vol. XXXIV no. 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE INTERNATIONAL January - March 2017

he Daughters of Mary Immaculate International is home again. The new Mary’s House, the official headquarters of the DMII, was inaugurated and blessed last January 28, 2017 coinciding with the first meeting of the 2017-2018 International Officers and Board convened by International Regent Sis. Lelis Pimentel. Preceding the blessing was a Eucharistic celebration by DMI International Chaplain Fr. Jerome Cruz. The new official address of the DMII is Lot 23-B, Block 6, Lopez Ave., Lopez Village, Bgy. San Isidro, Paranaque City. It is located right near the gate of Lopez Village at the comer of Lopez Avenue and St. Andrew Street. Entry is through Dr. A. Santos Ave. (formerly Sucat Road). Day 1 of the two-day activity started with a Holy Mass at the Presentation of the Child Jesus Parish Church in BF Homes. Mass celebrant was Msgr. Felipe Ocol. A team-building workshop was later held at Mary’s House turn to page 4 The facade of Mary’s House viewed from the top.

Blessing of all parts of Mary’s House by Fr. Jerome Cruz. 1 TO CE MII LEBRATE D 40th The Daughters of Mary Immaculate International will turn 40 in 2018. To mark this important milestone of the organization, a year-long celebration is being readied with the following program of activities. May 13, 2017 – Launching of the year-long celebration with a Eucharistic celebration at the Antipolo Cathedral in Antipolo City, the birthplace of the DMII and the Annual Officers’ Meeting at Jamesville Resort, Bgy. Dela Paz, Antipolo City. August 12, 2017 – Mass at the Manila Cathedral, Intramuros, Manila at 10:00 AM, simultaneous Masses to be held nationwide. November, 2017 – DMI Mission Week (Nationwide) • Nov. 13 (Monday) – Pro-life • Nov. 14 (Tuesday) – Upliftment of Women Workers • Nov. 15 (Wednesday) – Assistance to Prisoners’ Families and their Victims. • Nov. 16 (Thursday) – Morality in Media • Nov. 17 (Friday) – Youth Welfare (Interview on Radio Veritas)

February 10, 2018 – Walk/Dance with Mary (Nationwide) May 18, 2018 – 40th Anniversary Culminating Activity during the 21st DMI Biennial Convention in Baguio City

Lot 23-A, Block 6, Lopez Ave., Lopez Village, Paranaque City Tel. No. 810-9530 Website: www.dmiinternational.org

DMI Newsette Editorial Board Executive Officers Sis. Salvacion T. Estrada - Editor Sis. Rosalinda C. Pimentel - International Regent Sis. Ruby P. Macario - Vice-Int’l Regent - Luzon Contributors Sis. Gloria C. Caminero - Vice-Int’l Regent - Visayas Sis. Corazon T. Afuang Sis. Edna May O. Landicho Sis. Angela L. Baes - Vice-Int’l Regent - Mindanao Sis. Remedios Agosto Sis. Teresita M. Miranda Sis. Ma. Theresa G. Curia - International Secretary Sis. Lucina A. Binoya Sis. Catalina Rebecca A. Pineda Sis. Elvira S. Arambulo - International Treasurer Sis. Alma L. Cagampang Sis. Zenaida A. Sto. Tomas Sis. Laura V. Cespon Sis. Virginia Terrado Rev. Fr. Jerome Ma. J. Cruz Sis. Yolanda U. Dagandan Sis. Milde R. Tong Sis. Eufelia A. Dollentas Sis. Myrna T. Trinidad International Chaplain Sis. Yolanda S. Galvez

2 From the International Regent

MESSAGE

How I feel nowadays is profoundly expressed in the song of Mary, our Immaculate Mother, when she exclaimed in the Gospel of Luke, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant,” Indeed, I am joyfully grateful to God and to Mama Mary for choosing me, unworthy as I am, to be an International Regent of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate International. May I be reminded always that this great honor is not mine but to God alone be the glory. With much humility and trust in the Divine Providence, I wholeheartedly accept this great task and responsibility using the everlasting words of Mary to the angel Gabriel, “Be it done to me as you say.” More than ever before, our missions as Daughters of Mary Immaculate are very relevant and pressing in our time. To uphold life in the midst of a growing culture of death and impunity is crucial. To raise the standard of morality in mass media and ethics in social media is of great importance. To uplift the dignity of workers, especially women and mothers, has always been a great challenge. To give assistance to the families of prisoners and victims of man-made and natural disasters and tragedies is to be our second nature. To form the Squirettes of Mary Immaculate is our living hope for, as the CBCP said, “the youth is not only the future but the present of the Church.” These daunting tasks and responsibilities before us we cannot carry out alone by ourselves. We need everyone’s support and active participation. Let us all unite, dear sisters, and place our resources, efforts and energies in the hands of God, believing strongly in what the angel Gabriel said to Mary, “with God nothing is impossible”. To my children, relatives and friends, most especially to my beloved husband, Congressman Johnny Pimentel, I ask for your kind understanding and support so that I may be able to fulfill my duties and responsibilities well. In this Year of the Parish as Communion of Communities, we are reminded once again by the Vatican II and PCP-2 vision of the Church as “communion, participation and mission”. We are one Body of Christ, one People of God and one Community of Disciples. Let us continue to deepen our communion with God and with one another. Let us participate in the one mission of Christ - to be in union with God and with one another - praying together, witnessing together and serving together all humanity. God bless us all!

SIS. ROSALINDA C. PIMENTEL International Regent

(This issue’s Message from the International Regent is the Acceptance Speech delivered by Sis. Lelis Pimentel during her installation as International Regent last December 3, 2016 in Davao City. -Ed)

3 Mary’s House... from page 1

The DMII International Board with Msgr. Felipe Ocol before the altar of Lunch with Msgr. Ocol at Little Quiapo in BF Homes, the Presentation of the Child Jesus Parish Church after the Mass. Paranaque.

Workshop facilitator Jojo Hautea explains the objectives of the Team building Workshop to participants.

with the husband-and-wife team of Jojo and Marie Hautea as facilitators. It was a fun-filled activity that the participants enjoyed while achieving the objective of getting to know each other better and bonding as a team. On Day 2, the DMI Board immediately buckled down to task, drawing up the calendar of activities for Fun exercises during the Team-building Workshop. 2017. (Please see page 6 for a list of DMII’s upcoming events.) Projects carried over from the previous year will continue to be pursued until fully implemented. Work in the CBCP-mandated DMI missions will be more vigorously pursued in observance of the year’s theme “Year of the Parish: Communion with the Communities”. The international mission chairpersons have submitted the programs for their two-year term to be cascaded down to the circles in various dioceses and parishes in the 14 DMI regions of the country through the regional representatives. The DMII International Board in session.

4 Fr. Jerome celebrates Mass before the blessing of Mary’s House.

Fr. Jerome hands a bouquet of roses to birthday celebrator Sis. Lelis Pimentel.

Candles are lighted for the ...and prayers are read by Sis. Lelis, Past IRs Sister blessing ceremony... Jean Velarde and Myrna Zapanta stand at the back.

DMI sisters pick up good luck coins thrown by Sis. Lelis.

The year 2017 will be a busy one for the organization. This early, preparations are already in full swing for the year-long celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the DMII starting with the launching in May, 2017 to be held in Antipolo City where the organization started. The culminating activity will take place in Baguio City during the A group photo of the Board after the meeting. Seated from left: Sisters Myrna Zapanta 21st Biennial Convention in May, and Jean Velarde, Fr. Jerome Cruz, Sisters Lelis Pimentel, Mila Villanueva and Sally Estrada. Standing: Sisters Virgie Terrado,Remedios Agosto, Leticia Gano, Biennah 2018. A preview of the year-long Villanueva, Cathy Pineda, Ruby Macario, Alma Cagampang, Annie Ty, Yolanda Galvez, celebration appears on page 2. Lucina Binoya, Tess Curia, Myrna Trinidad and Tess Miranda. 5 National Events Regional Assemblies 40th DMI Anniversary - Launching of the year- Region I – November 25, 2017, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur long celebration on May 13-2017 in Antipolo City Region II – August 19, 2017, San Jose City, Nueva Ecija Region III – November 11, 2017 - Bataan National Officers’ Meeting - May 13, 2017, James- Region IV – September 16,2017, Malolos City, Bulacan ville Resort, Antipolo City Region V – June 17, 2017, One Esplanade, MOA 16th SMI Biennial Convention - May 20-21, 2017 Complex, Pasay City Sarrosa Hotel, Cebu City Region VI – July 8, 2017 Region VII – April 22, 2017, Lopez Quezon Area Conferences Region VIII – To be announced later Visayas Area Conference - April 8, 2017, Bohol Region IX – October 7, 2017, Boracay, Aklan Region X – To be announced later Mindanao Area Conference - April 22-25, 2017, Region XI – To be announced later Cagayan de Oro City Region XII – November 17, 2017, Butuan City Luzon Area Conference - October 20-22, 2017, Region XIII – October 14, 2017, Digos City Batis Aramin Resort Hotel, Lucban, Quezon Region XIV – October 21, 2017, Zamboanga City

Sis. Ruby P. Macario, Vice-International Regent- Luzon

11, 2017, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The date and venue of the event took on added significance: It was in Lourdes where the Blessed Mother revealed to St. Bernadette Soubirous that she is the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the DMII. San Roque Cathedral is the new parish assignment of DMI International Chaplain Fr. Jerome Cruz. He was installed as Rector of the cathedral on January 21, 2017. Installed were diocesan regents of the Dioceses of Cabanatuan and San Jose (NE) in Region II and the Dioceses of Antipolo, Imus and Manila in Region V Rev. Frs. Jerome Cruz and Syl Mutia, prepare for the and vicarial regents from the Dioceses of Cabanatuan, concelebrated Mass. San Jose and Lingayen-Dagupan (Region II) and the Dioceses of Antipolo, Imus, Manila, Novaliches, iocesan and vicarial regents from Region II and Paranaque and Pasig (Region V). Region V who were not able to attend the officers’ International Regent Sis. Lelis Pimentel headed installation rites in Davao last Dec. 3, 2016 were the guests from the International Board with installed during a special installation ceremony held at Vice-International Regent - Luzon and Region V the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City on February Representative (RR) Sis. Ruby Macario, Region II RR

6 The Diocesan Regents ...... and Vicarial Regents from Region II and Region V during their installation.

The host circle, Nuestra Senora de Nieva Circle with Fr. Jerome A group photo of the newly-installed diocesan and vicarial (seated at center) and Sisters Lelis Pimentel and Ruby Macario regents with the DMI International Officers present. to his left, respectively.

Sis. Virgie Terrado, Past International Chairperson for Upliftment of Women Workers Sis. Juliet Cruz and DMI Newsette Editor Sis. Sally Estrada. Also present were Sis. Jean Castaneda, past Diocesan Regent of Manila and Sis. Myma Sevilla, past Diocesan Regent of Kalookan. Sis. Biennah Villanueva, diocesan regent of Cubao and Sis. Josie Halog of the DMI Office served as installation marshals. A Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Jerome and Fr. Syl Mutia preceded the installation ceremony. Diocesan Regent Sis. Cathy Pineda of the Diocese of Kalookan (she is also International Chairperson Sis. Lelis Pimentel gives a short message during the agape. for Youth Welfare), Vicarial Regent Sis. Sylvia San Pedro and the Nuestra Senora de Nieva Circle headed Sis. Lelis took the opportunity to speak to the group by Regent Sis. Angelina Tiotangco hosted the event. during the agape, underscoring the importance of the Members of the circle dressed in their gala attire DMI Missions and the leadership role that diocesan ushered the guests, served as lectors and commentator and vicarial regents have in fulfilling the missions and and hosted the agape after the installation ceremony. thrusts of the organization. 7 MI International Chairperson for Pro-Life Sis. Cora Afuang has just been elected as vice-president of Pro-Life Philippines Foundation, Inc. The Foundation, founded by the late Sr. Mary Pilar Verzosa, RGS in 1975, is a nonprofit organization of citizens and organizations concerned about issues pertaining to the inherent value and dignity of Rev. Fr. Melvin Castro, Prolife Philippines’ Spiritual Director, inducted to office the new members of Prolife Philippines Foundation, Inc., which included DMI human life. Prolife National Chairperson Sis. Cora Afuang (center, in DMI uniform), on The election of Pro-Life February 5, 2017 at St. Francis of Assissi Parish in Mandaluyong. Philippines Foundation’s new set of officers took place at the Lourdes The 2017 officers and Board Peter Pardo - Secretary School in Mandaluyong City on of Trustees of Pro-Life Phils. (president of Lovelife Philippines) Foundation are as follows: February 6,2017 during the Pro- Dr. Ryan Capitulo - Treasurer Life Philippines Convention. The Dr. Raul Nidoy - Chairman of (a medical doctor and member of convention is held every February the Board (formerly Pro-Life Phils. Filipinos for Life) in celebration of Pro- Life Month. Education chairperson) This year’s theme is “The Parish as The Board of Trustees is Cradle of Life and Love.” Rita Linda Dayrit - President composed of Atty. Jemy Gatdula, (formerly vice-president of Pro- Nirva’ana de la Cruz, Paul Richard The convention gathered leaders life Phils and member of DMI Our Guimary, Carlos Antonio Paiad, Dani from various pro-life groups such as Lady of Beautiful Love Circle in Villanueva , Michelle Talavera, Ansel Doctors for Life, Sagip Sierra Madre Merville, Paranaque) Beluso, Dr. Melissa Poblete, Rolando Movement, Lovelife Philippines, de los Reyes, and Moises Canete. Filipinos for Life and Daughters Cora Afuang - Vice-President of Mary Immaculate International (formerly DMII Vice-International Rizalito David is the among others. Regent for Luzon) Foundation’s executive director.

“The earth is our shared inheritance the fruits of which are meant to benefit everyone. Now, if we want to end hunger and dehumanizing poverty in the world, we should allow God to take the initiative again and we, as stewards should follow His lead. May we always be focused on God’s will at all times so that He will be able to use us successfully as agents of His great love, mercy and compassion.” 8 By Sis. Carmen P. Baquilid, Tower of Ivory Circle

he first Board Meeting of the officers of DMI the meeting’s special guest. Region XI was held on February 25, 2017 at the Sto. Nino Parish Conference Room in Tacloban City. Archbishop Du expressed his appreciation of the Archbishop John Du of the Archdiocese of Palo was DMI sisters’ devotion to Mama Mary manifested by their services to the community for the love of God and brethren. He also told the 24 meeting participants from eleven circles of the Region that he fully supports the formation of more DMI circles in order to spread the virtues of the Blessed Mother.

During the meeting. Region XI Representative Sis. Leni Larrazabal officially turned over her duties and functions to Past International Advocate Sis. Yoly Dagandan who accepted the The meeting participants with Archbishop John Du and the two priests of same in an alternate capacity. Sto Nino Parish.

From the Diocese of Malolos

By Sis. Mila Reyes, Pro-life Chairperson

he Ina ng Grasya ng Diyos Circle of Marilao, Bulacan conducted two projects for the DMI Missions in late 2016. The Pro-Life Committee jointly with the Upliftment of Women Workers Committee gave free Paps Smear tests to wives and women workers (household helpers, cooks, manicurists and factory workers) from the depressed areas of Marilao. The project was held at the Barangay Hall of Lias. Dr. Jocelyn Zamora Mariano and 12 UST medical students conducted the Pap Smear tests. A short lecture was given by Dra. Mariano prior to the tests which Mothers avail of free Pap smear test included how to detect lumps in the breast. turn to page 10

9 Ina ng Grasya... from page 9 with toiletries and other articles for their personal use. The DMI officers and members of the circle were A back-to-back activity was the making of decorative on hand to assist in the physical arrangements and balloons which the mothers learned from Teacher Anna registration of participants. The circle also provided the Guiang. Both the children and their mothers had fun funds for the activity. making the balloons which they brought home with them. A Feeding Program for indigent children was also Pro-life Chairperson Ss. Mila Reyes provided the conducted in November with the assistance of Barangay food served during the activity. Regent Sis. Eve Bautista Health Workers in Bgy. Lias. The children were later gifted lent her full support to the projects.

Participants learn how to make decorative balloons. DMI sisters of Ina ng Grasya ng Diyos Circle who assisted in the activities

From the Diocese of Cubao

en circles of the Diocese of Cubao have granted educational assistance to deserving children of inmates of the Quezon City Jail as one of their programs under the DMI mission, Assistance to Prisoners’ Families and their Victims (APFV). There are twelve schoolchildren being supported by the Diocese at present. They are: SCHOLARS SPONSORING CIRCLES Lord Andrew Polo Our Lady of Snows Circle Keith David Sagrado Corazon Circle Jero Cambay, Angelina Gutierrez Our Lady of Lourdes Circle and Princess Lyza de Guzman Kristel May llaga St. Elizabeth of Hungary Circle Thyron Christia Ballesa Sta. Perpetua Circle Lawrence Castillo Sagrada Familia Circle Janica Mae Atacador Our Lady of Fatima Circle Boy Acaliit Mary All Beautiful Circle Christine Begonia Medalla Milagrosa Circle Joel Begonia Regina Mundi Circle

10 The APFV scholars of the Diocese of Cubao with Diocesan officers and regents of sponsoring circles.

The scholars were selected upon recommendation Sis. Jenny Quieta, diocesan chairperson for APFV of Ms. Sol, Caritas coordinator for the Diocese of spearheads the project with full support from Diocesan Cubao. Regent Sis. Biennah Villanueva. The sponsoring DMI circles provide school supplies The guidelines for the implementation of the and school uniforms at the start of the school year and project were drawn up last year during the term of Past a monthly allowance of P300 during the school year. Diocesan Regent Sis. Lydia Ordonez.

n orientation of circle officers for the year 2017 familiarizing them on their duties and responsibilities. was held last January 29, 2017 at the Barangay The orientation was conducted by Sis. Ruby Macario,. Multipurpose Building of Bgy. Marilag in Project 4, VIR-Luzon and Region V RR, Diocesan Regent Sis. Quezon City. A total of 54 officers from DMI circles in Biennah Villanueva, Past RR Sis. Lydia Ordonez and the Diocese of Cubao attended the orientation aimed at Vicarial Regent Sis. Josie Sioson. 11 From the Diocese of Parañaque

By Sis. Rosalina Farol, Scribe, Risen Christ Circle he Risen Christ Circle of Holy Eucharist Parish in of these reasons: mistaken eyewitness, faulty Moonwalk Village, Paranaque City held a Forurn on forensic science, fabricated testimony, incom- the Death Penalty on February 4,2017. Forum speaker petent lawyer, false confession, racial bias or was Rev. Fr. Tito Ranola, pastor of Christ the King poverty. Parish in Quezon City. The forum was spearheaded by 4. Retribution/Vengeance is wrong. We look for the circle’s Pro-life Committee chaired by Sis. Helen de justice but never for vengeance. Hatred and an- Leon, past international chairperson for Pro-life. ger are consuming passions. Father Ranola pointed out that the country is in 5. Death penalty fails to deter criminality. Cap- perilous times right now with extra-judicial killings ital punishment is not a tool to stop criminality. becoming rampant so that sooner or later people might It is not a correctional tool. become immune to these deaths. If people don’t see the 6. Brutalizing society. Death penalty tends to bru- value of life, then this will ultimately lead to disregard talize society. We tend to perpetuate violence. for the elderly, the disabled and the very young. 7. Applied unfairly. Sometimes, the death penal- He enumerated seven reasons, both legal and ty is applied due to poverty and not due to the religious, why we should say NO to the death penalty. committed crime. 1. Value of human life. Life is precious as it is Father Ranola admonished that we are defined created by God. It is a gift from God, thus it is as human by our courage, kindness, friendship and precious and sacred from beginning to end. The character. value of a person does not decrease based on someone’s inability to see a person’s worth. He ended by citing life-giving solutions to criminality by addressing the socio-economic problems 2. Right to live. No person shall be deprived of of our society such as poverty, unemployment, lack life without due process of law. The right to of education, corruption, homelessness, racism, and swing one’s fist ends where the other man’s nose begins. inequality. There is a need to purge the judicial system, decontaminate law enforcement agencies, moral 3. Execution of the innocent. One in every 25 transformation and nourishing humanity with the men sentenced to death is innocent due to any culture of life.

Rev. Fr. Tito Ranola, forum speaker Pro-life Chairperson Ss. Helen de Leon introduces the forum speaker. 12 From the Diocese of Imus

By Sis. Lily Habon, Vicarial Regent

t was a rainy Monday morning in October, 2016 when a group of DMI sisters from the Our Lady Queen of Peace Circle left Queen’s Row in Bacoor, Cavite for a day outing at Nuvali in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna. Composing our group were seven septuagenarians (Sisters Grace, Ading, Glo, Betty, The septuagenarian sisters of Our Lady Queen of Peace Circle. Julie, Luz and, this writer) and six younger sisters who accompanied us to answer to and still feel physically fit. Just the same, she our “beck and call”. stayed close, and became very concerned when I went to the washroom without her knowledge. She The Social Committee of our circle made the was a diligent “guardian angel” indeed! activity a part of its project for elderly members to go on “R & R”, to bond, share life’s experiences We really enjoyed the day feeding the fish in and have fun. The Committee was well-prepared, the man-made lake and taking a motorboat ride. for our transportation (door-to-door pick-up and Aside from the food we brought, there was this drop-off) and provisions for the day - snacks, lunch treat at Uncle Chap. Part of the time was also chichiria, and lunch of adobo, laing, sweet-and- spent in Bible-sharing - our favorite verses that sour fish fillet, bananas, lanzones and rambutan mark our day, those that we meditate on when we -to make sure that nobody went hungry. feel troubled and even about our guardian angels. We also shared experiences in our married life. On our way to Nuvali, we prayed the Rosary Ate Grace brought with her clippings of jokes and and asked Mama Mary to keep us under the mantle everybody had a hearty laugh. of her protection. We arrived at Nuvali before 8.00 a.m. and it was still drizzling. Soon the weather It was a really wonderful day, uplifting and yet lifted and the sun started to shine, so we were able humbling. The experience brought us even closer to move around. to one another. Who could ask for more? We profusely thank the Social Committee of Our Lady My ‘guardian angel’ during the activity was Sis. Queen of Peace Circle - Sisters Susan, Lanie, Ellen Magpantay, a widowed mother of three. She Ellen, Lorna, Charly and Beth B. We are eternally kept close by, ensuring that I stay safe. I intimated grateful for all your kindness. to her that I used to take 3- km. walks twice a week 13 From the Diocese of San Pablo

By Sis. Adora G.Abe, Regent, San Sebastian the Martyr Circle

he San Sebastian the Martyr Circle hosted the Long Conferral Ceremony for new DMI sisters of the vicariate of San Antonio de Padua on November 26, 2017. Diocesan Regent Sis. Lorie Santos gave an inspirational message during the conferral rites. A Eucharistic celebration by Rev. Fr. Dennis Maglasang, MF, the DMI spiritual director of San Sebastian the Martyr Circle, followed the conferral ceremony.

A fun-filled Christmas Party was held later The long conferral ceremony highlighted by a first-ever recognition of DMI sisters aged 80 years and above who have given long and dedicated service to the organization. They were Sisters Estela Dimaano, Sonny de Robles, Norie Tabia, Cornelia Nunag, Evelyn Natividad, Rosita Vilanueva and Eva Bitcon. Adding color to the event were the dance presentations of the circles led by Sisters Evelyn Go, Benny de la Cruz, Lily Banilan, Evelyn Bautista and Adora Abe. The 80-year-old awardees with Sis. Lorie Santos and regents.

By Sis. Edita Pradel, chairperson, OLMMC Morality in Media Committees

he Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Circle of Ireneville Subd., San Francisco, Binan, Laguna is strongly committed to expanding its programs and offerings to the community in pursuance of the DMI missions. This year’s thrust of its Morality in Media Committee is to educate the youth to become responsible in the use of the latest media technology In line with this, a symposium was held on January 25, 2017 which focused on such topics as “Social Media: Its Effects on User Behavior” and “Educational Media: The DMI sisters with symposium resource speakers Fr. Rene Its Potentials for Learning”. The symposium resource Oliver and Bro. John Mark Batu. speakers were Fr. Ireneo Oliver, pastor of St. Polycarp turn to page 15 14 From the Diocese of Palo

By Sis. Carmen Baquilid, Past Pro-life Int’l Chairperson

he Tower of Ivory Circle of Our Lady of Lourdes Tagra, regional director of the Philippine Obstetrical Parish in Tacloban City very actively conducts and Gynecological Society of the Philippines also various activities for the DMI missions and thrusts. volunteered her services during the activity. A recent activity, one of several for Pro-life, Free Pap smear and urinalysis were also benefited women in the immediate vicinity of part of the services that were made available to the Parish as well as adjacent barangays who seminar participants. attended a Cervical Cancer Awareness Seminar Past Pro-life International Chairperson Sis. conducted by the circle’s Pro-life Co-chairperson Carmen Baquilid and Circle Regent Sis. Edna Sis. Judith Morales, the FPOGS chairman of the Apurillo extended their full support to the project. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Divine Word Hospital in Tacloban City. Dr. Mina

Sis. Judith Morales talks on Cervical Cancer before seminar participants.

Our Lady of Miraculous... from page 14

Parish and Bro. John Mark Batu from the same parish. The symposium was held at St. Francis National High School in Binan City and was attended by 50 Grade 10 students. Spearheading the activity was the circle’s Morality in Media Committee composed of Sis. Edita Pradel, chairperson and Sisters Luzviminda Alcalde, Marivic Agnas and Remy Capunitan, members. The DMI sisters of Sto. Rosario and St. Polycarp Circles also participated in the symposium. A Grade 10 student poses a question during the open forum.

15 From the Archdiocese of Zamboanga & Prelature of Isabela de Basilan

By Sis. Marilyn de Asis, Diocesan Secretary

he month of March is declared as the National Women’s Month in the Philippines. A Symposium on Women’s Rights (under RA 9710) was sponsored by the DMIs of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and Prelature of Isabela de Basilan last March 4, 2017 as part of the month-long celebration. The seminar was held at the Rectory of St. Ignatius de Loyola Parish aimed at informing and disseminating down to the grassroots level the legal rights of women especially this year which the Church has declared as “The Year of Fiscal Sharon Mae Sales Belisario, 2nd from left, receives a the Parish: Communion with Communities.” token of appreciation as symposium resource speaker. The resource speaker was Fiscal Sharon Mae P. • Equal rights in all matters relating to marriage Sales Belisario, associate city prosecutor of Zamboanga and family relations City DOJ. She put emphasis on the following during • Migrant workers and health her talk: • Penalties for violations • Protection and security in times of disaster, Sis. Grace Gonzales, diocesan chairperson for calamities and other crisis situations Upliftment of Women Workers spearheaded the activity. • Equal participation in sports Heading the attendees were Diocesan Regent Sis. Maria • Participation and representation Pinky Saavedra and other diocesan officers and officers • Equal treatment before the Law and members of the 19 DMI circles from the Eastern, • Equal access and elimination of discrimination Western and Central Vicariates of the Diocese. The against women in Education, Scholarship and participants showed keen interest by participating very Trainings actively during the open forum. • Comprehensive health services and health Another activity called “Dia de las Mujeres” is information and education scheduled to be held on March 8 at the fourth floor of • Leave benefits of two (2) months with full pay KCC Mall. Participants are encouraged to wear pink or based on gross monthly compensation purple blouses or shirts during the event.

ws Briefs from Ne

iocesan Regent Sis. Pinky Saavedra together with the diocesan officers and Sis. Malud Miguel, chairperson for Circle Visitation, held regular circle visitations every Sunday from February 5 to March 19, 2017. The visitation of the circles coincided with the Sunday they are the scheduled Mass sponsor. The purpose is to strengthen the relationship within the organization and to clarify important issues and concerns that members need to know and understand.

16 new circle was organized in Curuan Parish on November 27, 2016 through the initiative of the St. Ignatius Circle of Tetuan Parish led by Circle Regent Sis. Ernesta de Peralta. The exemplification of the circle’s charter members was conducted by the Exemplification Team of Our Lady of Purification Circle of Sta. Maria Parish, The installation of the charter officers of the circle, named The charter officers and members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle withthe Our Lady of Guadalupe Circle, followed officers of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga led by Sis. Angie Baes, VlR-Mindanao afterwards. and Region XIV RR and Diocesan Regent Sis. Pinky Saavedra.

The forum speakers: Dr. Muktader Kalbi, Dr. Margarita Abalon and Dr. May Gonzales

wo forums on health were held at the St. Joseph Conference Hall of St. Joseph Parish in Zamboanga City. The first was held on February l2, 2017 with Dr. Muktader Kalbi, a stroke specialist, as speaker. Dr. Kalbi talked about the risks of stroke, the warning signs of their occurrence and what to do when a stroke occurs. The second forum was held on March 12, 2017. Dr. MargaritaAbalon spoke on general ways to prevent kidney disease while Dr. May Gonzales gave a lecture on Cervical Cancer and Screening.

17 The Squirettes of Mary Immaculate of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and Prelature of Isabela de Basilan was a beehive of activity during the first quarter of 2017 . Here are some of the activities the organization undertook:

SMI’s PATH TO PEACE. The SMIs of the Archdiocese took an active part in the Festival of Cultural Dances, Music and Costumes held at the Centro Pastoral last March 2 to 4, 2017 sponsored by the Association of Creative and Performing Artists of Zamboanga and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. One of the four-fold program of the SMI is to be involved in civic-cultural activities to develop DIOCESAN SMI INVESTITURE. A total of 45 awareness of culture and arts in the community. new Squirettes of Mary were invested during the The festivals and rituals embedded in various Diocesan investiture Ceremony held on February communities, regions and countries throughout the 25, 2017 at the Our Mother of Perpetual Help world define the culture of the people expressed in Parish in Guian, Zamboanga City. dances, music, costumes and other forms of art. The activity was hosted by the Our Mother of Appreciation of culture and the arts increases Perpetual Help Circle. The initiating team of the empathy and teaches us how to relate to one Mother of Perpetual Help Circlette conducted the another thereby breaking the barriers that separate Investiture Ceremony. society and people, and finally achieving peace.

NEW SMI CIRCLETTE FORMED. A new SMI circlette was officially organized on Feb. 25, 2017 in the Eastern Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. The Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Circle in Bolong, Zamboanga City organized the circlette that is now known as the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Circlette.

18 REV. FR. JERONIMO MA. J. SIS. ANGELA L. BAES CRUZ Vice-International Regent DMII International Chaplain for Mindanao & Region XIV Rector, San Roque Cathedral Representative Caloocan City Our Lady of Purification Circle Vicar General, Diocese of Kalookan Sta. Maria Parish, Zamboanga City • Served as Diocesan Regent, Archdiocese of Zamboanga • SIS. ROSALINDA C. PIMENTEL Treasurer, Ateneo de Zamboanga International Regent University • President, Arch- Immaculate Conception Circle diocesan Council of the Laity (Home Circle) San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish SIS. MA. THERESA G. CURIA Tandag City, Surigao del Sur International Secretary & Region Diocese of Tandag • Served as IV Representative Diocesan Regent, Diocese of Rosarian Circle, Baliuag, Bulacan Tandag, Region XII Representative Diocese of Malolos • Served as and SMI Coordinator for Mindanao Diocesan Regent, Diocese of • Board Chairman, Philippine Red Malolos • Executive Vice-President, Cross, Surigao del Sur Chapter Knights of Columbus Fraternal Member, Congressional Spouses Association of the Phils. • Exec. VP Foundation & Gen. Manager, Kompass Credit & Financing Corp. • Treasurer, SIS. RUBY P. MACARIO PPCRV, Pope Pius Center, Manila Vice-International Regent for Luzon & Region V Representative SIS. ELVIRA S. ARAMBULO Our Lady of Lourdes Circle International Treasurer & Region National Shrine of Our Lady of VI Representative Lourdes, Quezon City St. John the Baptist Circle Diocese of Cubao • Served as St. John the Baptist Parish, International Chairperson for Calamba City, Laguna Diocese of Youth Welfare, Diocesan Regent, San Pablo • Served as Diocesan Diocese of Cubao and SMI Regent, Diocese of San Pablo Coordinator for Luzon • Executive • Director & Treasurer, Phil. Red Assistant to the President & CEO, Cross, Laguna Chapter • Director, Vitarich Corporation Calamba Parish Devt. Cooperative • Chairman, New Calamba Catholic SIS. GLORIA C. CAMINERO Community Foundation Vice-International Regent for Visayas & Region X Representative SIS. MYRNA T. TRINIDAD Rosa Mystica Circle, Tagbilaran International Advocate City, Bohol, Diocese of Tagbilaran Risen Christ Circle • Served as Diocesan Regent, Holy Eucharist Parish, Moonwalk Diocese of Tagbilaran • Local Tour Village, Paranaque City Operator Diocese of Paranaque • Past Regent, Risen Christ Circle • Retired corporate lawyer

19 SIS. REMEDIOS AGOSTO SIS. YOLANDA S. GALVEZ Region I Representative Region IX Representative Sto. Nino de Praga Circle Our Lady of Fatima Circle Sto. Nino de Praga Parish Iloilo City, Archdiocese of Jaro Cordon, Isabela, Diocese of Ilagan Served as Diocesan Regent, • Served as Diocesan Regent, Archdiocese of Jaro • Part-owner, Diocese of Ilagan • Chapter Paseo de Sta. Barbara Subd., Iloilo Secretary, Federation of Senior • Stockholder, Western Institute of Citizens, Cordon, Isabela • Retired Technology • Past President, Zonta government official, now self- Club International – Iloilo employed

SIS. VIRGINIA TERRADO SIS. YOLANDA U. DAGANDAN Region II Representative Alternate Representative of Region XI Miraculous Medal Circle Tower of Ivory Circle St. John the Evangelist Parish Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Dagupan City, Archdiocese of Tacloban City, Diocese of Palo Lingayen-Dagupan • Served as • Served as International Advocate Diocesan Regent, Archdiocese of • Presiding Judge, Regional Trial Lingayen-Dagupan • Dean, College Court, Branch 15, Burauen, Leyte of Nursing, University of Luzon • Concurrently Assisting Judge, Dagupan City RTC Branch 7, Tacloban City

SIS. ALMA L. CAGAMPANG SIS. TERESITA M. MIRANDA Region III Representative Region XII Representative St. Francis of Assisi Circle Immaculate Conception Circle St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Limay, San Nicolas de Tolentino Circle Bataan, Diocese of Balanga Tandag City, Surigao del Sur • Served as International Secretary • Served as Diocesan Regent, and Diocesan Regent, Diocese Diocese of Tandag of Balanga • Principal, The Peninsula School, Petron Bataan SIS. LAURA V. CESPON Refinery Housing Compound, Region XIII Representative Limay, Bataan • Chairman, Minalin Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Circle Men & Women of the Sacred Heart St. Francis of Assisi Parish Davao City, Archdiocese of Davao SIS. EUFELIA A. DOLLENTAS • Served as Diocesan Regent, Region VII Representative Archdiocese of Davao • Vice- Mina de Oro Circle President for Academic Affairs San Jose, Mindoro Occ. and Dean of College, Mindanao Diocese of San Jose (Oriental International College (Kokusai and Occ. Mindoro) • Served as Daigaku) Diocesan Regent, Diocese of San Jose • Civil Engineer

SIS. ZENAIDA A. STO. TOMAS Region VIII Representative St. Theresa Circle, Ligao City, Albay Diocese of Legaspi • Served as Diocesan Regent, Diocese of Legaspi • Retired educator • Chief Executive Officer, Holy Trinity Foundation for Malnourished Children • Manager, Service Provisory, Alternative Learning System, DepEd, RO V

20 SIS CORAZON T. AFUANG SIS. CATALINA REBECCA A. International Chairperson for Pro- PINEDA life • St. Paul of the Cross Circle International Chairperson for St. Paul of the Cross Parish Youth Welfare, San Jose de Marikina City, Diocese of Antipolo Navotas Circle, San Jose de • Served as International Secretary Navotas Parish, Navotas City & Region V Representative • Vice- Diocese of Kalookan • Currently President, Pro-life Foundation of also Diocesan Regent of the the Philippines • Retired corporate Diocese of Kalookan • Human executive • Entrepreneur Resource Practitioner, Nestle Phils., Inc. Ice Cream & Fresh Dairy SIS. EDNA MAY O. LANDICHO Division International Chairperson for DMI NEWSETTE Morality in Media, Mater Dei Circle Ascension of Our Lord Parish SIS. SALVACION T. ESTRADA Novaliches, Quezon City, Diocese Editor of Novaliches, Currently also Risen Christ Circle, Holy Diocesan Regent, Diocese Eucharist Parish, Moonwalk of Novaliches • Book author, Village, Paranaque City, Playwright, and Director • Retired Diocese of Paranaque • Past Professor, Speech Communication Regent, Risen Christ Circle and and Theater Arts, UP • Conducts currently, Diocesan Secretary, Acting and Tagalog Workshop for Diocese of Paranaque • Retired ABS-CBN corporate executive (VP for Human Resources & Corporate Communications) SIS. MILDE R. TONG International Chairperson for SMI COORDINATORS Upliftment of Women Workers Risen Christ Circle, Holy SIS. BIENNAH ELENA C. Eucharist Parish, Moonwalk VILLANUEVA Village, Paranaque City, Diocese SMI Coordinator – Luzon of Paranaque • Served as Medalla Milagrosa Circle, Our Lady International Chairperson for of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Assistance to Prisoners’ Families Proj. 4, Quezon City, Diocese & their Victims and Diocesan of Cubao • Serves as Diocesan Regent, Diocese of Paranaque Regent, Diocese of Cubao Businesswoman Chemical Engineer • Owner, BCV First Ingredient SIS. LUCINA A. BINOYA International Chairperson for SIS. CONCHITA P. NIERE Assistance to Prisoners’ Families SMI Coordinator – Visayas & their Victims, St. Paul the San Narciso Circle, San Narciso Apostle Circle, Davao City Parish, Consolacion, Cebu Archdiocese of Davao • Currently Archdiocese of Cebu • Served also Diocesan Regent, Archdiocese as Vicarial Regent, Vicariate of of Davao • Certified Public Virgen de Regla & San Narciso, Accountant • Businesswoman Archdiocese of Cebu • Vicariate Coordinator, Alliance of the Holy Family International

21 SIS. ANNIE O. TY SIS. MILA A. VILLANUEVA SMI Coordinator – Mindanao International Regent, 2013-2014 Immaculate Conception Circle Risen Christ Circle, Holy San Nicolas de Tolentino Parish Eucharist Parish, Moonwalk Tandag City, Surigao del Sur Village, Parañaque City Diocese Diocese of Tandag • Served of Parañaque • Served as Vice- as Vice-International Regent International Regent – Luzon, Int’l for Mindanao and Region XII Chairperson for Youth Welfare Representative • Board Member, and Diocesan Regent, Diocese Philippine Red Cross, Surigao del of Paranaque • Businesswoman Sur Chapter • Businesswoman

BOARD ADVISERS SIS. LYDIA L. RAMIREZ SIS. PUREZA M. GUZMAN International Regent, 2011-2012 International Regent, 2016 St. Joseph Circle St. Joseph Parish St. Thomas of Villanova Circle Zamboanga City, Archdiocese of Miagao, Iloilo, Archdiocese of Jaro Zamboanga • Served as Region • Served as Vice-International XIV Representative • Medical Regent – Visayas and Region IX Doctor/Dermatologist Representative • Division Chief, Iloilo Provincial Government • Head, Social Action Ministry, Miagao Parish

By Sis. Ma. Theresa G. Curia, International Secretary and Region IV Representative

only an Emmanuel who makes us feel special. He is also a God who invites us to understand what it means to be made in His image and likeness. He is a God ne of my favorite Scripture lines is from St. James who tells us that our Baptism makes us sharers in the when he wrote. Faith without action is dead. And in our ministry of Jesus. days we hear our social activists say. Ours should be a Gandhi, the greatest proponent of non-violence Faith that does justice. In other words, it is not enough from India, once said that he admired Christ. He just to say that we believe in God. We need to prove that couldn’t understand how Christians did not practice our belief makes a difference in the way we live . . . it what Christ taught. He said that he liked Christ, but he moves us to make a difference in other people’s lives. did not like the way Christians live. When we feel we have a warm feeling at prayer or Most of us would admit that our faith in Jesus and at Mass, or during a seminar or recollection, perhaps our acceptance of His teachings do not always translate God is telling us that He in Whom we believe is also to living as He did. We believe in Jesus who healed the Someone we can feel to be near us, we feel His sick, has compassion for the suffering, who taught the closeness, that He is in our hearts and in our world. ignorant, fed the hungry and defended the outcasts in But our God is not just a God who wants us to feel society. But we live otherwise. good that we can experience His presence. He is not So how can we reconcile feeling good in the

22 presence of God at prayer at Mass, at our rituals and allow the fabrication of stories and accusations against yet we cannot hear Him say that we need to open our people who are innocent. eyes and ears to the situation of people around us? Of course we pray in private, and we offer How can we say that we are followers of Jesus, and intercessions in public worship for the evils in our yet do not lift a finger when there are some who insult society. But we must remember that praying does not the people who want to live as Jesus lived? If we truly necessarily make us persons of faith. For faith to be believe that God is the Creator of the universe and is the genuine, we have to put our faith into action. Perhaps source of all the blessings that we enjoy, why do we not we need to make our voices heard when the truths that wonder why there are many others who are deprived our Church and our Scriptures teach us are violated or of the fruits of the earth? Does it mean that God plays even made fun of. favorites because He has blessed some of us with material prosperity, good professions and comfortable We realize that our organizations are called to reflect lives, while millions live below poverty levels and are the ministry of the Church in the particular apostolates victims of violence and injustice? But while some of us that we are assigned by our charisms. But we should live in luxury why are we blind to the many around us also be the voice and conscience of the Church when who are hungry with no decent jobs, who cannot send the core of our human dignity is trivialized, ignored, their children to school, who cannot defend themselves trampled upon, threatened. against powerful and cruel people? I would like to appeal to our Catholic organizations We celebrate our birthdays, and those of our to reflect on the reasons for our existence. Were we families and friends, justifying that God is the Source founded in order to be an elite group who rejoice that of all lives, yet we do not mind that thousands are killed we are blessed more than the others? Do we organize on our streets without proof of being guilty. We protect outreach programs to share of our excesses, or to feel our children from dirt, dust and rowdy friends, because less guilty of receiving more than the less fortunate they are God’s gifts to us, but we do not speak up when ones, or to be popular? government leaders plan to give free condoms to our children in school. Or do we exist in order to learn together that we in our small groups, are called to make the presence We teach our children to speak reverently to elders of Christ felt in our world? Don’t we exist so that the and respect others, but we seem to enjoy hearing teachings of Christ may be made clearer and felt by government leaders cursing our bishops and priests. We other people because of our witnessing and what we do tell our children not to tell lies, yet we see how legislators turn to page 24 23 Faith that matters... from page 23 at the same time propose what is right and honorable, for others? And we exist so that we can safeguard the what is dignifying, what conforms to God’s will. continuity of the teachings of Christ in places where we Silence is important so that we can discern what are, among the people who we can reach, starting with we need to do together. Silence enables us to confront ourselves, our families and our organizations. our own selves and examine where our morals are also We do not exist for ourselves alone. We are not here faulty. Silence is important so that we can develop our for personal benefits nor are we merely friends who faith in our God Who will give us strength. need moral support from one another. We are called to There is a time for silence and for speaking up. It is show the face of Christ to the struggling communities time to speak up when the opponents continue to bully around us. We are called to be relevant witnesses of this us and when they think they can make us puppets. Or in our country and the world right at this very moment. when injustice or violence rules our day. Or when the To show the face of Christ means we need to make His Christian values that we hold dear are being trampled teachings heard and lived out. upon. Or when people with evil hearts and minds begin But we are also called to fight those who undermine to assume positions of leadership and power. Then it and destroy the teachings of Christ. We fight not only is time for our voices to be heard, for our true colors when we do the good that is the opposite of the evil we to shine, for our candles to be lit and put up on lamp see. To object to the wrong things that we hear or are stands. It is time for us to link our arms and say: “The told to do. We are called to denounce what is evil, and Kingdom of God must prevail!”

(Mandated prayer for deliverance from earthquakes, typhoons and other calamities) By Bishop Lucio Quiambao Almighty Father, we raise our hearts to You in gratitude/ for the wonders of creation of which we are part,/ for Your providence that sustains us in our needs/ and for Your Wisdom that guides the course of the universe.

We acknowledge our sins against You and the rest of creation./ We have not been good stewards of Nature./ We have confused Your command to subdue the earth.

The environment is made to suffer our wrongdoing,/ and now we reap the harvest of our abuse and indifference./ Global warming is upon us. Typhoons, heavy rains, floods,/ drought, volcanic eruption, earthquakes and other natural calamities/ occur in increasing number and intensity.

We turn to You, our loving Father, and beg forgiveness for our sins./ We ask that we, our loved ones and our hard-earned possessions/ be spared from the threat of calamities, natural and man-made./ We beseech You to inspire us all to grow into responsible stewards of Your creation, and generous neighbors to those in need.

We ask this with the intercession of our Blessed Mother.

V – Our Mother of Salvation (3X)

R – Pray for us.

24