By Fada Chidi Angelo Unegbu
During my inter-diocesan apostolic work (that took place at the end of my 2nd year Theology studies in 2001) in Afara in Owerri Archdiocese, I had a knock on my door a day or so towards the end of my apostolic work in that village.
As I opened the door, it was the least of anyone I had expected to see. A beggar who normally sat at Afara motor park/ junction was standing before me.
The seemingly old motor park beggar who never dared entering my room said to me with a low voice: “I am not mad. I am only a woman with a broken heart…. I lost everything that I had and now depend on the goodwill of the people.”
As I was about saying something, she continued without giving a breathing space: “I do come to Church but you may not have seen me because I always stay outside.”
She continued: “We were all happy to have you in our community that is why we are all sad that you are leaving us. I came to greet you and also to tell you Good bye. We are really going to miss you. I will be praying for you so that you succeed in your vocation to the priesthood.”
She opened the end of her rapper and brought out 30 Naira and said, “Take this gift. I know you are a student and it will be of some help to you.”
She must have read my countenance and said immediately, “Do not reject my offer please. It is from my heart.”
After some silence, I took the money. I entered my room and brought a rosary which I gave her as a gift. She thanked me and tied the rosary around her hand and left, smiling.
The action of this woman kept me thinking throughout the rest of my holidays that year.
“My richest gain I count but lost. And pour contempt on all my pride.” This song composed by Isaac Watts, the 17th century English composer could not leave my mind.
The experience changed my views of apostolic work.
Through the action of that beggar, I was tutored on the meaning of apostolate and being Christlike.
This was a woman who I neglected but who took me so seriously. I even forgot that she was part of those I was sent to, but she did not forget.
I did not even know where she lived but she knew where I lived.
I never cared to visit her but she visited me.
I was not thinking about her welfare but she was thinking about mine.
I never cared but she did care.
I thought that she was nobody but she taught me that she is somebody.
I never knew she was not only begging for herself but also for me.
She showed me love even more than those towards whom I showed much love and concern.
I kept on thinking: imagine how beautiful this world would have been if everyone would be thinking about the welfare of the other irrespective of the individual challenges we face.
What makes us really human is not what we can receive but how much we are ready to use what we have to improve the lives of those around us.
A society is not poor because they do not have but because they do not care about each other.
If that woman could give, you too can.
©️ Fada Angelo Chidi Unegbu
