January 11, 2013 Happy Birthday and Blessing-filled Anniversary, Father Dex!
Priests who have wholeheartedly devoted
their talents, ministries, time…their very beings even, are precious gifts to
the poor and oppressed. Without them, Kingdom work might just end up in
documents or in vain idealism. With them, the Kingdom is a hope-filled promise
to look forward to. With this thought in mind, the
communities of SHEC, SHaCC, PABANAL, the SHEC Youth Volunteers(SYV), volunteers
and partners-agencies, the Rogationist Fathers, friends and classmates of Fr.
Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ gathered last January 11, 2013 at the St. Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 2 to
celebrate his birthday and 10th priestly anniversary.
January 23, 2013 Happy Priestly Anniversary, Father Jigs!
Truly, holy priests committed to the
Kingdom apostolate are rare and precious gifts to the Church, especially in the
Philippine Church who is dubbed as Church of the Poor. To pray and thank the
Lord for the gift of priesthood and to pray f or holy vocations, the communities of
SHEC, SHaCC, PABANAL, the SHEC Youth Volunteers(SYV) , volunteers and
partners-agencies, the Rogationist Fathers, friends and classmates of Fr.
Orville (Jigs) Cajigal, RCJ gathered
last January 23, 2013 at the St.
Hannibal Subdivision, Phase 2 to celebrate his 7th priestly anniversary.
January
23, 2013 World Bank Chooses SHEC
as Model Community for the South-South Exchange on Low-Income Housing.
In the recent past, much energy and
resources have been poured into housing projects for the poor. Some failed.
Many remained as dreams and plain documents. But a few succeeded. These
successful ones have been known through their fruits, indeed (see Mt 12:33).
And true to its name, the St. Hannibal Empowerment Center (SHEC) has been
recognized as an effective catalyst or an efficient empowering organization
which uses the community based/driven approach. This strategy involves close
and strong tie up, collaboration or partnership between and among the poor
community, the government and the private sector in order to achieve a common,
noble goal: the betterment of the living conditions of the poor through decent
housing programs. As an organization which has showcased outstanding success in
this regard, SHEC has been chosen by the World Bank as a model community for
the South-South Exchange on Low-Income Housing that was held last January
24-26, 2013. The exchange was meant as an occasion for learning by Bangladesh
officials in preparation for the Pro-Poor Slums Integration Project for
Bangladesh. Specifically, said officials intended to be acquainted with approaches
or strategies which have been successfully employed in the Philippines, of
which one is the way espoused by SHEC. Important visitors—who found much
inspiration and insight at the SHEC communities, namely the St. Hannibal’s
Village, Pasay City and the beneficiaries at Baseco, Manila last January 24,
2012 and January 26, 2012 respectively—were officers of the World Bank, Manila
Office (WBOM) and the Bangladesh delegates led by Dr. Khondaker Showkat Hossain
(Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Public Works at Bangladesh). Dr. Hossain
was accompanied by G.M. Jainal Abedin Bhuiya (Chairman, National Housing
Authority), Md. Kamal Uddin Talukder (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Housing and
Public Works), Md. Sanwar Ali (member, Engineering & Coordination, National
Housing Authority), S.A.M. Fazlul Kabir (Superintending Engineer, National
Housing Authority), Nazirul Alam (Deputy Chief Architect, National Housing
Authority), Md. Anwar Hossain (Senior Assistant Secretary, Economic Relations
Division, Ministry of Finance) and Md.
Golam Mosaddeque (Senior Assistant Chief, Ministry of Housing and Public
Works). With the Bangladesh delegates were World Bank Staff, to wit: Ms. Anna
O’Donnell (Team Leader, World Bank, Washington), Ms. Sabah Moyeen, Mr. John
Arnold and Mr. Michael Slingsby (World Bank Staff). Members of the World Bank,
Manila Office were Mr. Ousmane Dione (Sector Manager, World Bank, Manila), Mr.
Christopher Pablo (Urban Sector Coordinator, World Bank, Manila), Mr. Jonathan
Price and Ms. Puri Philina Gamon (Consultants).
January 31, 2013 Supplica.
To praise and thank the Lord for all
the blessings upon SHEC’s Kingdom workers and beneficiaries, a supplica was
conducted at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Pasay City. The activity, which
was done last January 31, 2013, concluded the chronicle of SHEC for the first
month of 2013.
February 5, 2013 Informal Settlers’ Meeting.
One
of the key values of the Kingdom of God is empowerment, or the freedom to be
actively, genuinely and humanely human. Taking to heart this value, SHEC
representatives led by Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ attended the convergence
meeting for informal settlers along and on top of the waterways in the National
Capital Region. Specifically, the meeting was held to assess the community’s condition
and to create a system for the housing program’s implementation according to
the consensus of all stakeholders. This was held at the Marikina Convention
Center, Marikina City last February 5, 2013.
February 5, 2013 Happy
Foundation Day!
The sowing of every good seed out of
which the Kingdom grows is always an occasion worth celebrating. The beginnings
may be difficult, but the results are always heartwarming. Indeed, “those who
sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Ps 126:5). In gratitude to God for SHEC’s
foundation day, SHaCC and PABaNAL joined together and celebrated the memory of
their humble roots last February 9, 2013. Trials lie along the way, but the
hand of God is quite manifested in SHEC’s significant steps toward a more just
and humane society. Such tastes of “reaping in joy” are indeed glimpses of the
new heaven and new earth which God has promised (see 2 Pt 3:13).
February 24, 2013 Love is timeless.
It knows no time bounds. Last February
24, late it may have been, leaders and members of the RYMSC and some members of
the RYM PABaNAL core group socialized and strengthened their bond through a
Valentine’s Party at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay City.
March
9-10, 2013 Rogate Youth hone
theater skills.
Symbols, as expressed in the music and
the arts, are powerful means of awakening the consciousness, prompting people
to be empowered and to act accordingly. The parables of Jesus were a sort of
such means. They were like stories told in the “theater” of the lakeshores,
farm sides and deserts of Palestine. Recognizing its value, around 40 members
and leaders of the Rogate Youth Ministry, SHEC Chapter (RYSMC) conducted a
Theater Workshop last March 9-10, 2013, at the St. Hannibal Training Center,
Malibay, Pasay City. They did not only enhance their know-how in theater arts
for the sake of the promotion of the Kingdom. They had the opportunity to
strengthen their bond with each other as well. Needless to say, in a world
where the youth are prone to waste time on vanities, participation in the
workshop has been a sort of fasting and abstinence from said vanities, all for
the sake of the Kingdom and its justice.
March
22, 2013 Happy
Birthday, Fr. Orville.
In practicing fasting and abstinence,
some sacrifice a portion of their wealth. Others offer a part of their time. Or
both. But there are especial ones who give their whole lives for the sake of
the Kingdom—a sort of ultimate fasting a nd abstinence so to say. This is the
life embraced by Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ who has devoted his being in serving
the poor and oppressed. It is in this context that his birthday celebration
last March 22, 2013 has become more meaningful as ever.
March
22, 2013 Balik
Tanaw sa Biyaya ng Diyos Project Launched.
The practice of social justice, indeed,
constitutes an essential dimension of Christian spirituality. Accordingly,
SHEC, SHaCC, PABANAL, friends, collaborators and the beneficiaries launched the
Balik Tanaw sa Biyaya ng Diyos
Project last March 22, 2003 at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Malibay, Pasay
City. The project is in line with the thrust of SHEC to empower the poor in
view of a more just and humane society.
April 20, 2013 World Day Prayer for Vocations.
Last April 20, 2013, the youth of SHEC
led by Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ and Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ participated in
the World Day of Prayer for Vocations at the St. Anthony’s Boys Village, Lalaan
2, Silang, Cavite. Praying not only for vocations but holy vocations with
inclination to promote the Church of the Poor is truly needed especially in
impoverished countries like the Philippines.
May 17-20, 2013 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.
May
17-20, 2013 Youth Camp, 2013.
In the cradle of Mother Nature, in the
sacred atmosphere of the Almost Heaven Retreat Center, Batad, 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).
May 27, 2013 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.
May
31, 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!
June
1, 2013 Happy Feast Day,
St. Hannibal!
Everybody has a reason for existing,
but not every reason for existing is meant for everybody. In fact, to live that
everybody may live, even if it entails sacrifice of the self, is a very rare
and therefore most precious reason for existing. St. Hannibal is such a
precious person because he devoted his selfless existence for the welfare of
everyone, most especially the poor orphans during his time. Like Jesus on the
cross, he suffered for the sake of the many. His legacy is so influential that
to date, institutions which help the poor, like the St. Hannibal Empowerment
Center, have continued to grow and bear fruit. June 1 is St. Hannibal’s feast
day, and the aforementioned are more than enough reasons for SHEC to celebrate
and thank the Lord for the graces received, and to thank St. Hannibal for
guiding and helping the community. The festivities started with a mass followed
by games, dances and meals.
June 8-9, 2013 Man proposes, God disposes.
To have faith in God is one thing, to
work hard is another. But both have to complement each other in order for the
mission to go on. Humanity needs to cooperate with God’s grace so that God’s
blessings may be shared by all, the less fortunate more especially. Aware of
this, SHEC conducted its Annual Evaluation and Planning of SHaCC and PABaNAL
Leaders for the year 2013-2014 at the Lazo Farm, Cabuyao, Laguna last June 8-9,
2013. The participants were ZenaidaEspera, Ben Paragsa, Christina Caillo,
Cecille Tan, Cecilia Felicilda, Noemi Henon, Racquel Santos, Evangeline Agonos,
CrislinaLingayon, Josephine LAcdang, Lolita Lopez, Fernando Amarillo, Juana
Sarmiento, Susana Laurente, Orlando Quinto, Gemma Ortega, Delsa Padilla,
Jocelyn Satajo, Cherry Ramos, Lydia Arayan, Gina Estanel, Lily Ornopia, Abe
Camilla, Carla RicarteRosebilindaPeros, AnnavillaVillaris, Magdalena Brenches,
Nancy Camila, ArnelBrenches, Estrella Buenaflor, Flora Loreto, DedeniaLisay,
Daisy Mamza, NelynBalbalosa, Mary Ann Merelos, Johannes Baytan, Michael
Felicilda, Anabella Maglaya, Rubina Ong, Anabella Lagaran.
September 13, 2013 Community Orientation on CMP.
To
enhance the housing program along Manila waterways, Fr. Orville R. Cajigal and
20 leaders attended the orientation on the Community Mortgage Program (CMP) of
the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) for the Informal Settlers
Families (ISF) living on top and along said area. Indeed, basic for humane
living is a decent home which is why SHEC, with Mary’s intercessions, focuses
on its housing project. The orientation took place at the St. Hannibal Training
Center last September 13, 2013.
September 28, 2013 Forum on RCJ PQP Charitable Institutions.
Around
60 participants composed of religious priests, brothers, sisters, seminarians
and lay participated in a forum organized by Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, SHEC
Executive Director and Councilor in charge of charitable institutions last
September 28, 2013. The goal of the forum was to finish the draft of the
Directory of the Charitable Institutions of the RCJ Philippine Quasi Province
(PQP).
October 9, 2013 Stakeholders’
Meeting.
As
shelter is essential in integrated human development, SHEC continues to push
through with its housing program. Part of its ongoing progress was the meeting
with the stakeholders regarding the relocation of informal settlers’ families
(ISF) living on top or along the waterways of Metro Manila. The meeting was
conducted last October 9, 2013 at the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) Office, EDSA, Quezon City.
November 10, 2013 Happy Anniversary, SHaCC Phase 17!
One year is a big step in the progress
of SHaCC Phase 17, something which the community’s leaders and members, as well
as applicants from Barangay 182, Pasay, with the leadership of Fr. Orville
Cajigal, RCJ have celebrated last November 10, 2013. The celebration was also
meant to strengthen the bond among the community members, and to inform the
landowner about the development of the Land Acquisition and Housing project of
SHaCC Phase 17. Moreover, said step is surely a sign that the Kingdom’s mustard
seed of justice, reflective of Christ’s Kingship, is continuously growing.
November 13, 2013 Child Rights Formation.
Symbolic
of worthiness in the Kingdom is the concept of the child. This and other
reasons inspire goodhearted people to work for the rights of the child
especially in our times where child abuse is rampant. To contribute to the
advocacy for the welfare of the child, 57 leaders and members off the Rogate
Youth Ministry, Shec Chapter (RYMSC) led by Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ, conducted
a formation about the rights of the child last October 13, 2013 at the St.
Hannibal Training Center, Pasay City.
November 21, 2013 St. Hannibal Rest and Retreat Center
Blessed.
A refreshing sanctuary is again
available as the group of SHEC led by Fr. Herman Abcede, Fr. Bong Patiag, Fr.
Orville Cajigal, RCJ and Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ, blessed the St. Hannibal
Rest and Retreat Center last November 21, 2013 at Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Also, the
group took time to be oriented on the nature and operation of the center.
November 26, 2013 Happy Priestly Anniversary, Father Arlene!
The whole family of SHEC, SHaCC,
PABANAL, the family and relatives of Fr. Arlene and some typhoon Yolanda
survivors rejoiced with Fr. Arlene as he celebrated his sacerdotal anniversary
last November 26, 2013. The occasion was also graced with the presence of
Bishop Teodoro Bacani and some Rogationist priests. Congrats, Fr. Arlene! The
Kingdom ministry is blessed through faithful ‘laborers in the vineyard’ like
you.
Nov 30-Dec 1, 2013 Congrats, Recollection Participants!
Last November 30 to December 1, 2013,
at the St. Hannibal Retreat Center, Sta. Cruz, Laguna, leaders and members of
the Rogate Youth Ministry, SHEC Chapter participated in a recollection which
was facilitated by Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ and Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ. The
blessed moment was meant to give the youth an opportunity to reflect on God’s
Word, to know themselves better and to deepen their prayer life.
December 21, 2013
St. Hannibal Communities Christmas
Party.
The joyful celebration of
Christmas reflects that the ultimate reality of the Kingdom and of the
Christian life is jubilation in God's eternal embrace. The Chistmas spirit then
is celebrated in three events, first of which is the Christmas party in the St.
Hannibal communities set on December 21, 2013. This party is for the different
phases of the SHaCC and PABANAL communities.
December 22, 2013
Rogate Youth SHaCC Chapter Christmas
Party
The youth Christmas party is set on December 22,
2013. As has always been the case, the party reflects the liveliness of the
youth, a vitality which aptly symbolizes the enduring presence of Jesus and the
dynamism of God's kingdom for which Jesus was born.
December 23, 2013
SHEC Christmas Party
Lastly, the Christmas party
among the SHEC staff is scheduled on December 23, 2013. Before parting for the
Christmas break, the party is an excellent occasion for the staff to strengthen
their bond as Kingdom workers.
Every
Sunday Children/kids
Ministry Weekly Formation
Convinced that children ought to be formed well
in the basic teachings of the Church, SHEC has been continuing the weekly
catechism for children. Kingdom values, especially social justice which can
shape the children's consciousness with regard to empowerment are emphasized.
The catechism ministry is conducted during Sundays in the SHaCC and PABANAL
communities at Malibay, Pasay City and Baseco, Tondo.
Every
Saturday/Sunday Recollections (SHaCC and PABANAL)
SHEC's success through the
years is attributed in a great deal to its holistic approach which essentially
and primarily includes connectivity to God, the Source of empowering energy
needed in the missions. Accordingly, the year does not end without a
recollection for the SHaCC and PABANAL communities. This opportune moment is
set every Saturday at the Eco Retreat Center at Bulacan for PABANAL, and every
Saturday evening at Phase 2, St. Hannibal Subdivision for the SHaCC
communities. It is hoped that through such spiritual activity, they continue to
be refreshed as they struggle for more decent and humane standards of living.
Every Saturday 7pm
Healing Session
A core component of Jesus'
Kingdom ministry among the poor is healing. With the gift of healing bestowed
upon Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, SHEC's executive director, Saturday healing
sessions have been carried out since October, 2013 to date. The healing
sessions are done at Malibay, Pasay City and at Baseco within the praying of
the rosary. Included in the healing sessions are the Yolanda victims who reside
near SHEC communities. And God's wonders really never cease! Many have claimed
to have been healed through the sessions
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