DMC perks up with Christmas happenings

It’s December once again, the month of the most awaited season when we celebrate the coming of our Savior who calls us to experience and share the joy of serving Him. The Chaplain of the Divine Healer Chapel, Fr. Tex V. Buntol, MI, together with the Chapel of the Divine Healer Choir (DHC), lay ministers and some chapel volunteers, celebrated the happy season at Davao Medical Center with a series of wonderful events.

The Advent Recollection for the hospital personnel on Dec. 3 was the first event. Many Lay Camillian Family (LCF) members attended the recollection facilitated by Fr. Arnel Garcia of the Diocese of Tagum.

On December 5, Fr. Tex celebrated his 10th Ordination Anniversary. He celebrated his Thanksgiving Mass as “Misa-Cantada” with the impressive voices of the chapel choir. It was attended by friends, “kababayans” and some LCF members. A get-together dinner was prepared for him by DHC in the Camillian residence. It was a momentous event, having Fr. Tex, who gratefully celebrated his 10th anniversary with us.

From Dec. 16 to 24, the chapel choir, lay ministers and some chapel volunteers actively and devotedly assisted the chaplain in the preparation and celebration of the “Misa de Gallo” (Dawn Mass) at 5:00 AM at the Chapel of the Divine Healer. The celebration was well-attended by DMC employees, patients and their watchers, residents in the neighborhood, and employees of nearby offices.   Mass-goers jam-packed even the hospital lobby. They were definitely grateful to the Camillian Fathers, Fr. Bong, Fr. Angel, Fr. Rodel, and to Fr. Rene Retardo of St. Francis Major Seminary, who alternated with Fr. Tex in presiding at the nine dawn masses.

On Dec. 24, Fr. Tex and the chapel choir members assisted the “Tita Cares Foundation” in the distribution of Christmas goodies to the patients in the different wards. The choir sang Christmas carols that somehow alleviated the pain of some depressed patients, if not totally, at least for a while.

In the evening, just before the Nativity Mass started, the choir sang Christmas carols to the mass-goers. Fr. Tex presided at the Mass, with Fr. Bong and Fr. Angel (homilist) concelebrating.  For the DMC community – the administrators, hospital employees and their families, and DMC neighbors – having the Camillian priests concelebrating at the Mass was a great joy.  After the Mass, the community proceeded to the chaplaincy office where they feasted on a delightful “noche-buena” or Christmas meal. Everyone joyfully felt and shared the Christmas spirit.

The activity of spreading Christmas joy continued on the 25th. Some DHC members together with Fr. Tex gave pairs of slippers to some natives along the streets of Barangay Buhangin.  They felt happy seeing the joyful faces of the natives who usually take shelter at the gymnasium every Christmas.

There was also a Christmas gathering of the Chapel of the Divine Healer community at the Healing Garden of DMC on Dec. 26. Parents of the choir, lay ministers and chapel volunteers graced the event. The choir entertained their guests with songs, dances and parlor games.  Fr. Tex also played “Santa Claus” as he gave presents to everyone.

We really treasure the celebration of the Christmas season and hope to keep in mind that Christmas need not be only in December but every day. May we be “Santa Claus” in our simple ways, sharing our God given talents, treasure and time with everyone especially the sick and the needy.  After all, Christmas can be a daily celebration of giving one’s life to others.  To God be the glory!