Songs, dances and Gospel stories bring Easter to life for orphans and elderly of Malolos
by Santosh Digal
The initiative takes place during Lent and will involve before Easter, 79 patients of the disciples of Emmaus Home of Apostolate in Malolos. Organizers of the event the Augustinian nuns of Our Lady of Consolation and a group of students from the diocese of Bulacan. Sister Easter Aunan "Like us patients need to live the experience of hope embodied in the Passover.

Manila (AsiaNews) - Giving a ray of hope to the sick with songs, dances and Gospel stories. With this initiative, the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation in the diocese of Bulacan and some volunteer groups are preparing 79 patients of the Emmaus Home of Apostolate in Malolos (Bulacan) for Easter.

"On these Sundays of Lent we have talked and sang together for the sick, reading the Gospel stories to lift their spirits - says Sr. Aunan Easter - many patients suffer from depression and loneliness, and others have mental problems. They need love and moral support as well as physical care”. "Like us – she continues - the terminally ill, orphans and elderly people want to live the experience of hope embodied by Easter."

For the past 25 years the Emmaus Home of Apostolate has offered an alternative to the old, orphaned and terminally ill, abandoned by their families. The institute provides medical care for patients and the opportunity for those who want to have a psychological and spiritual support, thanks to the availability of religious, medical volunteers and students of schools in the diocese. It is funded by contributions from the Church and benefactors.

Fr. Ricardo K. Borage, director of the hospice, says: "Instead of dying on the streets, without food, care and love, and human dignity, the sick in the Emmaus Home of Apostolate feel at home, thanks to Christian love and service”.  “We see them eager for love and care - adds the priest - even though many of them are now elderly and sick." Fr. Borage said that the least in society are just like us, created in the image and likeness of God and therefore should be served in the best possible way.