In the Philippines, the Victoria Diez library was recently blessed, several couples were married and a meeting with young people was held by a TA spirituality centre in the west of the island of Panay.
Balay Pagdu-aw (House of the Visitation) Ashram Catholic in Buruanga, Aklan, Philippines is committed to provide a safe environment where one can reflect, pray and spend quality time with God. It has welcomed people of all faiths to deepen their spirituality, to relax and enjoy the rustic beauty of mountain and sea.
The untold stories of generosity, goodness and reaching out to the marginalized and those in the peripheries of this remote rural area of Aklan, had inspired family, friends and colleagues in the Philippines, United States and Canada to collaborate and participate in its projects and programs.
Victoria Díez Library
In this time of the pandemic, Balay Pagdu-aw collaborated with the Department of Education, the local Church and the government units in the realization of its projects. One of these projects is the Blessed Victoria Diez Library in Tigum Elementary School, a public school located in Buruanga, Aklan, Philippines. It was blessed on February 11, 2022 in the presence of the public school and local government officials, teachers, parents and members of the Teresian Association. Among those who attended were six poor students who were chosen as scholars of Balay Pagdu-aw.
Sacraments
On Saturday, February 12, the community rejoiced with 22 couples who received the sacrament of marriage at San Antonio de Padua Parish in Buruanga. Some of the couples received four to five sacraments as part of the event. They expressed great gratitude for the opportunity of being blessed as married couples after living together for many years. Their simple and welcoming response to the invitation to fully live the sacrament has given them back the integrity of their union as husband and wife.
Youth encounter
The enthusiastic energy of the young people captured the joy and the hope that the events of the past two days have given to the community. On Sunday, February 13, the convocation of young people in the area was an encounter with themselves, with one another and with God. It created in them a greater awareness of self, courage to face challenges and stand up for what is right and just. Certainly, they have affirmed the presence of God in their lives and have expressed conviction to continue growing in their faith life. At the end of the session, gratitude and feeling blessed were expressed by the youth.
With grateful hearts, the members of the Teresian Association behind this endeavor appreciate and value the large invisible and visible network of support. It is their hope and deepest desire that these initiatives will make a difference in the lives of the people in the community. As we continue to face the effects of global pandemic, may the shared resources offer both support and soul nourishment amidst the challenging situation of the country. The providential care of God has sustained Balay Pagdu-aw to respond to the call of the Gospel of Jesus.
Jelorie S. Peroja, Philippines.
Original en inglés, traducción Depto. de Información.
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