For the second time, the four day Pastoral Training on HIV-AIDS was held at St. Camillus Pastoral Healthcare Center last April 16 to 19. Those who attended were mostly religious from different congregations like the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm, Religious of the Good Shepherd, Sisters of the Ministers of the Infirm, Order of Friars Minor, Alagad ni Maria, and the Order of Pious Schools. Among the facilitators and speakers of the training seminar were participants of the first training seminar held last March 22 – 26.

Our own Camillian scholastics were highly involved in the seminar.  Bro. Dan gave a talk about the magnitude of HIV-AIDS, the methods of viral transmission and ways of prevention, while   Bro. John Jay discussed the different kinds of testing for HIV-AIDS.  Bro. Eric facilitated the session in which the participants analyzed and reflected on the root causes of the HIV-AIDS pandemic.

During the last session on the second day, the participants experienced the feeling of how it is to have HIV-AIDS through a simulation exercise called “Wildfire”. On the third day, the participants had the privilege of a close encounter with people living with HIV-AIDS.  On the same day Fr. Evan MI talked about “experiencing loss” and bereavement. This day closed with a candle light memorial and prayer for people living with HIV-AIDS who have passed away.

On the last day of the seminar the participants grouped themselves according to their congregations and formulated their respective action plans so that they can share with others what they have learned. The training course ended with a Eucharistic celebration at which Fr. Ivo Anselmi, MI presided.