Little Sisters of the Poor

Several months ago, while we were serving as a choir in a small parish in Sta. Lucia, Sister Rosario was also there fulfilling her apostolate. She is a member of the "Little Sisters of the Poor" congregation. A congregation that takes care of abandoned elders and those who do not have anybody to take care of them. The moment I heard her short talk of their mission and what they do, an opportunity to serve God immediately entered my mind. I approached her and got a brochure she was distributing. The brochure contained the contact number and more information of their congregation. After that first meeting, I got busy again with my studies, work, my own life, my leisures... sad to say... I did not do anything.

Yesterday, God gave me the desire, the courage and most of all the opportunity to visit their home in Pasay City. It was not a smooth attempt though because I was supposed to do it prior to my birthday which I had to cancel to attend to personal things instead... Yesterday, I had to defend my appointment to my brother because he also is serving the church... but I insisted that we need to prioritize my appointment (which by the way he has no knowledge about it... though I'm sure that he'll be the first one to push me to this mission if he knew about it.) because it was already postponed last week... Finally, with his complete ignorance of where I am going to, he agreed. So, I made sure that the address was already safe in my bag... and I headed to work... I instructed the driver to pick me at 1:00 PM...

It was a usual Saturday for me... I didn't work too much to give myself a little time to do what I want. After all, I worked all the way during the weekday... At exactly 1 PM, I went down because I was expecting for the driver. While waiting, I did a quick check on my bag for the address and I can't find it anywhere... I was quite disappointed because I was sure that it was there when I left... Okay... I just went up again... started my PC and searched for the address in the internet... I went down again and it was 1:30... So I started waiting again... It's 1:45 and still the driver hasn't arrived... I'm starting to get irritated... I thought that my brother intentionally had to delay him for his own affairs... Finally, at 2:00PM he arrived.

It was a long travel because of the heavy traffic. I slept in the car and woke up when we were in Makati area. It was a deep sleep. If I hadn't dreamed that I was falling off from bed, I guess I wouldn't have been awake yet. Anyway, when we were near the area, we had to ask for some directions. It wasn't that hard though. When we reached Lancaster Street, we looked for #50. We didn't saw it, but I saw Nanay Remy (I didn't knew her during that time) strolling outside. I knew it was what I was looking for.

The guard asked some questions and in a short while, the steel gate automatically opened by itself. I was quite surprised to see this kind of gate for a charity home. I only see those kind of gates in private buildings... When I got inside, I saw about ten elders taking their afternoon rest. Peaceful and clean environment... that was my first impression. I was expecting it though in a place managed by religious orders... I immediately saw the elevator. It is stainless, new and modern. I looked around from where I was standing and saw 4 more elders on the second floor. They were in wheelchairs and caregivers were pulling them to their desired spot. Everybody was looking at me and I was overwhelmed not knowing what to do. Frankly speaking, I felt that I was a stranger to the place. The receptionist immediately called for Sister Rosario. While waiting for her, about 2 elders approached me. They were asking me questions and entertaining me. Most of the time I just smiled and answered their questions briefly. I didn't know what to ask them. I didn't know what to do. I really didn't know what I can do for them. I just knew one thing. I have a mission to fulfill.

When Sister Rosario came down, it took some time for me to make her remember me. The acquaintance happened quite a long time ago and it was very informal because there were also many people talking to her, eager to know about the mission of their congregation. After a short chat with the elders, she toured me to the home. The first room we visited was the auditorium. I like the stage because it was ideal for a short play or a show. Groups who visit for outreach do their performance in the auditorium. They also sponsor merienda for the residents. Next, we took the elevator to go to the 2nd floor. On our way to the chapel, we met Sister Paul. She is french but she speaks tagalog. We had a little chat again and another elder approached me; she was newly operated. Finally, we reached the chapel. The door has a sensor to automatically open and close when someone enters. Shortly, after I made the sign of the cross, two elders approached me again. They advised me to come back on Christmas. They also promised to give me candies (hihihi I gave them a big smile because I got excited for the candies)... The next place we visited was the living room, there were some elders watching TV. We also visited the residents' room which can accommodate two residents. Each room has its own comfort room. I also had the chance to greet some of the residents in their rooms. Most of them are in wheelchairs. Some have amputated legs. Others are half-paralyzed. They were all saying the same things "come back on christmas." I was really unsure if I can do it. To some, I said yes just not to disappoint them. I was feeling guilty though because I might be giving them false hopes. It took me some time to say finally "If I'm not back on christmas, I'm definitely coming back," and I am sure about it. The other places I saw were the veranda and the gym.

Going down, we took the elevator again. It was funny because the first resident I saw at the gate was Nanay Remy. When we get to the second floor I saw her again. When we went down, she was the first resident I saw again. It seems that she's everywhere.

We were offered a merienda. While eating at the pantry, I got to have a longer conversation with Sister Rosario. I kept saying that the building is so nice, it is complete with all amenities. Not to mention, all residents have glowing skin and fresh looking faces. Their clothes are clean. In short, you wouldn't think that each of them had their own trials and miseries. If not for Sister Rosario who kept on telling me that the residents came from poor families, some of them came from Golden Acres, I would be convinced that they came from rich families. Maybe, Sr. Rosario felt the need to orient me. She shared to me a story about a visitor who commented that they do not need any help because of the nice building and its amenities. In response to the comment, she said that "It's not the building you are helping, it's the residents. You do not know what trials and miseries they experienced. You don't know their past." It quite convinced me until I heard her next statements. "One of our mission is to bring them closer to God. How can we do that if they are hungry? How can we do that if they are sick? They are people and we need to give them dignity. People will not go near them if they are dirty. We want to treat them how humans should be treated. The first thing we need to do is to feed them. Make sure that they are all free from sickness. Make them feel good about themselves. Let them feel that they have dignity. Make people respect them." I was strucked by her statements because I understood clearly what she meant. The 41 "GOOD-LOOKING" residents were "41 TRANSFORMED LIVES". They clearly illustrate what it means to "TAKE CARE." The "Little Sisters of the Poor," teaches us how to be "HUMBLE" and be a true "SERVANT." They are not working for their families, they are not earning for their own needs. They are working to "GIVE GOOD LIVES TO OTHER PEOPLE." They are living to "SERVE OUR GOD."