On May 31 during the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Friendship Home celebrated its 30th Foundation Anniversary. The Amigonian Martyrs Community together with the Friendship Home children, youth, parents, guardians, and staff celebrated the event by praying the Holy Rosary and a paraliturgy led by Bro. John Rey. At 4:00 pm the Friendship Home Family gathered together and prayed the Rosary in Honor to our Blessed Mother Mary. After the Rosary the paraliturgy was followed.
In the sharing of the word of God, Bro. John Rey shared with the children the three important things that they can learn from the readings. First is the Journey of Mary to reach her cousin Elizabeth who is in need. The second is the encounter of Mary and Elizabeth that brought joy to the child inside the womb of Elizabeth. Lastly, Mary’s prayer or Magnificat to glorify the Lord for all the things He has done in her life. In line with this, he also shared the journey of Friendship Home for 30 years reaching out to the thousand needy children and youth in the Philippines. The encounter of several children and families who experienced the joy of being part of the Friendship Home Family, and the prayer of all the people for giving Friendship Home as a blessing from the Lord to the children and youth who need love, care, and protection.
Looking back to the humble beginnings of Friendship Home when it was established in May 1991 as a shelter for several homeless and battered children, Friendship Home continues its mission to give protection, shelter, and complete health, medical, nutrition, education, values, and Spiritual Formation to the children entrusted by God. The 30 years of Friendship Home is a manifestation of the love of God to the children.