The FMA Lifeline is the official news magazine of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (also known as the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco) in the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. FMA stands for Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice, the official Italian name of the Congregation founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello in 1872 in Mornese, Italy.
The FMA Institute is a great educational, communication, and evangelizing Network with realities that are at the local, province, interprovincial, and world levels, in synodality with Salesian, civil, and Ecclesial Entities and Organizations that render visible the Salesian charismatic mission.
Today, almost 11,000 FMA are present in 98 Nations in the 5 Continents as 67 Provinces and 5 Preprovinces and 9 Interprovincial Conferences.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Sr. Claudia Mae Deypalan, FMA
Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA
Sr. Nora Hernandez, FMA
Layout Artist: Lady Lee Allego
On the Cover
The celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute highlighted the renewal of the “yes” of fidelity of each FMA to the Covenant of love with God as a sign of communion for the entire Institute and of witness for young people and the Educating Communities.
EDITOR’S NOTE
“Remembering the grace of the origins, courage, let us go forward with a big and generous heart!” were the words of Mother Chiara in her opening letter in preparation for the official celebration of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the FMA Institute: 1872–2022. Now that all the festivities have passed, these words become a strong reminder to forge ahead with much generosity. The three-year journey of preparation for this celebration was a beautiful experience of deepening and rediscovering Mary Domenica Mazzarello in her identity as a young woman and in the prophetic dimensions of her spirituality and mission that was a generative force of Don Bosco’s charism. This is what each Educating Community of the Province celebrated, which this Lifeline issue hopes to capture. Other special events in the Province that are also included are: MHCC@50; drafting of the Formative Iters; start of onsite formation encounters; successful re-accreditations of our schools and institutions; and the six-year provincial planning. These activities are done at this time of the post-pandemic transition from the tremendous limitations that COVID-19 brought to the world. We face the new challenge of coping with the ‘new normal’ of life. With enthusiasm, we go forward with a big and generous heart. It is moving forward with a firm focus on God, to whom we give our “yes” of fidelity to His covenant of love.
Sr. Claudia Mae Deypalan, FMA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Message from the Provincial Superior
2-4 FMA @150 Commemorative Celebration Activities
5 6-Year Provincial Planning
6 Drafting of the Formative Iters of the different age groups: Juniorate, Early Adulthood, Middle Adulthood, Later Adulthood, and Community Animators
7 New Frontier: Mission in Taytay, Palawan / New Missionaries: Sr. Carmencita Rodriguez, FMA and Sr. Eustacia Mendoza, FMA are part of the 145th Missionary Expedition of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
8 Papua New Guinea News
9-10 PEC General Assembly 2022 / PEC Gratitude Day 2023
11 VIDES Updates / Book Launching
12 LVF Updates / Past Pupils’ Activities / In Memoriam
13 Annual Retreat / Emmaus Webinar / Day of Spirituality
14 FMA FIL Annual General of Assembly of FMA Economers and Treasurers
15 CIAO Provincials’ Meeting in Thailand / CIAO Formation Team in Vietnam / Online Encounter with Sr. Nilza of Provincial Council and Animators of CIAO
16 ISS-FMA Asia and Africa Webinar / CIAO Online Youth Encounter
17 In-Person and Online International Convention in Rome on the Contribution of the FMA in Education / Salesian Family Spirituality Days (World & EAO)
18 Moving Forward for the MISSION
19 MHCC 50th Anniversary Celebration
20 Aspirants, Postulants, Novices, and Temporary Professed Sisters
21 Anniversaries of Religious Profession
For more news and information, visit our social media accounts: https://www.facebook.com/SalesianSistersofDonBosco PhilippinesPapuaNewGuinea/ (with QR Code) https://www.youtube.com/user/fmasoccom/featured https://www.instagram.com/salesiansistersdonbosco.ph.png/
FROM THE PROVINCIAL
Dear Sisters, officers of the Provincial Educating Community Core Group, officers and members of the Provincial Educating Communities, members of the Salesian Family, and especially all our young people, live Jesus and Mary!
“We cannot leave to tomorrow the good we must do today,” according to the rector major. He has reminded all of us that the family of Don Bosco is called to be leaven to the human family. Without the laity, especially the members of the Salesian Family, how can we reach the human family and respond to their needs, especially the needs of the young people today? How can we be yeast to the human family?
Yeast in itself dies. But when mixed with flour, it becomes leaven for the bread. In his message on October 25, 2016, Pope Francis asks, “what is the attitude that the Lord asks us to have so that we can be leaven that the Kingdom of God may grow and be bread for everyone?” The answer is clear: it is “docility”. It is “docibilitas”.
Our GCXXIV calls us to be in a continuous attitude of docibilitas, in listening to the Spirit, in the search for solutions to unlearn-learn-relearn. The need for formation has to be rooted in the concreteness of reality, in our own context unifying the different dimensions of the person and enabling growth in the integration of one’s life in every stage of the journey.
We can be yeast to the whole human family if we grow in docility to the strength of the Holy Spirit. The flour ceases to be flour and becomes bread, as it is docile to the strength of the yeast. “The yeast is left to mix with the flour”. And even though “flour does not have sentiments”, we know that in allowing it to be “kneaded”, there is “some pain”, as there is later when you “allow it to be baked”. The same dynamic is found, the Pope said, regarding the Kingdom of God. As “the flour is docile to the yeast”, and “grows”, so too does the kingdom of God: “The man and the woman who are docile to the Holy Spirit grow and are a gift for everyone.”
We must “ask for the grace of docility to the Holy Spirit”. Indeed, we are often “docile to our whims, our judgments”, and many time we think: “I can do things the way I want it, I can do what I want”. But “the Kingdom does not grow in this way”, and “we ourselves do not grow”. It is, rather, “docility to the Holy Spirit that will make us grow and transform as the yeast of the Holy Spirit”. Dear friends, members of the Salesian Family and our Educating Communities, let us be yeast. Let us allow Jesus to expand our hearts so that we will be docile to his promptings and continue transforming our yeast into leaven for the human family. And as we commit ourselves to say Yes to be Yeast, to be leaven in our Educating Communities and the Salesian Family, may seeds of happy and holy vocations in the Church, in our Institute, and most of all in our province grow.
Sr. Teresita C. Padron, FMA
FMA @150:
COMMEMORATIVE
After the 9-month intensive preparation of the FIL Educating Communities, the FMA@150 celebrations officially took off on August 5, 2022, the day commemorating the 150 th anniversary of the Institute’s foundation. The whole Province tuned-in to Mary Help of Christians College in Canlubang, Laguna for the Eucharistic Celebration of seven FMA Jubilarians: Sr. Concepcion Ayuyao (60th), Sr. Cecilia del Mundo (not physically present), and Sr. Rosita Flores (50th), Sr. Maria Nancy Esmero, Sr. Carmelita Meman, Sr. Teresita Saludares, and Sr. Marivic Sombero (40th). His excellency Most Reverend Buenaventura Famadico, D.D., Bishop of San Pablo, presided over the liturgical celebration. The meaningful ritual prescribed by the institute was done at the beginning. The symbolic key was transferred from one PEC delegate to another. As a final gesture of dedicating the province to Mary, Sr. Teresita Padron, Provincial Superior, set it at the foot of our Our Blessed Mother’s statue. Both the in-person and online FMA participants renewed the vows together.
TREE Planting
On August 13, 2022, a commemorative tree-planting was held at Barangay San Juan, Antipolo City, to mark the 150th anniversary of the FMA Institute’s foundation. The Don Bosco School FMA Community worked with the Salesianity Team of the FMA-FIL Province to lead the initiative. The Department of Energy and Natural Resources (DENR) provided 150 nonfruit bearing tree seedlings which were planted along the perimeter of the lot.
COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES
While each Educating Community in the province made their own celebrations locally, the province’s celebration of the 150th FMA Foundation Anniversary was highlighted with the thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration and luncheon program held on October 15, 2022, at the St. John Bosco Parish, Makati and the Savio Dome with the representatives of the Provincial Educating Community and the Salesian Family. It was an onsite and online gathering.
The communities in Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby, Sideia and Tapo, celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the foundation of the FMA Institute together with their respective Educating Comunities and guests from the local community, benefactors, religious orders and Salesian Family. Creatively and with much joy, the celebrations highlighted the Marian theme,
“Mary Walks With Us,” with a touch of the culture of the people.
Port Moresby Community
Papua New Guinea Communities
Tapo Community
Alotau Sideia Island Community
The FMA @150: COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES
The 150th anniversary of the Institute was celebrated by the Communities in the other islands of the Philippines with their own Educating Communities highlighting the Sisters’ renewal of vows in the Holy Mass and a tribute of thanksgiving to the origins.
Cebu Communities
Palawan Community
Mindoro Community
Victorias Community
Bacolod Community
Six-Year Provincial Planning
The Provincial delegates for the six-year Provincial Planning gathered in Mornese Center of Spirituality, Calamba City, Laguna on June 23, 2022, the solemnity of St. John the Baptist’s birth. On-site participants were 41 sisters, along with 2 lay mission partners. Also present were Sr. Teresita Padron, Provincial Superior, and her council, and all community animators. There were 7 online participants. The Eucharistic celebration marked the start of the day. During the opening invocation prepared by Sr. Cynthia Calabig, FMA, the group reaffirmed their baptismal consecration and religious commitment. They also prayed for the assistance of the Holy Spirit and His gifts throughout these times of planning and discernment.
Formative Iter Drafting of the
of the different age groups: Juniorate, Early Adulthood, Middle Adulthood, Later Adulthood, and Community Animators
From September 2022 to April 2023, the Formation Team facilitated the revisit of the FMA FIL Formative Iter 2010-2015 of the different groups: Juniorate, Early Adulthood, Middle Adulthood, Later Adulthood, and Community Animators. The Sisters undertook this process in order to make a new Formative Iter that is more relevant. With the help of video call meets it was enriching to be able to spend more time encountering each other for a deeper discussion per group. This was crucial in identifying the formative needs that are valid for each age group vis-a-vis the Priority Choices of the 24th General Chapter and also the Guidelines for the Formation of the New Animators for the group discussion of the Community Animators. In drawing the formative paths, we hope to help each Sister in the authentic living out of the Salesian Consecrated life and the effective implementation of the mission entrusted to their care.
Taytay, Palawan | Four FMA Sisters, namely, Sr. Maria Teresa Lorenzo, Sr. Melanie Pilar, Sr. Shane Orpilla and Sr. Ernielyn Deypalan have been designated to form part of the ‘ad experimentum’ community in Taytay, Palawan in July 2022. It will be an “extended” community of Casa Laura Vicuña in Macarascas, Puerto Princesa, Palawan which is four hours drive or 180 km. away. This is one of our Province’s response to the call of the Institute to be “Mornese outgoing”--- to be “prophetic missionary communities”.
This bold move will bring the FMA Sisters to serve in some of the poorest communities in the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay, Palawan upon the invitation of Most Reverend Bishop Broderick Pabillo, the current Apostolic Vicar, and the approval of the FMA Superior General, Mother Chiara Cazzuola and her Council.
They will help in the Catechetical Ministry and in other pastoral needs of the Apostolic Vicariate which includes 22 parishes in the territories of Northern Palawan; Agutaya, Araceli, Busuanga, Coron, Culion, Cuyo, Dumaran, El Nido, Linapacan, Magsaysay, Roxas, San Vicente and Taytay.
For the 145 th Missionary Expedition of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the 153 rd Salesian Missionary Expedition, the FIL province was blessed to be represented by Sr. Carmencita Rodriguez, FMA and Sr. Eustacia Mendoza, FMA. This year of grace also brought back Sr. Ravena Dominguez, FMA to the missions and Sr. Mylene Sanchez, FMA for studies in Italy.
PNG News
2nd Laudato Si Youth Camp
Be the Salt and Light to CARE for our Mother Earth
| by Gabriella Lapan, Office Administration NC 2 trainee
On April 21st 2023 at exactly 3:00pm, the students and staff of Mary Help of Christians Vocational Education Training FODE Centre (MHCVETFC) started gearing up to warmly welcome their fellow campers for the 2nd Laudato Si Youth Camp themed, “Be the Salt and Light to CARE for our Mother Earth” at the Don Bosco Technological Institute gym hosted by MHCVETFC. This event was coordinated by the Youth Camp committee, together with Sr. Trinh Thuy Phuong, FMA and Ms. Mayette Carvajal. I was fortunate enough to assist in the registration with our teachers and welcome the young campers. And to show the true Salesian family spirit, the students of MHCVETFC welcomed the campers with dances, fun games and many more. The number of participations of the camp was more than the registration of last year which shows how the young are willing to learn about their COMMON HOME.
Campers United in the Eucharist
| by Amanda Lomoi, Office Administration NC 2 trainee
On the 2nd day of the Camp, we celebrated International Earth Day with a solemn Holy Mass in the garden. The MHCVETFC students, teachers and staff were the choir. The celebrant, Fr. Edward Magbago, OCarm, talked about how PNG is so blessed with all the natural resources and how we are spared from natural disasters compared to other countries. He convinced us that we should really put Laudato SI’ into action to make sure our country (common home) is safe from all manmade abuses of our nature for the next generations to come.
LAUDATO SI in Action
| by Heautani Babona, OA NC 2 trainee
The campers came from four different Schools and Parishes: MHCVETFC, Kilakila Secondary, Butuka Academy and Bavaroko Primary with St Joseph Parish, Holy Rosary Parish, Holy Name of Jesus Parish and Mary Help of Christians Sabama Parish. Laudato Si’ in action was done by the Campers in Bavaroko Primary School as they segregated rubbish, dug a rubbish pit, tilled around the flower beds, raked rubbish from the school area, and planted various plants around the school.
PIONEER GRADUATES
“Let every stitch be an act of love for God.” Mother Mazzarello.
This quote from Mother Mazzarello was the graduation theme of the ten mothers who completed the 8-week basic sewing course last 29th of April 2023 as pioneer trainees of the Mary Help of Christians Training Centre. The Tapo parish priest Fr. Paul Tabalar, MSC and the ward member of Tavui No. 2 Mr. Raphael Philippo were special guests during graduation.
The offer of a basic sewing course is part of the project “Promotion of women’s empowerment and environmental protection” funded by Misean Cara, an Irish organization that the Bl. Maria Troncatti community in Tapo, Kokopo City, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea collaborates with, along with other benefactors and friends. The government sector appreciates very much the great work that the FMA Community is doing and so the sisters hope that the government will support this project with the necessary help for the benefit of women and families in the society of the East New Britain Province. On the other hand, the Church sector expresses its support for this project through the promotion of it in the parish and by providing the community some help to complete its facilities.
Sr. Bui Thi Haoi Yen Maria, FMA was the trainer of the eight weeks course. The other Sisters of the community also shared different inputs each day of the week on Personal Development, Human Rights, Salesian Spirituality, Environmental Protection, Catechesis and Gospel sharing. The cooking course will also begin with Sr. Juliet de Leon,
See Our Interconnectedness
| by Leila Baoroba, Office Administration NC 2 trainee
What interested me the most during the Laudato Si Youth Camp was the talk given by Father Angel Sanchez, SDB. He said that all the creatures are interconnected. Human beings are created above plants and animals as we’re intelligent beings, therefore, we can discern right from wrong so it is our duty to look after these creatures in a rightful manner. As we are interconnected, what treatment we give to these creatures will affect us. The input delivered was really interesting and easy to understand. The campers who attended the camp understood how important it is to care for Mother Earth.
PEC General Assembly and Election of New Officers
Under the theme “Say YES become YEAST,” the PEC Gratitude Day to thank Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA, was held last February 18, 2023 at the Mary Help of Christians College in Canlubang. Rev. Fr. Gerry Martin, SDB, the Provincial of SDB North Province, officiated the Eucharistic Celebration. As yeast in the human family, the presentation emphasized the good work done by each EC sector. It was also a chance to say “thank you” to them. Online and in-person presentations were combined, and everyone enjoyed receiving treats and souvenirs. The day was filled with activities and fun games, with the awarding ceremony and photo ops as its climax. Many thanks to the PECCG for organizing the momentous gathering. Let’s
“Impact Now” was the theme of the PEC Assembly held last November 30, 2022. It was held online via Zoom and onsite in Don Bosco School, Manila. Sr. Teresita Padron gave the welcome message and a talk was given by Rev. Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB on the “Implications of the Global Compact on Education by Pope Francis to Salesian Education” and by Mr. Anthony Galon on the “Whys and Hows of Waste Segregation”. The election of the new PECCG officers was done in the conference room in the afternoon.
The new PECCG (Provincial Educating Community Core Group) Officers
Vice Chairperson 2 (Non-Basic Ed): Ms. Josielyn Hugo (LVF social worker)
Secretary: Mr. Bryan Tubino (MHCC teacher)
Treasurer: Mr. Ronan Vergara (MHCC parent)
PRO: Ms. Schenley Abe (DBS teacher)
Auditor: Mrs. Cynthia Chavez (MHCS-Cebu parent)
Youth Representatives: Juztine Peralta II (MHCSCebu student), Kirsten Chayenne Pamintuan (MHCS-Mab student), Marguerite Isobel Borja (MHCC student), Patricia Armin Zeia San Agustin (DBS student), and the appointed delegates: Sr. Javy Romanos, FMA (FMA Delegate) and Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA (Provincial Council Representative).
Blessing of Hugo Perez Elementary School Shelter
On March 24, 2023, the Hugo Perez Elementary School Annex hosted the Thanksgiving Mass and turn-over ceremony of the newly constructed school shelter sponsored by ACTS-Singapore in partnership with VIDES Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. The day was certainly a celebration of many months of hard work. It began with the ribbon cutting led by ACTS Team leader Bernard Goh, Ms. Merle Baybay, District Supervisor of the Department of Education (DepEd), and Dr. Randy Punzalan, Asst. Superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd). This was followed by the blessing of the facility and the unveiling of a simple marker or plaque of gratitude. The Eucharistic celebration was officiated by Rev. Father Andy Lubi, Rector of Saint Augustine Major Seminary.
VIDES Philippines would like to thank everyone who contributed to the construction of this school shelter: ACTS Singapore represented by their Chairperson, Dr. Gladys Wong, Mr. Bernard, and Mrs. Shirley Goh; FMA Philippines headed by Rev. Mother Provincial, Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA.
Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco (FMA Provincial Economer) and Sr. Melanie Pilar (FMA VIDES Chairperson); and Mr. Tony Ramos for directing the shelter’s construction with love and dedication.
Welcome to VIDES Pinoy, Sr. Lanie! Thank you for saying YES to lead and accompany us in fulfilling our commitment to be “One for Others”.
Thomas Macri, an American VIDES volunteer, was welcomed by FMA Philippines. He arrived at the Provincial House on February 9, 2023. He is assigned to assist our mission in the town of Macarascas, Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
BOOK LAUNCHING: The Catholic Expression of the Schools of the FMA in the Philippines in the Light of Canon Law
On October 1, 2022, the FMA Philippine Province had the book launching (online) of “The Catholic Expression of the Schools of the Figlie di Maria Ausiliatrice in the Philippines in the Light of Canon Law”’, the Licentiate thesis submitted by Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco, FMA, JCL to the Faculty of Canon Law of the Royal and Pontifical University of Santo Tomas. This is the contribution of FMA Philippines in commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The book bears the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur from the Archdiocese of Manila and the messages of His Excellency Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, and His Eminence Jose Cardinal Advincula, DD, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Manila. After the book launching, the Rev. Fr. Julius Paul C. Factora, OP, JCD, thesis moderator and co-author of the book, delivered his message to the FMA. Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco, FMA presented the synthesis of the research to the assembly, highlighting the FMA Schools’ best practices and recommendations. The Provincial Superior, Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA, led the ceremonial handing over of the results of the canonical study to the FMA Schools, represented by Sr. Javy Romanos, FMA. Copies of the book were distributed to the FMA Communities after the book launch.
We thank the Lord for Sr. Maria Josefina (Sr. Jojo) S. Carrasco, FMA who graduated from the Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas in Manila where she earned the Licentiate in Canon Law (Magna cum Laude). On June 6, 2022, the solemn investiture rites were performed. Congratulations, Sr. Jojo! We share your joy at this blessing.
VIDES-Philippines Volunteers Foundation, Inc. is a dynamic group of socially-oriented individuals working in solidarity with the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco for the promotion of social justice and peace.
ECOLOGICAL DIALOGUE
| OCTOBER 2, 2022
The Laura Vicuna Foundation Inc. gathered more than 1,000 CPC (Child Protection Clinic) members in an online ecological dialogue entitled EXPECTATION VS. REALITY - Listen to the Voice of Creation on the occasion of the Laudato Si month-long celebration. Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, General Councilor for Youth Pastoral, and Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA, Provincial Superior, graced the event. The two youth leaders of Laura Vicuna Center Cubao, Hannah Babes Yap, and Jazlyn Narvadez, through the guidance of Sr. Analyn Guerrero, FMA, prepared the event with the LVF-CPC Youth Leaders.
PAST PUPILS’ CHRISTMAS GREETING | DECEMBER 10, 2022
Saturday morning, December 10, 2022: singing with glee and heartwarming Christmas carols, the core group of the federation of the FMA past pupils together with the Provincial delegate, Sr. Lyn Yap, serenaded the elderly FMA sisters residing at Casa Romero Community. The simple greeting brought smiles and touched the hearts of our dear “lolas.” Afterwards, they visited and greeted the formation houses: the Aspirantate and Novitiate Communities and sang Christmas carols for the Sisters and formands.
The Ecological Dialogue proved that solutions to climate change are in each individual’s hands; as underscored by Pope Francis, “No one is so poor they cannot give what they have…” (twitter-pontiflex, June 14, 2018). Yes, we might feel that our contribution is insignificant in our simplicity and ordinariness, but with the earth’s emergency now, “our gathering together and diligent practice of reducing our carbon imprint impacts transformation for our common home,” affirmed Sr. Maria Victoria Sta. Ana, FMA. Indeed, TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
In Memoriam
Sr. Analyn Guerrero, FMA, peacefully surrendered her life to her Creator and Spouse on October 25, 2022 at the age of 49. She was born on December 5, 1972. Sr. Ana has lived her life to the fullest and touched the lives of so many young people in the different schools of the Salesian Sisters in the Philippines. She lived the last 4 years of her 27 years of religious life as an assistant to the Vicunians and Technical Directress of the Laura Vicuña Foundation, Inc., TVET, Quezon City. She will forever be missed!
ANNUAL RETREAT | MAY 2022
The eight-day retreat of the three batches (batch 1: May 15-23, Batch 2: May 25 - June 1, batch 3: June 5-12) of FMAs were done with Archbishop Francesco Panfilo, SDB. In Papua New Guinea it was done in July. The retreat theme: “The Gift of Fidelity and the Joy of Perseverance,” inflamed the fire that burns in the hearts of the FMA. May they allow it to keep burning as they move onward, living their consecration in creative and joyful fidelity.
Handling Emotions Webinar with Emmaus | JANUARY 19, 2023
Fr. Jordan Orbe, SJ, Psy.D., RPsy the Executive Director of Emmaus Center for Psycho-Spiritual Formation and Accompaniment facilitated a whole day online formation of the FMAs on handling emotions with skill and grace.
DAY OF SPIRITUALITY
| JANUARY 21, 2023
A half-day online Day of Spirituality of the Province was facilitated by Sr. Celia Tacujan, FMA on St. Francis of Sales. This was to commemorate his 400th death anniversary which was celebrated last December 2022.
FMA FIL ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF ECONOMERS AND TREASURERS
“Towards an Economy that Generates Life”
On January 14-16, 2023, the FMA Economers and Lay Treasurers and Staff gathered in Pansol. Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco, FMA, the Provincial Economer, together with her staff, organized this event. A day was dedicated for a general assembly of the whole Province (online for the communities in PNG and those in the south) for an open discussion of the
policies on Temporal Goods as discussed in the formation for Provincial Economers. This was an enriching encounter for all in order to clarify and better understand our policies.
CIAO PROVINCIALS’ Meeting in Thailand
Sr. Assunta Inoue (Visiting Councilor and Councilor in-charge of CIAO) and Sr. Lidia Strelyczk (Visiting Councilor) facilitated the meeting and planning of the CIAO Provincials for the CIAO journey for the next six years. This was done in Thailand on Sept. 22–25, 2022.
CIAO FORMATION TEAM in Vietnam
From 18 to 20 December 2022, five FMA of CIAO: Sr. Cynthia Calabig (FIL-PNG), Sr. Apolonia Golda (TIN), Sr. Jessica Salvaña (CMY), Sr. Nawarat Caterina Thirapatchararangsee (THA), Sr. Teresa Thi Doan Trang Uong (VTN) met and worked together to plan the training of CIAO Community Animators. The gathering took place at the Provincial House of the FMA in Tam Ha, Vietnam.
The Formation team, which was set up in September 2022 during the gathering of the CIAO Provincials, as a response to the mandate received from the Provincials, to discuss, think about, and plan together the formation encounters for the CIAO Community Animators taking into account their formation needs.
Driven by a great desire to make a strong contribution to the formation of those who carry out the service of authority, the 5 FMA worked with dedication and determination in the face-toface meeting at the CIAO level. The gathering concluded with words of wisdom from Sr. Nilza Fatima de Moraes (General Councilor for Formation) who presented some aspects of Salesian accompaniment and some of its needs. Indeed, it was a beautiful moment of communion, collaboration, and synodality that enriched the Sisters who participated. Each one looked at the formation journey with hope and enthusiasm, hoping that what has been planned together to strengthen the formation of the Animators of the various provinces of South East Asia, will be fruitful.
Online Encounter with Sr. Nilza of Provincial Council and Animators of CIAO
The Provincial Councils and all Community Animators of the CIAO provinces gathered in an online assembly for the formative encounter of CIAO Animators with Sr. Nilza Fatima De Moraes (Councilor for Formation) on February 12, 2023.
ISS-FMA Asia and Africa Webinar: Called to be Advocates and Citizens of Peace | June 2022
The online webinar with the theme “Called to be Advocates and Citizens of Peace” of the Istituzioni di Studi Superiori-FMA Asia and Africa was participated by FMAs, college professors, students and other members of the Educating Community, and the Salesian Family from India, the Philippines, Africa, and Japan. It aimed to sensitize its participants to live out the CST Principle of Peace and create advocacy for peace and a non-violent stance. The resource speaker was Fr. Eligio Cruz, SDB. Mother General Chiara Cazzuola, FMA gave the opening remarks and Sr. Runita Borja, FMA (General Councilor for Youth Ministry), gave the closing remarks. Both encouraged the participants, especially the young, to live out active charity incarnated in peacemaking for a more vigilant, responsible, and active citizenship.
CIAO Online Youth Encounter | July 2022
The CIAO Scuola Online Youth Encounter was joined by more than 200 participants. This involved the youth, lay animators and FMA representatives of the Schools and Professional Formation Centers of the Interprovincial Conference of East Asia (CIAO Scuola). Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA, Sr. Claudia Mae Deypalan, FMA and the SYM team had a crucial role in organizing this event. The event is a tribute of the CIAO Interprovincial Conference to the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians on the 150th anniversary of its foundation (18722022) and to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Pope Francis’s Encyclical Laudato Si’ which was expressed in the event’s theme.
In-person and
On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Institute, the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences “Auxilium” has organized an international conference held in Rome, at the Generalate of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, via dell’Ateneo Salesiano 81 - 00139 Rome, from September 25 to 30, 2022, in-person and online entitled: Contribution of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians to Education (1872-2022). Pathways, challenges, perspectives. The Convention is part of the ongoing movement to support the Global Education Compact launched by Pope Francis in 2019 and to cooperate on a new model of development, according to the goals of Agenda 2030.
Salesian Family Spirituality Days (World & EAO) | Jan 12-14, 2023
The Salesian Family members the world over gathered in-person and online to celebrate the XLI Salesian Family Spritiuatlity Days which was done in Valdocco, with some moments accessible to all through online connections. The 2nd and 3rd days of the celebration was dedicated to the online meeting of the Salesian Family members per region where sharing of reflections and insights were done in a more personal manner.
Congratulations to Mary Our Help Technical Institute for Women (Cebu), Inc. for successfully passing the 2nd Surveillance Onsite Audit under ISO 9001:2015 by TÜV Rheinland on November 9, 2022.
Congratulations to MHCS-Cebu for having been granted a five-year reaccreditation by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU) that will be valid until November 2027.
Congratulations to Mary Help of Christians College for the successful combined PAASCU Level III Resurvey Visit completed on February 14, 2023.
MOVING FORWARD FOR THE Mission
Congratulations to Don Bosco School Manila - Salesian Sisters, Inc., for having been granted by the PAASCU a LEVEL II Reaccredited status valid until May 2028.
GAWAD KINANG: BAYANING MARY HELP
| Sr. Evangeline De Leon, FMA
“Lord, it is good for us to be here!” (Matthew 17:4). Sr. Javy Romanos, principal and directress of Mary Help of Christians College, welcomes everyone who graced their educating community’s Jubilee celebration last April 16 with those words. She shared how this scriptural passage from the Transfiguration of Jesus finds its light and resonance in MHCC’s synodal journey for the past 50 years. Such a journey has been marked with awe, holy fear, and gratitude for the many transformative blessings and graces MHCC has received from the Lord. These blessings have names and faces—persons who have been channels of God’s grace for MHCC’s growth—Mo. Anna Maria Mattiusi, FMA, the first provincial superior of the FMA Fil-PNG Province; our past FMA principals, directresses, and teachers; the Sisters of the First Hour, including Sr. Linda Villanueva, who flew all the way from Bacolod; our lay mission partners; past pupils; parents; benefactors; oratorians; our brother Salesians; and our current provincial superior, Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA. Through the Bayaning Mary Help award, their contributions were all recognized since MHCC’s humble beginnings.
MHCC@50: Di Tumitigil sa
PagKINANG | Mr. Reginald Reyes
“Lord, it is good to be here!” This passage from Matthew’s Gospel (17:4) is the very core of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Mary Help of Christians College, Canlubang, Calamba City Laguna. Set on the backdrop of Mount Tabor and the Transfiguration event that prompted Peter to exclaim those words, the fiftyyear journey of the Educating Community is likened to a trek to the mountain top, a trek filled with struggles, adventures, sorrows, and the joys of synodality. This is why MHCC chose KINANG as its theme, grateful for the graces borne of past experiences, thankful to the persons who have shaped the institution, and hopeful to shine on with the radiance of the light of the Risen Lord-the fount of Salesian joy!
From 2020-2023, each year had a theme depicting the different activities: Rise up! Rise up Higher! Rise and Shine! respectively. The triduum years of preparation were enriched with fanfare and exciting activities of homecoming for the Past Pupils and Parents. They were also full of outreach events as payit-forward activities in gratitude of the 50 years blessings.
There was a fundraising for the Students’ Financial Assistance, “Moved by Hope: 50 towards 50”; Online Family Healing Rosary zoomed on at 6:00 in the evening every other month on Marian memorials, feasts, and solemnities with families from the chosen cluster leading the prayers; faith testimonies from Past Pupils in a. “Kumustahan” session; logo and theme song contest, online Past Pupils’ cluster reunions with past teachers and Sisters; groundbreaking of the new MHCC FMA Community Convent and looking forward to remake the Bl. Laura Vicuña Hall into a bigger school chapel; Educating Community Gawad Kinang Bayaning Mary Help; Past Pupils’ Grand Homecoming and the Lay Mission Partners and ECCG year-end outreach in Mindoro.
After all these events of gratitude, what lies ahead is still unknown. Yet we know that after the Tabor experience, Jesus and his disciples must go down to Jerusalem to face the final challenge of Christ’s earthly life and fulfill his work of salvation. Whatever the future will bring, may the Educating Community of Mary Help of Christians College be “more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1Pt. 1:7) Dahil sa ‘yo Maria, sa Liwanag mo, O Kristo, para sa ‘yo kabataan, ang MHCC ay di tumitigil sa pagKINANG!
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