Introduction and History
ORPHANS OF ST. JUDE is a recent effort in response to the deadly super typhoon REMING- DURIAN,that decimated the beautiful city of Legazpi,Philippines last Nov.30, 2006 leaving countless children Orphaned. Clergy and Parishioners from St. James Catholic Church in Port Richey, Florida where Fr. Bob Kuzmann as the Pastor and Fr. Jude C. Vera as the Associate, have created an Educational Trust Funds for the ORPHANS, with the hope of starting an ORPHANAGE in 2007.Launched in early December, the organization's website has quick become a vital Tool for organizing supporters around the US and world. An initial fund raising drive in December yielded approximately $12,000.00 in cash donations and established a network of people to aid in the development of the fund. From Australia,Canada,San Francisco,Jacksonville,Houston,California and other locations.Supporters can view pictures of the destruction,reconstruction, and hopeful plans to rebuild the homes and lives of these orphaned children on the organization's blog.
Humble Beginning
The Organization of Orphans of St Jude was organized by Fr. Jude Vera with the full help of his pastor Fr. Robert Kuzmann, and with the assistance of Marion Gawlowicz, Pat Murphy, and Gary Wildgoose.To fast forward, Fr. Jude C. Vera has been in the ministry for 17 years. He spent the first five years in Albay, Philippines where he was ordained on March 11, 1989 at the St, Gregory the Great Cathedral by the late Bishop Concordio Sarte.
On November 30, 2006, killer Typhoon Durian (a.k.a.Reming local name) devastated Fr. Jude's home diocese of Legazpi City and has orphaned countless children. After days of prayer, meditation and fasting, Fr. Jude shared a thought with his pastor Fr. Robert Kuzmann: the noble idea of raising an educational trust fund for the orphans. Fr. Jude was extremely happy when his pastor said: "Fr. Jude, whatever you want to do for this worthy cause, I'll be supporting you." He then added: "Maybe God has meant for us to be together in this parish so that we can make a difference specially for the orphans. And let us make this as our OUTREACH MISSION of the parish."
With the fraternal blessing of his pastor, and the outpouring support of love and concern shown by the parishioners of St James the Apostle Catholic Church of Port Richey, the Organization of Orphans of St Jude has finally made its humble beginning.
The Organization of Orphans of St Jude (OSJ) has already started accepting donations. Please feel free to contribute. Whatever amount you may possibly share will be highly appreciated.
(Pat Murphy)
Organization of Orphans of St Jude, 8400 Monarch Drive, Port Richey, Fl 34668
I decided to stay and waited for the right time...
On Nov.30, 2006 as we all know, a super typhoon extremely devastated the Province of Albay, Philippines where I came from.. More than 2,000 people perished and several villages were totally erased from the map. A week after this horrible event Fr. Kuzmann asked if I wanted to go home. I gave myself a lot of time about the idea of going home considering the amount of time, money to be spent. Philippines is in the other side of the world. It will take me 17 hours hours just to get to manila and another 45 minutes by plane to get to Legazpi, where the seat of the diocese is. So, to make the story short, I DECIDED TO STAY AND WAITED FOR THE RIGHT TIME. Yes indeed after 6 months of waiting the final moment has come to lay down my very own eyes and hands to my home province where the unforgiving horrible disaster took the lives of so many especially the parents of the orphans.I will be meeting with three bishops of the diocese of Legazpi :Bp. Nestor Carino, Bp.Lucilo Qiambao,Bp. Jose Sorra-emeritus, including some of the clergy to discuss the plan of building an Orphanage. Some of you are really excited about the project and has sent legacy contributions for the orphanage and I thank you for your love and generosity. You will hear more updates when I come back. And also I will be reporting to Bishop Lynch at the chancery office regarding the Status of the Orphans of St. Jude and of course show him pictures of the Orphans and the devastation.
Meanwhile, keep me in your prayers for my safe trip and while I will be meeting the Orphans. Again thank you so much for your moral, spiritual, and generous support. I am sure you still remember Bp. Jose Sorra who came to us last year. In his e-mail he said and I quote: Fr. Jude I will be 100% behind the project. Yes, even his Excellency is very excited to make this dream a reality.
Yes, by the grace of God, we can only realize a dream when we are totally committed to it. Indeed I am a witness to your dedication and willingness to reaching out those affected by the unending calamities especially the Orphans in my home diocese. I do believe that The OUTREACH MISSION of St. James Church in Port Richey indeed brings and showcases authentic character of the Parish. Scripture says: WHAT YOU DID TO THE LEAST OF MY BROTHER YOU DID IT TO ME.COME ENTER INTO MY KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU.
My sincerest gratitude for all that you do and May the good Lord reward all of you a hundredfold.
Glory and Praise to our God. Fr. Jude