SAN JOSE, ANTIPOLO CITY — As the cool breeze swept across my face while riding a tricycle from the kanto (corner) of Boso-Boso to the Anunciata Parish, I noticed that I was back in this memorable place where most Camillians grew in depth in their ministry and formation. I saw that everything was the same in the place: there’s the basketball court but with a protecting roof now, the usual banana cue and turon of Ate Ruby and Kuya Deming, children playing along the pavement leading to the church, and the old canal with flowing water along the road to our mission house. But with all these memorable familiar sights that remind us of our cherished experiences here, many things have also changed and many events have happened.

“ANO ANG TB?”(What is tuberculosis?”)—CHV on the move

The Camillian Community Healthcare Volunteers (CHVs) are back in action. They are now pursuing a more vigilant and vigorous campaign against disease prevention. For the past two months, they have been going to different “chapels” of the parish (remote areas where small chapels are located) giving lectures to members of the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) on the health situation of tuberculosis in the area. With Fr. Meng Barawid, MI, Sch. Ignas Sibar and Sch. Dan Cancino, the CHVs are reaching far flung areas like Upper Kilingan, San Joseph, and Binayoyo. They have incorporated health promotion and disease prevention and control programs in the BECs of the parish. As of now, the CHVs are busy following-up many TB patients in the area and forming the “SAGIP BAGA” Program of the parish.

Indeed, our very own CHVs are still full of zeal and enthusiasm even though they have gained years and some of them are experiencing pains and difficulties in climbing mountains. The fire of service to the sick still inflames them.

“ANO ANG AA?” (“What is the AA?”)—Anunciata Academy!

For several months now, Kuya Fr. Meng Barawid, has been conducting a formation program for the youth who serve in the parish. Every Sunday afternoon they gather in the academy center of the parish to learn and imbibe relevant information about the church and church rites. The formation program also includes the inculcation of gospel values needed to lead other youth in the parish. Our prayers for our future church leaders.

OUR LADY OF GOOD VOYAGE  VISITS ANUNCIATA

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Diocese of Antipolo, Our Lady of Good Voyage (Our Lady of Antipolo) is ‘visiting’ the different parishes of the diocese. Last November 13, 2008, Our Lady of Antipolo visited the people of the Anunciata Parish. Coming from the St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Brgy. Inarawan, Antipolo, the children of Anunciata Parish brought the image to the church, where Fr. Gabby Garcia, MI presided over the mass on the first of the four-day visit.  The deep devotion of the Boso-boso parishioners to Our Lady of Antipolo was expressed in their untiring vigil sessions and prayers until the image left the parish last November 16, bound for the Parish in Baras, Rizal.

More highlights from the highlands next time!