“The poor and the sick are the heart of God and that in serving them we serve Jesus Christ”
– St. Camillus de Lellis
The Camillians held medical missions in spite of the Covid 10-pandemic “serving with heart in our hands.” Special thanks to the doctors for their untiring and selfless love for the sick; to Unilab and MJF Lions Club (District 301-A2) for the medicines and to the volunteers and collaborators for their continuous support and generosity.
On March 31, 2020, the Camillians went on a medical mission to the homeless who were housed at De La Salle University on Taft Avenue, Manila. With them were Dr. Jose Christopher Sanchez and Dr. Mounien Gargoles Calixterio. The homeless were given free medical checkup and medicine.
The next medical mission was on April 3, 2020 to the homeless who were housed at Malate Catholic School, Manila. Joining this mission were Dr. Victoria Javalera, Dr. Calixterio and Dr. Jorge Licsi. The Camillian Fathers and doctors were more than happy to serve our less fortunate brothers and sisters.
On April 24, 2020, the Camillians visited the residents and personnel of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in Cainta, Rizal for another medical mission. Accompanying the Camillians were the doctors of St. Therese of Lisieux Doctors Hospitaland Drs. Javalera, Calixterio, Licsi, Sanchez and Marivic Gayamat. Unilab provided the medicines, while Ms. Abi Bañares, Nina Comsti and friends donated the hygiene kits.
Wonder filled the day on April 28, 2020 as the Camillians continued their medical mission to more than 200 street wanderers who were housed at Paco Catholic School and Espiritu Santo Parochial School of Manila, Inc. Doctors from St. Therese Of Lisieux Doctors Hospital in Pasig City and Drs. Javalera, Calixterio and Licsi offered free medical services to our poor brothers and sisters, who were also given free medicine.
Quezon Institute
On April 20, 2020, the Camillians went to Quezon Institute in Quezon City to comfort our sisters and brothers who are suspect, probable and confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Quezon Institute, which has closed for more than 10 years, has been reopened as one of the COVID-19 hospitals in the Philippines.
The QI team headed by former Department of Health Secretary, Dr. Paulyn Ubial, requested the Camillians to minister to the spiritual needs of the patients as well as the medical frontliners to uplift their spirits and not to lose hope, to continue praying to God with faith and trust that we can win this fight against Covid-19 together with God’s grace and mercy.
This ministry has been granted permission by the local ordinary of the Diocese of Cubao, Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, DD.
The Camillians returned to the facility on April 27, 2020. As Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (Jn 12:32), His message of faith, hope and love brightened a dark “Covid-19 infection” experience as the Blessed Sacrament was lifted up amongst the patients.
In collaboration with QI Covid Team, the Camillian Fathers offered prayers and spiritual accompaniment to admitted patients in the hospital. As of this date, there were more than 78 confirmed cases and more than 75 suspect and/or probable cases.
When this facility was reopened to be one of the COVID-19 hospitals, it started from scratch and it needed setting up all what was needed. Through the generosity of Kapuso ni San Kamilo, stand fans and desk fans and kettles for hot water were provided for the patients.
Lastly, rosaries were also shared to everyone in the facility including frontliners. Praying the rosary is a unifying force with believers around the world, asking for Mary’s intercession in stopping the coronavirus pandemic. Contemplating the face of Christ with the heart of Mary, our Mother, will make us even more united as a spiritual family.