The path of St. Martin de Porres

(Part 1 of 2)

My beautiful journey started last November 15, early dawn when I woke up for my flight bound for Manila. I communicated to Bro. Mario Rabalo one of the aspirants of the Little Brothers of St. Martin de Porres. He led me to Centro Salvador, No. 18, Brgy. 105, Tondo, Metro Manila.

Everyone who hears the name Tondo would say it is not a safe place. But this is the place where people need a lot of help. This is one of the mission areas of St. Martin de Porres.

Rev. Fr. Florentino S. Concepcion, known as Fr. Boyet starts his foundation helping the poorest of the poor. He houses abandoned people. He gives attention to infants till they reach the age of 12. There are even older than 12 years old who stay at Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres at Claro Santos St., Bonga Menor, Bustos, Bulacan because they are good as they follow the rules of the Mission.

I am surprised at seeing these young children playing violin, guitar, beat box, bongos. They are gifted to read notes. David plays his violin well. He can also play other musical instruments like the bass. He is the one to whom the rest of the choir listens because of his talent.

Fr. Boyet helps at least more or less 100 children. They have been malnourished before they got in the Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Porres. They do not have food to take because of extreme poverty. There are others whose parents are irresponsible in taking care of their children.

They tend to pass their responsibility to others. Bulacan is so lucky to have a good person like Fr. Boyet. He forms these little children to be God fearing and how to be good to others. He hires house parents, and social workers. This is to cater the need of these little angels.

Fr. Boyet places infants at Bethlehem, nearby the market place of Baliwag, Bulacan for them to be taken cared. Centro Salvador at Tondo also feeds malnourished children. They are given milk to drink. There are a few who avail of the scholarship offered. This is primarily intended for mothers in order to help earn money. They are even taught how to bake bread being offered by volunteers. There are children who cater to the free education given by teachers. They are even given free check-up and dental care by Professional Health Care Specialist. These are a few task of being a missionary.

These are things being done by a person whose heart is being touched by the poverty he sees around him. Bulacan is just a part of Philippines whose majority of the people are victims of poverty.