Davao launches ANC

To respond to Pope Francis’ challenge to go and bring Christ’s message of love even “to the fringes of society”, the Archdiocese of Davao, through its Archdiocesan Council of the Lay Apostolate and Integrated Movements (ACLAIM), will launch the Archdiocesan Nourishment Center (ANC) on May 19 this year.

The center aims to provide integral nourishment programs and services such as spiritual formation, medical assistance especially to the poorest of the poor, and feeding of malnourished children in the city.

Located at Pag-asa street, Fatima, this city, the ANC building is furnished with an air-conditioned chapel that would hopefully be the venue for perpetual adoration to the Blessed Sacrament, a spacious session hall that could accommodate some 80 people, a kitchen and a dining hall that can hold 100 children, and three clinics for medical doctors who shall conduct free check-up and consultations during the week on voluntary basis.

The said building, which was renovated free of charge by the HR Construction Corporation through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Willie and Carrie Ho, used to be the home for the sick and the aged, handled by the sisters of the Missionaries of Charity. On two occasions, Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta stayed in the said house during her visit to Davao City more than three decades ago.

Msgr. Paul A. Cuison, the Archdiocesan Episcopal Vicar for the Laity, said the ANC draws also its inspiration from Blessed Mother Teresa’s love for the poor and the hungry. This champion of the poor once said, “If you cannot feed 100 children, then feed one”.

The launching of ANC will start with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 9 AM, to be presided by Archbishop Romulo G. Valles. Blessing of the whole building and lunch will follow.

Among its honored guests will be City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte. Priests, lay leaders and some benefactors will also grace the event.

Spearheaded by the lay faithful of the archdiocese, the ANC is their response to the challenge of the CBCP in declaring 2014 as the Year of the Laity.

However, in order to sustain this charitable initiative, the ANC makes an appeal to all kind-hearted persons for our continuous spiritual, moral and financial assistance. Donations in cash or in kind are most welcome.

Pope Francis, during the last World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, challenged the young people: “Go, do not be afraid, and serve”.

Today, the lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Davao, guided by their zealous pastors, respond ardently to the Pope’s call and are not afraid “to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those who seem farthest away”, the poorest of the poor.