The Servant of - Servants of Charity

NEWSBITS
OF THE
GUANELLIANS
IN THE
PHILIPPINES
The Servant of
Charity
CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE
September 2012
Moved by the Spirit, Urged into Action
“Mary! We
have found
you, we have
found
salvation.
Those who
find the
Mother, easily
find the
salvation of
the Son.”
ST. LUIGI
GUANELLA
In February 1896, Don Guanella wrote an article for the
magazine “La Divina Provvidenza”, entitled “The Catholic Vision”. I
quote some of his lines:
“In the past, the world was coming toward us; now it turns its back on
us. In the past it was enough for us to stay inside our Churches and
offices; now we must move outward, getting out of our sacristies if
we don’t want to run the risk of finding ourselves guilty of being
locked in dishonorable isolation. To us indeed now these words of the
Gospel are addressed: “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of
the towns and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the
lame” (Luke 14:21).
Some may object: “We have our pulpits, our confessionals; let people
come to us where we live and where we carry out our assignments”.
If they don’t come, if the voice of the bell instead of attracting them seems to chase them away, should we remain indifferent in
front of such deplorable desertion, simply shaking the dust from our
feet and throwing them the harsh words of Jeremiah: “Those who want to get lost, let them get lost”.
Did it perhaps happen that the world moved first towards Jesus or is it true the other way around? Were
Rome and Athens asking the apostles Peter and Paul for the Gospel? Let us imagine that in our place
there are Saint Francis de Sales or St. Francis Xavier; after spending an hour of adoration, after practicing severe self-discipline and celebrating the holy mass with angelic devotion, how would they spend the
rest of their day? Would they remain comfortably seated, observing the dangerous storms that afflict
humankind, noticing only from which direction the wind blows, simply being content at counting how
many boats are sinking, without providing any rescue to those in danger, without throwing the ropes to
them and extending their helping hands?
Someone may say; “How could a few isolated individuals, cope with such a huge task? How?
Bring together your human resources, join forces and orient them all toward the common goal.
We promote collaboration to develop sciences, to manage business, to dig channels, to populate newly
discovered areas. Shouldn’t we join efforts likewise to populate heaven, to bring God to human hearts
which are made to love and bless Him eternally? May the Lord help us!”
In these lines written more than a century ago, Don Guanella shared something of the passion for the
Church’s evangelizing mission that burned within his heart and that urged him into action without hesitation or fear, neither counting the cost, nor being intimidated by the risks. What our founder felt, experienced and boldly proposed sounds so much in tune with the call of the Spirit to the Church of our time,
an appeal that has been continually re-echoed and broadcasted by the pastoral ministry of Pope Benedict
XVI.
The wind of the New Evangelization that has blown throughout the duration of our 19th General Chapter, is now urging us to welcome the inspirations felt and the decisions made during that assembly allowing ourselves to be continually set on fire for the beautiful mission entrusted to us, Servants
of God’s Love among his poor. (Fr. Luigi De Giambattista, SdC)
CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE
Page 2
BUWAN NG WIKA (National Language Week)
Manila - On August 17, 2012 Guanella Center celebrated Linggo ng Wika 2012 with
the theme “Tatak ng wikang Filipino Lakas
ng pagka- Filipino.” The special kids, parents and staff arrived in their own creative
Filipino costume for the parade around the
Servants of Charity compound. After the
kick-off parade, the children and the staff
entered the center. Ms. Claire Subdi, RSW,
social worker, and Ms. Sheena Sanares, PT
intern, were the Masters of Ceremony for
the event. All were filled with excitement as
the program started. Richard Pamintuan, an
autistic child, led the opening prayer. Fr.
Luigi de Giambattista, SdC presented an inspiring message before the contest judges were
introduced: Ms. Gemma Suque, secretary for the Servants of Charity, Bro. Joseph Peddarapu,
SDC and Bro. Gyl Adolf. First to present their talent was the group “Anak ni Manuel
(Manuel’s Son)” with a declamation piece “Ako ay Pilipino (I am Filipino)”. Before the second presentation, a song entitled “Bakit ngayon ka lang” was sung by Fernando Miñao, a boy
with Torrete Syndrome, captivating the hearts of the audience. The second contestant was the
group “Anak ni Ninoy (Ninoy’s Son)” performing the song, “Leron Leron Sinta.” Christopher
Pellejera sang “Natutulog ba ang Diyos (Is God Asleep)?” before the last group, “Anak ni
Rizal (Rizal’s Son),” presented their itik-itik dance. After the contest, chosen special children
animated a popular Filipino story, “Ang mga Langgam at ang mga tipaklong (The Ants and
the Grasshoppers)” it was followed by the dance number “Hayop na Combo,” a song by
Yoyoy Villame, Philippine King of Novelty Songs. Before the program ended there was an
awards ceremony for the winners of “Tula awit at sayaw (poetry, song and dance)” contest.
“Anak ni Rizal” won first place. From “Palarong Pinoy (Pinoy Games)” on August 14th,
“Anak ni Rizal” were awarded champions and presented medals. Best costume awards for
children went to Alexa Solomon, Gerald Bergado & Ellyca Bato. Ms. Sheena Sanares won the
award for the staff and volunteers. Fr. Luigi closed the program with a short prayer for the
intentions of the children and the center. It was a day showcasing talents and the significance
of the Filipino Language to the life of the special children.
ANTI-FLU VACCINATION
The Guanellian Lectors, Commentators and Usherettes Ministry (GLCUM) had a
fund raising project with a theme: “Good health and good sense are two of life’s
greatest blessings.” that was held last 19th of August, 2012 at Guanella Center after
the Sunday Mass. The aim of this project was to help the poor people to avail the flu
vaccines at a very affordable price. During the anti-flu vaccination the GLCUM invited a speaker Ms. Kathy Maligalig, a Medical Representative, who gave some input
on how to prevent influenza and explained the importance of anti-flu vaccines. The
fund raising project was very successful because of the efforts of each member who
were very supportive and cooperative to the project. Likewise, it would not have
come to realization without the help of our generous volunteer nurses namely; Ms.
Charmaine Consul, R.N., Sem. Voltaire Paquingan, R.N. and Mr. Delfin Ramores,
R.N., who attended our clients. Once again, Thank you very much to our Almighty
God and to all the people who supported our fund raising project to be successful and
may the Good Lord repay you a hundred folds. God bless!
Danny, one of our residents in
Guanella Home during the celebration of the Linggo ng Wika
Special Children plays the ants and
the grass hoppers.
Sem. Voltaire giving the anti-flu
vaccine to our client.
CELEBRATING LIFE AND LOVE
Page 3
Baptism: Birth into God’s Family
Manila - On August 15th the Servants of Charity community celebrated not
only the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but also the birth of
five special children into God’s family through the sacrament of Baptism. The Holy
Mass was celebrated by the Provincial Superior himself, Fr. Luigi De Giambattista.
The five newly baptized special children are: Bernie, JP (after Blessed John Paul II,
as per Fr. Luigi), Ronnie, Joseph and Lito. Father Luigi focused his homily on the
role of godfathers and godmothers in the absence or in place of the parents. He
stressed the guiding principles; that the responsibility of the godparents is not merely
the “pakimkim (gifts)” that they will give to their “inaanak (godchild)”.
Truly, God shows His love and grace through the sacraments. Thank you Lord for
constantly inviting us into Your family, for calling us to be Your sons and daughters.
Amen.
Fr. Luigi baptizing one of our special
children “Bernie”
STEP UP FOR GOD
After much preparation and practice, the Guanellian Youth Ministry (GYM) hosted a
dance competition called, “Step Up for God” aiming to encourage the youth to showcase
and share their talents with others. It was held at Guanella Center’s Covered Court on
August 25th. Selected GYM members intoned the evening with a solemn doxology followed by opening remarks by Fr. Charlton O. Viray, SdC. Out of the eight groups who
had auditioned before the contest, only four groups were chosen to compete. Aside from
the contestants, the GYM members, Guanellian Children’s Ministry and some selected
audience members gave samples of their dance skills. It was indeed a successful program
for the GYM; attendees could even see and feel the enjoyment and happiness of the entire audience. During the awards ceremony, all contestants received a certificate of participation and the champions, Z.E.D.C. Dance Troup, earned a trophy for best dancers of
the year. During closing remarks it was highlighted that it was not just a fundraising activity or a typical dance competition, but a venue for the youth to showcase their Godgiven talents and share them with others for the glory of God. (Ms. Charmaine Ramirez)
Our Guanellian Youth posed
during the program.
“Service to others is service to God: Creating teamwork that works!”
21st August 2012, the Servants of Charity staffs and employees had their seminar on
teambuilding/teamwork with the theme of: “Service to others is service to God: Creating teamwork that works!”. The resource speaker was Ms. Rosa Tayamora. her
presentation was packed with lectures and activities that will enhance the working
relationship among the staffs and employees as well as trust and proper behavior
towards the institution and to their fellow workers. The seminar was held at the
Guanella Center and started at around 9 a.m. , the whole seminar was very lively and
interesting, the activities were also good to promote teamwork, trust and confidence
among the workers. Two priests were also present to participate in the said seminar,
Fr. David Anburaj and Fr. Vincent. The program was wrapped up by the Provincial
Superior, Fr. Luigi Degiambatistta, SdC. We are looking forward for more years of
harmonious working relationship with the whole working force and the community
as well. God bless us all!
Our staffs participated the
seminar workshop.
NEWSBITS
OF THE
GUANELLIANS
IN THE
PHILIPPINES
The Superior
Servants of Charity
Centerville
Subdivision, Pingkian
Road, Bgy. Pasong
Tamo, Tandang Sora,
1107,
Quezon City
Telefax: 931-5549
456-8550
E-mail:
guanella@yahoo.com
We’re on the Web!
www.servantsofcharity.org
SERVANTS
OF CHARITY
PHILIPPINES
Celebrating
God’s love in
the footsteps of
Saint Louis
Guanella