For them who died of AIDS

Testimonies and messages of support warmed the afternoon air at the Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City during the 26th International AIDS Candlelight Memorial held last May 15.  When darkness fell, the memorial quilts were ceremoniously unfolded as the names stitched on them were read. Then there was silence.  The participants lighted their red-ribboned candles and offered prayers for all the people who have died of AIDS.

Camillian scholastics, novices, adult formands, sisters and priests took part in this moving event.  Celebrated annually, this year’s memorial ceremony was headed by the Philippine National AIDS Council and the city government of Quezon City.

The activity continued to keep alive the memories of all the people who have died of AIDS and who inspired the unyielding campaign for HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness and the elimination of the social stigma inflicted on our sisters and brothers living with HIV/AIDS.

The Camillians’ participation in the event attested to their solidarity with the people living with HIV/AIDS. As one of the partners in the HIV/AIDS advocacy, the Camillians strongly believe in this year’s Candlelight Memorial theme: “Together, We are the Solution.”

For them who are living with HIV

“We need activities like this,” said the high- spirited Bob after the recollection.

Bob was among the people living with HIV who listened and shared in the one-day life- and faith-sharing activity that Scholastics Dan Cancino, Cido de Jose and this writer facilitated last May 2 at the St. Camillus Pastoral Healthcare Center, Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

At one point after being infected, anger, fear, helplessness, hopelessness and depression overwhelmed them. Their lives became a rollercoaster ride. Depression, according to them, is their worst enemy. It still visits them from time to time. But through the support, understanding and compassion of their families and other heaven-sent people in their lives, they found hope. Life must go on, they said.

Above all, the participants believed that by strengthening their spirituality, they will emerge victorious in their battle against the virus. Sure it is difficult, they said, but with God in their lives, their outlook became more positive. The group called themselves “POSI+IVE THINKERS.”

As Camillians, the facilitators assured them: “We are with you in this journey.” So, more reflection and prayer sessions are already lined up for them, as requested. Friendship is also there to nourish the journey.

For them who serve the people living with HIV/AIDS

Through the simulation activity called “Wildfire,” the personnel of St. Camillus Polyclinic (Pasig and Antipolo) felt how it was to become HIV positive or have an HIV positive friend. There they discovered the deeper meaning of respect, understanding, support and compassion and how important these are for the people living with HIV/AIDS–the people they are also serving in their institution.

“Wildfire” was one of the sessions during the HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness workshop given to the Polyclinic personnel.  Other sessions in the workshop tackled the rights of the people living with HIV/AIDS and the magnitude and the biomedical aspect of HIV/AIDS.

The Pasig-Polyclinic personnel were divided into three batches for the one-day workshop and respectively took part in it on April 29, May 5 and 12, 2009.  The Antipolo-Polyclinic staff, on the other hand, had their workshop last June 6.

Scholastic Dan Cancino, Camillian Sisters Fe Santos and Cleofe Macalino and this writer facilitated the workshops. They constitute the core group of the Pastoral Program on HIV/AIDS offered by the St. Camillus Pastoral Healthcare Center.