Last November 17, 2019 some of the TGIS (“Thank God It’s Saturday” SOW of the Pansol Community) attendees headed by Fr. Iwao Ikegami had a visit to the “Tahanan ng Pagmamahal” (Home of Love), an orphanage at Pasig City. It is a non-government organization which originated in the year 2007.

We were welcomed by Ms. Faye, the person in charge of the institution. She explained the institution’s history and it’spurpose: “What we do is not a job but a ministry.” At the moment the institution is catering to 36 kids. A combination of babies and kids up to 9 years old. The group were able to meet some of the children and experienced a lot of fun. The TGIS group gave some groceries for the children.

Going there was a great experience for the group. They were able to exercise the mission to love which is our universal mission. 1 Corinthians 13:13 “And now abide faith, hope, these three but the greatest of these is love.”​

​The Spanish Mission Group joined the Tagaytay Adult Friday SOWers in their regular Friday Prayer Meeting, last August 23, 2019.

Present to give the Prayer Guidelines was Sr. Melaine Fuentes, FMVD who was also celebrating her birthday on the same day. The group was also joined by the other Tagaytay missionaries and adult Friday SOWers. Two of the Spanish missionary visitors shared the fruits of their prayers, as well as two of the Tagaytay adult SOW members.

The Spanish prayer sharers highlighted their joy and admiration of the Filipino people despite the economic poverty they have seen. What amazed them were the Filipinos’ resiliency in the face of adversities and difficulties brought about by various causes and concerns. They also noted the deep faith and belief in the providence of God by most Filipinos the reason why they can still smile and be hospitable to people.

After the prayer meeting, a simple dinner get-together followed to celebrate the birthday of Sr. Melaine. The activity also served as the farewell or despedida gathering for the Spanish missionaries and disciples. They are scheduled to leave in two batches, on Saturday and Monday mornings.

It was an “all is well that ends well” evening to cap the mission visit of the Spanish missionaries and disciples. Hasta la vista amigas y amigos!

Yesterday’s School of the Word was extra special. It was special because the family in Verbum Dei Cagayan de Oro was able to do something extra creative and candid. Each family present was asked to make a poster of how love has been communicated in their family, based on the Gospel of John 13,34-35 “I am giving you a new commandment, love one another as I have loved you.”

The youths, single men and women who were there, were grouped accordingly, and individually were also asked to draw how love has been present in their homes. Each group came out with their unique drawings and theme – one group had their theme as ‘Banquet of Sharing, another ‘Fixed Love’ and another ‘ Extended Love’.  Each may have had different depictions and themes but we all share the same struggles and limitations when it comes to love in marriage and in the family. However, at the end of the day, we choose love above and over everything.

Even with challenges and trials, love triumphs! Love conquers! “Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away” (Songs 8:6). Love wins over all!

Here are some other photos of the event: