CHSAF PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2022
The year 2021 truly tested CHSAF’s mettle.
We remember the announcement of CHS Manila’s closure as the marker of a journey that seemed insurmountable. Emotions ran high and CHSAF was there to calm the tide. And then came CHSAF president Marissa Camacho’s untimely demise, a most unexpected development to the Board that was still addressing closure-related issues. At this time, I had to take on Marissa’s responsibilities.
This was followed by the almost daily passing of alumni in April and May. We were still recovering from the series of emotional traumas, when we learned of our Board adviser’s bout with cancer. A few weeks later, some of the board members and SSpS sisters were stricken with Covid-19. Then came the lockdown in Poinsettia.
As the year ended, typhoon Odette battered the Visayas and Northern Mindanao, including our own Holy Spirit communities in Cebu and Tagbilaran.
Amidst all that, CHSAF and CHSNAF rose to the challenge, faithfully carrying out their duties. CHSAF even took on larger tasks such as reviewing its mission and vision to address current realities, holding a strategic planning workshop, and embarking on the painstaking process of amending CHSAF’s Articles of Incorporation and By Laws. It also raised funds during the second half of the year for the Poinsettia community, the Punta Sta. Ana Christmas event and now, for Operation Typhoon Odette.
Forget not, too that in 2021, CHSAF launched its official website and the CHSM Memorabilia items, held special events to honor Marissa Camacho, arranged CHSAF’s 40th Anniversary event, coordinated the Reiki and YamangDagat webinars, conducted a Lenten recollection, mounted the well-attended Visita Iglesia, organized the very entertaining Pasko ng Pag-ibig at Pag-asa Raffle Draw event, the Rockin’ Christmas Party for the Nuns, and the Simbang Gabi. CHSAF also bravely distributed gifts in Punta Sta. Ana. We likewise launched the maiden episode of CHSAF Chats, a continuing activity to feature alumni in various fields of endeavors.
Delayed by the lockdowns caused by the pandemic, the 2021 Jubilarians, led by HS 71, pursued and successfully held their Homecoming on October 24, the first-ever virtual celebration entitled, Reminiscing the Spirit of our Time.
The year 2021 truly tested our fortitude and, I daresay that collectively, CHSAF passed the test with flying colors.
The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways. Amidst those considerable challenges, the Spirit amazingly moved CHSAF, CHSNAF and the alumni to come together and serve its purpose and mission.
We will remember 2021 as a milestone year that proved how a Holy Spirit-led community can do wonderful things, even if many would rather forget the disasters of the past year.
Looking back gives us more reason to be hopeful and resolute in doing greater things in 2022.
The SPIRIT LIVES ON because we surrender, we allow its fire to burn in our hearts while we continue to blaze more trails as we journey on.
Cheers and congratulations to all for time well spent in 2021!
2022, here we come!
