We are featuring a series of nine Faith Sharing of Virtues of St. Anthony of Padua that were presented during the fiesta 9-day novena masses. This will temporarily replace the Sunday Gospel Reflections; after which the Gospel Reflections will return.
Peter Soo
CARING FOR THE SICK
Good Evening. I am Peter Soo and I represent the hospital ministry more specifically the Philippine General Hospital outreach program. We still have one of the original members Mrs. Maria Clara Canoy. We serve the pediatric charity wards 9 & 11 and the orthopedic ward. Our mission is to be able to serve the poorest of the poor, Giving HOPE BY GIVING them treatment or medications for their illness. This is not just a dole out. The regular visits, interaction with the parents and children show them THAT SOMEONE CARES. We also pray with them, reminding the parents that they should not lose hope, that the Lord will provide and can work miracles as their faith will heal them.
WE ALWAYS REMEMBER ONE OF THE BEATITUDES OF OUR LORD DURING THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT WHEREIN HE SAID “BLESSED ARE THE MERCIFUL, FOR THEY SHALL OBTAIN MERCY…..JESUS REMINDS US THAT WHATEVER YOU DID TO THE LEAST OF MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT TO ME (MATTHEW 25: 31-46) AND PART OF THE CORPORAL WORKS OF MERCY IS TO VISIT THE SICK.
As a cancer warrior myself, seeing these children smiling when we visit them makes me stronger and that I am a living proof that when you have cancer, it is not the end of the world. I make it a point to tell the children that the belief in the cure comes from within and having the faith and that they are not the only one suffering as the Lord suffered for them and you offer it up as I do with my visits to them.
It is not easy visiting and seeing these sick children. PGH is hot, especially in the summer heat with only a ceiling electric fan trying to cool the ward. What is more difficult though is seeing the conditions of the children in the wards, with their illnesses and in pain, with the bare comfort that a ward bed which is made in the hospital can give. Sometimes, it is even hard to look at some of the children because of the physical deformities brought about by their severe condition. Or having a makeshift incubator made from plywood and fluorescent lights to heat the baby as there is not enough in the hospital. These are the ones who need comforting the most.
I learned about the Hospital Ministry through my friend and classmate Vince Pacheco, he saw my name one time in the parish newsletter seeking prayers for illness. He has been an active leader and member of this ministry for years and he knew I wanted a way to give back and help the less fortunate.
We are just a small group but we are committed to bringing whatever comfort and hope we can to these patients in need. And my joining is to thank the community for the prayers you offer for us in need.
The population of PGH is happy that we from the Sanctuario de San Antonio Parish go out of our way in helping them.
Membership is voluntary and donations help in our effort to give these children the chance of having a new leaf in life. Parishioners are most welcome to join us. Our parish is a blessed one and our ministry is here to provide an avenue for everyone to be able to serve and share in their blessings with the less fortunate.
Santuario de San Antonio Parish 