The fruits of kindness

The fourth year high school graduates of the Divine Healer Academy of Sorsogon — clad in their pure white togas over their blue plaid school uniforms and gleaming black shoes — marched into the multi-purpose hall beaming with pride and gratitude on their graduation day. It was a moment of jubilation for all their parents, teachers, benefactors, Sister Servants of the Divine Healer and most of all the school’s founder, Father Gerard Deveza.

It was a great day of thanksgiving. “Indeed, the first-ever high school graduation at the Divine Healer Academy is truly an affirmation that God never fails those who honor him with acts of genuine kindness and generosity towards those in need,” said Father Gerard who thanked all the benefactors of the school. Quite a milestone, this class of 2014 is the very first batch of high school graduates of the Divine Healer Academy. It is a mission school painstakingly built in the town of Cabid-an, Sorsogon 11 years ago, a pet project of Father Gerard and joyful members of his Healing Servants Foundation.

“Today is indeed a happy occasion for us all,” said Father Gerard during the graduation rites. “It is a humbling experience for most of us, because of the doubts that lingered in our minds if we could ever support this school with meager resources in hand. But we have God on our side who always gives us the necessary needs for the school — showing us that indeed this is His school.”

Back in 2003, it was just a dream for these underprivileged and deserving students to go to school. They walked into the very first classroom, shy little Kindergarten students. Last March 28, not only were they going home with high school diplomas but these promising students had passed entrance exams to enter college in the region.

Department of Education Undersecretary Francisco Varela, who conferred the graduates that afternoon, challenged them through his message. He said, “Continue to develop yourselves in order to serve others.” He also reminded them, “Learn to value education and self-improvement. Whatever hardship you overcome will become your best life lessons.”

Commencement guest speaker Gerry Esquivel, a very noble gentleman who is also the MWSS Administrator, inspired the graduates to hold on to their dreams, believe in themselves, believe in our Lord, remain humble and never give up hope. “For everything good is possible for those who commit their entire mind, body, soul and prayerful heart into its pursuit,” he said.

The graduation theme “Journeying in faith: Touching lives with grateful hearts” echoed the joys of those who attended the graduation ceremony. It was also a touching tribute to all those who journeyed through the past 11 years pouring in their kindness to help fulfill the children’s dreams to complete a high school education and set them on the road to attain a better life.

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