Legazpi – On December 19th the Servants of Charity celebrated Christmas and the end of 2017 in the presence of Fr. Dong, SdC, Fr. David, SdC, and Fr. Sagayaraj, SdC, opened a year-end Christmas Party to give thanks to the staffs who have dedicated themselves to the service of the community. Practically, gifts could not be absent from the party because they are a sign of bringing good luck and joy to others.
Legazpi – As the fruit of a long period of preparation, on December 22nd, the novices helped bring a little joy to the children of Purok 6, with a Christmas Party at the Pavilion of Harong Kan Sagrada Familia. To start the party, Fr. David, SdC, celebrated Holy Mass with Fr. Sagayaraj SdC, in the presence of benefactors and friends. We gathered the poor children of Purok 6 to organize them to play games, dance, sing and give them a place to have a party. The children were overwhelmed with happiness and joy, carrying gifts in their hands. We were delighted to organize this event to let them know that God never abandons them.
Legazpi – The holidays were here again which made our children and youth with special needs rejoice when they rendered a musical skit, sang carols and played their musical instruments during the program during our observance of National Catholic Disability Day December 3rd held at Harong Kan Sagrada Familia. They not only enjoyed mingling with other persons with disabilities from different Special Education Centers in Legazpi City, but they were also grateful for the goodies given as gifts from generous benefactors. It was worth the effort of the many days of practices in order to come up with a meaningful and enjoyable stage presentation. Indeed it was applauded and appreciated.
Legazpi – “Zumba” is the new fitness activity of the staff and members of SAGRADA FAMILIA which they are enjoying it with all their strength. They dance not only for relaxation, but they also to build relationships in the spirit of “SAGRADA FAMILIA”. There is no distinction between priests, seminarians, teachers, staff, social workers or therapists, but all are “Family”. We work not for our own good but for the common good of others, coming together as a community to improve the lives of those who are lacking in society.
On the occasion of the feast of Fr. Guanella, we also needed to acknowledge the staff at HKSF. Many of the staff were inspired by Fr. Guanella to dedicated themselves for this work of charity. The strong witness is the length of time which they have been working here in this community. Through many difficulties, challenges and lack of material goods in the very beginning, they and the Guanellian priests worked tirelessly to develop the community not only for the present but for the future good of all.
Legazpi – Fr. David Stawasz was a brother in the Legazpi community nine years ago. He paid a visit to share his own vocation story with the novices. God’s love calls many to step out of their own way to follow His way, the way which He has prepared. We don’t know what will happen in this life, but we do know that we must trust in His call and do our best to follow it. This call can only be found through prayer. Moreover, through prayer we trust in God little by little and believe that God will help us to realize His call and to keep forming us according to His will. Sometimes, we might not know where God is. These are the times we need to pray harder and to keep ourselves from getting lost in this life. To stay on the right track keep in mind Who you belong to. Time has passed since Fr. David was here, but he did not forget how much he loves HKSF and its people. The heart of love is tireless and full of gratitude and faithfulness for the people of God.
Legazpi – The Harong Kan Sagrada Familia community welcomed Fr. Charlton Viray for a visit November 6th–8th. During his visit, he offered a class for all the novices entitled, “Prayer with the Bible” teaching them to use this kind of prayer in their own spiritual life. He said, “once, one gets to know and apply this prayer in their spiritual life, one may discover their own self and may realize their own self with the painfulness of spirit which self needs to accept it in order to grow.” With this type of prayer, we no longer pray alone, but we listen, understand and meet Jesus in our hearts. Prayer becomes a personal dialogue with Jesus and we discover “who is Jesus in my life?” In seeking him in others: neighbors, poor, needy, we also see him in our own hearts, for He is waiting for us there. Getting to know Him is getting to know ourselves.
Legazpi – “The Human Heart is made to Love and Share with Others” was the theme of the annual ‘Dinner for a Cause’ held on October 7th at Harong Kan Sagrada Familia. The event was to benefit our mission of caring for those who are in need, a voice for the voiceless in society. It woke up the hearts that are sleeping in the busy-ness of society. By doing the work of special education for special children, the Servants of Charity strive to give them what they deserve to have in life. Through simple teaching, they are guided to do the simplest things which are necessary for them to support themselves in daily life. As Cardinal Francis Savier Nguyễn Văn Thuận wrote in his book The Way of Hope, “The hopeful way starts by every single dot of hope. The hopeful life starts from every hopeful minute.” The program was successful by the many small presentations by the special kids, the people from the feeding program, youth choir, parents, residents with physical disabilities and staff … We put our hope in what we are doing in order to serve them as best as we can. Many thanks to our benefactors.
Legazpi – Disability audits are a part of the activities during National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week celebrations. Establishments such as food chains, malls, offices and public places are visited by a group of representatives from DOJ, DILG, DPH, CHR, DENR, SIMON of CYRENE and SAGRADA FAMILIA, which checks if these establishments comply with the accessibility laws. The ramps, parking area, priority lane, discounts and comfort rooms are also being evaluated. Proper measurements of ramps and comfort rooms are also evaluated in order to be accessible for PWDs. For those buildings operating without proper accessibility, a report is given to the engineering department for them to validate, which may result in cancellation of the permit to operate for non – compliance of the law. For those who comply, a certificate of compliance is awarded to show their support to our brother’s and sister’s with disabilities.
Legazpi – Jerry Londerio, a 39 year-old man from Tahao Road, came to Harong Kan Sagrada Familia to undergo physical therapy. He was in severe pain when he arrived, in fact the pain was so severe that he could not even walk without support from his wife, or sit straight. He needed to lie on his side just to ease the pain. Despite his condition, he continued his daily living, ignoring his suffering with the thought that it would just go away. When he could no longer bear the pain, he asked his employer to help him consult a doctor. Medication was prescribed but did little to lessen the pain. Another doctor advised him to undergo physical therapy. He began physical therapy at HKSF and felt some relief. He still has pain but somehow it is tolerable. He can now sit properly, stand straight and even walk independently… and most importantly, he is back to work.
Legazpi – The Special Therapy and Education Program (STEP) at Harong Kan Sagrada Familia, Bogtong, went “Camping” March 30th-31st with the special needs youth after an eight year hiatus. After all the teachers’ effort, most of the participants had a great time at the campout. The exciting events included: amazing race which was a showcase of their wittiness and creativity, collaborative cooking for their dinner, the campfire with spontaneous merry making and the early brisk walk up the famous Ligñon Hill near the compound. These opportunities were avenues for them to discover their leadership qualities which they performed accordingly. The greatest challenge was sleeping one night away from the caress of their families; they stood up to the challenge and were successful, both the students and parents. Congratulations for the trust invested in everyone.
Servants of Charity 