It is a known fact that COVID 19 does not discern on age, gender, religion, education, profession, sexual preference, socio-economic status, health and bodily attributes. It hits and attacks when least expected by its victims, especially those who are fully vaccinated, healthy, young and physically active.
We have read about the Villareal family, all six of them, succumbing to the bug and enduring the ordeal, and fortunately did not need hospitalisation and are all fully recovered. There are similar stories of other families, group of friends, workmates, etc being shared in the social media.
However, the Fil-Aus community was taken by surprise when the news broke out about Fr Ed Orilla contracting the virus and went through the ordeal of fighting it to survive. This is because Fr Ed, aside from the good things he does for the community’s religious well-being, is very well known for being fit and for his ‘athleticism’ – doing City to Surf twice, cycling, running, playing golf, swimming in the ocean; as well as doing ‘daredevil antics – skydiving, rock climbing and abseiling. These had led to him gracing the front cover of the then Fil-Aus publication Ang Kalatas and the national newspaper The Catholic Weekly, and being interviewed on Radio Tagumpay and other radio programs.
The Australian Filipina caught up with Fr Ed who agreed to share his experience. He hopes to send out the message that COVID 19 is real and that the impact on the body can be devastating.
FR. ED’S SHARING
This is my story, real occurrence in my life in the last few days. The reason why I have been quiet for a while, unable to scribble and share my daily reflections, is... well, I was down with Omicron. That’s it!
But today, I start afresh after wrestling hard with Omicron (and Delta, maybe) triggered by severe flu after a golf game of of 18 holes, with me soaked by rain. That was about a month ago, the 5th day of January. Silly me that I didn’t change my clothing right there and then after being soaked by rain. Driving home after a palatable and sumptuous brunch at Burger Point at Wentworth Point, I felt something “weird” about my body.
Symptoms and Fighting Them Off
I started to shiver, and my throat was getting itchy. I started to cough, albeit subtly and sporadically. Thinking that it was just a minor thing, I still went to the beach and had a good swim under the rain. I enjoyed the raindrops falling on the waves while swimming like a dolphin. Coming home in the afternoon I couldn’t help but shiver to the max. Fear engulfed me, and colds enveloped my entire body.
I thought: this is it! I could not help it anymore, but let it be. I tried to convince myself that I am not a superhero with all my physical discipline and regular exercises - gym, swimming, rock climbing, running, among others. I got tested days after, and true enough: I was positive! That's it.
I had to take the normal measures: isolate myself, eat and drink well; get a good sleep as much as I can; drink warm water with ginger and lemon grass simmered with pure honey; take medicines esp Panadol, and vitamins esp Zinc and Horseradish and garlic; triple strength (and a bit of cognac before bedtime; not bad huh!). I was just on bed... and on my feet ... feeding my body with appropriate food and drink ... and my mind and soul in prayer all those days. It’s a terrible experience, mind you. Whatever it takes, however it feels and whenever the virus gone, you have to undergo the pain … and the process of healing. The uncontrollable thing is the coughing; coughing especially during bedtime and quiet times.
One important thing is don’t lose your appetite; because once you become weak and getting weaker, then the virus has the upper control and greater grip of your destiny. Personally, before food and drink on the table I just close my eyes, stoop down and eat and drink as if there’s no more tomorrow. Many of us claim that we are extremely fit, but when the virus attacks, you just have to evade -and evade well. And when it hits you, you just have to fight back - and fight harder. And pray more. Stay close to God the Creator of good things, not the bad, not the virus. Stay close to Jesus the Healer, not the destroyer. Stay close to the Holy Spirit, the Consoler, not the weakling. Stay close to the Blessed Mother, especially through the Holy Rosary, who always brings with her the Holy Trinity and the Angels, especially St Michael, the Prince of the heavenly hosts. When we have them by our side, who can be against us?
Satan, the sower of evil and the virus, is helpless against our spiritual allies. Satan and his evil angels have already been defeated from the beginning. He only comes to spoil, but He is nothing compared to the majesty and sovereignty of God. Stay safe. Be well. Don’t mock around with the devil. Amen!
Recovery from the bug
At last, after days of isolation... and now, period of recuperation, am back to my daily routine, here in my new parish - aside from saying Morning Praises, Prayers and Masses - yes, back to the beach... walking on white sand; feeling the gentle waves on my feet; soaking my toes and heels and palms on the water; feeling well-grounded on earth and sea; marvelling at the beauty of sunrise, cumulus clouds hovering over the horizon. Yes, when I see the heavens, the work of God's hands and the rays of the sun; the waves splashing on rocks and the melodious music that accompanied such; and more 'Yes-es,' the caress of gentle breeze coming from the ocean; vitamin D emanating from the warmth of sunshine; the sound of planes like harps and violins and trombones in an orchestra...yes, the sun (and the moon and the stars in the night) which God arranged, 'what is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him?"
"How great is your name, O Lord our God through all the earth!" I thank God Almighty for the experience, terrible and daunting it may be. Without my liking and asking of it (Omicron and Delta, maybe), God keeps on unfolding His plan, hidden from human minds and comprehension of many. God the Creator has beautiful plan in-store for humankind. We have to discern, however, such divine plan in our day-to-day life... in prayer, in silence, in service to one another. Amen!
Scariest Part of the COVID 19 Ordeal
The scariest and most difficult part of having Covid-19/Omicron virus was succumbing to death without the making God Almighty but of man’s doing. I really don’t believe in the intervention of God through this virus- implanted machinations. It’s all a ‘profit not patient’ affair. But on the other hand, I do believe in the juxtaposition of science and faith in terms of healing.
Advice From My Experience
Yes, one should have the faith, but must also be lived out by scientific ways to get healed, aside from building up of natural immunity, which is better than pharmaceutical solutions.
Having said above, I can say that being fully vaccinated and following health protocols saved me from the serious impacts of the virus. Because of these, I did not end up in hospital ward, or worse in ICU to add to their statistics.
So my advice is protect yourself and those around you from contracting serious effects of the virus, by having the two dose vaccination, followed by the recommended booster. Also be vigilant in following the recommended health protocols.
CELEBRATING A MILESTONE OF 32 YEARS IN THE PRIESTHOOD
The timing of Fr Ed’s recovery was impeccable. He was back to his usual self in time to celebrate his milestone of 32 years in the priesthood, on January 27.
This was marked by a Mass concelebrated by His Excellency Most Rev Danny Meagher, DD; with the following priests: Fr Ed Orilla, Fr Januz Jeniz, Fr Gabriel Balawig, Fr Manny Santiago, Fr Danai Penollar, and Fr Ruwan Premaraja. This was followed by a simple breakfast held at the presbytery which was enjoyed by all.
Prior to his recent move to St Patrick’s Parish in Kogarah in southern Sydney, Fr Ed served 12 years in St Joaquim’s Parish in Lidcombe, in Sydney’s west. During his time in St Joaquim’s, he instituted Simbang Gabi which involved Bishops and other Filipino and religious of other cultural background and was well attended by Fil-Aus and other worshippers from various parts of Sydney for 11 years to the time he moved. He also led pilgrimages in lieu of taking his personal vacation. St Joaquim’s also had adoration chapel open to all 24/7. Aside from providing religious services and guidance, he has also actively promoted community cohesion and harmony. He had made the parish’s community hall available for various fundraising and other community activities.
Fr Ed’s blessed and successful priestly career include being the Pioneering Filipino Missionary in the Solomon Island of Guadalcanal; Rector of Holy Cross Cathedral, Honiara, Solomon Islands; Administrators in many parishes of Sydney Archdiocese as Parish Priest of St Pius V, Enmore and Tempe Parish before moving to St Joachim Parish.
His educational qualifications include finishing AB Philosophy at San Carlos Seminary, Makati, Metro Manila; BST Bachelor of Sacred Theology at the Divine Word School of Theology, Tagaytay City, Philippines; and Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology at Urbanania University, Rome.
In response to congratulatory messages, Fr Ed said:
“I humbly ask for your continued prayers. Grateful to God that I had days of 'personal retreat' on days of isolation. That was God's doing, not mine. I pray and thank God for all of you who journeyed with me all those times in the last 31 years.”\
And what does he consider fondly as his achievements?
“Leading people back, or closer to God… through the Mass and the frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament in the Church through the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration and Confessions.
Leading pilgrims to the Holy Land, visiting Marian Apparition sites, seeing the beauty and architecture of Rome, thus, helping people encounter the presence of God and the Blessed Mother.”
What else does he wish to achieve in the remaining span of is life and ministry?
“I think I have enough already to be grateful to God. I just want to be a good and dedicated (and holy) priest. But I will continue to work on something God wants me to achieve, and work harder on it, whatever that may be. This I will know in my daily discernment and prayers and faithfulness.”
The Australian Filipina wishes Fr Ed Orilla continued good health and success in what he sets out to do in the church and in his other passions.