A16 - RE Outreach Photos

RE Outreach Photography Portfolio

Documented by RE 2 Class - A16

Photos by Jestine Irish M. Quillo
Captions by Haleah Pearl Abanales
Story by Arianne Angeli Figueroa
 

“Christening is the joyous beginning of a lifetime of loving and serving the Lord.” Celine May is 3 and Christopher is 1, both younger siblings in a brood of 4. They live in a one room shanty in an overpopulated squatter’s area along the shores of Bantayan, Bago City. Their mother Cecilia stays at home and tends to the children. Their father Marlon is a dispatcher at the tricycle terminal and the only breadwinner for the family. He earns a meager income that cannot support a family of 6 on a daily basis. Money is a scarce commodity for the family. When both Celine and Chris came along the family hit financial rock bottom. After delivery, the couple were not able to come up with the needed amount for hospital expenses so they were unable to get his birth certificate. As a result, both did not receive the holy sacrament of baptism.  

As part of our RE Outreach Activity in school, we sought out to help bring unfortunate children like them into Christianity. We sent out solicitations to generous souls so we can gather enough money to pay off their hospital bills so they can be christened. When we finally told them the good news they were overjoyed. We picked them up from their shanty and brought them to the gym for the formal baptismal rites. When the actual baptism was taking place, you can see the gratefulness in the faces of the parents, especially their mother Cecilia. Then to celebrate their welcome into the Christian world, we went to Chow King and treated them to a hearty lunch. Then we gave them gifts of old clothes, toys, groceries, school supplies and a half sack of rice as a send off. This final gesture brought tears in their eyes. It was their perfect and unexpected gift this Christmas and we were very happy to be part of it.

The Circle of Love

The smile speaks it all. 

This is the day that they have been waiting for... the baptism of their children. 

The joy of the parents cannot be bought nor exchanged with silver or gold. 

A parent's dream fulfilled!

The Angels Home

This shanty may no be that attractive to the eyes but it doesn't matter. 

What matters most is what's inside the hearts of the people living inside. 

Living a simple life yet doing great things for others 
is the true essence of a Christian life.

The Destination

Walking through this path going to the place of baptism makes the couple feel

that God is really in their midst inviting them to offer their children to Him. 

Thus, introducing their children to the Christian world 

and would soon grow up in a Christian way.

 

Cleansing the Soul

Water cleanses everything! In baptism, water means purification. 

It purifies the a person making him a true blooded Christian.

The sacrament of baptism is really important in the lives of Christians. 

The priest washes the part of the baby's head with water gently and 

full of love for he represents God who is always there ready to cleanse 

our hearts and minds from impurities and making us pleasing to His sight. 

What a joyful privilege to have God in our lives!

Receiving the Holy Eucharist

God is really present in the Mass. 

It is but fitting and proper to give due respect to the person 

who says the Mass and each one is obliged to be a part of the Mass 

by joining in the singing of the hymns and by responding 

to the invitation of God to be one with Him.

A New Comer

‎"Lord, I offer to you my son..." says the mother in silent prayer. 

The mother lovingly cuddles her son to be baptized with full trust 

and confidence that God will always be with him 

to guide him in living a Christian way of life.

A Glimpse of Light

 

How wonderful it is to have fulfilled the Sacrament of Baptism! 

The newly baptized children and their proud parents are surrounded 

and supported by their godmothers and godfathers who will also be 

doing their share in guiding these children to be 

God-fearing and selfless persons.

A Joyous Celebration

The food set before them is another blessing received. 

Eating together as one family reminds us of God's bounty and love. 

May God's generosity and love also be manifested in our dealings with others.

Falling Star

Small and big boxes alike. 

They contain great love and generosity from benefactors. 

It lifts one's spirit to see a little girl a smile because you the reason. 

You made her happy and made her feel loved not only by people around 

her but most of all by God who is the source of everything.

The Flight A New

 

Bound for Home! Happier than before... 

Their children are now part of a Christian world 

but it does not end there. They too, as parents, have 

great responsibilities in molding and shaping the lives of 

their children and guiding them in the path expected of them 

to tread. May God be with them in their every step through life!