RMHM 2008 PAGE 2

ROSA MYSTICA HEALTH MISSION 2008


DAY 5


An immense tide of mercy

They are 4, 6 and even more squeezed in the tiny tricycles arriving from all horizons. Some of the sick have left their remote village at 4.00 am this morning. They are young, others elderly supported by relatives, children, many, many children. All have only one desire: to obtain that precious envelope of free medicine which could change their life. But how long will they have to wait before reaching their dream!


Accidents and the world's diseases seem to have called a meeting under this hot and humid August sun.

It is 8.00 am. A lively Good Morning! Maayong Buntag! Swells and opens the waiting crowd: the medical team arrives. Smiles answer smiles. A day of medical cares begins. It will be a long one.



A toddler's facial tumor interrupts for a moment all the consultations and the medical team gather around this little frail being with a tortured look. A volunteer will finally bring the baby and his parents to the hospital and the consultations resume.

Today alone there will be 630 to benefit of free consultations. There were 500 yesterday and 400 the day before.

In the neighboring school, Fr. Daniel Couture is telling the story of the Holy Shroud. 250 vivid looks concentrate on the life-size replica of the relic displayed in front of them. Smart and surprising questions are asked. They are seized. Many of them take from their lunch pocket money a few pesos to buy that souvenir postcard of the Holy Shroud which they will henceforth treasure.

The flow of the sick and of the faithful is in constantly rising. In four days, the number of medical and religious acts has already exceeded last year's 5 day mission.

What surprise shall tomorrow bring us?

It is 8.00 am, the line builds up.

Not so easy to weight this little baby!

From morning till night the gymnasium never empties.

3000 prescriptions later, the pharmacists are exhausted, the supply of medicine as well!

One needs not be a doubting Thomas to want to touch the Sacred Wounds. My Lord and my God!


DAY 6

A grandiose finale for ACIM ASIA and Tradition

From mouth to ear, the news spread from mountain village to mountain village.

The wave became a tidal-wave almost incontrollable in spite of the generous help of five policemen trying in vain to prevent the practitioners from being drowned by the patients themselves and shaken by the noise arising from a compact crowd. Constant threats given in the microphone in various languages and dialects to stop the mission were sheer waste of time.

There was in that sole day nearly 1000 consultations. Each practitioner could only give 2-3 minutes to their patients.

There had to be an end. The governor’s representative decided to stop all care by 7.30 pm as night had just fallen. We were drained, but how delighted to have been able to come to the aid of the poorest. It must be added that most of our patients saw a doctor for the first time in their life.

ACIM ASIA will ensure the continuity of the medical care. Mabuhay! See you next time! And welcome in advance to the 2009 Volunteers!

One of the eight baptisms given during the mission
The line of Dr. Dickès’ patients
The line at the pediatricians
The chief police officer, Captain Ibañez, officially acknowledging the great work of the medical team.




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