PBB: Paskong Buhay at Banal at DMC

December was a busy month for CF Davao. The CF members engaged in various activities to celebrate the Yuletide season. The Christmas Committee, composed mostly of CF members headed by CF Romie Obillo, organized key events to make the season fulfilling even with the passing of the late Dr. Cunanan.  The events were toned down with due respect to the family of the late Chief of hospital. Yet it was still celebrated with much enthusiasm because most of the activities were done for the spiritual growth of DMC personnel and for our sick brothers and sisters!

The festive celebration with the theme, “PBB: Paskong Buhay at Banal-DMC Edition” was highlighted by a Christmas Bazaar from Dec. 5 to 21. Various stalls were built with the entrepreneurs displaying a wide range of commodities from tiny knick knacks, foodstuff, to the ever popular “ukay-ukay” items. The prices were very affordable and the proceeds were used for the benefit of our poor hospital patients and their watchers.

The hospital employees and CF members had the chance to go into deep reflection for better self-knowledge (in preparation for the coming of Jesus) in an advent recollection last Dec. 13 at the Mahogany Room of DMC. Our very own chaplain, Fr. Tex Buntol, spearheaded the activity.  He shared his personal thoughts on self awareness and on tackling one’s experiences. Some CF members served as facilitators. More than 100 participants joined the recollection. Fr. Bong was invited to give a talk. He gave justice to its theme, “Paskong Buhay at Banal”. He shared his thoughts on how to be “holy” this Christmas season. The recollection ended with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and all of us were filled spiritually.

The Christmas Steering Committee formally opened the festivities by sponsoring the Monday’s flag ceremony on Dec. 17.  During a simple program, the multi-talented Fr. Tex and some CF members did the papaya dance. For more exciting scenes from this event please log on to www.youtube.com (CF Papaya Dance).

And what is Christmas without the Misa de Gallo?  The different divisions of the hospital took turns in sponsoring the nine dawn Masses.  Yes, the attendance in those Masses more than doubled that of Sunday Masses. They couldn’t miss the singing voice of Fr. Tex who held a Misa Cantada for nine consecutive days! It added to the excitement as all of us awaited the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Perhaps the most significant and concrete picture of the real meaning of sharing and gift giving was the “Tsinelas at Mansanas Para sa Pasko.” Kind hearted individuals shared a little of what they had to give apples and slippers to the lonely patients at the Davao Mental Hospital last Dec. 21. The CF visited the patients all over the hospital wards, and the Chapel of the Divine Healer Youth Choir with the mentorship of Fr. Tex (who played Santa) sang carols as they distributed apples. On Dec. 22, the more than 400 patients of the Hospital were treated to a meal of adobo, pansit and apples, which were distributed by some CF members, students from the Ateneo de Davao University and the CDH Choir. After the meal they each received a pair of slippers.

Thanks to all those who donated the almost thousand pairs of slippers.  These were given not only to our patients but also to our poor brothers and sisters in Mati. This random and little act of kindness is the real essence of Christmas. It is not just opening and receiving expensive gifts or feasting on bountiful platters of Christmas delicacies.  The reason why there is Christmas after all is to commemorate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lay Camillian Family’s First National Assembly

The Camillian Family of Davao, Inc. was recently registered as a non-profit organization at the Securities and Exchange Commission.  It will host the first Lay Camillian Family National Convention on Feb. 22-24, 2008 in Davao City.  According to CF Spiritual Director, Fr. Bong Pamintuan, delegates from Calbayog and Pangasinan will be attending the assembly, which has the theme “LCF: United in the Service of the Sick.” The CF Davao is now busy preparing for this momentous event.  Fr. Bong, in his initial talks with the Regional Director of Regional Health Office XI, Ms. Paulyn Jean Rosel-Ubial, brought up the possibility of having her as the convention guest speaker to discuss the health situation in the Philippines.

To all Lay Camillian Family members all throughout the Philippines – good luck and see you soon here in Davao City.  We will do our very best to make this historic event a fruitful source of inspiration for us as we continue to serve our sick brothers and sisters.