Louie R.: Ligao mission
The City of Ligao is located in the province of Albay, Philippines. The SFCF, in collaboration with No One In Need and Missionary Families of Christ, visited the city in the beginning of 2020 when the looming menace of the pandemic was apparent. The medical mission conducted in the city inspired many volunteers who joined in the endeavor. Louie R. was one of those who provided valuable services to the Filipinos in the province. In this segment, we asked him several questions about participating in the medical mission.
Can you give us a brief description about your background?
I was born and raised in the Philippines by parents who were very active in their teenage years as church volunteers. My parents met as members of the Legion of Mary (a lay Catholic organization), hence, I was named after the legion’s patron saint, Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort. At the age of 12, together with my father, I became part of the church choir. One of my parents’ favorite church hymns was The Prayer of Saint Francis. Since my youth, I have also been a devotee of the Santo Nino (Child Jesus).
What inspired you to join the medical mission?
I strongly believe in “paying forward” and I am always inspired by the words of Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD which goes, “Our lives are God’s gift to us. What becomes of it is our gift back to God.”
How was your experience and what did you observe in the mission?
I have participated in a total of four medical missions to the Philippines—three with SFCF and one with the UST (University of Santo Tomas) alumni group. They were all eye opening experiences of what we can do to help our needy kababayans (Filipino countrymen). The words of Saint Mother Teresa give me great inspiration, “Not all of us can do great things. But, we can do small things with great love.”
What has changed in you after the medical mission?
I am always grateful for all of God’s blessings to me and my family. Participating in the medical missions made me realize more the importance of sharing such blessings.
What do you look forward to in the future missions?
Joining the medical mission every year gave me more experiences and knowledge on how to provide help as a physical therapist. I am excited to have the ability to provide more this coming 2024 due to the generous contributions of friends and benefactors. God Always Provides, Just Believe In Him!
God Always Provides!
Louie R. is a physical therapist by profession. He and his wife, Louella, a registered nurse, are active members of SFCF.