With the help of the German Province and Frs. Weber and Manny, we were able to experience and see the Holy Land.  As Fr. Rolly celebrates his 25th anniversary, he was able to experience the "promised land".  This experience turns out to be the greatest anniversary gift he has received through the generosity of our confreres in Germany and the support of the Filipino Catholic Community in the Diocese of Essen, Germany.

We were 47 pilgrims: 42 were members of the Filipino Catholic Community  in the Diocese of Essen plus the five of us Camillians. There were three significant and meaningful experiences in this Holy Land pilgrimage: first, we were able to listen to the story of Jesus' life through the actual visits to the places where we recalled the events from His birth to His resurrection. Second, we discovered the incredible contrasts and beauty of Israel. And lastly, we were able to appreciate the historical facts about each site.

It was also an opportunity for us to be with our confreres in Essen. Witnessing their commitment to Camillian Ministry is an inspiration for us to broaden our horizon on the way we live our life as religious.  The one and most important inspiration that I brought back with me from our confreres in Essen is their "service and love for their  community".  It's true,  "you can't give what you don't have" and "charity begins at home".

Happy Anniversary Fr. Rolly!