Mission to the Peripheries
The annual formative gathering of the local community animators with the provincial council of the PDDM Philippine-Taiwan-Hong Kong Province was accentuated by our outreach to the peripheries.
The meeting last April 18-22, 2023 took place in different venues in Zambales.
On April 18, the gathering opened at Balai Trinitas in Botolan with a Eucharistic celebration presided by Most Rev. Bartolome Santos, Bishop of the Dioceses of Iba, Zambales, who hosted the three-day gathering of the sisters. His homily emphasized our vocation as Easter people. As Christians, we ought to radiate the love of Christ which animates and gives life to others especially to those whom we serve. He also reminded us of the human tendency to be stiff necked, proud, stubborn and complaining, like the Israelites in the desert. He said we must remember with gratitude God’s goodness and love that see us through our journey.
The 2nd day, April 19, featured the outreach to the Aetas communities in Maguisguis and Burgos. In the morning, the sisters and the community gathered for the Mass presided by Bishop Santos with Rev. Fr. Omar John Paris as concelebrant in Brgy. Maguisguis. It was followed by the giving of slippers and other goods to the Aetas. Then, bishop, Fr. Omar, Fr. Cian Marquez, SSP, the sisters, and some lay volunteers proceeded to Brgy. Burgos, the adopted community of the PDDM Sisters. They have raised funds and bought solar panels and lights for 150 households. They gave an orientation on how to assemble and use these to brighten their homes at night where there is still no electricity. Clothes, slippers, goodies for kids and bundles of joy for families which contain groceries were also shared to the members of Burgos community.
On April 20, the sisters gathered for their meeting at Dambana Hermitage. Updates, reflections and inspirations were shared by each local community animator. Indeed, everyone was enriched by their experiences and lessons learned shared especially about the recently held outreach. In the afternoon, they went to the beach to catch the beautiful sunset and recreate.
The next day, the sisters had a long ride and boat trip to a place which the locals call "the New Zealand of Zambales." They spent time bonding with each other, relax and enjoy the refreshing natural sceneries by the Mapanuepe lake.
The sisters praised God for the manifold manifestations of his goodness through such enlivening experiences as well as the generosity of persons who have shared their blessings for our brothers and sisters in Zambales. Indeed, our Risen Lord Master continue to make his presence and love known. Deo gratias!
