The convention formally started with an Invocation and the singing of Pambansang Awit rendered by some members of the CFDI-DMC Voices of Praise Chorale. Fr. Ivo Z. Anselmi, MI, the Provincial Superior of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm, Philippine Province, warmly welcomed the participants.

There were fifty six participants plus the presence of five Camillian Fathers. Five delegates came from St. Camillus College of Manaoag, Pangasinan; nine delegates from Friends of the sick (FOTS) of Calabayog City including their Spiritual Director, Fr. James A. Roa, MI and forty two members from the Camillian Family of Davao, Inc.

Dr. Joselito Rosauro J. Cembrano, the Acting Chief of Hospital of Davao Medical Center, gave his short inspirational message. The first session was conducted by Dr. Michael T. Manalaysay, President of the Archdiocesan Council of the Lay Apostolate & Integrated Movement (ACLAIM) of the Archdiocese of Davao. His sharing on “The Samaritan Concept and the Lay Spirituality” was so enlightening as he quoted St. Therese of Lisieux: “we must do everything that is within us: give without counting the cost, practice the virtues at every opportunity, conquer ourselves all the time and prove our love by every sort of tenderness and loving attention.” An open forum followed and queries were clearly answered.

The presidents of the different LCF chapters then presented their reports. Each of them gladly shared the life, plight and apostolate of the Lay Camillian Family in their respective places.

The first day ended with the Prayer for the Sick and the Caregiver’s Prayer.

The following day was another very exciting day for all. It started with the morning prayer followed by a short recap by LCF Romie B. Obillo in behalf of the convention secretary, LCF Helen Marie Mendoza.  The second session was presented by Fr. Luigi Galvani, MI, former Consultor of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm. He shared about the Camillian Family in the World: The Great Camillian Family which is composed of the Camillian Fathers, Brothers and Sisters and the Lay Camillian Family. The participants ‘traveled’ along as Fr. Luigi interestingly presented the different Camillian Communities around the world.  An open forum followed which was moderated by LCF Elizabeth Barriga of Davao.

The third speaker was Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial, the Regional Director of the Department of Health for Southern Mindanao. She expertly shared the Health Care situation in the Philippines, particularly in Region XI. Questions raised were answered without beating around the bush with LCF Vilma Comoda as moderator.

In the afternoon, LCF Romie B. Obillo of the Camillian Family of Davao, Inc., reported to the group on the 56th General Chapter of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm. He was one of the lay delegates in Rome, Italy during the said chapter. He informed everyone of the number of Lay Camillian Family members in the world which numbers to 3,100 present in 27 countries. He also discussed the informal meeting with the LCF international president, Isabel Calderon of Colombia. Group sharing and reporting followed.

Before the gathering ended, special performances from the different groups were presented: a solo rendition of a song from LCF Manaoag, a dance number with the much applauded Fr. James, MI who also danced together with the LCF Calbayog and LCF Davao’s Hand Language entitled “Take Me Out of the Dark My Lord,” which eased the mood of everyone after a day of listening.

The election of the national officers was also a highlight of the convention. It was facilitated by Fr. Bong Pamintuan, MI, the Spiritual Assistant of the Lay Camillian Family of the Philippines. Five officers of each group participated in the election. The first set of officers are: President: LCF Diosdado R. Mendoza of Manaoag; Vice President: LCF Romeo B. Obillo of Davao; Secretary: LCF Reynaldo B. Demit of Calbayog; and Treasurer: LCF Andrea “Angie” S. Jamias of Davao.

The convention culminated with the Holy Mass, with Fr. Ivo Z. Anselmi, MI as the main celebrant. A delightful dinner was shared by everyone at the DMC Healing Garden.

The two-day convention turned out to be successful and fulfilling. With the attendance of the Lay Camillian Family of Calbayog, Manaoag and Davao City and with the presence and support of the Camillian Fathers, we look forward to the realization of our theme: LCF: United in the Service of the Sick.