MARCH 2014 HIGHLIGHTS

Rogate: Spirituality of Social Juistice.  There are many forgotten aspects, especially when tradition is long. Lent today, for instance, is usually associated with external rituals and observances like fasting and abstinence. It’s March, the month where the season of Lent 2014 starts. Ash Wednesday specially reminds us of fasting, and the rest of the days, especially Good Friday, invite us for moments of sacrifice, in unity with Jesus’ sufferings and in solidarity with our brothers and sisters, especially the poorest of the poor. But more than external practices, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that true essence of fasting is in the practice of social justice. Accordingly, it is noteworthy to tell that the core spirituality of the Rogate which SHEC fleshes is the spirituality of social justice.

Blessings! People visit for 101 purposes. But visitations become Kingdom blessings when visitors bring concrete forms of good news such as shelter. This sort of blessing did happen when, last March 1, 2014, Hon. Franciso Fernandez (DILG undersecretary for Urban Poor and Special Affairs), Ms. Ana Oliveros (President of SHFC) and Fr. Jorge Anzorena, SJ paid a visit to the community, and to the relocation site, about which they gathered updates in view of following up the project. Surely, this has been a manifestation of God’s blessings for the poor served by SHEC.

Workshop on Land Acquisition and Housing. In view still of the housing projects facilitated by SHEC, Fr. Arlene Gumangan, RCJ and Fr. Orville Cajigal, RCJ attended a Workshop on Land Acquisition and Housing of St. Hannibal Phase 17, and to submit the details of the project last March 20, 2014 at the DILG Napolcom Building, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue, Quezon City.

Happy Birthday, Fr. Orville! Rare breeds are special. Of course, all are special, but the breed of Fr. Orville Cajigal, or Fr. Jiggs is outstandingly special, for only a few dare to tread on the footsteps of Jesus who embraced an advocacy for social justice. Fr. Jiggs was born for such advocacy, which is why his birthday, March 22, is opportune—it is the natal day of a rare breed, so to say. To rejoice with Fr. Orville, the leaders and members of the RYMSC, SHEC, SHaCC, Pabanal, friends, benefactors and collaborators staged a program for Fr. Jiggs…and there it was, a taste of heavenly jubilations for a wonderful priest! At same day, an Oath-taking of the New Members of the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, BEC Leaders and Coordinators took place at the St. Hannibaal Subdivision, Phase 2.

House/Piggery Blessing in Leyte. With shelter and livelihood development in progress, the rehabilitation program for typhoon victims at Leyte is indeed a manifestation of God’s ever faithful and enduring love. To supervise the project’s progress, as well as to bless new houses and piggeries, Fr. Norman Burauen visited the place last March 23, 2014. Back at Manila on same date, SHEC conducted a Meeting with Phase 4 Members to discuss the concerns of other groups regarding the MOA with the land owners and other stakeholders.

Life-Sharing at St. Scholastica’s College. Wonders never cease, and inspirations are bottomless. Last March 26, 2014, SHEC, through Noemi Henon and Lhen Lacdang flooded St. Scholastica’s College with such wonders and inspirations by sharing the life-transforming and empowering mission of SHEC. This was conducted in the form of a TV interview. Thanks to the invitation of Sr. Mary-John Mananzan, such opportunity to share the Kingdom pearl at SHEC took place.

SHEC Partners with Dep Ed, et al for ALS.  To signify the commitment of the Department of Education and some other agencies to become partners in the Alternative Learning System of the government, an MOU or memorandum of agreement signing was conducted last March 27, 2014. SHEC herein represented the Rogationists in the Philippines. The Secretary of the Department of Education, Bro. Armin Luistro, was there to grace the occasion. This has been an opportune time to let SHEC participate in the national level in terms of educating the poorest of the poor. On same day, SHEC had a Meeting with the Leaders of Phases 17, 4 and 8-12 to discuss livelihood and other matters.

Phase 17 Building in the Making. Thoughts become ideas. One just needs to work for any ideas’ realization. Phase 17 building may be a thought for now, but it is an idea in the making. The visit of Engr. Balite and company last March 28, 2014 to discuss with SHEC the possibility of an alternative agency for the building’s construction is certainly a step towards a dream-come-true. Among other things discussed was the need for a boring test in order to determine the actual cost of the building.

Meeting on Livelihood. Humane living is partly based on decent livelihood, which is why last March 29, 2014, leaders in Baseco, particularly those who come from San Juan Bautista, La Consolacion, De Gracia and San Nicolas met to talk about the livelihood aspect of their cooperative. On same date SHaCC and PABANAL leaders attended a Seminar on RA 9003 at the St. Hannibal Training Center. Surely, care for Mother Nature is an indispensable aspect of SHEC’s Kingdom mission.  

Healing at Ifugao. Priests are Jesus’ instruments to channel all types of blessings. Through Fr. Dexter Prudenciano, RCJ, who has been gifted by Jesus with the grace of being an instrument of Jesus’ healing power, many got cured at Sta. Maria, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao last March 30, 2014. Around 500 parishioners attended. They thanked God for the gift of healing bestowed upon one of their sons, in the person of Fr. Dex.