March 2012 Highlights

Rogate: Living the Spirituality of the Cross Holistically. It’s March. The Lenten season falls on this month. It also reminds us of Jesus’ vicarious suffering or sacrifice for the sake of others. But more often than not, we understand Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross to be an offering, an atoning sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. This is true. Yet, it does not constitute the whole story; hence, it does not sharpen our consciousness to embrace a holistic spirituality of the cross. Jesus also confronted systemic evil, particularly social injustice made concrete in mass poverty and oppression. Doing so is a core historical reason why he suffered and was crucified. Accordingly, a spirituality of the cross has to essentially include justice work, otherwise it is pale and one-sided. St. Hannibal realized and embraced this kind of suffering when he chose to dedicate his life for the wellbeing of the poor. This is very evident in his circular to Messina publishers. The circular is about the maltreatment of the poor by the authorities. The following are excerpts of the circular:

“Everyone sees that…punishment against the poor is a true social injustice…when a feeble, old man begs with charitable voice asking for a piece of bread so he does not die of starvation…that unhappy man is a human being just as we are; he feels the needs of life as we do…Where is the problem here? Does being a poor person correspond with being a criminal? If so, why did Jesus come into the world to teach us to love each other like brothers and sisters? Why did he want to embrace poverty, defend the poor, and declare that what we do for them is done for him?”

The aforementioned spirituality of the cross as appropriated by St. Hannibal is one dimension of the Rogate which SHEC lives out as it continues its Kingdom work at Pasay and Baseco.

Phase 17 officers oriented. Last March 2, 2012, with George Espin as facilitator, the officers of phase 17 were oriented on the verification of necessary data gathered from applicants. Activities such as these manifest the ongoing growth of the Kingdom in the form of decent housing. It is indeed heartwarming that the small mustard seed of Kingdom justice planted at the slums continues to grow.

Foundation for Development Alternative (FDA) Officers evaluate SHEC.This event, which is in fact an avenue where SHEC can gain more support, took place at SHEC office last March 8, 2012. The evaluators were assisted by George Espin, Lita Nero, Sandy Giolagon, Justine, Nelia Reyna, Noemi Henon, EstrellaBuenaflor and Mary Ann Merelos.

SHEC among others meet Mayor Calixto and PIAC. To be acquainted with the City’s and the NHA’s plan on water waste areas, SHEC with NHA officers, PCUP and Pasay City department heads met with Mayor Tony Calixto last Martch 12, 2012 at the Pasay City hall, after which SHEC met with PIAC members to discuss the concrete work plan on the priority areas of Pasay City for the year 2012. 

Leaders and members of ROGATE Youth Ministry SHaCC Chapter attend recollection. Recharging with the Lord is a must for Kingdom workers and disciples, for the Lord is the source of energy that refreshes. To do so, 42 leaders and members of ROGATE Youth Ministry, SHaCC Chapter with Michelle Hiyastro, Andrea Reyna,  Aya Reyna and George Valenzuela had a recollection cum Holy Eucharist at St. Hannibal Eco Retreat Center

SitioMaramo, Brgy. San Mateo, Norzagaray, Bulacan last March 17-18, 2012. Said activities were facilitated and presided by Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ.

Happy Birthday Fr. Orville! March 22 is a gift to the Church, but most especially, a gift to the poor of SHEC, for on this day, a dedicated and faithful Kingdom apostle was born—a blessed natal day, Fr. Orville! Leaders and members of SHEC were one with Fr. Orville on this joyful day. The celebrations were held at St. Hannibal Training Center

584-A E. Cornejo St., Malibay, Pasay City.

Pasay City Housing Development Board Meeting.Last March 23, 2012, SHEC with LGU-UDHO, DILG, City Engineer’s  office, DSWD, Office of the Congresswoman, NHA, PCUP, SHEC, PIO Office which comprise the Pasay City Housing Development Board, held a meeting to discuss the work plan of Pasay City for the year 2012. This was held at the City Administrator’s Conference room, Pasay City Hall.