Paulinian Echoes new - Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres

The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in the Philippine Province
Special Issue
Layout by Ernesto U. Guillermo, Jr., SPC Bocaue
Edited by: Monette Martinez, Sr. Dedicacion Rosario, SPC
2
SPECIAL ISSUE
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
(Continued from page 10)
M E S S A G E
Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC
“Widen the space of your tent, extend
the curtains of your home, do not hold
back! Lengthen your ropes, make your
tent-pegs firm, for you will burst out to
right and left…..” (Is. 54:2-3)
This opening quote from our Capitular Acts 2007,
served as an inspiration for all of us, Sisters of St. Paul of
Chartres, in the Philippine Province, to put our acts
together (school, hospital, pastoral, formation) and to
move with concerted efforts province wide, to respond as
one to the grief stricken victims of the recent disaster that
hit the Philippines.
The Council and I would like to thank our Sisters from
our different communities who together with many
agencies — NGO’s and GO’s — have continuously joined
efforts in giving relief to the victims of this disaster, the
magnitude of which was unprecedented.
During our meeting with the Sisters representing the
various Ministries on 7 October 2009 in Our Lady of
Chartres Convent, we agreed that our approach in giving
help should be holistic; thus, we undertake relief
operations as an SPC DISASTER RESPONSE MANAGEMENT
TEAM to render medical, surgical, OB and gynecology, (in
a limited capacity for which referral is needed), pediatrics
services and to conduct Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
to those who have been traumatized.
To divide the load for efficient and more coordinated
operations, we decided as a group that the Education
Ministry takes care of Relief Operations; the Health Care
Ministry, Health Care Services; Formation, Critical Incident
Stress Debriefing; and Pastoral Ministry, Support Services.
I then designated the Council members to be the point
persons: Sr. Merceditas Ang for Relief Operations, Sr.
Arcelita Sarnillo for Health Care Services, Sr. Emily del
Castillo for CISD, and Sr. Maria Dee Lacson for Support
Services. Sr. Ma. Eden Orlino retained her position as the
National Coordinator of the SPC Disaster Response
Management Team, which she is really doing excellently.
The following were identified as priority areas of concern:
10 October 2009, Bagong Silangan, Quezon City; 17
October 2009, Barangay Sta Ana, Pateros; 24 October
2009, Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan.
We would like to express our gratitude to all our SPC
Sisters from the different communities, doctors and staff,
faculty and guidance counselors, volunteers, parish
workers with the parish priest of San Isidro Labrador, and
our benefactors, who generously gave themselves and
their resources to make our afflicted brothers and sisters
experience God’s loving and healing presence.
Therefore, we enjoin everyone of you, Sisters and
friends, to pray for our succeeding missions, that God will
bless our efforts to reach out to the many more who
greatly need our support.
“With a hope like this, we can speak with complete
fearlessness…” (2 Cor. 3:12).
STRONG IN HOPE, FEARLESS WE GO………
We conducted house to house CISD in the upper part of Bagong
Silangan. From the people’s stories, we learned that the worst happened
to the residents of Tumana. We decided to visit the place. Though, we
struggled to pass through a slippery and muddy pathway, we reached
Tumana. Towards the center of the place, we had to climb piles of
garbage and endure the awful smell.
There we met the survivors, and we listened to their painful stories.
One of the survivors showed us the different spots where dead persons
were found. Another pointed out to us where their houses stood, but there
was not even a trace of a house there except for a little corner of the
kitchen or cemented floor or a post. For most of them, everything was
wiped out. They talked of family members and neighbors who died or
were still missing and their own stories of how they survived. There were
varied stories and different degrees of anger and pain. We were there only
to listen. Though, they lost everything, including their houses, the people
are grateful that they are still alive.
Being with these survivors and staying in their place for a while welled
up so much sorrow in me. I remembered Job, but I was not able to say
with him, “the Lord gave and the
Lord has taken away; blessed be
the name of the Lord!” Instead, I
asked, “Why did You allow this
to happen to Your people,
Lord?” Then I heard a woman
saying, “paano kasi nandito
lahat sa amin ang makasalanan,
magnanakaw, sabongero,
lasingero, lahat na.” I smiled
and I thought to myself, our God
is not a punishing God but a
loving God. I do not know His
answer to my question but I
believe He has His reason.
We left the place quite tired but
grateful for the opportunity to
journey with God’s broken
people. We crry them in our
hearts and pray that they will
experience the healing touch of our God and in due time be able to
recover and begin anew.
We thank Sr. Zeta and the Provincial Council for promptly responding
to the call of Compassion. God bless us all!
SR. MA. CHARITY CASTAÑARES, SPC
I thank God for giving me the opportunity to get out from my comfort
zone and share my self with others. Hours prior to the exposure, I prayed
to God that I can be His witness of love to others especially to the
children in Barangay Bagong Silangan, the children who have been living
a nightmare. I had been also through what I thought a ‘typhoon’-- that is
why I was a bit bothered that I might be another disaster. Yet, I thank our
gracious God for showing me the way. I was a bit ashamed of myself
when I got there. The ‘typhoon’ which I considered as one was definitely
nothing compared to what these people have experienced. Thank God for
that realization.
The stories shared by the children regarding their experiences are
helping me until now to realize that nobody knows what lies ahead and
what will happen in the next tick of the clock. I was struck by their
constant refrain “hindi po naming akalain Sister…” I am amazed at how
they survived--I mean the children, how they were saved. Some of them
shared “Sister kumain po si Tawil ng toothpaste kasi gutom na gutom na
siya…nakakain po kami ng mga biscuits na dumaan sa harap namin.”
God provides and He never leaves his flock. He sent people to be
instruments of His saving love.
Many of the people said that that was the worst typhoon experience
they ever had. They were not expecting it to be that terrible. Yet, they
have survived and some of them are moving on, especially the children
whom I talked to. They shared that their parents are now moving on and
starting life again. I can trace a slight sadness in the faces of the children
while we were talking yet they could still afford to smile. Those faces are
encouraging me to face my own battle squarely with Jesus.
In the process of doing the CISD, I was struggling inside because I
wanted to give those children what they had lost, like their school
supplies, clothes, and other material things. I pitied them, but I was given
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11
the grace to realize that my two big ears and heart were enough at that
time for them to unload their burdens. I am praying that our presence
which I heartily shared with them last Saturday hopefully had an effect
on those children as what their stories are doing to me until this time.
May God be praised!
Sr. Ann Christine Moscoso, SPC
On the first expedition of the series of SPC Inter-ministry Relief,
Medical and CISD operations, I made myself available for medical
assistance and in the distribution of medicines. After chairs and tables
were lined up in a small and narrow pathway, people – men, women and
children, queued for consultation. A good number of doctors and nurses
from the Our Lady of Peace Hospital headed by Sr. Eva Maamo, from
St. Paul Hospital Cavite and from De la Salle University Hospital
volunteered for the medical assistance.
Among the common maladies of the residents were cough, fever,
diarrhea and skin disease such as scabies and “alipunga” (athlete’s foot).
The doctors carefully checked their conditions and prescribed appropriate
medications and laboratory examinations for them. Wounds were also
dressed – wounds they got from wires, steel, and galvanized iron during
the flood as they struggled to save others and themselves.
Medicines were more than sufficient for the people; vitamins were
were also distributed. Thanks to the generosity of our Sisters in the
Health Care Ministry. There was a continuous flow of people until three
o’clock in the afternoon. The Sisters and the lay volunteers never lost the
enthusiasm and the energy to help.
Instructions on proper dosage regimen and a complete dose of
medications were given to assure compliance and complete healing of the
ailment of the person. These instructions were given with care and
concern and the people were grateful that despite their number, more than
a thousand of them, the Sisters and the volunteers took time to see each of
them and patiently inform them of the proper way of taking their
medication.
This is the “most” that we can do for the moment. Medicines may help
alleviate their physical ailment but health wise, there are areas we need to
look into. Do they have clean and potable water to drink to prevent
diarrhea and dehydration? How many families live in one house? Are
they too many that the spread of cough and cold is inevitable? Do they
have clean water to wash their wounds and their skin diseases?
Some houses may still be submerged in flood water or mud. I could
still vividly remember the sadness beneath the smile of the lady when I
instructed her how to apply the antibacterial cream on her infected skin.
She showed me the area between her toes whitish with pus. I told her to
wash it with clean water, wipe it dry with a clean cloth and apply the
antibacterial cream. I added a suggestion that she prevents herself from
soaking her feet in murky water. She said her “thank you”, nodded,
smiled and left. I thought after a while, was I sensitive to the condition of
the woman? What if her house is still full of mud or the path she passes
through is still flooded with dirty water? How can she prevent herself
from not contaminating her infected feet?
Yes, there is much to consider but our assistance is an immediate
response to the
immediate need of
our brothers and
sisters.
The
people
of
Barangay Bagong
Silangan
were
thankful for the
help they received,
for the generosity
of heart and for
the presence of the
Sisters and the lay
volunteers. I, too,
am very grateful
for the opportunity to share the little of myself to my brothers and sisters,
to see where they hurt, to listen and to feel with their experiences of
discomfort and pain. All these were done not because of myself but
because of Him whose love urges me, and for Him who says, “YOU DID
THIS TO ME!”
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SPECIAL ISSUE
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
(Continued from page 9)
Roman Catholics and the
Iglesia ni Kristo members.
Indeed,
in
times
of
calamities, there is no
distinction among us with
regards to race, color, or
religion. All of us are in the
same boat. We remembered
the words of the priest who
gave us more or less the same
idea in his homily.
In general, this experience is
indeed a life-giving
encounter not only for us but
also for those to whom we became of assistance. It also opened our eyes
to the reality that no matter what happens, whether it is something good
or bad, we still recognize God’s presence in that event. We also realize
that God can do something good out of a seemingly bad situation. We are
deeply grateful to the SPC Congregation for giving us this precious
opportunity.
Sr. Claudette Yecla, SPC
On 10 October 2009, we had an
experience of oneness as a
congregation in carrying out one of
our five priorities, direct service to
the poor. It did not matter how long it
took us to reach the place, for our
focus was on being able to help in
easing the difficulties of the victims
of the recent Typhoon Ondoy. It was
actually overwhelming that there were enough resources to sustain the
needs of the people for the next two Saturdays. It was so moving to see
that Sisters and volunteers were helping one another during the medical
mission and relief operations.
To be with the people and to see them was, to me, real service, rather
than just seeing them on TV and feeling pity for them. The sense of being
grateful to be in this congregation surfaced for I was able to see our value
of self effacement--that even though we are doing something for the poor
we do not announce it to the public unlike the other relief operations
going on in our country. This is the SPC way… I believe.
This is one of the significant experiences in my formation years that
help me appreciate our role as religious who are willing to give ourselves
for the good of those who are in need. I know there are still a lot of
people wanting and waiting to be helped, and I trust that we as a
congregation will do something in the ways that we can.
It was such a good idea to have not only relief giving but also a
medical mission and debriefing session for it was a holistic approach. I
hope that we remain united as a congregation in our effort to proclaim
God’s compassionate love and awaken the faith of our brothers and
sisters in our respective apostolic works.
Sr. Marilyn Rigor, spc
During these days when our
country has just experienced the
devastating effects of the ravaging
typhoons “Ondoy and “Pepeng”,
people seem to have just awakened
from a nightmare of the biblical
story of Noah’s experience.
True, there had been so many
calamities our people had gone
through, like the Marcos/Edsa
experience, the havoc brought in by
typhoon Frank, and even the wide
and general destruction caused by
the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo! All these did not seem to bring lessons that
could caution our people to be alert in somehow “reading” the signs of
the times. We are indeed a resilient people, seemingly capable of
withstanding shock, with the ability to easily recover from or adjust to
misfortune.
The recent wave of disaster that ravaged our land and caused so much
loss of lives and homes is another test to our people’s faith in God’s
mercy and love. The typhoons named “Ondoy and “Pepeng” come
simultaneously causing the destruction of dams resulting in unabated
floods that brought about destruction of houses, buildings, and the death
of helpless children, women and elderly who were swept away by the
strong floods.
In this modern time of our “Noah’s Ark” experience, we saw not the
saving “ark of the patriarch Noah” but the sights of numbers of cars one
on top of another—a “crosswind” on top of a delivery truck, a ”Porsche”
red car as though pasted to the trunk of a tree with another two cars
seemingly hanging from the red car. Along the way, devastated houses
were lined up with muddy mattresses, tables, kitchen utensils, pillows,
dresses. People from all walks of life walked barefoot wading helplessly
through the widening flood that now rise up to their waists, even until
their neck as they groped for shelter.
Such was the heartbreaking experience we had that memorable day of
September 26, 2009 on our way back home from OLCC when we
brought back to novitiate the young postulant who had been with us for
one month’s exposure to parish life. There was a continuous downpour of
rain the whole night of Friday which continued the following day,
Saturday. Hence, it was impossible for us to travel back home
to Our Lady of Peace Hospital, since whatever route we took
was already impassable. We were literally trapped in OLCC.
We tried to go home the following day, Sunday. We left OLCC
at 8:00 in the morning and was able to reach Parañaque only at
4:00 in the afternoon.
My heart bleeds with pity for the victims of these merciless
typhoons. As we travel back to the hospital, my mind was busy
thinking of how and what could be done in our own little way to
help our poor brothers and sisters who were victims of such
devastating calamity that hit our community both the rich and
the poor, the young and old!
It was at his point that our community joined the efforts of our
Congregation to reach out to our helpless brothers and sister through a
wholistic approach of Relief Operation, Medical Mission and Critical
Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD). Medical Missions were promptly
organized, food and clothing were generously packed and served to the
poor victims in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City on October 10, 2009, in
Pateros, Taguig on October 17, 2009 and in Pangasinan on October 24,
2009.
It is in this time of national crisis that we deeply feel oneness in
reading the signs of the times, and giving our level best, to contribute
what we can to alleviate the sufferings of our depressed countrymen. Not
only do we reach out to their material and psychological needs, but most
of all we help them turn to the Maker of heaven and earth, the Divine
Master of winds and the rain, the same Merciful Father God who stopped
the floods and restored peace in Noah’s time. We, his children, believe
that in His great love for us, we shall be blessed with His unfailing help
and continuous care, no matter what!
For this, may God be praised!
Sr. Jennifer Dayday, SPC
Heeding God’s call to come to the aid of our suffering brothers and
sisters caused by Typhoon Ondoy, the SPC Critical Incident Stress
Debriefing (CISD) team met in St. Paul College, Pasig on 9
October 2009. Sr. Ma. Eden Orlino, SPC and Sr. Luisa
Maria Chavez, SPC gave the team an orientation on CISD.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing is a specific technique
designed to assist others in dealing with the physical and
psychological symptoms that are generally associated with
trauma exposure. Debriefing allows those involved in the
incident to process the event and reflect on its impact. It
allows the ventilation of emotions and thoughts associated
with the crisis. In applying CISD, tips and protocol key
points are important but the emphasis is to listen, to really
listen.
In a short time, the team learned the principles of CISD.
The real test came the following day, 10 October 2009
when the SPC Disaster Management Relief, Medical and
CISD team went to Brgy. Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.
(Continued on page 11)
SPECIAL ISSUE
3
by Sr. Angeles Ilagan, SPC
T
hese last three weeks
have been undoubtedly
one of the most difficult
and trying times for the nation.
The country, even at present, is
still
reeling
from
the
catastrophic impacts of the
unprecedented calamities. With
two killer typhoons bringing
massive destruction, loss of lives
and properties, millions of
families displaced, people are
helpless, weak, sick, desperate
and even angry, to some degree.
It has been a plain and simple
shock and a gnawing sense of
helplessness that has taken root.
And nature’s wrath seems to
continue with more floods, soil
erosion, and landslides claiming
more and more lives each day.
The tasks of rescue and relief
have become herculian as
misery increases.
Faithful to its founding
charism of loving and serving
Christ in the poor and destitute,
the Sisters of St. Paul de
Chartres, Philippine Province,
under the leadership and
initiative of Sr. Zeta Caridad
Rivero, SPC, laid out a proactive
from Metro Manila were called
for a meeting with the Provincial
Council in Our Lady of Chartres
Convent, Antipolo City. In her
opening talk, Sr. Zeta said that
and holistic response to the
pitiful
condition
of
our
devastated brethren.
On 7
October 2009, representative
superiors and administrators
while it is commendable that a
good number of our houses have
readily offered assistance and
help to some local communities
and institutions which were
affected by the calamities, it was
still necessary that we put our
efforts and acts together so we
could reach out to more people
in dire need.
While things were getting a
little bit settled and with many
agencies and groups mobilizing
their respective relief operations,
the congregation has to start
mobilizing its own, too. It was
going to be a concerted effort.
The group, with Sr. Ma. Eden
Orlino,
SPC
as
over-all
coordinator, was tasked to plan a
holistic congregational response.
The operations were to include
Relief, Medical (Health Care),
Soup Kitchen, and Critical
Incidents Stress Debriefing
(CISD). The strategy would be
“One Team, One Place.”
Coordination and network would
be established with agencies,
parish priests, barangay captains,
and community leaders, with the
police, if necessary.
Mission areas were identified
and dates of operations were
scheduled as follows: Barangay
Bagong Silangan QC, 10
October; Barangay Sta. Ana,
Pateros, Rizal, 17 October; and
Pangasinan, 24 October. Some
agencies and private entities to
network with are NASAC, IMF,
PAGCOR, St. Clare Medical
Center, Paraňaque, International
Bazaar, doctors from Hawaii and
Okinawa, Japan, local and
community officials, and parish
priests.
Plans having been made and
orientations conducted, the
Sisters and lay collaborators in
their respective communities,
hospitals, and schools worked
together to get ready for the first
mission in Barangay Bagong
Silangan, Quezon City on 10
October 2009. Two thousand
bags of relief goods were
prepared for distribution. These
included some basic necessities,
like rice, canned goods, drinking
water, and biscuits. Likewise,
(Continued on page 4)
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SPECIAL ISSUE
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
B
(Continued from page 3)
individually packed lunches
were prepared for two thousand
recipients to alleviate their
hunger, if at least for that day.
Sisters and lay volunteers from
Our Lady of Chartres Convent,
with Sr. Zeta and the Provincial
Council, St. Paul Hospital
Cavite,
Foundation of
Our Lady of
Peace
Mission, Inc.,
De La Salle
Hospital, St.
Paul College
of Makati, St.
Paul
University
Manila,
St.
Paul College
Island Park,
St.
Paul
College
Pasig, St. Paul College of
Paranaque and St. Paul
University Quezon City were
there to lend a hand. We chose
to willingly serve and give to
our wounded and broken
brethren the best of our
initiative and effort. We did
not wait until we would feel
that silent remorse and become
contrite that we have not acted
any sooner.
“The Sisters recognize and
heed the signs of God in the
world. They have at heart the
salvation of all their fellowmen
whose call they hear and try to
answer with discernment and
generosity.”
(BL#
53;2
Cor.11:28-29)
arangay
Bagong
Silangan
was formerly a
rice
plantation
owned by a
private
individual.
In
1968,
Quezon
City
Mayor
Norberto
Amoranto
bought the property to be a
relocation area of about three
hundred families displaced
because of the infrastructure
development in West Triangle,
Quezon City. Now, it is a
community with about 90,000
residents occupying a total land
area of 506,847 hectares
with La Mesa Dam to its
north, San Mateo, QC,
boundary of Marikina River
at the east; Barangay
Batasan Hills at the south
and to its west, Barangay
Payatas.
s agreed, all
volunteers
convoyed from
Batasan
to
Barangay
Bagong Silangan at 9:00 in the
morning of 10 October 2009.
It was quite a long drive before
we reached the Parish Church
of San Isidro Labrador where
we were to unload and deposit
the relief goods. As we passed
by the unrecognizable roads,
we saw the debris and garbage
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
still dumped around and we
knew that these were potential
health hazards because they
were mixed, mud-filled and
impossible to segregate. Plants
were laced with thick mud and
scattered all over the mudcovered pathways. One could
not help but muse: “there really
is so much good to do…” Yes,
indifference; still some others
looked distant as if negating
what has happened.
istribution of relief
goods was done
through purok and
area leaders.
The parish
volunteers did the checking
and verifying of the names of
the recipient families. Our
especially after seeing
houses crammed next
to each other, dirty
and
dismembered
furniture,
and
muddied
clothes
hanging
by
the
roadside
to
dry,
broken chairs and
beds and all kinds of
own Paulinian volunteers did
remarkably well in the
distribution of goods; they
were the ones who carried the
heavy loads of sacks and
boxes, and delivered the goods
to the doorsteps of each
recipient’s “house” (if at all it
can be called a house!). Some
volunteers
even
walked
through the
pathways
with mud
burying
their legs
up to their
knees. But
nothing
deterred
them
because
they
believed
that they
were doing
something good for others.
People were grateful, saying
“Thank you!” that they had
something to share at their
“table” for at least the next
day.
That little act of
compassion helped ease their
A
garbage. It was a sight not far
from scenes in a war torn area.
People peeped through their
misaligned windows or doors
with a haunted and desperate
look in their already tired eyes.
Those in the streets had the look
of hope and anticipation but
there were those with the look of
D
(Continued on page 5)
(Continued from page 8)
CARITAS
CHRISTI URGET
NOS!
Sr. Ma. Vicky P.
Peñalver, SPC
“I say to you,
whatever you did for
one of these least
brothers of mine, you
did it for me.” (Mt.
25:40)
Looking back at
my experiences these past few days, my heart is full of joy and gratitude
to the loving God for the graces and blessings I received from Him. My
heart overflows with my desire to share myself with my brothers and
sisters. I was happy preparing the food and relief goods and distributing
them together with my Sisters. Visiting the poor, being one with them,
and listening to their stories made me feel one with them in their
sufferings. I felt deep compassion and pity for them. l felt what Jesus
felt when He saw people hungry. His heart was full of compassion for
them.
My heart was touched by their experiences and sharing. One man
shared his story on how he survived the flood. Despite the strong current,
he was able to save his wife and two children. He saw how people were
trying to save themselves and their families. He thought it was the end of
the world. He entrusted everything to God and he was very thankful
because despite these calamities they are all alive. I was amazed at the
faith of this man. Despite his pains and sufferings, he is still hopeful and
has a deep trust in God.
The people’s faith has a great impact on me. It touched the inner core
of my heart. I felt ashamed when I looked back at my little discomforts
and sufferings. I immediately gave in to my little pains and sufferings.
But these people entrust everything to God. Being one with them in their
suffering is also being one with the suffering Christ. Indeed, this
experience
has
enriched my personal
relationship with my
God and my brothers
and sisters and has
deepened my vocation
and desire to love and
serve the poor. It is a
big challenge for me
as a Sister to be one
with the poor, to live
like the poor, with a
simple lifestyle and total trust in God. God is loving and generous to His
people. He said “I say to you, whatever you did for one of these the least
brothers of mine, you did it for me.”(Mt. 25:40)
Sr. Jean Rose Malfetria, SPC
I am very thankful to God for the opportunity given me to be with the
Relief, Medical Services and CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing)
Operations in Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.
Upon going there, I begged the Lord for the grace to sustain me for
the whole day. I was assigned to help in the medical services. At first, I
thought CISD would be more challenging than the routine of taking vital
signs and consultations. But as I was doing it, my impression was
changed. A lot of people came and shared their concerns. Then a man
came, assisted by his brother because he could not even stand on his own.
He did not have strength to speak, and the look on his face showed that
he was really in pain. He was one of those good Samaritans who had been
helping people to survive during the flood and now he was the one
needing help. We catered to his needs and facilitated his medical
concerns that he would be given attention right away.
At that time, I was reminded to give my all. I felt compassion for the
people. I was moved to give my all to help them even in my little way.
Looking at the people made me see Jesus in them. Then I remembered
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9
the gospel passage, “…they were like sheep without a shepherd.” Indeed,
they needed our care. I can hardly describe the feeling of joy that I got
every time they thanked us for coming to them to provide for their needs.
God indeed was present in that moment. My task was equally challenging
as the CISD after all. I felt blessed to be able to help.
I appreciate the unity of our Sisters. It is so undeniable. I thank God
for my vocation, for giving me to the SPC congregation. I feel so blessed
that I have seen and witnessed the love of God in my experience.
Sr. Melleniza C. Gases, SPC
Sr. Jella P. De Jesus, SPC
Having been part of the relief operations in Barangay Bagong
Silangan, Quezon City was indeed a privilege given to us. It was a
blessing on our part to be present to our brothers and sisters who were
affected by the typhoon. It came as a surprise to us to be chosen to be of
service to them.
Prior to that, we
were given the
opportunity
to
attend the Disaster
Management
Seminar held in St.
Paul
College,
Pasig.
We attended to
the children. We
gathered them in
the parish church of
San Isidro Labrador. We heeded the advice of Sr. Ma. Eden Orlino, SPC
to ask the children to draw their experience of the calamity. We provided
them with the necessary drawing materials and they seemed to be
enthusiastic about it. As soon as they were handed paper and crayons, they
readily started their task.
We were amazed by their disposition in spite of the calamity which
struck them. We could see in their young and innocent faces the sense of
hope and gratitude to God for the gift of their lives and their families as
well. They never thought of questioning or blaming anyone, not even God
for what had happened. They were excited to relate to us their stories and
their personal experience of the flood waters which destroyed their
livelihood.
The children also told us how their experience brought them closer to
God. One child told us, “Sister, nung umulan, hindi na tumigil sa
kadadasal si Mama. Buti na lang, tumigil din ang ulan.”
We were also touched by a child’s innocent statement about being
brothers and sisters. She is a practicing Iglesia ni Kristo, belonging to
another denomination. She readily said, “Hindi tayo magkaaway.
Magkaibigan tayo kasi iisa lang ang Diyos.” She was pertaining to the
(Continued on page 10)
God is my Hope
Sr. Shienrose Agnes E. La Torre, SPC
God of day and darkness
Make my darkness bright
Still the broken earth
Hoping for daylight.
God of light, burn my heart
with radiant light!
Let my heart recover hope
for Yahweh’s favour not all past
his kindness is never exhausted
every morning it is renewed.
Your faithfulness, Yahweh, will
always endure
because you love your pilgrim people
with goodness you care eternally
I shall adore You through eternity.
So, I rise refreshed
with hope and comfort
Heart renewed I can live with
dignity
Because the God of hope is with me.
8
SPECIAL ISSUE
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
Sr. Ma. Emily C. Bucot, SPC
On the night after we had our first of a series of relief, medical and
CISD (Critical Incident Stress Debriefing) Operations in Barangay
Bagong Silangan, Quezon City, I could not sleep. There I was lying on
my clean bed with clean sheets in my clean and cool room. The thought
of a young mother asking for a mat for her children who were still in the
covered court which was their evacuation area kept reverberating in my
mind. She has a three-month old baby and all her kids are still young.
How are they now? Are they already asleep? Did they have something for
supper? And what about the other people I
met in the medical mission? I know and I
have seen how uncomfortable they still
are…no
houses,
no
food,
dirty
surroundings, itchy feelings because of
skin diseases and other sicknesses which
are the aftermath of the flood.
I was there for only about seven hours and
what I had seen was bothering me. What
about those who live in that situation?
I only helped distribute food. It was only
for a short while. What I did was not
enough. The help I gave was very little but
it was all I could do. On second thought, the little help each one gave
when put together created an effect… an impact. I am glad I was of help
even if it was only to distribute food. I was not alone. Many Sisters,
doctors, nurses, teachers, guidance counsellors, and other lay partners did
their part. It was a concerted effort and it made a difference. I know that
each one worked and offered the day to God with love. We did not feel
tired even if we were just standing. Thanks be to God. Many hands
helped. Many were helped.
I consider myself poor but God showed me those who are truly poor.
I dwell so much on my pain but God showed me those who are truly in
pain. I focus on myself but God showed me how to focus on others. God
is inviting me to look beyond and see the God I cannot see in the faces of
my needy brothers and sisters. God is telling me not to be a black hole
which absorbs everything in itself. He wants me to extend myself, to
reach out, to be a spiral, a coil with an outward direction so that I would
have enough room to grow, so that I could expand more and view things
in a broader perspective.
Beyond the flood, the sickness, the pain, all the devastations that
came, God has a purpose. He alone has the power to create and recreate
everything. He will make things new again. He has a lesson to teach me.
He has something to tell me.
Help me, Lord, to LISTEN to You through Your voice in creation…
through the faces of my needy brothers and sisters. Amen.
Sr. Agnes Evarola, SPC
“The community is open to the needs of the world, and in all
simplicity, endeavors to meet them.” BL 40
I was so grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Medical Mission
in Bagong Silangan. Indeed, our charism of charity in responding to the
needs of the times gathered us together to meet
the needs of our neighbors. I saw how each
Sister and lay partner gave himself/ herself to
the service of our brothers and sisters in
Bagong Silangan.
I was so inspired and drawn to give more of
myself for the service of my neighbor. Even
though I was not able to dialogue with the
people there because I was just in one corner
dispensing the medicines, I believe that that
was the call for me at the moment. In my little
way, I responded generously where I was. I
learned that the people were suffering from
colds, cough, fever, diarrhea, stomach ache,
gas pain, athlete’s foot and skin rashes. In that
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
corner of pharmacy I gave my selfless service by patiently writing and
giving the people instructions on how to take the medicines prescribed to
them. I am thankful to God for the gift of patience.
With the combined efforts and resources of different SPC
communities, we were able to provide the medicines the people needed.
After dispensing the medicines, we gave the victims food. I saw that the
food that they were being given was like a miracle of the “multiplication
of bread.” It was inconsumable and overflowing, more than enough for
the people.
What was striking to my eyes was the generosity of the Sisters in each
community. The Sisters helped one another and united their efforts in the
apostolate. The mere presence of the Sisters working together brought
an impact of hope to the people. Seeing them working together with the
lay partners in the field of apostolate witnessed to the people the love of
Christ. Indeed, the eagerness to help other people comes from God who
loves us and blesses us
abundantly. I was filled
with
joy
in
this
opportunity to see and be
with Christ together with
the people in Bagong
Silangan. In whatever
way I shared myself, I
know that I did it all for
Jesus.
Sr. Claire E.
Escañan, SPC
Mud,
garbage,
destroyed
properties
could
be
seen
everywhere. The foul
smell and seemingly
desperate situation penetrated my whole being. This scene met me as I
arrived at the location of the relief, medical, and CISD operations. My
heart was pained by such a scene which was unbelievable but true. I
could not say a word for I did not know how to console and comfort the
people there. I was truly affected and until this time I can still smell, see,
and feel the situation vividly.
But what made me ponder was the people’s positive disposition.
Despite all the devastations they had experienced, they still had the heart
to thank God and be hopeful. They were grateful that God has continued
to manifest His presence in their lives and are hopeful that someday, their
sufferings will end.
Through this experience with the people of Bagong Silangan, God has
taught me a great lesson in life, that is, God never abandons a single soul.
He Who is all knowing allows everything to happen for a purpose. He
wants to gather all of us to Himself for He will not allow anyone to lose
his way. Disaster is His way of reminding us that we are no longer
treading the path towards Him. It is His way of chastising those He loves
who have gone astray.
However, despite the not so good situation in which the people are in,
I am consoled by the presence and the generosity of so many people from
various SPC institutions and non-government agencies. There were
Sisters, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, teachers, counsellors, and lay
volunteers. The medicines were more than enough and there was an
overflowing supply of food for everyone. God indeed cannot be outdone
in generosity.
Everyone was so eager to give himself/herself for the service of
God’s people. Joy was so evident in their faces.
Most of us did not feel tired that day for the
call to serve was overwhelming. The Sisters’
presence was truly felt, which made one
woman say, “Sister, sabi ng anak ko ‘Ang
saya! Ang daming madre.” This was a way to
tell us that our presence in the midst of our
brothers and sisters was truly a manifestation
that God is with them and that we bring the
JOY that is in GOD.
I am proud to be an SPC for we are true to our
Charism of Charity, which is to respond to the
needs of the times.
(Continued on page 9)
(Continued from page 4)
pain and hunger.
As we
walked back to the Parish
Center, some people we met
and talked to asked for mats;
some asked for wood so they
could build even a shanty or a
makeshift house for their
shelter while they try to pick
up the pieces of their lives and
start anew. They asked for
water so they can wash and
clean their muddied little
belongings which they were
able to salvage. They asked
for money to start a new life.
They asked for many other
things that we knew we would
have difficulty giving them
instantly. Our hearts ached for
them. We prayed and wished
we could.
cenes of almost total
devastation caught the
eyes of our volunteers
as they moved farther and
continued distributing relief
goods.
There were some
“lucky ones” who, at least, had
a roof over their heads, and
S
quite literally buckled down
working to clean up the awful
mess in their little spaces.
People had their own tales to
tell, their tragic and heroic
experiences when Typhoon
Ondoy wreaked havoc on 26
September. Children shared
their
own
harrowing
experiences of having to climb
on top of the roof for safety; of
people who helped them
transfer to a safe place, of
having
no
food to eat.
Our
CISD
volunteers
observed that
the
children
became more
aware of the
harm done by
garbage and
by the of
cutting trees,
while adults realized that it was
nature’s way of giving back to
us what we have filled it with
because of our irresponsible
human activities.
A lot of
children shared the ghoulish
stories of seeing dead members
SPECIAL ISSUE
of their community amidst the
debris and mud. The dialogue
and sharing became a good
venue for them to talk about
their
sad
and
morbid
experiences and how they
struggled to
recognize
the
hand
and
presence of
God
in
what they
went
through in
that fateful
night.
It
touched and
warmed our
hearts
to
know that amidst their sorrow,
poverty, and helplessness, they
are holding to their faith in
God and slowly beginning to
see the light and starting to
gather
strength
towards
recovery.
The faith and resiliency of
the people were so evident and
strong. Most of them believed
that God and the Blessed
Virgin Mary were their
companion
and
savior.
Beyond their sorrow and pain
is the gratitude that God has
spared them from
death.
“Nagpapasalamat
kami sa Diyos at
iniligtas niya kami”
is a constant refrain.
Were
we
not
evangelized hearing
this?
This
has
deepened
and
5
strengthened our own faith and
trust in God.
We shared ourselves, our
time, our material blessings,
and our prayers. We had done
so little compared to the
magnitude of the disaster, but
however small our efforts
were, they contributed to the
big whole.
We did it
collectivelyOne Community,
One Cause!
here
will
still
be a lot of
relief
operations in
Bagong
Silangan, a
lot
of
cleaning to
do, a lot of
repairs to be
done,
innumerable
human traumas to deal with
before the people can begin
anew. On our part, as Sisters
of St. Paul of Chartres, we are
simply thankful that we have
done our share, our small act.
We believe that whatever little
acts
of
kindness
and
compassion we did yesterday,
or do today, and tomorrow are
fine beginnings.
T
It touched and
warmed our hearts to
know that amidst
their sorrow, poverty,
and helplessness,
they are holding to
their faith in God...
6
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
SPECIAL ISSUE
SPECIAL ISSUE
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Philippine Province
This
(Continued from page 6)
experience
gave
us
the
all to the victims of the typhoon and
insight of wanting to help others
flood.
despite
Ate Minda, the wife of the leader
our
differences
7
without
asking for anything in return.
of the barangay leader, told me what
she saw during the typhoon. She saw
ROWENA LEDESMA
many hands waving, asking for help
but she could not do anything.
have plans, big and admirable ones,
ST. PAUL COLLEGE OF
MAKATI
of what they want to do to be able
to help their parents in their present
The experience I had with the
people of Bagong Silangan made me
realize how lucky I am in spite of the
hardships I encounter in life. My
eyes were opened to the devastating
effects Typhoon Ondoy brought to
the lives of the people, especially to
the innocent and helpless children.
Though they were smiling, I sensed
the emptiness in the eyes of the
children who vividly told us how they
were saved and what they saw and
experienced.
I was touched by one of the
world.
drawings manifested their personal
KAREN KRIS ESPAÑOLA
new perspective. I came to the
realization that I should be thankful
that I did not experience what they
experienced. I also realized that I
should be contented with things
that I have. It served as an eyeopener, that despite problems that
with the SPCP Sisters and social
CARL MICHAEL DELA CRUZ
I became more thankful
for my life. It was really
an eye-opener to see the
sufferings of the people.
I feel fortunate to be
given a chance to help
the needy. I hope and
pray that things will get
back to normal, and the
victims will be able to
pick up the pieces. I
learned a lot and became
stronger
them
and they held one another’s
because
of
them.
handS until they were safe.
They were grateful for the help
we gave. One of the kids said
JOAN YANG
I
thank
the
Lord
for
the
“Maraming salamat po. Mahal pa rin
wonderful opportunity he gave me as
pala kami ng Diyos!”
I took the part in the activity that
day.
The experience and the feeling of
having the opportunity to help and
being able to bring innocent smiles
to the children were very satisfying
inspiring.
Seriously,
remember
the
scripture
passage, “Unless you have the heart
SHEENA MIGUEL
and
I
I
was
inspired by these children because
after all the experiences they had
been through, they could still smile
and think positively about life. They
of a child, you cannot enter the
gates of heaven.” Being with the
children was a humbling experience
especially
when
one
girl
named
Marjorie gave me a letter that said
‘thank you po sa mga binigay nyo
pong
mga
Christmas.’
biyaya…advance
Merry
experiences. Although they were
sad, they showed signs of resiliency.
After conducting the CISD, we
DONABEL M. ARCE
MICHELLE S. DEL ROSARIO
SHARRY ANN C. JULIAN
KATRINA REBECCA A.
ODFINA
We, the Guidance Staff, together
children who told us that in spite of
danger ,his parents did not let go of
ST. PAUL COLLEGE PASIG
come my way, I should be brave
enough to face them all.
of the people who wanted to avail of
school, or church just like in the
the free medical check up, and
previous
there were times that I was able to
joined. I was surprised that our
talk to some victims. I was amazed
venue was an "eskinita" where the
because in spite of what happened
flash flood really happened. I saw
they kept their focus on the brighter
plenty of household items that had
side of life, that at least their
become useless, school books soaked
families were
also
in mud, clothes that had been
realized that all material things are
washed but still muddy. I could
temporary and that in the blink of an
almost feel what transpired during
eye, everything can be taken away
the typhoon, the people’s fears and
from them.
dismay at losing everything they had
saved.
Some
San Isidro Labrador Church. There
for their families and for the whole
CISD helped me to see life in a
would either be a covered court, a
On our way home, we passed by
condition. They are young and so
little but they have gigantic dreams
ROSEMARIE GAMIT
I was expecting that our venue
I was assigned to control the line
workers, joined the SPC- DMT for
CISD volunteers. We went to the
actual
site
of
the
disaster
to
conduct a house to house debriefing
of survivors. We were able to talk to
several
adults/parents,
teenagers
and children, ages 2-10. Most of the
residents were eager to share their
personal experiences, stories, and
difficulties during and after the
typhoon. However, there were also
assisted in preparing the medicines
to be given to the people.
It
was
a
new
and
fulfilling
experience for all of us. We realized
that we are all survivors but at
different levels. We are more blessed
finances. We are also grateful that
in our families we have no casualties.
We admired the victims’ courage and
strong faith in God. Despite the
tragedy that befell them, they can
still smile and laugh at their mishap.
We commend the team for an
organized
implementation
and
of
systematic
the
mission.
Indeed, the Paulinian spirit lives in
all of us.
about
their
ordeal.
We
heard
experiences as how they struggled to
survive and to save others as well,
very blessed and thankful that our
a
boy
neighbors
who
died
whom
saving
his
now
call
they
"hero." I could see that although she
had lost a son, there is still hope in
ba
linggo na po etong namamaga." I told
to receive.
him, "Yes, manong, that’s why we are
here para matulungan kayo." I saw
BRYAN AMBAT, RN
SHEAL DAYRIT, RN
LIZA MARIE GRACE
MANTILLAS, RN
KRISTIAN MARAAN, RN
Seeing families who have lost
that his feet were really red and
swollen. I really can't explain what I
felt when I saw his feet-- pity for his
ailment and admiration for being so
patient in waiting for his turn in that
long line of people. What struck me
most in that manong was what he
one big happy family kayo ha!" just to
concerned citizen, we referred the
lighten the mood.
case to the doctors who were
I was there at the registration
reported
four hours. Without standing or
Sisters, who lost no time asking
pausing and only a cap protecting me
someone to get some medicines that
from heat and drizzle, I did not feel
could be given to the sick child. We
tired or hungry. All I felt was
did not leave the site until the
thankfulness
needed medicine was given.
for
mission for we were concerned with
lying
where
help
and
extending
We are really thankful that we
they are.
were given the chance to reach out
children
and share what we have. We realized
a
that after such tragedy there is
activity
always hope. We felt we were one
about the incident.
(Continued on page 7)
with the community of Sisters of St.
Paul during the mission.
not
What
experience
They
to
the
struck
me
and the doctors and staff were
to what
exhausted
they
had
gone
through
from
the
whole
day
mission
but
they
still
during the flash flood. Being there,
medical
helping them was also one way of
extended a hand to show that they
giving thanks to our Lord for sparing
really care. Their hearts were not
our place (Cavite) and our families
tired to help and care for others;
during that devastating typhoon.
they kept helping as long as they
Typhoon Ondoy was doubtless
could.
destructive, but it also brought out
the goodness in other people. I wish
PRIA MAE GALILEA, RN
that next time we should not wait
for another typhoon or calamity to
strike before we help others. I pray
that
many
more
people will extend
help
in
whatever
small way they can
for there are still
many
more
out
there who
help.
need
Personally,
I
promise that I will
join the next two
medical
and
missions
that
I
will
continue to pray for
those victims.
The mission was a very fruitful
one for me because I was happy to
render service to those who were
affected by the typhoon.
Although, it was very tiring, I
learned a lot from the medical
mission. Most of the family members
suffered
from
and LBM.
The
cough,
children
fever,
had
no
slippers because of the flood. One
of the patients there was suffering
from severe dehydration because he
was
the
neighbors
one
who
during
the
helped
flood.
his
I
realized that we, who were not
affected by the flood, should help in
said to me. "Maraming salamat sa
inyo at dumayo pa kayo dito sa amin
That
patient.
findings
that time was nothing compared
our help further to those who need
time, we pushed through with the
did
the
their
because it was the end of the day
moved and encouraged to extend
certain
I
for
tiredness or hunger I felt during
After that experience, we were
weather was not really good at that
that
experience what they had.
inspiring
another typhoon coming and the
doctors
looked
experience.
ST. PAUL HOSPITALCAVITE
EDITA MANALO
The
waited for their turn, for almost
able to help those who are less
very
us.
while they patiently fell in line and
realize how blessed we are. Being
a
near
immediately went to the site and
the children getting sick made us
was
standing
table, writing down their names,
their loved ones and their homes and
Some
children’s
po
ako makatulog sa sakit, dalawang
service.
The
ko
can. Truly, it is better to give than
the
given
"Ma'am, pwede
share ourselves in whatever way we
delivering
drawing
Most of the residents there had
patingnan etong paa ko kasi hindi na
live
were
experience such devastation.
said
allowing people to
The
not
what we have, and that we should
Even after hearing that there may be
like
did
that we should be contended with
am experiencing, I should offer them
places
family
the “manongs” approached me and
homes, and how they are presently
low
my
fungal infection due to mud. One of
because the mission was fulfilling.
in
and
always thank God for everything,
Whatever sufferings or problems I
politicians
place
her. I came to realize that we should
accommodating families in their own
blamed
years.
of
it most. We did not feel tired
situation.
been able to acquire through the
residents was very pitiful, and I felt
I thank God for everything.
with
had
made our rounds. I saw the mother
how they helped one another by
coping
I
I saw that the situation of the
fortunate
some who were reluctant to talk
missions
was an evacuation site nearby so we
because we have better means of
coping, especially with regards to
medical
our own little way. I am happy and
lucky because I was not affected by
WYLENE GAMILLA, RN
para matulungan kami." I really did
The thing that struck me most
the flood, but I am sad because I
not expect to hear such words from
after the medical mission on the
saw the sadness and the trauma in
someone who had gone through so
10th of October 2009 was when we
the eyes of the people who were
much. Most of the people there
stopped over in the church near the
affected.
brought their whole family to be
evacuation center (basketball court)
This experience helped me a lot to
checked up, from the fathers to the
of Bagong Silangan, Quezon City.
be more sensitive, concerned, and
youngest
usual
Someone approached us and asked if
helpful to others. Even though we
complaints were cough, colds, and
we could look at a child who had a
are not related to one another,
fever, I remember joking them, "Uy,
high grade fever and was chilling.
know "we are bound in God's love,
Upon
we are children of one God."
children.
Their
hearing
this
from
the
I