“There is no need to be rich in order to give. It is enough to be good. Because if you are good, you will always have something to give.” Saint Pedro Poveda
Fr. Ron Roberto (former chaplain of Saint Pedro Poveda College) invited the Teresian Association Philippines (Luzon) to be one of the sponsors of his Parish feeding program –LSS or Love in the Streets of Sto. Niño. Hapag Ibig Program– is a Sunday feeding (breakfast) activity for street dwellers in the surrounding area. The parish feeds around a hundred street dwellers every week and provides them with basic food packages to take home with them.
United with our celebration of the 100 years of TA’s Pontifical Approval, the TA Philippines Luzon community sponsored the feeding activity last November 12, 2023. On that day, they came, one by one or in twos or threes, ages from 20 years old to 80 plus years old, a few bringing along their kids, coming from nearby places or the outskirts of Quezon City. Street dwellers are referred to, for the streets are their homes and, mostly, move from place to place. According to parish staff, they are not always the same persons every feeding day.
One TA member gave the catechetical instruction over their cup of coffee or chocolate. Relating it to the feast of all saints on the first day of November, the street dwellers were introduced to one saint, our very own St. Pedro Poveda. To them were told, in expressions they could understand, some salient points about his life, love for the poor, promoting human dignity, martyrdom, and one of his famous quotes, “There is no need to be rich in order to give. It is enough to be good...”
After this catechism, they were served the full meal and each one was given a package with grocery items. We are thankful to our volunteer TA members, friends, and donors who generously share their resources and the gift of themselves for this noble cause.
Text: Gardenia Beramo
Photos: Jean Pauline Flores
Published in News