News from the Religious of the Assumption Philippines-Thailand Province

Assumption Feast in CDO

2011-08-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

The statueof the Assumption at our altar

The celebration of the feast ofthe Assumption in CDO today was eclipsed by the preparation of the investitureof the incoming president of Xavier University, REV. FR. ROBERTO “Bobby” C.YAP, SJ. And so, we had a very quiet mass at 6:30am today in our tiny chapelwith Most Rev. Msgr. Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, ascelebrant. Friends brought flowers, “kakanin” for breakfast and warm greetingsto spruce our day.

ArchbishopAntonio J. Ledesma, SJ presiding at mass

This was followed by the formalblessing of the MAGIS STUDENT CENTER by the former president, REV. FR. JOSERAMON T. VILLARIN, SJ at 8:30 am. This center houses the university canteen,bookcenter and the offices for student services and organizations.

Fr. Jet Villarin, SJ, blessing the Magis Center

The new XUCanteen

Lunchtime was a very privatemoment among the five of us with a lone special guest, MARIDEL TAMPARONG (anold girl from Herran, who married and settled in CDO) who brought food. We hada festive lunch straight from the kitchen of Gran Caprice!

CDO Community with Maridel Tamparong

We had an hour to rest beforedressing up for the final engagement of the day, the INVESTITURE! The four ofus wore our finest attire, the formal habit, dressed to the formality of theoccasion. We had our second mass with the Archbishop again presiding at 3pm.Around 17 Jesuits came for this occasion headed by the Provincial Superior, Fr.Jojo Magadia, SJ, Fr. Danny Huang, the four former XU Presidents and all theother heads of Jesuit schools. After the mass, there was a 30min intervalbefore the formal ceremony. The investiture ended by 7pm. There was a largebanquet prepared for a thousand people at the covered courts.

The red carpet investiture at XUChapel

Fr. Bobby Yap being given the XU Mace

This was how Assumption feast was celebrated this day.According to Fr. Bobby Yap, he chose August 15 so that he can ride on the feastof the RAs and charge the bill to them. So, we wait until the bill comes…

HAPPY FEAST of the Assumption!!!

CDO Community goes to Bohol

2011-04-25T01:26:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Hills, Bohol

The CDO Community spent a week-end (March 17-19, 2011) in Bohol with Fr. Ramilo Mapaye, SVD of the Holy Name University as host, part of our formation in JPCC-S as well as bonding moment in two years.
This was in the garden of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Dauis, Panglao Island

The interior of the church with the original pulpit since the church was built. This is the church famous for its deep well at the foot of the sanctuary. Until now, the people still draw water, which is fresh, potable and believed to have healing

One of the African collections in the Tarsier Botanika Museum

Sunset at Tarsier Botanika in Panglao, the newest haven to see for its well-planned labyrinth of gardens and animals in captivity, ending with at the museum of the owner with a French bakeshop

The SVD Community Chapel at the Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
We had mass here upon our arrival with Fr. Ramilo, SVD as presider.

SVD Beach House where we stayed.

Passing through the man-made forest

Lunch at the river cruise along Loboc River

Intimate moment with a shy and timid tarsier

Fire in San Simon

2011-03-28T22:41:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, 26 March 2011, fire of still undetermined origin razed the Pre-School wing of Assumpta School in San Simon, Pampanga. It began at the Faculty Lounge that we more commonly call the “bahay kubo” at around 4:30 pm. By 6:00 pm the fire was under control. It went so fast and we cannot thank God enough that it happened on a day when there were no students!

Speaking with Sr. Josefina from Bangkok, where I still am for a series of meetings, she said that the community of ASSUMPTION TOGETHER (Sisters, Lay Partners, Students, Graduates, Parents and benefactors) draws strength from the support of so many who assure all that we have something much, much stronger than what fire can destroy. And so, as one community there is the determination to “rise from the ashes”...renewing the commitment to participate in God’s mission in San Simon.

Meetings have begun among the School Administration, the Sisters and the Board of the Mother Rosa Memorial Foundation to chart the course of recovery and restoration.

One cannot but be moved by the FAITH that accompanies all in San Simon. A FAITH that enables them to see and recognize God’s action in the midst of the damages that is so real.

Indeed, FAITH that gives birth to acts of communion and solidarity has the power to transform pain and destruction into something indestructible so that LIFE is still the last word. And so we are able to GIVE THANKS that no one was hurt.

To all of you who gave and continue to give support to our community in San Simon, by calling, sending SMS messages and by coming to San Simon, thank you for being ONE with us. Because of you, we know for sure that “we will rise from the ASHES...”

Sr. Maria Josefina Matias, RA

Prep classrooms and gallery

Bahay kubo where fire started.

Computer lab next to bahay kubo wasn't burned except the air-con unit - fire went behind it then burned the CRs and transferred to prep bldg where fire was going in two opposite directions

Science lab end of the bldg.

Luzon Sisters' Family Day

2011-01-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

Luzon Sisters' Family Day

January 1, 2011, Assumption San Lorenzo Makati

This year each community of Luzon picked a partner community to pray for and to give a meaningful gift to. Each Community was asked to prepare a presentation to reveal their partner community. The Creative presentations were indeed meaningful and touching. Because the photos were taken by Sr. Carla Teresa, the Provincialate Community Presentation had no photograph. The whole day experience has been one of communion and solidarity.

Final Profession of Vows of Sr. Maria Visitacion

2010-12-27T14:16:00.000-08:00

Final Profession of Vows

of Sr. Maria Visitacion of the Holy Eucharist, RA

December 27, 2010, 3:00 pm

San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church in Malibay, Pasay City

On December 27, 2010, on the Solemnity of St. John the Apostle, Sr. Maria Visitacion of the Holy Eucharist pronounced her FINAL VOWS at the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church, Malibay, Pasay City. His Emminence Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, who was the Bishop of Bukidnon when Sr. Ma. Visitacion was our student at San Isidro High School in Kadingilan, Bukidnon, was the Main Presider.

San Juan Nepomuceno Parish Church

Christmas 2010

2010-12-21T01:08:00.000-08:00

My dear Sisters and Friends,

With this goes my loving prayers and Filipino greetings for a truly joyful Christmas!

Sr. MarJo, RA

Sr. Ma. Josefina "MarJo" Matias, RA
Provincial House
Religious of the Assumption, Philippines-Thailand
#1 Sacrepante Street
1550 Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Tel/Fax Number: 63-2-5319614
Tel: 63-2-5331876

Golden Jubilee of Sr. Irene Maria of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, RA

2010-12-08T06:44:00.000-08:00

Golden Jubilee of Sr. Irene Maria of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, RA

Eucharistic Celebration, 10:00 am, Saturday, 18 December 2010

San Roque Parish Church, the Parish of the Provincialate Community

San Roque Parish Church

It was a joy to welcome the Province to our Parish after many years. In the 80's when the Novitiate was still in Aliw Street, we celebrated the First Vows of our Sisters in this Parish. Today the Parish Church is almost complete. It has just been recently consecrated last September 2010.

Sr. Irene Maria of the Sacred Heart began her postulancy with the Religious of the Assumption on November 24, 1957.

Sr. Irene and Sr. Marjo

St John of the Cross whose feast it was on that day, has marked her spirituality as she carries her daily cross silently and steadfastly in the following of Jesus.

On December 8, 1960, she made her First Profession of Vows in Assumption, Iloilo, choosing the mystery of the Sacred Heart. For her, the heart of Jesus suffers for the salvation of the world. With the Immaculate heart of Mary she draws strength and courage as she continues to carry on the ups and downs of her simple life joyfully, in union with the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The celebration was in thanksgiving for God’s fidelity and love in the presence and support of her Religious Community, her family, relatives and friends.

The celebration also gave everyone present an opportunity to share the blessings we have received and participate in making a difference in the life of another. Sr. Irene Maria together with the community of the Provincialate chose to assist in the building of the home of one of our lay partners, as the significant act of her Golden Jubilee.

As she renewed her commitment to live only for Jesus Christ and the extension of His Kingdom, we prayed that the occasion may also be for all of all a renewal of our personal and communitarian calls. May God bless us and make us holy in the loving service of others.

May He grant us the grace to grow in Faith, Hope and Love so that through us Jesus Christ will be known and loved wherever we may be.

Priest-celebrants were our Assumption Fathers Richard and Leo, and our dear Parish Priest, Rev. Father Andy Ortega Lim, as our Main Presider and homilist. It was a simple and joyful celebration.

Assumption Alumni Bazaar 2010

2010-11-14T23:35:00.001-08:00

November 6 & 14, 2010
Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Intercontinental
9:00am to 7:00pm

The annual Assumption Alumni Bazaar was held recently and was well attended, even by some of our sisters. This annual bazaar benefits the different Assumption mission schools around the Philippines.

Reflections from the Asian Formation Session

2010-10-27T23:16:00.000-07:00

“0-10 years” After Final Vows: Asian Formation Session

October 12-25, 2010, Bangkok; Thabom, Thailand

Reflections of the Indian Sisters

(as compiled)

Expression of thanksgiving

I am grateful to God and to the Congregation for the opportunity given me to participate in the Asian formation program in Bangkok, Thailand. It was a golden chance for me to go through the experience of ‘living transitions’ in my life. It was an experience of joyfully coming home to God, my self, community, and nature only to rest upon the shoulders of Jesus through the love, joy, peace, family spirit and internationality of our Congregation. It was a healing experience, helping me to realize the very presence of God in the time of my transition experiences. God was walking with me and at times He was carrying me so I could find the ‘endings.’ I felt enriched and relaxed, yet at the same time challenged.

The session was a time to relax with God, with my Sisters and a time to be with myself. As I leave, I feel my bag is filled with so many new things but not heavy. So is my heart. I do thank my small community members for listening and supporting me. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all those who accompanied us during the retreat, all the formators who walked with us on our journey. Thanks to each and every Sister of Bangkok and Thabom communities for making our stay in Thailand memorable and beautiful.

As a whole I felt very happy that we were recognized by the Congregation.

Cultural Exposure

The cultural exposure helped me discover the beauty of Thailand and the Thai culture. These elements reminded me of the Creator and the creativity of God and His creative gift of human beings. I also could learn many things about Buddhism and its beauty.

Family Spirit and Internationality

I experienced the family spirit of our Congregation, too, by living with the Sisters of different nationalities. Though we were different from different countries we could love, laugh, share, support, understand and relax with each other as Sisters. Love, sensitivity and attentiveness created the family spirit.

Living Transitions, the Module

The two weeks we spent together was an experience of transition. Though the timetable was flexible, I experienced a flow in everything. There were transitions in everything and everywhere. The acceptance and readiness to change helped me go forward. The sharing in the small communities was life-giving and an inspiration to accept the new beginnings in faith. I could open up myself and share my own experience with my Sisters in the group. It also helped me look into my transitional experience.

The invitation to be a contrast person, woman and a religious was a real challenge for me. Restructuration as I have come to understand it is promoting the common good of the Congregation.

The meetings with the Buddhist monks were a new experience for me. It challenged me to practice the virtue of non-violence in every aspect of my life.

Retreat Experience

Though I got disturbed with the schedule, I entered the prayer in a peaceful way. It is an invitation to enter into God’s heart and also the affirmation that I am God’s temple. Jesus will continue as my “WAY” in different levels, like entering into God’s heart, becoming the temple to be a contrast person, to build a contrast community, to establish God’s kingdom.

The two days of retreat was a journey with Jesus. I recognized Jesus as my “WAY” and I am convinced that he will be always with me to guide me.

I felt Jesus is the “LIFE” for me. I experienced the invitation of Jesus to “come to me” and “abide in me.” I became aware that I am a ‘precious child’ in the hands of God which then made me realize that my call is a ‘gift’ given me by Jesus.

Realizations/ Observations

This session made me aware of the transitions that take place in my life, in my community, in the Congregation, in the Church and in the world at large. I really felt that our Congregation is very beautiful working with different types of people: tribals, school children, youth , old, sick, street children and so on.

It was also a very beautiful experience to discover the presence of God, being with the Sisters of Bangkok and Thabom communities and the people around. I saw these communities as communities marked by faith, love, joy and sacrifice.

I realize that when things are prepared with prayer, sacrifice and hardwork, it is easy to get into and get through.

The session has inspired me to be deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, to live my community life with love, joy and sacrifice and to work for the kingdom of God with zeal and creativity. I realize that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ if we have deep faith and love in Him and do what He wants us to do.

If some women like the Bikkhunis can make the earth like heaven, how beautiful and wonderful the heaven God has made!

Thailand is a place like Kerala in India. So I felt that I am back to my native place. The love of the villagers helped me to recognize the innocent love of Jesus.

Challenges

The session helped me understand how God guided and walked with me in my life. Now I am convinced that the living transition is a plan of God to establish His kingdom in my life and in others. This gives me more courage to give life to myself and to others through my service and my being. This experience will also help me understand my Sisters in my community who go through the same transition in their own life.

Prepared by:
Sr. Preeti Earath
Sr. Jessy John Kandankariyil House
Sr. Sara Polisetty
Sr. Shainy John Madhathil
Sr. Smitha Mailiakel
Sr. Shanty Vadakkeolikkal

“0-10” YEARS AFTER FINAL VOWS ASIAN FORMATION SESSION “LIVING TRANSITIONS”

2010-10-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

October 12-25, 2010

Bangkok & Thabom, Thailand

After three years in the drawing board, the continental gathering of sisters “0-10” years after final vows took place in Thailand on October 12-25, 2010. There were 19 participants in all: 6 Indians, 9 Filipinas, 3 Vietnamese, and 1 Mexican, who is a missionary in the Philippines. The team of formators who accompanied the group was composed of Sr. Mary Ann Azanza (US Province), Sr. Maria Christina Nakayama (Japan), Sr. Celine Mathew (India) and Sr. Marie Emmanuel Melocoton (General Councilor). The team who labored over the formulation and execution of the module was composed of Sr. Maria Rosa Medina and Sr. Deanna Maria Combong (both assigned in Thailand and served as hosts) with Sr. Mary Cecilia Claparols, Provincial Councilor, Philippine-Thailand Province, who was a missionary in Thailand for 18 years.

The Bangkok Community arranged and facilitated every detail of the program while in the city. The participants were all housed in three adjacent classrooms at the Pre-School Department with 7 sisters in each of the air-conditioned rooms complete with toilet and bath, using mats for beds, tatami style. The occupants were of mixed groups to facilitate better interaction between and among the different nationalities. The formators were lodged in the convent and in the St. John’s ‘Mansion’. Fr. Mario Tejada, msp, Filipino missionary to Thailand, came daily to celebrate Mass with us.

Sr. Maria Josefina Matias, Provincial Superior of the Philippine-Thailand Province, came to open formally the session in the afternoon of October 12, 2010 at St. John’s University, which served as our host institution. To begin to know and welcome each other, we shared in triads some aspects of the “packing for the journey” exercise. Sr. Mary Cecilia then oriented us to the formation program and the LENS or the posture of heart with which we are invited to enter into the process of the next 15 days. “God is here, God has been here before our arrival” and pervades all reality! The Earth is a place of God’s Glory. Sr. Deanna Maria gave an overview on the Thai Culture and other useful information to help the participants appreciate the uniqueness of Thailand. This was followed by Ajahn Chainarong’s (Vice-Chancellor of St. John’s University) powerpoint presentation on the history of the Catholic Church in Thailand. A video on the situation of the Thai Religious prepared for the AMOR XV meeting was presented by Sr. Maria Rosa. The day ended with a party at the Mansion to welcome the participants as well as to celebrate the birthday of Sr. Mary Ann.

Exposure to the cultural and historical riches of Thailand followed the next day, October 13. We got our packs ready for the cultural tours. Srs. Mercedes and Catalina prepared packed lunch and snacks for everybody. The participants were divided into three different groups: Bangkok City, Samphran and Ayutthaya. Three first-class tourist vans were hired to take us around. The first two destinations were for those who had come to Bangkok for the first time. Sr. Rosa took care of the Bangkok group while Sr. Myrna accompanied the group to Samphran. The Ayutthaya tour was reserved for those who had been to Thailand but had no chance to visit this old capital of the country. Ayutthaya is also the place where Christianity had its beginnings in Thailand. A tour guide was with us to describe better the different areas which contributed significantly to the growth of Catholicism in the country. The day ended with the amazing “Siam Niramit” show – a most fitting way to celebrate Sr. Mary Cecilia’s 5 cycles of life - her 60th birthday – with a bang!

A double-decker tourist bus was hired to bring the group to Thabom on October 14. The group left Bangkok at 9:30am and arrived in Thabom at around 7pm. It was a long journey (with all the necessary stops) on a well-paved highway. Thabom quietly awaited the arrival of the Sisters with the surroundings dimmed by the night sky. Only the excited voices of the teachers and students who eagerly stood around the flagpole of St. John’s School-Thabom stirred the evening hiatus. They welcomed the group with a streamer and the traditional Thai greeting with garlands at the hall. After the formal introductions, bags were taken to the third floor and to the Sisters’ house. In no time everyone was ready for a long night in bed after a long journey on the road.

The entire third floor of the school building was used as function rooms. Three classrooms were converted into dormitories, the adjacent room into a prayer room and the next two into a workshop area as well as a recreation room complete with a refrigerator and snack tables. The big Activity Room of the school was designated for our Session Room. The Thabom Community had the windows and doors of the dormitories screened to prevent the insects from entering the rooms. All other provisions for laundry and washing were provided for. The participants stayed in the third floor, with 4 Sisters of the Community and 2 AMA Volunteers lodged on the second floor to be available for the participants’ needs especially during the night. The formators were lodged at the Sisters’ convent.

The session on “Living Transitions” began formally on October 15 with an input by Sr. Mary Cecilia on the Vedic Framework on the Inner Journey and the “Dependent Co-Origination,” a Buddhist schema on how we develop attachments. She proceeded by giving an orientation on the different phases of transitions and the dynamics that come with it. From this perspective, the participants were asked to share their own stories of transition. The participants were divided into three groups which served as the “base communities” for the entire duration of their stay in Thabom. The evening was spent in silence to “hold” and sense the impact of looking into our transitions and discovering therein the presence of God. This session continued till the next day.

In the afternoon of October 16, after the group sharing, the participants gathered again for the orientation on the village life in Thabom. Sr. Deanna prepared the participants for the ocular visit that would follow. Some student leaders were asked to accompany the three groups who went to three different zones of the village.

The next morning, the participants shared on the transitions experienced by their respective communities. In the afternoon, Sr. Deanna shared on the journey of the Assumption mission in Thailand. It was a beautiful synthesis of the history of the Assumption in Thailand giving us all a better understanding and appreciation of the RA mission in this country.

On Sunday, October 17, the participants joined the celebration of the Eucharist in the parish church. The mass was presided over by Fr. Maitri, a Thai priest from the provincial capital of Loei. Then the participants were ushered back to the school for the encounter with the village people. There were three groups: the elders, the young professionals and the student leaders with Srs. Deanna, Mary Cecilia, and Rosa acting as interpreters respectively. The participants and formators were free to choose which group to join. Each of these groups was able to name and articulate the changes brought about by globalization to their village and how they were coping with it. The effect of this transition was summed up in a sentence by one of the elders when he said that, “Development happens so fast that the heart cannot follow.”

Before noon, the village people brought us to a house in the neighborhood to participate in a house blessing. Fr. Maitri waited for almost an hour for us to finish the activity in school. At the blessing, the Sisters were asked to sit on the floor near the ceremonial bai sri su khwan. Pieces of home-spun thread were tied around this vase to be used for the ceremonial blessing. The ceremony proceeded according to the rite of blessing in the Catholic way after which, the elders in the village took the home-spun thread and started tying the wrists of each of the members of the family, blessing the family with joy, peace and prosperity. The sisters were included in the blessing as a gesture of welcome by the village.

The following day, October 18, Sr. Rekha Chennattu gave a lecture on the biblical foundation of the vows and the meaning of religious life as “contrast community.” This knowledge put in perspective what each one hoped for as they continue to live the many transitions that religious life offers. From there, Srs. Mary Sheryl and Lerma Victoria presented their own reading of the transition the Congregation went through as the charism was handed over from one Superior General to another since the death of M. Marie Eugenie. This information was a wake up call for the participants. They realized that the responsibility to carry on the charism was now on their shoulders and it was up to them how to hand it over to the next generation. They are now the keepers and bearers of this tradition.

The afternoon smoothly moved into the input of Sr. Marie Emmanuel. She presented the major challenges that confronted the congregation and how “re-structuration” as an appropriate response came to be in all its varied expressions. This time the term “re-structuration” made more sense and became better understood by the participants. Having had all the inputs, the participants were asked to go back to their base community to reflect on the possible articulation of the mission statement that would embody what this group hoped to live as the Asian contribution to the development of the expression of the RA charism as well as the RA contribution to Asia. The night was spent in silence to prepare for the two-day retreat that would follow.

The two-day retreat (prepared and guided by Sr. Rosa) on October 20-21 was a new prayer experience for everybody. In every prayer moment, the participants were asked to sit together quietly in the prayer room for 50 minutes before reading the scripture texts for 10 minutes. This was done twice in the morning and again twice in the afternoon. In the evening there was a walking meditation, ending with a sitting meditation in silence. The second day began with a walking meditation at 5am, followed by a guided meditation after breakfast and supposedly a time for gardening as part of the meditation on creation for the first half of the morning. Unfortunately the rains came and so the schedule was modified and the participants went back to sitting meditation.

During these two days, the participants were given the chance to choose the formator with whom they could read their God-experiences. Half an hour per dialogue per day was allotted for each one. This was a good moment to gather the graces of the session and make a synthesis of the whole experience. The sacrament of confession was also made available through Fr. Luis Miguel (Spanish missionary in Thailand) who stayed in Thabom the whole week for our daily celebration of the Eucharist. The parish priest, who is a member of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI), was out for their annual eight day retreat.

At the end of the second day of the retreat, the participants were made to observe silence in the evening to give time for them to journal their experiences since the session begun and express these in creative ways. The following day, they gathered as base communities and shared their experiences with each other. At the end of this encounter, each group was expected to put together the images that were drawn up and present it to the assembly. Group presentations were as varied as they were creative.

On the last day in Thabom, October 22, the school community prepared a cultural presentation using the indigenous musical instruments especially the “ponglang” and the participants were treated to five tribal dances peculiar to the North East of Thailand. It was a delight for the Sisters to learn a few dance steps from the dancers. The climax of the celebration was the bai sri su khwan, a ritual typical of the north and northeast of Thailand. This was like a send-off ritual led by the village elders who gave a blessing as they tied the home-spun thread around each of the Sisters’ wrists. The gesture binds the Sisters to the village community, making them part of their lives. The Sisters blessed them and thanked them in return for all the gestures of welcome they gave.

In Thabom, the group had at least 3 evenings for recreation. One such evening recreation was prepared by the Sisters from India. It was fun! They cracked jokes, introduced a tribal dance and prepared parlor games. Everybody received a prize. For once the voices of the cicadas were eclipsed by the shrieks of delight and peals of laughters of the Sisters that night. The second evening recreation was animated by the Sisters from Vietnam, including Nha Trang from the US. They bought balloons for the parlor games and some Sisters had to help blow the balloons for there was no air pump available. The games turned out hilarious with participants missing instructions and executing the games in their own way. Everybody had fun that evening. The Filipina Sisters took charge of the third and last evening recreation. Games followed one after another with ready prizes for winners. All the remaining balloons from the previous recreation were utilized and made to burst under pressure. That evening our transition sessions in Thabom came to a close with the exchange of gifts and souvenirs to keep each other close to each one’s hearts.

The next day, October 23, the group left Thabom. Everybody trooped to the bus complete with packed lunch and snacks for the journey back to Bangkok. The night before the Sisters got news that due to a recent typhoon, 17 towns were under water. The trip could take more time than usual and we might be taking another route. However, the sun was up that day and the roads were dry. The bus took the usual route and reached Bangkok before 6pm.

Sunday, October 24, was a special day for all. After joining the parish of St. John for the Sunday mass, the group traveled towards the south to visit Venerable Dhamananda (ordained female monk) at Nakhon Pathom. Fortunately for the group, all things just fell in place and the Sisters were able to have an audience with her, joined them in their Buddhist service at the temple and went to see the blue healing Buddha. It was a faith-defining encounter with Buddhism as lived from the female perspective. The Venerable also shared her own experience of transition, the renunciation she made at the peak of her career and the choice to commit to live as an ordained Buddhist. In her effort to bring back the tradition of women ordination in Theravada Buddhism in Thailand, she was met with criticism and rejection. But she was determined in her pursuit. In her own words, she compared herself to a “crack in the wall.” The wall refers to the existing patriarchal structure of Buddhism. She is not fighting the men. Instead, through her radical witness as a Bhikkhuni, a decisive action she took in her life, she carries a conviction that, “when more cracks are made, the wall will one day crumble.”

For lunch the whole group went to the river bank and had lunch on a floating restaurant. It was a good moment to be with families having lunch out with their kids. The afternoon offered two possibilities: those who were not able to visit the wax museum during the tour of Bangkok went directly to the venue and the others who had been there proceeded straight to Chatuchak for shopping. Everybody came home with bags of goodies as gifts for Sisters and friends.

The last day, October 25, was special. Venerable Phaisal Visalo, a Buddhist monk, abbot of wat Pa Sukato (a forest monastery, NE of Thailand) known for his involvements in Trainings for Non-Violence, the Coordinating Group of Religion for Society, work to protect the environment and at present, a member of the National Committee for Reform came to St. John’s earlier than expected. He shared with us his own reflections on the present crisis gripping Thailand and the state of democracy in the country. He was concerned that the development in Thailand might not be sustained for long for it is fast losing its own soul. For him, “when greed and injustice rule as the effect of globalization, the first casualty of violence is truth.” Thailand is undergoing a very crucial transition at this time of her history and no one knows exactly where this will lead. However, he believes that religion, the ordained have resources that can contribute in this time of transition to help each one see goodness and to restore the humanity of each person instead of living in fear and hatred. We are all friends in suffering and therefore we must always see the humanity of each other. Together we can contribute to bring about changes in the structure.

When Venerable Phaisal left, the participants were given time to convene to finalize the mission statement that was first introduced in Thabom. A committee was tasked to put together the suggested elements already identified. When the draft was finished, the body was asked to comment and come to an agreement. The statement was presented to the formators and insightful comments were raised. After a long discussion, the participants decided to keep the statement “as is” and after a year, be responsible in refining it and hopefully express it in their respective languages. It was suggested that the others, who belong to this age bracket but were not here, would be included in the task. Thus, the mission statement would be a work in progress, another phase in the transition process.

In the afternoon, the group gathered at the convent chapel for an hour of adoration. This was followed by the final sharing on ‘what we are grateful for and what we would like to take home with us’. Sr. Marie Emmanuel gave the final word to close the “0-10” Asian Formation session. Out of the chapel, we were greeted by the Friends of the Assumption who had come to be with us for the Eucharistic celebration that evening and to share a meal to conclude our historic, intense, unique Asian experience of Living Transitions in Thailand.

Prepared by:

Sr. Mary Cecilia Claparols, RA

Sr. Deanna Maria Combong, RA

Sr. Maria Rosa Medina, RA

Sr. Elnora Marie Perez, RA

“0-10 Years” After Final Vows Asian Formation Session: “Living Transitions”

2010-10-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

October 12-26, 2010, Thailand

Welcome poster by the RA Bangkok Community

Bangkok Community welcomes the sisters

(Sr. Mercedes giving the flower called “puang malai”)

Day 1: Opening Session, October 12

Sr. Maria Josefina Matias, ra, Provincial Superior,

Philippines-Thailand Province

Opening Remarks, St. John’s University, Bangkok, Thailand

Ajahn Chainarong, Vice-Chancellor, St. John’s University-Bangkok

Giving the history of the Catholic Church in Thailand

Participants in session, St. John’s University-Bangkok

First small group sharing on “packing for the journey”

Welcome dinner hosted by Ajahn Chainarong at the Mansion

Birthday cakes for Srs. Mary Ann Azanza (Oct. 12)
and Mary Cecilia Claparols (Oct 13)

Day 2: Cultural Tour, October 13

Ayuthaya Group in front of St. Joseph Church,
first Catholic Church in Thailand

Bangkok Group in front of the Teak Wood Palace

Samphran Group at the entrance of Bhaan Phuwan,
the pastoral center of the Diocese of Bangkok

Participants went to see the ever magnificent
and spectacular “Siam Neramit” show
Sr. Nha Trang (Vietnamese-USA), Sr. Silvia Maria (Mexico),
Sr. Sara (India) and Sr. Tra (Vietnamese) with some of the performers

Day 3: Travel to Thabom, October 14

The bus that took the participants to Thabom,
8 hours drive to the North East

Day 4: Ocular visit around Thabom, October 15

Sisters stopped to pose for picture-taking before a farmer driving a tractor

Day 5-11: Sessions in Thabom (October 16-22)

St. John’s School-Thabom, venue of the session

Sister’s Convent, beside the school building

Dining Hall, ground floor of the school building

Participants joining a traditional house blessing ceremony with Fr. Maitri

Celebrating mass in one of the classrooms turned prayer room

The sisters praying the Divine Office

Sr. Rekha Cinnatu,ra giving a lecture on
“Religious Life as ‘contrast’ community”

Group activity

Group sharing in one of the kiosks

Group sharing on the floor

Group encounter with the youth leaders of Thabom

Plenary session on the 3rd floor

Presentation of group output

Another group presentation

Another group presentation

Preparing the balloons to be used for recreation

Sr. Christina Nakayama blowing the balloon with all her might

Enjoying the game animated by the Indian Sisters (Recreation Night)

Dancing with the balloon (Sr. Lourdes (Filipina) and Sara (India))

Vietnamese sisters, (Nha Trang, Tra and Hang) playing with the balloons

Playing with straw (Sr. Nha Trang, Vietnamese)

Bottle relay (Sr. Agnes, Filipina, and Sr. Sara, India)

Jeepney ride to Chiangkian, border of Thailand-Laos

Srs. Silvia (Mexican) and Tra (Vietnamese)

View of the Mekong River separating Thailand from Laos

Sisters pose by the river bank
Seated from left: Srs. Nha Trang, Sara, Shanty, Jessy, Preeti
Standing: Srs. Hang, Lerma, Tra, Silvia, Aremar,
Mari Joan, Shainy, Smitha, Celine

Traditional musical instruments played by the students

Traditional lyre

Traditional wind and string instruments

Traditional tribal dance of the North East

Traditional bai sri su khwan used as a centerpiece for the send-off ritual

Receiving of the traditional woven cloth as gift from the villagers

Srs. Victoria (Filipina) and Silvia (Mexican)
learning the Thai dance steps from one of the elders

Traditional tying of home spun cotton,
symbol of one’s bond with the villagers

Sr. Mary Ann (Provincial Superior of the US)
receiving also the same gesture

Day 13: Visit to Nakhonpathom, October 24

Sr. Mary Cecilia thanking Ven. Chatsumarn Kabilsingh
(Dhammananda bhikunni), female ordained Buddhist monk

Joining the Sunday service presided over by Ven. Dhammananda at the temple

Day 14: Talk with Phra Phaisan Visalo

Buddhist monk involved in Active Non-Violence and Dialogue
not only in Thailand but in the world over

Sharing on the implications and repercussions of globalization on
Buddhism and the crisis in Thailand

Group photo with the performers (students of St. John’s-Thabom)

Final group picture at the RA Chapel, Bangkok

A Message From Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai of Udon Thani

2010-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

Catholic Diocese of Udon Thani

41002 Bishop’s Office, P.O. Box 2, Posri Station

(042) 243990 Udon Thani 41002, THAILAND

E-mail : udondiocese@catholic.or.th
Tel. (66-42) 321451-2 Fax. (66-42) 243990

Welcome Message of Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai

To the Participants of
‘Asian Formation Session for Assumption Sisters’

Thabom, Thailand, October 14-23, 2010

Sr. Maria Josefina Matias, Provincial Superior, Philippines-Thailand; Sr. Maria Emmanuel Melocoton, General Councilor; Formators, Resource Persons, Working Teams; and Participants to the Asian Formation Session for Assumption Sisters‟—a very pleasant day to all of you! It is truly with much joy and honor that I welcome you all to Thabom, Thailand—which happens to be in our own Diocese of Udon Thani, the chosen venue for your ASIAN Formation Session.

Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai

The Assumption Sisters are well respected and known for their ministry of providing and promoting good quality education, and integrating the same to their highly prioritized service to the poor and marginalized. Your Session theme, “Living Transitions,” on the other hand, evokes a dynamic process and forward movement in adapting to some necessary changes or new stages /chapters /strategies, if you will, in your pursuit to encounter the Living Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as in your pursuit to go deeper in living out your spirituality, charism and mission in the Asian context. My particular prayer for you, therefore, is that in this gathering, you may all closely encounter the Lord Jesus Christ and His Will, in the light and fire of the Holy Spirit, such that you may come up in the end with a well-integrated Vision and Mission as Religious of the Assumption Sisters coming from and being/serving in the various parts of Asia. Likewise, may you leave this ASIAN Session fully happy, satisfied, re-charged, empowered, and renewed—knowing that you have allowed our Lord Jesus Christ to take the lead. I invoke the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as of St. Marie Eugenie, your holy Foundress, in interceding for these requests.

Please be assured, moreover, of my full participation in this worthwhile gathering and renewal program, even in spirit, as I commit to include you all in my priestly blessing when I celebrate the Eucharist.

Again, a warm brotherly welcome to one and all!

+Bishop Joseph Luechai Thatwisai

Diocese of Udon Thani, Thailand

RA MINDANAO listens to Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ on Climate Change

2010-10-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

RA-Mindanao had a privileged chance to listen to the outgoing President of Xavier University, Fr. Jose Ramon (Fr. Jett) Villarin, SJ, share his ideas on climate change. Kauswagan community sent 25 delegates composed of teachers, students and the Sisters themselves. Sr. Mar Cecilia stayed behind due to asthma complications. Kibangay was not able to come down due to other commitments. CDO had only 6, 2 lay and 4 Sisters. Sr. Chit was confined to the hospital for allergic reactions the night before.

We thought this was not possible anymore since at first Fr. Jett did not have the time. But when Sr. Josefa made a follow up 3 weeks ago, he gave a date. We were glad that he was able to insert this engagement in his busy schedule considering that he just arrived from Germany for the UN monitoring committee on climate change, of which he is a member. Yesterday, he asked to change the time and move it an hour earlier for there was going to be an emergency meeting of the BOT for the election of the new XU president. So, at 9:00 am today, Fr. Jett came and spoke for an hour before rushing to the board room for the election of his replacement.

This was a rare occasion for us to have him speak on the topic closest to his heart - atmospheric physics. This is going to be the first and last chance we have of him since he will be transferring to AdMU by April 2011.

Fr. Jett was able to give a very concise and practical knowledge on climate change. He was able to speak to the level of the students and to simple folks like us. He was an effective teacher, speaking in simple terms but bringing across the basic idea that we must think “carbon” and make decisive actions so as to mitigate as well as adapt to climate change. Climate change is a serious concern and we have to act now so that the young generation will still have a future to look forward to for time is running out.

RA Mindanao in Dahilayan, Bukidnon

2010-08-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

This was the second time RA Mindanao got together for a week-end formation trip up in Dahilayan where the famous Asian longest zipline is located. But we did not lodge there. We stayed instead in the farm house of Esper Neri Dacudao, fronting the now famous (and very expensive, of course!) Opus Dei retreat house, Mountain Pines. CDO and Kauswagan communities left the city together, hoping to meet up with Kibangay somewhere in Manolo Fortich. But unfortunately Kiba had some delays and so the group decided to proceed and wait for Kiba at the venue. Getting down from the van, we were greeted with the typical Bukidnon climate of gentle cold breezes, a balm to the aching and aging bodies. We had the rest of the morning to just bask in the sun without fear of getting burned, thanks to the cool wind wafting in all directions.

We had two objectives for this trip: 1) to evaluate the journey to Dapitan for Rizal’s birthday last June and 2) to decide on the regional Mission Statement aside from the bonding that is nurtured by such an undertaking. Since our venue is a vegetable farm, we had the chance not only to eat green salads, freshly picked from the garden, but most excitedly to prepare the Ceasar’s salad ourselves upon the supervision of Esper’s husband, Tony, a self-confess gourmet. What a delight indeed to eat of the greens of the earth complete with generous servings of healthful salad dressing! You bet we finished the dressing first before the salad.

After lunch we were treated to a two-hour siesta! Everybody scampered away, finding her own nook and mattress for the much-needed rest. We occupied all the spaces available, at the mezzanine as well as the sala, leaving the dining area for all the things we hauled in from the city. Meals where served at the view deck hanging beside the cliff, overlooking the plateau and the valley down below and the strawberry terraces on the on right side.

At 3pm, we came together for the meeting down at the lawn beside the farm house. We were all in jackets since the afternoon turned gray and the clouds hang low on the mountains. Everybody was so rejuvenated that we finished our agenda on time. Each one seemed to have held on to their hang-over of the Dapitan experience that evaluating it was such a breeze. We had a piece of paper for the evaluation and each one diligently answered and read from it. The Dapitan trip was a significant formative undertaking which was more than inspiring. The region recommended that we do it regularly.

Before sundown, we had 1 hour meditation in lieu of the adoration, in total silence so as to here God speak through our surrounding. At 6pm we prayed vespers and celebrated the darkness of the evening eating sinugbang tilapia and bangus complete with bones.

We did not stay long outside since the cold was quietly seeping into our very bones. Some of the sisters had cough and colds and it was not good for them to be exposed to the “hamog.” The house had a singular fluorescent bulb in the kitchen area ran by car battery. We relied on our flashlights for mobility. The house also had rechargeable lamps to keep us from stumbling around. The darkness was so absolute that one could think of God at the beginning of creation.

Our second day started early at 4am to catch the glimpse of sunrise at 5am. Each of us had to look for our own space to await the breaking of day. There were not enough clouds to act as prism for the light to spread its magnificent colors across the sky. But what we had was a faint ray of pink light, shooting up into the zenith as it disappeared with the coming of day. How mute the morning was and how splendid to behold God’s creation wrapped in the shadows of the fleeting night! Surely anybody would not easily forget such a unique and rare chance to pray oraison in that manner.

After breakfast, we headed to the other side of the mountain and see what the place had to offer us. We went straight to the newly developed residential area on top of the mountain across where we were, near the Opus Dei retreat house. The area reminded us all of Baguio with pine trees jotting the landscape. We passed by the retreat house to have an ocular visit but we were refused entry due to an on-going formation session. We proceeded instead to the vacation house of the owners of the luxurious Plantation Bay resort in Mactan. What was unique about this house was the material used in the construction. The structure was made of giant bamboos put together like a log cabin. On the exterior, the house looked unassuming but the interiors gave an impression of taste and class befitting a royalty. The whole structure is a tribute to the local giant bamboo and the lowly banig done by the indigenous peoples. What a way to harmonize natural elements with its surroundings!

We trooped next to the property of Delsa Mortola (vacant lot with 2 tall trees but well-trimmed carabao grass) to get a good view of the rolling hills spanning a vast horizon. From there we went to the Asian longest zipline at 840 m a few blocks away. We sat there to wait and look at the people lining up and zipping back to base. Shortly after, we returned to Delsa’s place and ate lunch al fresco. Delsa brought all the leftovers of her fiesta celebration (Aug 28 was St. Augustine’s feastday and fiesta of CDO) and we had a hearty meal under the trees, squatting on cardboards spread on grassy lawn.
Our lunch was not the usual “eat and run” scheme we are all used to. We had a pleasant surprise of meeting the family of Marina Chan who came down to Mindanao for a family vacation from London. She was with her sister, husband and two children. She knew Sr. Rita way back in 1981 as a JVP in Kadingilan and had since then kept tab with her. What a joy to welcome her back to Bukidnon and to know how her JVP life formed her the way she is now.
We left the place after lunch and moved back to the city. Kibangay Community stayed in CDO for the night while Kauswagan went straight home.

All went home happy, looking forward to another adventure with God and with the Sisters.

Assumption Iloilo - Centennial Celebration

2010-08-15T04:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kim Guadarrama Source:Facebook

Mindanao Regional Formation in Dapitan

2010-06-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Assumption Together - Jan. 29-30, 2010 Congress

2010-02-01T05:11:00.000-08:00

Tree Planting Advent - CDO Community

2009-12-29T05:14:00.000-08:00

Part of the outcome of our regional assembly in Cagayan de Oro, was our advent practice as a region. One of the significant acts we committed ourselves to do during advent was tree planting as a concrete step in caring for the environment.

We organized a trip to the farm of Delsa Mortola, one of the members of Namaste. She has a mini forest and a corn field in Maambong, Libona, Bukidnon, an hour drive from CDO. So there we spent a day communing with nature, with the view of Mt. Kitanglad at the horizon and sighting an eagle flying in the air by chance. What a rare moment! Here is the CDO community planting 17 eucalyptus seedlings. Hope they will all grow up to maturity.

Have a fruitful and joyful year! --Sr. Elnora Perez

RA Regional Assembly - Malaybalay, Bukidnon

2009-11-29T05:54:00.000-08:00

The communities of Minanao came together on November 28-29, 2009 for a Regional Assembly which was highlighted by a presentation from Andres Ignacio. He gave an update on climate change, with implications and responses needed for today. They also visited Marywoods Academy, A Leadership School where they were toured by Ruth Ignacio. The next day was filled with other discussions done in Xavier University, Cagayan do Oro.

MEI Strategic Planning

2009-11-14T06:22:00.000-08:00

The Marie Eugenie Institute had it's strategic planning in Tagaytay with Chuki Feria facilitating the process. Present were Sr. Marjo, Sr. Fe, Sr. Regivic and Sr. Barnie together with lay partners Chinit Rufino, Bubut Neri, Cristina Estrada, Cory Villafania, Lizette Cojuangco, Gretchen Recto, Lirio Mapa, and with Christine Javier, Ria Salvania and Beth Montemayor.

After 18 years in existence, the Marie Eugenie Institute is planning for next steps and new directions. From its inception, it was a formation institute primarily for educators and has served the school communities of the Philippine-Thailand provinces as well as Assumption Together as part of the international lay formation committees.

Tomorrow's MEI will include more lay formation programs, extending to school communities outside the Assumption and hopefully also giving formation in spirituality in the workplace.

Typhoon Ondoy - Letters from Sr. Regivic

2009-09-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

TYPHOON ONDOY UPDATES

From Sr. Regina Victoria, R.A.

San Lorenzo, Philippine-Thailand Province

Day 1, Sept. 27, 2009

I’d like to share briefly my personal experience of this unprecedented deluge all over Metro Manila that turned our city into an ocean in less than 6 hours of heavy rainfall. The weather station says that what happened in 1969 in 24 hours happened yesterday in six hours!....The Sisters of the Novitiate moved to the third floor as the water already destroyed the gate and got into the first floor. Our Antipolo sisters were stranded in Cainta, stayed overnight in a fastfood restaurant (no way to get home!) and reached Antipolo only this afternoon. They started relief operations right away.

The Novitiate has been devastated. Our sisters are safe, but the ground floor will need restoration. In Malibay, our alumnae started a water and food brigade so we were able to deliver emergency goods to around 300 families. Everywhere people were cleaning up muddy houses, and so were we in our compound. Anyone’s heart would break at the sight of the damage in the school: books, computers, etc. floating in mud. We just decided to discard many things and build up the library and ground floor again. No water, no telephone lines, no electricity, but no complaints. All worked in joy even with background music from transistor radios. The same situation in Magallanes. This typhoon attacked all sectors of the city. From chaos to blessing is what I call this day. Shared experience of material loss, of mutual care and help, of lightheartedness ran through everywhere. Malibay and Magallanes had no Mass today, Sunday, as the churches had to be cleaned up from layers of mud as well. But the music and laughter everywhere are just as present. I felt that the people were celebrating the Eucharist in the streets and in their neighborhood all day. I am sure their Eucharistic celebrations in church will be more meaningful in the days to come.

We started to receive local & international calls; Family Councils & Alumnae are coming tomorrow. So we’ve organized ourselves in San Lorenzo for better coordination with our sister communities and other Makati-based schools for the relief operations this week. It is so touching to know so many care and we want that care to reach as many as possible. San Simon is all right, so is Boni.

Day 2, Sept. 28, 2009

Today, San Lorenzo was a sea of solidarity. Hundreds of families came to bring goods and lend vehicles to assure that these goods reach as many as possible in Malibay. All gave themselves in great generosity to assure that packages were enough for the day’s needs. By early afternoon, we had more than expected so that we are able to share with Antipolo and San Simon who are also ministering to their neighboring villages. This evening the Ayala-Zobels brought kitchen packages (gas stove and utensils) that will be given to the 500 most direly affected families of Malibay. Really, I can say I’ve seen a glimpse of the Kingdom today! Pinky Valdes presided over the whole operation: students, parents, alumnae, friends, personnel and sisters who worked in a very organized and joyful manner. The same atmosphere reigned in Malibay the whole day.

In Malibay many of us really cried to see a mountain of books and school materials go to the garbage heap. Our sister Silvia coudn’t stop crying as more things went to the dump truck because we can no longer restore them. But the good news is our children and their families are alive and they have the will and the hope to recover soon. I know God is here and will see them through because there are people who care. Today around 650 families were served and tomorrow we expect around 800.

I had time to visit our Little Sisters of the Assumption in the other side of Malibay. They are well and Margaret has access to the internet around the corner already, so she can communicate to her sisters. Isla, where they live, is in a very bad state. They lost one of the schoolchildren in the flood. Pleasepray for them, too. We share what we have with them and the Assumption Fathers are also helping them

Pag-Asa, our weather bureau just announced two incoming typhoons within the week. Please help us storm heaven. Hope with us that they will not fall, and if they do, that they will not bring more damage. Tonight Ondoy’s death toll is at 160 with thousands still missing in Metro Manila alone. I don’t have the figures of other provinces. God must have something in store for our nation in this great purification.

Day 3, Sept. 29, 2009

Classes are cancelled for the whole week in MetroManila. More bodies are discovered as the water-level goes down. Death toll all over the country as of 4 p.m. today is at 282, more than half from Metro Manila. Status reports on damages are beyond our imagination.

I’ve been asked to give status reports, on our “AssumptionOperation Tulong” (Assumption Operation Help). I can’t believe that classes are suspended because of traffic jams outside our gates and along our driveway. Today I realized that indeed Assumption is a school of life. The Assumption family comes to school this week because like Jesus we want to save and give life. I met a very young child who told me how happy she is to work like a cow for those who lost so much.

Pinky Valdes was able to take some pictures yesterday and today. These will be sent by installment to Sr. Marjo who will surely share with all of you. Some shots look dark, as tents have been put up in the open space of Malibay to be able to do our daily work. But they are enough to give you an idea of post-Ondoy activities here.

Today, with more donations, we were able reach out beyond sister-communities. Chiqui Violago and Sr. Sheryl ventured to visit evacuation areas in Pasig, one of the worst-hit areas of Metro Manila. The site gripped their hearts and Chiqui is now back in Pasig to bring a small truck-load of bottled water. Rescue help has not yet reached some areas of Pasig and people haven’t eaten for more than 48 hours. We’ve decided extend our help to some evacuation areas especially this week when we have more than enough food to share.

Sisters Roshni and Junalyn were able to visit San Simon. Our school is in good shape and classes resumed today. But all along the highway to San Simon was like a sea and there will be no rice harvest in many parts. Tomorrow the high school students and faculty will visit the worst-hit areas of Arayat and share the 350 food packages our Sisters brought.

In Malibay our Assumptionist fathers and brothers came to help us minister to 926 families who came for their food packages. Luli A. Bernas sent Malacanang kitchen staff to serve a hefty afternoon merienda for these families. Sr. Fe brought a group of Ambassadors’ wives to the Little Sisters of the Assumption who were overwhelmed by the outpouring of help. The Ambassador of Chile sent us a sack of rice for them, too.

A new typhoon is entering our area of responsibility tomorrow. As we brace for the new threat, we all beg God to spare us further damage. Please join us in this prayer. Meanwhile people, especially the young, are inspired by an 18-year old construction worker who saved 31 lives at the peak of the raging floods and then died of fatigue. Today, the nation is thanking him and the 6 soldiers who also lost their lives saving as many people as possible in dangerous areas last Saturday. We have new martyrs of charity to inspire us in the forthcoming days.

Day 4, Sept.30, 2009

Today e-letters and calls from many friends and alumnae outside Manila abound. We are very touched with the great sense of solidarity. Some “Old Girls” (Assumption alumnae) in other parts of MetroManila and neighboring provinces tell me about their touching experiences as they help through their parish-based organizations or with local government units and television stations. I’ve not heard yet of anyone who is not doing something for others.

There are staff members of San Lorenzo who have been badly hit by Ondoy. It is only today that they start attending to their own needs after three days of generous service. So are our own Sisters of Malibay. There was time today for much-needed medical care and to buy Sisters’ supplies as their basic commodities and footwear were swept away, too. Fe and Ana Maria are attending to them.

Medical missions are ready to serve now to attend to secondary needs in Malibay. At the same time the Alumnae Association is organizing for the rehabilitation phase that will come soon. We are grateful for all those who offered to help in terms of cash. Should you know of friends who want to do bank-to-bank transactions, just let me know because we have $, Euro and Peso Account. Numbers.

Meanwhile relief service continues in Antipolo (helping Angono and nearby areas), San Simon (helping Arayat) and San Lorenzo. Today the overflowing numbers of volunteers and donors continue in San Lorenzo. A house helper brought her own piggy bank coins worth 1,000 pesos! We were able to deliver the 500 family sacks (kitchen ware, mats, blankets, pillows, etc.) for the 500 worst hit families of Malibay. Chiqui Violago was able to borrow 2 army trucks to help her and some Sisters bring goods to critical areas of Marikina and Pasig. Neil and other College staff were able to reach San Mateo, Rizal. These areas have not been reached by any group as they had to take rubber boats and wade through muddy waters still reaching the thighs. Many said, “Thank you! It has been three days that we have not taken rice. We can take hunger, but our children cannot take it anymore.” In Marikina and Pasig, the goods were delivered house to house by Sr. M.Ignatius and High School teachers. Families were so grateful that they have food for two days now without lining up in distribution centers for hours and end up not having anything left.

These things make me imagine how much God labors to give us life. We feel privileged to labor with God. As we serve our own people, we also think and pray for those who are now being hit by Ondoy in Vietnam and by a terrible earthquake and tidal waves in Samoa and Tongga.

This might be my last chronicle for the week as I go back to work at IFRS.

I shall try to resume next week.

Day 5, Oct. 1, 2009

The very first thing I heard over the radio this morning is the request of the inmates of the biggest city jail of Manila to be served only twice a day. As they cannot go out to help, they asked that their third meal be given to evacuees. Suffering can indeed bring out what is beautiful in us. This is what I contemplate each day right here in our land.

Our volunteers who went to Marikina yesterday in Air Force trucks were able to go home only past midnight. Everywhere they went, people were crying for food and they pursued relief operations till way past sunset through dark streets as electricity has not yet been restored in these areas. Today, they went back again, this time with the same trucks and more vans filled with clothes and bottled water. Mud water level is still very high. We don’t know if classes can really resume on Monday, especially in Pasig and Marikina.

Malibay (San Juan Nepomuceno School) immediate relief operations finished today. Yesterday 1, 278 families were served. Today the 500 family sacks were given to the worst hit families in an orderly way. The Sisters and lay staff started with the Gospel of the day: “…and they went out two by two…” so did they, visiting homes as far as they could go, coming home at the end of the day to rest and be still before Jesus in Adoration. There must have been many things that took place in deep silent prayer. The Little Sisters of the Assumption accepted to host the medical mission in Malibay and we forwarded all medicines and pharmaceutical tools to them. SJNS can now start cleaning up and try to be ready for the opening of classes on Monday, hoping and praying that super-typhoon Pepeng will not hit us again. There is a lot to repair, reconstruct, but the teachers know how to resume classes in limited space. Creativity and resilience are God’s gifts to us.

Today, too, my e-mail inbox was full of letters expressing solidarity in many ways. We are receiving more help from our big Assumption family. Sisters Fe and Ana Maria, Pinky Valdes and Milette O. Recto spoke with each other to delineate roles and tasks in the next stage of rehabilitation. Starting tomorrow we will continue to receive donations at the College Lobby. Packaging will continue in smaller scale, but deliveries might wait for a few days. We are aware that big TV stations and politicians are now reaching needy areas with more relief goods. Our San Lorenzo school staff needs time to clean-up and prepare for the opening of classes on Monday.

Monday and the days to come will have many stories to share. I think we need time to reflect on these true stories and hear what God wants to tell. At the same time, live day to day for we don’t know what Pepeng will bring. All we know is that God is with us.

A Message from Sr. Marjo and the Provincial Council

2009-08-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

A Message from Sr. Diana

2009-08-14T07:58:00.001-07:00

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

Novena Of The Assumption, August 6 - 14, 2009

2009-08-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

Walk with us toward the celebration of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (August 15) with this novena.

Spend a few moments each day contemplating Mary and praying with her.

"As they [the Religious of the Assumption] journey in faith,

Mary, the Mother of Jesus, is there.

In her, one like themselves,

the sisters discover how great

is a woman's capacity for love.

In Mary, all was adoration.

She allowed the Life of the Trinity

gradually to pervade her whole being

until the moment when

the glory of God broke through her weakness

in the mystery of the Assumption."

- from the Prologue of the Rule of Life of the Religious of the Assumption

A blessed and happy Feast of the Assumption to you from all the Assumption Sisters!

Source: http://www.assumptionsisters.org/archived_news/090806Novena.htm

Transfer of The Remains Of St. Marie Eugenie, July 8, 2009

2009-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Due to the renovations soon to be undertaken at the Chapel of the Motherhouse in Auteuil, Paris, the coffin of St. Marie Eugenie was transferred to another resting place within the grounds of the convent.

On July 8th, at the end of the last Mass celebrated by Father Duloisy, the pastor of Notre Dame de l’Assomption [the parish church of the Motherhouse], the transfer of the remains of Saint Marie Eugenie of Jesus took place. Her coffin was carried by Sister Diana and the members of the General Council and was venerated by all the sisters who were present: the Auteuil community, the sisters of the Third Year, Sister Therese Maylis, the archivist, and others passing through.

The General Council placed the coffin in the gathering space within the Chapel, giving everyone the possibility to venerate it. Once outside, the Council, carrying the coffin, walked between a guard of honor formed by all present holding small lit candles.

Then, next to the grave markers outside the chapel, the coffin was lowered into a temporary vault, where it will stay during the time that the chapel is being renovated. Pilgrims coming from all over the world can thus still come to pray to Saint Marie Eugenie.

Click here to see a video of the ceremony.

(Tip: to get the full screen view, click on the double-headed arrow on the lower right corner of the video screen, beside the icon for volume.)

To see the Chapel renovation in different stages click:

Removal of Chapel benches

Removal of Chapel stalls (1), (2), (3)

Rehearsal of removal of coffin from the altar

Source

Golden Jubilee of Sr. Luz Emmanuel, RA

2009-07-02T00:10:00.000-07:00

Sr. Luz Emanuel Soriano celebrated her Golden Jubilee last July 2, 2009.

Assumption Antipolo
JULY 2, 2009

From Iloilo

2009-06-14T17:31:00.000-07:00

Jubilee of Sr. Felicidad and the
99th Anniversary of Foundation of Iloilo

Summer 2009 - Baguio

2009-05-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

170th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Religious of the Assumption

2009-04-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

We celebrated the 170^th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Religious of the Assumption with a Eucharist and the Renewal of Vows for two (2) years of Sisters Mary Catherine of the Heart of Jesus and Mary, Ma. Cristina of God and Sr Mary Ignatius of Jesus Crucified. Fr. Mario Francisco, SJ was the Main Presider.

Vocation Promotions Workshop

2009-04-29T00:09:00.000-07:00

The Province took the Strategic Direction regarding Vocation Promotion very seriously. These 3 days gathered representatives from each Community of the Province to launch the revitalized Vocation Promotion Program of the Province. New materials were distributed and new strategies and tools for Vocation Promotion were discussed.

APRIL 27-29, 2009

Provincial Annual Retreat

2009-04-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

April 14-21,2009

Provincial Annual Retreat with the theme ~ Discipleship – the following of jesus with the 8 beatitudes (matthew), the RA rule of life and reflections with bishop Luis Antonio "Chito” Tagle at the Religious of the Good Shepherd Retreat House in Tagaytay. There were 80 of us! It was truly a gracefilled experience of renewal and communion!

Golden jubilee of Sr. Ma. Felicidad

2009-03-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

Golden jubilee of Sr. Ma. Felicidad de la Compassion Anglacer at Assumption Iloilo which Archbishop Angel Lagdameo presiding.

2009-03-20T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Religious of the Assumption was given the Santiago TG Hayes Award during the Academic Convocation held at Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro. The citation reads “in recognition of their outstanding work and service to the Church in Mindanao and to our country”.

Ruby Jubilee of MUDF

2009-03-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

On the Feast of St. Joseph, we had the joy of celebrating the Ruby Jubilee of the Maryville Urban Development Foundation.

Celebration of the Feast of St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus

2009-03-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

Celebrating the Feast of St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus with the Eucharist and the blessing of Assumption Antipolo Sports Complex in the morning and the Eucharist and the blessing of the AC Museum.

Breakfast Celebration with AMA

2009-03-09T17:03:00.000-07:00

An anticipated celebration of the Feast of St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus with the AMA Philippines for breakfast at the Provincial House.

Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sr. Loretto Eugenia Mapa

2009-02-14T16:53:00.000-08:00

It was a joy to host the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Sr. Loretto Eugenia Mapa! More on her Jubilee from the US Province Site: Sr. Lory: Golden Jubilarian! February 14, 2009

I have also attached my introduction to the celebration!

In the afternoon we had the Sisters’ Assembly (gathering of all sisters) where we had the joy of having Sr. Mary Ann (Provincial of the US Province), Sr. Rekha from India who was here for some courses that she was asked to give at the Loyola School of Theology, and of course Sr. Loretto Eugenia herself.

The Blessing of the Renewed Provincial House

2008-11-09T23:59:00.000-08:00

After communion, the Body of Christ was placed reverently in the tabernacle. From that time on in every house and apartment, in tents in the desert and tenements in the city, from generation to generation, the cornerstone and Master of the house was going to stay with His Assumption.

From MARIE EUGENIE MILLERET by Helene Marie Bories

As the whole universal church celebrated the dedication of the basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, we remembered the first mass celebrated by our Founding Mothers, 169 years ago at Rue Vaugirard, with Fr. Combalot presiding.

We also received with joy the blessing of a renewed Provincial House. In loving obedience to the extraordinary Chapter of the Whole, we embraced this dwelling place as our Provincial House.

May this be a haven of love, understanding and service for all the sisters and lay partners of the Philippines-Thailand Province and may all the actions, thoughts, reflections and decisions here be rooted in God and find fulfillment only in Him.

The Sisters from the Communities of Luzon came for the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the Blessing of the Renewed Provincial House. With Fr. Andy Ortega Lim as the Main Presider.

May we live the call to be living stones and in so doing demonstrate our faith by the way we care for one another in our communities and in our society, sheltering, nourishing and sustaining others in love.

MIHI VIVERE CHRISTUS EST ...another intercessor in heaven...

2008-10-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, 20 October, Sr. Maria Demetria de Jesus Crucificado left us for the Father's house...at 8:10 in the morning very peacefully and surrounded by the sisters of the Iloilo Community. She was 81 years old and had just celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a Religious of the Assumption last March 10.
She now joins Sisters Maria Sinforosa, Sr. Magdalena, and Sr. Amparo Teresa in the Assumption of heaven. We laid her to rest last Thursday, 23 October at the Iloilo Memoral Park.

Sisters seated from the left are: Sisters Ma. Felipa, Ma. Demetria, Ma. Carmela, Ma. Sinforosa, Paulina Ma., Julita Ma..
Standing from the left are: Sisters Irene Maria, Amparo Teresa, Ma. Estefania, Elnora Ma. and Lydia Margarita.

This photo was taken in October 2005 during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Assumption in Antique.

You may click to view the official announcement SMaDemetria Faire-part as well as Sr. Ma. Josefina's Tribute to Sister Maria Demetria.

...Freely and forever...

2008-07-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, 26 July 2008, on the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Sr. Lourdes Eugenia of Jesus and Sr. Paula Victoria of Jesus Crucified made their Final Profession as Religious of the Assumption at a Ceremony that took place during the Eucharistic Celebration held at 10:00 o'clock in the morning at the Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel in Assumption, San Lorenzo.

It was truly a celebration of JOY and THANKSGIVING! Huge delegations came from the school communities of Assumption Antipolo where Sr. Lourdes Eugenia was a Teacher and a Class Adviser and from the Basic Education Division of Assumption San Lorenzo where Sr. Paula Victoria was also a Class Adviser and a Teacher.

Golden Jubilee of Sister Carla Teresa

2008-07-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

God's Fidelity ... for always... 50 years...60 years...

Golden Jubilee of

Sister Carla Teresa

du Coeur de Jésus et Marie, ra

ONLY JESUS

Sr. Carla Teresa renewing and signing her VOWS.
(Read the Introduction to the Celebration and Sr. Carla's Thanksgiving) Intro and Thanksgiving

Diamond Jubiliee of Sr. Teresita Maria and Sr. Cristina

2008-07-24T01:57:00.000-07:00

Dilexit me et tradidit semetipsum pro me.
He loved me and delivered Himself for me.
Sr. Teresita Maria de Jesus Crucifie, RA

June 24, 1948 - 2008

Ita Pater
Yes, Father

Sr. Cristina Augusta
de la Ste. Vierge, RA

60 Years of Religious Profession

A visit to Joey Velasco's Home

2008-05-25T23:27:00.000-07:00

"I See You, Lord!"

Two Communities Surprised by the Lord
A Day Before the SOLEMNITY OF HIS BODY AND BLOOD
24 May 2008

The Communities of the Novitiate and the Provincialate had the grace of meeting Mr. Joey Velasco and his famly last Saturday, 24 May 2008, in his home!

It was truly an unforgettable experience!

To some extent, the sisters did expect to have a nice and enjoyable community outing to somewhat cap the summer "holidays"...but only God knew what He had in store for us...

We were met by the charming Velasco children and soon after by Mrs. Queenie Velasco, the lovely wife of Joey who also prepared a sumptuous lunch for all of us! A little later his mother also came to join us!

"Hapag ng Pag-asa"
Joey Velasco is the man behind the painting, "Hapag ng Pagasa" - that has become a "must see" today. He is also the one behind the book, "THEY HAVE JESUS" where Joey speaks of each of the children in the painting.

But what was truly significant about the encounter was the circumstances behind the man and his paintings. Joey was not born a painter..."not at all" - he would say. His paintings were borne out of weakness and vulnerability... even sickness... that somehow paved the way for an authentic God experience that would transform his life and that of his family and eventually of all those who would see his paintings.

One could say that the paintings are of "divine origin" making use of Joey's hand and paintbrush, not so much because Joey is a most fitting, holy instrument, but moreso because God wants to make Himself known and loved, first and foremost to Joey and his family and through him, to others who would have the heart and the eyes to recognize God's "epiphany" through them.

One cannot deny God's hand in making this spiritual encounter happen. It certainly has provided for a more meaningful celebration of the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Our Lord. God is serious about wanting to be known and loved by us... the Retreat on the Mystery of the Incarnation that took place last month was God's gift to the Province. This experience confirmed the retreat grace that indeed if our eyes and hearts were open, we will see God and find in Him, life in its fullness. A message from Joey confirms the grace of the experience - "Your presence yesterday was another spiritual experience for all of us. Thanks for the sharing...:"

Thank you, Lord for blessing us

with the grace to see and recognize you...

169th Foundation Day Celebration - Assumption, San Lorenzo

2008-04-30T23:13:00.000-07:00

Today as the Congregation celebrates the 169th Anniversay of the Foundation of the Religious of the Assumption, in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption at Assumption San Lorenzo, 3 events took place - the Reception of 3 Postulants, the Renewal of Vows of 2 Junior Sisters and the Commitment to the Way of Life of the Community of Lay Assumption of 9 Lay Friends. It was truly a joyful gathering where almost all of the sisters of the Province were present.

This celebration caps the Provincial Summer Activites for the Sisters. Soon each one will be returning to their respective communities ready to begin the new school year renewed by the grace of communion in spirit and in truth!

A mark of newness accompanies the coming school year with changes in Community composition and Community Animators all for greater life and better service to God and His people.

Sisters of the Philippines-Thailand Province

Provincial Retreat 2008

2008-04-24T22:44:00.000-07:00

Sabbath place, Baguio City, April 15-23, 2008

Photo taken in Baguio - 23 April 2008

The Sabbath Place, Baguio City

2008-04-14T22:22:00.000-07:00

All Roads lead to the Assumption Sabbath Place

	Around 70 sisters will be gathered at the Assumption Sabbath Place for the Provincial Annual Retreat starting Tuesday, April 15! All the sisters are excited and happy to come together.
What adds to the excitement is the 2 days of "Rest and Recreation" together after the Retreat. Several activities are being prepared for all to enjoy with one another.

	Fr. Francis Gustilo, SDB will be guiding the Retreat that hopes to deepen the Sisters' appreciation of the Mystery of the Incarnation. It will be a moment of strengthening communion and an opportunity to experience the BODY -Province and the family spirit so akin to the Assumption!

We have a new Saint!

2007-08-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Photo by CSJavier, June 4, 2007

The Canonization of Saint Marie Eugenie of Jesus that took place in Rome last 3 June 2007 has brought about a Province-wide experience of COMMUNION among the varied sectors of persons and communities of the Philippines-Thailand Province.	St. Peter's Square, June3, 2007
Sr. Marjo receiving Communion from the Holy Father, June3, 2007	But equally grace-filled was the experience of so many who witnessed the Canonization through television via satellite here in the Philippines. Communities, sisters, priests and lay friends came together to be in close union with all those who were in Rome to celebrate the Canonization of St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus. Indeed the experience transcended the distance of space and time bringing about a sense of oneness that strengthened the spirit of family and bonds of friendship.
Provincial Delegation Lay Partners at the Saint Peter's Square	Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Bangkok, Thailand
The 20 Canonization Thanksgiving Celebrations , held either in Communities, Parishes, Dioceses, or Archdioceses in the Philippines and Thailand poured out graces and blessings for the Philippines-Thailand Province. The last Thanksgiving Celebration took place last March 29, 2008 at the Cathedral of Malaybalay, Bukidnon with His Grace, Bishop Honesto Pacana, SJ presiding. See the Welcome Message of Sr. Ma. Josefina Matias, RA delivered at the beginning of that celebration!	Cathedral of Saint Augustine, Cagayan de Oro