We usually leave St. Camillus Scholasticate in Loyola Heights every Saturday at 4PM bound for Boso-Boso. My brother and I enjoy the trip to the mountains of Antipolo. We like riding the fast and furious jeepneys of Cogeo or Padilla that emit ear-busting sounds. Then we get off at Gate 2 and take another jeepney bound for Boso-Boso, usually filled with people carrying supplies they have bought in the market. When we reach the “kanto” (corner) we notice that all the tricycle drivers are wearing their jackets…. At this point we begin to feel the cool breeze in the mountains of Boso-Boso. But amidst the cool weather, the community of Nuestra Señora dela Anunciata Parish burns with zeal as they prepare for the Christmas season.

ZEAL for VOCATION

The Parish through its foundation is supporting three seminarians: Edmel Reodique and Paolo Barbacias who entered the Diocese of Antipolo Minor Seminary, and Jeremy Capacio who entered the St. Camillus College Seminary. All three seminarians are genuinely children of the Anunciata parish. Their vocation was nurtured by their continuous involvement in parish work serving as altar boys. Every now and then they go home and help in parish works and even share what they have learned with younger children. With the help of generous people, the three seminarians are supported by the foundation of the parish. The foundation still welcomes donations to sustain the three young seminarians as they pursue their studies. Let us continue praying for them.

ZEAL for FOOD on the TABLE

With the financial crisis around the world and the mid year rice shortage here in the Philippines, the Parish extended its reach all the way to the dining table of each family in the parish. The parish became the distribution center of the NFA (National Food Authority) rice. May Obal, who coordinated the distribution, usually received 40 sacks to be distributed to the parish chapels and sold at a very low price. In July 2008, this activity became a springboard for fostering oneness and charity among the people of Anunciata.  It addressed not only the basic need for food of the families but also helped enhance their family gatherings and values. Truly, out of small things big things can happen.

ZEAL for CAMILLIAN PRESENCE in the PARISH

The Camillian community health care volunteers (CHV) are slowly but steadily advancing the process of implementing health programs in the Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of the parish. They are moving towards a community where both health and spiritual life are given importance. Indeed, the Camillian spirit can be felt even in far-flung areas of the parish. Through the efforts of Fr. Meng Barawid, the Parish Pastoral Council, and the Camillian CHV, the formation of more Camillian CHVs are ongoing in the different chapels of the parish. Some of the chapel coordinators are now involved in follow-up and in the visitation of sick persons in their respective areas. To reinforce this fusion of health programs in BEC’s , the second year college seminarians who are taking Basic Health Care were deployed in San Jose last Nov. 22 to conduct a Community Health Diagnosis/Survey. The result of the survey will be used by the parish in developing health programs for the area.

At the same time the survey served as a formative activity for our Camillian seminarians.  It put them in touch with the grassroots.  Asked what they can say about their experience, they said:

More echoes from the mountains of Boso-boso next year