Our young people (Santuario San Vicente Youth Ministry) have been our partners with #VincentHelps since the beginning of the lockdown. First, they helped us in the repacking of goods for distribution weekly. Second, they facilitated the procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the parish. The people so hungry for God's presence in their midst waited solemnly for this event.

Now, they are the ones distributing the goods to the street families, people under the bridge, jeepney drivers, and those who have nothing to eat. Our mothers at the Kawan also volunteered to repack the goods for distribution. The recipients once are now givers themselves.

People are still hungry, maybe hungrier now. There is no way we will stop.

While the rest of the population are afraid to go out for fear of the virus or are discouraged by the government to stay home for other reasons, these young people are risking their lives for people to have nourishment, not only spiritually but physically, too.

Ministry in the time of pandemic are not confined to the priests and religious; it is done by many lay people -- the women BEC leaders, the young people, the people repacking goods, and many volunteers at the backstage.

There is no way we can be paralyzed by fear. If fear is contagious, so is compassion.

#VincentHelps thank the generosity of our donors and the courage of this young people.

Daniel Franklin Pilario, C.M.
St Vincent School of Theology
danielfranklinpilario@yahoo.com
08.28.2020