The charity continues: Asilo de la Milagrosa celebrates 75th year

CEBU, Philippines - The Asilo de la Milagrosa celebrated its Diamond Jubilee yesterday with a Pontifical Mass, officiated by Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, as the highlight of the celebration.

Vidal, in his homily, basically talked on Christian faith, saying it should be partnered with creative and loving service to the less privileged and the most disadvantaged in this part of the country.

Prior to the 9 a.m. Mass that was held at the Asilo de la Milagrosa chapel, along Gorordo Avenue, the celebration kicked off with a motorcade at 7 a.m. There was also an exhibit, and a cultural presentation depicting the history of Asilo at 3 p.m. and at 7 p.m., respectively at the CIC-Cebu auditorium.

Tracing its history, Asilo is said to be owned and administered by the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul.

Its beginnings could be traced back to five alumnae of Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion in Cebu City namely, Doña Esperanza de Velez, Doña Mena Fortich de Escaño, Doña Felicisima Vda. De Jerez, Doña Feliza de Villamor and Doña Carmen de Sotto.

These five women organized themselves into the Conferencias de San Vicente de Paul with the aim of founding an institution that would cater to the needs of the poor.

Guided by Rev. Fr. Jose Garcia of the Congregation of the Mission and Sr. Concepcion Almenara and Sr. Francisca del Toro, both of the Daughters of Charity, the group of CIC alumnae ventured initially into the apostolate for 12 paralytic and blind persons. The abandoned babies, the orphans and the disadvantaged in Cebu City and the neighboring towns came later.

Through the efforts of Asilo’s benefactors, a building was constructed to house its poor beneficiaries in its present location. The daily basic needs were provided by the generous people like Don Ramon Aboitiz.

To date, Asilo’s programs include Child and Youth Welfare Program that is aimed to care, protect, develop and empower children and youth aged zero to 18 years who are orphaned, abandoned, voluntarily surrendered, neglected, abused and those in difficult situations. — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)