CDO Community goes to Bohol

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 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

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.