Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Going towards the young, the poor and disabled with a renewed pastoral impetus: this is the style that the Guanellians re-launch from the Philippines after the end of the GYM CONTEST, a highly awaited event for young people in Manila who are offered the opportunity to perform in singing, dancing and music, performance in which young people are actors and not mere spectators. They learn to know themselves, limits and potentiality, to engage and share in a family atmosphere. According to a statement sent to Fides by the Congregation of the Servants of Charity, also the families of the young people were enthusiastic, both those involved firsthand and those who are called by the event, often street children, who live on the margins of community. Over 300 were present, for a day of celebration held in the indoor basketball court in the Guanellian center.
"In these days we are putting together some mission activities to present catechism to the poor, and from June – explains Fr. Luigi De Giambattista, Superior of the Province of Divine Providence, which includes the U.S., India, Philippines and Vietnam -, we will take care of the catechetical preparation for the disabled in 18 public schools, close to the small nursery attached to our center to meet the children and young people in the streets, bringing according to the style of the oratorio, moments of play and prayer, taking care of the family relation. " Recently a part of the "Hospitality House John Paul II" has been renovated and blessed, which accommodates up to 12 people with a kitchen and a common room. "We wanted to dedicate it to the recently beatified Polish pope, who met and encouraged our 'good children' in Manila - concludes Father De Giambattista -. It will be a house open to hospitality focused on promoting vocations and to welcome volunteers who want to experience what it means to live in deeds of mercy. " (AP) (Agenzia Fides 05/25/2011)
