- Max N. Macahilo
The havoc brought about by Typhoon Odette, the misery it created to the lives of the people in the southern part of Negros Occidental, and the outpouring of sympathy and help, affirmed the love and care and of being humane during the trying times.
Christmas becomes an opportune time for everyone to save what they have, and give with all their hearts. Gift-giving becomes more meaningful, most especially when it was to distressed brethren, instead of the usual receivers, friends, family, and loved ones.
Compassion has become a byword for groups and individuals to take part and share.
The Days with the Lord (DWL) Movement of Murcia is one group that took the initiative to conduct an outreach operation despite limited time and resources. The movement only had six days to prepare everything, but the bustling Yuletide activities did not hinder the volunteers to beat the deadline.
There they went, on the second day of the new year, onboard the LGU tourist bus. They traversed the coastal and hinterland towns of Cauayan, Ilog, and Candoni.
Braving the chilly January wind and rain, the DWL facilitators distributed packs of rice, sugar and coffee, and containers of water and kerosene to the more than 300 recipients.
The group initially identified areas in barangays Tabu and Lugway in Ilog, Caningay in Candoni, and Talacdan, Isio and Caliling in Cauayan, but soon included Vista Alegre and Talubangi.
The volunteers also facilitated the delivery of pre-loved clothes and toys sent by Fr. Rommel Palivino, parish priest of the Mary Magdalene parish of Hinigaran, to Fr. Jude Calidgid in Candoni.
True to its mission of “Hearts and minds, touching lives through the years”, the DWL consistently promotes the love for oneself, love for others, and love for God.
The relief activity is part of the DWL Murcia’s yearlong celebration of its 40th year of service to the youth.
Days with the Lord is an apostolic work of the Catholic Women’s League, whose banner program is the DWL Retreat. – MM
