Holy Week in DMC

The Chapel of the Divine Healer of Davao Medical Center meaningfully celebrated the Holy Week. The Chaplaincy Office spearheaded the various activities. The Divine Healer Choir, Lay Camillian Family, Lay Ministers, Miraculous Medal community and some chapel volunteers showed their support in the different religious activities during the weeklong celebration.

Palm Sunday opened the Holy Week celebration.  There were two schedules of Masses and blessing of palms.

The Chrism Mass was held in San Pedro Cathedral at 7:30am. It was officiated by the Archbishop of Davao, Most Rev. Msgr. Fernando Capalla, D.D. The diocesan clergy of Davao and the different religious priests with communities in Davao City participated in the celebration.  Fr. Tex represented the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm.

The Mass of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday) started at 5:00pm.  There was also the reenactment of the washing of the feet which served as a reminder for all of us to serve one another in love, as the Lord has commanded us to do. After the Holy Mass, the chaplain hosted a dinner at the chaplaincy office for the apostles, chapel choir and some chapel volunteers.

The Adoration at the Altar of Repose followed after the Eucharistic celebration. The altar, which was the fruit of Fr. Tex’s reflective imagination, was so nicely prepared that one didn’t tire meditating there for hours. The exposition lasted until 12:00 midnight.  Pilgrims and devotees spent quiet moments inside the chapel.

The Stations of the Cross around DMC compound started at 3:00 pm.  The veneration of the Cross followed soon after.  This was led by Fr. Tex.  Despite the very unpredictable weather, a good number of devotees participated.

The Easter Vigil Mass began at 7:00 pm with the blessing of  fire at the hospital main entrance. Fr. Tex sang the Exultet (to our delight) and shared his inspiring Easter reflection.

On Easter Sunday, after the second Mass, Easter eggs were given to the patients in the different wards, some bantays and hospital workers, while the Divine Healer Choir together with some chapel volunteers cheerfully sang during the distribution. We thank those who generously donated cash and eggs and helped in painting the eggs.  That made the celebration more meaningful and jubilant. Lunch followed at the chaplaincy office hosted by the chaplain as thanksgiving for a meaningful and successful celebration.

To God always be the glory!

Mother’s Day Special

The Chapel of the Divine Healer celebrated Mothers’ Day (May 10, 2009) in a very special way.  After communion, Fr. Tex read a special prayer for mothers and then blessed all the mothers present.  The Divine Healer Choir greeted the mothers with their special song, Salamat sa’yo Ina, while giving roses and greeting cards to those present during the Mass.

It is through the inspiration of the chaplain with the assistance of the chapel choir that the tribute was given to all mothers who show and give their best for their children and family.

“How hard it is to find a capable (mother) wife! She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do. She is a hard worker, strong and industrious. She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night. Her children show appreciation, and her husband praises her.” -Proverbs-         

Happy Mothers’ Day to all moms!