By: Br. Jesse Meer E. Alipes
Casiciaco Recoletos Seminary recognizes three personnel for their invaluable service to the seminary last November 7, 2020 at the Capilla de Nuestra Señora del Pilar Chapel.
The service awardees for this year are Judy Estabillo, ground maintenance personnel, for 30 years of service; Joyvell Dioquino-Camero, administrative staff for 15 years of service; and Samuel Camero Jr., kitchen personnel, for 10 years of service.
Rev. Fr. Bernard C. Amparado, OAR, Seminary Rector, presented the certificate and cash incentive to the awardees assisted by Rev. Fr. Ken Oliver Lao, OAR, Seminary Procurator, during the Holy Mass celebrated in honor of Blessed Gratia of Kotor, patron saint of the Recollect personnel.
On the same day, the employees participated in the Recollection with Rev. Fr. Alexus Mansueto, OAR as the facilitator.
Annually, the Personnel holds their recollection and excursion outside Baguio City but due to health protocol restrictions brought about by the pandemic, the said activities were held in the seminary.
Gratefulness
During the mass, Fr. Lao said that it is important to always be grateful.
“Even though we are experiencing difficulties it not an excuse not to be grateful,” he said after relaying the story of a personnel who was willing to give even for the little that she had.
The awarding ceremony is the seminary’s way of being grateful to the Personnel who stayed and worked tirelessly in the Seminary.
Ms. Joyvell Dioquino-Camero, one of the awardees also expressed her gratitude to the seminary where she found a family, symbolically and literally.
“In CaReS I found my happiness, contentment, and the fulfillment of my dreams,” relayed Ms. Camero.
Last 2018, The then Ms. Dioquino joined hands with another CaReS personnel Mr. Camero. In the same year Ms. Camero gave birth to a son.
The yearly celebration of the personnel’s day coincides with the memorial of Blessed Gratia Kotor. Before he joined the Augustinian Order he worked as a sailor until he heard the sermon of Blessed Simon Camerino and entered the Monastery near Padua in 1468. He was known for his humility, his service to the community as a gardener, and deep Eucharistic devotion.
