On the 8th of November, I, together with all the children attended an exciting celebration at the St. Jude Academy. The theme of the celebration, which was attended by the parents, teachers, students and administration of the school, was entitled “Sulyap ng Kahirapan” or “Glimpse of Poverty”. It is a theme that is relevant to our times most especially in the Philippines.

I would like to thank Ms. Minda Mar and Ms. Beth Panganiban and all the generous sisters of the Academy.

Matthew 5:1-13 is the most fitting description of today’s times. “Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven”. Because of the Academy’s efforts for the poor and for taking care of the education of the children that is under my care, I have hopes for the success of the institution. It is rare that we find noble institutions that go out of their comfort zone and reach out across the streets and neighborhood. May you prosper in your work and God’s hand be with you… “yours is the Kingdom of Heaven”. As Jesus said, “Whatever you do to the least of my brethren, you do it for me”.

Just as what has been shown during the evening program and celebration at the St. Jude Academy, the Philippines has gone through stages of conflict and revolution to do something with the plight of the people. I have been through many of those times from the martial rule to the new people’s revolution.

We cannot totally solve poverty in one night, but we can do something to reduce the pain of the poor and afflicted. We can uplift people from their poverty by providing them opportunities to grow. I believe that education is one of the great foundations for the eradication of poverty. More than revolution, education is a sustainable effort in the outright reduction of poverty and could make a change in this country. Education is probably the only fight that we can all participate in with the utmost benefit to every Filipino.

Sister Salud S. Guerrero … salud@maginhawa.net

“Maginhawa” is the Tagalog for “feel comfort”. It has always been a character that I want to introduce to people of all walks of life. It is only through the outpouring of people, attempting to make others comfortable in life, that we may one day change ourselves and the community we live in.

I believe in the goodness of the human nature in spite of what is happening in the world today. Poverty, climate change, terrorism are outcome of a larger issue that has come about because people have started to care less for each other with disregard for the surroundings that they live in.

Join me as I share with you a part of my life and as I go through each day caring for the young and neglected children here in a small community where I live!

Have a blessed day!

Sister Salud S. Guerrero … salud@maginhawa.net

Jesus Christ said, “Let the children come to me.” From these words of our Divine Master, we offer a home for children where nurturing love is given. Moved with compassion for the critical and formative years (birth, infancy, and early childhood stages) that these abandoned children will suffer, we give these less fortunate kids, individually, the love, care and attention they need. We try our best to offer them the healing love of Christ that comes from the assurance of their “being accepted” and “feeling secure and important.” Created in the image and likeness of God, each of these children shares the dignity and honor due to every human person, precious in the heart of God. The Institution, MCPA is founded to give them the best psycho-spiritual formation so that they will become persons of integrity and fruitful members of our society. They are, after all, the future of our motherland. All for God’s greater glory and the salvation of people! Amen.

Sister Salud S. Guerrero … salud@maginhawa.net