Franciscan accompanies Navajo Nation in 'pain and happiness'

By Eli Pacheco 

In a historic part of the Northeastern Arizona desert, a Franciscan friar 8,000 miles from home cares for a close-knit parish that is more than a century old.  

Fifteen years ago, the Franciscan Order needed more friars to serve the Navajo Nation. Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM, responded to the call to embrace the life of a missionary in North America.  

“I’m so thankful that for so many years I have contributed in my little way to the Franciscan missionary spirit,” Br. PJ said. “Even if the friars have been here more than a hundred years, it is as if I must start from the very beginning.”

Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM, leads sacraments in Chinle, from baptism on. "I let them feel I am with them in their pain and happiness,” he said. (Photo courtesy of Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM)

Navigating modern times and age-old challenges 

Br. PJ continues a ministry that began in 1903, when the friars began serving the Chinle area at what is now the second oldest permanent Catholic mission on the Navajo Nation. 

After devoting 11 years to parish ministry in the Philippines, he put his trust in God in 2010 by departing from his home country for Chinle. 

“I wanted to experience mission work outside my country while I’m still young,” he said.  

He continues to serve in Chinle to this day, through seasons of joy and uncertainty. 

“During the pandemic, the community reached out, thanking me for staying,” Br. PJ shared. “Their words made me feel like I was a fellow Navajo. The grandmas and mothers call me Shiyaz, which means son.” 

A ministry with a history of more than 100 years has been supported by the Franciscans from the start. “What we planted will grow hundreds of years from now in Jesus’ name,” Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM, said. (Photo courtesy of Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM) 

'With them in their pain and happiness’ 

Throughout the decades, friars have taken great pains to learn the Navajo language and customs and empower the people to integrate their culture into the life of the Church.  

In the 1980s, parishioners designed the new Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, which blends Navajo and Catholic beliefs through the architecture and symbols used in its construction. Pastors wear both traditional Catholic vestments and the lively colors of conventional Navajo vesture and integrate Navajo culture into the liturgy. 

This union of societies melds in magnificent ways.  

Baptisms, Masses and weddings incorporate native dance, drums, feathers and incense, traditions that are not dissimilar to those Br. PJ grew up with in the Philippines. 

“This is not only a parish ministry but also living and being with them, journeying with their ups and downs,” Br. PJ said. “This is one of the reasons Franciscans came as missionaries to the southwest.”

As one of five friars in Navajo Nation – and the only one in Chinle – Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM, sees to the economic, emotional and spiritual needs in the parish. “I join their community activities and ceremonies, showing that I am with them and, most of all, including them in my prayers,” he said. (Photo courtesy of Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM) 

Bringing hope and faith 

Br. PJ is present for everything from baptisms to embracing Sister Death, minding the funeral family plot service with unwavering dedication. 

“I let them feel I am with them in their pain and happiness,” he said. “I must make myself available for their spiritual and emotional needs, understanding their joys and sorrows. I join their community activities and ceremonies, showing that I am with them and, most of all, including them in my prayers.” 

The parish also supports the Kindness Center Food Bank, the largest food bank in the Navajo Nation.  

The Franciscans and the Navajo share common values, including family kinship and a reverence for and connection to nature.  

The friars seek to accompany a nation that has endured generations of cultural and historical trauma and continues to be misunderstood and culturally threatened. 

They have tried to educate themselves about Navajo theology and values and have helped preserve the culture and language through numerous publications including “An Ethnologic Dictionary of the Navaho Language,” a comprehensive look at Navajo life, language and culture. 

Throughout their decades of service, friars have strived to “listen to people and strengthen their lives as we journey together as brothers and sisters, children of God,” Br. Pj said.

The transition from ministry life in his native Philippines has been an adjustment, especially learning a new language. But other elements of both cultures share many similarities. “I’m so thankful that for so many years I have contributed in my little way to the Franciscan missionary spirit,” Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM, said. (Photo courtesy of Br. PJ Pabatao, OFM)

God will provide 

The ongoing Franciscan Provincial Synod has acknowledged the diminishing numbers of friars available for ministry. Even with promising developments in recent discernment retreats, Br. PJ is unsure what the next 100 years might hold for this Franciscan mission on the reservation. 

He is leaving that to God, he said.  

“I’m sure the Catholic faith will continue; what we planted will grow hundreds of years from now in Jesus’ name,” he said. “God is so good, and God will provide. Amen.”