News and Events

July 21 - Chelsea: So You Think You Can Dance Contest;

Manila: Adoration for vocations

July 23- Legazpi: Mass for the aged

July 24-25 - Rhode Island: Fr. Dennis on Mission Appeal

July 25 - Dearborn: Joe's Top Dog Golf Outing; Legazpi: Mass for the Children; Manila: Value Formation at Guanella Center

July 26 - Memorial: Sts. Anne and Joachim

July 28 - Chelsea: Field Day Competition

Pope Approves the Miracle of Blessed Louis Guanella

With much joy and gratitude we have long awaited good news to share with each of you. We have been offering our prayers and sacrifices since March 2002 for this special event. We thank you also for your prayers joined with us in this great celebration.

On July 1, 2010 Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI declared the validity of the miracle attributed to the intervention of Blessed Louis Guanella (1842 – 1915), the founder of the Servants of Charity and the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence. This special day was the final authorization needed leading to the canonization of Blessed Louis Guanella. Now we all look forward to the date to be set by the Vatican for the Canonization of Blessed Louis Guanella.

With a series of 16 decrees made public on July 1, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints has advanced the causes of 41 candidates for canonization or beatification.

At a private audience with Archbishop Angelo Amato, the prefect of the Congregation, Pope Benedict XVI authorized the release of the decrees, which recognized 31 martyrs, authenticated 5 miracles, and attested to the “heroic virtue” of 6 candidates for beatification.

The Vatican will have a Consistory Meeting in February of 2011 to announce the date of the actual Canonization. Please follow our future issues for more information on the plans for the trip to the Canonization of Louis Guanella. Blessed Louis Guanella, soon to be Saint, pray for us!

Fr. General Visits Guanellian Communities in India

Rev. Fr. Alphonso Crippa, the General Superior of the Servants of Charity, and Rev. Fr. Wladimiro, General Councilor arrived in Chennai on June 16th. They were solemnly welcomed by the Don Guanella Major Seminary Family with Indian traditional music, dance and a procession. Rev. Fr. Luigi, the Provincial of Divine Providence Province welcomed Fr. Alphonso with a flower garland and Rev. Fr. Soosai Rathinam the Superior of Chennai community honored him with a shawl according to local customs.

June 17th was Fr. Alphonso’s 71st birthday and it was celebrated in a grand manner. The community started with a procession of the Holy Eucharist, songs and prayers.  DGMS served a dinner complete with a birthday cake.  The seminarians presented a cultural program to entertain the guests. Fr. Alphonso was presented with gifts and momentos in on behalf of the Province and community. He thanked us and invited everyone to be ‘Young’ whatever your chronological age.

In the morning both guests paid a visit to Don Guanella Rehabilitation Center, reflecting the presence of our Founder, Louis Guanella. That evening Fr. Alphonso met with the twenty-nine Theology students in a lively, open forum. He listened with fatherly affection to the desires of the young confreres.

TANZANIA: A Journey Full of Hope

“It was an enlightening and moving experience full of faith!” Fr. Paul Oggioni, SdC, says when mentioning his recent trip to Tanzania, Africa. He attended the priestly ordination of a young man with whom he has corresponded for the last two years. The newly ordained Fr. Furaha Ntasamaye was frequently in contact via e-mail with Fr. Paul discerning the possibility of joining the Congregation. We do not know what God has in store, but we must keep our eyes, mind and heart open to His Will.

The Vocation Director of the diocese will meet the students of Philosophy and Theology July 7. He promised to present information about our Congregation and mission and he asked Fr. Paul to stay in contact through e-mail with those who are interested in the Servants of Charity.

Philippine Independence Day

Legazpi — It was a pleasant day for HKSF to have an outing with our residents on June 14th as it was the Independence Day holiday of the Philippines. The confreres, four search-ins and ten residents visited a resort, ‘Woo la la’. It was really a remarkable day because some of our residents were able to experience swimming. We also gave a warm welcome to Fr. Robert who recently joined our community. His presence is enriching our community and enhancing our STEP Program.

Fishing Derby Kicks-off Summer Program at St. Louis Center

Chelsea - June 30 was the kick-off for the summer program at St. Louis Center with a fishing derby. The residents were treated to picnic dinner and the joy of fishing. There was plenty of bait for fishing and smiles on the faces of residents.

For more news about St. Louis Center visit the website www.stlouiscenter.org.

A New Plant in the Garden of Guanella Home For Special Children

Quezon City -Joshua T. Galima is a 12 year old, energetic, handsome and charming special child with ADHD  (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), but he looks like a normal boy with sufficient intelligence. Examining the plight and miserable condition of his family, we admitted him to our residential program three months ago. He has become a source of joy in our community. People in our institute lovingly call him “Makulit Joshua” because of his mischievous behavior.

He is very good at self-help skills, but has problems both in learning and communication skills. He can speak in a telegraphic language, but he sometimes cannot pronounce words clearly. He relates with everybody jovially and lovingly.  And at the same time, he teases others, but he is humble and honest enough to admit his mistakes and wrongdoings, and begs pardon from the one whom he has hurt. What about us? Are we ready to admit our wrongdoings with humility when others point them out in a polite way? How many times have we justified our wrongdoings and faults before others in order to safeguard our dignity and prestige in public?

He is industriousness and doing manual work at our institute never exhausts him. He enjoys gardening and he is of great help to others at our shelter home. He assists them in their fundamental needs.  In a way, he is reminding us to be industrious in our day-to-day life. Our Guanellian community will insure that he receives occupational therapy, special education and speech therapy for his optimal growth and development.