Five days in the mountain

In observance of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Christ, half of the postulant group was sent to Boso-Boso Mountain to help in the mission of our dear fathers, Fr. Domingo Barawid, MI and Fr. Ruben Mandin, MI, in giving religious services to the people in the parish of Nuestra Señora dela Anunciata and the chapels of Boso-boso, Calawis, Apia, San Josep, and San Ysiro. The postulants stayed there for five days.

It was really a good experience for us; celebrating the Easter season in a far away place, where the people live a simple lifestyle. It was indeed an ordinary mission for us – yet very inspiring.  Animating and leading the liturgical activities were our main tasks on those days. These life’s lessons became an inspiration for us to go further into this journey of service to God as a religious; for once in his life, Jesus Christ became totally ill with sufferings because of our “sins.”

Wednesday morning, half of the postulants- Andrew Casurao, Carl Masip, Jimboyd Marquez, Errol Salcedo, and Dab Obong moved out from the community in Cainta to respond to the call of mission in the mountain. From there they were also dispersed into different areas. While the other half of postulants, Lucky Degillo, Jeffrey Dapilaga, Leo Tejero, Anthony Cui, Noel Legara, and Filipino Borra, worked hard in preparation for the Easter celebration. With them were Bro. Edgar Tuballa, MI, Fr. Gabriel Garcia, MI, and Fr. Rolly Fernandez, MI.

The group in Boso-boso celebrated the resurrection of Christ with an outing in the nearby swimming pool. Good food was provided by our very own Fr. Meng; Fr. Ruben also joined the light moments.

While relaxing our tired bodies in the pool, the other group in Cainta enjoyed the program of the youth (Summer YM Talent Workshop) as part of our brothers’ apostolate in the place.  The workshop aimed to showcase their talents, which they honed during the whole month of March. Fr. Rolly added to the joy of the people by giving some prizes for the Easter Egg Hunting. Healthy food was also served after the program.

Christ’s resurrection is indeed a joyful celebration.  It must be shared with others so as to really feel God’s glory, Alleluia…Alleluia!

From Resurrection to Visitation

After a week of rejoicing in Christ’s resurrection, our community was visited by Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI, former provincial superior, and two brothers from Vietnam and one from Thailand.  It was our privilege for us to have shared our thoughts and experiences as postulants with our dear guests. Likewise, they also shared their own stories as Camillian religious. All in all, the encounter with them inspired us more to be more persevering in this life as Camillians.

Thank you Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI and brothers: Joseph, Tiger, and Joachim for coming. Please come back soon. God bless us all and the Order.     

Medical Mission in Cainta

Last April 18, 2010, the people from Brgy. San Andres, Cainta, Rizal and neighboring places received free medical check-ups and medicines through a medical mission organized by St. Camillus Healthcare Center  in partnership with St. Camillus Polyclinics of Pasig, Antipolo and Makati, under the guidance of Fr. Rolly Fernandez, MI, the new Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province.

There were six doctors, five nurses, and one pharmacist who heartily shared their expertise at the medical mission. Likewise, 16 CHV’s (Community Health Volunteers) and 11 Camillian postulants devoutly fulfilled their tasks to make the event a success.

The consultation started after the celebration of the Sunday mass presided by Fr. Rolly.  X-ray, tooth extraction, urinalysis and ECG were included in the services offered. Around 149 patients, young and old, benefited from the mission.

At noon, the group gathered together for a good lunch prepared by the host group (St. Camillus Healthcare Center). Before that, there was a “photo-shoot” in front of the chapel to end the medical mission and to provide the group with a ‘remembrance’ of the event.

Then they parted ways to continue the Lord’s Day.  Maraming Salamat po! Until next mission. God bless us all.   

From Cainta to Cogeo

Last May 6, 2010, we, the postulants, parted ways with our three brothers, Leo, Noel and Jeff, as they embarked on another path in life’s journey.  That day was really heavy for us, for we had been together for quite some time during the postulancy programme.  We were absolutely not ready for the pain of separation, as brotherhood would attest; yet we hoped for the best for everyone because we believed that the formators’ decision was far better than ours. The realities of life’s journey taught us to be strong and to hold-on to the faith that God has his individual plan for our lives.

We remain thankful for all the joys and sadness that we shared, for the laughter and tears that made us one in spirit, and the encouragement that we uttered everyday as a source of inspiration to move on. Truly, our life as human beings is always in God’s plan, and it is up to us how to use it.

For our three brothers we wish them good luck and pray that God be with them always.

Cogeo factors

For the past few weeks we have been feeling the life of future Camillian Novices. However, we are still following the same daily scheme we had in Cainta in preparation for the novitiate. Though the place is new, we still live the life that we are supposed to do as novices. Everyday sessions are part of our daily routine. Prayer is the core of our life as formands. Service to others, especially the poor sick, is our mission. And Loving is our gift to God, for calling us to religious life.

"Take the HAT and P.E."

Before the entrance to the novitiate, the Camillian Postulants took the HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) Anti-body Test and P.E. (Physical Examination) so as to make sure that they were prepared not only spiritually and mentally but also physically since they were about to level up to a new stage of formation.

The HAT test took place last May 7 in St. Camillus Polyclinic, Pasig, while the P.E. test was carried out last Wednesday, May 12 in St. Camillus Polyclinic, Cogeo.  Happily, the postulants passed both examinations!

Until next update, brothers! Damo nga salamat.