Generous Living, Generous Giving
“For it is in giving that we receive.” ―St. Francis of Assisi
As Super Typhoon Pepito intensified and struck Bicol on Saturday, Tagaytay City remained warm and sunny, with a cool breeze in the air. The goal of the day was to reconnect with Tahanan Vedruna, which had been off my radar for months. Their contact details online were no longer up to date, and I had not received a response to the emails I sent. So, I decided to visit Tagaytay in person to check on the children and sisters, bringing much-needed supplies like bond paper, rice, and food packs. The children and sisters were deeply grateful for the visit and eagerly shared some homemade products they had made. Before I left, they also gifted us with fresh papaya and sayote from their home garden. Christmas is truly for children, and I encourage you to consider visiting them during the holidays to spread joy. I also reached out to a couple of friends working with PLDT to help get them connected to the internet. This will allow them to get back online and become reachable to everyone once again. I’m confident they’ll be back in circulation very soon.
A heartfelt thank you to all the donors who made this visit possible by contributing grocery and school supplies. A special thanks also to the generous soul who drove us and the goodies to and from the mission area. You are all living testaments that when God blesses you financially, you don’t raise your standard of living; you raise your standard of giving. Your kindness and support are truly appreciated.
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Back in June, we visited the Manresa suburb to distribute school supplies to 150 children. Four months later, we returned to see how they were doing in school and what they had learned from their older brothers and sisters, who tirelessly teach them prayers and songs. We were delighted to learn that the children can now pray the Holy Rosary in both Filipino and English. Some of them have even joined the children's choir and started training under the guidance of the Theotokos Singers. Thank you, Lord, for this amazing progress.
We are grateful to all the volunteers and sponsors who came together for this ongoing project for the children. The children have made great use of the school supplies you provided at the beginning of the school year, and they are excited about the food packs and goodies you have sent. We had to reschedule the activity a couple of times while gathering food pledges, but God works for the good of all who believe in Him, and we were finally able to carry out this outreach activity. They remembered you during the Living Beads Rosary and continue to pray for your well-being and ongoing success. May God reward you abundantly for the kindness in your hearts. Finally, congratulations to the Theotokos Singers on this well-executed project, and best wishes on your 9th anniversary! In this weekend’s Gospel from Mark 9:30-37, Jesus offers a powerful lesson about humility and the value of children. As His disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest, Jesus took a child, placed the child among them, and said, "Whoever serves one of these little children in My name serves Me." Jesus reminded us that true greatness in God's kingdom is not defined by status, power, or wealth, but by using what we have to care for the vulnerable—symbolized by children. It’s always a heartwarming experience to pray, eat, play, and interact with the little treasures at Mo. Spinelli in Tagaytay City. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to provide their essential needs. And with the help of volunteers, we were able to smoothly facilitate all parts of the visit.
Thank you for welcoming and serving these children, and in doing so, welcoming and serving Jesus. A big thank you as well to the children and their sister-caregivers for allowing us the opportunity to care for and give back. You are all incredible! Kicking off the week with a heart full of joy! I swung by San Fernando Elementary School's Special Needs Education Department (SNED) with some fantastic friends who have big hearts and even bigger giving hands. We came loaded with gifts: art supplies, school materials, picture books, and toys for the kiddos in the autism spectrum.
Teacher Aysa shared some truly inspiring tales about her daily adventures with these amazing kids and how she helps them get ready to join regular classes. The kids might not have said it out loud, but their smiles showed they were thrilled with the gifts and our company. Oh, and they loved the food too! Spending time with these children, their dedicated teachers, and all the kind-hearted folks was the highlight of my day. I firmly believe that God gives special needs children to special people, making everyone involved real-life superheroes. God must be smiling down today, seeing super people like you come together for such a wonderful cause. And here's a sweet touch—the kids made thank you cards for the group, complete with their own hand-cut decorations. A huge thanks to all donors and volunteers and Godspeed! Visiting our seniors provides essential companionship and emotional support, creating an opportunity for bonding and mutual learning. We are grateful to have visited the elderly at San Jose Balay Alima in Indang, Cavite. All the residents there are content and well-cared for. In their younger years, they held various occupations. I met a psychiatrist, an engineer, a pianist, a housewife, and others. Many were once celebrated during their working years but were later abandoned and ended up living on the streets in their old age. We had the opportunity to talk, sing, and eat with them. Though they appreciated the gifts we brought, it was truly they who made our day special. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who tirelessly and generously contributed food packs, adult diapers, rice, and other groceries. Your empathy, respect, and care for the elderly, known only to God, will be richly rewarded. Don’t miss the chance to show love to lolo and lola.
Additionally, the Vatican has granted a plenary indulgence to those who visit a sick, lonely, or disabled elderly person during the 2024 World Month of Grandparents and the Elderly this July. To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors. "And now, in my old age, don't set me aside. Don't abandon me when my strength is failing." (Psalm 71:9) God is our loving Father, and we are loved by Him. On Father's Day, we provided essential school supplies and food packs to 100 children between 1st to 6th grade at Our Lady of Fatima Chapel in Manresa Suburb, Quezon City. These children participated in daily prayers and activities throughout May, and we decided to gift them with bags, writing tools, crayons, pad papers, notebooks, rosaries, and prayer guides. As they set out on their journeys, our humble gifts will help them begin to pursue their dreams. Thank you, Fr. Jaime Giron, OFM, for sharing God's Word with us and nourishing us with the Eucharist. Likewise, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors land volunteers who came together to bring joy to these children. Finally, special thanks to Theotokos Society and the Our Lady of Fatima Community Chapel Council for facilitating this effort. "So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up." - Galatians 6:9 Priests are human too! They grow old and get sick. Thankfully, the Archdiocese of Manila has committed to caring for our priests as they advance in age. We visited an esteemed Mariologist and saintly priest Fr. Yulito Ignacio and lolo priests at Cardinal Sin Welcome Home to interact with them and bring them provisions to meet their health and material needs. This is our little way of caring and giving back to them for their faithful service through the years. Thank you to all who joined hearts and hands together to prepare the gifts for our lolo fathers. "God doesn't just reward compassionate individuals like you; He is the ultimate reward for you (Job 22:25)."
Jaime Cardinal Sin, intercede for us!
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Somang, a Korean name meaning "Hope," defines the essence of the House of Somang, nestled in Don Bosco, Paranaque. Managed by the Kkottongnae Sisters of Jesus, a South Korean congregation dedicated to aiding the most impoverished, this sanctuary provides a home for 16 lolos and 24 lolas. These elders, either abandoned by their families or referred by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, find solace here. Jill and Bessie noted the residents' contentment, evident in their well-nourished bodies, comfortable living conditions, and vibrant spirits. Social worker Ms. Romalyn ensures their engagement through activities like puzzles and coloring, alongside singing and dancing sessions. Your selflessness has gifted them one month supply of rice provision, adult diapers, and detergent, nurturing this community. Sister Peter, KSJ, concluded our visit with gratitude, offering small Korean gifts and prayers for all supporters. Your generosity brings "somang" to these seniors, enriching their lives profoundly. Gam sa ham ni da for your invaluable contribution!
The Parañaque City Police Station on Sucat Road accommodates pre-trial detainees of both genders serving short sentences. During our visit, we engaged with the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in the morning. Alongside reciting the rosary, we brought gifts for the inmates, unloading care kits from the vehicle and transporting them to the male and female cell blocks upstairs. The officers provided swift assistance, inspecting the items and aiding in their distribution. Through your goodness, we were able to distribute 250 personal care and hygiene kits. These kits contained essentials such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, and face towels. Conversations ensued between the officers and inmates, sharing anecdotes about daily life behind bars. The inmates were genuinely moved and appreciative of the visit and the material blessings. This outreach endeavor left a profound impact on all involved, showcasing the resilience, optimism, and gratitude nurtured by the inmates despite their challenging circumstances. We express our gratitude to all the sponsors and volunteers who contributed to making this visit happen. Your consistent support and unwavering assistance motivate us to engage in outreach activities like this. May God who sees your generosity in secret reward you abundantly and openly. On this First Sunday of Lent, Kairos Momentum (jeffjacinto.com) paid a visit to the elderly residents at Kapatiran ng Poong San Jose sa Imus, Home for the Elderly. Yvette and other social workers warmly welcomed us. Together with the seniors, we recited the Holy Rosary for friends and benefactors. One highlight was their rendition of Ama Namin by Redemptorist Fr. Teofilo Vinteres, which brought back many nostalgic childhood memories. We brought essential supplies such as rice, adult diapers, milk, and other necessities. If you're considering giving something up for Lent, consider visiting them at Tahimik Street, Toclong 1-C, Imus City (across Paw & Bean Cafe). Our next endeavor is scheduled for March 18 at the municipal jail. We'll conduct Mass, offer confession, and provide supplies to the inmates. We welcome your participation. Thank you, and may God bless you! |
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November 2024
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