Profession and Anniversary of Religious Professions in a Time of Pandemic
In May 2020, Covid-19 high-risk areas such as Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Central Luzon (except Aurora), and several other provinces were still under the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the strictest community quarantine.
Sr. Kate Joan Amores, FMA, made her first religious profession on May 23, 2020, at St. Mary Mazzarello Novitiate, Canlubang, Laguna. The ECQ prevented the Sisters and her family from physically attending. Thanks to technology, the Provincial House community, Sr. Kate’s family in Negros Occidental, her sister who works in Aruba, and Sr. Helen Sebastian, FMA, her aunt assigned in Califonia, were able to be present via the online video conferencing platform. Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, the Visiting Councilor of the FIL Province, sent her a video message. After the Mass, Sr. Mabel Pilar, the provincial superior, greeted and announced (online) the obedience of Sr. Kate that is to join the community of Mary Help of Christians College in Canlubang.
On May 24, 2020, Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco, FMA, celebrated her 25th anniversary of Religious Profession in the Don Bosco School (Manila) chapel during the Mass presided by Fr. Jason Laguerta, parish priest of Sacred Heart in Sta. Mesa, Manila. It was a simple celebration with the FMA communities of Don Bosco School and the Provincial House, without guests nor her family members because of the ECQ. Nevertheless, it was a meaningful and joyful moment of thanksgiving to God for the gift of fidelity.
On May 24, 2020, the Mornese Center of Spirituality community in Pansol, Calamba City, celebrated the Mass in the parish for the 25th anniversary of the Religious Profession of Sr. Anelie Lacse, FMA. The implementation of the ECQ prevented Sr. Anelie from joining her batchmate, Sr. Maria Josefina, who also had her celebration in Manila on the same day.
Likewise, due to the lockdown, the Sisters celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Religious Profession had their private celebrations with their respective communities. Sr. Zenaida Zamora, FMA, celebrated with her community in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on May 24, 2020. They had Mass in the parish and a simple community meal. Sr. Carina Canlas, FMA, also celebrated with her community, St. Joseph – Mabalacat, and had an online Mass on that same day.
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FMA Lifeline May 2020 - February 2021
The FMA Educating Community in Sidea Island, Papua New Guinea, rejoiced with Sr. Guadalupe Ruiz, FMA, as she celebrated the 25th anniversary of her Religious Profession on August 5, 2020. The island is Covid-free, so the festive celebration was not restricted by health protocols.
Sr. Cynthia Calabig, FMA, celebrated with the Novitiate community in Canlubang, Laguna, on August 5, 2020. At that time, Laguna was under the less strict modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). Thus, her community was able to prepare a festive celebration of her anniversary.
By Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA
