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.
Today, more than 11,000 FMA are present in 97 countries who are dedicated to varied ministries in the pastoral care of young people and their families.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Sr. Claudia Mae Deypalan, FMA
Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA
Sr. Nora Hernandez, FMA Special thanks to Lady Lee Allego
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians Provincial House 3500 V. Mapa Extension, Sta. Mesa, 1016 Manila
Tel. No. (02) 8714-5937 www.fmafil.org
FMA Lifeline Digital Publication https://issuu.com/www.fmafil. org-fmaphilippines/docs
On the Cover
Still in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic, the communities in Cebu and Palawan experienced additional devastation with the super typhoon Odette. The relief operations organized by the Salesian Sisters, in collaboration with the FMA Educating Communities, local and foreign benefactors continue to give hope to the people.
EDITOR’S NOTE
Hope gives strength to us amidst the continuous crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic and the natural calamities that have hit the country. In particular, our communities in Cebu and Palawan were greatly affected by the super typhoon Odette. This FMA Lifeline issue highlights the hope brought forth by the Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco, in collaboration with the FMA Educating Communities, local and foreign benefactors, through the relief operations.
There are articles about the beautiful celebration of the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines (1521 - 2021) which closes this year. And about our preparations for August 5, 2022 which marks the 150th founding anniversary of the FMA Institute: 1872-2022.
Special events that are also given focus are: The installation of the new Provincial Superior, The 24th General Chapter and its transmission in the Province, and other big events that have taken place this past year despite the challenging limitations of the pandemic.
Sr. Claudia Mae Deypalan, FMA
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
1 Message from the Provincial Superior
2 COVID-19 Relief Operations from Charis Singapore
3 TAAL Emergency Assistance
4 VIDES Updates
5 COVID-19 Relief Operations in the Different Communities
6 Community Pantries / Emergency relief for Flood Victims
7 Typhoon Odette Emergency Response
8 Prayer for Ukraine and Financial Aid Offered
9 New Pentecost in the Life of the Province: Installation of the New Provincial Superior
11 International Meeting of Novices Salesian Interprovincial Youth Summit
12 ISS FMA Asia / CIAO Scuola Congress / Prayer for Myanmar hosted by CIAO for the Institute
13 PECCG Assembly 2022 / Expanding and Growing for the Mission in Calapan, Mindoro
14 Expanding and Growing for the Mission in Palawan / FMA Punta Community Celebrates 40 Years in the Mission
15 MOVED BY HOPE: Past Pupils’ General Assembly
16 3rd Salesian Family Vocation Festival Celebrating the Year of Grace
17 Reflections on the Meaning of Gifted to Give
18 Days of Prayer, Study and Discernment: GC XXIV
19 Preparations for the FMA 150th founding anniversary: 1872-2022 / Virtual Pilgrimage in Mornese: “A Yes Prolonged in Time” / The Preventive System in the FMA Settings Today
20 Profession and Anniversary of Religious Profession
For more news and information, visit our social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/SalesianSistersofDonBosco PhilippinesPapuaNewGuinea/ (with QR Code)
Despite the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and the natural calamities that affected our country, we found ourselves blessed with the 500 years jubilee celebration of Christianity in the Philippines. Our faith and our hope in the merciful and compassionate love of the Father strengthened us together as an Educating Community, as a family.
This year, we welcome another great blessing, the 150 years of the foundation of the Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. Celebrating the theme, “Mary walks with us in this house,” we are reminded of the very last words of Don Bosco when he said this to the Sisters in Nizza Monferrato in August 1885. Blessed with the living and dynamic presence of our Blessed Mother until this very day tangibly felt in each one of us and in all our Educating Communities. A presence that is always maternal and foreseeing, walking and accompanying us in our journey just like the history of salvation.
She walks with us, accompanying and guiding us in the mission of educating the young and in “doing what Jesus tells us” (cf. Jn 2:5).
Together with our Blessed Mother, we walk towards Capernaum full of courage and passion, generous and open like Mary, missionaries, helpers and mediators of hope and joy for all young people bringing to them Jesus.
Having concluded the six-year planning of the FMA Philippines-Papua New Guinea Province, we commit ourselves to live the three priority choices of the ACTS of GCXXIV to be a presence regenerated by the Spirit, a sign, and a prophecy of missionary synodality and vocational fruitfulness.
(Cir. 1016)
With the entrustment of the Plan to each Sister during the conclusion of the six-year planning, as Mother General has said, “let us continue to journey in missionary synodality, opening ourselves to the world of young people whom we love so much, and to whom we want to offer the gift of a new and good wine that we ourselves have received.”
With Mary, our Mother, may we walk together witnessing the beauty of our Salesian vocation and our charism in the Church, journeying together towards making courageous and evangelical choices together with our educating communities for more holy vocations among our young people and to a real conversion to integral ecology in the spirit of the Preventive System.
Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA
Editor’s Note: Sr. Tita is the newly appointed Provincial Superior of the FMA Philippines-PNG Province and was inaugurated into office on June 29, 2021.
Covid-19 Relief Operations
Year 2021 continued with a series of lockdowns implemented in the different cities and provinces of the Philippines due to the COVID-19 surge. Consequently, life remained to be difficult and people ran out of resources for their daily needs. Thanks to CHARIS Singapore, a total of 1,800 families under the care of the Salesian Sisters received a donation of 15kg of rice per family.
Thankyou!
Rice is the staple food of Filipinos and rice gives them security even if they cannot buy any other food. For this reason, the sisters turned to Charis Singapore, the entity of the Archdiocese of Singapore that works for humanitarian aid abroad. In this time of difficulty, God hears the cry of the people and provides through generous benefactors.
TAALAssistanceEmergency
On March 9, 2021, Taal Volcano started to again show increasing unrest since its eruption in January of 2020. Then on July 1, 2021, it was placed under Alert Level 3 after a phreatomagmatic eruption occurred. Weak phreatomagmatic bursts and high levels of sulfur dioxide emissions, among others, were observed in the days that followed. But the unrest gradually decreased within July, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to downgrade Taal Volcano to Alert Level 2 on July 23.
And so, last July 18, 2021, on behalf of the Province, the community of Mary Help of Christians College in Canlubang, Calamba Laguna, reached out to 200 families taking refuge in the evacuation centers in Aya, Tumaway, and Motorpool within Talisay Batangas. These families were former residents of Brgy. Pulo, at the foot of Taal volcano and were displaced due to its eruption. Since then, they have lost their source of living, which was mainly fishing, construction, and quarry works. In the gathering, they prayed together and listened to the Word of God. Each family then received a gallon of alcohol, 10 kg. of rice, 20 pcs. KN95 masks and a copy of the Entrustment of the Home to Mary Help of Christians. All were very grateful for this tangible experience of God’s providence. Thanks to the generous benefactors.
VIDES PINOY’S Food for the Body and Soul
The FMA & VIDES volunteers are bridges of blessings between those who are gifted-to-give and the poor who are God’s favorite anawim who are blessed-to-bless! VIDES HATID AYUDA continues through the pandemic time, giving food relief to families in different communities.
To also cater to the food for the soul of their recipients, VIDES Pinoy launched on August 24, 2021 the Brigada sa Panalangin, a monthly virtual prayer gathering of FMA Sisters, VIDES volunteers, and the beneficiaries from communities. This online prayer event is held via the Zoom meeting platform and is also live-streamed at the VIDES Pinoy Facebook Page to enable the participation of more individuals.
VIDES PHILIPPINES welcomes NEW BOARD of TRUSTEES for 2022
VIDES Pinoy welcomes its new Board of Trustees, composed of seven (7) FMA community animators and seven (7) volunteers. This is a new organizational structure that is aligned to the VIDES International model with FMA sisters and lay volunteers, committed to walk together sharing the one vision and mission of VIDES.
Chaired by Sr. Maria Pacencia Bandalan, FMA, the newly mandated board is composed of the following Lay BOT:
Ciel Estacio, President Marian Belarmino, Secretary Lezeil Ebdane, Zarah de Guzman, Jennilyn Pequit, Leonorico “Jun” Gorantes, and Ericka Quilos
Together with the FMA animators from seven communities in Luzon and the Visayas:
Sr. Maria Guia Asparen, FMA (LV Malihao, Victorias, Negros Occ.)
Sr. Maria Nancy Esmero, FMA (MHC Agri-Tech. Center, Or. Mindoro)
Sr. Maria Teresa Lorenzo, FMA (MHCC Canlubang, Laguna)
Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA (DBS Manila)
Sr. Arlene Rafaela, FMA (MHCS Minglanilla, Cebu)
VIDES stands for Volunteers International for Development, Education, and Solidarity. Being true to their name, they have served the Filipino people since 1995 and they continue to serve through their different programs, projects and activities, spreading God’s good news and serving the underprivileged.
Our very own
Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco, FMA was elected to be part of the Board of Directors of VIDES International for the four-year period 2021-2025.
Covid-19 Relief Operations in the Different Communities
To provide help and basic necessities to the poor, the different FMA communities continued to send or distribute available goods to community beneficiaries, many of which were donated by generous benefactors and members of the local Educating Community.
March 18, 2021 - The Provincial House Community prepared and distributed 50 meal packs to the poor wandering the streets of Manila in honor of St. Joseph whose feast is celebrated the next day.
April 24, 2021 - On the World Day Feast of Gratitude of Mother General, Mrs. Annaliza Arcosa Ami sponsored the 160 kilos of rice and juices given to children, youth & parents of LVF-CPC Culiat & Cavite.
May 2, 2021 - The Aspirantate Community went for an Easter gift-giving in Halang and San Cristobal, Calamba City, Laguna to 200 families of their oratorians giving each family 5 kg. of rice, a whole chicken, a pack of hotdogs, a burger, a can of condensed milk and choco drink, bath soap, and toothpaste.
July 25, 2021 - LVF-Solidarity Serye: Sr. Rose Panganiban FMA distributed rice to the families of Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, Judge Jimenez Brgy. Kamuning in Quezon City, Marikina and Napindan Taguig who were affected by the flood in Metro Manila due to heavy rains brought by southwest monsoon or “hanging habagat”.
August 28, 2021 - Anticipating the celebration of National Heroes Day, the Provincial House Community in Sta. Mesa, Manila gave a simple treat to the medical ER staff of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, assuring them that the medical frontliners are remembered in their daily prayers and sacrifices.
September 8, 2021 - In the celebration of the
feast of Mama Mary’s Queenship, the Provincial House Community, through the generosity of CEUDENT85, was able to bring special packed lunch for the frontliners of the Philippine General Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. The frontliners were happy to receive the food packs, from the Sisters the poster of Mary Help of Christians with the Entrustment prayer.
September 25, 2021 - LVF-Solidarity Serye: The girls, staff, and Salesian Sisters of the Laura Vicuña Foundation prepared 900 packs of rice and distributed them with 1,800 Dunkin Donuts, pasta noodles, and bread to the Child Protection Clinic (CPC) Communities.
October 4, 2021 - The Sisters in Malihao participated in the Adopt-a-Victoriahanon family organized by the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Victorias City, Negros Occidental. On the feast of St. Francis of Asissi they went to visit Nancy, a PWD living on her own for the past ten years. They spent some time sharing life experiences with her. They also gave her some groceries as a gift.
Community Pantries
“Give according to one’s capacity, take according to one’s need.”Inspired by this motto the FMA Communities also joined in sharing available goods in the local “Community Pantries”, an inspiring wave of goodness started by a 26-year-old girl, Ana Patricia Non who placed a single bamboo cart containing free basic food items for her neighbors who needed them.
April 21, 2021
The PH community contributed the eggplants and chili pepper donated by Kuya Richard, a vegetable dealer, to the joint community pantry of Baranggay 601 and 602.
May 2, 2021
A donated hundred packs of bread and a box of canned goods were shared by the PH community in the joint community pantry of Brgy. 601 and 602. The PH community also placed some rosaries to remind the people to pray and give thanks and not only to fend not only for physical well-being. It was also good to find some books there to encourage reading in this time of lockdown.
May 10, 2021
The community of the Provincial House (Sta. Mesa, Manila) celebrated their Gratitude Day as a day of “thanks-GIVING” by preparing 200 servings of arrozcaldo for the community pantry of Brgy 601 and 602.
May 6, 2021, During the feasts of St. Dominic Savio on and on May 13, 2021, feast of St. Mary Mazzarello, the FMA Palawan Past Pupils and Laura Vicuña Center Palawan Community shared some goods, food items and tomato seedlings in the community pantry of the OSJ fathers in Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City.
August 5, 2021
Through the kindness and generosity of benefactors, MOHTIW Mabalacat opened their community pantry in celebration of Institute Day. Seventy-five (75) families received a bag of groceries containing 3 kilos of rice, 6 canned goods, 6 noodles, and half a kilo of sugar.
December 17, 2021
To answer the call of the Church to be in solidarity in this time of pandemic giving hope and joy, MOHTIW Mabalacat Pampanga’s Salesian Youth Group which consisted of the students, Sisters, faculty & staff organized a Christmas Community Pantry wherein they shared their blessings this Christmas season to 60 people which included jeepney/tricycle drivers, security guards, support personnel and passersby.
Emergency relief
for Flood Victims
The FMA Sisters together with the teachers and staff of Laura Vicuña Women Development Training Center facilitated a series of relief operations in three selected barangays of Victorias City. These areas were heavily inundated in the flash flood that hit some parts of Negros Occidental last January. Last March 10 and 23, families of some sisters received an Orocan Plastic Cabinet drawer, thanks
to the educating community of Mary Help of Christians School, Pampanga. They also received the blankets given by VIDES and the educating community of Don Bosco School, Sta. Mesa.
Also, last March 20 and 27, 85 recipients from the Past Pupils, LVWDTC students, informal settlers from Brgy. 6 (Pasil, Bugtong Lubi, Nipa), and Brgy 20 (Pusod and Hda. Soledad) received sardines, meatloaf, corned beef, noodles, 5 kilos of rice, a pail, kettle, rice pot, clothing, 2 blankets, mosquito net, and hygiene kit. Thanks to the generous donation from the Past Pupils Association of the Philippines, FMA Punta Community, and the Province.
Typhoon Odette Emergency Response
Our three communities in Cebu and one community in Palawan were badly affected by the Super Typhoon Rai (known as “Odette” in the Philippines) that hit the country in Dec. 16 and 17. It was the 15th storm to hit the country and was the strongest storm of 2021. It was a horrifying experience for all since the typhoon strengthened from a Category 1 to 5 in just one day, making it difficult for people to prepare for its arrival or to evacuate.
The devastation experienced by our communities was the damage of buildings and infrastructures. Communication was difficult due to electricity blackout and no internet or cell signals. But in spite of all these difficulties, our communities in Cebu and Palawan became a source of refuge and relief for the people in the surrounding communities.
Facilitated by the community of the Provincial House and Don Bosco School Manila, the whole Provincial Educating Communities reached out to send relief, aided by the financial support of generous benefactors and the help of our connections in the military/navy that facilitated the transport of the donated goods.
Thank you
to our generous sponsors:
Salesian Missions New York
Charis Singapore
Misean Cara
Don Bosco Missions
Starheart Group
Alfred Magcalas
Daniel and Helena Lee
Macare Medicals
VIDES Germany
FMA Japan / Seibi Gakuen
FMA Irish Province
FMA Korea
FMA Cambodia and Myanmar Sisters and students
Tokuji Kawamura, Maria Keiko Kawamura and Fumio Kawamura
Don Bosco School
DBS Educating Community Core Group
Mary Help of Christians School - Cebu
MHCS Cebu Educating Community Core Group
Mary Help of Christians College Educating Community
Mary Help of Christians School - Pampanga
MHCS Pampanga Educating Community Core Group
Aspirantate Community
FMA Provincial House
FMA Pius, Manila
FMA Mindoro
Federation of Past Pupils and countless friends, relatives, and families
Prayer for Ukraine and Financial Aid Offered
February 24, 2022 was a day of doom as Russia invaded Ukraine. In response to the call of the Holy Father - Pope Francis and Mother General - Mo. Chiara Cazzuola, each FMA community and their Educating Communities, organized prayer initiatives for peace to be one with our suffering brothers and sisters, both in Ukraine and Russia. In Ukraine, we had communities in Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa. On the Institute level, there is the designated Ukrainian Emergency that offers concrete support to the Ukrainian population in this situation of danger and difficulty. And so, as a Province, with the help of the educating communities, we gathered monetary donations to offer financial support.
New Pentecost in the Life of the Province
Installation of the New Provincial Superior
In the midst of the dark clouds of the pandemic that cover the entire world, on June 29, 2021, Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, a New Pentecost has descended upon the entire Philippines – Papua New Guinea Province as the Installation of the new Provincial Superior, Sr. Teresita C. Padron, FMA, the 7th Provincial Superior of the Philippine Province, took place at the Don Bosco School Chapel, Sta. Mesa, Manila.
As the Apostles gathered in the upper room, the entire FMA Provincial Community also gathered online at 10:00 AM to celebrate this momentous event in the life of the Province.
The Solemn Eucharistic Celebration was presided by His Excellency, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, D.D., Apostolic Vicar-elect of Taytay, Palawan, and was attended only by the FMA Communities of Manila: the Provincial House, Laura Vicuña Center, Pius Ladies’ Dormitory, and Don Bosco School.
The Eucharistic celebration began with the tribute and symbolic ritual of expressing our thanks for the service rendered by Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, the outgoing Provincial Superior. In her message, she began with the words taken from the Psalm 118: “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad!” for the tangible presence of the Lord and our Blessed Mother in the past six years of the journey and life of the Province. She particularly addressed Sr. Teresita her gratitude for saying YES in this mandate that has been entrusted to her. She invited her to embrace the delicate mission with the
heart of the Good Shepherd with the same Spirit that spurred Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello.
The handing over of the statue of the shepherdess and offering it before the statue of our Blessed Mother symbolizes the reality that it is our Blessed Mother who is the true Superior of all our houses.
Bishop Pabillo, in his homily, pointed out that in doing God’s will all the other things will be provided for. He assured us, as Jesus assured Peter, that whatever happens, God is always with us. He promised his everlasting protection. He also invited us to be faithful to the teachings of the Pope as Don Bosco was despite the many difficulties that are creeping into the life of the Church. Be strong in our commitment to take care of the family.
During the Prayers of the Faithful, special prayers were offered for the new and old members of the Provincial Council: Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, Provincial Vicar; Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco, Provincial Economer; Sr. Maria Elizabeth Marquez, Provincial Secretary; Sr. Rachel Melissa Flor, Sr. Maria Pamela Vecina, and Sr. Maria Victoria Sta. Ana. Prayers were also offered for the newly appointed community animators: Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, Sr. Rachel Melissa Flor, Sr. Maria Teresa Lorenzo, Sr. Arlene Rafaela, Sr. Lyn Yap, Sr. Veneranda Casala, Sr. Catherine Urgello, Sr. Maricor Ortañez, Sr. Gertrudes Candelaria, Sr. Rica Cebuano, Sr. Phebe Lacse, and Sr. Lilimae Escasinas. They also offered candles in their respective communities and were streamed live via Zoom.
Via live-stream, Mr. Walter San Diego, the chairperson of the Provincial Educating Community Core Group from Mary Help of Christians School, Mabalacat, Pampanga, led the welcome ritual on behalf of all the members of the Provincial Educative Community who were represented by the personnel of Don Bosco School.
Sr. Teresita opened her message with the lines from the Scriptures: “God is gracious and His love endures forever.” She highlighted her deep and tangible experiences of God right from the moment she received her obedience from Mother Yvonne Reungoat last February 9. Despite the fears and inadequacies, she is secured of the profound certainty of God’s presence.
With full trust and confidence, she accepted this mandate coming from God. It is in the awareness of her limitations and fears that she acknowledged the re-assuring presence of God in this delicate mission that she is called to assume. It is also here that she takes our Blessed Mother by the hand, asking her to walk with her day by day. She also expressed her gratitude to all those people who have been with her all throughout her journey.
This new Pentecost in the life of the Province is indeed a time to be grateful for the journey that has been and for what lies ahead in the next six years in the life of the Province.
“God is gracious
and His love endures forever.”
Sr. Teresita Cainglet Padron, FMA is the 4th of 7 children of the late Dr. Ernesto C. Padron, and Mrs. Juliana Uy- Cainglet, born on May 16, 1966, in Cebu City.
She completed her basic education at the Colegio de San Jose Recolletos, Cebu, and her Bachelor’s degree major in Economics at St. Theresa’s College, Cebu. She obtained her Master of Arts in Education major in Educational Administration at the Ateneo de Manila University. She also attended a short course for Formators in Rome, Italy.
She was a Principal in several FMA schools in the Philippines. In the Province, she also served as Provincial Councilor, Youth Ministry Coordinator, Provincial Team Coordinator, Commission on Education (ComEd) Coordinator, Delegate to the Provincial Educating Community Core Group and Community Animator.
Sr. Teresita first met the Salesian Sisters at the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Punta, Cebu when she was in 4th-year high school. She decided to become an FMA as she started seeking God’s will in her life and in finding meaning in all things that she is doing.
By Sr. Princess Mae Ortiz, FMA
International Meeting of Novices
The novices of FIL Province (from Cambodia, Myanmar, CSM and the Philippines) participated in the International Encounter of Novices on August 31, 2022 organized by the Formation Sector of the Institute with its theme, “Mother Writes a Letter for You.” It was a virtual tour of Mornese and the significant places in the life of Mo. Mazzarello.
The goal of this encounter is to offer the novices a space for reflection in order to discover the beauty and the simplicity of Mother Mazzarello’s heart in daily life and to listen to the profound wisdom of
her words to the novices through her letters that show the depth of how she has lived her life with simplicity and joy, taking each moment as an encounter with her God.
This initiative is part of the preparations for the 150th year celebration of the Institute on August 5, 2022. The next encounter on May 9, 2022 will be a general assembly in which the 293 novices of the Institute from different countries and Provinces will be participating.
Salesian Interprovincial Youth Summit
On February 12, 2022, 50 young people from the Philippines – Papua New Guinea province participated at the Salesian Interprovincial Youth Summit organized by the provinces of the United States of America. They were accompanied by 10 FMA and lay adult companions. The other participants came from India, Australia, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Hongkong, and Canada. Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, General Councilor for Youth Ministry also graced the event with her presence. It was an experience of sharing the Salesian Youth Spirituality to see how it was lived in the different cultures and realities where the Salesian Sisters are present. The young people had the opportunity to participate in small group discussions where they shared their insights and realizations. They grew into a deeper appreciation of the same spirituality that they breathe, and which has brought them together.
ISS FMA Asia
On April 24, 2021, more than 200 FMA and lay educators of the ISS–FMA Asia: India, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Italy, and Switzerland participated via Zoom in the webinar entitled “Implications of Media and Information Technology on Integral Education” organized by the FMA Philippines and Papua New Guinea Province ISS representatives: Sr. Aurora Roble, FMA, and Sr. Maria Teresa Lorenzo, FMA. Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA, the FIL Provincial Coordinator for Youth Ministry and Social Communications sectors, was the resource speaker.
Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, FIL Provincial Superior, gave a short welcome message to the participants. Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, General Councilor for Youth Ministry, gave the opening message on the theme. Sr. Debbie’s talk was followed by the Q&A moderated by Sr. Teresa. Sr. Ivone Goulart, FMA, incharge of the ISS network of the Youth Ministry sector in the FMA Generalate, gave the closing message.
CIAO Scuola Congress
The CIAO Scuola hosted a two-day online congress on the theme, “Salesian Educators: Advocates of the Global Compact on Education” via Zoom last March 26-27, 2021. Almost 200 participants from its member provinces were joined in the Zoom, while the live feed on Facebook had a thousand viewers. Resource speakers such as Sr. Sarah Garcia, FMA, Sr. Elena Rastello, FMA, Cardinal Joseph Zen ZeKiun, SDB, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, DD, and other speakers such as Sr. Runita Borja, FMA, Sr. Maria Assunta Inoue, FMA and Mother General Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, FMA gave meaningful, substantial and impelling talks. This set them afire to work together as CIAO Scuola to respond concretely to the challenges and objectives that Pope Francis outlines in the Global Compact on Education. Sr. Ernielyn Deypalan, FMA served as moderator for Day 2 of the Congress.
Prayer for Myanmar hosted by CIAO for the Institute
The CIAO Provinces (FMA of East Asia) initiated “A Prayer for Myanmar” on March 28, 2021 which was participated by the FMA communities in the whole world together with the educating communities. This initiative is in response to the call for solidarity with our suffering brothers and sisters living in “war-torn” Myanmar whose military government declared a coup d’état on the morning of February 1, 2021.
PECCG Assembly 2022
The PECCG organized an online assembly for the entire Provincial Educating Community last January 30, 2022 with the theme “Choose and Share HOPE (H for Holiness O for Obedience P for Patriotism and E for Empowerment). There was the talk of Mr. Jeff Richard Segumalian on how we could be wise voters, the Eucharistic celebration presided by Fr. Edwin Soliva, SDB, the induction of the new PECCG officers and the raffle. There were about 800 participants in Zoom and more than a hundred in Facebook.
NEW PECCG OFFICERS:
Chairperson
Vice-Chair
Vice Chair (non-basic ed)
Secretary
Treasurer
PRO
Auditor
Student Representatives:
Dr. Paz Peres-San Agustin
Mrs. Ma. Redge Layug
Joanna Marie Salvo
Ms. Maricris Sadili
Mrs. Ivy Salcedo
Mrs. Cynthia Chavez
Ms. Aprilyn Muzada
JV Gerald Palo (DBS), Juztine Peralta II (MHCS-Cebu)
Kirsten Chayenne Pamintuan (MHCS-Pampanga)
Belle Borja (MHCC-Canlubang)
Expanding and Growing for the Mission In Calapan, Mindoro
In May 1, 2021, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) awarded MHCS four additional approved Certificate Training Program Registration (CTPR):
• Rice Machinery Operation NC II
• Production of High Quality Inbred Rice and Seed Production Certification, and Farm Mechanization
• Agricultural Crops Production NC III
• Organic Agricultural Production NC II
Accreditation of the Agricultural School
In 12 November 2021, Mary Help of Christians School (MHCS) in Calapan, Mindoro received accreditation from the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) as an Extension Service Provider.
The Agricultural School of the FMA has been recognized for its 20 years of experience in training poor young people and indigenous farmers, providing agricultural skills and educating young people to become technically trained graduates and enterprising, responsible, and honest adults. MHCS is the second Training Center in the Mimaropa Region, made up of the Provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan to obtain accreditation, which allows it to accelerate and develop the provision of services to the customer system of the Department of Agriculture (DA) throughout the Region.
In the ceremony of 12 November at the MHCS of Calapan, the Animator of the FMA Community Bl. Maddalena Morano, Sr. Maria Nancy Esmero, and the Technical Director of the School, Sr. Ailyn Cayanan, FMA, received the Accreditation Certificate bestowed by the Assistant to the Director Responsible for the ATI, representative of the Central Office, by the Regional Director of ATI, and by the Regional Technical Director of the Department of Agriculture.
Expanding and Growing for the Mission In Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
After complying with the standards set by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) the Laura Vicuña Foundation Palawan was issued a Certificate of Accreditation to implement Center Based Residential Programs and Services for Children in Need of Special Protection. The certificate will be valid for three years and through this, quality service for the protection and development of children (aged 13-18 years old) is ensured.
FMA Punta Community Celebrates 40 Years in the Mission
The 40th year of our presence in the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Cebu City and the 50th foundation anniversary of Lourdes Kindergarten School (LKS) which we co-manage with the SDB was celebrated on March 19, 2021, the Solemnity of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary. These anniversaries are not a simple counting of years but a testament of the synergy with our brother Salesian priests in the Parish pastoral work.
Fr. Godofredo Atienza, SDB, the provincial superior of the Philippines South Province together with other Salesian priests celebrated the Holy Mass in the shrine attended by the Sisters and the LKS staff. After the Mass, current and past teachers who have dedicated years of service to the kindergarten school and Parish Catechists were honored and recognized.
It was Fr. Jose Bosch, SDB who started the school in the parish and a decade later invited the FMA sisters to manage the school. Through the dedication of our Sisters, the school is one of the most famous and trusted kindergarten schools in the metro. The pastoral ministry of the FMA has produced six FMA vocations: Sr. Concepcion Ocarol, FMA, Sr. Lilimae Escasinas, FMA, Sr. Charito Belino, FMA, Sr. Geraldine Rubia, FMA, Sr. Teresita Padron, FMA and Sr. Evangeline Rago, FMA. Two Salesian priests were also fruits of their ministry: Fr. Keith Amodia, SDB (LKS alumni) and Fr. Vernil “Dodoy” Lopez, SDB (Oratorian).
Sr. Maria Lourdes Virginia “Gina” Fernando, FMA died peacefully on March 20, 2021 at the age of 58. She was born on April 27, 1962 in Quezon City. In her 30 years of religious profession, she exemplified her batch symbol as the pearl of simplicity, to seek the “Pearl of Great Price” in all things.
Sr. Anelie Lacse, FMA, FMA, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2021 at the age of 55. She was born on April 3, 1966, in Manapla, Negros Occidental. Her 26 years of religious profession was spent like the candle, their batch symbol, embodying her prayer, “Lord God, help me to have a mature love so that my ‘flame’ will continue to shine brightly as I am consumed for you alone.”
Sr. Fosca Barco, FMA, peacefully surrendered her life to her Creator and Spouse forever on March 27, 2022, Laetare Sunday. She was 95 years old and was to celebrate her 75 years of religious profession this coming August 5, 2022. True to her prayer, “Lord, I have given to you my everything and I am happy to still continue giving it to you… up to the end.” she served 60 years of generous missionary life here in the Philippines.
MOVED BY HOPE
The Federation of Past Pupils of the FMA - Philippines -Papua New Guinea held its 2nd National Congress, entitled “WRAP UP 2021: Moved by Hope” via Zoom from 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on November 14, 2021. The theme is based on the Strenna for 2021, “Moved by hope. See, I make all things new.’” The keynote speaker was Fr. Edwin Soliva, SDB, who shared his reflections on the Strenna. Several invited
past pupils then shared how they, in their unique way, spread hope and “make things new” in their workplaces and communities. Col. Portia Manalad spoke about her work as head of the Women and Children’s Desk in Cotabato. Dr. Ritchell Dignam, M.D. shared on the home care she offered to the elderly during this pandemic. Ms. Wilhelmina Garcia, an interior designer, shared about her passion for ecology through the company she started, Junk Not Ecocreative. Ms. Tania Gaskell Sode’s sharing focused on creating awareness of the need for diversity, inclusion and equity in the work place. Ms. Marian Laarni Silva shared on how she forms and educates young Filipinos who live in Italy, where she resides, to the knowledge and appreciation of their Filipino culture and to servant leadership with her online book club and poetry site that has become a venue for self-expression and cultural exchange for many young people. And finally, Ms. Manasawee Wongpradu of Thailand shared about the FB page she created, “Awaiting Happiness,” to send positive vibes in social media amidst this pandemic.
The event was attended by past pupils from the Philippines and Asia, several FMA and some members of the Salesian Family.
HOPE INITIATIVES
* First Saturday Rosary:
Since September 2021, the Federation of Past Pupils have been praying the Holy Rosary every first Saturday of the month as a way to unite hearts and intentions among past pupils and friends. The monthly Rosary usually features a theme related to the month - e.g. the February Rosary cited excerpts from “Amoris Laetitia”; the Rosary for March was dedicated to St. Joseph.
* Voters Education: “Vote Right, Right Vote”
On the solemn feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 2022, the Federation held a voters education webinar featuring the former Ambassador to the Vatican, Ambassador Henrietta “Tita” de Villa, who graciously shared her insights on our right and duty to vote, focusing on three questions: 1) Why should you vote? 2) What moves you? and 3) How should you choose the candidate to vote for?
* From House to Home
The Federation of Past Pupils continue their project for Casa Maria Romero, home for the sick and elderly FMA, with the AKAY (Alagang Kapatid Alalay sa ‘Yo) Project. After having helped make the Bahay na Pangarap a reality, the past pupils wish to continue “making the house a home” by helping to provide the resident FMA with their care and retirement needs.
* VocTok features the Past Pupils
VocTok’s guests on March 5 were past pupils Joy Mayuga and Aira Lagunzad. Not only did they present the Association, its membership and spirituality, but also shared their experiences of how they bring the Salesian spirituality as past pupils of the FMA to their workplace and context today.
Congratulations,
Ms. Kathleen Iza Pagkalinawan (DBS Batch 2000) to the
We accompany you with our prayers as you represent not only the Philippines but the whole East Asia Region to the Confederation of FMA Past Pupils.
Happy 114th Association of
3 rd Salesian Family Vocation Festival
The 3rd Salesian Family Vocation Festival took place last April 2, 2022, from 7:30 – 11:00 pm with the slogan: “HOMEBOUND where love stays in God’s embrace” via Zoom and Facebook. There were 1,225 registered participants from the various points of the archipelago and abroad, majority from the 35 Salesian settings. The event is a kind of proposal for the participants to find in the Salesian Family a home where they can always go back and stay with Don Bosco, and share in his dream and mission for the young.
This annual event which began in 2019, is a joint collaborative project spearheaded by the Vocation Animation Sector of the FMA-FIL and SDB-FIN with the active collaboration of the Commission on Salesian Family. It aims to help the young to discover and discern their vocation, to introduce them to the ten groups of the Salesian Family present in the Philippines, hoping that they would consider these in their vocational choice and appreciate this big family of Don Bosco and their mission of education and evangelization of youth. SDB-FIN headed by Fr. Jayson David, SDB, the Vocation Director for the Salesians, hosted the Vocation Festival this year. Fr. Alfred
Maravilla, SDB, General Councilor for Missions, who is on his Canonical Visitation to the SDB-FIN province, gave the welcome remarks challenging the participants to discover their vocation and that Don Bosco has shown us the way to live the call of the Lord in a specific style of life – the Salesian Spirituality, which is lived today by the groups of the Salesian family according to their specific charism and that these different ways all lead to holiness.
By Sr. Mariel Riceani De Mata, FMA
Celebrating the Year of Grace
On March 14, 2021, the FMA educating communities joined online the live Mass of Pope Francis which he celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica with several representatives of the Philippine Church, including Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, to mark the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines. In his homily he reflected on how God loved the world, gaving His only Son, emphasizing joy in the experience of being accompanied in the gift of self. He also thanked the Filipinos for the joy they bring to the whole world and to the Christian communities and urged them to renew their commitment to Christ as missionary disciples.
The Magellan-Elcano expedition – the first voyage around the world reached Samar on March 16, 1521. In world history, it was regarded as the “discovery of the Philippines” – but for us, it was the beginning of Christianity as well as our ancestors’ contribution to humanity.
500 years of the Christian faith in the Philippines is a milestone in the history of the Church. This grand Jubilee Year celebration is themed, “Gifted to Give.” We Filipinos rejoice and give thanks in celebrating this great gift.
I was blessed to be able to participate in the Eucharistic Celebration last April 14, 2021, commemorating the 500th Year of the first baptism in the Philippines as a reader of the prayers of the faithful in my language, Hiligaynon.
This was a once in a lifetime experience I never expected. The celebration was enriched with the beautiful re-enactment of the first Baptism and inserted in the Pontifical Mass were the Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation of 7 children. All the solemn rituals truly brought us back to what marked the start of the Christian faith that happened in Cebu five centuries ago, presided by Pedro de Valderrama, the only priest in the expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan. Indeed, we have been given the gift of faith, hope, and love “to give away” or share with others wherever we are or wherever we are sent.
By Sr. Claudia Mae Deypalan, FMA
Reflections on the Meaning of “Gifted to Give”
“To give and not to count the cost”, this line is one of my favorites. When you share kindness, do not expect something in return and the one who receives your kindness will also pass her kindness to others.
I believe God blesses us with talents, traits, and skills that we can share to others. In the parable of talents, the master summoned the servant who kept his talent buried in the ground and praised the two servants who were able to gain more talents. The talents, traits, and skills that we have are gifts not to be hidden away but they are gifts to be developed and nurtured by sharing them with others. Sharing kindness is not only giving money or material things but giving your time and service and listening to others are also acts of generosity. We are all gifted. But the problem is some are blind and not able to see God’s gifts. For those who can see, we are challenged to help those who can’t.
VICQUIE JEAN A. LACANDALO Past border - Pius XII Ladies’ Dorm
We Filipinos have have been blessed with the Catholic faith. We, the youth, are called to give and share what we have with others. When we give, remember that we should not limit ourselves but should do our best to give everything we have, even if we are left with nothing. As a young person, I believe that because God has bestowed many blessings on us without expecting anything in return, we should also give and share our blessings with others without expecting anything in return. It reminds me that we should accept and value the gift of Christianity that has been given to us. Now that we are in the midst of a pandemic, we are encouraged to lend a helping hand to those in need. It could be anything: food, support, friendship, etc. I began to support small businesses by purchasing baked goods from my friends’ small business. Remember that the word “give” doesn’t always mean we have to give a material thing to someone; it can also mean giving love or care to them. We were given the gift to give. We are gifted to give.
JULIANA MICHELLE P. CANOY Grade 9 student (MHCS Cebu)
“Gifted to give” is a beautiful reminder that we are gifted with hope and faith, along with a heart that does not hesitate to help others and a heart ready to sacrifice for others. As Christians, our mission is to spread the Word of God and let it be known to all. It is sharing our faith with those who are longing and those who are in need -- for receiving God’s grace is the best sustenance that will give us the strength to face our battles each day.
As a youth of today, I am called to serve God and others, not only in words but more so in deeds. Like our Savior, we must serve as the light in the darkness for others.
As we celebrate 500 years of Christianity here in the Philippines, let us seek goodness in everything we do, in the little things in life, and live a life of sharing and unity with our neighbors. We are gifted with hope; hope that no matter how lost or hopeless we are, we will have the strength not only to go on but to triumph in our journey to the kingdom of God. Let us always be reminded that we are loved, and we are gifted to give.
AMARA THERESA P. BORBON
Grade 12 student (MHCS Cebu)
Days of Prayer, Study and Discernment
September 11 to October 24, 2021 - One with the entire institute, the various communities in the province were in prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the 24th General Chapter in Rome. Thanks to technology, the sisters were able to join the Opening Mass and the celebrations that followed online. Sr. Rachel, FMA, our capitular delegate who was with our Provincial, Sr. Teresita, FMA, was fast to share the most surprising and blessed experience they had on October 22, 2021: “What a SURPRISE we had today! Pope Francis himself came to Casa Generalizia! We were told yesterday afternoon that we would not have the audience (with the Pope) as scheduled since something else came up and that the Pope will live stream his message for the Chapter members. While waiting for the link to the live streaming and while praying the Rosary, imagine our surprise when Pope Francis himself came in!”
and Sr. Rachel shared the whole chapter experience in the days of transmission of the Acts of the General Chapter for the province that was done online via Zoom last January 22-23, 2021. It was a beautiful sharing of the GC XXIV theme: “Do whatever he tells you” (Jn 2:5). Communities that generate life in the heart of contemporaneity” which makes explicit the big challenge that we have at hand: To re-awaken the original freshness of the vocational fruitfulness of the FMA Institute.
FIL-PNG Educating Communities prepares for the FMA 150th founding anniversary: 1872-2022
Nine months prior to August 5, 2022 mark a period of intensive preparation of the FIL Educating Communities towards the 150th founding anniversary the Institute. To help make this event a joyful celebration of God’s fidelity and the maternal presence of Mary Help of Christians, all sectors of the educating communities are into “Salesianity formation” with the following objectives: to make known St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello from the historical-charismatic educational point of view; to study the characteristics of the relationship between Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello; to renew the awareness of Mary’s presence in our lives and to know and live today the so-called “Spirit of Mornese”. Thus each sector of local Educating Communities tries to study and deepen the monthly themes. Short videos prepared by members of the EC, SYM and oratory teams are posted in varied social media every significant day of the month: 1st Saturday - vocation stories highlighting Mary’s role, 13th –snippets on the different life stages of Mo. Mazzarello, 24th – Marian testimonies from EC members, 31st – Don Bosco series. All these initiatives and ideas were gathered from each local EC, making use of the synodal style of journeying together towards the FMA Jubillee. This 150th anniversary is everyone’s feast! But, according to Mother Yvonne Reungoat, “it must arouse and strengthen in all the FMA and all the educating communities the commitment to revitalize the charism in today’s history and the various contexts.”
By Sr. Melanie Pilar, FMA
Virtual Pilgrimage in Mornese: “A Yes Prolonged in Time”
The celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Institute has inspired initiatives that will help the FMA and the educating communities to go back to the origins of the Institute. One of the initiatives in the institute level is the Virtual Pilgrimage to Mornese: “A Yes Prolonged in Time.” There are five language groups: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, and English with 2 sub-groups.
The program for the English groups runs from March 1 to May 3, 2022, every Tuesday and Friday with 17 sessions. One of the English groups is facilitated by Sr. Edna Mary MacDonald from the South Pacific Region Province, Sr. Rachel Melissa Flor, and Sr. Maria Pacencia Bandalan both
from the FIL-PNG Province. For this group, there are around 80 sisters from Hong Kong, Australia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and India. The pandemic has not stifled the Mornese spirit. It has even made us creative in bringing Mornese to every community of the FMA in the different parts of the world. The journey continues and with Mother Mazzarello we shall “enkindle the fire of the Mornese spirit in our hearts” for the next 150 years and beyond!
The Preventive System in the FMA Settings Today
Part of the 150th celebrations of the foundation of the Institute, the Pontifical Faculty of Educational Sciences “Auxilium” organized an explorative research on the Preventive System of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. The CIAO provinces: Hong Kong, Cambodia-Myanmar, and the Philippine-Papua Guinea Provinces formed part of one of the Focus Groups facilitated by Sr. Maria Pacencia P. Bandalan, FMA last February 19 and 26, 2022 which was participated by 12 participants representing the different settings: schools, oratory, homes for abused children, and the house of formations of their respective provinces. The results of the study will be shared during the International Congress in Rome in September of 2022.
