Caritas Manila, the social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, will distribute 50,000 copies of the health manual “Gabay at Lunas sa mga Karaniwang Karamdaman” after its launching on June 8, 2007 at the San Nicolas de Tolentino chapel at the Gawad Kalinga Compound in BASECO, Port Area, Manila.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick S. Pabillo, bishop-in-charge of Social Services for the archdiocese will preside at the Mass for the launching.

The manual contains basic information on the functions of the organs of the body, sicknesses and cures, care for the sick and proper nutrition written in easy to read and understand Pilipino. The contents of the book were provided by medical practitioner-volunteers of Caritas Manila. It aims to educate the poor on how they can attend to their health in practical and proper ways so that their health becomes their wealth.

In his message, Manila Archbishop Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales said that it is also the mission of the Church to develop, nurture and nourish not only the soul but also his entire being—physical, emotional, psychological, moral and spiritual.

The book, he said, will help in making us care for one another’s health and well-being. Proper health knowledge, he said, is a big step towards preventing or conquering sickness. It will help in shaping a healthy nation working towards a healthy mind, lifestyle and relationship with fellowmen and with God.