Rev. Fr. Leo E. Schmitt wins the 29th Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award

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Rev. Fr. Leo E. Schmitt was given the 29th Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award held at the Yuchengco Museum, RCBC, Makati Ciity, September 26, 2016

Manila, Philippines --- Saint Teresa's life is “an epitome of grace, compassion and love”. 

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) is an annual award given to selfless individuals who have served the poorest of the poor as inspired by the life of the late Mother Teresa of Calcutta. 

The 29th Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) recognizes German-Filipino priest Rev. Fr. Leo Schmitt, SVD, as this year’s winner for dedicating his life to helping the marginalized poor communities and informal settlers in the Philippines for the past 40 years. 

Rev. Fr. Leo Schmitt, SVD

Fr. Leo started his advocacy in the 1970s when the worsening economic and political situation in the country has pushed the Catholic Church to respond to the needs of the people.

He founded ‘Action Leaven,’ a non-profit organization that seeks to serve the underprivileged communities in the country, which was adopted by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) with Fr. Leo serving as Executive Director for two years, until it was turned over to the Archdiocese of Manila.

“Though restricted by old age, Fr. Schmitt remains a vibrant and enthusiastic inspiration for all the clergy, both diocesan and religious. His life of simplicity, faithfulness, humility and pastoral service is his best contribution to the mission,” Antipolo Diocesan Bishop Gabriel Reyes describes Fr. Leo.

“Through the generosity of various organizations, Fr. Leo receive a trophy and a cash prize of Php500,000. Fr. Leo’s chosen charity will also receive a cash prize of Pho500,000, and an additional Php500,000 worth of goods and services. We believe that these gifts will go a long way in helping Fr. Leo’s chosen advocacy,” says Gio Valencia, 2016 BTCA Chairman.

Mel Aguinaldo, creative artist, designed the 2016 "Saint Teresa of Calcutta" award given to German-Filipino priest Rev. Fr. Leo E. Schmitt

This year is monumental for the BTCA organization as Mother Teresa has been declared a saint by Pope Francis on Sunday at a canonization ceremony held in Vatican City. The canonization on September 4 comes on the eve of her 19th death anniversary. 

BTCA is a joint project of the AY Foundation and the JCI Philippines-Manila, which aims to refocus the public’s attention to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others.

Rev. Fr. LEO E. SCHMITT, SVD

Fr. Leo, the disciplinarian formator turned social worker…super energetic founder of communities and housing for the poor… with a huge heart for the poor!

He was born in Grunebach, Diocese of Trier in West Germany on May 9, 1928. He studied and was ordained in Germany in 1954. He is now 88 years old, and 62 years as a priest. He still at work, and refuses to be included among the retirees at the Villa Cristo Rey. He has indeed, done incredibly great corporal works of mercy!

After ordination, he went to England and for several years, he stayed at the St. Richard’s College for Foreign Missions before coming to the Philippines. (1958-60).

He was assigned for formation work, first at the Mary Help of Christians Diocesan Seminary in Binmaley, Pangasinan as prefect of the seminarians (1961-62).

Next, Christ the King Mission Seminary became his home for 35 years. (1962- 1997).

He was professor and prefect of the College seminarians (1962-70)

In 1970, his life changed dramatically, as he became more aware of the need to get involved in social work, a post Vatican II development. In the Philippine context, the need was more urgent because of the worsening economic and political situation. This was the time of violent activism, with the onset of the First Quarter Storm. The Church had to respond, and Fr. Leo proposed to start a project called ‘Action Leaven’, a movement for church people, to penetrate society and find out what the Church can do for the poor. The pioneer group of Leaveners was composed of 70 priests, nuns, seminarians, community organizers, engineers and agriculturist among others. It was adopted by CBCP as an experiment for the Archdiocese of Manila. Fr. Leo was its executive Director for 2 years, before it was turned over to the Archdiocese. The timing was unfortunate, because when Martial Law was declared by Marcos in 1972, social work was greatly hampered by government policies. Fr. Leo, however, had been magnetized to work with the poor.

Shortly after leaving the Action Leaven, some 800 families sought his help after being forced to leave the depressed community of Pleasant Hills, Mandaluyong. He was thrown into the herculean task of looking for a relocation site for the squatter community. Together with 2 SVD confreres, 2 sisters and 5 laymen, Fr. Leo created a foundation possessing a legal personality that would address the problem of informal settlers. On September 28, 1971, the SAMAHANG BAGONG BUHAY FOUNDATION INCORPORATION (SBBFI) was formally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a non-stock and non-profit corporation.

From the time of the foundation’s birth, many housing projects were built: San Antonio Village in Antipolo; San Jose Freinademetz Subdivision in Cogeo, Antipolo; Janssenville Subdivision in Cainta, Rizal; San Agustin Village in Antipolo; San Lorenzo Ruiz in Bulacan and Antipolo; St. Francis Square, Payong, which is also in Antipolo.

Originally, Janssenville was part of the St. Anthony of Padua Parish. When the canonization of the then Blessed Arnold became certain in 2002, Fr. Leo approached the bishop about the plan of making Janssenville the seat of a new parish to be named after the SVD founder. It was eventually approved that a new parish should be erected “to thank St. Arnold for the services of his congregations to the Church, in particular to the Diocese of Antipolo and to promote his virtues.” On 30th of November, 2003 the St. Arnold Janssen Parish was canonically erected. It was the first and only permanent religious parish in the Diocese of Antipolo. On January 15, 2004, Fr. Leo was installed as its first parish priest.

The diocesan bishop of Antipolo, Gabriel Reyes, says, “though restricted by old age, Fr. Schmitt remains a vibrant and enthusiastic inspiration for all the clergy...both diocesan and religious. His life of simplicity, faithfulness, humility and pastoral service is his best contribution for mission.”

Fr. Schmitt renounced his German citizenship and embraced Filipino citizenship to show his commitment in alleviating the pangs of poverty and homelessness among the poor Filipinos. Truly, he is an SVD who not only shared the vision of St. Arnold Janssen, he has also lived a life in mission.

The Society of the Divine Word Philippine Central Province gave the ST. ARNOLD JANSSEN MISSION AWARD to Fr. Leo in 2014, in recognition of his exemplary efforts in integrating and concretizing Mission as vision and action.

Today, Fr. Leo asserts that, “You cannot go wrong if you work on the premise of a Christian value and the development of the total person.” Indeed, Janssenville and the other communities founded by Fr. Leo and the Samahang Bagong Buhay Foundation remains a strong source of hope and inspiration in their community building and the upliftment of every person’s dignity.

(Source: SVD Mission Phlippines, Inc. – Steve Villarosa)

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About A.Y. Foundation, Inc.

The AY Foundation Inc. is a YGC member, tracing back its roots to the Bayanihan Foundation set up in 1970 by Amb. Alfonso T. Yuchengco to administer an educational fund for the children of Grepalife employees and sales associates. It has then evolved to support health related projects, inspire youth to exemplify the virtues of discipline, integrity, self-sacrifice, and courage and instills social responsibility involvement among them. For more information, please visit www.ayfoundation.com.ph or call (+632) 894.9000 or drop by 48F Yuchengco Tower RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Avenue, Makati City

About JCI Philippines

JCI Philippines is part of a leading global network that of young active citizens that aims to provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change in their communities to build as one. For more information, please visit www.jci.org.ph or call (+632) 374.4138, email at info@jci.org.ph or drop by 14 Don A. Roces Avenue, 1103 Quezon City

About JCI Philippines-Manila

JCI Manila is the first and premier leadership organization established not only in the Philippines but also in Asia, where young men join to become better leaders. The organization believes that it is through reaching out to others that you learn more about yourself. 

For more information, please visit www.jcimanila.org or call (+632) 525.6791 or email clubhouse@jcimanila.org

Blessed Mother Teresa has been declared Saint Teresa of Calcutta

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Mother Teresa has been declared Saint Teresa of Calcutta on September 4, 2016, the eve of her death anniversary by Pope Francis at Vatican City. 

Mother Teresa has been declared a saint by Pope Francis on Sunday at a canonization ceremony held in Vatican City. The canonization on September 4 comes on the eve of her 19th death anniversary. 

For much of her life, Mother Teresa was known as the "living saint," she will now be known as Saint Teresa of Calcutta.

After winning the Nobel peace prize in 1979 for her work with the poor in Calcutta, India, Mother Teresa built 600 orphanages and shelters around the world. Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997. On October 19, 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

A symbol of service and compassion, Mother Teresa showed the world the extraordinary power of love. Her life is “an epitome of grace, compassion and love”. 

Mother Teresa dedicated her entire life to serving the poorest of the poor as well as the destitute and forsaken. She saw herself as ‘small pencil in the hands of the Lord’ and went about her work quietly, offering smiles and warm human gestures

Mother Teresa inspire many to give their ‘hearts to love and their hands to serve.’ Her saintly life will forever inspire humanity to commit to the cause of those who have no voice, no community, no home and no love.

"Let us imitate Mother Teresa who made works of mercy the guide of her life and the path towards holiness" 

- Pope Francis

At the Vatican, a portrait of Mother Teresa is displayed on the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica. Mother Teresa is shown in her signature blue-trimmed white sari. The portrait was commissioned by the Knights of Columbus and painted by American artist Chas Fagan, 

Searching for Saints Among Us : Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award 2016

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The canonization of Mother Teresa on September 4, 2016 puts the spotlight back on modern day saints as the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) opens its search for these selfless individuals.  

JCI Manila and AY Foundation launches the 29^th Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awards, one of the country’s most prestigious humanitarian award giving body in a press conference among business, good news, broadcast media and bloggers, held at Hexagon Lounge of RCBC Makati, April 19, 2016.

The event highlights Mother Teresa’s “Road to Sainthood” and her compassion that goes beyond the borders of age, gender, nationality, and religion. 

1979 Nobel Peace Prize Winner and known as the “Living Saint”, Blessed Teresa’s name is synonymous to compassion and her life’s works of service to the poor has inspired many to follow the same path. It was in this context that the BTCA was formed in 1983 between the Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco (AY) Foundation, Inc. and the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Manila to celebrate these individuals who have given back to the community through their own social causes that benefit the marginalized members of society.

BTCA’s mission is to encourage the public to focus on the importance of helping others by recognizing individuals who have dedicated a significant part of their lives by serving the “poorest of the poor” just like Blessed Teresa. The winner is set to receive a grant worth Php 1,500,000.00 in cash and in kind.

“In honor of this historic event and through the rich generosity of our benefactors who also share our mission of providing development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change, the grant for this year is at a record high,” says Gio Valencia, 2016 Chairman of the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award.

Nominations are open to any living individual, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality and religion, who has dedicated his/herself fully and selflessly to humanitarian work among underprivileged Filipinos for at least 25 years. In addition, nominees will be likened to the degree in which they follow the example of Blessed Teresa, both in integrity and in the simplicity of their lifestyle.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award encourages everyone to nominate exemplary individuals by filling up the nomination form on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/BTCAward). Only completed nomination forms shall be accepted. Full list of rules and regulations can also be found at the back of the nomination form.

Deadline of nomination forms is July 9, 2016.

The Search is on for the Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award

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Finding individuals who have lived their lives in service of others.

The search is on for the 2014 Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Awardee was launched recently and this afternoon, we were glad meeting up with the organizers headed by the JCI Manila 2014 BTCA Chairman Marc Reyes; Lloyd Chao, Vice President and Mark Homer Uy, Director for Special Projects. The was held at the Akira Art of Sushi & Teppanyaki Restaurad, Alphalang, Makati City.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) is a recognition dedicated to the late Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, 1979 Nobel Prize Winner, and was known worldwide as “The Living Saint” because of her selfless humanitarian work and ideals. The search, which was launched in 1983, is the annual project of Junior Chamber International – Manila (JCI-Manila) and the Alfonso Yuchengco Foundation (AY Foundation).

Organizers also aim to inspire others by recognizing the work selflessly done by everyday individuals. JCI-Manila BTCA Chairman for 2014 Marc Reyes says, “In today’s age where everyone’s focused on putting the spotlight on themselves, it’s refreshing to know individuals who work extra hard to improve the lives of others. We hope this could start an effect of inspiring others to do the same.” 

In the land of selfies, it is refreshing to encounter people who are selfless: dedicating their time, money, and effort to make a difference in the lives of others.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award (BTCA) aims to recognize these selfless leaders who have taken up social causes that benefit the marginalized members of society. 

The award-giving body aims to refocus public attention and bring recognition to those, who like Blessed Teresa, have dedicated a portion of their lives to serving the “poorest of the poor” and have served as an inspiration to those around them. The winner will receive a cash grant of One Million Pesos (Php 1,000,000.00), at least half of which will be donated to the winner’s charitable institution of choice.

Nominees are open to any living individual, regardless of age, gender, race, and religion, who has dedicated himself fully and selflessly to humanitarian work among underprivileged Filipinos for at least 25 years, being an advocate here in the Philippines. 

In addition, nominees will be likened to the degree in which they follow the example of Blessed Teresa, both in integrity and in the simplicity of their lifestyle.

The Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Award encourages anyone who may know an exemplary individual to nominate them by filling up their nomination form found on their Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/BTCAward). 

Only completed nomination forms shall be accepted. The full list of rules and regulations can be found at the back of the nomination form. 

Deadline of nominations is on July 15, 2014.

Don't forget to nominate someone selfless today, especially those who have worked very hard to help those around them.

Happy Women's Day!

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"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates."

---Proverbs 31:30

Happy Women's Day!

Just want to share this video from World Vision:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTiCC0M_p5I

Daisy is one of the millions of mothers and women who bravely face the loss caused by typhoon Haiyan. Her family endures the rain and cold for several days before World Vision came with tarpaulin, they now used as temporary roof and wall of their damaged house.

She prays they will be able to rebuild their home so the young kids will be safe. 

In celebration of the International Women's Day, we recognize Daisy's strength, courage and love for her children and family. We honor all the women who continue to fight the storms of life.

Be blessed always and Happy Women's Day! 

Buy and Give through Caritas Manila’s Expo

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This coming November 29 till December 1, Caritas Manila will hold its anniversary expo in the activity center of Ayala Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. 

Buy and Give through Caritas Manila’s Expo at the Trinoma as they celebrates 60 Years of Living Faith in its Social Mission. This year’s anniversary expo will feature and showcase products made by social entrepreneurs via Caritas Manila’s own social enterprise: Caritas Margins and Segunda Mana.

This event aims to raise funds to help sustain the pro-poor programs of Caritas Manila. 

The products sold in the BUY and GIVE EXPO are made by the poor communities and from the marginalized sector currently being supported by Caritas Manila.

Art pieces are made by residents from National Bilibid Prison, gift items, accessories, and personal care products made by urban poor families, pre-loved items and inventories from our benefactors and corporate partners are just some of the products showcased in this Expo.

This is dubbed as BUY and GIVE because for every product you BUY, you actually GIVE to someone in need. 

These are the 3 ways: 

1st – the item one buys gives income to the producer of the product from the poor community/marginalized sector; 

2nd – part of the revenues will be plowed back to help sustain Caritas Manila’s pro-poor programs, specifically on Skills and Livelihood Training and Youth Servant Leadership and Education Programs; and 

3rd – buying the product is giving to oneself or for someone else to appreciate.

Supporting important causes can be easy to forget amid the hustle and bustle of shopping during the holiday season. Here's an easy way to give back to those in need while you find the gifts you need.

Come and join Caritas Manila’s BUY & GIVE EXPO on  you can find things at reasonable prices as helping uplift other peoples’ lives.

Caritas Manila is the leading social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila and the integrator of the Church social services and development in Metro Manila.

Segunda Mana, a special Donation-in-kind program of Caritas Manila where it promotes the joy of giving to help those who are in need by donating items that are no longer needed used or unused, have too much of or about to throw away which have value and may be sold. It also promotes Reducing, Re-Using, and Recycling.

Caritas Margins, “Margins” from the word “marginalized”, refers to groups who are neglected, deprived and ignored and these are people who are poor.

Caritas Margin is a Skills Training Program of Caritas Manila which conducts various trainings such as: Crafting fashion accessories, production of herbal soaps, perfume, medicinal ointments and homecare products and food processing & commercial cooking.

One great Saturday I was in Caritas Manila, Pandacan attending briefing about Caritas Manila Social Development Programs. For the past years, I have been a part of Caritas Manila advocacies. At present, I felt so great that I am invited to see the Caritas Manila/s Segunda Mana's Store, warehouse and Caritas Margins production facilities.

Caritas Manila executive director Fr. Anton C.T. Pascual shared us the mission and vision of the Caritas Manila.

Caritas Manila's mission is to empower the poor towards total human development, build caring and sharing communities among the youth and families and enable the growth and development of servant leadership. Caritas Manila have developmental programs for the sectors of education, preventive health, and livelihood to help the poor, and continuously strive to help the poor help themselves.

Caritas Manila bring people together with the hearts of service, caring and sharing. The Archdiocese organized a social welfare for uplifting the spirit and soul of unfortunate members in community for food, clothing and medicines for distribution among our poor brethren, and the education of their children. 

I remember things about Jesus, as He had a special sense of mission to poor. And Mother Teresa's great passion for poor came from her great passion for Jesus. I believe that Jesus Christ set an example for us to walk on, "Love your neighbor" when asked to define neighbor as He expanded to anyone who is in need.

This is a chance for you to give back to your community in a way that's meaningful to you. Your heart and innovative spirit needed to make the world a better place.

As simply you can be part of their mission. For donations inquiry, you can contact Caritas Segunda Mana via: segundamana@caritasmanila.org.ph and cm@caritasmanila.org.ph and Tel No: 564-0205, 562-0020 to 25 or Text: 09298343857

More photos HERE.