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Medical Mission
ROSA
MYSTICA V
organised
by ACIM ASIA
Manila, Philippines
July 25 - July 29, 2011
Day Four: Thursday 28 July
The Mission's Banner
The morning came upon us with a bright and beautiful sun for which we
had prayed so much since Sunday. However, last night, Fr. Couture announced
to the joy of all that in case of further flooding, some could go and
visit nearby flooded areas. Thus, when the blue skies appeared, our
zealous volunteers almost started to pray for more rain! Oh the fickleness
of the human heart, so hard to please!
Around 1pm however, an impressive but short storm shot through Manila. A scramble resulted within the outdoor gymnasium. In spite our large roof, tables, medicine and people got drenched. The army jumped into action to save the materials from the unexpected and unwanted intruder. The waterspout made a deafening noise and flooded the Mariana. The palm trees bent over in the wind. With the patients and materials sheltered however, the various activities resumed.
Despite the warnings from the authorities not to leave their houses, more than 450 people came to visit us today. An impressive turn-out indeed! Our best day so far. We are now reaching the 2,000th patient.
A welcome visitor to the Mission, Fr. Joseph Pfeiffer
Amongst all the patients, the situation of a young man stood out in particular. Ryan, aged 26, was extremely thin; this was the third day he came to see us in order to have his infected neck wounds treated. The blood test demanded by the doctor who examined him the day before revealed him to be HIV-positive. The result was announced to us by telephone. The medical staff at the hospital refused to confirm the result in writing, seeing that such a person could be considered dead. Treatment is unobtainable for these patients in the Philippines. The announcement of the news to his mother was painful and drew abundant tears from her. Then, catching her breath, her first reaction was to request for Confession and Extreme Unction for her son. This moment of great emotion and strength was surprising for us, revealing the strong and beautiful faith of the Filipinos.
Two of our self appointed gate keepers
We also saw 2 more cases of tuberculosis which were transferred to the hospital, a child and an adult whose adorable little girl of 5 months drew smiles from all of the volunteers. The mother demanded that her child be baptised, while requesting that Dr. Dickès become her godfather.
Once more, the day was well regulated to the amazement of the local civil authorities who kept an interested and pleased eye on us. The military teams changed each day and were always humble and ready to serve at any task.
The Mission provides electrocardiograms (ECGs) as well
We now offer you a special edition of Filipino first names which we came across today: Fruit, Labrador, Busbus, Dios, Jam, John-Wayne, Princess, Prince, Dauphin III, Kisser…
The day ended with Holy Mass which was offered under a thundering storm. However, a good meal of fried « baluuuuuuuts » (the chant that one hears daily from the balut seller from within our windowless church) warmed us up. With the mission coming to a close, some ideas came together and we envisaged finding ourselves creating a Rosa Mystica section within the next pilgrimage to Chartres. This idea continues to build up....
Big sister handles little sister while mother is at the dentist