A Tribute for Mama Mary

The Chapel of the Divine Healer of Davao Medical Center joined the entire Catholic Church in honoring Mama Mary on her birthday. Last September 8, the chapel overflowed with mass-goers who came to honor Mama Mary. The Holy Mass was celebrated with much devotion. The inspiring homily of our hospital chaplain, Fr. Tex V. Buntol, M.I. and  the misa-cantada animated by the Divine Healer Choir and Banal Na Pag-aaral singing ministry  made the celebration a wonderful gathering of believers. After the final blessing, the community prayerfully offered roses to Mama Mary, the Great Woman of faith, as their expression of love and gratitude while the choir solemnly sang Marian songs. “It was my first time to witness such a lovely celebration, with devotees lining up to offer flowers to Mama Mary,” commented a lay minister.

In connection with the celebration, the chaplain initiated a fund drive for the benefit of children with cancer.  The fund-raising campaign was meant to be a birthday gift to Mama Mary and was done through a second collection a few days before September 8.  Fr. Tex felt so overwhelmed and thankful for the outpouring of generous responses from many generous mass-goers and bighearted individuals. He was simply so amazed at the work of the spirit and God’s bounty.

He also conveyed his gratitude to the Banal na Pag-aaral community and the Miraculous Medal Community who sponsored the Holy Mass and prepared the altar with the assistance of the chapel volunteers.

Sharing Hope at the House of Hope

Last September 13, 2009 the Chaplaincy office spearheaded an outreach activity for the children with cancer temporary sheltered at the House of Hope.

The House of Hope, a project of RC Waling Waling Davao and Davao Children’s Cancer Fund, Inc., is a transient home for children with cancer situated within the Davao Medical Center (DMC) compound. The existence of this shelter reduced treatment abandonment and provided the children with a clean and healing environment. It is currently managed by Dr. Mae Concepcion J. Dolendo, a Pedia Oncologist of DMC.

Some theologian-seminarians from St. Francis Major Seminary, who do their apostolate in DMC every Sunday, together with the Divine Healer Choir and some chapel volunteers joined Fr. Tex in making the day a joyful one not only for the children but for every one present.  Happiness was evident on the faces of the children and their parents, who somehow forgot their pain even for a while. Lunch was served for everyone at the home and in the wards.  Toys and coloring books were also distributed to the children.

It was really a great experience for everybody.  Everyone felt highly-spirited and thankful for the rare opportunity to be with the poor sick.

Special Celebration for Special Children

The Maharlika Special Children’s Rehabilitation Center in Davao City, a specialized unit of Maharlika Charity Foundation, Inc., organized a weeklong activity to observe the 9th National Cerebral Palsy Awareness and Protection Week mandated by Pres. Arroyo under Proclamation number 588. One of the goals of the rehabilitation program–which was the focus of the celebration–is to improve the children’s social skills in order to promote their quality of life.

On Sept.16, 2009 at 9:00 am, a Mass for the Sick was celebrated at the Divine Healer Chapel at DMC to begin the weeklong observance. It was presided over by Rev. Fr. Tex V. Buntol, MI and animated by the chapel choir. Parents and guardians of the special children, together with volunteers and staff of MSCRC and even those of different faiths joined the Eucharist. The innocent smiles of the special children radiated on their faces as they brought gifts to the altar during the offertory.

Truly, the Mass, which was a misa cantada was celebrated with joy and passion. Some parents and guardians cried as they listened to Fr. Tex’s homily and to the special prayer for the sick he recited after communion. The Rehab Directress said that her eyes were opened and she was reminded again to serve the needy untiringly especially the differently-abled. Another staff member remarked that it was the most beautiful Eucharistic celebration she had ever attended. Indeed, many felt greatly blessed during the celebration and were very thankful to Fr. Tex who allowed himself to be God’s channel of love and healing and who accepted the request to preside at the Mass without any hesitation.

To all persons behind the success of the celebration, thank you.