Eucharistic Lay Ministers’ Monthly Fellowship

Last June 26, 2009 the Lay Ministers had their first fellowship night at the chaplaincy office.  The group is composed of committed Eucharistic Lay ministers who willingly devote their time in serving the Chapel of the Divine Healer and the Davao Medical Center, as well. It has been noticed that they are also playing a special role in assisting our lone chaplain, especially in the distribution of Holy Communion during the celebration of the Holy Mass and in the different wards of the hospital.

The activity was facilitated by Mr. Danilo B. Aparece, one of the Eucharistic lay ministers and a hospital employee. The fellowship gave them an opportunity to share their experiences in their daily encounter with the patients in the wards. Fr. Tex, their Spiritual Assistant, also gave some input after which a processing of experiences followed.

The Monthly Fellowship falls every last Friday of the month at 6:00 o’clock in the evening.

Wishes for the Birthday Celebrants

Every first Sunday of the month is Birthday Celebrants’ Day. The Chapel of the Divine Healer initiated this occasion to give tribute to birthday celebrants of the month.  After communion, the celebrants gather in front of the altar as Fr. Tex prays a special birthday blessing for them. The whole community then sings a birthday song to greet the celebrants.

This is another very special way of expressing appreciation to every person. It is believed that through this, every one present during the celebration of the Holy Mass would feel they belong to one community.

Bringing Christ to the Bedside of the Sick

The Chaplain, as member of the healing team of the hospital, started the monthly celebration of the Holy Mass in the wards last July 1. With this activity, one of the aspirations of the hospital chaplain - to celebrate Holy Mass in the wards so that bed-ridden patients can receive Communion – was finally realized.

The first Holy Mass was celebrated with the patients of the medical ward who are temporarily staying at the hospital gym while the ward is undergoing renovation. The anointing of the sick followed for those who requested for it. The Holy Mass in the different wards is scheduled every first Wednesday at 4:00 PM.

A healing Mass is also celebrated at the Chapel of the Divine Healer every 4th Sunday.  Anointing of the Sick follows right after the final blessing.

Service . . . a gift, a challenge, a commitment

Truly, my various experiences have made me realize that my final profession to the religious life is but my final embrace of the cross of Christ. . . Every experience was growth-promoting and valuable.  Nothing was wasted for everything was for my own purification so that God would be glorified in me. Yes, I experienced what it means to be 'real gold that is tested by fire.'

This was the sharing of a happy person who make every trial and cross a challenge and a gift.

Last July 11, 2009, Fr. Tex, celebrated the 11th anniversary of his perpetual profession as Camillian religious. The day started with a thanksgiving Mass at the Chapel of the Divine Healer. A simple get-together of chapel staff and volunteers, Eucharistic Lay Ministers and Divine Healer Choir   followed at Eden’s Resort in Lanang, Davao City. It was a day full of life…games, sharing, singing and of course, eating.

According to Fr. Tex, he was so happy not only because it was his anniversary but because of the camaraderie shared by the group. It has always been his wish to see people serving God with humility and sincerity of intention.

Sail on, Fr. Tex.  God has been gracious to you and will always be.

Off  to Mati on St. Camillus Feast Day

The Divine Healer Chapel’s staff & volunteers, some members of the chapel choir and of the Camillian Family of Davao together with Fr. Tex attended the ordination to the Diaconate of Rev. Marven G. Ruyeras, M.I. in Madang, Mati, Davao Oriental last July 14, 2009.

The group left Davao at dawn and was welcomed with a special breakfast by the Camillian community in Mati. The Holy Mass at Divine Mercy Shrine was followed by a sumptuous lunch and a program at the parish gym. The Divine Healer Choir headed by Fr. Tex, was also asked to present a number.

The feast day of St. Camillus was also celebrated at the Chapel of the Divine Healer-Davao Medical Center. The novena to St. Camillus culminated with a Holy Mass officiated by Fr. Ely Ubag, M.J.

Thanks to you, Fr. Maxcy…

Thank you for teaching me how to live putting things in perspective teaching me how to give and how to make no mistake, we were  put here together and if I break down forgive me but it’s true and I am grateful with a love I feel inside. Thanks to you…

This was the very beautiful song that moved the community to tears as they bid farewell to the “father or tatay” of the Divine Healer Chapel who left for the United States some time in 2002.

Fr. Walter J. Maxcy, a Maryknoll Father, was born in New Rochelle, New York on April 8, 1920 together with his twin brother Lloyd Maxcy.  Ordained at Maryknoll in New York on June 15, 1947, Fr. Maxcy, as he was fondly called, engaged in various mission programs of the Maryknoll Society. His dream of serving in overseas mission became a reality when Maryknoll opened a new mission in Mindanao.  Fr. Maxcy had made the Philippines his beloved home.

Fr. Maxcy had many treasured experiences and memories during his long stay in Mindanao. He was the “Founding Father” of several frontier parishes in Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. He was noted for his ability to win the respect and cooperation of the people – a special gift for beginning a new parish endeavor.

The Divine Healer Chapel of Davao Medical Center was among the institutions where Fr. Maxcy served as chaplain. He was the one who invited and welcomed the Camillians to serve in this huge vineyard of the Lord. He was a “very loving father” to everyone.

At the age of 89, our dear Fr. Maxcy returned to his Creator.  He died in New York on July 6, 2009. We may not see him again but those nice memories will always remain in the hearts of those who knew him. His person, life and ministry have touched many lives and being a man like hundreds of missionaries in the Philippines, he had won people’s hearts and left an imprint in them . . . . . . . . . . . . a million thanks to you, our dear Fr. Maxcy!

To God always be the praise and glory!