The remains of Dr. Teresita Fermin Gatchalian at St. Peter’s Chapel-Imus
The MHAM employees and students showed sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of MHAM College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Gatchalian-Manaloto on the passing of her beloved mother and the late Dr. Teresita Fermin Gatchalian during the necrological service rendered by the MHAM family at St. Peter’s Chapel-Imus, New Imus St., Brgy. Lorega San Miguel, Cebu City last November 15, 2017 in the evening.
Requiem Mass for a dearly departed
A former MHAM faculty and a valued colleague by some of the alumni-faculty members, Dr. Teresita was not only a good mother and a doctor by heart, but a soul who spread joy and care, a life well-lived. She dedicated her life service as a mother, a teacher, a medical practitioner, a friend and a good Christian whose legacy can never be forgotten especially from those who knew her well. She departed at the age of eighty-six.
MHAM employees and students with the President & Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Elma Aznar Sierra during the wake of the late Dr. Teresita Fermin Gatchalian
Joined by the MHAM President and Chairman of the Board, Mrs. Elma Aznar Sierra, some members of the faculty, non-teaching staff and students paid the last homage of the departed doctor together with the family members, relatives, friends and colleagues who offered fervent prayers for her eternal repose. The solemn requiem mass was officiated by Rev. Fr. Raul Cabugao, OSA, together with the San Pedro Calungsod Choir who rendered the live ambient selection of music that made it more memorable.
Top: The San Pedro Calungsod Choir Below: The Gatchalian family
A necrological service followed the requiem mass with the presence of the MHAM Cebu Adventist Medical Students Association (CAMSA) in their angelic voices during the doxology. An opening prayer, special song and scripture reading made the service more meaningful to reflect that death may indeed be final but the love being shared while living is eternal.
WEAREMHAM: The Cebu Adventist Medical Students Association (CAMSA) in their necrological tribute
As an integral part of most necrological program, MHAM VP for Academics, Dr. Arlene Diaz and Microbiology and Parasitology Department faculty member, Dr. Fe Cabugao shared their testimonials of the deceased doctor who had been known as a peacemaker. The current MHAM VP was Dr. Gatchalian’s former medical student while Dr. Cabugao was a former colleague.
“Our deepest condolence to the Gatchalian family in behalf of MHAM and I know ‘Inday’ as I worked with her and she was known as a peacemaker president of the faculty club. Inday was very calm and soft-spoken and I can see that she has the passion in teaching. She has to travel to Mindanao frequently because she is also practicing in their hospital and it was her routine. I will never forget you Inday and you will always be in my heart”, said Dr. Cabugao in her testimonial.
WEAREMHAM: MHAM faculty-doctors with Dr. Manaloto
MHAM College Dean, Dr. Ma. Socorro Manaloto expressed her gratitude in behalf of the Gatchalian family. “I would like to thank the MHAM family for preparing this eulogy for my mom. Jokingly aside, yes we are literally different because my mom is very quiet while I am known as a confronting person but again thank you very much for this necrological program”, said the MHAM College Dean with a grin.
With sympathy and love
Meanwhile MHAM Assistant Dean, Dr. Allan Librando gave his message of comfort while the School Registrar, Dr. Luditha Lumapat-Pe led the heartfelt farewell prayer that made the necrological service a solemn one.
Losing someone may be one of life’s most difficult experiences but the love, comfort and sympathy from the people can appease the grieving moment. Heartfelt sympathy can be expressed in different ways but the presence and support of dear loveones can be more uplifting and consoling because sharing grief lightens the burden. Sometimes there are no words to express the feelings of the heart but the presence of those who showed the undying support can be more comforting. (Ana Liza Abao)