DMI Newsette To Jesus through Mary VOL. XXX11, No. 1 OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE INTERNATIONAL January - March 2015 DMII Gears Up For 2015

2015-2016 International Regent Sis. Rebbie Pacanan convened the First Quarter Meeting of the DMII International Officers and Board on January 25, 2015 at the Cherry Blossoms Hotel in Manila.

Preceding the meeting was a whole-day Team-Building and Strategic Planning Workshop (on January 24) facilitated by Sis. Rebbie. Present during the workshop were the officers and regional representatives composing Hello and Good-Bye, the DMI Board, the chairpersons of the DMI missions, the DMI Newsette editor, the Council of Advisers Pope Francis! composed of past International Regents and the SMI By Sis. Sally T. Estrada, DMI Newsette Editor area coordinators.

Group dynamics exercises became the avenues during he much-awaited Apostolic and State Visit which the workshop participants got to know each other of Pope Francis to the Philippines on better and, as the day progressed, transformed them January 15 to 19, 2015 had come and to an effective working team. gone.T And yet the Pope Francis effect is still upon us and will linger on for a long, long time. The participants went through SWOT Analysis, And this despite the terrible tragedy that identifying the organization’s strengths, weaknesses, happened in Mindanao close in the heels of his opportunities and threats which became the basis for the visit. formulation of strategies to address present-day realities. The issues and concerns of the DMII were then spelled We call it the Pope Francis Fever. The Filipinos’ out in an Action Plan for 2015. Board Resolutions overwhelming response to his presence was of a covering some policies needing immediate action and kind that the world had not yet seen. Turn to Page 4 Pope Francis came on a sunny, albeit windy afternoon (the wind blew his skull cap as he emerged from the plane, some observed as a sign of warm welcome) on his arrival from Sri Lanka on January 15.

Throngs of people, so many of them, greeted him wherever and whenever he passed – on his way to the Apostolic Nunciature, his official residence during the visit, to Malacanang for his courtery call on President Aquino as Vatican head of state, then on to the Manila Cathedral for a IR Sis. Rebbie Pacanan facilitates the Team-Building and Strategic Turn to Page 5 Planning Workshop on Jan. 24. 2015 DMII CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

April 11, 2015 August 8, 2015 Region VII Assembly – Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro Region VIII Assembly – Naga City April 17-19, 2015 August 29, 2015 Mindanao Area Conference – Tagum City Region IV Assembly (Venue to be announced later) April 25, 2015 Sept. 12-13, 2015 Region V Assembly, UP Asian Center, City Region XI Assembly – Tacloban City May 9, 2015 3rd Quarter Meeting of the DMII International Board 2nd Quarter Meeting of the DMII International Board October 17, 2015 May 10 2015 Region XIII Assembly – Mati, Davao Oriental National Officers’ Meeting – Heritage Hotel, City Oct. 24-25, 2015 May 16-18, 2015 Luzon Area Conference – Urdaneta City 15th SMI Biennial Convention – Nov. 14-15, 2015 May 30, 2015 Region IX Assembly – Bacolod City Region I Assembly, Cordon, Isabela Nov. 21, 2015 June 30, 2015 Region III Assembly – Tarlac Region VI Assembly Nov. 22, 2015 July 18-19, 2015 4th Quarter Meeting of the DMII International Board Visayas Area Conference – July 25 2015 Region II Assembly – Dagupan City

Daughters Of Mary Immaculate International Block 3, Lot 5, Kathleen Place, Fernando St., Pasay City Tel. No. 833-1203 Website: www.dmiinternational.org

DMI Newsette Executive Officers Editorial Board

Sis. Rebecca C. Pacanan - International Regent Sis. Sally T. Estrada Sis. Corazon T. Afuang - Vice-Int'l Regent - Luzon Editor Sis. Pureza M. Guzman - Vice-Int'l Regent - Visayas Sis. Annie O. Ty - Vice-Int'l Regent - Mindanao Contributors Sis. Alma C. Cagampang - International Secretary Sis. Angela L. Baes Sis. Mary Annie G. Jabines Sis. Elvira S. Arambulo - International Treasurer Sis. Carmen P. Baquilid Sis. Edna May O. Landicho Sis. Yolanda U. Dagandan - International Advocate Sis. Gloria Caminero Sis. Magdalena Larrazabal Sis. Laura C. Cespon Sis. Ma. Adeline S. Lee Rev. Fr. Jerome Ma. J. Cruz Sis. Julieta V. Cruz Sis. Catalina Rebecca A. Pineda International Chaplain Sis. Agueda Fely G. Gallardo Sis. Virginia Terrado Sis. Leticia A. Gano Sis. Teresita L. Viola Sis. Mylene Segundera-Bass

2 From the International Regent

M E S S A G E

My dear DMI Sisters,

How time swiftly passes! The first quarter of my term as DMI International Regent for 2015-2016 is now history. However, with the short span of time that the International Officers and Board have joined efforts together, we were able to accomplish something worth reminiscing. The month of January was the time for getting to know each other better, after our first meeting during the Installation of Officers last November 30, 2014. The International Regent who handled the team- building activities stressed the need for building trust among themselves. This will encourage them to open up, understand each other, considering their strengths and weaknesses, thereby building up on each one’s CAPACITY TO BE and CAPACITY TO DO. It is interesting to note that indeed our sisters have chosen the cream of the crop for our International Officers and Board, dubbing the group as the “Power Team”.

The team-building activity held on January 24, 2015 at the Cherry Blossoms Hotel in Manila was followed by the Strategic Planning Workshop. After the SWOT Analysis, our enthusiastic and committed sisters identified the DMII’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. The realities besetting the DMII were exhaustively deliberated upon and strategies were identified to address the different issues and concerns spelled out in an Action Plan for 2015. Some policies needing immediate action and implementation were articulated in Resolutions approved by the Board for ratification during the National Officers’ Meeting. Much has to be done, of course with your full support and cooperation. Always bear in mind this passage: “Together we can make things happen.”

The following day, January 25, was the 1st Quarter Board Meeting held at the same venue. One of the reports requested from the Regional Representatives was the Updated List of Members in Good Standing as of December, 2014. What we have in the National Office is just the number of members per circle. Thus, there is a need for all the members to fill up the Membership Data Sheet for record purposes, to form part of DMII’s data base. The Updated List will be in preparation for one of the identified programs: to grant welfare benefits to Members in Good Standing.

Another output during the meeting was the completion of the TIME LINE for 2015 , where schedules for the National Officers’ Meeting, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Quarter Board Meetings, Area Conferences and Regional Assemblies were plotted. We were also able to come up with the following themes: (l) For the National Officers’ Meeting to be held on May 10, 2015: “DMI Missions: Reaching Out to the Poor with Mercy and Compassion”. This theme shall be adopted in the regional assemblies. (2) For Area Conferences: “DMII: Evangelizing with Mercy and Compassion in the Year of the Poor”. The theme had been crafted considering that this year is the Year of the Poor and responding to the call of His Holiness Pope Francis for Mercy and Compassion. This had been circularized to all concerned via e-mail through DMII Memorandum Circular No. 001-2015 dated February 2, 2015 and MC No. 002-2015 dated Feb. 5, 2015.

Turn to Page 4

3 Message from the International Regent . . ." ...Cont’d. From Page 3

The composition of the different committees was also finalized, taking into consideration the educational background, work experiences, special talents and skills and preferences of members of the International Board. MC No. 003-2015 was issued on February 26, 2015 with the following attachments: 1) Membership Data Sheet, 2) DMII Organizational Chart, 3) Directory of International Officers & Board, 4) Directory of Diocesan, Vicarial and Circle Regents together with the Status of Payments from 2010 to 2015 per circle, per region. For the month of March, drum-up campaign and follow-up for the attendance to the National Officers’ Meeting is on-going. Preparations for the event is being properly coordinated. Indeed, everybody enjoyed working as a group for the first time during the term with Mama Mary as the reason for our being, the inspiration for our advocacy, our model and our guide. With our “collective woman- power”, we shall remain to be the “salt of the earth” and “light of the world”. The month of March is Women’s Month . . . To the empowered women of DMII, “HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH”!

SIS. REBECCA CONGE-PACANAN International Regent

DMII Gears Up For 2015 ...Cont’d. From Page 1 implementation were then drafted and approved by the Board for members’ ratification during the forthcoming National Officers’ Meeting.

Much more were accomplished during the two-day activity. A timetable had been set for major DMII events during the year such as area conferences and regional assemblies Board Advisers: Past IRs Sisters Jean Velarde, Lyding Ramirez and Mila Villanueva as well as the Quarterly Meetings of the DMII Board. (Please see page 2 for the DMII 2015 Calendar of Activities). Common themes have also been adopted for regional assemblies (“DMI Missions: Reaching Out with Mercy and Compassion in the Year of the Poor”) and area conferences (“DMII: Evangelizing with Mercy and Compassion in the Year of the Poor”). SMI Area Coordinators: Sisters Ruby Macario for Luzon, Baby Acevedo for Visayas and Members were named to the DMII Standing Lelis Pimentel for Mindanao Committees. They are as follows: Laws & Sis. Cora Afuang, Fely Gallardo, Terry Regulations – Sis. chairperson and Viola, Cora Afuang, Executive & Finance – Fr. Jerome Cruz, Fely Gallardo, Sisters Annie Ty, Carmen Baquilid, Sis. Rebbie Pacanan and Sis. Alma chairperson and Elvie Arambulo, Gloria Ruby Macario and Cagampang Sisters Laura Caminero, Virgie Edna May Landicho Awards – Sis. Rebbie Pacanan, chairperson Cespon, Cora Terrado, Juliet Cruz and Sisters Cora Afuang, Pureza Guzman Afuang, Yoly and Lelis Pimentel The DMII Missions and Annie Ty Dagandan, Sally being the raison Ceremonials – Sis. Estrada and Carmen d’etre of the Audit – Sis, Leni Larrazabal, chairperson Adeline Lee, Baquilid organization, and Sisters Angie Baes, Adeline Lee and chairperson and Mary Annie Jabines Ways & Means – Sisters Letty Gano, Turn to Page 8

4 Hello and Good-Bye, Pope Francis!...... Cont’d. From Page 1 special Mass for the Manila. January 18 was religious community and also rain-drenched. The his meeting with families students and those who at the SM Mall of Asia were at the Encounter Arena on January 16. A with the Youth and brief visit with meeting with leaders of streetchildren of the other faiths in UST and Tulay ng Kabataan the final Mass at the Foundation, not part of Quirino Grandstand later his schedule, was in the afternoon wore squeezed in on his way to raincoats. The Pope, in the Manila Cathedral. solidarity with them, went Francis memorabilia main message of his around to bless them in (some say part of his apostolic visit has become The main purpose of his his open-sided relics once canonized as a the theme of our apostolic visit, to console popemobile, wearing the saint). celebration of the Year of and bless the victims of same yellow raincoat that the Poor. The DMI has Supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’, many in the mammoth January 19, the date of likewise adopted Mercy was scheduled on crowd wore. The six his departure, was bright and Compassion as January 17. The rains, million or so people at the and sunny with no trace central theme of our area nay, the storm (TS Luneta that afternoon of the rains the previous conferences and regional ‘Amang’) that greeted had been reported as the day. Again, some said it assemblies this year. him in Tacloban seemed largest assembly in the was providential, God to be a test of the Pope’s history of the Catholic seemingly letting Pope Accompanying this write- resolve to come, and the Church. Francis experience what a up are quotes from Pope people’s will to attend the storm is like. (He had not Francis, just seven of Papal Mass at the Daniel “We love you, Lolo Kiko!” experienced a storm several quotable quotes Z. Romualdez Airport. the crowd would shout in before.) Good-bye, Pope from his messages and And come they did, in so unison, and swoon upon Francis! an account of a DMI many thousands! Wind- seeing the smile that sister’s close encounter and rain-battered, more lights up his eyes. Some The newspapers, TV with the Pope during his people lined the streets to would even recall that networks and broadcast lunch with the ‘Yolanda’ Palo for the Pope’s lunch they were mesmerized, and social media have and earthquake victims at with ‘Yolanda’ and way beyond being amply recorded the the Palo Cathedral. Sis. earthquake victims at the , when he events of Pope Francis’ Leni Larrazabal, our Palo Cathedral, the came up close. Photos of visit. Each of us will regional representative blessing of the new Pope babies being kissed and cherish the memories and for Region XI, was one of Francis Center for the the sick and disabled that impressions of personal the lucky individuals Poor and a mass grave he blessed along the way encounters with him, no hand-picked to serve the nearby. will be kept and matter how fleeting and Pope during the lunch. treasured. And later to distant they are. MERCY Read on. The rains followed him to form part of the Pope and COMPASSION, the

15TH SMI NATIONAL BIENNIAL CONVENTION D’Leonor Inland Resort & Adventure Park Purok 5, Bgy. Communal Cabantian, Davao May 16 – 18, 2015 Theme: “Receiving Mary’s Grace, Shining in God’s Mercy and Compassion (in the Year of the Poor)” SQUIRETTES, SEE YOU ALL THERE!!!!

5 Pope Francis – Up Close And Personal

By Sis. Leni Larrazabal, DMI Region XI Representative

n the morning of The day my good the first day of friend, Teling Serafica 2015, I received Pangilinan, and I were Oa call from Fr. Wilson told we have been Chu, the right hand chosen as servers from Ormoc, we met our co- man of Bishop John servers from Tacloban, Du, to inform that I was Carry Jaucian and being considered to Mercy Correa, Val and serve during the lunch Tessie Obando from of Pope Francis with the Palo, and Rhenz David At foreground is the author with Cardinal Tagle, Pope Francis and Bishop handpicked 25 victims and Maureen Estrellon Du shown standing at the head table. of Supertyphoon from Malacanang PSG. ‘Yolanda’ and five of We were told that after the Bohol earthquake - the Mass at the airport, 30 in all. we will be serving the Pope, Cardinal Tagle, It was with Bishop Du and the 30 mixed emotions chosen victims. We met Edward Chua who told of joy and us about the menu for anxiety that I the lunch. We also agreed about the attire Pope Francis with his lunch guests received the that we will wear for the news. Just like occasion - beige kimona when I was top and black pants. police wouldn’t let us in Fr. Wilson for help and it After a short course on despite the fact that we was through his efforts infanticipating dishing in and dishing told them that Teling and convincing that we as a young out of the plated food and I are going to were let in. However, we and the courteous way serve during the Pope’s learned later that it took mother years of serving, we were lunch. We were told to more than an hour of back. done with our mission line up just the same waiting under the rain for the day. and undergo scanning. before the Ormoc At first, it was only my I pitied the people delegation was finally husband Jun, my Early morning of D-Day around wanting to go allowed to enter. daughter Jennifer and (January 17), our group inside, particularly the two sons Inigo and Kito of 48 (including senior citizens who As both Teling and I who knew about it. A delegates) left Ormoc composed 50% of the were dripping wet, we little later, I had to tell in a convoy of four vans Ormoc contingent. We immediately changed my sisters, too, to and a Land Cruiser, requested for leniency into our official attire. share with them my arriving at the gate of for the seniors and they Done with the first chore anxiety and to ask the Archbishop’s Palace countered that the age of setting the table and them to help me pray at 5:00 a.m., in limit of those given ID putting the flowers, we that the prospect may raincoats as it was cards is only up to 50 went down to the first soon become reality. raining very hard. The years old. We called up floor of the newly

6 renovated Palace and vegetable salad and Being in one room So many people stood with the 30 victims lechon pork, followed by for hours, many in the watched the TV the pasta and steamed with the Pope was rain, just to get a coverage of the Pope’s lapu-lapu, then the an overwhelming glimpse of Pope Francis. Mass at the airport wagyu steak and and moving And there I was, just over snacks of pastries chicken cooked in one foot away from him and assorted drinks. tanglad. The Pope, experience. I felt for half an hour! The We went back to the however, only finished so blessed by his feeling of being so near dining room after the his soup maybe because presence, and at him was indescribable, Mass and took our he was seriously and way beyond words, a position at the entrance intently listening to the the same time so feeling of extreme joy to greet the Pope when victims’ stories and was touched by the and gratitude. Why was he arrives. Teling was so affected by them. grim stories I I so lucky? the first in line and Cardinal Tagle and stood starstruck as she Bishop Du also had soup heard. What will In hindsight, I am watched the Pope’s and skipped the other forever remain reminded of the lyrics of face. I was next. parts of the meal. a song: “ . . . In my with me is Pope childhood, I must have I held both of his While serving, I, too, Francis’ ‘unli’ done something good. . was so touched by the smile, his simple . “ Or maybe this hands and kissed victims’ poignant stories blessing came my way his ring as a sign about losing loved ones hand wave and his because of the bright of respect. Having and all of one’s messages on issues young students, whom possessions and the like corruption, our group, the Sanctus passed all the pain and adjustments Vincenzus Scholarship greeters, Pope after losing one’s arms sanctity of the Foundation are helping or legs. I was get a college education, Francis then went family, mercy and particularly affected by compassion for all, or maybe because of over to the victims, the woman in a my devotion to the especially the poor, embracing and wheelchair who lost Blessed Mother as an eleven members of her and his invitation active member of the kissing each one. family and both her Daughters of Mary for us to pray for They in return legs. And the young Immaculate. Really, I woman from Bohol who ourselves and for don’t know. It was kissed the Pope’s was hit by a post when him and his definitely an answered hand. the wall went crashing prayer. Now, is there down during the profuse saying of something I can do in Joining Cardinal Tagle earthquake. A big crack ‘thank you’. gratitude for this and Bishop Du at the in her head and her unforgettable and head table, he said the neck being pushed down Days after the event, precious experience? As opening prayers. her shoulders leaving personal friends and a DMI member, maybe her jaw hanging on her friends from Facebook an even deeper Pope Francis listened upper chest would have started congratulating commitment to serve in intently to each story caused her death. But it me, more so when an the organization’s as translated by the was a miracle, she said, article was published in missions . . . with mercy Cardinal. As the victims that she is now a national newspaper and compassion during related their stories, we reconstructed and alive. about us serving lunch to the Year of the Poor and served the lunch – the Pope in Palo. I felt beyond. malunggay soup, green like an instant celebrity!

7 7 Best Quotes from Pope Francis

1. ON CORRUPTION 4. BEWARE OF ‘IDEOLOGICAL tell you. Let us look at Christ. He is the Lord and He understands us “As many voices in your nation COLONIZATION’ because He underwent the trials have pointed out, it is now, more that we go through.” than ever, necessary that political “Our countries at a certain point in leaders be outstanding for honesty, history reached the point where 7. THE QUESTION ‘WITH NO integrity and commitment to the they said ‘no’ to political colonization ANSWER’ common good. In this way they will Now, families have also to be clear, help preserve the rich human and prepared and strong to say ‘no’ to “Why does God allow this to natural resources with which God attempts of ideological colonization happen? Children are not to blame. has blessed this country.” of the family.” Why are we helped by only a few people?” 2. SAY ‘NO’ TO SOCIAL 5. HOMAGE TO PAUL VI INEQUALITY “He saw the threat of the family “She, Glyzelle, is the only one who “The Church in the Philippines is being destroyed by not being open has posed a question for which called to acknowledge and combat to life and children. Paul VI was there is no answer. She wasn’t the causes of the deeply rooted brave. He was a good pastor. He even able to express it in words, inequality and injustice which mar alerted his sheep, telling them that but rather in tears. Iwrite each one the face of Filipino society, plainly the wolves were approaching.” of you to ask yourselves: ‘Have I contradicting the teaching of learned how to weep? How to cry? Christ.” 6. TO THE SURVIVORS OF Have I learned how to weep for 3. TO FAMILIES: DREAM TYPHOON ‘YOLANDA’ someone who has a drug problem? ALWAYS Have I learned to weep for “Many of you have asked the Lord, someone who has suffered abuse? “When a family loses its ability to looking at Him: ‘Why, Lord?’ And the Unfortunately, many of those who dream, children don’t grow, love Lord answered to each one of you, cry do so because, naturalistically, doesn’t grow and life loses to your heart. Christ responds with they want more.” strength, eventually it shuts off.” His heart. It’s the only thing I can

DMII Gears Up For 2015 ...Cont’d. From Page 4 committees for the missions were Morality in Media – Sis. Edna May Youth Welfare – Sis. Cathy also formed to assist the Landicho, chairperson and Sisters Pineda, chairperson and Sisters International Mission Chairpersons in Alma Cagampang, Cora Afuang, Adeline Lee, Leni Larrazabal, Laura promoting, implementing, Pureza Guzman and Angie Baes Cespon, Angie Baes, Ruby Macario, coordinating and monitoring the Baby Acevedo and Lelis Pimentel Upliftment of Women Workers – projects and activities emanating Sis. Juliet Cruz, chairperson and from National and cascaded down to At the time of writing, preparations Sisters Letty Gano, Elvie Arambulo, the circle level. The committees on are in full swing for the National Leni Larrazabal and Annie Ty Mission are as follows: Officers’ Meeting, this year’s major Assistance to Prisoners’ DMII activity requiring the Pro-Life – Sis. Camen Baquilid, Families & their Victims – Sis. attendance of regional officers and all chairperson and Sisters Virgie Mary Annie Jabines, chairperson and regents – diocesan, vicarial and circle Terrado, Fely Gallardo, Cora Afuang, Sisters Alma Cagampang, Adeline – scheduled on May 10, 2015 at the Terry Viola, Gloria Caminero and Lee, Gloria Caminero, Annie Ty and Heritage Hotel in Pasay City. Laura Cespon Yoly Dagandan

8 Meet Your New International Officers And Board

Peninsula School, Limay Bataan Chairperson, Minalin Men & Women of Sta. Monica Parish, Minalin,

REV. FR. JEROME MA. SIS. REBECCA C. SIS. PUREZA M. J. CRUZ PACANAN GUZMAN DMI International Chaplain International Regent Vice-International Regent Pastor, San Ildefonso Tower of Ivory Circle for Visayas & Region IX Parish (Home Circle) Representative Navotas City Our Lady of Lourdes St. Thomas of Villanova SIS. CORAZON T. Diocesan Superintendent Parish Circle AFUANG of Catholic Tacloban City Miagao, Iloilo Vice-International Regent Schools, Diocese of Diocese of Palo (Leyte) Archdiocese of Jaro for Luzon & Region V Kalookan Lawyer/Attorney-at-law Provincial Gov’t Division Representative Judicial Vicar, Diocese of National Vice-President, Chief, PPO St. Paul of the Cross Circle Kalookan Women in Nation- Building, City, and Executive Director, Diocese of Antipolo Regional Retired corporate executive Federation of Women Entrepreneur Legislators General Agent, R. Pacanan Insurance Agency

SIS. YOLANDA U. SIS. ANNIE O. TY DAGANDAN Vice-International Regent International Advocate for Mindanao & Region Tower of Ivory Circle Our Lady of Lourdes XII Representative SIS. ELVIRA S. Immaculate Conception Parish, Tacloban City ARAMBULO Diocese of Palo Circle International Treasurer & San Nicolas de Tolentino Presiding Judge, Regional Region VI Representative Trial Court, Branch 15 Parish SIS. ALMA L. St. John the Baptist Circle Burauen, Leyte Tandag City, Surigao del CAGAMPANG St. John the Baptist Parish Concurrently Assisting Sur International Secretary & Calamba City, Judge, RTC Branch 7 Diocese of Tandag Region III Representative Diocese of San Pablo Tacloban City Chairperson, Phil. Red St. Francis of Assissi Circle Director & Treasurer, Cross, Surigao del Sur St. Francis of Assissi Phillipine Red Development Coop and Chapter Parish, Limay, Bataan Cross, Laguna Chapter New Calamba Businesswoman Diocese of Balanga Chairperson, Calamba Catholic Community Educator, Principal of The Parish Foundation

9 SIS. LETICIA O. GANO SIS. VIRGINIA SIS. AGUEDA FELY G. SIS. MA. ADELINE A. Region I Representative TERRADO GALLARDO LEE Mater Immaculata Circle Region II Representative Region IV Representative Region VII Representative Our Lady of the Pillar Miraculous Medal Circle Holy Mary Circle Our Lady of the Most Parish St. John the Evangelist La Purisima Concepcion Holy Rosary Circle, Lopez, Cauayan City, Isabela Parish Parish Quezon Diocese of Ilagan Dagupan City Sta. Maria, Diocese of Gumaca Associate Professor, Dean, College of Nursing Diocese of Malolos Retired High School Isabela University of Luzon, VP for Human Resources/ Principal State University – Dagupan City Administration, EMHCO Council & Dean of Home Cauayan Campus Group of Companies Economics of the Philippines

SIS. TERESITA L. SIS. GLORIA C. SIS. MAGDALENA S. SIS. LAURA V. VIOLA CAMINERO LARRAZABAL CESPON Region VIII Region X Representative Region XI Representative Region XIII Representative Rosa Mystica Circle Sts. Peter & Paul Circle Representative Our Lady Of Penafrancia City Sts. Peter & Paul Parish Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Circle Diocese of Tagbilaran Ormoc City Circle Naga City (Bohol) Diocese of Palo (Leyte) St. Francis of Assisi Parish Archdiocese of Caceres Local Tour Operator Businesswoman Davao City Concert Pianist Archdiocese of Davao Vice-President for Academics & Dean of College, Mindanao International College (Kokusai Daigaku) SMI Lady Counselor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Circlette

10 SIS. ANGELA L. BAES MISSION CHAIRPERSONS Region XIV Representative SIS. CARMEN P. SIS. EDNA MAY O. SIS MARY ANNIE G. Our Lady of Purification BAQUILID LANDICHO JABINES Circle International Chairperson International Chairperson International Chairperson Sta. Maria Parish, for Pro-Life for Morality in Media for Assistance to Zamboanga City Tower of Ivory Circle Mater Dei Circle Prisoners’ Families & their Archdiocese of Our Lady of Lourdes Ascencion of Our Lord Victims Zamboanga Parish Parish St. Vincent de Ferrer Circle Treasurer, Ateneo de Tacloban City Novaliches, Sta. Cruz Parish Zamboanga University Diocese of Palo Diocese of Novaliches Maribojoc, Bohol Member of the Board of Retired from City Book Author, Playwright & Diocese of Tagbilaran Trustees – Rotary Anns Government of Tacloban, Director Municipal Officer for Club and KCCDFI, a seminar lecturer Retired Professor, Speech Tourism, micro-finance President, WOW! Beauty Communication and Heritage, Arts & Culture of organization providing and Brains Association Theatre Arts, UP Maribojoc livelihood for women Conducts Acting and Tagalog workshops for ABS-CBN artists

DMI NEWSETTE

SIS. CATALINA REBECCA A. PINEDA SIS. JULIETA V. CRUZ International Chairperson International Chairperson for Youth Welfare for Upliftment of Women (Squirettes of Mary Workers Immaculate) Risen Christ Circle San Jose de Navotas SIS. SALVACION T. Holy Eucharist Parish, Circle ESTRADA Paranaque City San Jose de Navotas Editor Resources & Corporate Diocese of Paranaque Parish, Navotas City Risen Christ Circle Communications) President, Cruzville Realty Diocese of Kalookan Holy Eucharist Parish Diocesan Secretary, DMI Holdings & Development Human Resource Paranaque City Diocese of Paranaque Corp. Practitioner, Nestle Phils., Diocese of Paranaque President, JVC Foundation Inc., Ice Cream & Fresh Retired corporate Vicarial Regent, Vicariate Dairy Business executive (VP for Human of San Martin de Porres

11 CIRCLE NEWS ROUND-UP

From the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia SMI Circlette Organized in Ilocos Sur

Squirettes of Mary circlette has just been organized in Sta. Catalina, Ilocos Sur following the formation of the St. Catherine Aof Alexandria Circle in December, 2013. (Story in the April-June, 2014 issue of the DMI Newsette) The Medalla Milagrosa Circle of the Diocese of Cubao initiated the formation of the DMI circle and SMI circlette which has been named St. Catherine of Alexandria Circlette. Photo shows the members of the DMI circle and SMI circlette after the initiation rites.

From the Diocese of Ilagan Updates from Mater Immaculata Circle of Cauayan City

Prison Outreach Livelihood and Skills Training

he Mater Immaculata Circle of Our Lady of he Upliftment of Women Workers Committee the Pillar Parish in Cauayan City, Isabela of Mater Immaculata Circle conducted conducted a medical-dental mission at the recently a skills training workshop on flower TBureau of Jail Management and Penology facility Tarrangement and table skirting in collaboration of Cauayan City during the celebration of National with the Green Ladies and Isabela State University Correctional Consciousness Week. Male and female Extension Program. inmates of the city jail were given free medicines after their check-up.

12 From the Diocese of Tarlac St. Raphael The Archangel Circle Adopts ALS Program

he St. Raphael the Archangel Circle of Tarlac youth and adults aged 17 years and above to earn City had just adopted the Alternative a high school diploma to make them more eligible Learning System (ALS) of the Dept. of for employment or to enable them to pursue a TEducation as a mission project. college course.

The ALS is a crash-course program of the Dep-Ed An initial batch of 24 students mostly from that provides the opportunity for out-of-school indigent families in Bgy. San Rafael, Tarlac City started attending ALS classes in June, 2014 and took their final examinations on Dec. 7, 2014. The result and over-all evaluation of their performance and qualification for a high school diploma are due in February, 2015 to be followed by commencement exercises in March.

The circle donated school supplies as well as provided simple snacks during class sessions to motivate them to attend classes regularly. The DMI The DMI sisters with the ALS students, their mentor Reuben Duque and sisters expect that a majority, if not all of their catechist Bro. August Mandal during their Christmas Party. sponsored students will be able to make it.

“Alalay Sa Buntis” Project on its 3rd Year

“Alalay sa Buntis” has become a flagship project of the St. Raphael the Archangel Circle under its Pro-Life mission. Now on its third year, the activity was carried out last November 25, 2014 with 32 pregnant women participants. Resource speaker Dra. Sicangco, an OB-Gyne Resource speaker Dra. Sicangco with the DMI sisters and a pregnant practitioner in San Rafael, Tarlac City participant of “Alalay sa Buntis”. explained in full the Do’s and Don’ts of pregnancy. benefit. Aside from gaining valuable insights on pregnancy and ideas on wellness, they were The participants expressed their appreciation to given gift packs containing supplies and items the DMIs for initiating the activity for their needed before and after childbirth.

13 From the Diocese of San Jose (N.E.) San Jose Circle’s Prison Outreach

he San Jose Circle of San Jose City, sponsored a Holy Mass at the BJMP facility in San Jose City on October 30, 2014 Tas a culminating activity of National Correctional Consciousness Month. Counseling was also provided by the DMI sisters for the visiting wives of the inmates for the purpose of inner healing. The counseling sessions helped to strengthen the mothers in facing the challenges that confront them and their children who are currently fatherless. The sisters brought snacks served after A counseling session being conducted by DMI sisters with an inmate’s wife the Mass.

From the Diocese of Antipolo St. Paul of The Cross Circle’s Mercy and Compassion Mission

sisters were led by the circle’s chaplain, Fr. Eynard Balatbat and Regent Sis. Mercy Ong. Pro-life Chairperson Sis Lea Catura and the Pro-life Committee spearheaded the activity. The group brought joy, albeit only for a day, to the senior and abandoned residents of the place.

While the DMI brought some goodies and supplies to the lolos and lolas, the Kanlungan ni Maria residents in turn entertained their visitors with The residents of Kanlungan ni Maria with the sisters of St. Paul of the songs and poems as an expression of their Cross Circle. gratitude. It was a truly heartwarming experience.

he St. Paul of the Cross Circle of the Diocese The visit to the house for the aged is just the start of Antipolo conducted a mercy and of the many activities lined up for the year by the compassion mission to the residents of chairpersons of the DMI missions under the TKanlungan ni Maria in Antipolo City. The DMI indefatigable leadership of the circle’s regent.

14 From Region VIII (Bicol) New DMI Circle Organized

egion VIII Representative Sis. Terry Viola announced the organization of a new circle in the Diocese of Legaspi. Named Our Lady of Rthe Gate Circle, it received its charter on November 12, 2014. Diocesan Treasurer Sis. Caring Sales initiated the organization of the circle in Legaspi City. Present during the members’ exemplification and Diocese of Legaspi charter officers’ installation were Diocesan Regent Sis. Zeny Sto. Tomas, Past Region VIII RR Sis. Rita Celebrates 40th Samarista, Sis. Edith Manila and Sis. Berni Lita. Sis. Rhina Bercasio is the circle’s charter regent. Anniversary

n celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Diocese of Legaspi, a diocesan assembly was held in Legaspi City last December 14, 2014. SpearheadingI the assembly was Diocesan Regent Sis. Zeny Sto. Tomas. During the occasion, a Loyalty Award and Outstanding Circle Award were given. Special guest during the assembly was Msgr. Cris Bernarte, parish priest of Bacacay, Albay (seated at center). To his right is Past Region VIII RR Sis. Rita Samarista.

From Westmorland, California Report from St. Joseph Circle

“The St. Joseph Circle of Westmorland, California is alive and well.” Vicarial Regent Sis. Josie Francisco of St. Charles Circle of San Diego reported. Sis. Josie visited Westmorland on February 15, 2015 during the Circle’s exemplification of new members. Sis. Josie said that the sisters of St. Joseph Circle are all very friendly and loving, despite the fact that many of them are not English-speaking, including their present regent, Sis. Imelda Mariz. Language, however, had not been an issue as they were able to convey their warm welcome as well as their thoughts and feelings, thanks to Sis. The DMI sisters of St. Joseph Circle. Flanking the newly-exemplified Susan Marquez who served as interpreter. members of the circle (in white) are Sis. Susan Marquez (at left) and Regent Sis. Imelda Mariz (at right). (From Sis. Beth Salmon, past DMII international treasurer, who was co -founder of St. Charles Circle.)

15 From the Diocese of Palo Tower Of Ivory Circle Pursues DMI Missions By Sis. Carmen P. Baquilid, Int'l Chairperson for Pro-Life

Pro-Life Month Celebrated Circle Gets Media Support he Tower of Ivory Circle of Our Lady of he Tower of Ivory Circle was given a 30- Lourdes Parish, Tacloban City celebrated minute free time on PR TV 12 and Radio February and March, 2015 as Pro-Life Months. Station DYBR to present its programs and TThe celebration was launched during a Holy Mass on Tactivities. International Regent Sis. Rebbie February 1st. The circle’s Pro-life program consisted Pacanan talked about the DMII organization, its of lectures on values education, responsible vision and missions and International parenthood, proper nutrition, care for the Chairperson for Pro-Life Sis. Carmen Baquilid environment, etc. A medical-dental mission was introduced the current pro-life program of the held on Feb. 7 to usher in the Parish fiesta circle. BEC Coordinator Sis. Teresita Gonzales celebration with 100 volunteers from the DOH, RTR presented the family groups of the Basic Hospital, Philippine Red Cross and other Ecclesial Community, the direct beneficiaries of government, religious and private groups. The circle the DMI missions. DYBR Station Manager Danny will undertake environmental projects in March such Requiez has offered the circle 30-minute free air as tree-planting, roadside beautification, gardening, time as the need arises. clearing of waterways and others.

From the Diocese of Tandag Immaculate Conception Circle Celebrates Pro-Life Month By Sis. Sofia Patrimonio, Circle Scribe

he Immaculate Conception Circle of Tandag City launched the month-long celebration of Pro-Life Month last Feb. 15, 2015 with a Holy Mass celebratedT by Rev. Msgr. Isidro Irizari, PCT, parish rector, at the St. Theresa College covered court. Members of the Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart of Jesus Servants Community, the Family Life Apostolates and other parishioners attended the Mass. Pregnant women among the mass-goers were blessed afterwards symbolizing the Respect for Human Life advocacy of the DMI.

16 From Nasipit, Agusan del Norte NEWS UPDATES FROM OUR LADY OF DIVINE GRACE CIRCLE Sharing of Graces at Christmastime

he spirit of sharing is enshrined in the DMI gifts to the site in the service vehicles of Regent Sis. missions. Sharing, however, takes on special Susan Honculada, and Sisters Ched Atupan, Lulu significance during Christmas as God, our Father, Aguirre and Margie Ocampo, and distributing them to Tshared with us His only Begotten Son as our the beneficiaries including close to 200 children and Redeemer. Last Dec. 28, 2014, the sisters of Our their families. Squirettes of Mary members assisted in Lady of Divine Grace Circle, St. Michael Parish, the gift distribution. Ms. Cresencia Bermudez of the Nasipit, Agusan del Norte went on their annual local DSWD unit in Nasipit lent support to the Circle. outreach to bring gifts to the less privileged families in Sitio Tabon, Bgy. Aclan in Nasipit. The group pursued the outreach project despite warnings from some barangay folks about the The gift packages and food served during the presence of members of the New People’s Army in outreach were donated by the members of the Circle. the remote sitio. To show their appreciation, songs The DMI sisters found great fulfillment during the were rendered by the children of Tabon while food was whole activity, from packing the gifts, transporting the being served.

The families of Sitio Tabon eagerly await the arrival of the DMI sisters. Before the gift-giving, Sis. Ched Atupan explains to the beneficiaries the purpose of the DMI sisters' visit.

SMI Circlette Conducts First Assembly for 2015 By Moonyeen Doyon, Secretary, SMI Our Lady of Divine Grace Circlette

t was on the beautiful The assembly was a morning of February gathering of 17 new SMI 1, 2015, Sunday, recruits and 12 Squirettes whenI the SMI Queen of who were invested on Dec. Divine Grace Circlette held 14, 2014 by Sis. Lelis its first assembly for the Pimentel, SMI coordinator year 2015 at the for Mindanao, and the residence of DMI Circle Regent Sis. Susan Turn to Page 19 The members of the Our Lady of Divine Grace DMI Circle and SMI Honculada. Circlette during the SMI circlette's first assembly for 2015.

17 “Yes to Life, No to Drugs” Symposium Held By Sis. Minda R. Cocon, Scribe, Our Lady of Divine Grace Circle

he use of The first in the series was talked about prohibited drugs conducted on February 5, the causes of has become 2015 for the students of drug addiction rampantT in Nasipit as Nasipit National High and its more and more young School at the Nasipit effects on the people become drug Central Elementary School user and his dependents. To counter gymnasium. society. The ill the problem, the Our effects and Lady of Divine Grace PDEA Officers Atty. Jerico legal Circle decided to sponsor Ocenar and Ms. Almarie consequences a series of symposiums Gold Virtudazo were the of drug abuse for high school students resource speakers who was discussed The symposium opened with the Circle members’ doxology. and out-of-school youth. thoroughly. An open forum followed during It highlighted the fact that which the students fielded life is very precious, a questions which the great gift from God. Lives speakers answered to their should not be destroyed satisfaction. and wasted through man’s senseless acts. The symposium was The symposium spearheaded by Regent successfully imparted this Sister Susan Honculada, message to its young Sis. Shirley Corvera and audience. Atty Jerico Ocenar, PDEA officer, symposium resource speaker. the Pro-life Mission Team.

From the Diocese of Cubao Our Lady of Lourdes Circle Receives Appreciation Award Appreciation from the Philippine Orthopedic Hospital for its generous and unselfish support to the institution as a partner in the delivery of quality service. The award was given last February 12, 2015 on the occasion of the hospital’s celebration of its 70th founding anniversary.

For years, the circle brought food and cheers to patients of the hospital’s men’s ward. In photo, he Our Lady of Lourdes Circle of the Sisters Ruby Macario, Emma Liao and Josie National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes Sioson (L-R) accept the plaque on behalf of the TParish in Quezon City received a Plaque of circle. 18 Bishop Pedro Arrigo, Day 1 keynote speaker with Sisters Cora Afuang Lily Gatchalian, and Nitz Austria. With them are the members of the St. Bernadette Circle of Puerto Princesa.

Vicariate Of Palawan Holds First Provincial Assembly By Sis. Cora T. Afuang, VIR-Luzon and Region V Representative

he Vicariate of Palawan The Provincial Assembly was the province, Palawan being part held its first ever Provincial made very special with the of Region V. The successful event Assembly last January 10- presence of two bishops – Most was the brainchild of Sisters Lily T11, 2015 at the ICP Convention Rev. Pedro Arrigo, D.D. who was Gatchalian and Nitz Austria, the Hall in Puerto Princesa City. The keynote speaker on the first day, revered pillars of the DMII in theme of the assembly was and Most Rev. Edgardo Juanich, Palawan. “Sharing Christ with the Poor D.D. who keynoted the second through Mary”. More than 100 day. (My sincere thanks to St. Peter delegates from ten circles from all Circle’s Regent, Sis. Ning Reyes over Palawan – Brooke’s Point, I was fortunate to be invited to and Vice-Regent Sis. Cecilia Cuyo, El Nido, Narra Quezon, speak on the topic “Mama Mary’s Batungbacal and her husband, Taytay and Puerto Princesa – Virtues to be Emulated by Every Bro. Ed who were my gracious attended the event. DMI” and took the opportunity to hosts during my stay in Puerto meet the officers of the circles in Princesa.)

SMI Circlette Conducts First Assembly for 2015. . ...Cont’d. From Page 17

DMI-SMI team headed by Snacks and fellowship were also group dance Sis. Margie Ampo, SMI After a short program, followed with the new SMIs presentations. Lunch was lady counselor and Eloisa orientation of the recruits receiving simple tokens, later served. Marie Honculada, SMI was conducted by Vice- attendance certificates and president. Regent Sis. Lulu Aguirre. early bird citations. There

19 The workshop participants received a refresher on various aspects of the DMII organization and its vision and missions.

From the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and Prelature of Basilan Diocesan Officers Hold Leadership Seminar-Workshop By Sis. Marilyn de Asis, Diocesan Secretary

he Diocesan Officers The seminar-workshop reports and the objectives programs to be of the Archdiocese of served as a refresher for and programs of the 5 implemented during the Zamboanga and the incoming officers DMI missions. The year. PrelatureT of Basilan headed regarding their respective diocesan mission by newly installed Diocesan duties and responsibilities chairpersons then Present during the activity Regent Sis. Maria Pinky and the DMI missions and facilitated separate were Past International Saavedra held a thrusts. The topics workshops for the circle Regents Sisters Beling Leadership Seminar- discussed included the mission chairs – Pro-life, Panganiban and Lyding Workshop for two days, DMII organization chart, Morality in Media, Ramirez, Past International the first batch on January the roles of various Upliftment of Women Treasurer Sis. Beth Salmon 24, 2015 for circles from committees in the circle, Workers, Assistance to and Region XIV the Central, Eastern and how to conduct effective Prisoners’ Families & their Representative Sis. Angie Western Vicariates and the DMI meetings, criteria for Victims and Youth Baes who expressed full second, for circles from Ipil the Star Circle Awards, Welfare. The output of the support for the plans and and Siocon on January 31, how to prepare the circle’s workshops came in the programs of the 2015. quarterly and annual form of plans and Archdiocese for 2015.

New Circle Organized in Zamboanga City

new circle has just been organized in the Archdiocese of Zamboanga. Named Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Circle of Bolong Parish, itsA formation was initiated by the Our Lady of Perpetual Help – Guian Circle The charter members of the new circle were exemplified and its officers installed on January 10, 2015.

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