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Care of the elderly Serving older persons is one of the hundreds of ways in which Medical Mission Sisters around the world try to be a healing presence to those in need today. In Antipolo City in the Philippines, our Sisters have a special ministry with the elderly through their parish church, Immaculate Conception. One year ago, they helped to launch a monthly gathering of older persons at the parish. This was done in coordination with Father Dari Dioquino, priest-in-charge of a diocesan nursing home.
The monthly meetings, now led by laypersons, focus on psycho-spiritual growth in aging. "An average of 20-25 persons come regularly," says Sister Eufrecina M. Briones. The group has chosen "Emmanuel Community" as its name. In addition, our Sisters open their home to the older parishioners once a month for Spirituality Days. "We share together 2 hours of input on different topics/ subjects for deepening … followed by a simple merienda (afternoon snack)," Sister Eufrecina explains.
Our Sisters' home in Antipolo also serves as a base community for candidates in initial formation. Jane Caspillo, a candidate in her second year, has been deeply touched by her ministry with older persons. "Young as I am, being with the elders taught me many lessons I could not learn in a classroom," she reflects. "Their simple stories presented ways of facing and understanding my own growing years. This was to look with joy rather than sorrow, hope rather than despair, light rather than darkness, and detachment rather than holding on." "Because they did not grow up in a world of instant and modern technologies, I could count on their patience in listening to my stories," Jane adds. "Theirs are the gifts of wisdom, love, and hope." Our Sisters in Antipolo have been invited to give workshops on psycho-spiritual growth in older persons to other groups, including groups of religious and neighbors. They are delighted that their work continues to grow.
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