Loneliness and arthritis

In the missionary world, a personal space far from the family, one of the most challenging aspects of the priestly tradition while on a fieldwork, is the struggle to fight off loneliness. During Spanish times, reaching remote missions was not about the hardships along the way but the thought of living in a makeshift parsonage with only your prayers providing the emotional, spiritual, and physical strength.

This solitude, at times, would result in the abandonment of one’s priestly vocation. This was what Fr. Raimundo Peruga, a Jesuit, noted in his letter dated August 14, 1915. Only a month earlier, a confrere “had the misfortune to lose his religious vocation. all of which was undoubtedly an evil of great importance for him, and highly disastrous for this Mission… for the few of us who remain here [in Davao], due to the discredit that reaches us according to the false logic of the malevolent world… the sin of one is sinned as the original of all of its sins.”

The padre did not mention the colleague’s name but his relinquishment was a disastrous given the huge responsibility awaiting those who were handling the task of converting pagans and Moros to the faith. Though there were lay workers who partnered the priests in spreading Catholicism, the list of challenges included the care of the school, which was a significant aspect of the mission, and the continuing inroads gained by the Protestant preachers—which he called “the heretics”—in areas where reductions were already set up.

Isolation and all, the priests, under dire circumstances, always leaned on prayers for inspiration and guidance. But still, Fr. Peruga wrote “that with a good zeal, a good worker would do a lot here; for in the few outings or excursions I’ve made, despite the resulting infirmities of my advanced age, more than 2,000 have been baptized.”

Understandably, the priest’s physical condition was also a dire concern; he was needing arthritic treatment. However, amid the suffering, he was robust in his resolve and was not afraid to collide head-on with the pain the pain brought: “Such ailments are all the more sensitive and distressing the more hidden and less understood they are; but in return, they have or carry with them the great consolation of being worthy of a greater reward and crown. Your Reverence, forgive me for plunging my sickle into another’s harvest and for descending into such considerations, speaking with no less a spiritual father than a great house of ours.”

The Bible speaks deeply and compassionately about loneliness and pain, acknowledging both as real parts of human experience while offering comfort, presence, and hope through God’s love. There are key themes and verses that reflect about these two realities in the what Scripture.

Even when people feel isolated, the Scripture assures us that God never abandons His children. In Deuteronomy 31:6, it says: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor for-sake you.” And in Psalm 23:4, it states: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shad-ow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

The Bible also reminds us that Jesus experienced loneliness, rejection, and suffering. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with pain.” (Isaiah 53:3-4). And on the cross, Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?” showing that even He felt the weight of isolation.” (Matthew 27:46). Pain and loneliness are not permanent in God’s design. In Psalm 34:18, it says: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” and “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Saint Paul, in two of his epistles, wrote: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…” (Hebrews 10-24-25) “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2).