By FIS SocCom

Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Cebu, the Philippines, 14 November 2024 -- The local chapter of the Asociación Damas Salesianas (ADS) in this parish launched a new medical clinic for indigents this afternoon. ADS, a member of the Salesian Family, is a non-profit association made up of women in continuous personal and spiritual growth, passionate about building a new world that takes into account human needs.

The new Zatti medical clinic is directed primarily to the indigents in the parish but is also open to all in need. It is open on Mondays from 10:00 AM to 12:00 NN, Wednesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Fridays from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Doctors have volunteered their regular time for medical check-ups. Patients are received on a first-come, first-served basis.

The clinic is opened at the 30-year anniversary of the local chapter. During the blessing of the clinic, Fr. Daniel Elemia, SDB, the local founder, related how the chapter started in parish after an invitation from Venezuela where the association began. The group began with around 20 members who slowly learned the spirit and charism of the group with the help of visiting members from South America.

The ADS members began to realize that their calling is not only in prayer but also addressing human needs. In their three-decade history, they began several social entrepreneurship projects in the parish which includes livehood and feeding programs. The new medical clinic is a renewal of a previous one that got interrupted by the recent pandemic.

Present also during the opening are Fr. Jerome Dublois, SDB, the provincial Salesian animator of the group, Fr. Joriz Calsa, SDB, the group's formator and the local Salesian community headed by Fr. Jhun Paradiang, SDB, rector and parish priest.

The association describe themselves as women aware of their commitment to God, the Church and the Salesian Family of Don Bosco. It was founded by Father Miguel González, a Salesian priest, on May 13, 1968, in Caracas, Venezuela. Since then, its centers have been growing around the world, currently having a presence and works in North, Central and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa.

The blossoming of the works and ministries in this parish is made possible with the presence, animation and cooperation of the different members of the Salesian Family. With a new medical clinic, the parish hopes to serve the last and the least of society.

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