“It is through our reflection that we are led into our finest action for the Kingdom.  At one point we come back and hold the experience into another reflection mastering our next action… perfecting the life of Jesus in our religious life!” These words of Fr. Charly Ricafort in his homily on the last day of the Provincial Chapter encapsulate what happened last January 25-28, 2010 during the Third Provincial Chapter.

Provincial Chapter approves institutionalization of YCR

At the Provincial Chapter held last January 25 to 28, 2010, among the important decisions taken was the approval of the ten point project proposal of the Young Camillian Religious (YCR).  The approval gave the go signal to the institutionalization of the (YCR).  It opened the door for the YCR to go full throttle in formulating and implementing, as stated in its proposal, “formal Plans and Programs that promote its Vision, Mission and actively pursue the directions of the Provincial Superior and the Provincial Council” in the next five to ten years.

The community in Cogeo gladly welcomed the year 2010 with a simple celebration coupled with laughter and shared moments together. It was a new experience for some of us especially that we celebrated this especial day away from our loved ones. Here, we came to appreciate the value of community in living religious life. It was also a treasured moment for us to experience Christ’s presence in the community as we welcomed the year in our hearts. Indeed, everyone delightfully opened himself to this new beginning with much hope of making the whole year round more meaningful.

Eleven formands take first steps into postulancy

The Beginning

Out of 16 Fourth Year Camillian College Seminarians, ten “stepped in” to take the journey of the postulancy program.  Two more seeds of vocation sprouted when two Chinese formands from the Adult Formation Program (AFP) joined the group.  We came to be called the twelve disciples, but not for long.  One of the Chinese formands decided to step out to pursue another calling.

That experience does not reflect the act of Judas in the Scriptures.  Definitely it does not even come close. We look at it rather as a courageous act coming from our brother who sees the importance of commitment. We fervently pray for you and wish you all the best, Fr. John…Adios, Amigo!

SCH Sportsfest 2010 Kicks Off

The Sportsfest 2010 for the SCH employees, chaired by Mr. Rolando Abranilla, of the maintenance department, kicked off last February 8.  Highlights of the opening were the parade, the presentation of competing teams, the torch lighting, and the parlor games. 

The parade began at 2:00pm, with the blue team leading, followed by the black, white and yellow teams.  The torch lighting was led by the red team, which was last year’s winner.  The parlor games then came into full swing.  The happy winners of the game were the yellow team which won the flag-raising and the relay, and the black team which won the bakya relay.

LCF celebrates the 18th World Day of the Sick

The Lay Camillian Family (LCF) of Davao, Inc. celebrated the 18th World Day of the Sick just in time with the liturgical memorial of our Lady of Lourdes last February 11. As early as 8:00 am, some LCF members and volunteer students visited our sick brothers and sisters at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (formerly DMC) gymnasium to inform them about the celebration. The gymnasium of the said hospital is being used to accommodate the overflowing number of patients admitted at the medical ward.

New DHC Officers

The Divine Healer Choir of the Chapel of the Divine Healer, Southern Philippines Medical Center has elected their new set of officers. The election was held last January 31, 2010 at the chaplaincy office.  The new officers are: President-Kristyl Aiah Ucang, Vice-President-Michael John Gestopa, Secretary-Kariah Zamudio, Assistant Secretary-Marie Lunaluz Montes, Treasurer-Marie Payot, Assistant Treasurer-Paulo Pagula and Auditor-Marife Payot (the outgoing president). They were inducted into office by the Chaplain himself, Fr. Tex V. Buntol, MI, during the 9:30a.m. Mass last February 7.  A simple turn-over ceremony was held on the same day at 7:00 p.m. at the Chaplaincy Office which ended with an inspiring message from the chaplain.

To the new officers, congratulations and good luck! To the Divine Healer Choir, may your path be blessed and your commitment rewarded. To God always be the praise and the glory!

Fr. Hobus passed away

Fr. Ludovicus (Louis) Hobus from the former Dutch Province passed away last February 2, 2010. During his active years, he worked as a missionary in Tanzania. There he engaged in pastoral health services and parochial ministries. His funeral Mass was celebrated last February 6 attended by his confreres from Holland and Germany, and his relatives and friends. He was buried in the cemetery in Roermond.