Author name: Sarah Garduque

At the Sending Forth Ceremony of Mary Johnston Hospital Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) trainees today, six students marked the end of an intensive summer journey, wrapping up the program for Summer 2026 with the theme “Another Chapter Coming To an End”. Rev. Col.Daneck Dang -Awan, the graduation speaker, started his talk with a very meaningful illustration with the title: He didn’t get here alone” He started saying, Alex Haley, the author of “Roots,” had an unusual picture hanging on his office wall. It was a picture of a turtle on top of a fence post. When asked, “Why is that there?” Alex Haley answered, “Every time I write something significant, every time I read my words and think that they are wonderful, & begin to feel proud of myself, I look at the turtle on top of the fence post & remember that he didn’t get there on his own. He had help.” That is the basis of thankfulness – to remember that we got here with the help of God, and that He is the provider of every blessing we have.” Further, he instructed the graduates: “I hope that your CPE journey here has brought you to greater possibilities of acquiring knowledge, deep spiritual insight, intellectual clarity, and personal illumination. Moreover, in becoming agents of hope in a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world.  We need to show, sow, and give hope through our ministerial presence, our silence, and our willingness to listen, and with the ability to probe and clarify with powerful questions.  Hope is now becoming a rare commodity. With the Certified Educator- Rev. Dr.Luz B. Zemina, who gave the Vows of release to them from their duties as spiritual caregivers within the church and the community. The group comprised five students from Union Theological Seminary in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and one local pastor from the Philippines Annual Conference, Northwest Metro Manila District. Over seven weeks, they immersed themselves in learning and growth, nurturing their minds and hearts as future spiritual caregivers. Their experience goes beyond academics – it’s about growing empathy, compassion, and service. As they move to their respective assignments, they’ll carry the lessons and memories from MJH, serving as beacons of God’s love and grace. The MJH community, CPE faculty, and hospital administrators join in sending off Nino M. Cezar, Sachiko Castillo, Mark Jhorence Galindo, Dave F. Martizano, Henry Mark Darrem Tierra, and Lemuel Danganan, praying they’ll be empowered to spread God’s love wherever they’re called.