december 2012 - Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres

DECEMBER 2012
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CONTENTS
21| News Bits
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1| Editorial
BLESSINGS IN PARADOX: A LANGUAGE OF FAITH
By: Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC
2| Message
Launching of the Golden Jubilee of Our Lady of Chartres Convent
By: Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC
4| Launching of the Year of Faith
By. Sr. Connie Aletta Simbol, SPC
CHALLENGES OF THE NEW EVANGELIZATION
Blessings Usher SPU Manila Centennial Activities
•
FROM TRASH TO TREASURES
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Complete Grade School at St. Paul School of Buug
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SPSBV Inaugurates New Building
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JULIO CARDINAL ROSALES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL @ 24!
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OLCC Sends off Missionary to Levesville
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St. Isidore Learning Center
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Blessing of Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital New Building
Missionaries in Jerusalem
26| New Communities
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6| Mothers on Tawid-tawid Block: A Feedback
By: Sr. Recel Cachuela, SPC
9| Jubilee Celebrations
FRIENDS OF ST. PAUL COORDINATORS’ ASSEMBLY
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•
4| SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP IN COMMUNITY AND THE
By: Sr. Consuelo Celis, SPC
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27|
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The SPC Sisters Mark Their New Journey
in Antique Medical Center
By: Tatiana Seraspi
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NEW MISSION IN BUGALLON
By: Sr. Jean Asok, SPC
28| WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
By: Sr. Connie Aletta Simbol, SPC
10| SPC Educators’ Congress 2012
Awakens SPC Educators to the Call of Spirituality and Excellence
By: Sr. Teresita Bayona, SPC
14| HEALTH CARE MINISTRY ASSEMBLY
“For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord.” (2 Cor. 4: 5)
By: Sr. Ma. Celeste Rivas, SPC
16| Pastoral Assembly 2012
A Personal Experience
of the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
By: Sr. Agnes Lawrence Catalan,,SPC
31| TWO FOR THE ROAD LESS –TRAVELLED
….and the journey continues
Stories of Sisters of St. Paul who are Blood Sisters
By: Sr. Ann Christine Moscoso, SPC
33| SPC WIT, HUMOR, at IBA PA
By: Sr. Leilani Dominguez, SPC
17| New Aspirants
34|
By: Sr. Auralita Intal, SPC
18| SPC Principals’ Forum 2012
By: Sr. Mary Cyril Corpus, SPC
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THE BUTTERFLY’S SONG
By: Sr. Mary Cyril Corpus, SPC
35| FAITH AND MISSION ARE THE INGREDIENTS
By: Sr. Lorena Samentar, SPC
OF A MEANINGFUL LIFE
20| Young Sisters’ Assembly 2012
By: Jessamine Matias
By: Sr. Donna Belle Cadigal, SPC
36| OBITUARIES
37| Sister Maura’s Corner
By: Sr. Antoinette Bengzon, SPC
DECEMBER 2012
EDITORIAL STAFF
Sr. Caritas de St. Paul Sevilla, SPC
Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC
Editors
Sr. Ma. Dee Lacson, SPC
Sr. Arcelita Sarnillo, SPC
Sr. Emily Louise del Castillo, SPC
Sr. Remedios Sandalo, SPC
Sr. Ma. Consuelo Celis, SPC
Sr. Auralita Intal, SPC
Sr. Connie Aletta Simbol, SPC
Sr. Ann Christine Moscoso, SPC
Sr. Maria Kathleen June Mariño, SPC
Coordinator Contributors
Our Lady of Chartres Convent
203 Provincial Road, Antipolo City
658-7505 to 06
II |
ABOUT THE COVER
P.T. Martin
Publication Consultant
Mervin Concepcion Vergara
Art Director
Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC
Moderator
Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC
Consultant
God’s gift of faith is constant,
contextualized and concretized
in the mystery of the Incarnation.
Thus, the Sisters of St. Paul of
Chartres who have responded
to this gift through their total
self-offering in the religious life,
have considered Our Lady of
Chartres Convent as their home
and honing place of prayer and
faith. In the spirit of gratitude, joy,
and celebration, they launched
the Golden Jubilee of Our Lady
of Chartres Convent in December
2012 to culminate in December
2013. Incidentally, Pope Gregory
XVII also proclaimed 2012-2013
as the Year of Faith for the whole
world. A beautiful coincidence
indeed for the SPC Sisters!
Editorial
A Language of Faith
Blessings in Paradox:
Life is a paradox. Christmas is a paradox. Our religious vocation is a paradox. The past issue
of The Philippine Echoes worded in more ways than one how these paradoxes had made our
challenges and celebrations in the Philippine Province worth pondering on…celebrating…and
praying over.
A paradox is a seeming contradiction, but there is a point of reconciling this seeming
contradiction. For example, when St. Paul wrote,” …I am strongest when I am weakest,” he
might have felt so physically worn out and helpless, but because of his faith in Christ who
became His Master and Lord, he felt strongest.
Events happen, persons come and go, and all these are without a tear to shed, a heart to alleviate,
a mind to understand. Lucky we are, SPC Sisters, that we have our Christocentric-paschal
spirituality that is Spirit-linked because it helps us unravel the puzzle of our own internal and
external labyrinths, and scale some of their hills and mountains in order to view eternal verities
at varying times and degrees and get inspired and energized. In this way, too, we get to learn how
to live and appreciate these paradoxes.
Time is one great paradox. We all want to pin it down especially if it brings good tidings. Was
it not just like yesterday when we congratulated Sr. Zeta for her second term as Provincial
Superior, as we thanked and welcomed her former and new Council members, respectively? And
wasn’t it just like a flash that we welcomed our international superiors who attended the Council
of Congregation held for the first time in the Philippine Province the other year? Even the
varied celebration of our Centennial Year of Formation in the Philippines came and went very
fast, including the concert of One Hundred Voices in 100 Minutes. These and the in-between
activities in the Province had been concluded, but more are to come. More hopes and blessings.
More celebrations of God’s graces.
This year is the celebration of the Year of Faith, and the foundation anniversary of Our Lady
of Chartres Convent (OLCC). The two are somewhat related. Regardless of where we started
our formation, OLCC stands as a symbol of formation for all of us because we are still in the
process of formation. And what binds us all is our faith in responding to the call of our religious
vocation. Again, many events are in the offing. Many plans and anticipations are being prayed
for. The key for the best to come is faith. They might again be paradoxical as most beautiful
blessings are, but we need an act of faith in accordance to what God designs for all of us and
for our Province. We need Mary’s Fiat. Her “yes” years ago unlocked the door of graces so that
Christmas can take place. Our yes to God’s will today will unlock bountiful blessings, and we
can joyfully incarnate Christ in others and in the world.
A blessed Christmas and a peaceful New Year to all!
Sr. Caritas de St. Paul Sevilla, SPC
Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC
| 1
Message of the
Provincial Superior
MY DEAR SISTERS,
O
ur Lord Jesus Christ holds
Nazareth as one special place
close to His sacred heart. And
today, as we launch the Golden Jubilee
of Our Lady of Chartres Convent,
I can’t help but think of OLCC as
another Nazareth. Why? It is because
Our Lady of Chartres Convent stands
as a symbol of the spiritual ideals of
the Congregation of the Sisters of
St. Paul of Chartres in the Philippine
Province. It serves the purpose of fourin-one - House of Formation, House
of Leadership, House of Prayer, and
House of Discernment.
Nazareth is the place where our Lord grew up and was reared. It
was where He spent valuable childhood years (His formative years
- teenage and even adult years). It was here where Joseph, Mary
and Jesus had their bonding, their special family moments together
bathed in intimacy as they spent time with one another, deepening
into a beautiful relationship, simple but meaningful. Nazareth was
so much part of their lives, the reason why Nazareth was attached to
their names – Jesus of Nazareth, Mary of Nazareth, and Joseph of
Nazareth.
Nazareth comes from the Hebrew term (etymology), “netzer” which means
a shoot or a sprout. This is very well related to the “shoot of Jesse,” and
Isaiah, the father of David. This symbol and image of shoot or sprout fits
perfectly. Shoot or sprout is a symbol of hope, of growth, of bearing fruit,
of patient waiting, of something to look for, of great expectation, of great
promise. There is no instant fruit, no instant formation.
It was in Nazareth where He realized what the Father’s business
was all about. But much more, it was in Nazareth that He realized
what the Kingdom of the Father was all about - a kingdom of truth,
of justice and of compassionate love. Nazareth then is not only a
school of the mind, but a school of the heart, of interiority. Our Lord
Jesus Christ didn’t know of any other school, except Nazareth. His
teachers were of course, Joseph and Mary. With them He grew “in
wisdom and in age.”
Formation is at the heart of every religious
vocation. Hence, every religious community
gives formation a special attention and decisive
importance. The future of the congregation
depends on the quality of formation that we give
our young Sisters.
Nazareth honed our Lord for His demanding ministry in Galilee of Teaching, Healing and Table fellowship (the Eucharist). These
ministries prepared Him for the passion and cross in Jerusalem.
Most of you, dear Sisters,had been to Israel for a pilgrimage. You
saw and followed the paths that Jesus had trodden. Some even went
into deep contemplation and in your own words, commiserated with
Christ’s agony, His passion, and death. What an experience, and I
can say, how lucky you are.
It was in Nazareth where Jesus learned the basics of His Jewish faith,
His relationship with the Father, sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, and
Gospel virtues of humility, trust, patience, compassion, and love.
Without Nazareth where He spent His hidden life, no way would
Jesus Christ ready and prepared for His public life.
2 |
Our Lady of Chartres Convent, Antipolo City, is just not any ordinary
address, ordinary place. It is our House of Formation.
Formation in the life of consecration is primarily
formation in the spiritual life. We need to form
our young Sisters not only to be competent
and knowledgeable in order to function
effectively in our various apostolic
endeavors, but above all to be
steeped in prayer, imbued with the
values of the Gospel, loving and
living with the heart and mind
of Christ.
The journey of every
formand who passes
through the different
stages of formation is a
journey towards an everdeepening relationship
with the Divine Potter, a journey that knows
no time, place nor status. It is an inward and
spiritual journey towards growth, in union with
and configuration to Jesus Christ, “for the good
of the Church and service of neighbor.”
Our Lady of Chartres Convent was constructed
with this view in mind: situated on a hilltop,
away from the busy life in the city. It is a
sanctuary to many of our Sisters, a place where
many beautiful memories are created.
It is here in Our Lady of Chartres Convent,
where our aspirants, our postulants, our
novices, our Juniors, our Sisters in continuous
formation, jubilarians, serene sisters, midlifers, youth, are formed and molded into the
SPC way of life. It is here where we were
taught the ABC’s of our SPC Spirituality, and
schooled in our identity as SPC, and to quote
Fr. Mon Bautista, “it is here that we learn who
we are, what we are, and why we do what we
do, and what we truly stand for.”
So much of our formation take place here
- spiritual, professional, such as: retreats,
recollections, renewals, seminars, assemblies,
mission orientations. In many ways, it is a
school for all of us where we are taught how
we live our spiritual life – our identity; our
charism; our life style; our life of consecration;
our vows; our values; our love for the poor;
our way of loving.
Like the image of the Potter and Clay (Jer.
18:ff), it is here where we have learned how to
be docile, how to be humble, so that God can
do with us, like a potter is able to do with clay
in his hands. Sisters, you who have lived here
and have been formed here, are like clay in the
hands of the Divine Potter. You are handled
with so much care. You went through much
handling, much shaping and re-shaping, not
only of mind, but, of interiority, the shaping
and forming of hearts.
Our Lady of Chartres Convent is our House of
Prayer. So much prayer happens in this house.
This is a place in the Philippine Province
where Sisters learn to stop, become still
before the Lord in His presence, meditate,
contemplate, spend time with the Lord.
Here in Our Lady of Chartres Convent, our
life of contemplation is the central focus.
After immersing ourselves in many activities
in the market place, serving, sharing
ourselves, giving, ministering, we come
to OLCC to rest, to pray. We have opened
our doors not only to our friends - religious
men and women, but lay as well. They
come to be re-energized, re-charged
and healed. That’s why this place
literally can be regarded as “holy”
or “sacred” because the most holy
activity of formal prayer has
happened and has taken place
here. God’s presence and work
have tremendously come and
reigned.
Besides being a House of
Formation and a House
of Prayer, Our Lady of Chartres Convent
stands for Leadership. It is a House of
Leadership where the Council and the
Sisters of the Provincial Administration
earnestly and passionately seek for the Jesus’
way of “creating vision, shaping values
and empowering change.” A leadership of
transformation to become a leader like JESUS
is what we constantly beg for in prayers. We
know that Jesus in us continues to lead through
us.
Much more than a house of Leadership, Our
Lady of Chartres Convent is a House of
Discernment. Big and crucial decisions are
done here (through a prayerful, contemplative
process of discernment). We have to be led by
the Spirit because every decision that we make
affects the individual lives of our Sisters and
their missions as well. This has a great impact
on the entire province, in terms of mission,
priorities, ministries, vision and mission
affecting in many ways the lives of the people
we serve.
Today, with so much gratitude in our hearts,
we wish to acknowledge the past Provincial
Superiors, their Council members, and
Sisters of the Provincial Administration:
Mother Charles de Jesus Weiss, (may her
soul rest in peace), the Provincial Superior,
who built Our Lady of Chartres Convent
and was responsible for the transfer to its
present site from Quezon City on Dec. 26,
1963, and consequently, the blessing on
January 19, 1964; Mother Marie Madeleine
Denoga (may her soul rest in peace); Mother
Marie Javelosa; Sr. Agnes Therese Teves
(may her soul rest in peace); and Sr. Mary
Magdalen Torres. All my predecessors were
visionaries, exceptionally gifted spiritual
leaders. If not for their selfless dedication
and perseverance, we could not have reaped
the fruits of 50 years.
I also would like to thank all the Formators
that had served in the capacity of Directresses
of Formation. Because of their commitment
and role modeling, we who are here now and
our Sisters who are in our local communities
but could not be with us today, were afforded
and given holistic and solid formation to be
transmitters of hope in our broken world. They
have nurtured us to be more “docile to the
transforming action of the Spirit inviting us to
be sensitive and responsive to the challenges
and needs of the world in its religious,
ecclesial, social, economic and political
dimensions.” (Capitular Acts 2007)
Also, it is but fitting to thank all the men and
women behind the scenes, who have worked
with us here in Our Lady of Chartres Convent:
the secretaries, the office staff, the cooks, the
gardeners, the housekeeping staff, the laundry
women, the handy men, the drivers, the
carpenters, the electricians, the plumbers, the
security guards, who did their jobs so well that
allowed us to devote our time to the mission
entrusted to us, for the glory of God and the
service of neighbor.
And of course, we say thank you to all our
Sisters in the different communities who have
supported us generously not only with material
resources, but with their sincere manifestation
of unending love and concern.
We are grateful in many ways to our lay
partners and benefactors who throughout
all these years have lavished us with their
generosity and care.
So much part of our spiritual life here is
our daily Eucharist, the source, summit,
and center of our Christian faith. Thank you
to our priests’ friends who have been very
faithful in celebrating the Eucharist with
us. I would like to mention in particular
His Excellency, Bishop Gabriel Reyes, and
His Excellency, Bishop Francisco de Leon.
Thank you for being part of our life in Our
Lady of Chartres Convent.
Thank you too to our friends – Retreat
Directors, Counselors, who have journeyed
with our Sisters toward spiritual growth
through spiritual direction and counseling;
and Resource Persons in all our conferences,
assemblies and renewal programs. Our Sisters
have benefited so much from all these spiritual
enrichments.
I would like to say special thanks in behalf of
my Sisters, to our main celebrant, Fr. Ramon
Bautista, SJ, and the three concelebrants,
Fr. Percy Bacani, MJ, Fr. Michael Antalan,
AM, and Fr. Mark Naval, for celebrating the
Eucharist with us, as we launch the golden
jubilee celebration of Our Lady of Chartres
Convent today.
Sisters, friends, there’s a whole, rich tradition
behind Our Lady of Chartres Convent. We who
are here now are privileged and therefore, must
make sure that we safeguard and preserve this
tradition and pass it on truthfully to the coming
generations of Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.
This will ensure the unity and future of the
Congregation.
For fifty years, Our Lady of Chartres
Convent lived up to the ideals for which
she is known for and the reasons for its
existence. Like a light that never grows
dim, it continues to be a haven of peace and
serenity, a spring of life, a place of on-going
formation and renewal.
Caritas Christi Urget Nos! Our mission has just
begun.
let us go in peace and proclaim the Good
News, in the name of the Father, and of the
Son, and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN
Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC
This message was delivered during the
Launching of the Golden Jubilee celebration
of OLCC, on December 22, 2012. I feel it
is fitting to share this with you on this most
meaningful and happy season of the year
– Christmas! I wish you then a blessed
Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
| 3
Launching
of the Year
of Faith
Sr. Connie Aletta Simbol, SPC
IN-SERVICE/ORIENTATION FOR SUPERIORS
Feedback on the Cayenne International Assembly
Sr. Consuelo Celis, SPC
From June 8 to 10, 2012, the Philippine Province held the Superiors’ Assembly at
the Provincial House in Antipolo. The theme of this year’s assembly was Spiritual
Leadership in Community and the Challenges of the New Evangelization.
A solemn celebration of the Holy
Mass highlighted the launching of
the Year of the Faith on October 11,
2012 at Our Lady of Chartres Convent
with the theme “Celebrating the Gift
of Faith.” The event, in cooperation
with the universal celebration of the
launching of the Year of the Faith, was
preceded with several sessions on the
New Evangelization in the different
assemblies held here. Bishop Orlando
Quevedo, OMI, was the resource
person on the New Evangelization
and was able to explain the challenges
of the new evangelization to peoples
today and to religious in particular.
On the first day, the Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus himself, Jose
Cecilio Magadia, S.J., tackled the topic: A Spiritual Leadership in Community. He
emphasized that the core task of a leader is to respond with great generosity to the
generous God who called us for a particular mission: to mirror the loving, giving
GOD. Community is no longer simply for mission. It is mission! In the afternoon
Sr. Sonia Arao, RC shared the topic SPIRITUAL LEADER AS MYSTIC AND
PROPHET. She observed that we are now an extroverted society that has a certain
need for interiority, to awaken the mystic and prophet in us. She further shared
that the gift of seeing ourselves from the perspective of God, with the eyes of God,
would mirror our very goodness and purpose and would allow us to look at our pain
and brokenness with compassion and love.
The event was presided by Fr. Eugene
Cañete, MJ and used the New Revised
Mass Texts in preparation for it use
beginning the first Sunday of Advent.
The mood in OLCC was festive. The
occasion was an opportune time to
thank the Lord for the gift of faith He
has generously bestowed on all.
After Sr. Antoinette’s sharing, Sr. Emily Louise del Castillo, SPC, Assistant
Provincial for Formation and the Formation Team, spoke about the “the Role of the
Spiritual Leaders in the Formation of Sisters. She emphasized that formation is a
lifelong process that is continued in the local community by which every member
should ensure an atmosphere favorable to formation.
During the Mass, several Bibles
were offered by members of the
Provincialate Auxilliary Community
and Sisters in formation, and these
were intended to be given to members
of the Pastoral Ministry and those
involved in giving Basic Ecclesial
Communities. It was a symbolic
gesture of proclaiming Jesus to all
people especially to those who need to
hear His message in our times.
4 |
Spiritual Leadership in
Community and the Challenges
of the New Evangelization
The second day enriched us with the topic “Spiritual Leader as Facilitator of the
Vowed Life” given expanded by Sr. Antoinette de St. Joseph Bengzon, SPC. She
reiterated the role of the local superiors as facilitators of the vowed life by: taking
on the attitude of Christ and showing awareness of God’s presence, making her own
life a witness to her community.
His Excellency, Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI, ably shared on “Spiritual
Leadership and the Challenges of the New Evangelization”, that the new paradigm
of mission today is “Mission to Secularity”, whose context of understanding is to
re-evangelize and to promote new evangelization especially to countries which were
once deeply rooted in the Catholic Faith. Archbishop Quevedo stressed that Jesus
is the center of proclamation. It is His story that we tell. He reminded us that it
is Jesus, the compassion of God, whose love and tenderness the Sisters of St. Paul
are impelled to share. Leadership is God’s gift. Leadership has a mission and the
reason for leadership is mission. He encouraged the superiors to remember that,
as superiors they cannot shepherd when they forget that they, too, are sheep. The
role of Spiritual Leadership then is LEADING THE COMMUNITY: to discern
dialogue and to strengthen, celebrate, and live the faith of the community which is
to remember that faith in JESUS is the reason for mission. This role of spiritual
leadership leads us all towards a new human ecology where the question of God can
be raised, discerned and answered from the depths of the heart, guided by faith.
Archbishop Quevedo made us aware
that leadership is spiritual parenting (2
Cor 9:6-7). Like our founder, Father
Louis Chauvet, who said that he had
no greater blessing than to see his
daughters walk in the truth, superiors
are encouraged to be a “parent, ” a
“mother” to the community, following
the spiritual motherhood of Mary who
brought forth in her family the grace of
God. While he shared with us the role of
spiritual leadership, Archbishop Quevedo
also shared that community response to
leadership is to take on responsibility
to evangelize with credibility, boldness,
and joy, to be cheerful, humble givers,
providing reasons for hope in a world
of contradiction. Archbishop Quevedo
helped fortify our spirit in this very
challenging New Evangelization by
saying, “Mary is our Patroness and in
Asia, Mary is the Mother of Christ and
the Star of the New Evangelization.”
Sister Zeta Caridad Rivero, our
Provincial Superior, gave a very
thorough feedback on the International
Meeting of SPC Major Superiors in
Cayenne, French Guiana on April
11-21, 2012. She recounted that our
Superior General, Mother Myriam de
Saint Anne Kitcharoen informed them
that their gathering was praying for and
praying with our first four missionary
Sisters who went to Cayenne in 1727,
and posed this challenge: “In order to
evangelize, we need strength because we
are missionaries and we are continuing
the mission of Christ,” and enjoined
the superiors to listen to the calls of the
Church in the world today to be strong
in their zeal for souls and maintain an
interior life that should be deep like
that of the apostles in their apostolate.
Mother Myriam, likewise reminded
them to prepare for the future of the
Congregation (BL Art. 88), to foresee
the needs of the Province, District and
Region, to be generous in caring for
creation and to love one another as
Disciples of Christ.
Congregation whom do you consider
as a prophet who moves or inspires
you? Sister Zeta shared that their hearts
were burning as they remembered the
significant persons in our history who
touched lives and the lives of many
others:
The meeting was also an orientation for
the 47th General Chapter in Rome as well
as a venue to find different meanings
to deepen the Word of God in the New
Evangelization. Mother Myriam said
that the NEW EVANGELIZATION is a
way of living according to the Spirit of
Emmaus: a proclamation of faith. She
reminded the Sisters not to get distracted
from their mission of proclaiming the
Good News, Jesus Christ. Distraction
can be equated to destruction. She
encouraged the Superiors by saying
that the Good News brings new hope to
people who are suffering from dryness in
their lives of faith due to secularism. This
Good News of hope is contagious and
having been transmitters of Good News,
we would receive a hundredfold blessing
from God who would say: “Good and
faithful servant, enter into the joy of your
master!” (Matthew 25:21).
The first four Missionaries to Cayenne,
the 81 Sisters in “bagne”, Mother Marie
Josseaume
Msgr. Karel Kasteel, the main resource
person of the International Meeting who
gave Conferences on MISSION AND
VERBUM DOMINI, said that each SPC
Sister has the vocation to be a prophet.
It is the Holy Spirit who inspires how
to be a prophet. A prophet is someone
who speaks in the name of God with
conviction not just by in mere talking,
but in the attitude and the way one lives
his faith. As consecrated persons, we are
supposed to be models in announcing the
Word of God. To be a prophet is a call for
everyone.
During the International Meeting
the Sisters were tasked to reflect on
the question, In the history of the
PROPHETS IN THE HISTORY
OF THE SPC CONGREGATION
Mother Benjamin Le Noel de Groussy,
Mother Maria Rouyrre, Mother Beatrix
Demeussy
In the Philippines
Mother Marie Madeleine Denoga,
Sister Maura Pelaez
SPC PROPHETS
OF THE PRESENT TIME
Mother Myriam Kitcharoen, the last four
General Superiors of the Congregation,
some SPC Ad Gentes Missionaries
On VERBUM DOMINI THE
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD OF
GOD AND THE POOR
Msgr. Kasteel shared that the Sacred
Scriptures manifest a special love for
the poor and the needy (Mt 25:31-46),
who were the first ones to hear the
proclamation of the Gospel and the very
ones who entrusted themselves totally
to God. On “The Grace of Poverty,” he
noted that, since the foundation of the
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Paul of
Chartres, we have developed sensitivity
to the needs of the poor. In all humility,
we thanked the good Lord for this.
Article 117 of “The Word of God
through the means of Social
Communication”
Linked with the relationship of the
Word of God and culture is the need
for intelligent, wise and prudent use
continued on page 34
| 5
Mothers on Tawid-tawi
Sr. Recel Cachuela, SPC
T
he previous issue of the
Philippine Echoes featured the
beginnings of the apostolate of
the first year Juniors in the Tawid-tawid
block Mothers in 2004. It was started
by Sr. Josephine Ramada, the Directress
for Juniors then, and was continued by
Sr. Ma. Luisa Escanlar, and Sr. Emily
Louise del Castillo, the present Assistant
Provincial for Formation and Juniorate
Directress.
The Juniors facilitate weekly Basic
Ecclesial Community (BEC) sessions,
catechism to children, block rosary and
monthly catechesis to the mothers. To
further nourish the spiritual needs of
the mothers, they also facilitate Advent
and Lenten recollections and organize
Stations of the Cross. In collaboration
with the lay partners, the Congregation
previously extended a Medical Mission
and feeding program to undernourished
children. A livelihood project was,
likewise, facilitated to selected mothers
and ladies who were interested in
acquiring skills on manicure, pedicure
and hairstyle, for which a kit was
provided for their use.
The apostolate to the mothers has been
one of the life-giving experiences of
the first year Juniors. The weekly
preparations for BEC and the 30-minute
walk going to and from the site are some
experiences of commitment, love for
mission, teamwork and collaboration,
and of course, love for our “neighbors”
(literally and figuratively speaking).
Personally, my faith has been deepened
and my perspective about life broadened
by my encounters with the mothers. I
always have something to ponder on or
be grateful about when I listen to their
life stories and faith experiences. But
what could be in the hearts and minds
of the mothers? How are they after eight
long years of joining the various prayer
activities and spiritual enrichments. Are
there fruits to pick? This article attempts
to capture the insights of the mothers on
how they have grown through the years.
Growth in relationship
with God, family, and self
Most of the mothers say that their
relationship with God has been
deepened. The more they immerse
themselves to the Word of God, the
more they have come to love and
reverence Him in a deeper way. Ate
Sally shares, “Natuto akong magnilay,
magpasalamat sa lahat ng biyaya at
problema…” Similarly, Ruena, one
of the younger mothers, says, “Higit
akong napalapit sa Diyos dahil lalong
lumalim ang aking pananamplataya.
Higit kong nauunawaan ang kalooban
ng ating Panginoon.” She added that
one particular scripture text that moves
her deeply is Matthew 7:7: “Ask and it
will be given you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to
you.”
Indeed, in her seeking the will of the
Lord, Ruena is learning to be more
humble, loving and caring to her husband
and children. “Ipinagkatiwala sila sa
akin ng Diyos at sa kanila naghahari
ang Diyos kaya inaalagaan ko sila ng
buong puso,” she said. Ruena is also
grateful for the positive impact of the
prayer activities on her children. She
said that Cyrus, her eldest son of six
would sometimes ask, “Mama, puede
po ba akong maging pari?” To which
she would reply in the affirmative. She
further added that even her daughter,
Alexa, at three years has already imbibed
“Higit akong napalapit sa Diyos dahil lalong lumalim ang aking pananamplataya. Higit kong nauunawaan ang kalooban ng ating Panginoon.”
6 |
id Block: A Feedback
the ways of the Sisters in her manner of
dressing and acting. At her end, Ruena
has learned to love herself more. “Higit
kong minahal ang aking sarili dahil alam
kong nilikha ako ng Diyos na kawangis
Niya. Lalo din akong naging matatag at
matibay sa pagharap ng mga problema
sa buhay may asawa,” she quips.
Nabawasan ang pagka-dominante
ko sa aking asawa at mga anak
at ang aking pagkapala-away.”
(Lumen)
Growth in relationship
with others and overall
impact on the community
“Nabawasan ang pagiging mainitin
ng ulo ko at natuto akong magpigil
ng galit.” (Erma)
Like Sally and Ruena, nearly everyone
shared that their families have become
closer to one another. The mothers
are learning to be more responsible,
humble, patient and understanding
towards their husbands and children.
Up to some extent, their husbands are
also influenced. Together as a family,
they have also learned to pray and attend
mass. To quote Rose, “Hindi ko man
kasama ang pamilya ko tuwing lingo
upang magpasalamat sa Panginoon,
malaki ang pagbabago sa buhay namin,
lalo na sa aming mag-asawa. Natuto
ang aking asawa dumaan ng simbahan
kahit gabing-gabi na siya nakakauwi sa
amin.Sila na mismo ang nag-reremind
sa akin magsimba sa araw ng lingo.
Natutuwa ako kapag sinasabi ng anak
ko, ‘Sorry Ma, ginabi ako dahil dumaan
pa ako ng simbahan.”
“Nawala ang pagkamahiyain ko
at natuto akong humarap sa tao.”
(Marichu)
When asked about how they have grown
in relating to one another and with
their immediate neighbors, most of the
mothers replied that they have learned
to relate well with their neighbors and
to look after and help one another. The
faith sharing helped them to understand
where their neighbors were coming from
or what they are going through at the
moment, thus; they are able to extend
help as their capacities would allow.
They have also learned to forgive and
ask for forgiveness from one another.
Lumen captured it beautifully in her
words, “Bilang komunidad, nagkaisa
kami sa aming pananampalataya,
nagkakakilala kami bilang isang bayan
ng Diyos. Masaya kami sa aming
pagsasama bilang magkapatid sa
pananampalataya-nagpapaalalahanan,
nagpapanalanginan, nagbibigaypagasa at nagtutulungan. Naging payapa
ang aming lugar datapwat naroon pa
rin ang inuman, sugalan at walang
pakundangang kasiyahan…” Sally said
the same thing about their block.
The mothers also shared notable changes
in themselves or their significant
learnings:
“Mas naramdaman ko ang
pagmamahal ng Diyos at ang
paghahari Niya sa aming buhay.
“Naunawan ko kung ano ang
tungkulin ko bilang ilaw ng
tahanan.” (Beth)
“Masaya ako. Pakiramdam ko ang
lapit ko sa Panginoon.” (Lani)
“Naging mas mapagmahal at
malambing hindi lamang sa aking
pamilya kung hindi pati na rin sa
aking mga mag-aaral.” (Rose)
“Marunong na akong magpatawad
at tumanggap ng pagkakamali.
Ang poot at galit ko ay unti-unting
nawawala.” (Melba)
Indeed, words are limited to capture how
God works in the individual lives of the
mothers. The glory of God is manifested
in the gradual changes that are taking
place in the mothers. But what about
outside themselves and their immediate
families, are there fruits to pick also?
It is also encouraging to know how
Amalia viewed the positive change
in their community when she said,
“Malaki ang naitulong ng gawaing
pang-espiritwal sa aming komunidad.
continued next page
| 7
from page 7
Iyong iba dati na hindi marunong magrosaryo, ngayon marunong na. Natuto
ding magsimba ang mga tao.” This
simple change in the prayer life and the
attitude of the community was affirming
already something, although admittedly
the impact could still be hardly felt on a
bigger scale, like in the community as a
whole. But change is still a change, no
matter how big or small. We can only
trust that like a mustard seed which is
the smallest of all this faith but grows
into the biggest of shrubs where birds
rest. The God-seed in the hearts of these
mothers will also eventually grow so that
others could find refuge and experience
God’s love and providence through them.
But how is their faith deepened? Are they
ready to be on their own?
Deepening of faith and
readiness to forge on
Majority of the mothers said that
their faith has been deepened through
attending mass, listening to the Word
of God in the scriptures and taking time
to reflect on them, and getting involved
in church activities to name some. Ate
Erma said, “naglalaan ako ng oras
at panahon upang mapagnilayan ko
ang Kanyang Salita upang sa gayon
ay mas mapalalim ko ang aking
pananampalataya at lumawak ang aking
pananaw sa buhay.” Others shared that
their experiences of God’s love and His
8 |
nearness in the midst of life’s challenges
deepened their faith in Him. Ate
Marichu shared, “napalalim ang aking
pananampalataya dahil kapag humihingi
ako ng tulong kay Jesus, nandyan parati
Sya sa lahat ng oras at sa lahat ng
pagsubok sa aming pamilya.” Some
mothers said that their living out of
the Word of God and sharing these
to their neighbors deeped their faith.
“Napalalim ang aking pananampalataya
dahil isinasabuhay ko ito. Hindi lang
ako nakikinig, ibinabahagi ko rin ito
sa aking kapwas, lalo na sa aking
pamilya,” Ate Melba mused. In addition,
Ate Lumen share, “napalalim ang aking
pananampalataya sa pagsunod ko sa
yapak ni Hesus, paano Sya mag-isip,
magmahal, kumilos…”
It is heartwarming to see how the
mothers really try to be transformed
into the likeness of Jesus and be a new
creation, although at this point some
mothers do not still feel comfortable
to be left on their own. One shared
that seemingly they are not yet ready
because even the leaders are still
needing the support of the sisters,
“parang hindi pa kami ready dahil
kahit kaming mga lider ay humuhugot
pa ng lakas sa mga Sisters…” Some
said that they still needed the support
and guidance of the Sisters in spiritual
matters. But a good number were
hopeful that they could manage even if
they would be on their own as long as
there was unity and cooperation among
the members. They also said it would
help if they had a Bible since most of
them do not have one at home. Could
this tranquil daring and thirst for the
Word of God be a good sign of budding
fruits?
To end, truly we are all workers in
the vineyard of the Lord. We heed
the call of God and go where He
leads us. We give ourselves in service
and love. Whether or not our good
intentions and works will bear good
fruit is entirely left to the workings of
the Holy Spirit. In the words of our
patron, St. Paul, in his first letter to
the Corinthians, “I planted the seed,
Apollos watered it, but God made
it grow (1 Cor. 3:6). Within eight
years, a lot of Sisters have already
come and gone. Some have planted
the seed in the hearts of the mothers,
others have watered it. From the end
of the mothers, many have joined,
some have stopped joining, and others
have found their way back to join
again. The Word of God has already
taken roots and borne fruit. In others,
the God-seed is still on their growing
stage. But in all these, only God and
His abiding presence and love. He
is the only one who causes things to
happen, although it may please Him
to use His humble instruments like us.
Thus, as religious persons consecrated
to service and love, we continue with
our journey in faith and steadfast hope
that our God who has begun a good
work in us will perfect it until the day
of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6).
2012 Jubilarians Renew Vows
Sr. Connie Aletta Simbol, SPC
Golden and Diamond Jubilarians
“A time of remembering which rejoicing, and renewing the
significant decision to follow Christ the Sisters made 60, 50
and 25 years ago...” This is how the annual Spiritual Renewal
Programs is best described, especially for the Jubilarians who
renewed their vows in these two ceremonies to highlight the two
Spiritual Renewal Programs designed for them.
In May 2012, five Silver Jubilarians joyfully celebrated their
entrance to the Novitiate 25 years ago. The Holy Mass where Sr.
Aquilina Quismorio, Sr. Donatilla Torres, Sr. Josephine Ramada,
Sr. Helen Malubay, Sr. Nena Isidro, and Sr. Ruby Abellana
renewed their vows was presided by His Excellency Most
Reverend Bishop Orlando Quevedo, O.M.I., D.D. Archbishop of
Cotabato.
Clemente, Sr. Mary Glyceria Navarro, and Sr. Rosalina
Mendoza renewed their vows. This group of Sisters was
accepted to the Novitiate in 1962.
Both events were attended by Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC
Provincial Superior and the members of her Council, Sisters,
priest-friends, families, relatives, friends in the mission and
apostolate, and people the Sisters were privileged to serve.
It was a fitting occasion to highlight the 40-day renewal
programs carefully designed and headed by Sr. Estrellita
Orlino, SPC Directress for Continuous Formation. During
their renewal, the Jubilarians were joined by other Sisters
with a five-year interval.
In July 2012, four Sisters who entered
the Novitiate in 1951 celebrated
60 years of God’s fidelity and love
attended the Diamond Jubilee in
Our Lady of Chartes Convent. They
were Sr. Cecil Diaz, Sr. Mary Imelda
Mabanag, Sr. Antoinette de St. Joseph
Bengzon, and Sr. Marie Marthe
Orencio.
In the same ceremony, seven Golden
Jubilarians: Mary Agatha Diaz,
Sr. Mary Aurelie Cortez, Sr. Mary
Benita Figueroa, Sr. Maria Cristina
Jamandron, Sr. Gaudencia de Marie
| 9
“Excellence is being the best
of what one is capable of
being; being what God calls
us to be; fully responding to
the impetus of God’s creative
challenge either individually
or institutionally; ultimately
measured by how we have fully
accepted the giftedness of our
existence and how we make
that giftedness the
channel by which the
glory of God is manifested.”
SPC Educato
Awakens SPC Educators to
Introduction
The 23rd SPC Educators’ Congress or the 8th International SPC
Educators’ Congress was home once again at St. Paul College of
Pasig on May 10-12, 2012. This year’s theme, Paulinian Spirituality
of Excellence: Perspectives and Initiatives, posed basic essential
questions to the SPC Educators: What is my personal spirituality,
how does it relate to our SPC Education Ministry (SPCEM)
spirituality, and how does it lead me and our St. Paul institutions
to greater excellence? It further invited us to contemplate on
Spirituality and Excellence. Spirituality may be considered either on
a personal plane, or on an institutional plane. Similarly, excellence
may be personal, or it may be so entangled with involvement in the
spirited life of an institution.
Reverend Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ, at the recollection of the faculty
and staff of Ateneo de Zamboanga University on the 15th of June
2012, defined spirituality on a personal level, as the “effective
driver of one’s life.” In some cases, one’s spirituality is a profound
manifestation of one’s deep interiority. In other cases, it is a
superficial mockery of human depth. The invitation is for us to
recognize what our personal spirituality is, and to check any possible
disconnect between who I am in truth and what in fact marks me.
In our case, this is further marked by our Paulinian spirituality –
Christocentric spirituality lived out in the fullness of the paschal
mystery, after the example of our patron St. Paul and nourished by
the Eucharist, the Word of God, and communal prayer. “Life to me,…
is Christ.” (Ph 1:21)
10 |
ors’ Congress 2012
the Call of Spirituality and Excellence
Sr. Teresita Bayona, SPC
Paulinian Spirituality of
Excellence: Perspectives
This year’s Educators’ Congress
equipped the Paulinian educators with
holistic perspectives on how to face the
challenge to which we are invited to
respond to excellence in the spirit of the
Gospel and St. Paul, our Patron Saint.
Sister Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC,
Provincial Superior of the Sisters of St.
Paul of Chartres, Philippine Province
stirred the delegates to spirituality
and excellence with high hopes that
the Paulinian schools, colleges, and
universities will become fountains of
truth, faith, and love in all parts of the
world. Stressing the very purpose of
Paulinian education, that is, facilitating
learning, sharing factual information,
and harnessing the skills of each one,
the Provincial Superior urged all the
Sisters and educators to seek the Spirit
of Wisdom in their daily endeavors.
She reiterated that excellence is
not gauged by material and worldly
merits such as being the best among
others or surpassing set standards
including “universal standards”. Rather,
“Excellence is being the best of what one
is capable of being; being what God calls
us to be; fully responding to the impetus
of God’s creative challenge either
individually or institutionally; ultimately
measured by how we have fully accepted
the giftedness of our existence and how
we make that giftedness the channel by
which the glory of God is manifested.”
Sr. Zeta then posed a challenge to the
participants: “Spirituality is allowing
God to take charge of our lives! Do we
really believe that? More importantly,
do we try to make that happen in our
individual and institutional lives? That
is what our work of education is all
about. All the learnings, all the facts, all
the skills--all these are to lead us to the
truth, to the Eternal Truth, who is God
Himself.”
Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC, Assistant
Provincial for Education, Philippine
Province, clearly articulated three
assertions: (a) that Paulinian education
must constantly commend the
evangelizing mission of the Catholic
school; (b) that the SPCEM Vision and
Mission be echoed with great propensity
to offer quality Paulinian education;
and c) that the Paulinian spirituality of
excellence must bear fruit with more
innovative practices and transformative
outcomes beyond the school setting.
She extolled the Paulinian spirituality
of excellence, embedded in the SPC
Education Ministry vision-mission,
thrusts and directions, creatively
implemented in Paulinian schools.
The keynote speaker, His Excellency
Bishop Honesto Ongtioco, D.D.,
Bishop of Cubao, posed well-formed
and practical suggestions on how to face
the realities and challenges affecting
Catholic education today – declining
enrollment, increasing difficulty in
transmitting the basic values of life and
correct behavior to the new generation
of a secular and postmodern culture
that seems to disregard the need for
faith and a society that offers varied
and often conflicting ephemeral values.
He underscored that every Catholic
school and every Paulinian school
should contribute to the Church’s work
of evangelization, and for Catholic
educators, to be relevant, must witness to
the faith in their ways of teaching and in
their lifestyle.
Testimonies of the Paulinian spirituality
of excellence were showcased in a panel
discussion of Paulinian administrators
and faculty who shared their respective
continued next page
| 11
from page 9
points of view in Making a Difference
as Paulinian educators. Sr. Teresita
Bayona, SPC, President of St. Paul
College of Ilocos Sur in Bantay, Ilocos
Sur recalled how her mentors in her
formation days as a student and as
religious shaped her mind and heart such
that when she assumed leadership roles
in the Congregation, she was inspired to
share all she was, all she knew without
reservation or compromise or counting
the cost and in the best way she knew
how, yet, admitted that in truth she
gained more than she ever shared. She
added that for Paulinian educators,
religious or lay, content and competence
matter but what matters more is an
intimate relationship with Jesus, the
passion for mission, the sincerity with
which we share ourselves with others,
the truthfulness of what we say, and the
intensity of commitment to see through
the completion of any task or endeavor to
the end.
Likewise, Mr. Ernesto Guillermo, the
High School Academic Chair of St. Paul
College of Bocaue in Bulacan presented
how he, as a Paulinian lay faculty and
administrator, made a difference in the
life of a local parish church in Bocaue,
Bulacan. He infused the Paulinian
spirituality of excellence and way of
life in the service of the local Church in
his many involvements in the various
facets of his parish leadership, work, and
activities after the example of Fr. Louis
Chauvet who himself was a Parish Priest.
Mrs. Nimfa de Vera , Ph.D.,
Coordinator of the Center for Career
Development of St. Paul University
Quezon City, confessed that she is
M.A.D.; that is, she is Making A
Difference as a Paulinian lay faculty
because there were people who made a
difference in her life first. She further
revealed that M stands for Mission, A
for Ask reflection questions, and D for a
triple D -- Desire, Discover, and Do.
The panel of reactors, Paulinian
graduates and a Non-Paulinian, affirmed
that Paulinian educators DO make
12 |
a difference not only in academics
but more so on the personal level
where in their life Paulinian educators
have touched them and spelled the
DIFFERENCE.
Paulinian Spirituality:
Innovative Practices and
Creative Expressions
Notable initiatives on the Paulinian
spirituality of excellence have flourished
among Paulinian educators touching
on the different aspects of school life –
curricular reforms, teaching strategies,
humane policies, new programs and
activities, co-curricular enhancements,
and vision-mission realignment.
Eight specialized sessions were held
simultaneously in different venues,
attended by local and foreign delegates
eager to learn new ideas and initiatives.
Sister Mary Vianney, SPC, Vice
President for Student Services, St. Paul
University Manila, emphasized that
character and competence constitute
excellence. She underscored that a
Catholic educational institution must
consider faith as the integrating factor
in the various academic fields and
student activities interwoven intimately
in the school community life. The
school, she said, must have a distinctive
worship, creed, morals, and a systematic
understanding of the link between life
and the living tradition of the Church.
Ms. Louisa May de la Fuente,
Subject Team Leader of St. Paul
College of Island Park, Dasmariñas,
Cavite presented four premises that
must be kept in mind when creating a
prayerful campus milieu: (1) The right
environment helps a community pray
well; (2) Provide opportunities for people
to pray and to love, and they will surely
will; (3) Building alliances with religious
organizations and people provide
enrichment of one’s spirituality; and, (4)
Alignment with the SPC Congregation’s
thrust will guide the operations of an
institution.
Sr. Marie Rosanne Mallillin, SPC,
President, St. Paul Uiversity Surigao,
spoke on Catholic Identity and Mission,
and gave a loaded summary by saying;
“We are Catholic disciples of Jesus
(Identity), Educators commissioned
to teach Jesus by Word (formal
proclamation) and by life (witness of
lifestyle) (Mission), and Paulinians
marked by the passion and zeal of St.
Paul (Brand).
Atty. Domingo Cayosa, Legal Counsel,
St. Paul University Philippines, stressed
that a Value-Based Discipline is more in
keeping with the Paulinian spirituality
of excellence. A value-based discipline
focuses on the why more than the what;
calls for a shift from rules per se to
objectives of the rules, from punitive
sanctions to corrective and developmental
measures in order to nurture the desired
value or character, from retributive
sanctions to restorative measures that guide
the students to take responsibility for their
actions, from reactive means to pro-active
measures of preventing any similar act(s)
to happen again by the erring student or
other students.
Sr.Mary Rosella Faypon, SPC,
Christian Formation Director, St. Paul
College Parañaque, speaking on Pauline
Spirituality: A way of Life and Loving
stressed the daily living out of the
Paulinian core values, the 5 Cs, patterned
after the life of our patron St. Paul and
Jesus the Lord, Himself.
Sr. Teresita Capurihan, SPC,
Directress, St. Paul College San Rafael,
presented an alternative experience of
excellence in learning, the Learning
Ville, which is nature/environmentbased and how such effected personal
and social change among the students,
teaching and non-teaching staff, parents,
and the larger community (barangay).
Sr. Bernadette Racadio, SPC,
Directress, St. Paul College Bocaue,
presented Basic Ecclesial Community for
the Busy as a creative alternative to make
the living out of God’s word doable,
effective and enduring in a school
community.
The challenge to which Paulinian educators are invited to respond in the spirit of St. Paul is to
become living witness to excellence as a way of life ... Students, faculty and staff should have an
understanding of Paulinian Spirituality, Paulinian educational history and traditions...
Rev. Fr. Ramonito Maata, Chaplain,
St. Paul University Dumaguete,
expounded on Media and Technology
as an innovative approach to Paulinian
Spirituality of Excellence in our
schools. He proposed a perspective of
Paulinian excellence: from instruction
to construction, and an approach to
spirituality of excellence: the awakening
of interiority; that is, awakening children
and the young to listen to the voices of
their hearts and to the absolute values
and ideals felt in their consciousness.
Mr. Joseph Flynn, Managing Director,
Catholic Schools of the Apostolic
Vicariate of Southern Arabia, and his
wife Catherine Miles-Flynn, Director of
Christian Formation for the schools and
dioceses of the Vicariate of Southern
Arabia, shared their story as evangelizers
of the Catholic faith in a Muslim country.
The couple explained that the Vicariate
mission serves as the heart of the Church,
slowly developing a Catholic culture yet
highly respecting the multiple religious
community partners.
Spirituality of Excellence: Programs
and Projects to Promote Academic and
Spiritual Leadership
With the advent of a major reform
in the history of basic education, the
Department of Education (DepEd)
Undersecretary for Programs and
Projects Yolanda Quijano explained the
details of the much-talked about K to 12
curriculum emphasizing on the Senior
High School (Grades 11 and 12) system.
This provides an avenue for Paulinian
basic education to craft a K to 12
curriculum that is distinctly Paulinian.
Dr. Antonette Hernandez, Assistant
Vice President for Academic
Affairs and Director, Office of
Institutional Linkages, University of
the Philippines-Diliman, speaking
on the topic, Spiritual Leadership
in the Academe for Administrators,
shared the results of her study on
Spiritual Intelligence based on the
seven factors of Spiritual Intelligence
by Dr. Woolman to university and
college presidents of Metro Manila.
Anchored in the definition of spiritual
intelligence by Dr. Woolman as
the human capacity to ask ultimate
questions about the meaning of life
and to experience simultaneously the
seamless connection between each of
us and the world in which we live, the
study showed that spiritual intelligence
is equated to what she called the 3-M
Theory – being Maka-Diyos, MakaTao, and Makapangyarihan.
The SPC Educators’ Congress 2012
provided ample opportunities to highlight
and share the Spirituality of Excellence
embedded in the SPCEM vision-mission,
thrusts, and directions as creatively
implemented in the various SPC schools
through teaching demonstrations,
programs, and projects.
Citing their own creative expressions
on the Integration of Spirituality
and Excellence in the Academe,
representatives of foreign delegates from
Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand related
the challenges they met as they continue
their evangelizing mission in their
respective countries and schools. Mr.
Matsuo Satoshi, High School English
teacher of Shirayuri Gakuen in Morioka,
Japan shared that their school motto,
“Charity”, is the guiding principle in all
their activities as exemplified in their
response to the tsunami disaster that hit
Japan.
As education has been the top priority
in improving society in Vietnam today,
Sr. Marie Thu Lan, SPC cited that the
SPC response to the building of a better
society is addressing the educational
needs of the children of the ethnic
minority in Vietnam.
In Thailand, Sr. Erlinda Gesilva,
SPC, noted that Thai Catholics invest
in education that put emphasis on
spirituality for a better quality of life
To ensure the application and continuity
of the learnings from the Congress, each
school identified programs and projects
to advance Paulinian spirituality of
excellence.
Conclusion
The SPC Educators’ Congress 2012
ended with great hope:
… because there are Paulinian educators
who dedicate their lives to teaching and
formation;
…because people continue to need
Paulinian educators;
…because Jesus in His heart continues
to love and to call Paulinian educators to
his service;
…and because through the Paulinian
educators’ graced commitment the St.
Paul institutions can endure.
The challenge to which Paulinian
educators are invited to respond in
the spirit of St. Paul is to become
living witness to excellence as a
way of life ... Students, faculty and
staff should have an understanding
of Paulinian Spirituality, Paulinian
educational history and traditions...
| 13
HEALTH CARE MINISTRY ASSEMBLY
“For we do not preach ourselves but
Jesus Christ as Lord.” (2 Cor. 4: 5)
Sr. Ma. Celeste Rivas, SPC
The 22nd Assembly of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres Health
Care Ministry, back-to-back with the 2nd Administrators,
Medical Directors Forum, found a haven at the SPC Renewal
Center at Alfonso, Cavite last September 10,11, and September
13, 2012 respectively.
With the theme, “Spiritual Leadership in the Health Care
Ministry and the Challenges of the New Evangelization,”
this year’s SPCHCM assembly was marked by exuberant zeal
and passion from all its participants. The lined up talks and
activities for the two-day assembly pulsated a wave of interest
and commitment from the participants to heed the challenges
faced by SPCHCM in this present day.
The timing was impeccable as Day One started with
the enlivening talk of Fr. Xavier Alpasa, S.J. on Spiritual
Leadership. All ears were his when he highlighted
transcendence, compassion, competence and passion as
necessary tools of spiritual leadership. Heads were nodding as
he underscored Leadership as a process of BEcoming and not
of DOing.
Sr. Sonia Arao, RC afterwards deepened Fr. Xavier’s talk as
she led the participants on a short journey to the inner self
in cognizance of the Mystic and Prophet in every person,
specifically in their role as Health Care Providers.
Having recognized the Mystics and Prophets in their own
selves, all were brought to a man close to the heart of
the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, their Patron, St. Paul of
Tarsus, the Mystic and Prophet after Jesus’ own heart. His
life, work and journey, as animated by Sr. Emily Louise del
Castillo, SPC in her talk on Deepening Pauline Spirituality
in Christian Formation, gave
the participants
a deeper knowledge of St.
Paul and a
heightened desire to follow
his way of
14 |
living in the present day through the health care apostolate
in their respective hospitals and hopefully in their respective
communities and locality while actively taking part in the new
evangelization like a blazing fire.
It was good to jump-start the second day with the unwavering
conviction of Dr. Dolores Octaviano on the Advocacy on
Family Life. “When we talk of health care we speak of LIFE and
how to preserve and maximize its potential.” Thus, issues on
the RH Bill and the like cannot be left un-discussed in these
pressing times in our country.”For we do not preach ourselves,
but Jesus Christ the Lord” (2 Cor. 4: 5)
As Sr. Arcelita Sarnillo, SPC, Assistant Provincial for Health,
clearly stated in the Direction Setting, the assembly was held
not only to discuss important topics, but to share and get
involved as well in the changing landscape, organizations and
processes of the ministry in response to the balanced demanddriven health care. Hence, the sharing of the best practices of
some member hospitals of the SPCHCM was much appreciated
during the second day. The chosen sharers were St. Paul
Hospital Iloilo on their Direct Service to the Poor Program,
Perpetual Succour Hospital on their new practice of Dedicating
Babies and Clinical Pharmacy/Compounding Laboratory
Newborn, St. Paul Hospital Tuguegarao on Health Care Waste
Management and St. Joseph Southern Bukidnon Hospital on
their Income Generating Projects.
Prior to the sharing of the best practices was the input of
our most loyal OD Consultant, Dr. Mila Mendoza, on the
SPCHCM Balanced Scorecard - A Management System. This
strategic tool, still familiar to most of the participants, gave
a clearer perspective of the direction of the SPC Health Care
as a ministry. Thus, the sharing of the best practices
was all the more appreciated and inspiring to the
participants.
The highlight of the two-day assembly, however, was the
presentation of the SPCHCM Road Map 2012 - 2015 by Sr.
Arcelita. At the end of the day, the participants could look
back with satisfaction and inspiration in their hearts and look
forward to a challenging but tangible future in the health
care industry because they had grasped the role and essence
of SPCHCM in the society they will live in for the next three
years at least, and for as long as there are generous and
compassionate souls steadily working for the welfare of all
through health care.
It was with this disposition that the two-day SPCHCM
assembly ended and it was with this same disposition of hope
and faith that the Second Forum of the Administrators and
Medical Directors with theme, “Re-dimensioning SPCHCM.”
Participants of this Forum were the Administrators, Nursing
Service Directors, Finance Officers, Medical Directors, Chief
of Clinics and Medical Education Officers of each member
hospital.
The participants were all ears as Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC
Provincial Superior started the day with her warm welcome
and challenging words to the participants. She particularly
highlighted the role of the Medical Staff in health care and
the call to respond to the new evangelization in health care.
She also touched on how collaboration and interpersonal
relationship are vital in the life of the hospital as an
organization.
One of the objectives of the Forum was to gain knowledge of
the challenges of the new evangelization in the SPCHCM in
order to give it a creative response. Thus, the participants were
blessed to hear about this from the “guru” of spirituality and
new evangelization himself, Fr. Ramon Bautista, SJ. The talk of
Fr. Mon was made tangible through concrete experience by Dr.
Alfredo Bengzon as he shared on Interpersonal Dynamics and
Organizational Effectiveness.
The heavy loaded half-day was lightened with a sumptuous
lunch especially prepared for the participants. In the
afternoon session, with the sharing of Dr. Bengzon on the
Medical City strategies still fresh in the participants’ minds,
Dr. Mila Mendoza shared on the Precursor to Strategic Change
and Development. Her talk simplified the complex process
and task of Strategic Change and Development in the health
care setting. After these inputs, the SPCHCM Road Map for
2012-2015 was presented to the Doctors who are recognized
partners in the carrying out of the Vision-Mission of the
member hospitals of SPCHCM.
“All is well that ends well.” The challenge continues with
the ball now placed in the hands of stakeholders. With the
positive response gathered from this forum, there is much
hope and faith to be nurtured where SPCHCM is concerned
because it has aligned itself not with to the thrust of the
Congregation and the Church but also with the very Person of
Jesus, the Divine Healer - Himself.
| 15
Pastoral Assembly 2012
Sr. Leilani Dominguez, SPC
“Breaking Through Limits….”, this is the
theme for this year’s Pastoral Ministers’
Assembly with the subtheme: “ Be not
afraid…Speak and do not remain silent….
for I am with you!”.
The assembly was held at Our Lady
of Chartres Convent in Antipolo, on
February 17-19, 2012, participated by
28 Sisters from different Pastoral Houses
and some invited Sisters including the
newly professed Sisters.
Sr. Ma. Dee Lacson, SPC Provincial
Assistant for Pastoral Ministry, set the
perspective of the assembly by focusing
on the theme and the subtheme
respectively. Breaking through the
limits appropriately captures the focus
of our goals in the next three years.
It is by breaking through the limits of
our comfort zones, that we are able
to expand our horizons combined
with intensely facilitating Gospel value
formation in our mission work, and
synergize our efforts for revitalized
ministry. The Subtheme of the assembly
was taken from the letter of Rev. Mo.
Myriam Kitcharoen of September 8,
2011, exhorting us to dwell on the
prophetic dimension of our religious
calling.
The first day was very enriching. Most
Reverend Bishop Jose R. Rojas, D.D.,
the Bishop of the Diocese of Libmanan
started his talk with a meditation on
16 |
the Gospel of Mk. 4:35-41 which has
the same message on our theme. He
discussed the different fears which we
encounter in our lives and which all of us
can relate to. The second part of his talk
was about Internal analysis, explaining
further that it focuses on internal
factors (i.e. within the community
itself), which gives the community
certain advantages and disadvantages in
meeting its needs. He gave us five main
elements in community life that would
be helpful in this pastoral planning,
namely: 1) Kerygma – the proclamation
of the gospel that leads to conversion
and transformation of life like that of
Christ; 2) Liturgy – with two essential
elements, first, the soteric aspect or
the sanctification of man which comes
from God’s initiative; and second, the
latreutic aspect or the worship rendered
to God which is man’s response to
God’s initiative; 3) Koinonia – to love one
another, in word and deed; 4) Diakonia
– refers to serving Chirst and His Church
as ministers to the royal priesthood- in
the fulfillment of the Church’s mission…
both to its members and the world; and
5) Martyria – commitment to Christ and
his Church, exemplifying and spreading
the faith in one’s daily life. After his talk
he gave us points for reflection which
we prayed over and reflected during our
holy hour.
Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC, Provincial
Superior, in her message, challenged
us all to break through the limits by
becoming proclaimers of the Word of
God. And to let this Word break through
our short-sightedness and blindness
to give us a far-seeing vision and break
through our weakness to become our
strength.
The second day of the assembly was
as enriching as the first day. Dr. Mila
Mendoza, PhD., helped us in our
strategic and outcome-based planning
for SPC Pastoral Ministry 2012-2015.
She helped us to clarify the issues that
surfaced during the presentation of
our strategic planning, to work on the
reinforcing process of the vision and
mission of the SPC Pastoral Ministry and
develop action plans using the outcomebased planning, and to evaluation for
more effective implementation of the
projects. We spent the whole afternoon
breaking our heads and pulling all our
ideas together. All the Pastoral Ministers
were busy formulating their plans for
three years.
Indeed, this assembly was very fruitful.
Starting our day with a reflective speaker
and ending it with a very encouraging
advice which challenges us to do our
part to break through our limits; not to
keep quiet but to spread the Word of
God through our ministries. As for me, it
is a challenge to go beyond myself and
break the limits for the greater glory of
God.
13 SPC Aspirants Usher in the Year of the Faith
Sr. Auralita Intal, SPC
After 15 years, the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint
Sr. Emily Louise del Castillo, Provincial Assistant for
Paul of Chartres has once again received in its Aspirancy
Formation and all the SPC Sisters from the Provincial and
Program, more than a dozen young ladies – 13 to be exact
Formation House and the nearby local communities.
– who have searched for, prayed over, and courageously
said “yes” to the call of Jesus to follow Him in the religious
Two months after the entrance of the aspirants, Pope
life.
Benedict XVI opened the Year of the Faith on October 11,
2012, strengthening their resolve to follow Jesus.
The path to Our Lady of Chartres Convent in Antipolo City
where the Aspirants were received on August 15, 2012,
This year’s aspirants are: Anna Marie Cagampang from
was joyful and challenging. During the Bible Service to
the Diocese of Pagadian, Sheila Marie Orpilla from the
welcome them, the young ladies took turns saying, “Here
Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, Cecille Castillo from the
I Am,” followed by a sentence-reason why they were
Diocese of Antipolo, Quincy Chloe Orbeta from the
there. They were brought to OLCC by Sisters from the
Diocese of Dumaguete (Siquijor), Ma. Lolita Amora from
local communities where they had their preparation for
the Diocese of Imus, Andrelyn Bracero from the Diocese
entrance and exposure.
of Maasin, Teresita Jones from the Diocese of Dumaguete,
Monica Berenguel from the Diocese of Marbel, Esmyla
The ceremony was solemn and fresh, signifying the
Felix from the Diocese of Malolos, Gertrude Caryls Kuebler
freshness of the response of the candidates and the
from the Diocese of Dumaguete, Laurisse Danne Orquillas
support of families, loved ones, and Sisters who were there
from the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, Karen Joy
to witness the warm welcome given by SPC Provincial
Layugan from the Diocese of Ilagan, and Jaynerlita Arcilla
Superior Sister Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC represented by
from the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo (Tawi-Tawi).
| 17
SPC Principals’ Forum 2012
Sr. Lorena Samentar, SPC
“As passionate Catholic
educators, we have
many ideas in mind
and so many plans and
desires for the education
ministry. However, what
is important is not what
we think or would like
to do, but what God
wants us to do for the
ministry.”
18 |
T
he SPC Principals’ Forum with the theme, “The Paulinian Principal: Making
a Difference as Principal Teacher and New Evangelizer in the 21st Century”
was held at St. Paul Center for Renewal, Alfonso, Cavite on 23-24 November
2012. The forum was attended by Sisters and it afforded more leeway for discussions
and interactions as the 63 participants gathered together to think and reflect
collectively, to unite and to act in concerted effort and shared goals towards meeting
the contemporary challenges in the ministry, particularly in curricular reforms,
policy imperatives, and increasing demands in their role as the spiritual leaders in
schools. Aside from the Principals, some of the Sister Presidents, School Heads,
Christian Formation and Finance Officers were also invited to give valuable inputs
and suggestions especially for the proposed Paulinian curriculum design for Grades
11 and 12.
In her welcome address and perspective setting, Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC, Provincial
Assistant for Education, solidly grounded the entire forum on the primacy of seeking
and doing the will of God. Side by side with the need to gain apostolic momentum
and to consolidate available human and material resources, she also emphasized the
need to truly make a difference as Catholic educators which can only be achieved
through sensitivity to where the Holy Spirit leads and discernment of what God wants
us to do. “To be faithful to the mission of evangelization through education, we must
seek the will of God,” according to Sr. Merceditas.
Sr. Merceditas Ang, SPC presented
the SPC Education Ministry K to 12
Implementation Framework.
The first day of the forum was devoted to
the revision of the 2008 SPC Principals’
Manual to come up with a more
comprehensive, updated and functional
guide for every Principal in pursuing
the Paulinian tradition of excellent
and holistic Catholic education and
formation. Sr. Bernadette Padawel, Sr.
Dedicacion Rosario, Sr. Bernadette
Racadio, Sr. Teresita Capurihan,
and Sr. Norma Que were the Ad Hoc
committee members who facilitated the
presentation, discussion and revision
of the different sections of the SPC
Principals’ Manual such as the Monthly
Duties and Responsibilities, DepEd
Memoranda and Orders, Guidelines
for Benchmarking and Constructions,
Matters for Endorsement and List of
Important Documents that Should be on
File in the Principal’s Office. The section
on Finances was discussed by Sr. Urban
Mago.
The SPC Education Ministry (SPCEM) is
not only interesting and fulfilling but also
demanding and competitive; thus, there
is a need to be proactive and strategic
in curricular reforms and pedagogical
innovations. The presentation and
discussion of the proposed Model of the
Grades 11 and 12 curriculum with the
core subjects and prototypes of career
pathways, as enriched by Paulinian
Spirituality, Advocacy, and Mission
(PSAM) and Stewardship, Service, and
Sustainability (SSS) by Sr. Merceditas
Ang and Sr. Veneranda del Rosario
was the focus of the second day of the
forum. This proposed K to 12 Paulinian
Curriculum embedded and enriched
with SPC core values, spirituality,
advocacy and mission, will firmly uphold
the Catholic and Paulinian identities
of SPC learning institutions amid
the increasingly secularized society.
The process might not be easy as its
content still needs more refinement and
its implementation requires intensive
training of all teachers. Every participant,
nonetheless, was convinced that there is
a need for Paulinian education to make
a difference. The way to do that would
be to create impact and build an edge
towards the integration of academic
excellence, spirituality, and social
responsibility through the adoption of the
Paulinian PSAM-enriched curriculum
model for Grades 11 and 12. After all,
“we are engaged in the most meaningful
mission of evangelization through
education which encompasses the valueadded element of education for eternity,”
as aptly put into words by Sr. Merceditas
Ang.
The different presentations and
discussions were rich sources for the
participants to learn and share creative,
innovative, and effective ways and means
of making a difference as Principals and
Spiritual Leaders in school. With the
best features and practices reinforced
and the less effective ones minimized
or eliminated, it is hoped that the best
interest of all Paulinian schools be
promoted so as to make them the school
of choice of students and parents.
The two-day forum was not only a
venue where charity and the spirituality
of excellence were truly lived out but
also a journey of entering the door of
faith in the face of curricular reforms.
Like Lydia in the Acts of the Apostle
(16:14) whose heart was opened by
the Lord to give heed to what was
said by Paul, the Sister participants
also opened their hearts in faith and
deep resolve to improve the quality of
Paulinian education and to zealously
pursue curricular innovations to make
the “God-experience” strongly felt
and manifested in the lives of both
students and employees. The issues
and uncertainties faced by SPC schools
in the implementation of K to 12
curriculum might be overwhelming,
but enlivened by deep faith in God’s
sustaining grace, everyone was
optimistic that with docility to the
Spirit’s movement coupled with proper
foresight and strategic planning,
Paulinian schools will survive the K
to 12 transition years. After all, the
mission is the Lord’s mission and as
new evangelizers in the 21st century
educational landscape, the Paulinian
educators proclaim Jesus Christ as the
Good News.
| 19
Young Sisters’ Assembly 2012
Sr. Donna Belle Cadigal, SPC
T
his year’s gathering of the young
SPC Sisters is aimed at deepening
their understanding of the role
of young religious in the task of new
evangelization, to respond more creatively
to the challenge of the new evangelization
in the Church and to update themselves
on the directions and thrusts of the
Congregation. To realize these objectives, a
series of talks, periods for personal prayer,
reflection and sharing were scheduled.
Sister Emily Louise del Castillo, SPC,
Provincial Assistant for Formation set the
tone and perspective at the beginning of
the assembly. She presented to the Sisters
how the reality of our world, now highly
secularized, globalized and revolutionized
by technology and mass media, impacts on
the very life of the Church, on religious
life and on the many young people of
today.
Sister Emily reminded the Sisters of the
call to consecrated women to take on its
active role as “protagonists of the new
evangelization.” She led the Sisters back
to the basic and most essential factor of
all – one’s personal relationship with a God
whose love endures for all time as revealed
to us by Jesus Christ. This is the source and
fountain of one’s proclamation.
20 |
Sister Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC,
Provincial Superior gave the young Sisters
a feedback on the International Meeting
of SPC Major Superiors held last April
11-21 in Cayenne, Guyane. Her very rich
sharing touched on mission, assessment
of the Four Doors, Verbum Domini, Porta
Fidei and the Sisters’ role as prophets of
the present time. Sister Zeta did not only
share basic information on the proceedings
of the said meeting. Being deeply looked
herself by the spirit of missionary daring
and generous self-giving of the first four
missionary Sisters to Cayenne, she tried to
impart to the assembly these very sense of
passion and generosity.
Archbishop Orlando Quevedo, OMI gave
the young formands the basic definition,
description and historical background
of the New Evangelization. More
importantly, he narrowed the spectrum and
focused on the impact and challenges of
the New Evangelization to religious life
in particular. He ended his sharing with
a challenge to the Sisters to evangelize
with new ardor, new methods and new
expression- by loving Jesus and walking
with Him.
Guided by the conference and the fruits
of personal prayers, the plenary sessions
revealed a common thread in the answers
of the Sisters to questions for sharing. One
could sense the gnawing need and greater
longing of each Sister to grow in personal
relationship with God through fidelity to
prayer life, the practice of discernment,
active participation in the Liturgy, desire
for silence and solitude, and sharing on
the Word of God as well as the recognition
of the need of a life of witness through
simplicity of lifestyle, sensitivity to
the needs of others, walking one’s talk,
authentic communities, joyful disposition,
servant leadership, and the importance of
the proclamation of the Gospel through the
Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC), faithsharing, Bible study and zeal and passion
in sharing the story of Jesus.
The two-day assembly was truly
meaningful and successful. Each Sister
went home guided by the knowledge of the
directions and thrusts of the Congregation,
a deeper understanding and appreciation
of her role as evangelizer, and a renewed
commitment to live in fidelity to her
identity as a religious as an eloquent
proclamation of the Good News, Jesus
Christ.
News Bits
FRIENDS OF ST. PAUL
COORDINATORS’
ASSEMBLY
Sr. Emily Bucot, SPC
“My dear Sisters, lead your Friends of St.
Paul to a prayer life that progressively leads
to an authentic life of union with Christ”,
urged Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC Provincial
Superior, to the coordinators of the Friends
of St. Paul present during the FSP Assembly
held on October 19-21, 2012 in Our Lady
of Chartres Convent. The main objective
of the assembly was to provide the FSP
Coordinators with the tools for conducting
the initial and on-going formation of the
Friends of St. Paul. Setting the mood and the
over-all tone of the assembly was Sr. Arcelita
Sarnillo, SPC, Assistant Provincial for Health
Care and the Over-all Coordinator of the
Friends of St. Paul.
Blessings Usher
SPU Manila
Centennial
Activities
Sr. Connie Aletta Simbol, SPC
What does it take to celebrate with joy
and gratitude the 100 years foundation of St.
Paul University Manila? These are just some
of the ways. First come up with a theme:
Celebrating 100 years of Paulinian Education
in the Philippines: A Time to Reap … A Time
To Sow on which to anchor the carefully
planned centennial activities. Second, launch
the week-long celebration with a motorcade
that will wind its way through its Manila
route with banners bearing the centennial
announcement.
Third, hold the grand centennial
Eucharistic Celebrations at the Manila
Cathedral and invite His Excellency Most
Reverend Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle as
Presider and Homilist and invite priests,
alumna and friends to join the celebration.
Fourth, include on that day the blessing
and grand opening of the St. Paul University
Manila Museum and Archives and the
unveiling and blessing of the centennial
commemorative historical marker and the
In consonance with Canon 677 quoted
in the SPC Capitular Acts of 2007 which states
that “Institutes which have associations of
Christ’s faithful joined to them are to have
a special care that these associations are
imbued with the genuine spirit of their
family” Sr. Zeta stressed the need for a
solid formation among the members of
the Friends of St. Paul. Just like SPC Sisters
who undergo rigid, thorough and holistic
formation, the FSP who have not undergone
such formation and studies, should likewise
be formed in the spirituality, identity, charism
and spirit and mission of the Congregation.
Hence, to realize the above mentioned goal,
formation of FSP coordinators is a necessity
since they act as formators and models of the
Friends of St. Paul in the milieu where they
are.
To provide initial formation to the
Coordinators of the Friends of St. Paul
were selected SPC Sisters well-versed in
their field of expertise. Among them were
Sr. Ma. Annunciata Sta. Ana, SPC, who
gave a talk on the Nature and Purpose
of the Friends of St. Paul, Introduction
to Doctrine, Morals, Worship and the
Creed, Liturgy of the Hours, and Guide to
Divine Office; Sr. Teresita Agana, SPC, who
described the Job Description of the FSP
Cluster and Local Coordinator
and the FSP Organizational Chart; Sr. Ann
Christine Moscoso, SPC, who discussed
the Role of the Friends of St. Paul in SPC
Vocation Promotion, Sr. Emily Louise del
Castillo,SPC who gave a talk on Universal Call
to Holiness; Sr. Severiana Pascual, SPC who
gave important points on Prayer, Personal
Growth through Self-Awareness, and Human
Development. Sr. Mary Rosella Faypon, SPC
likewise explained Lectio Divina and the
Eucharist as a Memorial of Christ’s Sacrifice,
Center of Christ’s Sacramental Presence, and
Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Sr. Elena
Tuazon, SPC gave a talk on the Incarnation.
The Friends of St. Paul Coordinators will
now be able to share with the FSP’s in their
respective parishes and thus enable them to
become the salt of the earth and the light of
the world they were called and meant to be.
unveiling and blessing of the centennial
sculptures executed by renowned sculptor
Ms. Julie Lluch in the centennial garden
landscapred by Mr. Noel Gatus, who is also
the Museum architect.
Fifth, release a coffee table book
entitled: SPUM Centennial Coffee Table Book:
A Hundred Thousand Miracles 2011 edited
by SPUM alumni Mrs. Marionette OcampoMartinez and which contains
remembrances of Sisters assigned
in SPUM, alumni, and friends.
Sixth, hold a Grand
Centennial Alumni Homecoming
during the week-long
celebration at SMX Convention
Center with 2000 alumni,
Sisters, past and present
faculty and staff and
graduating students in
attendance.
Seventh, invite special
guests headed by Sr.
Gabriel Marie McGrath,
SPC, former Superior of SPC
Manila community and econome of the
school from pre-war years to 1959 who flew
in from London to attend the homecoming;
Angelita Martiner Florio, former drama
teacher and director who came from Mexico,
Mr. Onofre Pagsanghan, drama teacher
in the 1950’s; former Ambassador and
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary
Domngo Siazon; DFA Undersecretary Laura
Quiambao-del Rosario; and Supreme Court
Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe.
Eight, include in the activities the
inauguration of the newly renovated
sanctuary of the Chapel of the Crucified
Christ and the blessing of its altar in a
Eucharistic Celebration on 22 January 2012
with Fr. Francis Salcedo presiding.
The big antique cross which used to be
on the back wall of the chapel now graces
the center of the sanctuary, while the
small cross took its place.
On the right is the old
tabernacle made of heavy
iron encased in Narra
wood. One the new marble
platform are presidential
chair and two chair for
concelebrants.
Ninth, hold year-long
activities, stage concerts,
musicals and plays especially
those by Fr. James Reuter SJ such
as “The Night Before Christmas”
who was one of the awardees of
SPUM.
And tenth, close the centennial
year on January 25, 2013 with a thanksgiving
Mass for all the blessing received during
SPUM’s 100 years and its year-long
celebration.
(SPU Manila Inter-Office Bulletin, Sr.
Mary Vianney Ramirez)
| 21
News Bits
FROM TRASH
TO TREASURES
Earl Patrick D.L. Forlales, 4th Year Student
The “LEARNINGVILLE” of St. Paul
College, San Rafael (SPCSR) was one of the
five national winners in the 2011 Excellence
in Educational Transformation Awards (EETA),
launched by ABS-CBN Bayan Academy,
Knowledge Channel Foundation, and Rex
Bookstore, Inc. SPCSR won in the category of
“Innovations in Learning Spaces and Places
for Learning Effectiveness”.
The SPCSR Learningville is a venue
that allows learning outside the traditional
classrooms. It facilitates the application of
new methods, may it be scientific, logical,
or mathematical. It inspires teachers to step
out to the real and wider world that would
also require innovative teaching strategies,
thus improving their quality. Above all, the
Learningville becomes the center of the
hands-on learning where students explore
life and discover that many things can
be learned outside of the confines of the
classroom. “The Learningville is a center of
real-life learning,” said Jan Andrei B. Cobey, a
fourth-year student at SPCSR. “What we get
in the classroom is just pure concepts. But out
here is where the application happens, here
the concepts are live.” A remarkable facet of
the Learningville is the rope bridge in one
pond and the raft in another – both are freely
available for the students to enjoy during
non-class hours. Today, teachers employ
the so called “ Environmental Learning
Strategies” introduced and conceived by
Sister Teresita Capurihan, SPC, the school
head.
When Sr. Teresita Capurihan came to
SPCSR in May 2009, a dreary environment
greeted the newly-appointed directress.
Strewn all over the school grounds are
plastic bags, bottles, candy wrappers, and
other pieces of trash, which she presumed
came from the high school students who
were out on vacation. Surrounding the high
school building, was an overgrowth of cogon
grasses – a home for wild animals especially
snakes. Fueled by her love for nature, Sr.
Teresita began to utilize and beautify the
five-hectare land of SPCSR beginning with a
few plants and fowls. What she had in mind
was a center of learning that would influence
not only the students, teachers, and staff
to be stewards of God’s creations, but the
whole community at large.
Sr. Teresita anchored every step
towards the realization of her goal in the
established environmental code: “Basura
ko, Responsibility ko” (derived from the
school code “Order+Discipline=Excellence”).
This is the soul of the SPCSR Environmental
Stewardship Program. These codes including
other topics in building a “Paulinian Culture
of Peace” could be seen in the SPCSR Primer
entitled “PauliSmart”.
22 |
Sr. Teresita receives the award in the presence of the other SPC Sisters and officials of the award-giving body
The whole community got involved
as she met the tricycle drivers outside
the school, the service drivers, the
barangay tanods, some government
organizations (GO’s) and non-government
organizations (NGO’s) to inform them of
the environmental stewardship plan of the
school, so that they could be part of the
transmission of the project. Since then, the
service and tricycle drivers set a trash bin in
their respective vehicles. With help from the
local government, the Paulinians sparked
the genesis of transformation and began an
all-out clean-up, clearing out the overgrowth
and plowing the field to destroy burrows
and deter snakes. With the support of Brgy.
Capt. Edison Veneracion of Maguinao, a
nearby barangay, who generously lent heavy
equipment for the cultivation of the land
and excavation of the would-be fishpond,
the then few plants easily turned into plots
of fruit-bearing trees like guava, banana,
pomelo, atis, avocado and a whole lot more.
The school’s vermicompost truly contributed
to the rapid growth of vegetation. The
compost bred African Nightcrawlers that
were distributed to the land for better plant
yields.
Beginning with just pairs of fowls, Sr.
Teresita decided to expand. Seeing the
capability of the land to sustain a larger
number of animals, the fowls were bred
and just before they knew it, there were
already flocks of turkeys, chickens, swans,
ducks, geese, guineas, and a herd of goats.
The students and teachers were a big part
of the multiplication of the herd, as they
would present pairs of animals as gifts and
offerings during school celebrations like
the Directress’ Day and the celebration
of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Engr.
Chito Duran, a constant supporter and
sponsor of SPCSR, also erected a grotto of
the Blessed Virgin Mary – only accessible
via bamboo bridge – in the midst of one of
the four fishponds. The fishponds, irrigated
by the Angat Dam through the National
Irrigation Authority, would not have been
completed without the fishes, which Engr.
Duran and Mrs. Emerenciana Forlales, an
alumna and a parent of three Paulinians,
generously donated. Currently, there is a
school of almost 60,000 tilapias in the four
fishponds – each having 7 nipa huts. The
school’s Family Council was also hands-on
during the three-year development of SPCSR
from school year 2009-2010 to 2011-2012.
In fact, just recently, they donated a fountain
for the butterfly haven, which is still under
construction, and a nursery for seedlings
situated at the former dumpster at one
end of the school. They also participated
in tree planting projects and donated
seedlings, which are now full-grown trees.
In cooperation with the Department of
Natural Resources (DENR) and Department
of Agriculture (DA) of San Rafael, SPCSR
conceived a Narra tree planting project inside
the campus. The students, as well as the
teachers, worked hand-in-hand in planting
500 Narra seedlings.
These transformations led to the
completion of one of the most innovative
projects of SPCSR: The Learningville. The
former heaps of trash turned into a “ palace
of fauna and or hacienda of treasures of
the environment for the whole Paulinian
community to radiate. This bold step towards
a renewed SPCSR campus caught not only
the eyes of the surrounding community, but
also earned them a national recognition from
the ABS-CBN Bayan Academy. On February
15, 2012 at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, Bayan
Academy President Dr. Eduardo Morato,
Jr., Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc.
President Rina Lopez-Bautista, and Rex Book
Store’s Chairman/President Atty. Dominador
Buhain and Chief Operating Officer Don
Timothy Buhain awarded Sr. Teresita the
trophy for Innovation in Learning Spaces
together with a check worth P300,000.
Other St. Paul of Chartres Sisters were
present in the event. Sr. Celine Santos, SPC,
Sr. Ethel Barcelona, SPC and Sr. Felicitas
Bernardo, SPC of Our Lady of Peace School
(OLPS), received a special citation for a
program implemented in their school. Sr.
Merceditas Ang, SPC, Assistant Provincial for
Education, and Sr. Remedios Sandalo, SPC,
Provincial Secretary, were there to represent
the congregation. The event was attended by
school heads, diocesan superintendents from
different parts of the country, businessmen,
and press.
“The winners will exemplify
transformation, in the sense that it refers
to the ability of the school to innovate
and manage changes, to improve and turn
around a difficult situation, and to upgrade or
uplift education standards,” said Dr. Morato.
The proponents of the EETA believed that in
order to see the real impact of the innovative
programs, it should be seen, felt and heard
from the students themselves.
News Bits
Complete
Grade School
at St. Paul
School of Buug
Sr. Norma Torres, Spc
Worried by the growing number of kids enrolling in Protestant and Christian preparatory schools, the school administration
foresaw that one day a big number of students coming to our
school will have Protestant/Christian leanings because of the initial training they got from said schools. We prayed and discerned
if putting up a preschool and grade school will counteract the
brewing problem.
In 2007 a plan for a two-storey building for the Grade School
was approved by the Board of Trustees. But the school did not have
the required budget for the whole construction and there was no as-
surance of enrollees. The building was constructed by phase starting
with only two classrooms during summer time. Thus, from summer
2008 and every summer thereafter, we were able to finish the Grade
School Building in 2011 Simultaneously, we opened two grade levels
each school year until we were able to have a complete preparatory and grade school in 2011. We had our first graduation from the
Grade School in 2012. At present, we have an enrolment of 182 for
kindergarten and grade school. The recognition of the Grade School
by the Department of Education is being processed and hopefully will
be granted in due time.
SPSBV Inaugurates New
Building
A new Preschool and Grade School building of St. Paul
School Barotac Viejo (SPSBV), located near the High School
building in the new campus, was constructed and formally
blessed on August 3, 2012. Starting in June this SY 2012-2013,
the kindergarten and the grade school of SPSBV transferred to
the new school site. So, SPSBV has now one campus and the sisters reside there. This project was realized through the financial
assistance of the SPC Congregation, the Parent Family Council
of SPSBV, and generous benefactors. The sisters, teachers,
parents, students, and local officials, have shown tremendous
support.
St. Paul School Barotac Viejo’s new building
JULIO CARDINAL ROSALES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL @ 24!
Sr. Veneranda Santos, SPC
Dalaguete has its resplendent location
in the Southeast of Cebu. It is not only
known as the Vegetable Basket of the
Province of Cebu but also the Music Capital
of the island. It is a promising place with a
strategic location enjoying God’s bountiful
creation. It is famous for its sandy beaches
along its long coastlines making it popular
for people who enjoy various water sports.
Its luscious vegetation in the highlands of
Mantalongon is a great reflection how rich
it is in agriculture thus every 9th and 10th
of February, the place is having an Utanon
Festival which is a form of thanksgiving for all
the blessings and graces the Dalaguetnons
have received from San Guillermo de
Aquitaña.
Dalaguete is truly one of the well known
tourist destinations in Cebu not only for its
splendiferous views and beaches but also it
has several outstanding health care facilities.
One of these health care facilities is Julio
Cardinal Rosales Memorial Hospital.
Julio Cardinal Rosales Memorial
Hospital was excogitated as a Charity
Hospital designed to serve the needs of the
increasing population of the Municipality of
Dalaguete. It was like a dream come true for
Archbishop Julio Cardinal Vidal and the late
Julio Cardinal Rosales to put up a hospital
offering a holistic approach to the health
care needs of the people in Dalaguete. On
December 18, 1988, the hospital was finally
built with fifteen bed capacities facing St.
Mary’s Academy, a school run by the RVM
Sisters in Poblacion, Dalaguete. The hospital
was few breaths away from the magnificent
300 year old San Guillermo Parish which was
just in front of a serene park with the statue
of Andres Bonifacio depicting freedom and
unity among Filipinos.
The administration of Julio Cardinal
Rosales Memorial Hospital was entrusted to
the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres. From its
humble beginnings, the hospital sustained its
operation through the monthly subsidy given
by the Diocese of Cebu, our sister hospital
Perpetual Succour Hospital and the sporadic
contributions from generous benefactors
here and abroad. Furthermore, the hospital
was also allotted endowment fund from
PCSO for indigents.
God’s love for all of us is ever unfolding.
Dalaguete has developed from a third class to
a first class municipality with 33 barangays.
While Dalaguete’s population has greatly
increased to 63,239, Julio Cardinal Rosales
Memorial Hospital has progressed too. In
the year 2009, the Diocese bequeathed the
hospital to the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres
on an affordable and friendly cost.
continued next page
| 23
News Bits
from page 21
Recently, Julio Cardinal Rosales
Memorial Hospital building radiated its
uniqueness in designs. Its colors and
ambiance spelled the word “Healing” so
apt for a hospital like JCRMH. If walking on
the floor that looked like the keys of a piano
wasn’t musical enough for people especially
for the patients, then listen to the soothing in
house instrumental tunes carefully selected
that could better the moods and health
of the patients. The in house comfort and
relaxation for the patient was what Julio
Cardinal Rosales Memorial Hospital aims for
and more than a 3-star rating.
Julio Cardinal Rosales Memorial Hospital
is a hospital with a concept built around the
patients’ needs. Its vibes and cleanliness rival
the best anywhere. Awarded as center for
quality by the Philippine Health Insurance
Company(PHIC) in 2010, it can boast of
a compassionate team of highly trained
professionals and staff. Therefore, our
patients are served by highly qualified and
efficient doctors and nurses. Currently, there
are six consulting physicians who go on duty
by a rotation every three to five days. Since
the hospital’s main strength is its exemplary
staff, it renders the best quality services
for patients’ satisfaction and quality health
assurance. Its Emergency Room staff gives an
impression of a friendly and welcoming place
for both patients and relatives. The staff in all
out-patient and in-patient department is very
accommodating and available. Moreover,
the hospital has a patient coordination
department that coordinates with doctors,
nurses and other hospital staff.
Due to the hospital’s effort to strive
for perfection towards quality health care
services. The patients’ census has increased
in number. Consequently, to attract more
valued clients, our hospital is regularly
conducting Free Consultation every first
Friday of the month.
The Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in
Dalaguete and their administration in the
hospital have brought enormous vitality
in strengthening the spirituality of our
internal and external valued clients through
Catechism and BEC. They greatly help in
reducing patients’ stress and further promote
healing through Divine intervention. On our
day to day hospital operations, we are usually
faced with financial challenge but we always
manage to survive with the help of our
Divine Providence.
Julio Cardinal Rosales Memorial
Hospital is annually celebrating its founding
anniversary every 18th of December and
behind this is our constant battle cry with
humility and trust… “The Love of Christ
impels us!”... As Julio Cardinal Rosales
Memorial Hospital continues to exist, it
carries on with the supreme thought of
taking health care to the next level at its best.
OLCC Sends off Missionary to Levesville
The missionary send-off was simple but solemn that spoke
of the person being commissioned to go to the foreign missions.
After being assigned in the formation house for more than 20
years as Vocation Directress, Directress of Postulants and Assistant
to the Novice and Junior Directresses, Sr. Agnes Lawrence Catalan
was prepared and finally flown the mission, a call she has been
discerning and praying over for the past year on September 2,
2012.
Sr. Agnes was assigned to be part of the community that
in Levesville, the cradle of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres and
the pilgrimage place of Sisters on renewal in Rome. Sr. Agnes
describes this landmark in her journey as an opportunity for
Sr. Agnes gives expresses her gratitude to OLCC community before flying off to Rome
another kind of service. She is now in Rome while awaiting their formal
send-off to Levesville. According to her she did not have much time to
miss the Philippines upon her arrival in Rome, she became busy helping
out with the Liturgy and Mass and began with her intensive French class.
OLCC community sends of missionaries Sr. Rebecca and Sr. Alma with songs and smiles
24 |
News Bits
St. Isidore
Learning Center
In June 2012, the Roman Catholic
Bishop of Alaminos donated to the school
the usufruct of the land designated as school
site of St. Isidore Learning Center in Burgos,
Pangasinan.
St. Isidore Learning Center
with Sr. Concepcion Dacanay
and Sr. Mercedes Namayan
Blessing of Maria Reyna Xavier University
Hospital New Building Sr. Claudette Yecla, Spc
The wisdom of God is beyond imagining
and His goodness, truly boundless. He
unfailingly enlightens our minds, opens our
hearts to receive the gift of Him, and to enjoy
the many gifts of love He constantly showers
upon us. August 20, 2012, two days prior
to the 54th Hospital anniversary of Maria
Reyna Xavier University Hospital, part of
the MRXUH Specialty Center Building; the
Patients’ Rooms on the second and third
floors, and the Canteen took place.
The ribbon-cutting was a joint activity
shared by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma,
SJ, D.D, Father Roberto Yap, SJ and Sister
Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC. The Ground Floor
Canteen was blessed by His excellency,
Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, S.J.,D.D.,
assisted by Father Roberto Yap, S.J. The
Second Floor Patients’ Rooms were blessed
by Msgr. Urcisino Columbus Villamil, SSJV,
and the Third Floor Patient’s Rooms by Fr. Gil
Escalante, SSJV.
After the conclusion of the liturgy, SPC
Provincial Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC gave
an inspirational message. In spite of the
weather disturbance in various places they
came from Sr. Zeta was these: to rejoice
with the hospital Sisters and to manifest
her support. She congratulated the hospital
administrator, Sr. Ma. Celeste Rivas, SPC, Sr.
Henrietta Esmero, SPC and the SPC Sisters
who have worked tediously and patiently
for the actualization of the MRXUH Specialty
Center. She also recognized the efforts of
Engr. Arnold Dupit, the contractor and his
team, Roxanne Paras Uy who did the internal
decor: the doctors who loyally collaborated
with the hospital administrators and the
support of our dedicated caregivers and
partners in the industry.
It was most touching to hear Sr. Zeta
say that the teamwork of doctors and other
members of the health care system, with the
united vision of the Board of Directors and
creativity were not enough. True innovation
is about delivering value to our patients,
she said. She also called on the Hospital
personnel to heed the call of His Holiness,
Pope Benedict XVI, to live deeply their
Christian faith and to proclaim passionately
Jesus Christ as Lord, especially to the sick in
their midst. The sick bed is the most fertile
ground to know more about Jesus and
experience God’s redeeming love and healing.
Missionaries in Jerusalem
Left photo: Sr.
Aurelia and Sr.
Regina visiting the
Fiipino family in
their rented flat.
Right photo: Sr.
Rebecca and Sr.
Regina with the
Filipino Choir
members during the
Holy Mass for the
Filipino Migrants.
| 25
New Communities
The SPC Sisters Mark Their New Journey
in Antique Medical Center
Tatiana Seraspi
The Sisters of Saint of Paul of Chartres officially arrived
in Antique Medical Center on October 7, 2012. They were
welcomed by Rev. Fr. Jose E. Tubianosa, the President of
Antique Medical Center.
of Saint Paul of Chartres in the Philippines and were able
to establish rapport with the AMC Staff, while Sr. Melanie
finished off the meeting with her discussion on Good
Housekeeping.
The medical center, owned by the Diocese of Antique, the first
private hospital in the province. As it was being prepared for
its initial operation, Most Rev. Jose Romeo O. Lazo, D.D.
sought the assistance of the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres
through the leadership of Sr. Zeta Caridad Rivero, SPC, for
hospital administration. Thus, upon the approval of Mother
General, Mo. Myriam de. St. Anne Kicharoen, SPC, two
SPC Sisters were assigned to manage the Antique Medical
Center. Sr. Norma Patricia Manzano, SPC, was appointed
as the AMC’s Hospital Administrator and Sr. Anne Therese
Nobleza, SPC, as the Nursing Director and Superior of the
community. The two SPC Sisters were also accompanied by
Sr. Rosamond Marie Abadesco, SPC, Sr. Melanie Guzman,
SPC and Sr. Rutchel Magallanes, SPC, during their arrival in
the medical center.
Since the Sisters arrived, they have contributed in preparing
the hospital to become not only a mere center for quality
healthcare services but also an established Catholic Institution
that could instill Christian values and evangelization to the
people of Antique. Just like the presence of a mother caring for
her child, the Sisters of Saint Paul of Chartres are eventually
guiding and establishing a stronger foundation for Antique
Medical Center. From its structure to its personnel, the Sisters
are generously sharing their expertise that is accompanied with
compassion and care.
On October 16, 2012, Sr. Norma had her first personnel
meeting, with the help of Sr. Melanie and Sr. Rutchel. The
Sisters were able to introduce the brief history of the Sisters
The SPC Sisters in Antique Medical Center are continuously
preoccupied with a series of activities that revolves around the
preparation of the hospital from DOH Licensure to its target
opening on February 18, 2013. With God’s Divine Mercy,
may He continuously bless and guide the Sisters of Saint Paul
of Chartres, the Diocese of Antique and the Antique Medical
Center, to work in unity towards serving the people and
spreading God’s love.
Sr. Norma Manzano orients the personnel as the community prepares the hospital.
26 |
NEW MISSION IN BUGALLON
Sr. Jean Asok, SPC
“We aim to help the
students integrate
spirituality and excellence
in their formation.
As we start Paulinian
Education in this
institution, programs
are to be implemented
and improved by means
of seminars, trainings,
exposure, and updating.”
On June 6, 2012 we settled in a renovated convent in Bugallon near the parochial
school and the church, and we embarked on a new SPC mission to take care of a
school.
St. Andrew Catholic School of Bugallon, Pangasinan, is owned by the Diocese of
Alaminos and has been operating for the past 44 years. Through the invitation of His
Exellency Rev. Bishop Marlo Peralta, the ordinary of the place, the school was
turned-over to be administered by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres. The school is
situated within the compound of St. Andrew Parish Church. It has a population of 408
students from Kinder to Fourth Year High School.
Three sisters are assigned in-charge in the school: the directress, the finance officer,
and the in-charge of Christian formation. The sisters are also teaching Christian
Living in the high school department.
We aim to help the students integrate spirituality and excellence in their formation.
As we start Paulinian Education in this institution, programs are to be implemented
and improved by means of seminars, trainings, exposure, and updating. Along with
this development, is the concern to foster a sound spiritual life through religious
instruction, personal guidance, encourage frequent the sacraments, retreats and
recollections and regular participation at the Holy Mass.
We involve ourselves in the parish and local government activities, building a Basic
Ecclesial Community, go for home visitation and later on catechetical instruction in
the public schools.
We ask the Good Lord to bless our plans and endeavors. As we begin His mission in
this particular locality, we wish to form students who will be good citizens on earth
and good citizens in heaven.
| 27
WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS
A Personal Experience of the Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
Sr. Agnes Lawrence Catalan, SPC
Sr. Agnes, her group, and their guide, pose in front of the memorial of St. Peter in Gallicantu
G
od’s time, God’s kairos comes
at His divine pleasure and when
He gives, it pours! His gifts and
their many facets are loaded with other
blessings, yes, grace upon grace! No
vessel is too big to contain the riches and
the depths of His love but as I continue
to open myself to the outpouring of His
goodness, I pray, “Fill my cup, Lord, I lift
it up, Lord,” as the song goes.
From the outset, I want to reiterate my
thanks to my Provincial Superior, Sr. Zeta
Caridad Rivero, SPC for her magnanimous
heart in obtaining for us, Sisters of the
Philippine Province, the permission from
Mother General to make a pilgrimage
to the Holy Land - indeed a costly, but a
lifelong gift! I treasure - the gift of being
able to tread on the land dear to our Lord
and to contemplate on the mysteries of His
life, death and resurrection. This is not only
an extraordinary gift and a rare one for me,
but also the most precious of gifts! What
a gift to welcome the Year of Faith!
Arriving at the hotel from Tel Aviv at about
2:00 A.M., I immediately went to bed to
28 |
get ready for the first day of the pilgrimage.
I kept tossing in bed, unable to sleep,
perhaps due to excitement about the days
ahead. It may have been that the Lord was
welcoming me. I guess it was so, for the
experience of restlessness made me come
to myself and consider the precious gift I
had been offered. So, I begged for the grace
to make the spiritual journey a meaningful
and fruitful one because it happened once
in a lifetime.
Upon rising, I did my morning ritual,
dressed up, went down and looked for a
place where I, together with my roommate,
Sr. Rowena Rodil, could pray. We finally
found a bench outside, along the street. For
some moments, I watched some passersby with delight. My thoughts flew back
to the time of Jesus and I wondered what
it was like. This initial experience of a
sense of wonder ushered me to a lot of
more beautiful and life-giving encounters
with God’s people. I felt right away the
excitement and the joy of having stepped
on the Lord’s homeland and of getting to
know Him and the culture of the land more
deeply.
The Grotto of the
Annunciation
The Grotto of the Annunciation in Nazareth
was the first that we visited. The moments
of silence spent with Our Lady spoke to
me of her docility and total surrender to
God’s will. Listening to her heart and
moved by her openness, I felt her response
to the angel Gabriel reverberating in my
whole being, “Behold the handmaid of
the Lord; Be it done unto me according
to your word” (Luke 1:8). With such a
deep conviction in my heart, I also uttered
my “Fiat” joyfully with her for my new
mission in Levesville-la-Chenard, the
cradle of the Congregation and I begged
for the grace of steadfastness in my
commitment. A few steps farther was
the Church of St. Joseph; below was the
dwelling place of the Holy Family after
coming back from Egypt. Close to the
Church was the carpentry shop where Jesus
used to work with St. Joseph. Kneeling
down to bid good-bye to St. Joseph, the
protector of Jesus and Mary, I begged for
his protection and help as I prepared for my
mission and to assist me especially to learn
When God gives, it pours! God truly cannot be outdone in generosity. His love overflows
and His blessings come in abundance! With a heart full of gratitude, I echo Mary’s song,
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my Savior;
because He has looked upon His lowly handmaid.” (Luke 1:47-48)
French as that was a pre-occupation for me
before leaving for the Holy Land.
Mount Tabor
In the afternoon, we were brought to the
high mountain of Tabor where Jesus was
transfigured. The huge dome of the Church
of the Transfiguration, the solitude and its
quiet ambience “transported” me to join the
three disciples witness the glory of Jesus
and listen to the Father say, “This is my
beloved Son, listen to Him.” The solemn
moments of prayer made up for the absence
of the Mass for the day. I could vibrate with
Peter’s excitement when he said, “Rabbi, it
is good that we are here. . .” (Mark 9:5)
Mount of Beatitudes
In the course of the pilgrimage, the
Peruvians played an important part in our
spiritual journey because at the Mount of
Beatitudes, our group had the privilege of
partaking of the body and blood of Jesus
with them. Looking back, I thought it
was not a mere coincidence for the three
of us to be invited to sit around the small
altar table, together with the two Peruvian
priests. It was like the sycamore experience
of that tax collector, who was noticed by
the Lord, in his eagerness to meet Him.
“Zaccheus, come down quickly, for today
I must stay in your house.” (Luke 19:5).
Isn’t this a beautiful demonstration of
Jesus’s hospitality, in the person of this
Peruvian priest and a wonderful experience
of the universality of the Church?
Yardenit
In the latter part of the day, I felt a bond
with them because in God’s providence,
we were brought together again at the
Yardenit, on the shores of the Jordan
River, where Jesus was baptized. At this
instance I became conscious of God’s
generosity for He continuously pours down
His graces on me. Led by our Peruvian
priest-friend, my group and I renewed our
baptismal promises. Then, descending into
the river he motioned to us to follow him
for the “rite of baptism.” Overwhelmed
with joy and by the offer of grace, I hurried
down to the pool to receive once again the
waters of rebirth. For me, it was another
confirmation of my own belovedness. It
was also here that the same priest invited
us to join his pilgrim community to receive
the blessing for a plenary indulgence.
Another gift! A day with so many
surprises! So much to thank God for!
Tagbha
At Tagbha, we entered the Church of
the Multiplication that commemorates
the feeding of the five thousand people.
Walking further, we were shown the ruins
of the synagogue built by the centurion
whose servant was healed by Jesus. My
curiosity was satisfied when our tour guide
explained the details of the structure of the
ancient synagogue. A few hundred feet
away from the ruins, stood the house of
Peter where his mother-in-law was healed
by Jesus. On top of the house was the
Supremacy of Peter Church.
Tiberias
There was a time when, at Tiberias, my
room was overlooking the sea. The mere
sight of the sea made my feet itch to walk
by the shore, for deep within I was thrilled
to imagine Jesus teaching by the sea and
calling the first disciples to follow Him.
On the first morning, I attempted to go
near the sea, but it was some distance
from the hotel, so I went back to my
room to pray. The following day I was
determined to respond to the invitation
to meet Jesus there. Thanks to my three
other companions, Sisters Rowena,
Nimfa Muyco and Helen Baculio, who
were sensitive to the same call; we found
ourselves walking in the same direction.
We looked for a place among the big rocks
where we could sit and do our meditation.
While the sun shone above us, the sea and
the whole creation around us, we offered
our Morning praise in joy, thanksgiving
and adoration of the God of the universe. It
was another awesome experience!
One of the things that I enjoyed and drew
consolation from was the morning walk
I would make whenever possible. While
waiting for the departure for the holy sites,
I would hurry down and take a meditative
walk along the street in front of our hotel.
As I strolled back and forth, I would think
of Jesus passing through these places
during His lifetime or I would make myself
believe that He was there walking with
me. Sometimes, I would look out of our
window and watch with delight the mothers
carrying their babies. I also was amused
looking at the little boys with their head
scalp on while playing. They reminded me
of our Lady’s motherly care and solicitous
love for her Son and the ordinary Jesus
playing with other boys.
The pilgrims of different colors and
religions continued to flock at the sacred
sites, especially in the Church of the
Nativity and the large Church of the Holy
Sepulcher. The endless lines of pilgrims
rendered it impossible for us to stay long
at the site. I really would have wanted
to linger a little bit longer at the stable
to adore the Child Jesus but it was good
enough already that I had a second or two
to present myself to the little King. I asked
for the gift of rebirth and for the grace to
bring the good news of his love to my new
mission.
Crucifixion
As there was a long line to the site of
the Crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus, I
made sure that I would bring back with
me a souvenir of this rare privilege by
wiping with my handkerchief the “hole”
containing the holy blood that flowed from
His bruised body as He hung on the cross!
The guard at the sepulcher was rather strict
but the opportunity to go back and enter
it the second time, on our last day, was
enough pabaon for our coming home. I felt
good about it.
Garden of Gethsemane
One of the impressive sites at the Garden of
Gethsemane was the presence of the huge
olive trees which have stood as witnesses
for centuries to the terrifying agony of
Jesus as He struggled to accept the fate that
awaited Him. Approaching the cordoned
area, the very spot where Jesus perspired
with blood, I lovingly resolved, with His
help, to remain awake and pray with fervor
during “Holy Hours” as my response to His
invitation to keep watch with Him. .
Upper Room
The moment I entered the Upper Room, I
was awed by the atmosphere of silence and
a “presence” that enveloped me. I really
would have loved to stay longer but the
time was rather limited because we still had
to go to the Dormition Church, believed
continued next page
| 29
from page 29
to have been the place where Our Lady
“died” or “slept” before she was taken up
to heaven. There was ample time for us to
pray there, but I felt a stronger urge to be
with the Lord in the Upper Room. Upon
learning that we could not possibly have
the Mass celebrated for that day, as the
leader of the group, I asked our tour guide
if we could go back to the Upper Room and
make a spiritual communion. There were
no words to capture the experience of the
exchange of presences; it was strong and
powerful “This cup is the new covenant
in My blood. . . ,” The recollection of this
event became a moment of grace and of
mutual renewal of the covenant of love!
I might not have received Jesus in the
species of bread and wine, but the inner
joy of experiencing His presence with His
disciples at the First Eucharist was more
than I could ask for.
Lithostrotos
Another site that left a strong impact on me
was the “dungeon,” called the Lithostrotos,
where Jesus was placed during His trying
moments. It was in a basement and on its
roof there was an opening through which
the food was lowered. In that horrible
place, I imagined Jesus alone, mocked,
spat upon, and crowned with thorns, with
no one to share the anguish of His heart,
the pain of being humiliated and rejected
by His own people and “special” friends.
That was a place I felt I was loaded with
emotions for I knew that I have contributed
to the sufferings, passion and death of
Jesus. I was been one of those who shouted
“Crucify Him.” I, too shared in Peter’s
denial of Him, “I do not know that man.” I
wished I had the leisure of staying longer
with Him to console Him.
Coming out from the Pater Noster Church,
I had the opportunity to take hold of a
branch with thorns which they say was the
kind made into the crown worn by Jesus. It
was heartbreaking just to look at it because
the thorns were long and firm and would
certainly pierce the flesh when pressed on
it. I would surmise that the soldiers pressed
the crown of thorn down on the head of
Jesus, causing Him to bleed. I wanted to
bring a remembrance of this branch but
there was no way of smuggling it out. It
could not be put in my valise for it needed
a styro box. Besides, the luggage personnel
at the airport of Tel Aviv were very strict.
However, I was able to cut some thorns to
show to the Postulants.
Every sacred site we visited provided a
unique and rich experience of Jesus and
30 |
the mystery of God’s plan. I was amazed
to see the overflow of pilgrims of all races
and creeds coming from all parts of the
world. There is a universal call to reach out
to the God who created us and who call
us to belong to one and the same family.
We share in the call to worship and adore
Him and participate in the mysteries of
Christ’s life, including His passion, death
and resurrection. Again, I thanked God for
this gift of universality in the Church. We
were always welcomed to participate in
the Eucharist wherever it was celebrated,
regardless of the language.
Ein Karem
To reach the Church of the Visitation at
Ein Karem, one had to climb 100 steps.
It was not easy to go up the staircase but
I managed it. Compared with Mary’s
journey, hers was much longer, but her joy
and the eagerness of sharing together with
her cousin Elizabeth the wonders God
wrought in their lives, made it a pleasant
journey of faith. Our very own song “Ang
Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri,” became a favourite
tune to those who heard this sung by the
Filipino pilgrims. Our visit to the Church,
considered the birthplace of St. John
the Baptist, was providential because it
coincided with the feast of the solemnity of
His birth. Everything really was a gift!
There was an air of Chistmas as we sang
some Christmas songs at the Shepherd’s
fields, “Gloria in excelsis Deo.” God is
close to the simple and the poor for it was
to them that the good news of Christ’s
birth was first announced. This was an
invitation for me to share the poverty and
the simplicity of the poor..
Church of the Ascension
At the Church of the Ascension, the words
Jesus spoke before He was taken up to
heaven, “Go out to all the world; proclaim
the Good News to all creation”(Mark
16:16), rang out loud and clear and to Him
I ardently repeated my acceptance of my
new mission.
If I would write down all my memories
of the pilgrimage, it would take volumes.
The gift of the pilgrimage, however, will
provide in me the living water that will
quench the thirst of my heart. To drink of
this living water means to enter deeply into
the heart of Jesus and there, discover the
profundity of His love that is life-giving,
nourishing, sustaining, strengthening and
transforming.
The experience of the historical Jesus and
the places associated with the mysteries
of His life continued to communicate to
me a kind of freshness of those encounters
with Him. The Gospels came alive as I met
Him there in a new and powerful presence
that had left in me a strong impact of His
person, similar to the experience of the two
disciples on the way to Emmaus whose
hearts burned as they listened to Jesus.
I thanked my group for the beautiful
bonding we developed during the
pilgrimage through our common prayers,
meals, concern and love and support for
one another. We might not have been
conscious of ourselves as “companions
of Jesus on the road to Emmaus,” but I
realized as I wrote this, that each time
we shared our experiences, wherever
we were, during or after our visits to
the sacred places, we made present and
alive the encounter of the disciples with
Jesus. One particular incident was the
sharing I had with Sr. Gladys Lim and Sr.
Reginald Pastrana. This was the time when
we could not proceed to the Gallicantu
Church because it was closed. Instead, we
went back to our hotel. It was about three
o’clock in the afternoon. Of course this was
a most welcome opportunity to rest.
As our room was being cleaned at that
time, I waited in the room of Sisters Gladys
and Reginald and we talked about the
things that had happened during the last
five days of our spiritual journey. As we
were sharing, I felt within me the joy of the
moment, and of the opportunity to “rest,”
for the lull was actually an invitation to
stay with the Lord. It was a call to sit back,
to reflect and to relish the blessings of
God’s visitations in our life as experienced
in the encounters with Jesus we had had
during the first five days of our spiritual
journey. I am actually “stuck” in my
prayer every time I went back to this event.
For me, this is another rich “Emmaus
experience’! My heart burned with Jesus’
presence!
I also like to express my appreciation and
gratitude for the generosity of our Sisters
who sponsored the trip of “pilgrim” Sisters
(including me) who gave us the rare
opportunity to encounter the Lord in His
homeland. Their gift will remain with us as
a constant and strengthening companion on
our journey.
When God gives, it pours! God truly
cannot be outdone in generosity. His
love overflows and His blessings come in
abundance! With a heart full of gratitude, I
echo Mary’s song, “My soul proclaims the
greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults
in God my Savior; because He has looked
upon His lowly Handmaid.”(Luke 1:47-48)
….and the Journey Continues
Two For The Road Less-Travelled
Stories of Sisters of St. Paul
who are Blood Sisters
• Sr. Ann Christine Moscoso, SPC
T
he previous issue of the Philippine Echoes, we featured three pairs of blood stories of Sisters in
the SPC Congregation. Briefly but substantially, they gave a glimpse of their vocation stories as
individuals and as blood Sisters. It is our prayer and hope that these stories serve as inspiration for
those who are searching for their life direction, and a source of strength for those who have already chosen to
traverse the road of total self-giving for the glory of God and the service of our brothers and sisters.
As there are more than 30 Blood Sisters in the Congregation, three new Sisters share their stories of faith,
generosity of heart, love, and support in their journey on the road less - travelled.
Vocation is a Mystery
Heaven knows…how
all these happened
Sr. Gertrudes and Sr. Blandine Teresita Jamias, SPC
There are eight of us in the family: three boys and
five girls. In numerology, the number eight is a
lucky number as there were many blessings, trials
also abounded in the family.
When we were young,
Gertrudes who was about four
or five years old then and
I, about at six years old,
remembered very clearly
how visitors asked
our parents who among their children would become
nuns, like the children of my father’s second oldest
sister (his daughters became contemplative religious
and his son became a priest). My parents readily told
that — Gertrudes would become a nun. My name was
never mentioned but I had no rancor.
Time went on and when I was ready for high school,
I was sent to St. Paul College of Tuguegarao, now St.
Paul University Philippines. There, I associated with
the Sisters for the first time. It was awesome to have
Sisters for teachers. In no time, I admired some of
them especially my Christian living teacher.
As early as second year high school, I revealed my
secret that I wanted to be a sister—to the big surprise
of the family.
With the inspiration of my Religious Education
teachers and the support of Sr. Milagros del Fiero,
SPC, I joined the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres (SPC)
at the age of 19. God’s grace called me and His grace
has sustained me up to this time.
Sr. Gertrudes was left behind for some time to finish
her studies and work for a few years. Finally, she also
joined the SPC.
continued next page
| 31
from page 29
The same year that Sr. Gertrudes entered the convent,
another first cousin, the daughter of the youngest brother
of my father joined the Maryknoll Sister. That completed
the magic seven first cousins called to labor in God’s
vineyard—heaven knows how did all these happened.
Vocation is indeed a mystery. We did not choose this life,
God chose us…mystifying but true.
Sr. Gertrude an
d Sr. Blandine
in their younge
r years
- Sr. Blandine
Jamias, SPC
SPC Vigil House Taytay, Rizal
Words are inadequate to describe my feelings in having a
blood sister in the same Congregation. I thank the Lord for
His gift and blessing to me. She is not only a sister to me
but also a friend. I am healthier emotionally because I am
able to lean on a good friend.
How wonderful it is to have one whose heart always
welcomes me, who stands by me and offers warmth,
support, and courage.
I am deeply grateful to God for having a good friend in the
convent in the person of Sr. Blandine. How fortunate I am
because there is one who stands by me and walks with me.
Thanks and praise to Him!
Sr. Gertrude Jamias, SPC
SPC Vigil House Taytay, Rizal
As a Junior in 1976, I got sick and was admitted to Medical
Center Manila for several days. My medicine made me
lose my appetite even after I had been discharged from the
hospital. Back in the convent, I could not eat to regain my
strength. I prayed so hard for good health. Sister Amelia
invited me for a walk and entertained me with funny
stories. At meal time, I felt so hungry and was able to eat
and appreciate the food I was eating once again.
It is really a blessing to have a blood sister in the same
Congregation. I thank God for my restored
appetite. I thank Him for my health. I
thank Him for my Sister
Amelia. She is indeed
one of my greatest
blessings!
Two for the Journey
Sr. Teresita Estellita Orlino, SPC and Sr. Ma. Eden Orlino, SPC
I received my acceptance to enter the Congregation at the age of
17, but I was advised by the nuns in charge of Formation to wait
for a year or two so my sister, Estrelita (who entered ahead) and
I would not be together in the Novitiate. Surprisingly after taking
series of tests and undergoing interviews, I went in. It was not easy
for my family, especially my father to “give up” one daughter after
the other.
As far as I remember, I never got into a quarrel (petty or serious)
with my Sister while we were still at home. Sr. Estrellita was the
fourth and I was the sixth out of seven siblings. Our father was a
disciplinarian and we never saw our parents quarrel in front of us
kids. Respect for older persons was a major rule.
For me, having a sister in the same Congregation is like getting
a 50% discount on sorrows and buy one, take one on joys.
Sorrows and joys are universal in nature. In whatever state of life
you are in, sorrows and joys are normal occurrences. They may
differ in depth and height and length and breadth, but everybody
experiences them. Joys and sorrows can be experienced both in
physical and spiritual levels. One can transcend such feelings
without suppression or repression.
Having a sister in the congregation has also given me double
inspiration. I just live my life in the most natural way without fear
or prejudice. I guess both my Sister and I feel secure with our
gifts and with ourselves. There are a lot of differences between
my sister, sr. Estrellita and I but they do not serve as blocks or
constraints. They even enhance our sharing when we get to talk
once in a while.
We also have many things in common but they do not serve
as matters for competition. I have experienced a confluence of
ideas, talents, thoughts and gifts with having a sister in the same
Congregation.
Finally, having a sister in the same Congregation is having a sister,
twice over.
Sr. Eden and Sr. Estrellita Orlino, SPC
32 |
SPC WIT, HUMOR, at IBA PA
Sr. Mary Cyril Corpus, SPC
ETO NA!
Madre Vic (Sir. Victor Pascual)
was one of the most loved
Sisters at St. Paul College of
Manila. She was in charge
of the chapel which she kept
spotlessly clean. Reading the
newspaper headlines one day
about President Elpidio Quirino
forming his cabinet within a
week, she remarked, “How fast
he finished his cabinet. Why can’t
Gregorio finish the cabinet I asked
him to make? It’s been almost a month
that he has been working on it.”
Young Sister: Who is Gregorio,
Sister?
Madre Vic: Our carpenter.
Sister C: Sister Rosa, happy
birthday! You are now 95.
Congratulations!
The novice mistress had
scheduled an explanation how
to use a conscience card that
afternoon; Sr. L. forgot her card
in the dormitory. A standing
rule in the novitiate was for no
novice to go back before bed
time to the dormitory without
permission. Sr. L approaches the
assistant hesitantly, afraid to be
scolded.
Sr. L: Sister, may I please go back to
the dormitory?
Assistant Mistress: Why?
Sr. L: (swallows nervously) I forgot
my conscience, Sister. We need it
this afternoon.
Sister Rosa: (pleased) Thank you!
Sr. M: Oh, he has his lunchbox with
him. I’ll give him part of my dessert
later.
Poor boy. I like that boy very much,
but he has to learn his lesson and
grow.
Kiko: (smiling, he had heard the
Sisters’ conversation) Excuse me,
Sisters. Sr. M. you left the key.
You might not be able to open the
room this afternoon.
Sr. M: “Ay, I locked you up in the
room. Why are you out?
A.M.: All right. You may go to the
dormitory to get your conscience.
Sr. G: He can open the room from
inside. It is you who locked yourself
out because you left the key inside.
(whispering) he heard what you said.
Sr. F: Rengie, there’s a man at the
gate. Who is he?
Rengie: Si Papa ni Warren, Sister.
Sr. F: Ano? Do not speak Bisaya to
me. Say it in English.
Sr. F: Are the directions clear?
Sr. G: Without lunch? (door opens
noiselessly behind the two Sisters.
Kiko peeps out; hesitates to
approach the Sisters).
I need to get my conscience in the
dormitory.
Sister Rosa: 95? I am not that bright.
Sister C: That is your age. Oh, yes,
you are bright you are 95, soon you
will be 100 % .. Perfect score!
I locked him up in the room to do the
past assignments.
Meng: Yeth, Thithter.
Rengie: He is the father of
Warren, Sister.
Sr. F: Say “Yes, Sister.” Pronounce
the “s.”
Sr. F: I thought
“papaniwaren” is Bisaya!
Sr. G: Madre Vic, do we have
audience already?
Madre Vic: I saw only one audien.
Sr. G: Audience not audien, madre.
Madre Vic: Di ba if only one,
no s? Only one audien.
Nagdodoctorate ka di mo
alam?
Bing: Meng hath no front teeth,
Thithter. The dentith pulled her teeth
yethterday.
Sr. F: You have front teeth but you
are speaking like her.
Bing: Cute naman kathi, Thithter.
Sr. F: Goodneth grathiouth I mean.!
goodness ...
Sr. M: I scolded Kiko.
It is a week now that
he has not submitted his
homework.
(Locks the room behind
her) He is bright but very
negligent of his homework.
| 33
THE BUTTERFLY’S SONG
Graceful, beautiful butterfly,
Regal ballerina in flight,
Brilliant red-orange, coal black and clear white,
Glory to God on high!
“I was an unsightly, brown little worm
Among dead leaves daily I crawled and squirmed. Starving to death, I
thought it was my turn
But God gave me a patch of green.
I gobbled every little bit of green
Till I almost burst through my skin.
I ate so fast and ate so much,
Too fat, I feared an instant heart attack.
“Time to rest, time to fast,
Make yourself a sleeping bag,’ the voice of God.
“Round and ‘round my body I spun,
Oozing from my mouth, the silv’ry yam,
A seamless wrap, custom-made to fit my size,
Which I hung on a branch out of sight.
I slept. In the bag was always night,
I don’t know how long till I woke with a start,
My body wet with sweat, uncomfortably damp,
“Air, give me air,” I gasped.
My crawling feet were gone!
I had to wriggle, claw and gnaw my way out.,
But what was that cumbersome pack on my back?
I shook it off but it wouldn’t be dislodged,
It unfolded instead like a fan to the left and to the right,
Red, black stripes, white dots on either side!
Lord, what am I? Bewildered, I cried.
“A butterfly!’ a child’s voice cried, ‘A beautiful butterfly! Mama, give me,
give me my slingshot!’
Alarmed, I flapped my fans on my sides,
And found myself in the air ‘gainst the sky,
I was flying! I could zoom up, down, a zigzag.
I am a butterfly! ‘Where’s the butter, where’s the bread?’ , laughing, said I.
I flew into the dark forest past trees .that reaching to the sky,
Above streams that curled and churned through valleys
and rocks in shimmering light;
I landed in a sunlit spot where millions of sunflowers danced.
‘Welcome, lovely butterfly,’ swinging their golden heads, they sang.
‘You must be tired and famished after that long flight, Come, have some food,’ a
Goldenhead smiled. Hungry? I was, after my long fast and that flight
I ate my fill of that delicious repast,
I smacked my lips in sincere thanks,
Truly grateful, though impolite.
‘Ma’am Goldie, oh, thank you very much, You are gracious and kind to someone
in want.
Food for the gods! That’s what you have and a golden heart.
Now, please let me help you in your tasks.’
My golden host blushed and clapped,
‘Oh, thank you, Please help us. We have pollen ripe Ready to be plucked. Some
are clinging to your sides. As you flit and fly in your various flights,
Please carry them to f1ow’rs of our kind
To complete the seeds of life of our family blood line.’ ‘Is that all? No problem. I
will gladly do that and more,’
I said, happy that I could be of service to someone.
I felt God was beside me, patting my crown,
His arm around Goldenhead, whose hand was in mine. ‘That’s fine! I want all my
children to serve one another
In genuine love, for you are all brothers and sisters.
I’m truly pleased with you, butterfly.
Docile, obedient and humble since you were young, You allowed me to form you
as I planned.
You have become one after my heart,
but do not be proud and arrogant.
I can now use you as a witness to life and love.
With you and Goldenhead around,
There’s hope for your world and mine.’ “
Sister Mary Cyril Corpus, SPC
Vigil House
October 15, 2012
Spiritual Leadership in Community... from page 5
of communications media. He shared
that all authentic living of Christian
Spirituality is based on the word of
God proclaimed, accepted, meditated,
and celebrated upon by the Church. It
could be seen that the close relationship
between God’s Word and joy is evident in
the Mother of God: Mater Verbi et Mater
Iaetita. Mother Mary is blessed because
she had faith. She believed the Word of
God in her womb in order to give Him to
the world.
On DOOR OF THE FAITH, PORTA
FIDEI, Mother Myriam presented three
articles, namely:
Art.4 The New Evangelization for
the Transmission of the Faith. She
challenged the Sisters to know their
Catechism in order to share the faith.
34 |
Art. 7 Caritas Christi Urget Nos. The
love of Christ impels us to evangelize
and our faith grows with the love of
Christ.
Art. 10 Which speaks of a profound
unity between the act by which we
believe and the content to which we give
our assent. The heart indicates that the
first act by which one comes to the faith
is God’s gift and the action of grace
which acts and transforms the person
deep within. Mother Myriam gave Lydia
as an example of faith during St. Paul’s
second missionary journey. She reminded
the Superiors that our Book of Life is
about our apostolic life and it should
draw its inspiration from the life of St.
Paul.
Mother Myriam gave some reminders
for all the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres
through the Superiors who attended
the International Meeting in Cayenne:
The strength of the proclamation of
the Gospel depends entirely on the
community. The SPC Sisters should be
fraternal, apostolic, and women of prayer.
We are a missionary congregation and
our mission is salvation of all men,
especially our community. We are
reminded to live as missionaries. She
also reminded us through our Superiors
that we are Christians in the name of the
Spirit – the Pneumatologic Spirituality.
She invited the Sisters to learn from
the four daring missionary Sisters to
Cayenne and at the same time asked the
Superiors to prepare the missionaries ad
gentes. She also stressed the importance
of the Sisters’ openness to the Holy Spirit
in the practice of discernment.
Faith and mission are the ingredients of a meaningful life
Faith and mission are the
ingredients of a meaningful life
Jessamine Matias (Searcher)
Faith and mission are the ingredients of
a meaningful life. These two go together.
It’s one thing to know our mission. But in
order to commit to it, we must have faith.
God gave us a purpose but it’s still up to
us if we want to say yes to His plans. It’s a
two-way effort.
In celebration of the Feast of the
Immaculate Conception, the Sisters of
St. Paul held their annual vocation camp
at the St. Paul College in Pasig entitiled
“Yes to Faith and Mission.” Ladies, both
young and old attended the event. Some
knew what to expect, some didn’t. But
one thing’s for sure. We were all there
for a reason. When the event began,
the attendees were asked to introduce
themselves. I started to feel nervous. But
then, a voice whispered to me: “Jessa, just
be yourself. Smile. You are my champion.
As it is printed on your shirt.” And that
calmed me down. People fear what they
do not know of. But if one just surrenders
everything to Him and trusts Him as I do
now, everything will make sense. And this
is how I realized my mission - to become
what I was born to be. To bless, heal,
and love. I was thrilled at the thought
that through Him, all of the things that
happened in my life, both happy and sad,
will come to pass. The event went on.
At supper, we ate in a similar fashion
as monks do. It felt nice to experience
eating a simple meal, without neither hint
of grandeur nor indulgence. After that,
the young sisters gave us a performance.
Their performance was as mesmerizing as
their smiles. And deep inside, I knew that
this was their way of showing how happy
they are for saying yes to His call. And
this made me realize that one’s passion
does lead to his/her mission. Not long after that, the sisters had to say
goodbye and went back to the convent.
It was saddening to see them leave but
then Bro. Alvin, a charismatic Malaysian
deacon, remained in their stead. I
remember when he said: “My talk won’t
change you. Even though you will listen
to me for an hour, you will just forget
it. Because only JESUS can change
you.” That made me realize that being
a counselor and servant for those who
are lost won’t necessarily make them
change their ways unless I introduce
Jesus to them. My purpose all along was
to point them to Him and to be the hands
and feet of God. To journey with them
hand in hand. After realizing our faith
and mission, it was time to be reconciled
with Him, we were given an hour to
reflect and talk to God. I love this part
because it’s the application of what we
have learned so far. Being knowledgeable
with the word of God is useless without
putting it into practice. We also had
our bonfire where everyone showed off
their talents and gave praise to God. I
could see the moon clearly that night. I
love looking up to it as it holds so much
meaning to me. Apart from the flower
“Jessamine”, I often compare myself
to the moon. Like the moon, I want to
reflect His light to those who are in the
darkness - just like me before all of this.
God found me when I was lost. I have
sinned, and I was forgiven. This time,
it’s my turn to love my fellow sinners
and take them out from the pit of despair.
We ended the event with a prayer to the
Blessed Virgin Mary and a celebration of
the Holy Eucharist. Of course, this event will not be as
successful without leaving a lesson to me.
And it’s all summed up with the meaning I
have thought of for my name “MA” stands
for Mary, a simple girl who was called by
God to do great things. “Jessamine”, yes
I am a flower that may fade quickly but
with the oil extracted from my past, I shall
turn it into a perfume and spread its sweet
scent of love to others. I may think that I
am a failure but through Him, I shall cast
away all of my worries, my insecurities,
my sadness, my pain. And I shall rise up
again. God said, “You, JESSA, yes you!
You are MINE. “EDUARDO” - a generous
guardian. God have entrusted me with
those who are poor in spirit. And finally,
“MATIAS”. Just like the disciple who bore
this name, I shall proclaim His name. And
they shall call me a gift of God.
| 35
OBITUARIES
The members of the Congregation remain united beyond death through the Communion of
Saints. The Sisters of St. Paul remember in prayer their deceased sisters and recommend them to
God in the course of the liturgy.
Book of Life and Statutes 49
SISTER MARY JAMES TAGUINOD, SPC
+ February 2, 2012
96 years old, 74 years professed.
Died in: SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal
De Oro; Mt. Saint Paul, Pico; UST
Hospital; De La Salle University Medical
Center; SPC Vigil House, Quezon City;
and SPC Vigil House Taytay, Rizal.
Assigned in Notre Dame De Lourdes,
Baguio; St. Paul College Manila;
St. Joseph Hospital; Clinic Singian;
St. Paul Hospital, Iloilo; Perpetual
Succour Hospital,Cebu; St. Paul
College Manila; Our Lady of Chartres
Convent, Antipolo; Manila Doctors
Hospital; Bangkok Thailand; General
Santos Doctors Hospital; St. Paul
University Tuguegarao; Cagayan de
Oro City; Mount St. Paul; St. Augustine
School,Iba; St. William School, San
Marcelino; St. James Hospital, Vigan; De
La Salle University Medical Center; and
SPC Vigil House Taytay, Rizal.
SISTER MARIE CALIXTE
DAGANTA, SPC
+ April 13, 2012
101 years old, 76 years professed.
Died in: St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo City
SISTER XAVIER DE MARIE BUAL, SPC
+ February 3, 2012
74 years old, 49 years professed.
Died in: St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo City
Assigned in Manila Doctors Hospital; St.
Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo; Capiz-RMP Center;
Kabankalan College; St. Paul Convent
and Claret College, Basilan; St. Paul
College Manila; Our lady of Chartres
Convent; Cagayan de Oro; Maramag; St.
Paul College of Quezon City; and Mere
Monique Home.
SISTER MARIA
ILUMINADA TOMAS, SPC
+ February 8, 2012
97 years old, 73 years professed.
Died in: SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal
Assigned in St. Paul’s Hospital, Iloilo;
Notre Dame De Lourdes Hospital,
Baguio; Clinica Singian; Reverview
Hospital; Perpetual Succour Hospital,
Cebu; St. Paul College Manila; Cagayan
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SISTER MADELEINE
SOPHIE RAVELO, SPC
+ June 17, 2012
82 ½ years old, 59 years professed.
Died in: SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal
Assigned in St. Joseph Institute,
Candon; Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres,
Culion; Patronato de Nuestra Seňora
de Loudes; Perpetual Succour Hospital,
Cebu; Our Lady of Chartres Convent,
Antipolo; and Mere Monique Home.
Assigned in Notre Dame de Lourdes
Hospital, Baguio; Manila Doctors
Hospital; Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres,
Culion; Michigan USA; SPCM House of
Studies; St. Joseph Southern Bukidnon
Hospital, Maramag, Maria Reyna
Hospital; Cardinal Santos Medical
Center; UST Hospital; Perpetual Succour
Hospital, Cebu; St. Paul Hospital,
Tuguegarao; SPC Vigil House, Taytay,
Rizal.
SISTER FLORACELI DE JESUS
MARTINEZ, SPC
+ April 21, 2012
92 years old, 68 years professed.
Died in: SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal
SISTER ENRIQUETA
OF THE S.H. FERI, SPC
+ August 11, 2012
97 years old, 70 years professed.
Died in: SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal
Assigned in Notre Dame De Lourdes
Hospital, Baguio; St. Paul’s Hospital,
Iloilo; St. Paul College Quezon City; Our
Lady of Chartres Convent, Antipolo;
Manila Doctors Hospital; St. Paul
College Pasig; and SPC Vigil House
Taytay, Rizal.
Assigned in Clinica Singian; SPC
Tuguegarao; St. Paul College Manila;
St. Paul College Quezon City; Our Lady
of Chartres Convent, Antipolo; SPC
Vigil House, Quezon City; Our lady of
Chartres Home, Calamba; and SPC Vigil
House, Taytay, Rizal.
SISTER TARSILA DE
ST. PAUL VALERA, SPC
+ May 17, 2012
91 ½ years old, 68 years professed.
Died in: SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal
SISTER LUTGARD
of the S.H. RAMIREZ, SPC
+ November 25, 2012, 2012
80 years old, 60 years professed.
Died in: SPC Vigil House, Taytay, Rizal
Assigned in St. Paul School of Aparri;
St. Paul University Tuguegarao; St.
Paul University Dumaguete; St. Paul
College Quezon City; St. Paul College of
Ilocos Sur, Vigan; Our Lady of Chartres
Convent, Antipolo; St. Paul College of
Paraňaque; SPC Vigil House, Quezon
City; and SPC Vigil House Taytay, Rizal.
Assigned in SPC Manila; San Marcelino;
Culion; Our Lady of Chartres Convent;
Polillo; Surallah; Tago; San Antonio and
SPC Vigil House Taytay, Rizal.
SISTER MAURA’S CORNER
Sr. Antoinette de St. Joseph Bengzon, spc
Our Lord gives Sr. Maura lessons in humility. Let us listen to her, then
take time to reflect and learn from her experience.
“Our Lord taught me humility in a very effective way which
I would never forget: Something happened. I knew I was
wrong and I knew that my conscience was right in showing
me what I should have done, and knowing what I should
have done and I did not do it, gave me a heavy and sorrowful
remorse of conscience. But I tried to reason out with myself
in favor of how I acted -- there! was my fault!
“I finally had recourse to Our Lord and these were the lessons
he taught me:
“1. Too much have you discussed with yourself, too late
have you approached me.
“2. You will never have peace with yourself unless
you accept what you have done and what you are.
Humility is the foundation of Peace.
“3. The sooner you humble yourself, the more you are
pleasing to Me because I don’t look at the fault so
much as your courage to humble yourself before Me
and accept what you have done.
“4. Learn from Me because I am meek and humble of
heart.
“5. Have a moment’s pause before speaking or acting, to
see if you are with My Will, which will always be your
guide if you are mindful of Me and the glory of My
Father.
“6. Peace is the fruit of the union of your will with
Mine. You can test if your peace at the moment is
divine by the joy you feel when you have thoroughly
accomplished My will as your conscience tells you.
“7. Be simple. I love to see spontaneous joy and innocent
outburst of happiness and love but at the same time
keep in your mind the dignity which your vocation
calls for.
“8. Be in peace now and be better next time.”
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