The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians celebrated its 136th foundation on August 5, 2008. This momentous day calls for a great celebration for the Philippine Province for the gift-presence of two Golden Jubilarians, two Ruby Jubilarians and six Silver Jubilarians …the province’s gems and jewels!
“Gold carries obvious significance. It is precious across all cultures and times. It is a gift fit for royalty. It was a gift to the Christ child that meant “You will be a King…”
Sr. Maria Luisa E. Lumibao, FMA
Sr. Maria Luisa had her formation years in Japan. After her first Religious Profession on August 5, 1958, she came home to the Philippines and was assigned at Holy Trinity Academy, Balic-balic. In the years 1965 to 1975 she was sent as missionary in Australia. And as balikbayan after ten years, she enjoyed her life in the different communities: Novitiate, Tondo, Punta and Minglanilla. After which, she went to Japan as missionary for ten years among Filipino migrants and is now back to the Philippines for good. Sr. Maria Luisa is a Tarlaqueña. It is in this place where the seed of her religious vocation grew and was fortified like a precious gold that was offered and fully given as a gift to the King of her heart.
Sr. Gloria V. Vicencio, FMA
Sr. Glow, as she is most fondly called by everyone, is a resident of Blumentritt, Mandaluyong City. The eight among ten children, at thirty-four years of age and as a licensed teacher, she joined the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. She had her First Profession in Hong Kong on August 5, 1958. Sr. Glow was first assigned at Holy Trinity Academy, Balic-balic. Some years later, she was transferred to Tondo where she remained for sixteen years. Who in Tondo would not know Sr Glow anyway? It was truly in this place that her great apostolic zeal was fully enkindled. Obedience then called Sr. Glow to move to Mary Help of Christians School – Canlubang and now at present, at Don Bosco Sta. Mesa. But true to her name, Sr. Glow is always radiant like gold that is brilliant and ever glowing.
“He who is already down, fears no fall” is the constant refrain that she gives when asked of her idea forza.
Which color would you spontaneously associate with love and vivacity, passion and power? It is obvious, isn’t it? Red. Red is the colour of love. It radiates warmth and a strong sense of vitality. And red is also the color of ruby, the king of the gemstones. In the fascinating world of gemstones, ruby is the undisputed ruler.
Sr. Ma. Pereluz J. Villanueva FMA
Sr. Marilu, as she is known to all, hails from the land of sugarcane…Victorias! She is one of the first vocations of the oratory in St. Mary Mazzarello School – Victorias.
She was sent to Turin, Italy in 1962 where she had her formation. In 1969, she came home to the Philippines and was assigned at St. Joseph Aspirantate. Later on, she discovered the seed of missionary vocation growing in her heart which she nurtured. Without any doubt, she became most fervent in expressing her desire to be a missionary. Her wish was realized in 1995 when she was sent to work among the Filipino migrants in Japan for 12 years. Truly thankful for the gift of her life and vocation, she wondrously proclaims… “Seek joyfully the Kingdom and the rest will come in abundance.” Indeed, God is Good!!!
Sr. Florita G. Dimayuga, FMA
Sr. Florita, born in Canlubang, Laguna, is the youngest among her five siblings. She entered the Aspirantate of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in 1963. Two years later, she was sent to Turin, Italy for her Postulancy and Novitiate. She made her First Profession on August 5, 1968 in Casanova, Italy. Coming back to the Philippines, she was assigned at Holy Trinity Academy – Balicbalic as Assistant Principal and later on as Community Animator.
Sr. Florita served in the Institute’s Generalate as Secretary to the Councilor for the Missions, Sr. Lina Chiandotto, for thirteen years.
She’s happy to be back in the Philippines as she serves in various ministries: ARELA, preaching retreats and giving spiritual directions ….but most of all, Sr. Florita is a joyful bearer of God’s foreseeing love for the young. “ … and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” ( Jn1:14)
Silver often symbolizes riches, just as gold does. Silver can be glamorous and distinguished. While gray-haired men and women are seen as old, silver-haired denotes a graceful aging. Silver is the color of peace and persistence.
Sr. Ida C. Bermudez, FMA
Sr. Ida grew up in Cabuyao, Laguna, the third of six children of Mr. and Mrs. Marcos Bermudez. She joined the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians as a young professional. After some years of discernment, she totally gave herself to God as she made her First Profession on May 24, 1983. She was first assigned at St. Mary Mazzarello School – Victorias. She took the role of a Community Animator in some houses.
“Remain in my Love” is the glittering line that makes Sr. Ida’s FMA life radiant and ever authentic as she holds on to what is essential…Love for Jesus!
Sr. Malen Estacio, FMA
Sr. Malen is a native of Bataan, the place which is also known as cradle of heroes. The fifth of six children, Sr. Malen was a lay missionary in Thailand and Iran before she entered the Congregation. On May 24, 1983 she made her Religious Profession and was assigned at St. Mary Mazzarello School, Victorias. Her missionary passion was so great that it brought her again to the mission — Cambodia. It is truly in this place that she finds herself at her best for almost sixteen years now.
“ Be joyful in hope, patient in trouble, and persistent in prayer. (Rom 12:12)” …is Sr. Malen’s heartbeat which enables her to live her “silvering” FMA life filled with God’s foreseeing love for the young and for the people entrusted to her care.
Sr. Evelina C. Saludares, FMA
Sr. Evelina, from Pulilio, Quezon, is the fourth of six siblings. She made her First Profession on May 24, 1983 in Canlubang, Laguna. She was then assigned in Punta Princessa, Cebu. In 1990, she applied for the missions and was sent to Kenya and now at present in Zambia. Sr. Evelina is joyfully giving herself at the service of the people of Africa. “Make your home in Me as I make Mine in you…” is the moving force that keeps her apostolic zeal for the mission ever burning for almost 17 years now.
Sr. Elizabeth Villanueva, FMA
Sr. Beth grew up in Makati City. As an active youth in San Ildefonso Parish, she gradually discovered a seed of religious vocation growing in her heart. She asked to join the Institute even if it was against the will of her parents. God’s grace paved a way for her to realize her deepest desire. In 1983, she made her First Profession in Canlubang. Sr. Beth was first assigned in Pius XII Catholic Center Ladies’ Residence. Being the only daughter in the family, she felt the need to be near her parents in their old age. In December of 2001, she asked to be part of the USA Province to be close to her family. At present, she is the Community Animator of the FMA Provincial House in Texas.
Sr. Florencia A. Soberano, FMA
Victorias is a land of sunrise and sunset…a land of love and sweet smiles. True to its nature, Victorias has been giving a good number of vocations to the Salesian Family.
After Sr. Florence’s First Profession in 1983, she was sent to Pius XII Catholic Center Ladies’ Residence as her first community. In 1998, she asked to be a missionary in Cambodia. Coming home to the Philippines, she was assigned in Negros and Canlubang communities. In 2006, Sr. Florence went back to Cambodia and is happily convinced of God’s plan for her…”as certain as the dawn is God’s fidelity.”
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