The way a mother cares for her only sick child

Hi there! It’s another weekend. And today’s title? That’s to underscore the 15th anniversary celebration of the St. Camillus Hospital in Calbayog City. It was the theme of the said celebration.

So, PNoy has delivered his second SONA. And my take on it? I’d rather that I let the experts, the feeling expert, the politicians, the grandstanders, the kibitzers and the like do the criticism. It’s their job, or should I say that’s what they are being paid to do, oops, me and my mouth. I’d rather focus on the red carpet moments. And surely they did not disappoint. Etta Rosales was correct in saying that it was a formal, big event. And that proper attire was the call of the day. But then, what do you say about those who looked like walking flower pots or vases with their colorful attire, accessories and what have you. And let’s not even start discussing about the jewelries and perfumes worn that day.

PNoy said a lot for a 53-minute speech. And certainly, PNoy was not campaigning when he said something like panahon na ngayon ng pagkakaisa, and the call to thank those who extend service in the government. What do you think? Or as one college professor (with a doctorate degree) in Calbayog had it, what is your think?

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The Linis-Estero Program of Calbayog City will be launched today. It will be held at the Nijaga Park with the City Officials and various government and private offices and NGOs in attendance. This activity is an initial step aimed at cleaning and rehabilitating the Calbayog River.

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Milestones. Congratulations to the Camillian community in Calbayog City. They celebrated the 15th anniversary of the St. Camillus Hospital last July 14, 2011. The day was highlighted by the Thanksgiving Mass presided over by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez.

A good number of Calbayognons are familiar with that story about how a bottle of wine resulted in having the hospital erected in Calbayog City.

In his speech (which I read for him), Mayor Ronaldo Aquino recalled that story and some of his recollection regarding the opening of the hospital. Here are some parts of his speech:

“... if my memory serves me right, I was the officer-in-charge when the hospital was inaugurated. Mrs. Imelda Marcos was among the VIPs present. Weeks after the inauguration, I welcomed the Ambassador and Fr. Galvani at the Mayor’s Office. Most of you must be very familiar with that wine story. Word has it that then Bishop Maximiano Cruz was trying to get some info on what wine to serve to the Papal Nuncio Gian Vincenzo Moreni who was slated to visit the Diocese of Calbayog. Enter Fr. Luigi Galvani, add in the late Msgr. Basilio Rosales and his sister Manuela, and we had the Camillians to Calbayog and then, this hospital. Certainly, that search for the correct wine has come a long way in serving the people of Calbayog and the people of Samar.”

“Tonight’s anniversary celebration is but proper. It’s time to pause and thank the Almighty. In our case, we thank Him for this ‘gift of the Camillian community in Calbayog’. It’s time for you to look at how much good you have offered to the people in the community you are in. And as you do that, do ponder upon the long road ahead, that road characterized by more service to the people. And yes, for you, the St. Camillus Hospital to have existed this long, you must be certainly doing something good.”

“But more than the stories and the socials and trivia attached with the history of the hospital, there is one important aspect that one has to look into – that through the years St. Camillus Hospital has cared for the poor-sick of Calbayog ‘the way a mother cares for her only sick child’. The Local Government Unit of Calbayog can attest to that. The hospital has become one of our partners in our effort to answer the health needs of the less-fortunate Calbayognons.”

“As we salute you on your anniversary, we look forward to more years of fruitful partnerships with St. Camillus Hospital and the Camillian community…”

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Mang Inasal formally opened its branch in Calbayog. Congressman Mel Sarmiento and Mayor Ronald Aquino led the list of guests invited to event.

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Wedding Bells. Oliver Abrigo of and Janice Obong of Sta. Margarita will get married tomorrow. Msgr. Francisco Cinco III will preside over their wedding mass at the St. James the Greater Parish Church in Sta. Margarita.

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This is it for now. Let me give you something to think about this weekend. It’s from Erich Fromm: “Who will tell whether one happy moment of love or the joy of breathing or walking on a bright morning and smelling the fresh air , is not worth all the sufferings and effort which life implies.”

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Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!