Tidy Towns to join Fr John in Ecuador

FORMER Ennis priest, Fr John Molloy will be welcoming some of his old friends from the town to his new home in Monte Sinai, Ecuador in the coming days.
Donal Griffin, Noel Crowley, JJ and Ann Counihan  from Ennis Tidy Towns will be heading off to South America where they will be helping Fr John with his ongoing work helping the poorest of the poor. It’s been a busy few weeks for Fr John. Bishop of Killaloe Kieran O’Reilly has just visited his Ecuador parish, while he has also welcomed his friend, Fr Malachy Murphy from Armagh. He has just said goodbye to Pat Collins, from Shanaway Road, who has been assisting Fr John with different work in the parish including construction work.
In the latest of his ’Champion updates on his time at the parish of El Bautismo de Jesus, Fr John recalls the “good memories” of the time he spent in Ennis and County Clare during his visit home over the summer.
“I appreciated your welcome, hospitality and generosity. I spent quality time but not enough of it in Clare, Tipperary and beyond,” he said.
At the moment, the climate is Ecuador is hot with little wind. “It is extremely dry and dusty. The main road leading to our parish has improved majorly over the last months. This helps somewhat to keep dust down and make life a little better for those living by this road.
I notice many families now trying to improve their homes and construct from bamboo to concrete walls. Again, all signs of hope as people go about daily life,” he explained.
Speaking about the five week visit of Pat Collins, Fr John said, “Pat’s visit was marked with maintenance jobs around church buildings, social work and construction. The smallest tasks here can prove difficult. Pat found if we made a list of 10 jobs to be done, maybe two would be completed in any given day. This is difficult to explain but the availability of materials, climate and ‘the way life is here’ make our work ethic mentality culturally different. But, Pat proved that determination and persistence will win the day.”
Among the projects Pat was involved in was the construction of an outdoor toilet and wash area for one family. “It means the world to the family. It cost a little over $500 to build. Again, our thanks for financial donations and support.”
“I believe Pat’s experience here has made a difference not alone for himself and his wife Teresa and family but also for the community of Monte Sinai.”
Speaking about the visit of his friends from Ennis Tidy Towns, Fr John said, “Among more jobs and maintenance work they don’t know what is ahead of them but again I know they will make a difference and give more hope to people here.”
Fr John’s work in education is progressing all the time.
“Over the past months, with your help, we have been able to send more children to primary and secondary schools and college. We have branched out too because of the social needs. We continue construction of our Catholic primary school with another new classroom. But, we are also helping children who need financial help going to the state schools and other schools. We are supporting financially in education many young people who are actively involved in parish life. It so satisfying and fulfilling to see a family grow in confidence when the children are in school and a new job comes the way for a father or mother.
“This happened for my neighbours recently. The father, Wilmer obtained a security job in the city and with his wife, Loli also secured a cleaning job and with your financial help this family, Wilmer (junior), Issac, Sarai and Diego are new found people. Their happiness radiates now they are on their feet to a better future. This is just one example of life here, uncomplicated because shelter, food and water always have to be thought of. It’s basic survival really.”
Fr John’s colleague and friend, Fr David Costelloe from Corbally in Limerick has been voted new director of the Society of St James. From February next, he will reside in Boston and continue the work of present Director Kevin Hays.
“I feel support and practical assistance is always necessary, while working in all situations but sometimes even more so when working in extreme situations where maybe others won’t work or live. That is what I really admire about the Society of St James that we go into unknown territory, work with the very poor and try and build up a vibrant Christian community.”
Fr John’s parish is set to get involved with a government project supporting the elderly in the community. August also saw the departure of Rostro de Cristo volunteers who were present here for the last year. The new volunteers have been in the parish for almost two months and have immersed themselves in work and projects.
During his time back in Ireland, he spent some time with Kieran Mahony on the Island of Caldey off the Welsh Coast. For August Bank Holiday, he set out with his colleague and friend Fr Tom Hogan ADM Cathedral, Ennis and a group to Lough Derg, County Donegal for the three-day pilgrimage.
He also visited Leitrim with his parents. “For me to have strength and renewal to be here in Ecuador, I needed ‘time out’ as we say to reflect on what we are really about and where we are going. I am glad to say today from parish life here in Ecuador that these places among family and friends have proved to me only one thing is necessary for us all and that is peace of mind and heart in what we do and ‘not to go where the path may lead, but go instead where there is no path and leave a trail’.”
He added, “From the bottom of my heart, I thank sincerely all who are helping me continue to build up this poor parish. We almost have the buildings in place. The more difficult work of education and formation of the people in building up of a good Christian community is always the challenge.”
And he recalled how at the launch of a DVD detailing his life in Monte Sinai made by Colm Flynn he was “very struck”  “to hear from people how fortunate we are to live where we live and have much”.
He concluded, “As time flies by and we all move on, I want to express though The Clare Champion pages that I feel humbled and grateful for your support, generosity and care during these years of my life, ministering here in Ecuador. To have this opportunity when health is good and the giving in tough economic times continues not alone for Ecuador but so many other local, national and international causes says so much about Irish Society. All positive I might add. I am very proud of where I come from. As we appreciate all we have give thanks for our faith and our God who offers us hope daily,” he concluded.