One of the works of mercy is to visit the sick. This is a charitable act derived from the teachings of Jesus in the gospel that guide in caring for physical and spiritual needs. It also involves the act of kindness and addressing the basic material needs. Visiting the sick and elderly provide comfort and support to those who are ill.
Inspired by St. Joaquina de Vedruna, the works of mercy are continued in the Philippines by the Vedruna Lay, through caring for the sick, educating the children and feeding the needy.
We take care of the sick by accompanying people who are mentally challenged to the doctor for a medical check-up every two months. We are very grateful to Dr. Magabelin of Cotabato Medical Hospital for his generous and kind heart for giving free medical check-ups for 6 people who need his help.
The Vedruna Lay Pigcawayan chapter visited the sick and elderly this month of July, 2025. We visited Mrs. Leonila Boston-Ladra, aged 92, from Capayuran, Cotabato suffering from high blood pressure and dementia. The group was happy to visit Mrs. Marieta Balofiños, aged 89, from Poblacion 3, Pigcawayan Cotabato. She was an active member of Catholic Women’s League (CWL) and Mother Butlers Guild (MBG). In her old age, she was very happy about our visit and we prayed the rosary with her, who is blessed with a sharp memory. We also visited Mrs. Vilma Castor-Dimzon, aged 89 years old, from Poblacion 2, Pigcawayan, Cotabato suffering from deafness and blindness.
Vedruna Lay prayed the Holy Rosary, intended for their comfort and to remind them that praying the Rosary together gave us peace and comfort of the situation to each individual we visited. This activity is considered desirable and blessed among us Christians and we are more than happy to do this.
Marlene M. Barcebal, Vedruna Lay,
Pigcawayan North Cotabato Mindanao
