Christmas Blast

20,000 individuals were served by and or participated in the advocacies of the Laura Vicuna Foundationas we humbly capped the year 2021.  Yes, 20k souls sparked the hope and illumined the world with joy because together we had discovered God’s providence and goodness via the LVF various programs and initiatives.  We cannot but bow down our heads in thanksgiving to God for ‘seeing us through’ the whole year; knowing that our sole desire was to serve to the best of our ability the children, youth and families entrusted to our care.
This very special and well anticipated month of December, CHRISMAS MONTH, children and old alike cannot but feel the excitement Christmas brings, and though it is still Pandemic time NOBODY and NO ONE, even the ‘GRINCH-iest’ person can ever postpone or cancel Christmas! 
It is the most wonderful time of the year, and here @ LVF, a very big thanks to God for gifting us with Christmas joy and much blessings through countless kind hearted people who remember us and believe in the mission-vision of LVF.
But how can we not recognize the TRUEST meaning of CHRISTMAS who is JESUS- EMMANUEL coming to us!  LVF owes Him everything!
Rundown of our December Activities:

• Parent-Youth Talakayan Ukol sa Karapatang Pantao
• LVF Multi-Sectoral Consultation Dialogue on Human Rights
• LVF ANNUAL PARTIHAN 2022
• LVF RELIEF RESPONSE TO TYPHOON ODETTE SURVIVORS
• LVF VIRTUAL FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS ADVOCACY to 638 STUDENTS of Eulogio Rodriguez Integrated School (ERIS)
• 150th Anniversary of the FMA Institute (#1month of the nine month novena in preparation for Aug. 5, 2022)
• LVF WEEKLY CATECHESIS
• LVF HOSTS THE PASWI CIRCLE OF PRAYER YEAR-END CELEBRATION!
• Companies, Families bringing joy to the LVF

PARENT-YOUTH TALAKAYAN UKOL SA KARAPATANG PANTAO

On the occasion of the 18th Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, the Laura Vicuna Foundation conducted a Parent-Youth Talakayan Ukol sa Karapatang Pantao which was participated by almost 1,000 participants coming from Taguig, Cavite, Culiat, Bacood, Botocan, Hillcrest, Judge Jimenez, Marikina, Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, & Sta. Mesa. (Dec. 05, 2021)

LVF MULTI-SECTORAL CONSULTATION DIALOGUE ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Dec. 10, 2021: On the International Day on Human Rights, LVF conducted a Multi-Sectoral Consultation Dialogue focusing on Rights of Children with 35 participants from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  The rich inputs and contributions highlighted the serious violation of child rights. Recommendations were proposed to monitor and track actual situations of children facing challenging conditions in fulfilling their rights amidst the Pandemic. On the observance of this year’s Human Rights Day, Laura Vicuna Foundation, a non-government organization of the Salesian Sisters in the Philippines, joined the rest of the global community in echoing this year’s theme that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” The principles of equality and non-discrimination are at the heart of human rights. Amidst the serious impact of the raging pandemic on fulfilling the rights of Filipino children, Laura Vicuna Foundation has continued to be a beacon of hope for many struggling families and children in ten rural and urban communities where it has established child protection committees who encourage parents and children to rise amidst their challenges, respect and promote their dignity even in the face of the crisis. Laura Vicuna Foundation believes that the promotion of child rights springs from their innate dignity as persons, and as a duty bearer of child rights, it creates an enabling environment for these to thrive. It has organized various listening and consultation fora where the parents, children, local officials, and other partners are given a safe space for disclosing their fears, anxiety, challenges and recommendations for ensuring that no child is left behind, where no child is left unattended, where no child feels excluded, where no child is deprived of opportunities to seek justice and achieve peace. Laura Vicuna Foundation commits to pursuing its Journey of Hope for all children under its care, in good times and in bad, and calls on all stakeholders to paint a world fit for children everywhere.

LVF ANNUAL PARTIHAN 2021

December would not be December @ LVF if we don’t organize the PARTIHAN for our children and young people.  The Sisters, girls and staff were all out and united the tedious yet very rewarding preparation for its 31^st Annual PARTI-HAN!  “Ano man ang mangyari, tayo ay “Sama-Sama sa Gitna ng Pandemya” This years’ Partihan reached all our 10 CPC areas with 1,500 families; providence was never in want and Christmas was truly felt and enjoyed by the children, young people and adults as well.   Each one at LVF did her part and contributed her best to make the Partihan a happy event that could leave a mark on the children and youth we serve.  Through the benevolence of our donors, the Partihan 2021 was able to give complete Spaghetti pack, Hotdog pack, Loaf Bread, Selecta Chocolate drink, Blanket and Kettle Corn. The LVC girls, Sisters and some staff members made the packing of goods while the social workers in charge of the different areas willingly braved the streets to distribute the well awaited LVF gifts to them for Christmas. One could not but marvel at the sight of children so thrilled to receive their gifts and upon opening them one could feel the gratitude and awe that exuded from within them, indeed Christmas had come to them, Jesus Christ was in them! Surely this event had made one and all open to the realities of our times and their values shaped by the opportunity to serve their fellowmen.  CHRISTMAS, after all was a really for one and all.

LVF RELIEF RESPONSE TO TYPHOON ODETTE SURVIVORS

Super Typhoon RAI (International name), Odette in the Philippines smashed quite hefty parts of the country last December 16, 2021, barely 9 days before Christmas.  Dubbed as the strongest typhoon in 2021, it brought tremendous heavy torrential rains, violent winds, landslides and storm surges in the provinces in Mindanao, Visayas and in the island of Palawan in Luzon.  “In addition to flattening homes, the Super Typhoon upended lives and devastated farming and fishing communities which provide a major source of income and livelihoods. It caused massive electricity and telecommunications outages that continue to affect many areas.” United Nations said in a report. Mary Help of Christians School in Minglanilla, Cebu and the Laura Vicuña Center in Palawan are among the devastated communities under the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. 

https://www.facebook.com/lauravicuna.palawan
 https://www.facebook.com/sr.tacujan

LVF CUBAO-QC RESPONSE

Government and non-government organizations were mobilized to provide assistance in the form of temporary shelter, food, water and electrical power.  The Laura Vicuña Foundation in Cubao made it a point to prepare and share whatever we could to our brothers and sisters affected by the typhoon Odette.  Big sacks of relief goods, blankets were immediately shipped out last December 20, 2021. We had sent and responded quickly to our Sisters in Cebu who helped several communities in their various, immediate needs. Sadly, LVF Palawan was not aided promptly because there was communication block-out caused also by the typhoon.  Christmas parties were ceased as concrete expression of solidarity and sympathy to our brothers and sisters who were currently in dire situation. There was no time to hesitate or procrastinate but it was in this emergency situation that we were called to act with haste! We had felt so close with them in spirit as these communities recovered and rebuilt their lives after the devastation they had experienced.

LVF VICTORIAS CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL RESPONSE

With the FMA Phil Disaster fund, LVF Malihao in Negros Occ. Procured hundred sacks of rice, bottled water, canned goods and shipped on December 29 through Ceres Liner to Minglanilla Cebu for their operation to those worst hit in their surrounding areas.

LVF-PALAWAN TYPHOON RELIEF RESPONSE

Laura Vicuña Foundation Center-Palawan managed to procure some goods through the generosity of one of the relatives of an FMA, which were given out last December 30, 2021 to 55 families of one indigenous tribe called “Batak” located in Sitio Manggapin, Brgy. Langogan. There were 109 packs given for families in Sitio Macandring, Brgy. Langogan; 4 packs for the relatives of past pupils who are now in Pampanga who contacted the Sisters and informed them of their family’s situation and need in Brgy. San Rafael and Brgy. Concepcion. The remaining 32 packs were given to families in Purok Everlasting, Brgy. Langogan, where Sr. Shane Orpilla, FMA is from. A few of her relatives were among those who perished while some others are among those who are taking shelter in the makeshift tents along the streets with other families. Each pack included 5 kg. rice, 5 pcs. Sardines, and 5 packs of noodles. The relief team conducted games and debriefing sessions as well before distributing the relief goods.The Community is grateful for the help of Engr. Armando Lustre in transporting the goods and also for making it possible to procure a Jollibee meal for 350 persons in Langogan with his friend, Atty. Bobby Peneyra. Thank you for the generosity of our benefactors and the different members of our Educating community who helped us in our 1st relief operations.

(https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=971625497106670&set=pcb.971626003773286)

Companies, Families bringing joy to the LVF Kids
We are forever grateful to our benefactors who have generously shared resources to us, we have felt their loving care and support especially those who have been with us over the years.  They, who do not only help in the Partihan but have extended their regular support to our Residential home, TVET’s and CPC communities. Thank you to the Laura Vicuña Board of Directors:  Ms. Marissa Concepcion, Ms. Vicky Cuisia, Ms. Josefina Tan, Mr. Francisco Dizon, Ms. Maguerite Sy, Mrs. Teresa Y. Gomez, Atty. Eric Puno, RFM Corporation, PUNO LAW OFFICE, Atty. Regis Puno, Atty Uey Joson, Mr. Andy Lok, AIM Alumni and Mass goers, Rotary Club of Makati West and Central, PCSO Treasury Department, Commission on Appointment, Alpha Phi, Zen Institute,  Sta. Ana Family, Jericho Community, Bookeeping IV-A PUPLHS Batch 1980, Zois Meattown, Mr. Dino Laurena & Family,  Mr. Rey Bernaldo, Mr. Edilberto De Jesus, Mr Joey Nakpil,Ms. Charilu Puno, Ms. Mary Co, Ms. Emma Isip Gonzales, Jennifer Montaner, Hantomin Family, Ms. Mel Centeno, Ms. Carmelle Alog, Ms. Mary Joy, Ms. Annaliza Arcosa Ami, Mrs. Demetria Dirige and Mr. Karlo Valencia and countless families and individuals who with open hearts shared their blessings to us. Endless thanks to our staff, our lay mission partners who never tire of giving service to others no matter the cost. 

150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FMA INSTITUTE 

(#1month of the nine month novena in preparation for Aug. 5, 2022)
Rome (Italy). The Mother General of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, Sr. Chiara Cazzuola, in Circular No. 1014, shares with the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians the reflection in preparation for the official celebration of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Institute, which she is carrying out with the sisters of the General Council. “Let us go forward with a big and generous heart” (L 47,12) Mother Chiara recalls the beginnings of the journey with Circular no. 989, in which Mother Yvonne Reungoat and the General Council invited the Institute to live a three-year period in preparation for the celebration of this great event marked by three stages:
 
2019-2020 Giving thanks: “Let us really thank the Lord who gives us so many graces” (L 37,10).
2020-2021 Accepting a mandate: “I entrust them to you”.
2021-2022 Planning the future with daring: “Courage! Let us go forward with a big and generous heart” (L 47,12).
 
“Involve the educating communities, in particular the young people, in rediscovering Mary Domenica Mazzarello in her identity as a young woman and in the prophetic dimensions of her spirituality and mission”, was “and remains” the intent of this journey to celebrate together, “The generative power of Don Bosco’s charism, lived in the feminine in a creative and genial way by Mother and the first communities, together with the young women and lay collaborators in Mornese and Nizza Monferrato.” Circular no. 1014 In response to this invitation-challenge of our Mother General, the FMA Philippines-Papua New Guinea Province made a Provincial initiative: INTENSIVE VOCATION PROMOTION: We wish to give the Institute/Province the beautiful gift of new vocations for our 150th.  Aside from prayer for vocation, intensive vocation promotion activities and intensive follow-up of vocation prospects, all materials to be posted in varied social media platforms aim at promoting vocation and making known our Congregation (cf posting in FB page every 1st Saturday, 13th, 24th and 31st).
(modified version of DBS Salesian Express)
PRAYER FOR THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY (to be prayed by all sectors of the EC)
DEEPENING OF SOME CHARACTERISTICS OF MORNESE SPIRIT
 
Deepening for 9 months: For each month from November 2021 to July 2022, the members of each educating community will deepen one salient characteristic of the Spirit of Mornese lived by the Sisters of the first hour (MM & 1st community) paralleled to how we live these elements today. (the journey begins with the Novena to the Immaculate Conception 2021, a devotion significant to the formation of the 1st group of FMA)
 
In turn, the LVF Educating Community took the Provincial initiative and journeyed with the FMA Institute in its 150th Anniversary of foundation and together we deepened the December theme: The active presence of Mary Immaculate Help of Christians in our Institute.  Sr. Marivic, the Community Animator and Managing Director of LVF, facilitated the Educating Community sharing during the Novena for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, gave a series of Good Night Talks on the theme of the month.  Sr. Ana on the other hand gave an additional input on the theme both to the LVC girls and the LVF-TVET trainees.  The experience was well appreciated by all.  We  were given the chance to reflect on the presence of Mama Mary in our lives by looking back to the lives of our Mother Mazzarello and the First Sisters of Mornese with the girls of their times.  We were led to treasure and deepen filial relationship with Mary, our caring, loving Mother.

LVF WEEKLY SUNDAY CATECHESIS

The Sunday Catechesis always takes the center stage at the LVF, Sr. Teresita Mislang,FMA deligently conducted it with an average of 300 to 350 individuals attendees with three CPC of 13 communities per week. This December she gave special lessons on the Season of Advent, Incarnation and the Christmas Season to help our people focus on the essence and the real reason for this season WHO IS JESUS CHRIST! We firmly believe that our efforts for evangelization and never go unrewarded because God in His goodness inspire people to give us a glimpse of its effect in their Christian living, they affirmed that with the regular Catechesis their lives became more centered in God and their choices more enlightened and Christ-like. Their relationships in the family and in the community improved as they became more united and respectful to each other. This is what the weekly catechesis does with the Holy Eucharist as its climax and most fitting culmination.

LVF HOSTS THE PASWI CIRCLE OF PRAYER YEAR-END CELEBRATION

The Laura Vicuna Foundation, Inc., had the opportunity to lead the PASWI Circle of Prayer (COP) last Dec. 22 and 29! In as much as the Palawan, Bohol Chapters, Visayas and Mindanao were ravaged by Typhoon Odette, Sr Marivic Sta. Ana, FMA, contacted PASWI President, Mr. Roy Luntayao that LVF will host the last two episodes.  She said it is time for us to pray all the more because of the damages wrought by the storm to our Filipino people. The LVF Sisters and Staff reflected on the Gospel of Luke (The Presentation of Jesus) and shared their personal turmoil and how they were able to rise above the challenges before them by entrusting their worries to God. By fully surrendering to God’s plan and trusting in His ways, especially in times of doubts and uncertainties, just like Simeon in the gospel, they were able to see the goodness and Jesus’ grace of comfort, healing and salvation in their lives.

This year-end prayer celebration was also intended for our brothers and sisters in the Visayas and Mindanao region of the country who were greatly affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Odette. Each one was called to come as one in prayer, humble themselves before God, and to plead for His mercy for those who suffer the effects of Typhoon Odette, in faith that they may find comfort in our prayers.

As we journey onward, may we remember that our love and appreciation of each other are etched in our hearts as we experienced the pain of change and the insecurity of moving on; may we also experience the blessing of inner growth as we meet the poor, the suffering that pained the stranger on our way, may we see in them the face of our Christ!

God challenges us to go back to the deepest recesses of our hearts where He resides and waits for us to come back. Indeed, this Wednesday habit has become each one’s zone of comfort, of serenity.  An online community where each find solace, a home for the exhausted, wounded, scarred emotionally, spiritually.