1

Easter People By Fr. Gabriel V. Garcia, MI

ent and Easter are the most solemn of all liturgical seasons in the Church. We celebrate the most solemn feasts of our faith. We proclaim once more to the world that even though Jesus died, He is now alive and risen! Easter means Christ has won. We are an Easter people! We know that in Christ we shall overcome. In Christ, we are victorious! In Christ, no power in this world can prevail over us. Through the power of the Risen Christ, Love, Truth, and Justice will prevail.

We live in a time and in a world where signs of despairs abound. We need to recover the power of Easter so that transformed by His power we can share it with a humanity and a world in search of hope. We are an Easter People, our Christian vocation is to be messenger of Hope. Our life is marked by fragmentation, exclusion, violence, and destruction in families, neighbor-hoods, the Filipino Nation, and the whole world. The Easter event gives us new lease on commu-nity life. We hope that as an Easter People we can share the light of Easter to dispel the dark-ness of alienation that has covered the world. May the power of the Risen Lord always bring light and hope to our lives, alleluia!

2

shepherd’s care Provincial’s Corner By Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI

he mystery of Easter is this: that Jesus is truly alive! The Lord Jesus has been raised! It is true! He has appeared to the apostles (Lk 24:34). And we believed in this though we have not seen Him. And we are truly blest! For the Lord Jesus says, “Blest are they who have not seen me and have believed.” We have to rejoice and be thankful to the Lord Jesus for what He has done for us sinners, offering His life for us to be saved from the clutches of sin and death. Thus, through the Paschal Mystery – His passion, death, and resurrection – we have been given new life in Him. As redeemed people of God, we have no reason to live this new life in mediocrity but with lots of creativity and fi-delity to the very core of His teaching – LOVE. Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you” (Jn 15:12). This is a command-ment that needs to be incarnated in our life as Christians but most especially by us religious. This is the gift Jesus gives to all of us. If we received this gift, the same gift we have to share with one another without reserve. The resurrection of Jesus has to be celebrated with joy and grati-tude in our hearts. For this is the very foundation of our Christian faith. His triumph over sin and death is the very reason why we can go around proclaiming the good news of salvation in Jesus. Our mission then as ransomed people of God is to go to the

whole world and proclaim the good news to all creation (Mk 16:15). The challenge of Easter for us Camillians is to bring and share the liberating love of Jesus with His flock, especially to the needy and sick, to eventually help them not to lose hope for a better tomorrow. That by the suffering they are experien- cing Jesus is with them giving meaning to whatever they are undergoing. And this could become a reality to them if we make ourselves as Christ’s presence be-fore them; when we are able to concrete-ly manifest in our being with them the loving and caring presence of Jesus. May the peace and love of the Risen Lord Jesus be our inspiration in exercising our ministry in the Healthcare World. Happy Easter to all!

Th

e C

ha

lle

ng

e

3

echoes from the mountain By Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI

The Lay Camillian Family (LCF) of Mati together with the Pastoral Care Group of the St. Camillus Hospital of Mati con-tinued their formation last April 6-8, 2011. It was held every 4-5 p.m. at the hospital’s conference room.

To equip the participants with basic counseling skills necessary in the pastoral visitation to the sick was the main objective of the formation. Bro. Mushtaq Anjum, MI, the facilitator, took a big part in honing the skills of the groups. He shared heartwarming stories and factual information regarding how to be an effective counselor. He focused not only on the key points and methods to be observed by counselors but also filled the sessions with spiritual nuggets and humor.

“The approach of the formation was holistic. It helped me to know myself better. With that, I can confidently say that I can be an effective counselor,” Mojerenna B. Mian, an LCF member, said.

After the inputs, Emmylou B. Bakiao, LCF-Mati president, realized that, indeed, counseling is not merely giving pieces of advice. “It is listening and understanding the counselee; letting the person unload his/her feelings and problems, and

make him/her realize how to deal with it,” she said. By Mary Rose F. Canencia, RMT

The Catholic Bishops’ Confer-ence of the Philip-pines (CBCP) launched a special year for the Filipino Youth during the

start of the Sim-bang Gabi last December 16, 2010. The CBCP Episcopal Com-mission on Youth (ECY) un-der the guidance of the Most Rev.

Joel Z. Baylon, DD, Bishop of the Diocese

of Legaspi, stressed the need to work together “to

intensify awareness about the youth and their importance to the life and activity of the Church” and help them “find God in their lives and gen-erously answer His call to service and love.”

In response to this call, the Ñuestra Señora dela An-nunciata Parish in Boso-Boso, San Jose, Antipolo City held an overnight summer youth camp last April 16-17, 2011. The activity was made possible through the efforts

and collaboration between the parish and the Daughters of St. Paul (FSP), who chose to minister to the people of the parish during their two-week summer mission of doing house visitations, teaching catechism to the differ-ent chapels, and spearheading the youth camp.

“Kabataan: Make a Stand”, the theme of the youth camp posed the challenge to the young people from Boso-Boso to make their presence felt in making and building a better world. The youth camp was graced by more than eighty participants coming from Boso-Boso and from the different chapels of Kaysakat, Calawis, Greenview Ville, and San Antonio. An input about the mission of the youth in the Church was given by Bro. Ian Paul Impig, SSP, and was followed by the youth’s sharing of their experiences and realizations. They also show-cased their talents and giftedness in singing, dancing, and acting which thrilled, delighted, and awed everyone. The activity culminated with the Holy Eucharist presided over by their parish priest, Fr. Charly T. Ricafort, MI.

A million thanks to the help of the unsung heroes which made the activity successful. To all the “nanays” and “tatays” in the parish who supported and worked hard in preparing the snacks and meals of the young people that made them awake, alive, and energetic throughout the youth camp, Maraming Salamat po! To all the participants, thank you for coming and congratu-lations! And always remember to make a stand!

family affairs

“Make a Stand” By Sch. John Paul B. Alvarado, MI

LCF-Mati learns basic counseling skills

4

Give me 5S

Around 78 employees attended the 5S Orienta-tion Seminar at St. Camillus Hospital of Mati on March 1, 2011. It was a re-echo presentation by some employees who earlier finished the said course.

5S means Sort, Systematize, Sweep, Stand-ardize, and Self-discipline.

The 5S focuses primarily on housekeeping. A principle believed to help bring about quality service to the clients and to foster a better way of life for the employees, 5S would also help monitor the use of hospital equipment and enable the early detection of their defects and malfunctions.

Amylou M. Sebellino, RMT, of the laborato-ry department was chosen as head of the creat-ed 5S committee. Her members come from different departments.

Look who’s here

Rev. Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI, Provincial Superior of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm - Philippine Province, visited SCH-Mati on April 6-11, 2011. He was assisted by Fr. Angel V. Crisostomo, MI, hospital director.

As part of his pastoral visit, Fr. Rolly talked to the directors and section heads of the hospi-tal. He likewise met with Most Rev. Patricio H. Alo, DD, and Atty. Al L. Aquino, Bishop and legal counsel of the Diocese of Mati, respectively.

Once a year, once a week

Aware of their responsibilities to themselves and to God, the SHC-Mati employees went for a Lenten Recollection last April 8 and 9, 2011. Held at the Carmelite Monastery, everyone was led to reflect on themselves and spend time with Jesus. The ambience of the venue also

enabled them to feel the real essence of Lent and the presence of God.

With Rev. Fr. Dan C. Fuentes, Social Action Director of the Diocese of Mati and parish priest of Banay-Banay, as preacher, the recollection focused on personal introspection.

By the way, the hospital operations and services were never interrupted during the rec-ollection days since the employees were divid-ed into two batches through the coordination of the section heads with their respective offic-es.

Meanwhile, the employees were glad to have an opportunity to have a recollection at least once a year.

On the other hand, the hospital started a religious practice done not once a year but once a week. Initiated by Bro. Mushtaq Anjum, MI, the traditional Way of the Cross was made every Friday at 5 p.m. The participation in this religious devotion was not limited to the hospi-tal employees. It welcomed all the faithful inside and outside the hospital who wished to make themselves available for the Lord.

When ending is beginning

The Sportsfest 2011 of SCH-Mati ended with the last game played by all teams on April 6, 2011. Watchers cheered at the top of their voices as the different teams played to the best of their ability. The active participation of all the em-ployees made the event a successful undertak-ing.

When the games ended, agape began. The agape was made possible through the sharing of resources by all teams.

Winners of the Sportsfest were: White Team, over-all champion; Blue Team, second; , Red, Black, and Yellow Teams, third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.

The awarding of prizes took place on April 15, 2011 during the hospital’s Foundation Day.

The latest buzz at

St. Camillus Hospital

of Mati?

Let’s do the

counting

5

SCH-Mati turns 13, celebration a huge

success

ith the theme “Self-Discipline: A Way to Achieve Excellence in Healthcare Service,” the St. Camil-lus Hospital of Mati celebrated its 13th Founding Anniversary on April 15, 2011. It was also the launching of its 5S Program.

In the morning of that momentous day, a motorcade around the City of Mati com-menced the celebration. A short program held at the hospital ground followed after-wards.

Jocelyn L. Miranda, RPh, of the pharmacy department led the invocation while Fr. Angel V. Crisostomo, MI, hospital director, gave the opening remarks.

The new 5S Program of SCH-Mati was explained by Nida B. Acera, accounting head. She summed it up with the word MOP which means motivational, organized, peace of mind and stress-free. Imelda O. Custodio, administrator, on the other hand, congratulated the 5S committee for their initiative and efforts. She also thanked the administrative staff for their cooperation and participation in the hospital’s endeavors.

To energize the program, intermission numbers were rendered by the students from Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology and Mati Doctor’s Col-lege.

City Health Officer, Dr. Ben Hur B. Catbagan, shared a message explaining that the word “excellence” means doing ordinary and extra-ordinary things. He likewise claimed his sense of belonging with SCH-Mati as he recalled the time when he joined Fr. Dietmar Weber, MI, of the Camillians-German Province and a few other Camillian priests in planning and envisioning with Most Rev. Patricio H. Alo, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Mati, the establishment of a private hospital in this locality, which is now the St. Camillus Hospital of Mati.

On behalf of Davao Oriental governor Corazon N. Malanyaon, Engr. Ging-ging G. Rodriguez, her representative during the occasion, relayed the assurance of the province’s head that she was very much with everyone in the celebration.

A former nurse of the institution, Ester L. Ariesgado, RN, gave a message telling how she missed the fellowship among the SCH-Mati employees.

As they faithfully do year after year, the Lay Camillian Family of Davao joined in the celebration.

Balloons were released by the directors and section heads at the second part of the program.

The celebration continued in the afternoon highlighted by the celebration of the Eucharist with Bishop Alo as presider. “We are all one body; each one has a role to play and we are one in the ups and downs,“ he said in his homily. He also recounted Fr. Weber as highly instrumental in the establishment of the hospital, and Fr. Bong L. Pamintuan, MI, former hospital director, for his good personal relations skills with the people.

In closing the celebration, aside from extending his heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Alo who made himself available and graced the special occasion, Fr. Angel congratu-lated all the employees, directors, and section heads who generously contributed their knowledge and efforts to make the occasion a huge success.

Dinner followed the Eucharistic celebration, during which the winners of the Sportsfest 2011 were given their awards. Dr. Blesilda Cecilia N. Jaylo received the

most valuable player award in volleyball and badminton. By Olivia T. Jimeno

mati matters

6

Divine Healer Chaplaincy Southern Philippines Medical Center

Ash Wednesday Masses were celebrated at the Chapel of the Divine Healer in Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) and at San Pedro Hospital (SPH) Chapel. Imposi-tion of ashes on the patients, their watch-ers, and the hospital personnel on duty in the rooms and wards followed after the Masses. The Way of the Cross, joined by the staff, personnel, and watchers, was ob-served in the different areas and wards in the two hospitals every Friday during the Lenten season. The sacrament of reconcili-ation was also celebrated on regular sched-ules. Fr. Robert S. Chua, MI, Fr. Wilson D. Penaranda, MI, and Fr. Meng S. Barawid, MI, took turns in hearing confessions. Almsgiv-ing was facilitated and the collection was donated to the children with cancer in SPMC for their medication. For two days, half-day open recollections were held at the Chapel of the Divine Healer, facilitated by Fr. Albert L. Bernal, SSP. A good number of hospital staff, personnel, and other mass-goers participated in these sessions con-ducted by the Pauline priest.

On Palm Sunday, Holy Mass and Bless-ing of Palms were celebrated in SPMC pre-sided over by Fr. Meng and Fr. Wilson at 7 and 9 a.m., respectively. Little children, who acted as angels, led the singing and the procession to re-enact Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem.

The Chrism Mass was held at San Ped-ro Cathedral presided over by Most Rev. Fernando R. Capalla, DD, Archbishop of Davao. The Order of the Ministers of the Infirm was represented by Fr. Meng and Fr. Wilson, the head chaplains of SPMC and SPH, respectively. Fr. Nato D. Maliwat, MI, who was around for vocation promotion also attended the Chrism Mass and assisted at SPMC for confessions and the traditional celebration of the Easter Triduum.

The Mass of the Last Supper was held

at 4 p.m. on Holy Thursday. Six volunteers from the hospital staff and six from partner organizations of the chaplaincy ministry served as twelve apostles. On Good Friday, the Way of the Cross around the hospital compound started at 1 p.m. followed by the celebration of the Lord’s Passion and the Veneration of the Cross. Fr. Wilson and Fr. Nato assisted in the celebration. The Easter Vigil Mass started at 6 p.m. on Holy Saturday.

The traditional Salubong, a reenact-ment of the meaningful encounter be-tween Mama Mary and our Risen Lord was observed for the first time at SPMC upon the recommendation of the Chapel Com-mittee. The children who acted as angels on Palm Sunday and on the Salubong, and who led the singing, were children of some hospital staff and regular mass-goers at the Divine Healer Chapel.

The Salubong began at 4:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the patio of the hospital presided over by Fr. Meng. Another Holy Mass was celebrated at 9 a.m. presided over by Fr. Wilson. Easter eggs were also distributed to the patients in the different wards of SPMC. Fr. Meng said a prayer and after which the choir and oth-er volunteers distributed Easter eggs while singing Easter songs. The simple tokens symbolized the start of new life in Jesus Christ who conquered sin, suffering, and death to win for us everlasting life with God. The volunteer Lay Ministers distribut-ed Holy Communion to the sick as well.

After all has been, we still believe and always remember that God is more inter-ested in the contents of our hearts and of our witnessing to Him as the Risen Lord in our daily life than in the Lenten and Holy Week rituals.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Celebrating Christ’s Love for Us

By Helen Marie P. Mendoza

ent is observed with several religious practices that encourage the faithful to participate and reflect on the redemptive power of Jesus. The Chaplaincy Community of Davao City joined the entire Christian world in celebrating Christ’s Paschal Mystery.

healer’s voice

7

FEELING EMPLOYEES The third day of April was remarkable for the novices. It was the day we ended our Wednesday and Sunday apostolate at Notre Dame of Chartres Hospital and Saint Louis University Hospital of the Sacred Heart (SLU-HSH). We felt sad but the memories and experiences from these two hospitals will always be in our hearts and be part of our journey. We would like to thank the SPC Sisters and Ma’am Ma. Lourdes W. Jacinto, MHA, SLU-HSH hospital administrator, for their warm support which helped make our apostolate possible.

However, on the very next day, April 4, was also the beginning of our one month exposure in Pines City Doctors Hospital (PCDH). We were again introduced to the new kind of apostolate which was more corporeal and beneficial not only to the patients but also to those taking care of them. We were divided into three groups and were assigned in the Dietary, Housekeeping, and Linen-Laundry Departments for three weeks and in the Business Office and Medical Records for the succeeding weeks. In following the hospital schedule we adjusted also our community sched-ule so that we could follow the regular schedule of the employees. Indeed, we felt the passion of St. Camillus in serving the sick that could be done in any way as long as we offered it freely and joy-fully.

FEELING THE HOLY Together with the Lay Camillian Family (LCF) of Baguio, we had our Lenten Recollection last April 10 with Fr. Ruben J. Mandin, MI, our novice master, as preacher. Along with the different topics discussed, the time we shared together with the Lord during the Mass, prayers, and snacks was so meaningful for us.

Then came the Holy Week - the occasion that enthused the Novitiate community members with different activities. Fr. Ivo Z. Anselmi, MI, our local superior, presided over the anticipated mass of Palm Sunday at PCDH Chapel on April 16. Likewise, on that day, Fr. Ruben and Nov. Errol S. Salcedo gave a recollection to the Rivers of Living Water Charismatic Group-Baguio Chapter.

On Holy Tuesday, Fr. Ivo with Novs. Carl C. Masip and Errol gave a recollection to the personnel and staff of PCDH. It was relieving for the participants because it was their first time to relax and calm down amidst their busy schedule and heavy workload. They said that the event was reenergizing. The gen-erous Ma’am Teresita V. Gaspar, PCDH hospital administrator, provided them with refreshments after the recollection.

We climbed Mt. Sto. Tomas on Holy Wednesday. It was our organized pilgrimage together with some hospital staff and friends. We hiked around three hours before reaching the top where we prayed at every station of the Way of the Cross which have life-size statues. As side trip, we visited a cave near the place after our times of prayer, reflection, and refreshment. On Maundy Thursday, we celebrated solemnly in the community

the Washing of the Feet and the Lord’s Last Supper. It was in St. Vincent Parish where we celebrated the Passion of the Lord and the Veneration of the Cross on Good Friday.

Organized by the Novitiate’s liturgy committee, we cele-brated the Easter Vigil meaningfully here in the community. It was with great rejoicing that we celebrated the resurrection of the Lord. Thanks for the midnight snacks, Fr. Ivo!

FEELING RESOLVED Self-evaluation and individual colloquium with Fr. Ruben, took place this month. Results of both were subject for scrutiny by the Province’s formation team. After the Holy Week, Nov. Filipi-no F. Borra was personally resolved not to continue his formation for some reasons. Happy Easter to all!

The Novitiate Bulletin

Experiences

By Nov. Errol S. Salcedo

Kinds

Feeling of

pine trees & cool breeze

8

April

BIRTHDAYS

01, 1977 - Fr. Alfons Oles

04, 1947 - Fr. Raimondo Yang

18, 1985 - Sch. Albert Silos

21, 1939 - Bro. Davide Cattaneo

PERPETUAL PROFESSIONS

01, 1956 - Fr. Antonio Didone

17, 1993 - Fr. Diosdado Haber

17, 1993 - Fr. Wilfredo Penoliar

17, 1995 - Fr. Marcelo Pamintuan Jr.

21, 1996 - Fr. Samuel Cuarto

24, 1949 - Fr. Giovanni Rizzi

May

BIRTHDAYS

14, 1963 - Fr. Manuel Tamayo

15, 1963 - Fr. Francis Zhang

20, 1979 - Sch. John Jay Magpusao

26, 1940 - Fr. Giuseppe Didoné

PERPETUAL PROFESSIONS

25, 1997 - Fr. Renante Sentillas

31, 2002 - Fr. Gabriel Garcia

31, 2002 - Fr. Primitivo Guinit

31, 2002 - Fr. Jaime Roa

31, 2006 - Fr. Angel Crisostomo

31, 2006 - Fr. Bienvenido Jonson Jr.

31, 2006 - Fr. Renato Maliwat

31, 2007 - Fr. Wilson Peñaranda

31, 2008 - Fr. Francis Zhang

31, 2010 - Fr. Cyrelus Suparman

Andi

31, 2010 - Fr. Placido de Jose

31, 2010 - Fr. Avensius Harung

31, 2010 - Fr. Brian Vincent Rances

PUBLISHER

St. Camillus Provincialate 18 Nicanor Reyes St., Varsity Hills,

Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City,

Philippines

EDITORIAL STAFF

Sch. John Jay C. Magpusao, MI

Sch. John Paul B. Alvarado, MI

Ms. Veronica Villegas

Mr. Hubert Castro

Telephone: +63 (2) 929-6213/926-3506/

920-7621

Fax: +63 (2) 929-6215

E-mail: provhousephi@gmail.com

Website: camilliansphil.org

Noteworthy By Ms. Bai T. Bagasao

UNAIDS Country Coordinator

In this day and age, when technology has contributed to bringing people together through social networks, personal relationships remain at the core of a person’s life. And while technology

may help people to maintain contacts with each other, the value of a face-to-face encounter cannot be diminished.

In relation to HIV and AIDS, the experience of more than 30 years of the epidemic has clearly shown the value of care and support which are conveyed in various day-to-day encounters.

People living with HIV continue to face stigma and discrimination from the public in general, hence the acceptance and support given by various stakeholders is vital to their well-being.

The vision that has made Woodwater Center for Healing a reality is noteworthy, as it squarely addresses stigma and discrimination, providing a safe space for PLHIV and their loved ones. In this

safe and enabling environment, they can access the needed services, and more importantly, renew and strengthen the human and spiritual connection.

Congratulations to the Camillians in the Philippines for their significant contribution to the response to HIV and AIDS!

The Woodwater Center for Healing-HIV/AIDS Ministry conducted trainings for more HIV/AIDS advocates to increase the prevention program of the Philippine Catholic Church and to help eradicate stigma and discrimination. Last April 15, 2011, a team of facilitators went to Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary, Baguio City to train educators from St. Louis School Center and University, Diocesan lay coordinators, and Maryknoll religious and personnel. The training was culminated by the celebration of the Eu-charist by Fr. Ivo Z. Anselmi, MI, who encour-aged everyone to be a person of Easter - ready to share hope with those people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

After the Holy Week, the team doubled it up with another Pastoral Training on HIV/AIDS held at St. Camillus Pastoral Healthcare Center on April 25-27, 2011. It was participated in by Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) coordinators from Our Lady of Light Parish, Cainta; health volunteers from St. Paul of the Cross Parish, Marikina; professors from the College of the Holy Spirit; coordinators from the National Housing Authority; and other non-government organizations working in the field of HIV/AIDS.

Here are some insights from the partici-pants:

“I feel relieved because there is somebody who understands me. All I need is an uncondi-tional love.”

~ Agnes Mendoza, MD, on the Wildfire Session

“You took my greatest dream in life, and that is to be a wealthy successful entertainer. I am left with compassion. As long as I am alive,

nobody could take that away from me. This is what I can offer to others.”

~ Chris May, Seaman, HIV/AIDS Volunteer, on the Grieve and Bereavement Session

“The topic is so difficult but presented in a way that non-medical persons can easily under-stand. The slides are well presented and very interesting.”

~ Helen Cuison, SLU Professor, on the Biomedical Session

“We should start removing stigma and discrim-ination among ourselves because it is through this that we can start reaching out to PLWHA. Stigma and discrimination block our ministry to the sick especially those with HIV/AIDS.”

~ Ma. Elena Panaligan, College of the Holy Spirit, on the Problem Tree Analysis Session

“I see signs in my life that I am going to-wards pastoral work.”

~ Nic de Rosas, NHA

aids does matter

Double Up By Bro. Dan V. Cancino Jr., MI

Message for the Camillians heartbeats

milestones

Let every heart not be troubled (Jn 14:27).

Live in peace for today the splendor of life

shines forth in the rising of the Lord!

~ Most Rev. Nereo P. Odchimar, DD, JCD Bishop of Tandag