June 2010

Sr Enasi and Sr. Alisi	The prostration on a mat brought specially from Tonga. Observed by the mother and sister of Sr. Alisi	Some priests representing the Philippines, Zimbabwe, France and the United States

In June the Malibay Community welcomed back Sr. Alisi, and later Sr. Enasi also returned. This was followed by a 2 week visit by our Mother General, Sr. Mercedes Martinez and her Counselor, Sr. Michaela de Wilde. The highlight of the visit was on June 12th when the Final Vows ceremony for Sr. Alisi and Sr. Enasi took place in the Parish church of Mary, Comforter of the Afflicted, the Parish where we work.

The main Celebrant of the mass was our Vicar for Religious, Fr. James Ferry, and was concelebrated by an international group of priests from many different Countries. They were from Tonga, Fiji, France, the United States, The Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe and China. Of course the Philippines was represented by our own Parish Priest, Fr. Antonio Navarreto Jr.

Members of the families of the sisters travelled from Tonga, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Mindanao to celebrate with us. There were Religious Men and Women from many different Congregations.

The people with whom we work were so happy to have their part and to share our joy.

The celebration meal which followed the mass took place in a local hall where we all partook of fine Filipino cuisine. This event will be long remembered by all who were present.

Julius with his mother being treated by Kalpana Patients being treated by Julie and Kalpana Sr. Margaret Ann

For many months now our mission has had the gift of help from skilled Bowen Therapists who have generously shared their expertise in training some of our Community Health workers in this Therapy, and have treated many of our poor people both in our Centre and in their own homes. Bowen Technique is a gentle form of body work in which very subtle moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages to the brain, retreiving cellular memory of a preferred, relaxed, balanced way of wellbeing. Ms. Julie Pocknee Williams (Australian ) and Mrs. Kalpana Gandhi ( from New Zealand) two dedicated volunteers have generously given their time and shared their skill and expertise to treat not only persons with acute symptoms, but also stroke patients and children with special needs., e.g. cerebral palsy. Results have been remarkable!

April 2010

Easter has come and gone, yet the New Life remains in our lives this Season. First of al I would like to give you some Community news. Srs. Anne and Margaret Ann are very happy that Sr. Alisi has returned to Malibay and Sr. Ena will return in May. Sister Liliana is on vacation in Chili. Her country is still reeling from the effects of a devastating earthquake which caused tremendous damage. However her family are safe, and she will return here at the beginning of May.

The Clinic staff are delighted to have Sr. Alisi with them once more. They kept all their programs going in her absence helped and guided by Dr. Ben and our faithful volunteer nurses.

The Livelihood workers are struggling to keep up with the increased demand for their products, and are negotiating big orders for both recycled goods and the bags sewn on their new sewing machines.

The early Learning Centre had an outing to a swimming pool for the mother and child groups. We get free entrance there because it is owned by a Local Councilor. The day was very much appreciated by all who were able to participate.

The Kinder class worked hard with their teachers to make their ‘Moving Up’ Ceremony a great success. It took place on the Barangay Basketball Court and so was attended by friends and neighbours as well as the parents and invited guests. All were very impressed by the ability of the children to deliver speeches they had learned by heart and spoke with great assurance. They also sang, and danced some traditional Filipino dances they had learned. Teachers and some parents also joined together to perform a dance for our entertainment.

Awards and Certificates were distributed to the children and after photo taking, all enjoyed the usual refreshments.

During the Summer Holidays, many children are attending ‘storytelling and crafts’ at the library. They are really enjoying this time, and some games will be introduced to this group later.

The Special needs group attracts more members, and it will be their turn for an outing for swimming soon.

After the flooding of Ondoy, money was given for emergency repairs to some houses. People were provided with money for materials and did the work themselves,. Those unable to do the work themselves were aide by one of the Livelihood workers who was released from his normal work to do this service. Michael, an AMA volunteer staying with the Assumptionist Fathers in Cubao came daily to help in this project.

The time is passing quickly. There is great excitement in the air with the ‘run up’ to the General Election on May 11th. Noise and political jingles fill the air as one by one (or as it sometimes is, all together) they exhort us to vote for this one or that.

After that it will be time to prepare for a new scholastic year in June, but more of that next time!