St. Hannibal Empowerment Centre: June 2013

St. Hannibal Empowerment Centre

St. Hannibal Empowerment Center (SHEC) is a religious organization of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus. It is a community of Spirit-led persons which aims to follow Jesus Christ in his union with his Father and in his proclamation of the kingdom of God. It is an inserted community among the squatters. The goal of SHEC is to empower the poor people of Metro Manila, Philippines, through housing, livelihood, education, health, waste management, youth and values formation.

About Me

Name: Saint Hannibal Empowerment Centre

Location: Pasay City, Metro Manila

Mission: Its mission is to empower the poorest of the poor and catalyze an integral Christian transformation of urban poor communities in collaboration with the local Church by a holistic process that addresses concerns on housing, livelihood, education, health, environment and sanitation, justice and peace, youth formation and values formation. The goals of SHEC consist of assisting in alleviating poverty among urban poor communities in Pasay and other cities in Metro Manila; and building the foundation of community transformation through intensive values formation. Its objectives are, specifically, to facilitate the organization and formation of people’s organization that are self-sufficient and empowered, facilitate the values and spiritual formation and capability building of urban poor leaders, to assist the urban poor / informal settlers of Pasay and other cities in Metro Manila in realizing their dreams of achieving security of tenure through in-city relocation, to facilitate the implementation of economic programs and basic social services in urban poor communities, and to facilitate access to formal education in favor of the poor and deserving students.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

MAY 2013 HIGHLIGHTS

Rogate: Rejoicing in God’s Providence. Life is full of challenges, especially in a setting which causes dehumanization. God, however, is never outdone in generosity. For one who can appreciate even the simple air we breathe, God’s providence is truly manifest. It is the month of May, the month of rain, a moment to thank God for, and rejoice in his generosity which comes in many forms and ways. Like that of the rain, it is our prayer that God may shower blessings, especially upon those who shower blessings to their needy brothers and sisters. For they emulate Jesus and St. Hannibal who have practiced preferential love and option for the poor. And with them, SHEC continues to proclaim the Kingdom of God until its full realization in the fullness of time.

Rest and Recreation in God’s Embrace. Rest is a gift of God, especially to the tired and weary. Rest is God’s providence, in other words. Taking a break from their very challenging apostolate, the staff of SHEC took time to be with God and be refreshed in a three day outing at the Almost Heaven Retreat Center, Batad, Banaue, Ifugao last May 17-20, 2013. Truly, they rested well in God’s embrace, in view of continuing the Kingdom mission against all odds.

Youth Camp, 2013. In the cradle of Mother Nature, in the sacred atmosphere of the Almost Heaven Retreat Center, Banaue, Ifugao, youth facilitators, Rubi Tosoc, Alvin Sarmiento, Rolando Monto, Marilyn Pogoy and Nanette Henon with Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ and Ruth Valmoria conducted a youth camp for the formation of said youth leaders. Team building activities were carried out for two days (May 17 and 18). The day after, May 19, the campers trekked in Batad. The last day (May 20) was spent for exploring the wonders of Banaue. Truly, unwinding while learning is an effective way to listen to God’s Spirit, while being empowered to carry out God’s plan, especially the fullness of life which Jesus desires for everyone (see Jn 10:10).

Happy Birthday, Fr. Arlene! God rejoices for every birth. The Church ought to rejoice more for an especial birth: that of the priest who brings Jesus as a gift to the community each time he celebrates the Holy Eucharist.

And the more the Church rejoices when the priest not only brings Jesus, but also social justice as gifts to the community, especially to the poor majority.

You are that priest, Father Arlene! Happy birthday! And the Church is happier! And lest we forget, the date is May 27, 2013.

It’s Your Night! Ending the month of God’s providence, the youth showcased their God-given talents as they rejoiced, sang, danced and what not in their “Gabi ng Kabataan” (Youth Night) held at the St. Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 2 last May 31, 2013. Truly, the glory of God is humans truly alive!