Lay Marists in the Phillippines
 Carmen Vergara Carmen is a passionate, selfless, dedicated lay Marist woman who inspired us with her stories of working with the poorest of the poor. Carmen began her Marist journey when two Marist Fathers from NZ began a Laity group in Davao. This community of lay Marists is growing. 98% of them are YOUNG PROFESSIONALS – teachers, computer programmers, Government officers. T h e y c a l l t h ems e l v e s SAMAHANG MARISTA and there are 100+ members. They form a true community of Marists with laity, the Marist Fathers, Marist Sisters and Marist Brothers. There is also another group of college students aged 17-20 who are YOUTH MARISTA. Carmen is the formation person for SAMAHANG MARISTA. She uses the Work of Mary programme from Atlanta, USA.
In order to effectively raise money for their work, the PMM or Partners in Marist Mission was formed. They are the fund-raisers and Luzviminda Biebel, is the woman behind this. They built a good chapel in the jail in Davao.
SAMAHANG MARISTA work side by side with the fathers, sisters and brothers. They see themselves as one family looking forward for the church. Their success is based on the excellent relationships that exist among them. Each year the 5 branches come together to celebrate the feast of the Holy Name of Mary on 12 September. This strengthens their relationship as a family.
STRUCTURE: Every 2 months there is a core group meeting. This core group facilitates the bigger group. The year goes from June to April. In May, they have an evaluation. Each month a different TOPIC, THEME, FEAST or CHURCH EVENT is given as a focus. Laity meetings strengthen their commitment and help with formation for leaders.
UNIQUENESS OF MARIST LAITY IN THE PHILIPPINES:
- The Marist Fathers are really reaching out to people who are abandoned and neglected.
- A great Work of Mercy is ministry to Mental patients whose own families have abandoned them.( At this point, Carmen told us in graphic detail of the horror of the conditions suffered by these patients – naked, sleeping on concrete with no pillows or covering .Many who are too weak miss out on getting food. The Marists go there with basic food to feed the most vulnerable and bring them clothing and coverings)
- Another such work is Mindanao Jail. Through the fundraising of the PMM they have brought medical and dental help to the inmates. (Carmen and Luzviminda had brought crotcheted hats, bags and purses made by the women prisoners, to sell at the conference and raise money for their works of mercy. Marist Laity Australia decided to buy these goods for the benefit of the most marginalised people in the Philippines)
- There is also an apostolate for abused women and children There is also an apostolate for drugdependent youth and adults
- Acts of Mercy rather than theologies and catechesis
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News March 2009 |
