MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER S t. S c h o l a s t i c a s P r i o r y L e o n G u i n t o S t r e e t M a l a t e, M a n i l a, P h i l i p p i n e s Vol. IV No. 3 May 2014 NEW PRIORY HOUSE TAGAYTAY Magallanes Drive, Sta. Rita, Silang Crossing West, 4120 Tagaytay City It was in October 2011, when the Sisters were gathered to discern the qualities of the to-be elected prioress that the idea of moving the Priory House out of Manila germinated in one of the discussion groups. The idea grew stronger among them and it blossomed into a proposal presented at the 18 th Manila Priory Chapter of January This proposal generated a lot of discussion. Some Sisters thought the idea was timely when the surrounding of the Priory House was getting noisier and polluted each day and the school s expansion was encroaching into the monastic ambience of the priory. Others were saddened by the thought of leaving the beautiful chapel where many had pronounced their vows or celebrated their jubilees, or witnessed the wake of many beloved Sisters at the close of their earthly journey. Others thought of the tremendous loss that would come about by leaving the proximity of St. Scholastica s College or missing the opportunities to enjoy the cultural shows in Manila. The discussions went on and on with expressions of nostalgia for the rich history that has surrounded the growth of the Priory House in Leon Guinto against the aspirations of some to find and experience a more suitable monastic environment elsewhere for the benefit of the physical and spiritual well being of the Sisters. Somebody suggested that we simply go on and explore the idea further and no one should fear a sudden change since it would most probably take ten years before the departure of the Priory House from Manila would become a reality. And so the Priory Chapter created a Task Force to study the relocation of the Priory House and appointed no less than Mother Irene Dabalus, Sr. Mary Thomas Prado, Sr. Ana Maria Raca and Sr. Mary Bellarmine Bernas to spearhead the project. The Task Force fast tracked their search because two members of the Task Force were

2 Page 2 leaving for the General Chapter in Rome. Their enthusiasm for finding a suitable place for the dream priory waned gradually as they traveled from one prospective site to another and met with frustration and discouragement. Finally, they concluded that perhaps the Lord did not want the Priory House to leave Manila! They decided to stop the search and spend some time in prayer. Their prayer was brief and to the point. God show us the way if You would really want the Manila Priory House to be relocated. The answer came quickly and unexpectedly. From out of the blue the PIME Fathers who knew nothing of the plans of the Benedictine Sisters told one of them that they were moving out of Tagaytay and would like to sell their seminary to another religious institute who could continue to use it as a house of prayer. The Task Force went quickly to see the place and inquired about the financial requirements for the change of ownership. The Task Force reported their findings to the Priory Government and from them on the PG took over the negotiations. Meanwhile, various changes decided at the General Chapter 2012 had great consequences on the Manila Priory. Mother Lumen Gloria Dungca (who was elected Prioress of the Manila Priory in January 2012) was elected Vicaress General of the Congregation. Mother Adelaida Ygrubay (who had just finished her term as Vicaress General) was elected Prioress at the 19 th Manila Priory Chapter of January Since the 19 th Priory Chapter of 2013 was primarily an election chapter, the new Prioress, Mother Adelaida Ygrubay, called for a business chapter in April At this chapter the Task Force MANILA PRIORY reported officially the result of their search. The capitulars were invited to visit the 10-year old seminary which they found in good condition but needing some renovations to make it a more suitable place for a monastic community with some elderly Sisters. The Priory Government created a finance committee to carry out the negotiations of the sale of the property. This committee composed of Sr. Imelda Halili, Sr. Constance Tecson and Sr. Benita Reyes, presented the rough estimates of the possible cost of the purchase of the property. Finally, the chapter voted to allow the finance committee to continue the negotiation for the acquisition of the PIME property And now, two years and seven months (not TEN years!) after the proposal to relocate the Priory House, the Sisters of the Manila Priory House are about to write a new page in their history. The PIME property has been purchased and is now officially called the PRIORY HOUSE TAGAYTAY and its renovation is almost complete, thanks to the vigilant and efficient supervision of Sr. Benita Reyes. Two elevator shafts are waiting for the arrival of the new elevator. The 45 self-contained bedrooms are ready for occupancy. A comfortable ramp now links the refectory to the main building. The landscaping of the inner quadrangle and the area around the new Priory House has been started. Two rooms for the archive materials and museum artifacts are going through finishing touches. Cables for Internet connection are being installed. A beautiful and spacious convent awaits the 34 Sisters who are ready to move in. Is this not an exciting event for the Priory? By: Sr. Mary Bellarmine Bernas, OSB

3 Vol. IV No. 3 May 2014 Page 3 Golden Jubilee on May 1, 2014 Dear Mother Adelaida, Sr. Lydia, Sr. Angelica, Sr. Imelda, Sr. Pia, Sr. Pauline, Sr. Fely, Sr. Shirley, Sr. Jonep, Sr. Virginia, Sr. Mary Paul and Junior sisters, Sr. Patricia, Sr. Asuncion, Sr. Mary Samuelle, and all dear Sisters of the Priory House, dear Superiors and Sisters present from the Stations, including our foreign guest sisters and students, Thank you very much for a grace-filled and joy-laden Golden Jubilee celebration which you prepared for us on May first. What was originally planned as a simple Eucharist and renewal of vows with only some intimate family members and friends present, became a solemn feast and with a populous attendance in a chapel filled to capacity. Rev. Fr. Tarcisio Narciso, abbot emeritus, officiated with elegant Benedictine simplicity and gave us a deeply moving homily on the riches of a jubilee. Sisters, family members, alumnae, oblates, and benefactors were all on hand to celebrate with us. The altar was decorated with all the golden hues which Sr. Catherine wished for. The ceremonies were scaled down to a minimum to suit us septuagenarians and our rickety bones. The vows and Suscipe were recited and sang in place minus the bowing and altar climbing, except for Sr. Barbara who went up the sanctuary with youthful steps to offer our profession cards. The liturgical songs rang out of full hearts and voices from the sisters choir at Sr. Pia s lively conducting. And Sr. (L-R) Sr. Barbara Batac, OSB, Mo. Irene Dabalus, OSB, Mo. Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB, Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB, Sr. Fidelis Jardiel, OSB, (Seated) Sr. Catherine Sanchez, OSB Catherine lasted it out with joyful equanimity. Finally, Sr. Fidelis declaimed our thanksgiving message with feeling. In spite of the heat, the guests enjoyed the sumptuous dinner which followed. Everyone took time for congratulations and photo taking galore, some of which are already posted in the Facebook. There were the gifts, too, from all parts of the islands which graced our table in the statio hallway. What more could one ask for? A lovely surprise with all the details in place to make our jubilarians hearts glad in the Lord and in all of you for your show of love and appreciation! May the Lord who is in our midst then and now reward you generously. May he keep you safe and happy as past jubilarians and as those awaiting their own special jubilees in the very near or far future. Gratefully yours, Sr. Fidelis, Sr. Catherine, Sr. Irene and Sr. Barbara

4 Page 4 MANILA PRIORY Sr. Natividad Lucila, OSB Diamond Jubilarian (L-R) Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB (Sub-prioress), Sr. Joanne Ungay, OSB, Sr. Mary Paul Baul, OSB, Sr. Gabrielle Costumbrado, OSB, Mo. Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB (Prioress) Originally planned as a simple Eucharist and renewal of vows, like the Golden Jubilee celebration at St. Scholastica's Chapel in Manila on May 1, the gathering at St Scholastica's Convent, Baguio on May 7 was a two-fold solemn liturgical celebration of the Diamond Jubilee of Sister Natividad Lucila, OSB with her 60 years of monastic profession and Silver Jubilee of Sisters Joanne Ungay, Mary Paul Baul, and Ma. Gabrielle Costumbrado. The traditional introduction to the Mass was delivered by Mother Prioress Adelaida Ygrubay, while Rev. Fr. Manoling Thomas, CSSR, presided (Cardinal Emeritus Gaudencio Rosales failed to come for health reasons). Both the entrance procession and the recessional were headed by the cross bearer (S. Bernita, junior sister from Windhoek Priory, Namibia) and candle bearers Sisters Marie Luca and Paolo (junior sisters from Taegu Priory). The Rite for Renewal of Vows was beautifully executed with the participation of S Nati seated on her wheelchair, signing of the profession card (S. Adele came down to her pew), showing of the profession cards, and singing of the 'Suscipe.' Priory House organist S. Imelda Halili rendered the organ accompaniment with S. Evangeline Madayag singing the responsorial psalm. Tacloban hospital community superior S. Ana Maria Raca did the first reading, S. Lydia Villegas, subprioress, the prayers of the faithful, and Baguio superior S. Mary Rose Zamudio with S. Adele and the jubilarians were at the offertory procession. The simple thanksgiving words of S Joanne expressed the silver jubilarians' readiness for 'the next 25 years of professed life, while diamond jubilarian Sister Nati quipped, "This (jubilee) will not happen again." The jubilarians were prepared for their celebration by a recollection during which a 'profession line' was traced and happy and growth-filled memories revisited. The Book of Job with the trials that beset him and his reward was reflective of the downs and ups of the sisters' monastic lives. Finally, the movement in prayer toward a God of Silence ended the recollection. The presence of about one hundred sisters from the lowlands and as far as Tacloban and Legaspi graced the occasion, as well as invited family members, friends, and oblates. The presider himself came all the way from Cebu; also present with other relatives was his sister, a Dominican religious who came with a group of sisters from her community. The two religious are nephew and niece, respectively, of Sister Nati. Family members of S. Gabby came all the way from Manila and USA a brother whom she had not seen for the past 37 years. The altar was abundantly decorated with white and yellow flowers, thanks to Baguio community neighbor and benefactor Nida Whybrow, while the backdrop had the numbers 60 and 25 in silver and blue and the letterings 'God's faithfulness and love' lovingly prepared by the junior sisters. Also festively decorated was the dining area for the guests where all enjoyed the sumptuous meal which followed. By: Sister Mary Vincent Feliciano, OSB (who acted as mistress of ceremonies)

5 Vol. IV No. 3 May 2014 Page 5 The week from May 18 to May 25, 2014 brought significant events in our Priory, events that we consider GOD-SENT for the continuing Benedictine Mission in the world: Three (3) young women were admitted to Aspirancy May 25, 2014 Three (3) Aspirants had the Rite of Passage to Postulancy in the afternoon of May 18, 2014 Three (3) novices made a free and unreserved commitment to the Lord for three (3) years, committing themselves to follow Christ in the life and mission of the Church. Novice Antonette was admitted to the second year of novitiate on May 20, She is alone in her stage of formation but she has remained firm in her desire to serve the Lord as a Missionary Benedictine Sister The ASPIRANTS : Nov. Antonette Morales with Mo. Prioress Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB health centers, she took up a course in education. She spent time teaching the marginalized people... it is in this service of teaching the people that she got attracted to seek God in the mission with the people, especially the marginalized. Aspirant KRIS ALCANTARA from the Diocese of Legaspi City After her graduation from college, Kris Alcantara applied for a teaching position at St. Agnes Academy. This opened new avenues for Kris. She spent three years teaching and tutoring students. At the same she engaged herself in various school activities... It was in a Vocation Search-in that Kris felt God s call to follow Christ and to devote herself to something greater than what the world can offer. Aspirant GINA ORACION from the Diocese of Tagum City At the age of 14, young Gina heard a song that gave meaning to her life. Lord, I want to know you more! This song and its words had a strong appeal to Gina. She faced the feeling of emptiness in her life : an emptiness that needed to be filled. Gina got to know the Missionary Benedictine Sisters through the Internet and wrote Sister Mary Bellarmine who, in turn, forwarded her letter of inquiry to our Vocation Directress, Sister Mary Paul. THE POSTULANTS (L-R) Gina Oracion, Kris Alcantara, Ciedelle Honey Lou Dimalig Aspirant CIEDELLE HONEY LOU DIMALIG from the Archdiocese of Palo: Ciedelle had her schooling with the Benedictine Sisters of St. Peter s College, Ormoc City from Kindergarten, Elementary and High School years until 1 st year College. She took up BS Nursing and passed the Board Exams for Nurses. While working in hospitals and other (L-R) Cherry Grande, Ma. Teresa Tusi, Jennifer Longa In the afternoon of May 18, Mother Prioress Adelaida admitted the following Aspirants to Postulancy: Postulant CHERRY GRANDE from the Diocese of Bacolod Postulant Ma.TERESA TUSI from the Diocese of Iloilo Postulant JENNIFER LONGA from the Diocese of Bacolod

6 Page 6 In the presence of the Formation House Community, Mother Prioress gave the new postulants a copy of the Rule of St. Benedict with these words: Listen to the Master s instructions with the ear of your heart. She challenged them to continue living the Benedictine way with an assurance that the Lord will bring to perfection whatever he has begun in them. 1. MANDATUM On the evening before the First Profession of Vows, the three communities here in Marikina gathered together in the Formation House Chapel for the MANDATUM. Mother Prioress Adelaida, assisted by Sister Pauline, washed the feet of our three novices who were preparing for the Rite of First Profession. Reverently, she kissed the feet of each one of them while the song Love one another as I have loved you was being sung. It was very touching to see how our elderly sisters knelt down or bent over to show love and respect to our young novices. MANILA PRIORY homily, he related how he grew up in a family steeped in the Benedictine heritage of love and respect for one another and the spirituality of ora et labora. His mother was a Scholastican and remains a Scholastican in spirit. Sister Angelica Leviste, OSB gave an Introduction before the start of the Eucharist, an introduction that stirred the hearts of the people gathered in the Assembly: Today, we have three (3) young women who, with undivided heart, are leaving behind persons who are very dear to them : their parents, family members, and friends. They are leaving behind possibilities that life offers them: a promising career, a significant position in society, and many attractive things that the world can offer... They are leaving behind all these because they heard another call: JESUS CALLS THEM TO FOLLOW HIM and TO LIVE A LIFE OF SERVICE TO GOD AND TO GOD S PEOPLE. 3.PROFESSION OF VOWS One by one, the novices read their profession of vows (a public proclamation of their self-offering to God) before God and His saints in the presence of Mother Prioress Adelaida and the Sisters and the Assembly. Then, Mother Prioress gave them their religious names: Novice Redone Marie Mackay : Sister Mary Peter Mackay, OSB Novice Grace Marie Husmillo: Sister Agatha Marie Husmillo, OSB Novice Michelle Dungca : Sister Marialuz Dungca, OSB 2. EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION WITH RITE of FIRST PROFESSION of VOWS At a Eucharistic Celebration held at the School Chapel of St. Scholastica s Academy, Marikina City on May 18, 2014, Novice REDONE MARIE MACKAY of the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines Novice GRACE MARIE HUSMILLO of the Diocese of Legaspi Novice MICHELLE DUNGCA of the Diocese of San Fernando Pampanga made their First Profession of Vows for three (3) years in the presence of the Prioress, Mother Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB Presiding at the Eucharist was the Rt. Reverend Abbot Eduardo Africa, OSB. In his very touching (L-R) Sr. Marialuz Dungca, OSB, Sr. Agatha Marie Husmillo, OSB, Sr. Mary Peter Mackay, OSB This day was indeed a beautiful day and we thanked God for all His blessings! By: Sr. Mary Bernard Lansang, OSB

7 Vol. IV No. 3 May 2014 Page 7 Sr. Amadea Donadilla, OSB from Windhoek for good May 1, 2014 Assigned to Tacloban Hospital Sr.Ana Maria Raca, OSB Elected Priory Councilor May 1, Mo. Irene Dabalus, OSB Superior of Tagaytay Installed May 16 Lauds Sr. Scholastica Wang, OSB from China to Manila Priory May 7, 2014 Assigned to Westgrove Sr. Haneul Lee, OSB from Seoul, Korea for studies May 18, 2014 Sr. Vicenta Anuran, OSB Superior of Bacolod Installed May 19 Vespers Sr. Josefina Nepomuceno, OSB Superior of Tacloban School Installed May 27 Midday Sr. Barbara Martha Magdaraog, OSB Superior of Ormoc Installed May 27 Vespers Sr. Barbara Batac, OSB Back to Norfolk, USA May 23, 2014 Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB Trip to USA for business May 29-June 30, 2014 Sr. Celine Saplala, OSB Superior of Manila May 2014 Second Term Sr. Mary Rose Zamudio, OSB Superior of Baguio May 2014 Second Term Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ We express our gratitude to all who have contributed to this newsletter. Sr. Virginia Ferino, OSB Priory Secretariat Stella Marie Martinez Layout Editor