She came. She saw. She conquered. Yes, the FMA Superior General, Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, came as a Mother visiting her Daughters and their Educating Communities in the Philippines. She saw the needs that arise from the devastation caused by the two most destructive tropical typhoons that hit the country just two weeks before her long-awaited visit. And she conquered the hearts of everyone with her loving presence, which brings timely help and lively hope so much needed by the Filipino people. She made the Sisters and the people feel the love and concern of the whole Institute through her assuring and consoling words and gestures.

Indeed she is tangible sign of hope, like a rainbow that arcs majestically across the sky after the storm, a rainbow reminiscent of the one which appeared after the great floods at Noah’s time for God’s people to remember it as a sign of the renewed Covenant of love with Yahweh.

To celebrate a story of grace is to heed this call to a renewed Covenant with God, who has been loving and guiding the Philippine Province for the past 25 years, and will never cease doing so.

In the context of a national calamity, La Madre’s visit is a concrete expression of God, who continues to love and visit his people to awaken in their hearts a sense of greater responsibility, solidarity and concern for one another.

October 17, 2009 – La Madre’s proposal to modify and simplify our anniversary festivity was a decisive choice for sobriety assumed by the Sisters and their Educating Communities in solidarity with our suffering people, as well as to channel resources instead to augment the relief goods for the calamity victims. The chosen venue for the simple gathering was Canlubang, Laguna, where we have three communities.

The Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by three Salesians was preceded by the solemn dance interpretation of the “La Naval” to commemorate the miraculous naval victory, attributed to Our Lady of the Rosary, by the Spanish-Filipino troops over the Dutch forces in 1646. After this the Provincial Council, the community animators and representatives of the Educating Communities in Laguna accompanied La Madre to visit Barangay (village) 2 in Calamba City, an area badly affected by the floods. After a meaningful prayer with the people, approximately 300 families received relief goods of rice, canned goods, pails and charcoal stoves from Mo. Yvonne’s hands. As a sign of Mary’s motherly presence, Mother Yvonne gifted the community with a statue of Mary Help of Christians, which she entrusted to the barangay chairman, the leader of the local territory. “Mary is our Help and Mother who will always stay with you to guide and protect you” were the words of La Madre which gave the people great consolation, hope, joy and the courage to rebuild their lives.

In the evening, more than a hundred youth leaders, lay and FMA animators coming from different communities in the North gathered for a friendly encounter with La Madre at Don Bosco School in Sta. Mesa, Manila. It was organized by the Youth Pastoral Team to offer the young and the lay animators an intimate experience of dialogue and of prayer with La Madre. In such a very familiar manner, Mother told them that she loves them all and that the Sisters will be sad without them. She likewise challenged them to have a living encounter with Jesus, to weave trust, to build good relationships among them and to be witnesses of joy and hope.  The Taizé prayer was particularly offered for the Filipino people during these difficult moments of trial and suffering. The power of praying together as a community was a force and a source of strength and courage because God is present in history.

October 18, 2009 – A day of celebration and thanksgiving for the 25^th anniversary of the canonical establishment of the St. Mary D. Mazzarello FIL Province! The encounter of the Sisters with La Madre began with a prayer celebration which recalls with gratitude the unfolding of God’s marvels in the history of the Province from its beginnings in 1984 to 2009. In response to the great love of God, and in gratitude for the Institute, the Sisters renewed their vows and offered their commitment, symbolized by the roses they placed at Mary’s feet.

The message of La Madre based on the 22^nd General chapter was a challenge for the Sisters to make the Salesian charism more brilliant and contagious by being living signs of Jesus. It is our faith in him that gives meaning to life, nourishes hope and renders the educative mission truly prophetic. She also invited the Sisters to decisively undertake the journey of conversion and to stake all for the education of young people.

The afternoon was a moment of celebration with the Salesian Family. Representatives of the Salesian Fathers, Salesian Cooperators, Volunteers of Don Bosco, past pupils, the Board of Directors of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, benefactors and a number of young people joined Mo. Yvonne and the Sisters for the Eucharistic Celebration and a simple dinner. Three short multimedia presentations on the history of the Philippine Province, the life of Mo. Yvonne and the FMA relief operations enriched and contextualized the celebration.

A solemn blessing sung and bestowed on Mo. Yvonne by the whole assembly, led by the representatives of the Salesian Family, with their right hands stretched out to pray over her, crowned the Sunday liturgy. This gesture really moved the heart of La Madre!

Greetings, agape, innumerable photos tried to capture the flux of blessing upon blessing in the celebration. Everyone, like Mary, will surely treasure all these in one’s heart with gratitude.

The story of grace continues to be written in many lives touched by this woman who represents Mary among her people. Mo. Yvonne came, saw and conquered hearts, which will never be the same again after a life-changing ENCOUNTER with her.

- Sr. Maria Socorro Bacani -

“MAY BUKAS PA”

By: Sr. Maria Asela B. Chavez, FMA

It’s like a vast sea all around… Some areas in Taytay, Rizal and Pasig City are still submerged (shoulder level) in the dirty flood water brought about by the recent typhoon “Ondoy”. The flood waters have not subsided since then due to problems with the drainage system. The former terminal for jeepneys and tricycles has become a “daungan” (pier or sea port) for the make-shift boats made of plastic containers, drums, styrofore, PVC pipes, airbeds with a piece of wood as flooring and 2-3 chairs on top. They also have an “amphibian” which is actually a “kariton” (wooden cart) with little wheels below but floats on water. It’s really Pinoy Henyo (Pinoy’s ingenuity and creativity) in times of calamities and disasters.

As an act of solidarity to our suffering brethren, Sr. Sarah Garcia, FMA together with some sisters (Sr. Lanie, Sr. Cathy, Sr. Aileen, Sr. Ernielyn, Sr. Mendy, Sr. Asela), parents (Mr. and Mrs. Canto and Mrs. Precy Guerrero) as well as Aling Eden (DBS service operator), her drivers and conductors went all the way to Taytay and Pasig to bring some relief goods to the typhoon victims in Centennial II in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City (the place of Virgilio, one of our lay staff in DBS) last October 4, 2009, Sunday. We went there because the place is located in the innermost part and relief goods are not being distributed there.  The Sisters and our women companions rode joyfully in these make-shift boats which took us almost an hour to get there passing through Taytay, Rizal since it’s flooded all over Pasig City. Even if the flood waters are still on the waist and shoulder level inside their homes, life still goes on. The stores, barbershops, markets and some computer shops are still open. There are even kids, submerged in the flood waters, selling banana cue in the streets. It’s “business as usual”.

In spite of the very depressing scenes in their place, the children are still very happy “swimming” around and diving from their roof tops. Every person, young and old, we meet along the way are still “all smiles” and greet us along the way. They can still laugh, make fun and deliver jokes in spite of what happened to them. Not a single word of complaint or grumbling comes out from their lips. They don’t dramatize things. They’re even very grateful for the presence of the Sisters, saying “Salamat po sa pagdamay nyo sa amin” (Thanks for being one with us). On our way home, some men were singing the song entitled “May Bukas Pa” (There’s still hope tomorrow). It is the title of the very popular TV show about a little boy “Santino” and his close friend “Bro” (none other than Our Lord Jesus Christ) who made miracles in the lives of every person they encounter.

Perhaps this is also the secret of the unwavering hope and joyful disposition of the Filipino people in spite of: the TRUST IN THE LOVE AND CARE OF GOD…

“KAHIT ANO’NG MANGYARI, HINDI KAMI PABABAYAAN NI BRO…”

October 5, 2009 (Manila)

Relief operations for flood victims are on-going at Don Bosco School, Sta. Mesa, Manila since last September 26, 2009.  Last October 1, the Salesian Sisters conducted a formative  activity named “Women’s Day”.  A total of 700 mothers, grandmothers, and young women gathered at the school hall for a short program consisting of prayer service, sharing of experiences, games,  and gift-giving.

The following day’s schedule is called “Men’s Day” for a total of 400 fathers, grandfathers, and young men with the same program conducted for the “Women’s Day” and Saturday (October 3, 2009) was “Children’s Day” for 500 kids.  The homogenous groupings facilitate the nature of the formative activity and the types of relief goods to be distributed to them.

Last October 2, three groups of Salesian Sisters, formands, volunteers from parents, teachers, and students distributed relief goods in Araneta Avenue (5 kilometers from the FMA Provincial House),  San Mateo, Rizal (24 kilometers from Manila), Cainta, Rizal (15 kilometers from Manila).  In Araneta, 100 bags were given while  San Mateo and Cainta, got 400 and 500 bags, respectively.

October 4, Sunday, 160 bags of relief were distributed in Montalban and 200 bags in Pinagbuhatan, Pasig.   Part of Montalban has no electricity and water yet and still cleaning up the thick mud that covered up to the roof of houses.  Aside from no water and electricity, a big portion of Pinagbuhatan, Pasig is still under water up to 4 feet deep.

Donations in cash and in kind are pouring in both locally and  abroad daily benefitting 750 families from the neighborhood and some places reached out as needed.  Volunteers mainly from the students, teachers, and parents of Don Bosco School come everday on an average of 100 persons to assist the 22 Salesian Sisters who are directly involved in the operation.

MANILA AND 25 PROVINCES SUBMERGED IN WATER

Provincial House, Philippine Province, September 28, 2009

The nine-hour deluge across Manila on Saturday, 26 September 2009,  submerged houses, turned highways and roads into raging rivers that swept away shanties and cars, forced fearful residents to seek refuge on rooftops or cars, where they waited for more than 24 hours. It has also paralyzed business and transportations, likewise causing widespread blackouts. It is the heaviest rainfall in Metro Manila and 25 provinces in Luzon, the worst in more than four decades brought by the tropical typhoon “Ketsana”.  Some areas were literally left under up to 20 feet of water, forcing the government to declare a “state of calamity.” Death toll is approximately a hundred (as of September 28, 2009) while more than 400,000 lost their homes This is another unforgettable experience for the whole Filipino nation that calls for concrete gestures of solidarity, giving concrete face to the foreseeing love of God!

With God’s providence, all FMA communities were safe and unaffected except for the basement dormitory of the Sisters at the Provincial House which, for the first time, suffered from unexpected rise of water up to one foot.  Some of the Sisters’, teachers’ personnel’s families were badly hit by this calamity; they lost everything in the water and mud that swept their houses.

As necessitated by the situation, the communities of Don Bosco School in Sta. Mesa, Manila and the Provincial House gave immediate response to the needs of 150 displaced families from the neighborhood by generously opening its door as an evacuation center. The houses of these families which are made of plywood and cardboards were submerged in water when the filthy river of garbage and trash overflowed in an instant!  They were left helpless and homeless and tried to save their lives, especially their children, by wading through the water that kept rising with the continuous rains.  Some families who have higher houses opted to stay while others were trapped on their rooftops and had to brave the night soaked in the cold. The Sisters generously went out of their way to prepare the school hall, laid cardboards and sacks to temporarily warm their bodies.  Foods were continuously served to feed them and the stranded students, teachers and some parents. The people in turn endlessly express their gratitude to the Sisters for the goodness and benevolence shown to them.  When the waters have subsided a bit, a number of Sisters went around the affected area nearby to see the reality and know what else could be done. The people approached them and spontaneously shared their fears, anxieties and pains they went through that Saturday night. Along the street, a young man in all simplicity asked: “Sisters, why are you so good to us?” The Sister spontaneously answered him: “Because we are followers of Jesus and we do this in His name…in His love for you.”

On that same Saturday, as many people were left stranded and transportations stuck up due to impassable roads and highways, 47 of our fourth year high school students from Mary Help of Christians School, Mabalacat, Pampanga, were also stranded at the Vincentian Seminary Retreat House in Angono, Rizal (30 kilometers east of Manila)  for two days now. They had just ended their three-day retreat with Sr. Ravena Dominguez and Miss Lea Dasigan and could not go home since all roads along that area were still flooded.  The Provincial Vicar and Animator of Mabalacat community, Sr. Mabel Pilar, was about to fetch the girls at Angono, Rizal accompanied by Sr. Carina Chavez but they too had to spend the whole day and whole night of Saturday till Sunday morning stranded at the North Expressway, unable to reach the place where the students are.  They arrived safely at the Provincial House early Sunday morning saddened by what they witnessed with their own eyes during the long trip.

Nothing would be more concrete than this moment that calls us out of our comfort zones. Most of our communities in collaboration with our mission partners and some generous Past Pupils continue to organize and raise fund drives in the name of our suffering people. The more immediate needs are food, clothing, mats and blankets. We would like to request for everybody’s solidarity in prayers, cash or kind.  Those who wish to help may get in touch with the Provincial Vicar of Philippine Province, Sr. Mabel Pilar at belpilar@yahoo.com or the Provincial Secretary, Sr. Melanie Pilar at laniefma@yahoo.com in the absence of  the Provincial Superior and Economer who are both in Korea for the CIAO meeting. We are all grateful for your concern and prompt solidarity at this point in time.

DAUGHTERS OF MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS

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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The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians celebrated its 136^th 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.”

Through prayers, advocacies, and presence, the FMAs actively uphold the truth in two of the more hot social issues besetting the country today — the Lozada witnessing in the ZTE scandal and the Sumilao farmers’ cause to regain their land.  It is significant to note the position of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) and the Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP) where the FMA Philippine Province is a member of both.  AMRSP says (excerpt):  “We thank God for having been given the rare privilege of taking an active part in the triumph of truth over lies in a culture of fear and moral bankcruptcy.  We believe Jun Lozada is only an example of what is happening in our government institutions.  We humbly recognize that God, in His mysterious ways had made us his instrument in enabling Jun Lozada to come out with his historic revelation to the Press and to the Senate; we consider him a modern David confronting a Goliath… Let us heed the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for communal action:  Truth hurts.  Truth reveals.  But the truth must be served.  The truth will set our country free…  This truth challenges us now to communal action…”

CEAP says (excerpts) :  “Following his conscience, Rodolfo Lozada Jr. these days has revealed possible corruption in the handling of government contracts.  His confession has stirred memories of other allegations by other people of graft and greed in the government, and is shaking the souls of many to speak and act in response.  What of us, the CEAP, an association of 1,252 schools, colleges, and universities with at least 2 million students and around 120,000 school personnel and faculty?  We too must speak, we too must act…   In tandem with the CBCP we invite our member schools and their constituents, our alumni and friends individually and communally to pray for guidance on what to do in these times of tension and difficulty…. We encourage the establishment of truth centers in our schools so that our students, teachers, and staff are led to continuing awareness, reflection, and formation toward social-political engagement…”

On the Sumilao Farmers, last February 11 and 12, Don Bosco School Community provided home to them and invited them to pray with and speak to the Sisters, students, and staff on issues of the land taken from them.  This is a concrete step of solidarity and getting the FMAs and their constituents engaged in supporting the cry of the poor when the government fails to move.  The Sumilao farmers have the right to their 144-hectare ancestral land now taken over by a big business firm.  The Catholic Church continues to support their cause especially through Bishop Pabillo, SDB and the Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan by the Ateneo de Manila University of the Jesuits.

Partihan 2007, the Annual Christmas Party for Streetchildren organized by the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc.  of the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, was held last December 15, 2007 from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Museo Pambata, Roxas Blvd., Manila.  Some 1,500 streetchildren graced the Christmas party which started with the celebration of the Holy Mass followed by the cantata, entrance to the museum, and gift-giving.  Thanks to our generous benefactors who made this event possible:

1. The Laura Vicuña Foundation Board of Directors, especially the President, Sr. Alice Fulgencio, FMA and the Vice-President, Justice Ricardo Puno, Sr.
2. Mr. Joey & Mrs. Marissa Concepcion
3. Ms. Joey Sison
4. Mr. Paquito Dizon
5. Ms. Marilen Espiritu
6. Ms. Josie Tan
7. Ms. Vicky Cuisia
8. Mr. John & Mrs. Lucille Mower
9. St. Paul College of Parañaque – High School Batch ‘75
10. Assumption College – High School Batch ‘79
11. Ms. Maria Araneta Fores
12. Dusit Hotel
13. Mr. Anthony Suntay

October 27, 2007

At this late stage of my life spanning well over eight decades, I have had the distinct privilege of facing audiences of all ages, of different nationalities, of divergent stations in life, occupations, and vocations… from young students to professionals, from Asians to Europeans and Americans, from teen-agers to married couples, fjrom lawyers to doctors, from judges to justices, from consuls to ambassadors, from priests to bishops and archbishops.

But this is my first time, I have been invited to address an impressive gathering of religious Sisters – and I have never prayed harder than I have ever prayed before in preparation for this evening’s “Good Night Talk”.

A “Good Night Talk” – that was what Sr. Alice called it in her “Letter of Instructions” dated September 12, 2007.  It is also the very first time, I get very kind and specific written directions for my talk, defining my topic, and strictly limiting my speech to only “thirty minutes”.  I humbly and respectfully obey.  When I was a young professor teaching “Public Speaking” during my early twenties, I used to emphasize to my students that the worst fate that can befall any speaker is when his audience falls asleep.  Tonight, however, I have a strangely different mission — I shall be a dismal failure if my talk does not put you all to sleep in thirty minutes.

The theme for your XXII General Chapter Convention is:  “Called to be, today, sign and expression of the foreseeing love of God”.

The message more simply is:

“God is love”.  Love is often described as “giving, giving, and giving, until nothing more is left to give.”

You are here tonight, dear Sisters, because you gave God all that you have, and all that you are, and all that will ever be in your life here and hereafter.  But Scripture tells us that God cannot be outdone in generosity because God so loved us that He gave up His life for us.

On your part, you have given up the privilege, the pleasure and the comfort of your family home, to live, to work and to pray in unity, in togetherness, and in collaboration as a spiritually consecrated community.

While love does reign within the family circle, the love within your Salesian community spreads out its blessings in a larger measure because it transcends the limits of house walls, it effaces national boundaries and it completely encompasses the whole wide world of Salesians united in love.

Love can be received only when it is first given.  Love can be given back only after it has first been communicated.  The givers and the gifts must mutually come from opposite ways, and meet together from converging directions — love is not a one-way street.

Love is mutually felt, mutually manifested and mutually expressed.  I remember my father’s constant reminder.  Whenever we, his children, kissed him in parental greeting, he never failed to kiss us back.  I once dared to ask him why, and he replied:  “When you kiss me, you are saying that you love me.  I kiss you back to tell you that I love you, too.”

The ideal that governs your life in the sacred vocation you have embraced is to become “Mary-like”.  But our Blessed Mother taught us the simple and humble way of salvation, when in the wedding feast at Cana, Mary told us: “Do whatever He tells you.” (Jn. 2, 5)

Hence, to be “Mary-like”, we must also be “Christ-like”.  And so, like Christ you have indeed become devoted teachers of the young and loving providers for the poor.

The primary meaning of poverty is lack of money.  In that aspect, our country is over-populated by the poor.  But to St. Ignatius of Loyola, poverty does not only mean deprivation of material resources.  Poverty includes the poor in health, those distressed by human ugliness, those afflicted with physical disability, those suffering from failures, from cruelty, from maltreatment, from dire misery.

As teachers of our youth, like Christ and like Mary, you instill in young children the moral values and intellectual perspectives, the basic concepts of right and wrong, the commandments of rights and obligations, the religious tenets of a clean conscience.

As dedicated providers for the poor.  Like Christ and Mary, you participate in the guidance and support of the suffering masses towards the solution of psychological problems, the diminution of their dismal misfortunes, the guidance of their faltering steps towards proper equilibrium, and their attainment of social stability.

All these guidelines of action, all your missions of responsibility, all your philosophies of spiritual service to the youth and to the poor will be tragic frustrations unless they all become parts of your lives, parts of yourselves, unless you give and give, and give until there is nothing left to give. 

In fine, that is what it means to be “Mary-like”, to be “Christ-like”.  That is how we attain the PEACE we seek for ourselves, and the PEACE we strive to attain for others.

One who is not at peace with his or her conscience, cannot bring peace to the conscience of others.

What one knows, what one believes in, what one is — always find reflection in what we do, in what we say, in how we live.

You finally found PEACE, and Heaven began for you when you left home to be a Salesian.  You offered your earthly life, you sacrificed your entire past, present, and future human roles as loving daughter, faithful wife and caring mother, when you solemnly pledged to embrace your religious vows. 

In your new house of prayer, you have assumed your eternal roles.  You are the daughter of Blessed Mary, you are the spouse of Christ the Lord, and you are the Mother of the Holy Child Jesus.

Always remember in your minds and in your hearts that this doctrine, this mystery, and this reality of Jesus Christ still appearing to us today both as the Blessed Baby from Bethlehem and as the Risen Christ from Calvary, was solely intended and specially meant by Almighty God for each and everyone of you.

The life you chose is truly Heaven on Earth.  It is in fact Eternity in Time.

 Dear Sisters, Good Night and many flights of angels join you in your dreams.