Despedidas

Two of the brothers who are in pastoral year enjoyed their last moments with us through separate simple farewell celebrations before they left our community for their assignments. On the eve of June 25, Sch. Placido de Jose was sent to the ‘hot seat’ to hear the warm messages of the members of the community. Wishes, hopes, prayers and even warnings were their ‘pabaon’. The day after, he left for Calbayog.

On July 1, another member bade goodbye. Sch. Avensius Harung, and the freshly ordained Rev. Alfons Oles shared their enthusiasm and even anxiety as they embarked on their mission in Indonesia. Good thing Fr. Luigi was there to remind us that God’s providence would go ahead of them.

To Cido and Benny, the community is with you in prayer! We will miss your presence here, brothers!

Recall-ection

On July 11, the scholastics found time to pause for a while. Our mealtimes were filled with silence and everyone was in a meditative mood. It was recollection day. Fr. Evan replaced the recollection master who was down with flu (not the AH1N1 variety). He refreshed us with input about the vocation and life of our Founder, citing the centrality of love and charity in him which was reflected in our Constitution as a preparation for his feast day. The morning overflowed with serious reflection and intimate sharing. In the afternoon, we had a dialogue with the Provincial, Fr. Ivo. The day culminated with the Holy Eucharist creatively integrated with the signing of the Commitment Contract.  Kuya Rolly and Ate Beth Buencamino were the star witnesses.

Feast Day

The community put a twist in celebrating the Feast of St. Camillus. Instead of merrymaking, we went to the National Kidney Transplant Institute. At 12 noon, we celebrated the mass with the patients and the hospital staff.  After the mass, a sumptuous meal was served sponsored by the pastoral staff of NKTI.  At 1:30 pm, we were all ready and eager to spread the spirit of Camillus in the hospital. We were divided into two groups; one went to Lung Center and the other to NKTI.  The whole afternoon was spent for patient visitation.

Instead of tiring ourselves practicing songs and dances for presentations, we poured our energies in lifting up the patients to Christ in prayer! Nonetheless, in the evening we went out for “community bonding”.