The Camillian Indonesian Foundation of the Philippine Province is happy to announce the Priestly Ordination of Rev. Avensius Harung, MI and Rev. Cyrelus Suparman Andi, MI on October 24, 2010, 9:00 AM at St. Paul Major Seminary Chapel in Maumere, Flores, Indonesia. Bishop Girulfus Kherubim Pareira, SVD of the Diocese of Maumere will be the Ordaining Prelate.

After spending 10 years in Manila for their formation, now they are back for being Camillian missionaries in their own big country. We ask to the confreres a special prayer for them and the new Camillian Foundation in Indonesia.

God had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace. —Gal. 1:15

Schedule of Thanksgiving Masses:

• Fr. Cyrelus Suparman Andi, MI on October 27 and 28, 2010 in Lalang, Cibal, Manggarai, Flores, Indonesia
• Fr. Avensius Harung, MI on October 30 to November 1, 2010 in   Rejeng, Manggarai, Flores, Indonesia

“Hay salamat!” is the reaction of everyone and anyone who hears the good news that the number of dengue cases here in Calbayog and nearby towns is decreasing.  Another cause of fear though is shaping up especially among the 'oldies' about HYPERTENSION.  As we all know, the "BER" months are here and coming our way are food-related events that we can't easily escape because they are inviting and tempting.

Well, even though lots of diabetic and hypertensive patients have been admitted in our hospital, we are still going on and doing our extended activities such as meeting and planning for the LCF-Calbayog fund-raising benefit dance in October, for the still monthly prison ministry in Calbayog City Jail, and for other activities. 

One of the highlights that happened last August was the arrival of the Camillian singing priest, Fr. Tex Rico Buntol, MI.  He will be serving here in Calbayog City as chaplain of St. Camillus Hospital. We all welcomed Fr. Tex with arms wide open!  That day overflowed with joy and laughter.  We shared messages of good will and a sumptuous meal, and those who wanted to show their singing talent enjoyed the undying videoke. 

Another reason that boosted our enthusiasm was the ongoing construction of a ramp that will facilitate the access of patients to the 2nd floor pedia ward extension.  To all the people and benefactors who made this thing possible, we all extend our heartfelt gratitude. May God bless you more abundantly!

Friendly Visit

Like in the gospel of Luke, chapter 12, verse 40, the Father Provincial of the Camillians in the Philippines arrived in our community at an hour least expected.  Because of this I was hesitant to open the gate when I heard him knocking. It was only 5:27 in the morning.  But when I recognized the voice shouting “Camil, Camil,” I opened the gate.  It belonged to Fr. Rolly Fernandez who was stopping our dog Camil from barking.

Actually prior to his arrival, our superior Fr. Ivo Anselmi already informed us that the Provincial Superior would arrive on Sept. 8.  It was just that we didn’t expect him to come that early. In fact most of us did not see him at all that morning because we were having our modular class on Prayer and Meditation at the ICM formation house.

However, we were lucky because Fr. Rolly stayed in our community for quite a number of days for a friendly visit. Indeed we were glad to see him and spend some time talking to him with all his wisdom and encouragement for the Order and especially for our life as future Camillian Religious.

Fr. Rolly also took the opportunity to give a talk on “Institution Administration” as a continuation of what we had with him in Cainta during our postulancy. With much knowledge and experience, he reminded us novices to be firm and innovative in our spiritual growth because he believes that as a religious “wherever we are planted we must grow.”

How are we doing? Kamustahan, ika nga!

Regarding our growth as novices, one may well ask how we novices have been getting along these past four months.

Sometimes I just wonder about the weather here in Baguio. I have noticed that most of the time it is sunny in the morning but raining in the afternoon. The day usually goes like this; I remember all my happiness in the morning and challenges in the afternoon. I also pray that God will keep all my happiness and help me out from all my challenges. Then, as a Chinese brother in the community, I feel that we have so many differences among one another. But the most important thing is that we have the same belief in “One God, One Jesus Christ and One Holy Spirit.” —Nov. Anthony Cui

LCF Davao celebrates life at 7

The Lay Camillian Family of Davao celebrated its 7th Anniversary last September 15, 2010 with the theme, “LCF Davao Celebrates Life @ Seven”.  It was not too long ago when a group of personnel from then Davao Medical Center (DMC) gathered to organize a group that will assist the Chaplain of the Chapel of the Divine Healer in the visitation of the sick. The first Camillian Chaplain of DMC  was Fr. Bong Pamintuan, M.I. who was instrumental in organizing the group. With just a few members, the group underwent formation and took some lessons on Camillianity with Fr. Bong who eventually became the Spiritual Director of the group.

The Camillian Family started on July 27, 2003 and was launched on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15, 2003 with 15 members.  It was initially called Camillian Family of Davao.  When it registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, it was renamed as Lay Camillian Family of Davao, Inc.  In its seven years of existence the organization has had three presidents, namely LCF Romeo B. Obillo (2003-2007), LCF Belen Q. Aspera (2007-2009) and LCF Guilly B. Apigo (2009-present).

Although the LCF of Davao assists in some of the religious activities of the hospital, its main focus is the visitation of the sick.  The members assist the sick and their families spiritually, emotionally and more often, financially. As a legitimate organization in Southern Philippines Medical Center (formerly Davao Medical Center), LCF Davao organizes seminars, recollections and symposiums for SPMC personnel as well as the patients and watchers.  Recently, some members took a comprehensive Pastoral Care Training for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS last May 2010.

A dream realized: TCMC-BD

Traditional Community Medicine Clinic - Biodynamic Farming now begins to rise—a sign of progress for St. Camillus Hospital of Mati Foundation’s CBHCP.  Its volunteers had been retrained and updated specifically in the indigenous ways of healing.  With improved knowledge and skills that enhance the gift and competence they have begun honing in the past, they now serve with even more confidence and dedication. 

“I feel relief from the pains I have been enduring for a long time…”  This is one of the comments heard from one of the new guests who have come to the newly built clinic five months ago.  This is a joyful healing experience of both body and soul for the suffering person.  The number of guests seeking natural, indigenous treatment has increased by 50% last year.  Thanks to “Conferenza Episcopale Italiana” (Catholic Bishops of Italy)’ for its assistance in the training in herbal medicine processing, improvement of developing herbal medicine garden,  and contribution to its treatment clinic. Thanks to the Camillian Fathers through Fr. Marcelo Pamintuan, who approved this project.

The Church of Italy has helped improve the people’s capacity and quality of life.  The health volunteers claimed that they have improved in many ways, including what they are able to share in the trainings they conduct led by the undersigned. The people being served in the center are happy to find indigenous treatment and herbal medicine available as prevention and as food supplement/medicine in the area. The CBHCP sought assistance for equipment needed in the modernization of the herbal processing from the Department of Science and Technology.  Moreover, it is seeking help for a structure that can function as laboratory where the equipment can be placed. This assures additional production to meet the people’s increasing needs.  Clinicians and the clinic itself will undergo a process of certification by the Philippine Institute of Alternative Health Care (PHITAHC).

JUSTICE AND FREEDOM TO THE MORONG 43

The 43 health workers (known as the Morong 43) conducting trainings in health care were arrested by the elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on February 6, 2010 in Morong, Rizal by virtue of a dubious search warrant against a certain Mario Condes who has never been found. These volunteer health workers opted to spend  their time to reach out to the poor sick in far-flung barrios.

Carina Judilyn Oliveros, one of the 43 detained health workers, gave birth to her first baby on July 22, 2010 at the Philippine General Hospital. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for babies up to six months. It is inhumane for the court to order a nursing mother to go back to prison with her newborn child. The actual condition of the detention is not a conducive place for such a care.

The Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed their worries about the continued detention of the 43 health workers in these words: “We are deeply worried about the wellbeing of the health workers in Camp Capinpin. We share the sentiments of other human rights groups that the presence of the detainees in a military camp makes them vulnerable to further abuses, psychological tortures, threats, and intimidation. Sustained exposure to psychosomatic strains may eventually break the fortitude and resistance of the Morong 43 into admitting under duress the accusations made against them.” (April 8, 2010).

The Asia-Pacific Secretariat on Ministry and the Commission on Justice and Solidarity in the World of Health (CJSWH) of the Ministers of the Infirm during its annual joint-meeting on July 31, 2010 in Taiwan expressed their deep concern on the impact of this arrest on the extension of health services by community health volunteers to the distant barrios.  Some of the activities of the Camillians in the Philippines in the hinterlands of Rizal were hampered due to this arrest. What will happen to the community-based health practice as a constant invitation for our young doctors and medical students? What will happen to the poor sick in the rural areas, who have not seen a doctor for the rest of their lives?

Health care services in the Philippines are concentrated in the cities. The basic right to have equal access to health care services remains a major justice agenda in the healthcare world. The poor sick people are left to die without the benefit of the health services of the nation. Thus, the marginalized poor in rural areas suffer the consequence of the said illegal arrest and harassment.

We, the members of the Asia-Pacific Secretariat on Ministry and the Commission on Justice and Solidarity in the Healthcare World (CJSWH) of the Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians) are urging his Excellency Benigno Aquino to a just and speedy trial of the case of the Morong 43 and the immediate release of Carina Judilyn Oliveros and her baby for humanitarian reason.

Signed:

(Sgd.) Fr. Paolo Guarise, MI
Consultor-General Ministry   

(Sgd.) Fr. Aristelo Miranda, MI
CJSWH Coordinator – Asian Region    

(Sgd.) Fr. Charly Ricafort, MI
CJSWH - Philippines

(The following talk was given by Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI at the 25th Foundation Anniversary celebration of St. Camillus College Seminary in Marikina City on September 25, 2010.)

SCCS: 25 years of existence

“Ang hindi marunong lumingon sa pinanggalingan ay hindi makararating sa paroroonan.” (He who does not look back at where he came from will never reach his destination.)

This is a famous Filipino dictum that we use to say to highlight the importance of gratitude to a person, to an organization or institution and most especially to God who shaped our personality, our being and helped us realize our dream.

As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of  St. Camillus College Seminary,  the Alma Mater  of many of us here or at least have been part of this institution, we cannot but express our gratitude to those who have been part of our life to be who we are  and what we have now.  Our utmost indebtedness goes to the past and present Seminary Fathers, Professors, Staff and Personnel who patiently journeyed with us to bring out the best in us and helped harnessed our giftedness.

As we look back after Twenty Five Years of existence of this College Seminary, we can say that we were able to attain our main goal of forming youngmen who value knowledge, love and service.  We were able to produce men of the cloth that we can be proud of and professionals that are imbued with Christian values.  They are the great contribution of this College Seminary to the Local Church and to the society.

The 25th Anniversary Celebration of this institution brings us also to the new chapter of its existence. What this institution could offer in these coming years is what we have to look forward.  But that depends very much on the commitment and love of those who will be in this institution, namely: formators and lay collaborators, and the kind of formands that we will have now and in the future.  Surely, the formation ministry is getting more and more challenging and therefore we need more dedicated, committed and loving formators. Not forgetting to mention - well prepared formators, that is, not only technically prepared but most especially convinced and well integrated religious. Furthermore, the journeying with the formands would demand our constant presence and personalized approach.The personal witnessing of formators would always count most.

If in these past Twenty Five Years the Lord Jesus made his presence and guidance be experienced by those who were and are in this institution, I personally believe that He will continue His ever abiding presence in this very special ministry. Let the word of Jesus to Camillus in times of difficulties then be our constant inspiration, “It’s not your work but mine, go on.”

"How do you feel?"; "I am here for you."

They sit beside the sick, listen to their stories. They hold the hand of those who are in need and pray for them. They cook hot meals for those who are in plagues of disease, hunger and malnutrition. They touch lives with their smiles and warm comfort. These are just some of the laity’s great contribution to the Church of the sick.

Indeed, “the Church is not fully established and does not fully live, nor is a perfect sign of Christ unless there is a genuine laity existing and working… by reason of their special vocation.” Our lay collaborators, a deep reflection of the first five zealous companions of Camillus, have a vocation that leads to a service- diaconate. Simple as it may seem, their action approaches the very ministry of Christ. It is purely for the love of God that Camillus together with Profeta, dell’ Aquila, Norcino, Sauri and Altobelli, started to pray together, give courage to each other, and serve the sick with a heart of a tender mother.

It is purely gifts from God that lay who are involved in serving the sick glorifies God in the human body which they care and serve. Christ identified Himself with the sick as a unique object of love. The love offered to those who suffer is a prolongation, even in the very place of suffering, of the liturgy in which Christ continues to offer to the Father His sacrifice together with those who suffer united with Him and continues to offer His life so that all members of His Body may live in fullness.

Camillus gave us five humble exemplars of Good Samaritans of today. Through our lay partners in the world of suffering and health, may the first five be twenty five to five thousand and five to five million five hundred thousand and more.