude is over 10,000 feet, the church's Facebook page reported.

Despite the physical challenges that he suffered, the Rev. Manuel said that he was blessed to have the opportunity to go and serve in the country where 80% of the population is Catholic. 

While many individuals question the safety and security of life in South America, Manuel said that he is trusting in God, despite the very real risks that exist in the country.

“When you do God’s work, there is no reason to be scared,” the Rev. Manuel told the church on Facebook. “I put everything into HIS hands and fully embrace my baptismal call to mission.”

Once the coronavirus has run its course, Manuel will move to a new parish that is run by his religious order.

Many individuals in Colombia are refugees from Venezuela, which is run by a dictator. The Rev. Manuel works with these people to help them find food and clothing, as the Colombian government is not doing much to help.

Difficult though it may be, he understands that this is what being a follower of Christ means: to serve our brothers and sisters with love and compassion as Jesus did. 

“To love as Jesus loved means that we make sacrifices daily for the good of the other,” the Rev. Manuel told the church on Facebook. 

He said it is important to question what we do with the gifts and blessings that God bestows upon us and ensure that we are serving him to the best of our abilities. 

Even without leaving the country, there are many opportunities to serve God at the All Saints Church. 

“I pray for all of you daily, I ask that you continue to pray for me as well,” the Rev. Manuel said, according to Facebook..