Dear ACHR friends,

I was in Manila during the past four days to help in an exchange visit to promote city-wide upgrading to be a key government policy, so, incidentally, I had the opportunity to meet with many our leaders in the Homeless People’s Federation and many friends in Philippines in one of their saddest days, learning the shocking news that Fr. Norberto Caarcellarr had passed away on the morning of the 13th May.

I aattended his funeral on 17th afternoon. He looked peaceful and very restful inside the open coffin.

It is the time to rest now father, after your long and historic mission for the poor to work and lead their lives, to stand up and to make change by themselves together.  I see they all have grown up and matured and they have made many significant changes in themselves, for many other poor people and the society. They have all become missionaries in this development to change the unjust conditions of their lives and for others following your path. The community's own housing development you have struggled to make it possible with the poor from Payatas to many projects in many cities are also giving new examples and new belief to people in the country and our regional society. The community saving activities which you have struggled hard to support and make it possible has become a new important system for our poor people and concerned organizations.

Although there is still much more work to do, I believe your part, father, and your life’s mission was so significant and accomplished. You are a  respected father, and a person who lived with the poor and strongly believed in the abilities of poor people. Father, you have struggled and did all that you could to provide and give them the opportunity and the power to work and decide mostly all by themselves; allowing them to be free and their real human quality to shine. There are of course misunderstanding, misery, anger and some real pain to make all this possible and to make others understand all for this important course for the poor and the rightful mission and it drains some of our life energy; and it partly did kill you this untimely, but it is unfortunately a part of our life struggle.

When sitting and listening to the prayers at the funeral, in a more spiritual moment and process, I suddenly realized, father, that this is something that made you and your mission different and special, well, yes, some of us too, believe that this work is more a spiritual work. It has more depth and meaning. It is not the mere development activities, or development business which you and many of us feel uneasy and awkward to adjust ourselves to go with.

So please rest in peace Father. We who feel grateful to be able to work, inspired and learn from you will continue the mission.
Our deep condolence to his family, all friends in homeless people federation, PACSSI

Warmest regards
Somsook
 

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