Equipped with an e-pass (that’s with all humility, folks!), our XKL 346 plate numbered-vehicle hit the skyway, then the South Luzon Express (SLEX) way. Since traffic jams were really inevitable, after four hours, we finally reached our destination – the City (or Siete ba, Fr. Boy?) of Seven Lakes. That’s Laguna’s San Pablo City.
Three city health officers in red shirts welcomed us and led us to the venue. Part I of their program then started. We were the most important guests in this part(!).
Lyrics were projected on the screen, the guitar strummed, the beatbox thumped, the people sang. The Holy Eucharist began. Fr. Evan was the presider while we, the Scholastics, were the lead singers. It was a meaningful celebration.
One fine lady (identity withheld) stood at the lectern. She was the most important guest in Part II.
She related her story before the crowd of students, sex workers, gays, government employees, public officials, support groups and advocates, and Camillians. She is a person living with AIDS.
“I don’t need you to pity me. It’s your awareness, understanding and support that matter,” she highly emphasized as she shared information about the facts of HIV/AIDS and the experience they, people living with the illness, have. She is a brave woman.
With a prayerful atmosphere, we all lighted a candle in memory of those persons who died of AIDS and in solidarity with those who are still alive and struggling with HIV/AIDS. It was Part III and the highlight of the program tagged as “Candle Light Memorial for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS”.
The San Pablo City Health Office and other support groups and agencies organized the activity. Aside from Fr. Evan, the Camillians who attended the celebration were Fr. Boy, Isko Dan, Nonoy, Cido, Ito, Caloy, Cado, Celoy, Alfons and Kuyon. Dra. Steph Balawing of the Lung Center of the Philippines also joined the group.
That day, May 9, 2008, inspired us, Ministers of the Infirm, to light more candles in our hearts.
