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Being a healthcare servant is a health witness of compassion to the sick in solidarity with other healthcare providers.
AS A PERSON. A healthcare servant nourishes healthy lifestyle, avoiding vices detrimental to health.
AS A COMMUNITY. The community nurtures social determinants of health: standard of living, clean air and water, quality housing, healthy workplace condition, access to quality health and education services, healthy ecosystem, government health policies, equal distribution of life-giving resources, uprooting discrimination against the sick, etc.
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Camillians are one in charism, spirituality, and ministry as they witness the ever-present love of Jesus Christ for the sick. (Camillian Constitution #1)
shepherd’s care
Provincial’s Corner
By Fr. Rolando J. Fernandez, MI
Our Response
I gnorance of what HIV/AIDS truly is leads one to commit the damaging discrimination against the ones with it. This brings about uneasiness to both the not well-informed and the infected. Thus, education about this illness is a must. In January 2011, the Department of Health reported that there were 152 new HIV Ab sero-positive individuals confirmed by the STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratory (SACCL), meaning a 6% increase of cases compared to the same period of last year. Upon learning that the youngest person diagnosed that time was 17 years old, I was personally alarmed. This convinced me more that we Camillians have to be actively involved and contribute something to address this pressing problem. The Woodwater Center for Healing is our concrete response to this challenge. It is a place where a person loaded with negative experiences due to the illness that, again, is not well understood by many of our people, can freely come and refresh their wounded spirit and seek consolation if not total healing. We want it to become their home where we hope we can help them reclaim their shattered/wounded selves. The Woodwater Center for Healing aims, too, to network with different groups, organizations, social-minded people, etc. working for the prevention of this illness and to promote Christian values that I personally believe could help everyone to value more and more life and persons whoever they are.
To the “positive community,” the Woodwater Center for Healing would try to quench your thirst to give meaning to your “meaningless” lives and longing to be whole again: one with God and with others. Let us help one another to appreciate the beauty of life by caring and loving one another. God bless us all!
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The most scary and devastating experience of those infected with HIV is not the sickness per se but the rejection they got from their loved ones – the people whom they thought to be the ones helping them out especially in this very trying moment of their lives. The feeling of being alone in the midst of many is what consumes their hopes and beautiful dreams in life. Life for them becomes useless and meaningless. Death seems to be their only closest “friend” to end their pain and agony.
blessing & inauguration
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Woodwater Center for Healing
WOO C his is it!
After half a decade of toil, the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm (Camillians) – Philippine Province, with humility, gratefulness, and joy, finally realized its dream of establishing a center for its HIV/AIDS ministry. The Camillians, a congregation of religious priests and brothers who dedicate their lives to the service of the sick, christened it Woodwater Center for Healing. Though its services are already in function a couple of years ago, the center was blessed and inaugurated on March 18, 2011. Gracing the occasion were the Camillians’ partners in the HIV/AIDS world: representatives from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), Department of Health (DOH), San Lazaro Hospital (SLH), Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), Positive Action Foundation Philippines, Inc. (PAFPI), and Pinoy Plus Association (PPA); advocates from non-government, civic, and religious organizations and the entertainment industry; and individuals from the “positive community” and those who make HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention their personal advocacy. “Woodwater? What’s in the name?” you may ask, as many people usually do! So here’s a little history crash course for you: Around five centuries ago, St. Camillus de Lellis (founder of the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm who is now the patron saint of the sick, hospitals, doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers) served at St. James of the Incurables Hospital in Rome. During those times, this hospital was the leading charitable institution catering to the needs of those suffering from incurable diseases. While St. Camillus was working there, the “woodwater” cure was in vogue. He assisted in administering to the sick the “woodwater” which gained great faith from the people for a whole century for its efficacy. “Woodwater” was a concoction made from the wood of the tree quaiacum officinale, a hard, resinous wood with a pleasant smell but a bitter taste, to which was attributed special therapeutic qualities. Outstanding doctors during the 16th century hailed it as “the remedy above all others given by God to help humanity.” Others called it “the hope of mankind, beautiful to behold, a new wonder of the world.” It was even called “the holy wood” and “the most holy American wood.”
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“Woodwater” cure was administered at St. James every other year from the middle of May to the middle of June. The complete cure went on for forty days. The reputation this “extraordinary cure” acquired drew considerably large crowds of sick people for the occasion.
By Sch. John Jay C. Magpusao, MI
There you go!
in focus
ODWATER Center for Healing The Camillians’ work on HIV/AIDS endeavors to include different aspects with the common concern of treating each person as individual human being. It strives to cover all dimensions of HIV/AIDS in this ministry, which give priority, not on the illness per se, but in working with people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS; allowing them to live with hope and dignity. Included in the center’s preventive programs are education (Pastoral Training on HIV/AIDS, HIV/AIDS Awareness, Voluntary Counseling and Testing [VCT] Training, Home-based Care Training, Grief and Bereavement Training, and Palliative Care Training), advocacy, and positive prevention. Under the treatment, care, and support programs, the Camillians help in facilitating spiritual enrichment for people living with HIV/AIDS together with their affected families, and for people who are caring for them (doctors, nurses, caregivers, etc.) through Recollections and Retreats, Spiritual Counseling and Discernment, and Scripture Studies and Reflections. Medical services, psychosocial support , shelter and protection, and nutrition are likewise given attention by the center. So far, the Camillians is currently the sole religious congregation in the Philippines which offers Pastoral Training on HIV/AIDS to various sectors in the country. And with the range of services its Woodwater Center for Healing provides, it is considered as the pioneer faith-based organization (FBO) to have a holistic program on HIV/AIDS in the Philippines. In the Department of Health-Philippine National AIDS Council’s Country Report of the Philippines for January 2008 to December 2009, the Camillians was cited as the Catholic institu-
tion having a good practice in enhancing HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care, and support services. The report was a follow-up to the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS). For this reason, UNAIDS commended the Camillians for being a faith-based organization in the Philippines to have taken a comprehensive HIV/AIDS program that can be considered a good practice and a pattern for other FBOs to follow. In 2010 alone, more than 400 people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS availed the abovementioned services of the Camillians. Meanwhile, 4-6 people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS presently visit the Woodwater Center for Healing per day. Being one of the founding members of the Philippine Catholic HIV/AIDS Network (PhilCHAN) and a member of the Coalition in Asia-Pacific Catholic HIV/AIDS Network (CAPCHAN), the Order of the Ministers of the Infirm collaborates with the HIV/AIDS programs of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). And just in case you are still wondering by this time on why the Camillians aim to provide a refuge for those who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS? With the “expanding fast and furious” status of HIV/AIDS in the Philippines, the Camillians cannot just stay at the sidelines and watch. Moved by faith, “We would like to bring God’s hope and love to you because we SEE Christ in you and in turn we hope that you SEE Christ in us.”
…to provide pleasant smell, smile, and love in taking care of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.
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Now, taking inspiration from this period of St. Camillus’s life, the Woodwater Center for Healing aims to provide pleasant smell, smile, and love in taking care of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Through this center, the Camillians envision to bring the everlasting love of God to the people infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. By continuing the healing mission of Jesus, and following the examples of St. Camillus, they work to foster God’s call for healing in this broken world, with special attention to people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, and to help achieve an HIV/AIDS-free Philippines.
SEE-DISCERN-ACT Approach for HIV/AIDS
aids does matter
Pastoral and practical ministry My solidarity and prayers are with you, Ministers of the Infirm - Philippine Province, as you initiate your Woodwater Center for Healing. May your strong commitment to accompany those living with HIV in your country and to work toward an "AIDS-free Philippines" be realized through the grace and force of God's blessing on your ministry. In my frequent visits to the Philippines, I have been privileged to hear from women and men living with or affected by HIV about the dignity and hope which they experienced through the pastoral and practical ministry of the Camillians. May God continue to inspire and strengthen your commitment to foster God's call for healing in a broken world. By Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo Special Advisor on HIV/AIDS Caritas Internationalis
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“A seemingly boring and technical topic was given in an interesting manner,” commented Sr. Victoria R. Santiago, SPC, after the biomedical discussion of HIV/AIDS. Working in the Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Paranaque City, she added that “the training opened my eyes with what is truly happening with the youth and HIV/AIDS.” Indeed, most of the participants in the Pastoral Training on HIV/AIDS held last March 10-12, 2011 at St. Camillus Pastoral Healthcare Center paved the way for other dioceses and religious congregations to extend their arms and hands in response to the Church’s call to appropriately serve and care for the Filipinos living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Using the SEE-DISCERN-ACT approach of the Second Vatican Council, the pastoral training started with cultivating the giftedness of each one by focusing on the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit which everyone needs to use in taking care of people living with the virus and in preventing the spread of this pandemic disease. Then, the epidemiology of HIV was presented to SEE the higher-population at greater risk of HIV infection and the vulnerable groups like the youth and migrants. An in-depth discussion on HIV/AIDS was done with emphasis on its causes and effects. On the second day, the participants were led to DISCERN using the biomedical aspects of the disease. They were given the chance to put themselves in the shoes of those people undergoing the testing, those who were diagnosed positive of HIV, and those affected families. The culmination day was devoted in deepening on what can Church healthcare workers do to help decrease and ultimately free the Philippines from HIV by making an ACTion plan. Some plans were realized after the training when, through the initiative of the graduates of the said training, HIV/AIDS awareness was conducted for the staff of the SPC-owned Our Lady of Peace Hospital, parish leaders of St. Peter’s Parish (Diocese of Novaliches), and the youth of Nuestra Señora dela Annunciata Parish (Diocese of Antipolo). Like the Augustinian Missionaries of the Philippines (Diocese of Infanta), others have also started reaching out to vulnerable groups. By Bro. Dan V. Cancino Jr., MI
Messages for the Camillians
heartbeats
For they are not just numbers By Yolanda E. Oliveros, MD, MPH, MHSA Director for Disease Prevention and Control United States Agency International Development (USAID)
T he situation of HIV/AIDS in the country was described as low and slow, with prevalence of less than 1% among both the general population and most at risk populations (MARPs). However, the nature of the disease is rapidly changing for the past 5 years which was described as hidden and growing. With the latest result of the Integrated HIV Behavioral and Serologic Surveillance (IHBSS) in 2009, the number of new cases was doubled that of the previous 10 years, which is now being considered as an expanding epidemic. Looking from the perspective of an epidemiologist, the above are numbers and statistics giving warning to an impending outbreak of a disease. From the perspective of a public health specialist, the above requires the development of strategic interventions to prevent the spread of the disease. From the viewpoint of a scientist, it means an urgent need to discover vaccines or technologies to stop the virus. From the lens of an economist, it means financial burden
to the society. And from the simple mind of a common person, the situation above is simply scary. BUT… from the hearts of the Camillians, the above are not just numbers but people suffering from the disease… They just don’t need strategic interventions in paper, but direct services… Discovery of vaccines and technologies might fail and be delayed but the Camillians’ helping hands and compassion are here and now. Through the ministry of the Camillians, people living with HIV/ AIDS are helped to be hopeful, empowered, and strengthened so that they will not be seen as burden to the society but still have that feeling of dignity and worth. From the Camillians’ minds are deep understanding of the pains and sufferings these people are experiencing, which make them resolve to be strong and brave because the Camillians know that the patients whom they serve are drawing the courage and spirit from them.
Congratulations to the Camillians for setting up the Woodwater Center for Healing. You have used different lens and perspective of how the society should act and respond to this impending epidemic of HIV/AIDS. I am proud to have you as our partner in health and I will pray for your success so that you may continue to touch more lives and ease their sufferings.
Through the ministry of the Camillians, people living with HIV/AIDS are helped to be hopeful, empowered, and strengthened...
I was sick, scared, alone, and angry. I couldn't speak the language to ask for the help I so desperately needed and I was tired of the fight. I had a virus ravaging my body and I was on the verge of giving up the fight. Then a friend brought me to the Woodwater Center for Healing. Now, I’m on the road to wellness, and most importantly for me, I’m no longer alone, sick, or afraid. Thank you, Camillians, for caring for my body, my mind, my spirit - my well-being. I really don't know where I’d be right now without you.
Jake
HIV+
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Right now with you
pine trees & cool breeze
The Novitiate Bulletin
Great [Un]expectations By Nov. Errol S. Salcedo UNEXPECTED REFRESHMENT
UNEXPECTED TITLE
After finishing the sessions on Religious Vows with our Novice Master Fr. Ruben J. Mandin, MI, and on the History of the Order with our Local Superior Fr. Ivo Z. Anselmi, MI, we were refreshed by an unexpected occasion with Msgr. Andres M. Cosalan Jr.! The Apostolic Vicar of the Diocese of Baguio, he preferred himself to be called Fr. Andy. A bible scholar, Fr. Andy was, for many years, a professor at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Theological Seminary in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Currently the in-charge of the Catechetical Ministry, Biblical Apostolate, and in taking care of the old and sickly priests of the Diocese, he is, for us, a holy, good, and humble priest. Fr. Ivo actually invited him to give us a talk on the Biblical Foundation of the Religious Vows. However, due to his innate kindness and generosity, he unexpectedly gave us a spiritual refreshment! He transformed our session last February 21, 2011 into a oneday retreat! Fr. Andy shared with us the nuances and reflections on the gospel passages related to religious vows. And with the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist as conclusion, our day with Fr. Andy was indeed a refreshing one!
Grand street dances and extravagant floral floats. What a wonderful entertainment (and respite!) it was for us Novices during Baguio’s week-long Panagbenga Festival last February 26 to March 6, 2011! But here’s the more wonderful: On the last day of the festival, the Novices presented in a program staged at Baguio Convention Center. Organized by Mr. Bob Aquino, the event was participated in by different schools and convents in this City of Pines. And, lo and behold, the Camillian Novices ended up garnering the Best Inspirational Dance of the Year title!
Scholastics’ Home
The graduating elementary and high school classes of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Montessori had their retreat last March 4 and 5, 2011, respectively. Fr. Ruben and Fr. Ivo were the preachers while we Novices were their assistants. As those days became memorable for the students, they, too, were joyful moments for us Novices! As we shared with them our time and talents, we likewise conveyed to these young generations our religious experiences and the importance of our families as the cradle of our chosen vocation.
By Sch. John Paul B. Alvarado, MI
“Going into the deep” At St. Scholastica’s Center of Spirituality in Tagaytay City on March 19-23, 2011, the scholastics heeded the Lord’s call to “go into the deep.” No questions about that, folks, that was their annual retreat!
BIRTHDAYS 07, 1977 - Fr. Renato Maliwat 24, 1971 - Fr. Tex Rico Buntol 24, 1974 - Fr. Gabriel Garcia 28, 1957 - Fr. Rolando Fernandez PERPETUAL PROFESSIONS 19, 1966 - Fr. Luigi Galvani 19, 1966 - Fr. Felice Chech 19, 1962 - Fr. Giuseppe Didone 25, 1995 - Fr. Menardo Nono 25, 1995 - Fr. Evan Paul Villanueva 25, 2006 - Fr. Jacob Wong PRESBYTERATE ORDINATIONS 02, 1975 - Fr. Ivo Anselmi 11, 2000 - Fr. Ruben Mandin 11, 2000 - Fr. Charly Ricafort 25, 1986 - Fr. Remegio Jamorabon
April
“No sweat but no sleep” After four years of “no sweat but no sleep” theological studies (thanks for the description, Fr. Boy!), Camillian scholastics Eliseo L. Navarro, John Jay C. Magpusao, Jayson A. Labrador, and John Paul B. Alvarado proudly received their certificates of completion of the General Theology Program from the CICM Maryhill School of Theology on March 11, 2011. Most Rev. Teodoro C. Bacani, DD, Bishop Emeritus of Novaliches and a professor at Maryhill, presided over the Thanksgiving Mass held at the CICM Provincialate Compound in New Manila, Quezon City. He stressed in his homily that theology is not just about knowing and discussing concepts, ideas, and explanations about the divine, scriptures, morality, and others. For him, studying theology should always be accompanied with action; always putting it into praxis. Thus he exhorted the Batch Liyab (the graduating class) that they should not end up only in studying theology but they should now become incessant in “doing theology.” A theology that is daily lived and praticed. On the other hand, the graduates took the occasion as the best opportunity to express to everyone their grateful and challenged hearts. Grateful: to all the people who helped and supported them pursue, hurdle, and finish their theological studies. Challenged: to enflesh their theological learnings in their actual priestly and religious ministries.
March
BIRTHDAYS 01, 1977 - Fr. Alfons Oles 04, 1947 - Fr. Raimondo Yang 21, 1939 - Bro. Davide Cattaneo PERPETUAL PROFESSIONS 01, 1956 - Fr. Antonio Didone 17, 1995 - Fr. Marcelo Pamintuan Jr. 17, 1993 - Fr. Diosdado Haber 17, 1993 - Fr. Wilfredo Penoliar 21, 1996 - Fr. Samuel Cuarto 24, 1949 - Fr. Giovanni Rizzi Well, what a privilege it was for them to have the former Father Provincial, Fr. Ivo Z. Anselmi, MI, as their retreat preacher! With delight, Fr. Ivo shared with them his ideas, insights, reflections, and personal experiences on the following topics: Going the Whole Way with Jesus, Selfdetermination and Responsibility, Maturity in Religious Life, Mutual Support in the Community, Authority in Religious Life, Prayer, and the Camillian Fourth Vow. He then synthesized them all in his concluding session entitled One in Mind and Heart We Move On. Surely, through Fr. Ivo’s signature zealous inputs, the scholastics learned a lot from him and were very much inspired and challenged to live a meaningful and well-grounded religious life. Grazie, Fr. Ivo! And as the retreat gave the scholastics generous time to contemplate, reflect, exercise, relax, listen to stories, share stories, and, of course, eat well and much, they were definitely rejuvenated, refreshed, and reinspired to face off with their next big things: summertime’s Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) and parish apostolate!
PUBLISHER St. Camillus Provincialate 18 Nicanor Reyes St., Varsity Hills, Loyola Heights, 1108 Quezon City, Philippines
EDITORIAL STAFF Sch. John Jay C. Magpusao, MI Sch. John Paul B. Alvarado, MI Ms. Veronica Villegas Mr. Hubert Castro Telephone: +63 (2) 929-6213/926-3506/ 920-7621 Fax: +63 (2) 929-6215 E-mail: provhousephi@gmail.com Website: camilliansphil.org
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sa balay ni isko
UNEXPECTED JOY
milestones