Last January 4, 2010 the Lay Camillian Family of Manaoag opened a Maternity Center and Polyclinic in Manaoag, the Marian city in Pangasinan. Archbishop Socrates Villegas of the Archdiocese of Dagupan-Lingayen together with some Camillian priests presided over the Eucharistic celebration. The Provincial Governor, Hon. Amado Espina, cut the ribbon together with the Mayor of Manaoag and two Italian benefactors representing respectively the Province of Trent and the V. Carra Foundation of Modena.  The blessing of the Maternity Center and Polyclinic and a short program of gratitude offered to benefactors, friends and those helping in the putting up of the center were held one after the other. A large number of people graced the occasion.

The Nerve

Call it guts, bravery, courage, or spirit. Whatever it may be, the thing is, everyone in the group was just ecstatic and, of course, so grateful to God for it. For it made them carry their mission through, while remaining positive and disposed.

Despite limited knowledge, exposure, and resources, the facilitators of the Pastoral Program on HIV/AIDS of the Philippine Province took off February last year. For the uninitiated team, what an overwhelming 2009 flight it was! Thus, bliss and gratitude blended with the crisp scent of pine trees during their evaluation and planning last 09 January 2010 at the St. Camillus Novitiate (temporarily a retreat house until May this year), in, where else, the Philippines’ Pine City, Baguio!

(TOP) On January 15-16, 2010, Taiwanese Delegation Chapter was held.
(BOTTOM) On January 13, 2010, a team of parliamentarians from Madagascar came to visit St. Mary's Hospital in Lotung to do a possible twinning.

God is good! All the time! A common chant in an assembly of members of Couples for Christ. They shout out these words with joy especially when the speaker speaks to them about the goodness of God in their lives and helps them realize how God has been gracious to them. What a wonderful chant to yell and hear especially in an event where all in the crowd recognizes the grace of God.

This chant was also heard in the early hours of the morning on the day of the birth of our Savior in San Pedro Hospital.  But this time it was not a cheer of exultation from a fired-up crowd or a spirited speaker. It came amidst the silence of a room from the lips of a very ill child. The silence represents the sadness of the people in the room. The child’s parents were trying to console each other for their child was sick from a rare disease.

The Christmas Gatherings in Sacred Heart Parish Westmead

The spirit of joy, thanksgiving, and festivity inherent in the Christmas season pervaded Sacred Heart Parish Westmead last December 2009.  Pastors and parishioners gathered on certain days to pray and celebrate together.

Recalling God’s Call to Serve

Last December 5, 2009, the chapel volunteers and some friends of Fr. Tex joined him as he recalled and celebrated his 11th sacerdotal anniversary. The day started with an early morning thanksgiving Mass.

Christmas at the Heart of SCHC

“Meri ang Christmas sa Parokya ni Kamilo” was this year’s Christmas theme at St. Camillus Hospital Calbayog City (SCHC).  We found ourselves busy with hectic Christmas activities. At the very start of December, in solidarity with people living with HIVAIDS we held a short opening “program of light” focusing on Jesus as the light of the world. It ushered in the Christmas spirit here in SCHC as we lighted the Christmas tree and lanterns. 

Wintertime in Germany

The two great festivities, Christmas and New Year, were white-coloured due to strong and torrential snowfall in Germany. The temperature remained constantly below zero. Houses, streets, the surroundings were covered with snow. In some parts of the Ruhr area, the snow reached up to 50 centimeters. Some enjoy the snow because of the possibility of skating, sleigh riding, and other forms of winter sport. But the majority find it a burden because of the cold and stagnant atmosphere. Car doors are frozen and hard to open; winter tires are a must. Driving is dangerous because of slippery roads and highways, though salt is scattered everywhere. People outside are clothed from head to foot with thick winter attire. Many prefer to simply stay home.