Columban Fr. Don Kill shared the following update about the kids served by his ministry, Balay San Columbano, in the Philippines.
Graduations have started for some of the kids. There was a Recognition Day on March 31 for Ariel Bulangis who has completed Grade 10. After that he still has two years of on the job training three days a week and classes three days a week. Ariel is one of the young men afflicted with hemophilia.
On April 7, Shawnie Suminguit graduated "Cum Laude" from her nursing course. Shawnie is actually a U.S. Citizen since she was born in the in Kentucky while her father was doing his Doctorate there. She is pictured here with Dr. Richard Paat, one of her sponsors and soon to be her boss and mentor as Shawnie continues her studies to become a Nurse Practitioner.
John Christian Tolibao, another one of the hemophilia patients, will graduate from his course in electronics in April or May (not yet certain).
John Philip Gabutero will graduate from his course in architecture on June 25 which the day after my 44th Ordination Anniversary.
P.J. Tetangco is also graduating this year from his course in nursing but has not yet sent me a notice of when his graduation will be.
It is great to see the kids graduating and going on to bigger and better things. They are so thankful for all the support that has been given to them.
There are also three "great grandchildren" graduating from Elementary School. One of them “DJ” is the valedictorian for his class. His Father, Deonito, was only 9 or 10 years old when he first came to live at Balay San Columbano after his father was murdered. The graduate’s name is Donald John (DJ) Suminguit. DJ will be coming to live with at Balay San Columbano as he enters high school.
That is all for now. Know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Father Don
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The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.