The Servant of - Servants of Charity
Transcription
NEWSBITS OF THE GUANELLIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES The Servant of Charity CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE September 2012 Moved by the Spirit, Urged into Action “Mary! We have found you, we have found salvation. Those who find the Mother, easily find the salvation of the Son.” ST. LUIGI GUANELLA In February 1896, Don Guanella wrote an article for the magazine “La Divina Provvidenza”, entitled “The Catholic Vision”. I quote some of his lines: “In the past, the world was coming toward us; now it turns its back on us. In the past it was enough for us to stay inside our Churches and offices; now we must move outward, getting out of our sacristies if we don’t want to run the risk of finding ourselves guilty of being locked in dishonorable isolation. To us indeed now these words of the Gospel are addressed: “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the towns and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame” (Luke 14:21). Some may object: “We have our pulpits, our confessionals; let people come to us where we live and where we carry out our assignments”. If they don’t come, if the voice of the bell instead of attracting them seems to chase them away, should we remain indifferent in front of such deplorable desertion, simply shaking the dust from our feet and throwing them the harsh words of Jeremiah: “Those who want to get lost, let them get lost”. Did it perhaps happen that the world moved first towards Jesus or is it true the other way around? Were Rome and Athens asking the apostles Peter and Paul for the Gospel? Let us imagine that in our place there are Saint Francis de Sales or St. Francis Xavier; after spending an hour of adoration, after practicing severe self-discipline and celebrating the holy mass with angelic devotion, how would they spend the rest of their day? Would they remain comfortably seated, observing the dangerous storms that afflict humankind, noticing only from which direction the wind blows, simply being content at counting how many boats are sinking, without providing any rescue to those in danger, without throwing the ropes to them and extending their helping hands? Someone may say; “How could a few isolated individuals, cope with such a huge task? How? Bring together your human resources, join forces and orient them all toward the common goal. We promote collaboration to develop sciences, to manage business, to dig channels, to populate newly discovered areas. Shouldn’t we join efforts likewise to populate heaven, to bring God to human hearts which are made to love and bless Him eternally? May the Lord help us!” In these lines written more than a century ago, Don Guanella shared something of the passion for the Church’s evangelizing mission that burned within his heart and that urged him into action without hesitation or fear, neither counting the cost, nor being intimidated by the risks. What our founder felt, experienced and boldly proposed sounds so much in tune with the call of the Spirit to the Church of our time, an appeal that has been continually re-echoed and broadcasted by the pastoral ministry of Pope Benedict XVI. The wind of the New Evangelization that has blown throughout the duration of our 19th General Chapter, is now urging us to welcome the inspirations felt and the decisions made during that assembly allowing ourselves to be continually set on fire for the beautiful mission entrusted to us, Servants of God’s Love among his poor. (Fr. Luigi De Giambattista, SdC) CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE Page 2 BUWAN NG WIKA (National Language Week) Manila - On August 17, 2012 Guanella Center celebrated Linggo ng Wika 2012 with the theme “Tatak ng wikang Filipino Lakas ng pagka- Filipino.” The special kids, parents and staff arrived in their own creative Filipino costume for the parade around the Servants of Charity compound. After the kick-off parade, the children and the staff entered the center. Ms. Claire Subdi, RSW, social worker, and Ms. Sheena Sanares, PT intern, were the Masters of Ceremony for the event. All were filled with excitement as the program started. Richard Pamintuan, an autistic child, led the opening prayer. Fr. Luigi de Giambattista, SdC presented an inspiring message before the contest judges were introduced: Ms. Gemma Suque, secretary for the Servants of Charity, Bro. Joseph Peddarapu, SDC and Bro. Gyl Adolf. First to present their talent was the group “Anak ni Manuel (Manuel’s Son)” with a declamation piece “Ako ay Pilipino (I am Filipino)”. Before the second presentation, a song entitled “Bakit ngayon ka lang” was sung by Fernando Miñao, a boy with Torrete Syndrome, captivating the hearts of the audience. The second contestant was the group “Anak ni Ninoy (Ninoy’s Son)” performing the song, “Leron Leron Sinta.” Christopher Pellejera sang “Natutulog ba ang Diyos (Is God Asleep)?” before the last group, “Anak ni Rizal (Rizal’s Son),” presented their itik-itik dance. After the contest, chosen special children animated a popular Filipino story, “Ang mga Langgam at ang mga tipaklong (The Ants and the Grasshoppers)” it was followed by the dance number “Hayop na Combo,” a song by Yoyoy Villame, Philippine King of Novelty Songs. Before the program ended there was an awards ceremony for the winners of “Tula awit at sayaw (poetry, song and dance)” contest. “Anak ni Rizal” won first place. From “Palarong Pinoy (Pinoy Games)” on August 14th, “Anak ni Rizal” were awarded champions and presented medals. Best costume awards for children went to Alexa Solomon, Gerald Bergado & Ellyca Bato. Ms. Sheena Sanares won the award for the staff and volunteers. Fr. Luigi closed the program with a short prayer for the intentions of the children and the center. It was a day showcasing talents and the significance of the Filipino Language to the life of the special children. ANTI-FLU VACCINATION The Guanellian Lectors, Commentators and Usherettes Ministry (GLCUM) had a fund raising project with a theme: “Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings.” that was held last 19th of August, 2012 at Guanella Center after the Sunday Mass. The aim of this project was to help the poor people to avail the flu vaccines at a very affordable price. During the anti-flu vaccination the GLCUM invited a speaker Ms. Kathy Maligalig, a Medical Representative, who gave some input on how to prevent influenza and explained the importance of anti-flu vaccines. The fund raising project was very successful because of the efforts of each member who were very supportive and cooperative to the project. Likewise, it would not have come to realization without the help of our generous volunteer nurses namely; Ms. Charmaine Consul, R.N., Sem. Voltaire Paquingan, R.N. and Mr. Delfin Ramores, R.N., who attended our clients. Once again, Thank you very much to our Almighty God and to all the people who supported our fund raising project to be successful and may the Good Lord repay you a hundred folds. God bless! Danny, one of our residents in Guanella Home during the celebration of the Linggo ng Wika Special Children plays the ants and the grass hoppers. Sem. Voltaire giving the anti-flu vaccine to our client. CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE Page 3 Baptism: Birth into God’s Family Manila - On August 15th the Servants of Charity community celebrated not only the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but also the birth of five special children into God’s family through the sacrament of Baptism. The Holy Mass was celebrated by the Provincial Superior himself, Fr. Luigi De Giambattista. The five newly baptized special children are: Bernie, JP (after Blessed John Paul II, as per Fr. Luigi), Ronnie, Joseph and Lito. Father Luigi focused his homily on the role of godfathers and godmothers in the absence or in place of the parents. He stressed the guiding principles; that the responsibility of the godparents is not merely the “pakimkim (gifts)” that they will give to their “inaanak (godchild)”. Truly, God shows His love and grace through the sacraments. Thank you Lord for constantly inviting us into Your family, for calling us to be Your sons and daughters. Amen. Fr. Luigi baptizing one of our special children “Bernie” STEP UP FOR GOD After much preparation and practice, the Guanellian Youth Ministry (GYM) hosted a dance competition called, “Step Up for God” aiming to encourage the youth to showcase and share their talents with others. It was held at Guanella Center’s Covered Court on August 25th. Selected GYM members intoned the evening with a solemn doxology followed by opening remarks by Fr. Charlton O. Viray, SdC. Out of the eight groups who had auditioned before the contest, only four groups were chosen to compete. Aside from the contestants, the GYM members, Guanellian Children’s Ministry and some selected audience members gave samples of their dance skills. It was indeed a successful program for the GYM; attendees could even see and feel the enjoyment and happiness of the entire audience. During the awards ceremony, all contestants received a certificate of participation and the champions, Z.E.D.C. Dance Troup, earned a trophy for best dancers of the year. During closing remarks it was highlighted that it was not just a fundraising activity or a typical dance competition, but a venue for the youth to showcase their Godgiven talents and share them with others for the glory of God. (Ms. Charmaine Ramirez) Our Guanellian Youth posed during the program. “Service to others is service to God: Creating teamwork that works!” 21st August 2012, the Servants of Charity staffs and employees had their seminar on teambuilding/teamwork with the theme of: “Service to others is service to God: Creating teamwork that works!”. The resource speaker was Ms. Rosa Tayamora. her presentation was packed with lectures and activities that will enhance the working relationship among the staffs and employees as well as trust and proper behavior towards the institution and to their fellow workers. The seminar was held at the Guanella Center and started at around 9 a.m. , the whole seminar was very lively and interesting, the activities were also good to promote teamwork, trust and confidence among the workers. Two priests were also present to participate in the said seminar, Fr. David Anburaj and Fr. Vincent. The program was wrapped up by the Provincial Superior, Fr. Luigi Degiambatistta, SdC. We are looking forward for more years of harmonious working relationship with the whole working force and the community as well. God bless us all! Our staffs participated the seminar workshop. NEWSBITS OF THE GUANELLIANS IN THE PHILIPPINES The Superior Servants of Charity Centerville Subdivision, Pingkian Road, Bgy. Pasong Tamo, Tandang Sora, 1107, Quezon City Telefax: 931-5549 456-8550 E-mail: [email protected] We’re on the Web! www.servantsofcharity.org SERVANTS OF CHARITY PHILIPPINES Celebrating God’s love in the footsteps of Saint Louis Guanella
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