Last February 14, 2009, the Provincial Educating Community Gratitude Day Celebration, ended the mystery and suspense we had to grapple with everyday, waiting for who would be the next FMA Provincial Superior! When Sr. Alice Fulgencio announced the name of Sr. Sarah B. Garcia, jubilant reactions immediately altered the moments ago quizzical look on the faces of the Sisters.
Sr. Sarah hails from Canlubang, Laguna. She was born on March 7, 1958 from Juan Garcia and the late Margarita Bawagan. She began her Aspirantate on May 31, 1974 at the age of 16. She was then on her third year in high school at Sta. Cecilia Catholic School. She had her first profession on May 24, 1979 in Canlubang and her perpetual profession on August 5, 1985 in Nizza Monferrato, Italy.
After her first profession in 1979, she was assigned at the Ladies’ Residence in Pius XII Catholic Center and took her Bachelor of Science in Education at Philippine Normal University. She was then transferred to Victorias where she taught at St. Mary Mazzarello School. It did not take long, she was sent to study in Rome where she earned her Licenza in Scienza dell’Educazione (Catechetica) at Auxilium – Pontificiá Facoltá di Scienze dell’Educazione. Coming back after five years in Rome, she was assigned for a year to teach in the Novitiate, then another year as Animator at Mary Help of Christians School.
The dynamics of events shaped and prepared her for bigger responsibilities. She became the Formator of Novices for 9 years then spent 12 years as missionary in Cambodia. Her faith and zeal never waned.
Last February 15, a day after the announcement, she stepped on Philippine soil, greeted by a good number of Sisters at the airport. She was probably still shaking off the shock and surprise but her face managed well a lovely smile.
After her five-day meeting with the Provincial Council and the Community Animators, she flew back to Cambodia but will be back again soon and for good.
The Holy Spirit finely articulated the answer to the most pressing needs of the Province. We look forward to a bright picture we will be piecing together with Sr. Sarah Garcia!
- – - Sr. Debbie S. Ponsaran, FM A
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