In the battle against COVID-19, our priests are at the frontlines, too. The Jesuit chaplaincy in the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) fields three courageous priests that minister to healthcare workers and patients who number in the thousands. Our priests hear confessions, anoint the sick, and administer final rites at bedsides, right in the thick of the battle against the virus. As their work demands physical closeness with the victims of the disease, they are at great risk of also getting sick.
Our PGH chaplains bring much-needed hope, healing, and encouragement to the wards, especially to an increasing number of Patients Under Investigation (PUIs). We anticipate this number to grow further as the PGH has been designated as a COVID-19 exclusive hospital.
Along with chaplains in other hospitals, they need protective equipment. Ministering to PUIs requires them to wear full hazmat suits, but it is nearly impossible for them to secure these supplies on their own.
Through the help of many people, we have responded to Msgr Clem Ignacio’s appeal for 50 hazmat suits. Fr Jun Abogado, Minister for Health Care of the Archdiocese of Manila and Chaplain of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center, will be distributing these to various chaplains in Manila. These 50 suits, however, can be used only once and will soon run out. We need continuous support to provide our chaplains with the gear they need.
Jesuit Fathers Benny de Guzman, Lito Ocon, and Jem Guevarra, and their partners in ministry already care for about 1,500 patients in confinement, as well as their families. The designation of PGH as a COVID-19 exclusive hospital is sure to make their work more challenging. We ask for your prayers and support four our chaplains as they do their part in helping us heal from COVID-19.
Kiboy Tabada is a member of the Philippine Jesuits’ Bukas Palad Music Ministry.
For donations please contact DIRECTLY the Philippine Jesuit socio-political apostolate, Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan, via their Facebook page: @slb.ph. (The Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific is NOT accepting donations.)