FEBRUARY 2016 HGHLIGHTS.

The month of hearts, at least nominally, stands out in the Year of Mercy. Among other positive thoughts associated with the special Jubilee is the ever abundant providence of God. God is never outdone in generosity, which is why His mercy or compassion overflows. Jesus' preaching of the Kingdom of God, especially the Kingdom's Good News to the poor, which continues to this day until the New Creation comes, is God's definitive manifestation of such overwhelming providence and compassion. It is the mission that inspired St. Hannibal. No wonder, he called his congregation as the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus -- a heart full of compassion and providence... a heart which beats at the core of SHEC's being...

Ateneo Students Immerse at SHaCC. February 5-7, 2016 had been memorable for some students of Ateneo De Manila University as they lived with the community of SHaCC, Phase 17. The program's goal was to orient the students about the programs of SHEC through an experience of the way these are carried out in the community. Three other batches from same university also immersed for same purpose last February 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28 respectively.

Election of Officers, Fathers’ Concerns Committee. For a better facilitation of the committee, officers were elected last February 7. The election process, participated into by 56 members, was conducted at the St. Hannibal Subdivision Phase 2, Rodriguez St., Malibay, Pasay City. On the same day, a Community Service was carried out in order to foster the cleanliness of SHaCC. This event was led by some leaders and members of the RYMSC. Also Social Work Students of the University of Northern Philippines came to visit SHEC. The visit was a good venue to share the inspiring stories of success in social work carried out in SHEC.

SHFC Pre-Credit Committee Meeting was held last February 11 to remind the contractor and leaders of the documents to be provided for the Credit Committee Meeting of SHFC for the building construction of the community. The activity took place at the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) office, Makati Ave. Cor. Paseo de Roxas St., Makati City. It was attended by Orestes Idanan, Gemma Ortega, Vanessa Amparado, Dexter Ibay, Engr. Michael Dela Cruz, 2 companions of Mr. Ibay, Abby Genito, Engr. Joan of SHFC, Mr. Allan Catura and Fr. Orville R. Cajigal, RCJ.

An Early Valentine’s Party was conducted last February 13 to treat the RY debutants. The celebration was also an avenue to show the youth support and love, as well as a time to strengthen their bond with other members. The party was held at the St. Hannibal Training Center, 584- A E. Cornejo St. Malibay, Pasay City.

Apostolate of St. Scholastica’s College, Manila Students. Thanks to the kindness and generosity of St. Scho students, the children of SHEC communities learned quality catechism. The event was conducted at St. Hannibal Subdivision Phase 2 last February 16.

Children's Party. Kassandra Gutierrez, Ferdinand Borongan, Derek Sauza and some youth of Light of Jesus Community assisted in the Children’s Party sponsored by said group. It was participated by some children from Phases 2, 1,3, 4, 15, 17. The joyful activity was conducted at the St. Hannibal Training Center last February 20, 2016.

Visit from Lund University and Divine Word College-Laoag. Professors and students of Lund University, Sweden as well as students of Divine Word College of Laoag visited the St. Hannibal Subdivision Phase 2 last February 25. The visitors interacted with the community and learned of their struggles in the slums before they secured units in the housing area.

A Formation Session on Health was conducted at the St. Hannibal Training Center in two separate days, February 21 and 28 respectively. The event was attended by Nelia Reyna, Johana Gervacio, Bernadette Amparado, Orestes IDanan, some leaders and members of RYMSC.

JANUARY 2016 HIGHLIGHTS.

The Year of Mercy reminds us of two original Biblical words whose richness of meaning may shed more light on the concept of mercy. The Hebrew checed and the Greek splagchnizomai mean more than mercy or compassion or pity. As used in prophetic literature and in the synoptics, it speaks about a strong feeling which is intimately connected to justice. It is the compassion that stirs the innermost being, causing feelings of discomfort in the chest and stomach at the sight of social injustice. It disturbs a person to share compassion in the form of food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty and the like. This has been the compassion that Jesus and St. Hannibal manifested. This is the compassion that SHEC strives to promote.

Multiple Treat. January 10 witnessed the quadruple celebration of Father Dexter's birthday, Father Dexter's and Father Orville's respective sacerdotal anniversary, the launching of LIFE or Livelihood and Feeding program and the anniversary of Pabanal,  Baseco, Port Area, Manila. The occasions were graced with the presence of His Eminence Luis Cardinal Tagle. These were indeed occasions filled with God's compassion.

Sto.Nino Fiesta. The Sto. Nino or the infant Jesus reminds us of the innocence, purity and truthfulness of children, which is why Jesus mentioned in the gospels that entry to God's Kingdom requires one to be childlike. This joyful celebration was attended by some leaders and members of RYMSC and the ROGATE Children’s Ministry.

Happy10th Anniversary, SHaCC Federation and SHaCC Phase 2! Last January 23, leaders and members of SHaCC Federation, RYMSC, PABaNAL, RYMPC, friends and benefactors of SHEC, SHaCC and PABaNAL gathered to thank the Lord for all the blessings, especially the victories and joys after each struggle. Rockbottom, of course, has been God's compassion which is concretely felt and seen in every authentic advocacy for human development.

One with Pope Francis' Environment Advocacy. One mark of Pope Francis' pontificate, as beautifully scribbled in Laudato Si, is the love of creation or mother nature. In solidarity with the Pope, as the advocacy is a major apostolate of SHEC, a training on environmental concerns was held last January 31. Needless to say, God's compassion runs through the veins of healthy, robust creation.

Supplica. To praise and thank the Lord for all the blessings received for the year 2015, the SHEC admin and staff plus some leaders of the communities gathered for said purpose at the St. Hannibal Training Center, 584-A E. Cornejo St., Malibay, Pasay City. The event was held last January 31.