Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Quezon City (Agenzia Fides) – Work has begun in Quezon City, Philippines, with the blessing of the foundation stone, on “Don Guanella's Home,” a home for 20 disabled children in “Harong Kan Sagrada Familia,” the rehabilitation center for physically and mentally disabled promoted by the Guanellian Family. "This is a home designed for disabled and abandoned children. It is a project created to celebrate 20 years of Guanellian presence in the Philippines,” explains Father Luigi De Giambattista, Provincial Superior. When the work finishes, the new structure will be able to accommodate a total of 20 children and 20 adults with disabilities. The new mission started with the help of the German Church, thanks to the recently begun Guanellian Missionary Center. "Children will be cared for by an Indian brother, who already has experience in in this area and cares for ten children received at the Guanella Center. With him is a group of lay collaborators for physiotherapy, medical care, assistance, and schooling," said Father Luigi. In December, the house is scheduled to open: "We want to have a celebration at Don Guanella, giving him these 20 treasures to care for." The new department comes in addition to the house of the religious, the formation house, an area reserved for the 12 disabled received as residents, the nursery school for 20 non-disabled children, and a multipurpose center that provides outpatient care and physiotherapy services to over 100 patients every day. Another dream is to build 17 small houses with two rooms and a bathroom for families with disabled children and live in poorer neighborhoods, so they can care for them more closely during therapy and special school, without being forced to be separated from them, adds Father Louis.
(AP) (Agenzia Fides 14/4/2010)
