The missionaries expressed their desire to stay and continue the work in a letter addressed to Lauro Larlar, the superior of the province of St. Ezekiel whose seat is in Manila. This the missionaries did in spite of the offer for them to evacuate the place, if deemed necessary. The religious opted to stay in the place and be with the people in need of their services, an act of fidelity to the mission entrusted to them by the Church. In their communication, the missionaries shared their sentiment and they believe that by remaining with the people, they can accompany and help them avoid being affected by the Ebola virus.
Jose Luis Garayoa, a Spanish missionary and also an Augustinian Recollect, expressed similar sentiments. He also decided to stay steadfast in spite of the recommendation for him to evacuate and rest because of health condition, having experienced several attacks of malaria and having been sick of typhoid fever.
Brother Rafael Rodriguez went to Kamabai on a short-term basis, to assist peoples learn some trade. He taught them plumbing, welding and cooking.
Call to prayer
The missionaries say in their letter: “Compelled by our pastoral responsibility, we take part in the government effort of sensitising the people of the reality and the danger of Ebola virus and how to prevent the spread of it. During this difficult time, praying with the people is the best thing we can do for them”.
Lauro Larlar, the prior provincial of St. Ezekiel Moreno, has asked the Augustinian Recollect family to pray for the missionaries and the people our confreres serve in Africa. “We beg God to protect, in particular, our missionaries in Sierra Leone, West Africa. May the Lord keep them safe and strong to continue complying with the mission shared by the Church with the Augustinian Recollects”.
The prior general of the Order, Miguel Miró communicated to all the religious his continuing support to the missionaries, and he offers all forms of assistance; while the general secretary details the situation of the confreres and reiterates the need to pray for them.
For the tranquility of the parents, relations and friends of the missionaries, Larlar explains that they constantly communicate with the religious as they follow the development of the Ebola outbreak that affects the areas where our missionaries work. They are also in touch with the ordinary of the place to inquire into the safety of our fellow religious.