FEBRUARY 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Rogate: Spirituality of Love That Does Justice. Love has many meanings. Most often, it is associated with romantic feelings. It is primarily in this sense that February is understood as the month of hearts. But biblically, love is not just about nice or positive feelings associated with care, concern and the like. Biblical love is about that sort which is inseparable with justice, or more sharply, social justice (see Mt. 23:23). And needless to say, this is the kind of love which St. Hannibal promoted in the Rogate. Pope Francis encourages the laity to do this kind of love in this year of the laity. Accordingly, it is what SHEC strives to promote as it empowers the laity to be seeds of the Kingdom of God.

Conference on Option for the Poor. Last February 3, 2014 at St. Merville Park, Paranaque City, the Church People-Urban Poor Solidarity held a conference on the biblico-theological foundation of the option for the poor for the Rogationists led by Fr. Herman Abcede, RCJ. It was a very fruitful and much appreciated gathering as it had a very strong impact on the congregation.

Welcome, Usec. Francisco Fernandez! SHEC was very much honored and privileged last February 6, 2014 because of the visit of DILG Usec. Francisco Fernandez who wanted to personally know the SHEC community, especially in regard to their land acquisition and housing project. In connection to this project, Ms. Ana Oliveros, SFHC president, sat down for a meeting with Usec. Fernandez at the DILG office, Quezon City. This grace-filled event took place at EDSA Brgy. Hall, Pasay City.

Happy Valentine, Everyone! Around 51 leaders and members of the RYMSC enjoyed a valentine’s day party at the St. Hannibal Training Center, Pasay City. With all the challenging work and what not, it was indeed fitting and proper that the group had time to bond and relax. The event may have been celebrated two days after February 14, what mattered was that the spirit of valentine’s day, especially the spirit of love that does justice has been meaningfully celebrated.

Welcome, Cebu Gurus! SHEC gladly and warmheartedly welcomed teachers from a Rogationist school at Cebu last February 16, 2014. They were inspired with their firsthand experience of the Rogationist charism for the poor as lived out in SHEC.

UNP Studes Visit SHEC.  Last February 20, 2014, the third year social work students of the University of Northern Philippines conducted a site visit at SHEC in order to learn from the programs and activities of SHEC and SHaCC Phase 2. It was a precious learning moment for the students who eventually will land in similar situations as that of SHEC communities.

Two in One Blessings! February 21, 2014 was a day of outpouring of double blessings: first, the hope for the establishment of an ALS or Alternative Learning System has been strengthened through a meeting with Dep. Ed. Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro. Another meeting is set on March 14, 2014 for the signing of MOU (memorandum of understanding); at the same day, Fr. Herman Abcede, RCJ, Archbishop John Du and Fr. Jimmy, the parish priest of Burauen, Leyte blessed newly constructed houses. The beneficiaries were very happy and thankful for such a wonderful blessing.

Habitat Meeting. Last February 25, 2014 SHEC officials met with Habitat personnel to discuss the details of a possible partnership. God-willing, this partnership will again translate into concrete blessings for the poor communities of SHEC.

Staff Recollection. February 26, 2014 has been a fruitful day for the staff of SHEC as they went for a recollection at the St. Hannibal Rest and Recreation Center at Sta. Cruz, Laguna. With the wonderful environment, the staff were able to refresh themselves. Also, such was a good opportunity for the staff to reflect well on their spiritual life.