The Children’s Rehabilitation Centre was established during the time of Martial Law in the Philippines to care for children traumatized by the violence of the military and pro-military groups. Many of these were orphaned, witnesses to the violent death of their parents.
Blessed are the children
They are mine says the Lord
Created in the darkness of the womb
To live in the light of freedom
Born to live not die
Born to laugh not cry
Born for the future
To invent explore create
To live to love
In a world of joy and color
The anger of God
Be upon the oppressors of children
Upon those who imprison them
In the darkness of pain
Suffering deprivation
Who torture their minds and bodies
Crush within them the spirit of life
Trust and hope
The blessing of God
Be upon the healers of children
Upon those who with patience and sensitivity
Reach into the deep and bloody wounds
Of these young Christs
To touch the pain the anger the darkness
And restore life
The courage of God
Be upon the parents of these children
Wherever they may be
May they see an end to pain
Separation the evil of this
Unjust system
May they see their families restored
Rebuilt given justice
Not in a Heaven to come
But in the kingdom we must build
Now
On earth
Dios Amang mapagmahal
Basbasan mo ang “Bahay-Munti” na ito
Ng Espiritu ng iyong anak na mapagpalaya
Nawa’y maging sagisay ito
Ng iyong kaharian
Kung saan ay maghahari
Ang tunay na pagmamahalan
Bunga ng kalayaan
At makulay na kapayapaan
Nakabatay sa katarungan
Siya nawa
(God, Father who loves
Bless this Children’s House
With the spirit of your son
Who sets us free
May it be a sign of your kingdom
Where true love reigns
The fruit of freedom
Where there is the rich color
Of a peace based on justice
Amen.)
June 1987
Blessing of the “Bahay-Munti”
At the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre
