USJ-R Balamban, ForSOAR de Cebu and Arcores International launch ‘Gugma ni San Jose’

CEBU CITY— ‘Gugma ni San Jose’ (Love of St. Joseph), a community pantry initiative of University of San Jose–Recoletos de Balamban, ForSOAR de Cebu and Arcores International was successfully launched last June 26, 2021.

As ‘Gugma ni San Jose’ brings the spirit of the Year of St. Joseph into fruition, the launching distributed 150 packs of goods and other ‘pantry’ products to the needy families in Brgy. Arpili, Balamban, Cebu.

‘Gugma ni San Jose’ is a social response initiative intended for families in need during the COVID pandemic. This initiative facilitates the involvement of ForSOAR (Former Seminarians of the Order of Augustinian Recollects) members in Cebu, ARCORES International and other donors with the Community Outreach Office of the University of San Jose – Recoletos Balamban.

The ‘Gugma ni San Jose’ will be conducted every last Saturday of the month; and will be sustained by the generous support of individuals and partners. Bringing into reality the Heart Solidarity Campaign of ARCORES International: ‘Caring for Life, Protecting Humanity’ ‘Gugma ni San Jose’ manifests a community spirit among the members of the school community, ForSOAR members and the members of the Order. A concrete response to the challenge of Fr. Miguel Miro, OAR, our Prior General: ‘Our charismatic heritage demands it of us, and Pope Francis also summons us, urging us: “This is not the time for indifference, because the whole world is suffering and has to be united to face the pandemic.” Faced with this situation that Humanity is experiencing, we cannot isolate ourselves and worry only about what is “mine” and what is “ours”, but about the common good. Now we need to be united. We all have the mission of being in solidarity and of spreading hope…’