More needs to be done to make society “truly inclusive” of the disabled, says Rosary/Gonzales parish priest Fr Jason Gordon, and it requires change not limited to physical structures.

At a Mass in recognition of Disability Awareness Week (November 28 – December 3) at the Church of the Holy Rosary last Sunday, Fr Gordon said the Church and the wider society must continue working toward making the disabled “more welcome” so that they feel part of the community.

Fr Gordon said there are various forms of disability but each person is born in the image and likeness of the “unseen God”, including the disabled.

He added that many disabled persons have unique gifts which those “who see themselves as ‘normal', may not have.” As a matter of fact, he continued, “those who seem to have no disability may have a disability that is far worse” - an inability “to open their heart to God”. “This is the worse kind of disability, as it is incurable, and can lead to eternal damnation,” he remarked.

Fr Gordon said he had dyslexia, a learning disorder, and described his experience in school as “a fight for survival” and an “incredible challenge.”

“I never did as well as my classmates… Most times, I felt as though I was drowning, struggling to keep my head above water. But I persevered…Today, I see that was one of the greatest gifts God gave me.”

Marcia Hutton signs the First Reading

Group of signers

Incorporating the Sunday's readings into his sermon, the Regional Seminary lecturer said the challenge for the Church, and society, is “to be awake to all that is going on”.

He cited the euphoria over the national team's qualification on November 16 for the World Cup 2006, and noted that it took place in the midst of the discomfort those affected by the flooding experienced that same day.

We must be awake to situations like that, and be present in both instances, he added.

The education system does not seem to cater to the disabled, and neither do our sidewalks nor some of our buildings, according to. Fr Gordon.

To make society inclusive, “we have to change the way we do things,” he said.

He gave as an example “the rich experience” he had years ago while studying in Belgium.

On weekends, he worked in Jean Vanier's L'Arche Community, whose core members have a range of disabilities. He said members were not see as second class, but were involved in every aspect of community life, and this is what we must strive for.

Fr Gordon challenged parishioners to welcome the disabled into the parish community so that “we may be a shining example for inclusion”.

He reminded the congregation that while the Church could make structural changes during its ongoing restoration, and develop programmes for its youth to learn sign language, change must happen first within their “hearts, minds and attitudes.” We can change the structure and still not be inclusive, he warned.

Fr Gordon concluded by saying he hoped the Mass brought awareness not only for the week, but would encourage parishioners to reach out to the disabled in the community.

As he preached the homily, former coordinator of Touch of Christ Deaf Community, Christine Araujo interpreted for the hearing-impaired in the congregation.

The entire liturgy was interpreted in sign language with members of the Touch of Christ Deaf Community and other disabled persons involved throughout—from the First Reading, to an intercessory prayer read from Braille.

There was a brief sharing in an adjoining hall after Mass. – RS