Newsletter 1 /2020

RNDM Sisters Preparation for Perpetual Vows 15th SESSION BALAY EUPHRASIE DAVAO, PHILIPPINES

One Body, One Mission! More than ever, the cry resounds

in RNDM hearts across the congregation

Dear Sisters, Friends and Benefactors, Loving greetings from Balay Euphraise 2020 online program. The world is facing unprecedented situations due to COVID-19. We thank God giving us for this opportunity to participate in the preparation for perpetual vows.This is the very first newsletter of our online program. We are a group of nine, Bahuncy Saioo INE, Matta Nguyen Thi Phuong Loan VNM and Maria Ngo Thi Thom VNM in Davao, Ritha Marak INC, Lydia Waruguru Mugo KEN, Margaret Aye Aye Maw MYN in ANZ, Maria Bui Thi Kim Hong VNM in Ireland, Maria Nguyen Huyen Linh VNM and Maria Martin Tran My Hang VNM in Perth, AUS. Usually, Temporary professed sisters go to Davao, Philippines for the preparation for perpetual vows. However, this year, we explored a new way of learning according to the signs of the times. We are doing our different sessions through Zoom Meeting. We would like to express our simple thanks to the Congregational Leadership Team for initiating the online program for the participants. We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Balay Euphrasie Team. They did a wonderful job for us. In addition, we would like to say our heartfelt thanks to our Province Leaders, Mentors, and Resource Persons, and also all our Sisters across the Congregation. We really appreciate your support throughout this journey. Throughout this month, we have learned five different topics. After the opening ceremony, we had a meaningful three days retreat with the CLT. We had a sharing of our sacred stories to getting know each other more deeply, as we journey together as RNDMs. We had Cosmology and Ecology with Veronica Dunne of Canada, liturgy and RNDM Spirituality with Srs. Rose Mary Harbinson of the United Kingdom and Ireland Province and Elaine Villanueva (Weeyaa) from the Philippines. We had a great time enjoying the gift of one another. We also celebrated Balay Euphrasie Feast through online Liturgy and sharing our thoughts with each other and Loan made a beautiful video on Balay Euphrasie and Online TP Program- 2020.

Ritha,Thom and Margaret

A GREAT BEGINNING

“We are no longer in control. People talk about the “new normal” but we are not sure what it is or what it’s going to be like. All we know is that we will not be the same and our lifestyles had to change. We have to listen more attentively to the whispering of grace in Earth and its people.” (Josephine Kane, Opening Speech) For the first time in the RNDMs’ history, we were not able to gather in physically, we could merely see and pray together. It was a wonderful prayer because it went so well with good guidance and communication, and with the presence of sisters from four continents, I could sense our oneness and connectedness in our Congregation. The Opening Ceremony was a great starting point for each participant and Davao Formation Team. We would like to express our gratitude to all the sisters across the world. We have experienced a truly blessed time when you accompanied us in the virtual gathering of RNDMs around the world. In particular, the greeting and encouragement from Jo and the leaders in New Zealand, Myanmar, Australia, Ireland, Vietnam, India Central and Kenya inspired and strengthened us for the unique and challenging journey ahead. We believe that God will be with each one personally during the coming three months.

Huyen Linh

Every opportunity that comes our way is something of a reminder that life is a journey. Each journey is meant to be lived with much love, joy and confidence. We are really very lucky to have our Congregation Leader: Josephine Kane and her all the Counselors: Margaret Maung, Lissy Sebastian, Lucy Wambui and Joicy Madassery. They guided us during the three days of our retreat to be on a journey which will lead us to the day of our Perpetual Profession ceremony and missioning. These three days are an invitation to take time, to reflect and be still. It is a time to be grateful to God for what I am and have as a person. We began this journey with a desire to become more aware of myself, a longing to have a deeper relationship with God and through it to understand others better. These three days of retreat are also like an opening of a door, within me, to be grateful, open and to allow God to reveal something through the beautiful creation that surrounds me. Also, to be alert, in allowing others, to reveal something of God to me. The journey also invited us to look at our hearts and see how it has been developing into a disciple's heart, ready to respond to God’s call. They were quite challenging moments of 'developing a disciple’s heart'. This makes us ponder more intently on what a disciple's heart looks like? What is so special about it? Have I ever brought my disciple's heart into my mission and life? Today, as we listen to these questions in the silence, there is a call, an invitation to deepen my journey and to cherish this unique privilege that God offers us - to participate in the Divine Missions. There is an invitation for a deeper searching for God and trust in God's words: " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" ( Jr 29:11). To know each day that we will never be able to thank God sufficiently for the great grace that He has granted us in calling us to have a share His Divine Missions. Lord we are grateful because this is a longing only YOU can fill.... Amen! We are very grateful to you dear Sisters Josephine, Margaret, Lissy, Lucy and Joicy for leading us into the atmosphere of God’s presence during these days of retreat. We thank you for being with us on this journey of knowing God, self and others. May God bless you, strengthen and guide you each day. We are grateful!!!!! Bahuncy Saioo

BE ONLINE COMMUNITY

I'm Maria Martin Tran My Hang. I was born on December 21, 1987 in Dong Nai, Southeast, and Vietnam. Thanks to God I was born and raised in a Catholic family and environment. I am the second daughter in a family of four children. When I was child my grandmother took me to church every day, and it was from there that my dream of consecrating myself to God was enkindled and grew over the years. At university, I chose to live in the RNDM hostel, where I lived and shared my life and faith with other Catholic students .I think that was the way God led me to Our Lady of the Missions, where the spirit, energy and love transcended all the boundaries and gave me the strength to decide to follow Jesus in this Congregation. I am optimistic, sociable, extroverted and observant. I am good at picking up body language which helps me to understand the needs of others. After graduating from university, in 2010, I entered the and made first Vows in 2014. After two years studying theology, I was involved in the boarding students, as well as visiting and accompanying ethnic groups and catechists. Through these experiences, I have learned to be simple, believe in God's mercy, be generous and open to accept others as they are. In 2019 I learned English and shared international community with sisters in Perth, Australia. The love and support of the sisters there made me feel "we are one, we are love".

My name is Maria Nguyen Huyen Linh. I am from Vietnam. I grew up in Ho Chi Minh City which is located in the South East of Vietnam. I am the fourth child in a family of seven children. I got to know the RNDMs by chance through my father when I was 17. After visiting the Aspirant Community, I was impressed by their lifestyle and decided that I would come and live with them after finishing my studies. I joined the Aspirancy in 2009 after graduating from college. I am grateful to the formators for helping me to open my heart and mind, to practice humility and to, discover and reinforce my abilities. Through the love and support of my RNDM family, I have grown and am deepening my relationships with God and others and I understand myself more. I feel assured that this is my life. The only thing needed is a heart willing to change and receive God’s grace. I put my hands in God’s hand and he will lead my way. I find it works well. I made my first Profession on 6th August 2014. Then I spent two years studying theology. In the following years, I was sent to Long Dien community to be the community bursar and boarding house bursar for poor ethnic teenagers. I was grateful for that special period, which helped me to experience more, the challenges and joys of a missionary. In 2019, I had a great time studying English and sharing community life with our sisters in Perth, Australia. It was a memorable period in my life. As one of the participants preparing for our Perpetual Vows, from the bottom of my heart, I am thankful to God and all our sisters for giving me this golden opportunity to take part in this special online course. I am inspired by the online preparation process, which demands immense collaboration and co-operation in order to give us a meaningful program. Therefore, please continue to keep us in your prayers and thank you very much for your generous love and kindness.

Margaret Spain – (Mentor of Hang and Linh) Born in Victoria, Australia in 1946, I received all my schooling from the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions at the local parish school. During my final year of secondary school, I transferred to what was then the RNDM Juvenate in Fremantle WA, and the following year returned to WA, to Highgate in Perth, where I began as a . Following First Profession in 1966, I spent two years at Point Peron in Rockingham, then returned to Perth and began full-time study at the University of WA, at the same time attending Secondary Teachers College. I made Final Vows in 1972, and the following year returned to Victoria on the staff of Sacred Heart Girls College Oakleigh for six years. Then followed six and a half years at Nulungu College in Broome. The last half of 1985 was spent in Rome as part of an international RNDM grou, focused on Mission studies. From 1986 to 2016, I was part of the Senegal Mission, returning to live in Perth.

I am Bui Thi Kim Hong, born on October 15th 1987. My hometown is in Binh Phuoc province of South Vietnam. I was surrounded by the love and assistance of people in my parish. I am the third born of 8 siblings. Sadly, two of my sisters and two of my brothers passed away when I was young. I then grew up with three brothers who always loved and accompanied me. My father is a farmer and my mother has a little grocery store. They are hard-working and they have great trust in God’s providence. From the bottom of my heart, I am really grateful for my parents’ unconditional love, and also for the Catholic upbringing which I have received from them. When I was a child, I was impressed by the RNDMs’ life of prayer, poverty, service, and I was attracted to their Charism ―The Trinity is the source of all missionary activity‖. God has guided me to understand and discern that a vocation is a ―gift‖ given by God. I entered the Congregation in August 2009. After I made my first vows in December 27th 2013, I studied theology in Vietnam for 2 years, and I was then sent on misssion to Thach An community for two and a half years. I was really happy with my mission. After that, I came to Ireland to study English which is a great blessing for me. It is a great opportunity to integrate with the different cultures in the Congregation. In this time of grace, I am preparing for my perpetual vows, and continue to immerse myself in Euphrasie’s Charism. I feel I am a woman who is drinking water from the well of Mercy with my companions and the whole universe. I would like to thank the CLT, Vietnam PLT, the UK & Ireland PLT, Balay Euphrasie Team and the whole Congregation for accompanying me with their prayers and companionship. I would like to express my gratitude to Sister Helen Currie who is my mentor. Thank you Helen, for your accompaniment, your prayers and your listening with an understanding ear. I thank God for this. I continue to remember everybody in my daily prayers. Helen Currie- (Mentor of Kim) My name is Helen Currie. I have recently been named as Mentor to Kim Hong. Kim Hong is from Vietnam and is with us here in Churchtown Community. I am the Health Care Coordinator here in the Community. That means that I am responsible for the Health Care of the Sisters, and this includes accompanying them to hospital, G.P., Dental and Optical appointments among other things. I came here in April, 2019, so I am comparatively new!! I entered the Congregation in 1970 as an already trained nurse and midwife. I have served in Scotland, England, Ireland, Kenya and The Philippines. Part of my work, as a nurse, was spent in Hastings, England, taking care of the older and frail members of the community. In Scotland and in Ireland (Antrim, in the North of the Country), I worked in Community Health and was employed by the National Health Boards. In 1974, one year after profession, I was asked to go to Kenya to replace one of our Sisters who had gone home ill. I was assigned in Kabaa, in the Machakos Diocese, and stayed there for three years, working in our own Dispensary. In 1990, I was asked to go to The Philippines, and I stayed there almost 20 years, working mostly in the area of Health Education in the Girls’ Dormitory and in the villages. We dispensed medication to the children and in the villages too. After I returned from The Philippines, I was asked to serve in St Anne’s community in Sturry England, where there is a 24 hour Care Facility for our sick and frail Sisters. I stayed there for five years, after which I volunteered to work in St. Rambert in France where there was shortage of personnel. I served in France from November 2016, until February 2019, and then returned to England. This request to be Mentor to Kim Hong was totally unexpected, so it is a new, but not totally new experience, as I did a little bit in The Philippines when we had , novices and Temporary Professed Sisters in community. Up to now I am enjoying the experience, and learning lots.

My name is Lydiah Mugo from central Kenya. I am the fifth born in a family of thirteen; five boys and eight girls. I am the firstborn girl and thus named after my paternal grandmother, Waruguru. The name always made my father and his brothers proud of me. Sadly, my father passed away in 2003. This was the family’s hardest time since dad was the main breadwinner. By God’s grace, my mother courageously, lovingly and caringly brought us up. Mum is still a strong and a hardworking farmer. Most of my siblings are now married and live away from home with their families. I thank God for the gift of my family for taking good care of me and showing me how to be a woman of purpose in society. It’s because of them that I am who I am today. From my early years I had the longing to offer my life for service. However, I had no idea of the procedures of becoming a . In fact, I thought it was just automatic for one to become a nun when one matures, as long as the person is willing. It was only after completing high school and coming to Nairobi city, through youth groups’ interactions and seminars with religious men and women, that I got enlightenment. I joined the congregation in 2009 and after two years I went to Cotabato Philippines for my . After my first profession I served in different educational institutions here in Kenya. This was a moment of learning and sharing my knowledge and gifts especially with the poor children from Kibra slums. I deepened my thirst to consecrate my life to serve God’s people. I also got the opportunity to advance in my teaching profession. I am grateful to the congregation for the support they have accorded me over the years. I feel really blessed to have this special opportunity to participate in the virtual Davao program. I feel more united with the entire congregation in this journey. I pray for God’s grace to be conscious and attentive as God unfolds His plan to me, for my life.

Consolata Ogola- (Mentor of Lydiah) ―…But one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her.‖ Jesus Christ, Luke 10:42. After being with RNDM’s for thirteen years, I am happy that I chose the right thing, which will not be taken away from me. That is falling in love with the Son of God, specifically in our congregation. My journey with our RNDM family dates back to September 2002 in Kenya Machakos the place where the seedlings of my call to religious life, particularly with the RNDM family sprout. Four years of initial formation preceded my First Profession in September 2007. A year later, I was chosen to pursue a teaching profession for two years, to proceeding to the Philippines for mission in Kuya Centre and Campus Ministry respectively; for two and half years. I was graced to participate in the Davao TPs program for the preparation of Perpetual Vows in 2013; there followed the memorable day of consummating my love for God perpetually as a religious, in the following year. Since then, I have served at Holy Trinity Academy and Holy Trinity Parish in Meru Diocese – Kenya; in teaching along with pastoral ministry until last year. Currently, I am a student at Tangaza University College in the field of education. Mentorship is a grace from God through the congregation gifted to me to be part of my sister’s journey in a very significant way – particularly during this distinct part of her journey towards what God’s call holds for her. I have a strong feeling that mine is to be open to the grace of God who never grants a mission without the grace required for that mission. I am happy to carry out this mission wholeheartedly. Much love, prayer and God’s blessings to our nine sisters participating in the Davao program. I can assure you that you have chosen the right thing – which can never be taken away from you. May God bless us all. Thanks. Loving greetings from Myanmar and New Zealand, I am Margaret Aye Aye Maw from Myanmar. I came from a big family. I am the last of seven siblings. Particularly, I thank my parents for allowing me to enter Religious life. I received my primary education in my native village, Ngayoan Gone. For my elementary and high school education, I stayed as a boarding student at St. Mary’s Convent in Shwe Pan Daw. I have known RNDMs since 2003. I was inspired by their missions and joined Euphrasie Formation Center in Pyay, 2008. Throughout my formative years, I received generous support from my formators, community members and peer group. On 30th December 2014, I made my first vows in Pyay, which was a prayerful and memorable experience. Having been involved in mission for two years, I attended pastoral theology for a year at MIRS in Yangon. The programs were interesting and helpful for personal development as well as an opportunity to broaden my knowledge. In 2018, I got the opportunity to learn English in New Zealand. I am gaining knowledge from a multicultural society and experiencing life in an international community. I feel at Home here because of their love and support. My heartfelt thanks to Colleen King Turner who accompanies and guides me during this program. It is a privilege for me to participate in the Davao online program. I feel the oneness of our Congregation. Thank you to all the sisters across the congregation for your support and prayers for each one of us. Please continue to hold us in your prayers.

Colleen King- (Mentor of Margaret) I am Colleen from New Zealand. When my mother brought me to D'Urville Island as a newborn baby, my eldest who was four and a half, remembers that everyone on the boat was smiling! What a lovely memory and warm welcome! I first met the RNDM Sisters when I was seven and our family had moved to Nelson. Sister Agnes asked me to help her in the Chapel by doing some dusting each day. I also kept warm until Sister was ready to open our classroom. I believe that visit every school morning was when the seed of my vocation was sown. I made first vows in 1961, so in 2021 I will celebrate my Diamond Jubilee.

For 19 years I taught junior classes in NZ schools and then was missioned to Western Samoa for eight years. This was a time of great learning about another culture. I have worked with people with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities on a farm for about 12 years at Papatuanuku (Mother Earth) Trust. I have spent some time working with the Christian Bros in Australia and now my mission is to support our Student Sisters from Asia as well as working at SVdeP. Now I am blessed to accompany Margaret during this preparation time.

I am Ritha Marak, and my home is in West Garo Hills Meghalaya of North East India. I am the eldest in a family of eight with four brothers and three sisters. I hold my family as a special gift for me from God from whom I got the foundations of love, faith and of sharing. Last year, I faced my own health crisis- kidney failure. My family, my provincial Sr. Joicy Madassery and other sisters worked very hard so that I could have a second chance to live. My surgery took place at RN Tagore hospital in Kolkata on 16th July 2019. It was a long but successful surgery. I felt tired but energized. My mom donated one of her kidneys to me. Despite her hard work, mom is healthy and strong. I thank each of you dear sisters for praying for me; it’s because of prayers that God worked a miracle. Thank you for saving my life. I will forever be grateful to mom, my family, my province and my congregation. I stayed in the boarding school with the RNDM sisters in my parish, while I was schooling. Ever since I was a young child I wanted to be a sister. I was attracted to the RNDM sisters, by their great witness. They were joyful, prayerful, relational women, clearly at ease with people. Sisters in the community influenced me and I decided to join the congregation at the age of 14. I began the process immediately, first as a candidate in class eight in Shillong at St. Joseph’s then in St. Mary’s. After my First profession in 2012, I was missioned to India Central province. For two years I was involved in the mission looking after the boarding girls, doing social work and pastoral ministry in Kalyanpur. Besides this, I spent three years doing a degree and six months doing a theology course. I was privileged to be in the Formation House with the pre-postulants for one year. Much has happened in the years that prepared me to be here, my desire—and God’s desire—that calls me to carry on and live out this life, remains the same and even greater. My deepest desire is to enjoy complete union with God, to grow spiritually so as to manifest Christ’s light, love, and peace to God’s people and to care for the Earth. I hope to give myself to the cycle of suffering and dying, rising, growing, and giving, to be one with God and God’s people. I am assured of who I am and that God has led me home to the RNDM family. It is a fortunate and real joy for me to be with many sisters’ across the globe through Zoom Sessions at this time of preparation. Thank you my sisters for your love, care and support; please continue to pray for us.

Prema Arockiam- (Mentor of Ritha) I am Prema Arockiam from India Central Province. I joined the congregation in the year 2001 and became the joyful member of RNDM family. My life in the congregation has blessed me with countless blessings. I have the dynamic experience of working in the rural and the urban mission field, which helps me to grow in my love for the Mission. At present I am at the verge of finishing B.Ed. Professional course and I am carrying forward the responsibility in the school as the school Bursar. I am also serving as a member of the Province Leadership Team. It’s again my great pleasure to accompany Ritha on her journey as her mentor.

My baptismal name is Bahunshisha Lucy Saioo but known as Bahuncy Saioo by everyone, hailing from Jaintia Hills District. We are popularly known as Pnars or Synteng and speak Pnar the local language of the place. We are seven in the family - four boys and three girls - and I am the fifth born. I have a lovely hard-working mother. I miss my beloved dad who left us to join his creator a year ago, soon after I arrived in Manila for my studies. God bless my family. After I completed my grade 10 exam I attended the Come and See program at St Mary's convent in the year 2008. The pull towards joining the Congregation was so strong that I stayed for the Aspirancy Program whilst doing my studies for two years. In the year 2010 I was sent to Calcutta for the Pre-Postulancy Program and then returned to Shillong for the Postulancy Program in 2011. In 2012 I went to Bangalore for the two years Novitiate Program. It was here that I developed a close relationship with Euphrasie, and felt very much part of the family. Her words 'be silent in order to learn to speak and obey' made me fall in love with the silence of the heart, and I am just loving it. In the year 2014 with joy and gratitude to God and Euphrasie I made my first vows. I began my life with the people of Sohra (Cherrapunjee) Parish in pastoral ministries, especially with the youth. I love my mission and I find joy in giving myself in the mission. In 2016 I was sent for my higher studies for 3 years and I am so grateful for this opportunity. In 2018 I was missioned to Silchar community to work with the children in school. Apart from this, I also spent time helping the people in the surrounding villages. Their simplicity, humility and generosity greatly influenced my life. In 2019 I was sent to Manila, Philippines, for a Spiritual Course in preparation for my perpetual vows. This opportunity has broadened my life’s experience, and led me to see God’s will for my life. I am grateful to Go and the Congregation for giving me this opportunity. Now here I am in Balay Euphrasie community Davao, continuing my journey and preparing to strengthen my commitment to God journey with God, with Euphrasie, and with all my RNDM sisters. Please continue to hold me in your prayers.

I am Maria Ngo Thi Thom, from Binh Phuoc, South Vietnam. I am the second child and the only girl in my family. I have three brothers. I grew up in a traditional faith environment. In 2006, after High School, I went to the student house run by the RNDM sisters to study. I lived in the hostel, and at that time I came to know about the life and spirit of missionary sisters. I graduated in 2010, from that year onwards I began to listen and respond God’s call. I made my first vows on August 6th 2014 after which I was sent to study Theology for two years. I was able to participate in the mission and life in Mang Den and Plejut Communities.. My ministries were helping and accompanying the poor ethnic brothers, teaching catechism to the children, providing material and spiritual animation and, visiting and educating the boarding High School students. In July 2019, I arrived in the Philippines to study English. My first experience of international and intercultural living was with the Lantana community which consisted of eight cultural groups. I do my best to study and participate in community life and other ministries here. These were good opportunities which helped me to grow in my personal faith.

I am a flexible person and this enables me to take responsibilities in the community to organize the given task. I have grown in my understanding of my vocation as a missionary. I discovered that I had received more graces from God than had I asked. I felt at home and I could adapt easily to a new environment and culture. I am grateful to God and the RNDM sisters for giving me this chance to experience intercultural living. I want to express my deep gratitude to all the RNDM Sisters who accompanied and guided me to find God’s will.

Loving greetings from Balay Euphrasie International formation center and I wish my greetings and my thanks to reach everyone! I am Matta Nguyen Thi Phuong Loan from the Viet Nam Province. My hometown is Daklak, in the Highlands. One of the traditions that my family holds is living fully our Catholic faith. My parents left me a heritage of faith, which made a difference in our home, and in my life today because of Dad and Mom’s example. I am the youngest daughter in the family of 12 children. It is no secret that my parents had a huge impact on the person I am today; they continue to be one of the main reasons why I am so passionate about religious life. I entered Our Lady of The Missions initially at age 20 in 1991. I left during the novitiate period, although my thirst to do God’s will did not cease. I felt that God was still calling me and I kept searching to respond to His call. Then in 1997, I joined the Missionaries of Charity of Christ for 5 years and spent 3 years of with them. I later joined the Missionaries of Charity and stayed with them for 10 years. After all the searching, I heard a strong call to return to the RNDM s . After 1 year of Novitiate, I made my first profession in 2014. I have lived in six communities and served in different ministries, among which are: assisting in the care of boarding students, parish ministry, assisting with the Eucharistic Youth, accompanying and guiding the Catechist’s Retreats, working as a bursar, and teaching catechism. In September 2018, I was diagnosed with cancer and I underwent medical treatment for one year. The experience of helplessness and suffering from sickness helped me to be sensitive, sympathetic and compassionate to the poor and the unfortunate. With God’s grace, I have slowly returned to good health. I am attracted and fascinated by the richness, abundance and profundity of the RNDM Charism I commit myself to consciously living the Spirituality and Charism of our Congregation, realising that I am sharing in the Divine Missions in everything I do. I am truly fond of our Mother Foundress and often pray to her and wish to follow her footsteps. Euphrasie’s life inspires me in many ways.

BALAY EUPHRASIE TEAM 2020

I am Gloria Shongita Gomes from Bangladesh. On 4 January 1995, my five companions and I pronounced our Temporary Vows in Chittagong. I made my Perpetual Vows with my companions on 13 September, 2003 at Dhaka. I have been involved in Pastoral ministry, School, Formation, Leadership and Administration for the last 23 years in Bangladesh. I was appointed last year as one of the members of the Balay Euphrasie Team at Davao International Formation Center. This year I was appointed as Director of this Formation House. As a person, I love a quiet, silent and meditative atmosphere. I am pleased to be here in this sacred place of Balay Euphrasie. Zeal and love for my entrusted mission is life giving for me. Here I am experiencing unity in diversity-internationality and interacting with different cultures, feeling renewed, getting many opportunities to learn and to be mindful in many important issues through our programs. I sing a song to you Lord, a song of love and praise, all glory be to you Lord through everlasting days.

―Life is what happens, while you are planning something else.‖ I remember growing up marveling at that statement. This year, due to COVID-19, we are plunged into a new challenge in facilitating the Balay Euprasie program, enabling a missionary response. Since my arrival in January 2019, I have the same set of responsibilities, yet involving different systems in the new normal. I have learned new skill sets, involving digital technology, online teaching, use of digital tools and mentoring. It may be another way of being mission, yet it has opened avenues for allowing the program to come alive and may also be a possibility for ongoing formation for our sisters worldwide, deepening our collaboration and oneness for mission. I am Elaine ―Weeyaa‖ Villanueva, a Balay Team Member.

I, Fultimary Sun, belong to India Northeast Province. I joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Mission (RNDM) in the year 2000. I pronounced my religious profession in the year 2005. Ever since, I was missioned to different missionary and pastoral works, teaching in schools, community bursar, and touring of villages etc. I treasure all those mission works because I did them with much love, enthusiasm and commitment. In 2013, I was invited to prepare for final profession in the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions (RNDM); Finally, I pronounced my perpetual and final commitment to the Lord following which, I was sent to Bengaluru, South India, for my graduation. Soon after my studies, I was appointed as an Assistant teacher in St Joseph’s Higher Secondary school, Shillong. After rendering service to the school for 2 years, I was missioned to the Philippines International Formation House Davao, as a member of the Balay Euphrasie Team. I also participated in the service of hospitality in the community. Through all my mission works in the past and present, I have been very happy in my religious vocation. I sincerely acknowledge God's presence throughout this wonderful journey. This is the same God who bestows upon me, his servant, wonderful and beautiful experiences. I am overwhelmed with every mission entrusted to me ever since my entering into the . I am privileged that I have been given many opportunities for service. Therefore, I am grateful to my superiors, elders and my fellow companions for their constant prayerful help and support.

SHARING OUR STORIES

In faith we become “Friends in search of God” (Constitutions # 43) Entering our Vocational sharing days, I am filled with excitement and expectation and look forward to hearing the story of each sister. Each story is fascinating, magical and attractive, because each story contains the unique nuances and beauty of each person. Listening to each person's story, I see God loves hands guiding them, and each vocation as a gift of life. Each Consecrated Vocation is a beautiful flower in the flower garden of the Church. Those flowers, if we really pay close attention to the colour, feel the new fragrance, we can really see its full beauty. We are always moved to hear the story of each vocation, filled with passions and aspirations for God and the poor. Life is a gift and every person in our life is a gift from God. Yes! We thank God for calling, choosing and inviting the nine of us from different countries; India, Kenya, Myanmar and Vietnam, to participate in the Divine Missions through the RNDM Congregation. It is like listening to a song that is sung in different voices, yet always singing one message of the presence of God in the different challenges of life in the past and particularly now during this pandemic. We were blessed to hear the stories of the BE team and some of the Mentors, whose lives, though filled with questions, were still willing to answer the call of God. We were inspired by their stories. In faith we became ―Friends in search of God‖. We continue our journey with others in unity and love. The presentations this year, despite the Zoom Meetings, were very creative. Some were through videos, others shared songs and poems they had composed and the groups were able to meet together using the internet, creating logos for their theme. Thank you everyone for sharing the story of God’s call. We see that God is the painter of the pictures in our lives, and as God calls us, we are guided and led to be part of the beautiful painting that other people will see and as a result, praise God.

P. Loan

Facilitator of Cosmology and Ecology Veronica Dunne is a Canadian, born in Regina Saskatchewan. Veronica entered the novitiate in Regina, and made final vows in Regina in 1974. Veronica’s ministry within the congregation in Canada has been mostly in Manitoba. She has worked primarily as an educator - of adolescents and adults, and as a counselor. Her particular counseling interest is with persons who are addicted, and their families. After completing a Doctor of Ministry degree in Toronto, which had a particular focus on feminist liberation theologies, and its intersections with the possibilities of cyberspace, She accepted a position as Doctor of Ministry Director at St. Stephen’s College in Edmonton, Alberta. For the past 10 years, she has served in various leadership capacities in Canada. In terms of learning, Veronica’s current ―growing edges‖ are in exploring feminist liberation theologies, eco-theology and cosmology, and how they co-relate with indigenous cosmologies and spiritualities.

Cosmology and Ecology

Guided by Veronica Dunn, RNDM we had a wonderful week to learn and share about C Cosmology and Ecology. All of us were touched by the experience which opened our hearts to see and hear the beauty and wonder of the universe as well as the cry of the earth. We have seen how God has created for us such a fantastic and incredible universe. As soon as we realize we are precious to God, the Earth is precious to us as well. There are many voices that have spoken to the world. Let us protect and sustain Our Earth. As contemplative women, ― we welcome and participate in the Divine Missions, flowing out into all creation, calling us to the peripheries in response to the cries of Earth of her inhabitants‖ ( CD 2020) Nothing lives for itself; everything is connected and dependent on each other. That is why we are called to be one, to be love. Although, it has been more than 2000 years, we now still breathe the same air as Jesus. Every day we receive 525,600 minutes of gift. Do we just take them for granted? As RNDMs, We invite you all to commit to doing your best to protect and sustain our Earth- Home.

Inspired and based on in the service of life by Elaine M. Prevallet SL ONENESS IN GOD’S CREATION My dear friends!

LET’S COME AND SEE How God loves us Even though we are too tiny Like sand on the beach God took billions of years Building a “Home” for us It’s called “the Earth”, A very small, round Also very vulnerable object in an infinity of black space It is “a sparkling blue and white jewel, a small pearl in a thick sea of black mystery, Shining amid two hundred billion stars in our galaxy Take our time to see The Divine of Creation God made for us

LET’S COME AND TASTE How precious this bit of creation is its varied and magnificent life forms as an element of love Gravity holding all of us on Earth together The sun is spilling out its energy of light and heat The Earth is on track to keep a particular distance in relation to the sun Everything has exactly the right conditions for life to develop Let’s enjoy and become part of Home LET’S COME AND LISTEN The beautiful roundness of Earth connect us to be interdependent Crying because of damaging, destroying and dying Our “Home” provided land to shelter, the smell and feel of a familiar house Smelling of autumn or fresh-mown grass in spring The steady sight of majestic towering mountains Unlimited air to breathe An amazing life to enjoy No longer connect with “Home” Money and power are the motivators We become a stranger in our Home

LET US RETURN AND REBUILD God has loved us so much Always welcomes us back “Home” Again to be the mind and the heart of the universe And with Jesus we are invited to rebuild our “Home” Oh my dear friends, Remember everything lives only by sharing its life Let’s love one another And care for each other Let the Earth and we become oneness And so there maybe on-going Life in abundance for all. My Hang

Group 1: Participants: Loan, Thom, Bahuncy, Linh, Hang, Margaret. Mentors:Margaret Spain, Fulti, Shongita, Colleen CLT: Margaret Maung

Group 2: Participants:Kim, Ritha, Lydiah Mentors: Weeyaa, Pettie. CLT: Josephine Kane and Lucy Wambui

Facilitator of Liturgy and RNDM Spirituality Rose Mary Harbinson is presently living in the UK and Ireland Province. In her early years Rosemary had short mission experiences in both Kenya and Senegal. Her longest mission for 20 years, was in Papua New Guinea, working in the villages of Mendi Diocese and later in the Minor Seminary in Madang and then her final years were spent in CTI, the National Seminary in Port Moresby teaching Liturgical Theology. Rosemary’s main ministry now is being a member of the PLT as well as doing voluntary work with JRS Centres in London, and doing Mission Appeals in England and Wales. Presently she is engaged in updating our Heritage Centre in Sturry and looks forward to when sisters can come again on Renewal and Pilgrimage to follow the Footsteps of Euphrasie in London, Deal and Sturry. Rosemary finds working with people, and also being associated with Education in Schools and learning new things, life giving for her, and over the past three years she has been to Davao offering courses on Liturgy and RNDM Spirituality.

LITURGY& RNDM SPIRITUALITY We began this course in an excited mode, having all received a personal email from the facilitators Srs. RoseMaryHarbinson RNDM and Weeyaa Villanueva RNDM. We were not strangers in our first Virtual Session. This course enlightened us on what is and what is not Liturgy. We all felt challenged by the realization that some forms of prayers that we use, though important, are just personal/community devotions. For example, the Angelus, Benediction, the Way of the Cross, and Lectio Divina. Liturgy which means leitourgia is a public activity which unites us with the whole world. Basically, Liturgy tries to capture the mystery of God. We deepen our active and attentive participation in the Eucharistic celebration and the (Divine Office), which are the main expression of Liturgy. The Eucharist is the source and summit of any Christian celebration, where we enter into the heart of the Trinity by making present Jesus’ Life, Death and Resurrection.

The psalms were a very important part of Jesus’ and the Jewish culture and thus a crucial aspect of Liturgy. Through exploring and interacting with seeing different psalms, we discover the treasure hidden in them of expressing taste touch our emotions, senses and feelings. Psalms give voice to the human heart to joy, pain, frustration and grief. The psalms at the Eucharistic Celebration are a reflection of the people’s response to the first reading. Now, our love and presence during community prayer of the Divine silence Office is deepened. We are enthused to consciousness of sounds inculturation during liturgy. smells

A Gratitude Prayer: God, we thank you for the time with Rose Mary and Weeyaa and now understand why we RNDMs celebrate Eucharist and pray the Prayer of the Church as part of our RNDM Charism and Spirituality. We thank you for their love which has been expressed in the creativities, the enthusiasm and the inspirations in each section of Liturgy so that we can know what we do, does: We remember. We celebrate. We believe. During these days, we explored what it means to be RNDM - The threefold Charism (Spirituality) of our Congregation – Contemplation - through Mary, in Communion with the Trinity and our journey in Mission. We concentrated on how the Liturgical Feasts of the Church enhance our Charism. We also concentrated on how the Church recognized Mary as the Mother of God and Mother of the Church and how Euphrasie saw her as our model of presence in the world today. “A silent presence Entirely open to receive the Holy Spirit To welcome the Word of God with complete faith Contemplation Silence Community And Missioning”

Lydiah and Kim RNDM

Classroom

Although I entered into the role of Mentor to Kim late, I have managed to join in some of the Cosmology input by Sr. Veronica

Dunne, and the first week of the Liturgy given by Sr. Rose Mary Harbinson. Although I find the responsibility somewhat daunting, I find I am enjoying all the learnings coming my way. I have heard Sr. Rose Mary in St Rambert giving the Course face to face, so appreciate what she has to offer. She has opened up for me a great interest in Liturgy,, as she enters into the teaching with great enthusiasm. I observed that the young Sisters are full of expectation and I am impressed by their interest. In my short time among them, it is very encouraging to see and hear the contributions they have made.

Hellen Currie

Tell our young people that I bless them with all my heart and beg God to make them very humble, very gentle, lovers of prayer and very faithful. I bless also all of you and very affectionately ask the same graces for you. (Euphrasie Barbier-1875)

Thank you very much!!!