Christmas Spirit in Baguio

“This time it's for real; it's Christmas,” not just because of the cold weather nor of the ‘ber’ month but because it’s Christmas Day!

Most of us, coming from the lowland, were so excited to experience Christmas here in the coolest place of the country. It was like Europe, as Baguio shares the same coldness of that icy land.

However the preparation that we had in our community was far excellent; from brainstorming up to actual décor. After several discussions and placing everything into its place, the novitiate house became a work of art.

Divine Healer Choir Turns 3

Every second Sunday of November, Divine Healer Choir celebrates their Founding Anniversary. Last November 14, 2010 they turned three. This group of students and young professionals has served the Chapel of the Divine Healer of Southern Philippines Medical Center by animating Sunday Masses.  They also assist the chaplaincy in some chapel activities.

A Thanksgiving Mass was presided over by Fr. Domingo “Meng” S. Barawid, MI and the SPMC Head Chaplain. Afterwards, the group proceeded to the beach for a simple get-together with Fr. Meng and chapel volunteers.

The Divine Healer Choir started with a simple purpose which is to make the Eucharist in the chapel a truly God-experience for everyone.  To the Divine Healer Choir… carry on! Always remember what Fr. Tex said: “We are not experts in singing, but if our effort in singing is to touch the lives of people and to glorify God’s name, then we are the best singers in the eyes of God. God listens more to the voice of our hearts than the voice that comes from our lips.”

To God always be the praise and glory!

DECEMBER 1, 2010— Lighting of Christmas Tree

DECEMBER 8, 2010—Birthday of Fr. Antonio Didoné, MI

DECEMBER 9, 2010— TV debate on the value of life among Catholics, Buddhists and Protestants

On November 27, 2010, the Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, two Camillians of the Philippine Province Fr. Placido B. de Jose, MI and Fr. Brian Vincent Q. Rances were ordained to the Order of Presbyters by the Bishop of San Jose de Antique, Most Rev. Raul Q. Martirez, DD,  at the Church of St. Camillus de Lellis and St. Lorenzo Ruiz in Quezon City.

Both newly ordained priests are currently doing their ministry in four hospitals -- East Avenue Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, and Lung Center of the Philippines.

The First Medical Camp and Shelter Distribution

December 8, 2010.  Today I wore my Camillian habit.  The red cross captured attention and surely many wondered what it could mean... It was a way of silent witnessing. Slowly but gradually, so many people including religious congregations are learning about our Order. Wherever, I go, I bring with me vocation promotion materials such as stampitas, prayer for the sick and 2011 Camillian Calendars.

With the help and collaboration of many people, we started our ministry of healing by conducting a medical camp in Khanpur, Kotri. We started at 9:45am in a town where people are living in tents, homeless. The children run without warm clothes, socks and shoes. Some are sick while others are getting sick because of the cold weather.

A good number of patients were children and women, mostly old. At the end of the medical camp, 296 patients benefited from this activity. Most of them complained about the quality of the medicines and the attention given to them. But not today as everyone was happy with the medicines given to them. They appreciated our presence and healing ministry even though all of them were Muslims.

Aside from the doctor and nurses, we had some local volunteers and organizers who generously shared their time. The medical camp was closed at about 4:00pm.

Simultaneously, in a different location, we also started the distribution of the roofing materials to 26 families. The activity took place in the convent of the Franciscan Missionaries of Christ the King. The sisters were very supportive.

When Christmas comes around, you would always hear the acronym SMP, which refers to Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko (means single this Christmas). However, a different kind of coldness besets me. Here’s my story.

I went to SM shopping mall one day and was greeted by a big image of Santa beside a pile of gifts. I was actually looking for a Belen somewhere but found none. This is part of the reason why I sometimes feel like Christmas is turning into “Clausmas.” There’s nothing wrong in gift-giving.  It’s just that sometimes it is the material things that become the focus instead of the celebration.  I sometimes find myself smiling at the fact that even in the novitiate Santa Claus and gifts are the ones to greet you at the door. (hehehe)