The Philippines: The Cahiers Saint Raphaël report on the Medical Mission of ACIM in Asia
The Cahiers Saint Raphaël is the trimestrial magazine of the Catholic Association of Doctors, Nurses, and other Medical Professionals. In its September-October 2007 issue, it presents a complete dossier on the medical mission led by its President, Dr. Jean-Pierre Dickès, with the cooperation of Rev. Fr. Daniel Couture, Superior of the Asian District of the SSPX, in the Philippines.
“Rosa Mystica” is the name given to the medical mission organized by the ACIM on the Island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It surprised everybody by its importance; and was twice the object of coverage by National Television. It was welcomed by the highest authorities in the town of General Santos (500,000 inhabitants). It directly involved 23 physicians of 7 nationalities, and a dozen others who gave their help for free to the mission. But also several hundred nurses, many businesses, youth groups and even the Army commandos who were protecting the mission.
“The three French people at the head of the organization want to tell you about this uplifting adventure. Living in dire poverty, the Filipino people remain deeply Catholic and exude a joie de vivre, with their unforgettable smiles, and great kindness. Beyond the work of corporeal mercy which enabled us to treat more than 2,000 patients, it was necessary to warn this people against the mirages of our decadent West which is losing the faith.”
The mayor of General Santos concluded his address with these words: “I am going to pray continually for the ACIM so that it may be blessed by God, and may grow, prosper, and thus help an even greater number of people.”
