I have made a bridge of my P SIENA Son, with walls and a roof of mercy. and the hostelry of holy Church is there, lest journeying pilgrims TULAY faint on the way. Dialogue 21:27

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA Vol. 6 No.9 October- December 2008

Farewell our beloved Sisters Dear Sisters,

Greetings of Peace and Joy this Sr. Pilar Esquivel, O.P came to Tahanang Siena, Advent San Jose del Monte, Bulacan in 1994 after her ac- tive ministry and three years past her golden ju- and Christmas Season! bilee of religious profession on February 2, 1991. On October 16, 2008, Sr. Pilar was transferred to the ne aspect of ADVENT is waiting that is Mother Josefina Burgos Infirmary at the - Mother full of hope. We are always waiting in our life. house. In her ripe age of 95 years, she succumbed ODespite present challenges encountered and still encoun- to pneumonia and respiratory cardiac arrest on tering in our daily life and mission, we never cease to hope October 19, 2008 at 10:00pm. All her life, she was for better times. We have always hoped and trusted that open and docile to her superiors’ decision no mat- the Lord will always be present with us on our journey ter how much she had to suffer. She considered her crosses always as disguised blessings. Sr. Pilar throught life. Advent helps us to wait with joyful an- left us a legacy of holy simplicity and generous ticipation of the greater experience that is still to come. service to God and community. “Only in God is It is a Christian and proper way of waiting and hoping our soul at rest; He is our refuge, our hope and for Christmas: The distant God becomes our God, becomes salvation.”(Ps. 62:6-7). She was interred at the Gar- Emmanuel - “God is with us”. den of the Resurrection on October 20, 2008 after the concelebrated mass at 9:00 o’clock a.m. held at he Christmas greetings received and will be receiv- the Siena College, Q.C. chapel. ‘ ing are symbolic of the Congregation/Sisters’ sup- portT and understanding to my role of service. I feel safe Sr. Juliana Hermosa Aplacador, O.P. fondly called by to say that the support, encouragement and affirmation everyone as Sr. Julie, OP had endeared herself to have been always there despite my failings, and to this I almost all the people she was journeying with. She was walking with a smile permanently etched in would like to express my sincere gratitude. I humbly pray her beautiful face canceling the sickness (system- and wish that God, the Emmanuel, continue to shower our ic lupus erythematosus) she carried for 30 years Congregation more abundant blessings this Holy season since 1978. Her reason, “only one who experience and through the New Year. pain know how to touch others’ life. The cross and burning love of Jesus can’t be separated.” She died A blessed Christmas very peacefully of respiratory cardiac arrest last December 12, 2008 (Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe) and A Peaceful New Year to All! at 7:45 P.M. at the Sta. Catalina Convent Infirmary, Quezon City. She left the sisters many wonderful Mother Teresa Examen, OP memories to reminisce. Her remains was interred in the Congregation’s cemetery at 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon of December 14, 2008 after the fu- neral mass held at Siena College, Q.C. chapel. From the desk of THE COMMISSION OF GOVERNMENT REVISION OF THE CONGREGATIONAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS AND DIRECTORY 4. Seminars attended for Networking and Connections 4.1. September 11-13, 2008: CEAP National Convention The Advent of the 11th General Chapter is past 1. The Congregational Research and Development Office had approaching. With past changing times and the “ Growing Into Soul : Inner Space, Sacred Place in growing demands on our life as consecrated for one of its major activities for the second quarter Catholic Education” persons, revision of the Book of Constitutions the launching of its Newsletter called Congregational Ateneo de Davao, Davao City and Directory is a must. As mandated by the Research and Development Office (CORDO) NEWSLETTER. 4.2. November 27-29,2008 10th General Chapter and reflected in the Actas The purpose of this Newsletter is to give the religious O.P.-Siena 5th National Educators’ Congress of 2004, Chapter 7, Resolution No. 116 states communities and various apostolates the activities of “Heart and Soul Education: Breathing Life into that “We commissioned the Prioress General to said office. Updates will give an overview of what is Our Schools” set up committee to work on the revision of the taking place in religious entities for the growth and Siena College Taytay, Rizal Book of Constitutions and Directory”. development of our Congregation. It is a supplement of 4.3. Nov.30 – Dec. 2,2008: Seminar-Workshop “ the Research and Development Column in the “TULAY”. Managing Schools: How to Do Well in Order to The essential purpose of the Congregation and the way of life inspired by it are important Do Good” in every age of the Church. The understanding 2. Research on Spirituality: Handouts given to the O.P.-Siena Subic Holiday Villa and esteem for both are of utmost importance Communities are the following: 4.4. December 4, 2008 in times of change. To incarnate the message 2.1. “The Blessing Cup” TVET – Grand Opera Hotel, Manila of Christ in the world, the Congregation is to 2.2 “The Cup Is My Teacher” continuously grow in concern for others through 2 . 3 . “ T h e C u p o f T h a n k s g i v i n g ” 5. Important Meetings Attended ; an ongoing process of awareness to changing “THE CUP OF OUR LIFE” -Joyce Rupp Domnet Board Meeting - July 28,2008, realities, self-actualization and intensifying the Angelicum College, Q.C. life of the Spirit. Although basic elements of the 3. Some Financial Aids Received Recently Council on Education Meeting with Several Benefactors We congratulate the following schools for their project from Netherlands - December 3, 2008 proposals that were approved and we thank the funding agencies that helped recently : PRAISE THE LORD FOR ALL HIS BLESSINGS. Manos Unidas – St. Martin Mission Clinic Equipment Kirche in Not – Religion Program – Congregational Religion Commission Missio - Religion Program – Congregational Religion Commission Holy Childhood - Propogation of Faith – Scholarship for Night High School Students Sta Catalina College, Legarda, Manila Visit to Missio Visit to Misereor

DOMINICAN SISTERS Volunteers International(DVI) DSI COORDINATING COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL (D.S.I) MEETING IN ROME Representatives of 160 congregations of Do- SI is an international movement minican Sisters gather every three years for r. Cecilia Espenilla, OP, the DSI among Dominican Sisters of apostolic the DSI General Assembly to set the goals life, founded in Rome by 80 Prioresses Coordinator of Asia-Pacific attended D and directions for the following triennial and the DSI Coordinating Council’s annual General in order to support one another in S to select the DSI Coordinating Council. Sister meeting, which was held last November 18-23, living out the Dominican charism and to pro- Cecilia Espenilla,O.P. in lieu of Mother Teresa 2008 at Sta. Sabina, Rome. The Coordinating mote the identity as women preachers Examen,O.P. is a member of the Coordinating Council has five Coordinators representing the Council and takes care of DSI Asia-Pacific. regions of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin The theme is : "Releasing the Fullness of America and Caribbean Our Preaching Another World Is Possible and North America and " Canada. This year each of the Coordinators This could be possible through: presented their report 1. Making the Dominican charism more before Fr. Carlos relevant in today’s world by promoting Aspiros, the Master of the formation of the identity of women the Order and the 12 preachers, by discovering different members of the General forms of preaching and by engaging in Council of the Order. common study projects. .. The Coordinators 2. Strengthening the communication, reported the joys, networking and formation in c h a l l e n g e s , technology. c o n c e r n s , 3. Cultivating a concrete commitment to activities and the Millenium Development Goals programs of 4. Strengthening of the Dominican 2 Congregation cannot be changed, yet they ought OP-JPCC UPDATES: In response to the proposed actions, the following to inspire new forms of loving and preaching that Sr. Asuncion Domugho, OP were accomplished. A mobile De Las Casas Con- are fitted to the needs of contemporary man and ferences were held in three regional or pilot centers the Church. (response to Contemporary Man and in Mindanao, General Santos City; in Visayas, Iloilo the Church, BCD XXVIII). OP - Siena - JPCC AIDS TYPHOON FRANK VICTIMS City. For Luzon area, this will be done this coming January 16, 2009 in Legaspi City. The group also The office of the Prioress General wishes to inform Last July 2008, the Congregation of Dominican tied up with Visayan Forum, a non-government or- you of the following development as regards the Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena – Justice& Peace ganization which is currently working on curtailing REVISION OF THE BOOK OF CONSTITUTIONS and Integrity of Creation Commission in coordi- human trafficking and migration. Education and AND DIRECTORY: nation with the St. Martin Foundation, responded information through mass media in particular Radio to the typhoon Frank victims in Iloilo and Antique Veritas “Hello Father” Program was also tapped. Jan. 22, 2008 - The Prioress General and its Council provinces. Donations in cash and in kind were initial meeting with Fr. Honorato Castigador, shared by the OP-Siena Schools in Luzon. The different Dominican congregations have exist- OP regarding the revision of the BCD. ing programs such as skills training in hotel and Feb. – Aug. 2008 - Preparation of each OP-JPCC Thrust restaurant servicing and electrical training, medical Commission to work on the proposed transcription and air-conditioning, call centers train- revision of resolutions assigned to them. In the last Asia Pacific regional conference of Jus- ing, practical nursing, stuff toys and dressmaking, Sept. 1 – 2, 2008 and tice& Peace at Kaohsiung, Taiwan on October 16- out-of-school youth catechism, education for the Sept. 30 – Oct.1, 2008 - Presentation of 20, 2006, the Philippine delegates identified priority poor, and adoption of Papaac Indigenous people in the proposed revision of the BCD per in response to the internal and external trafficking Camiling, Tarlac, trainers training on youth forma- & commission to the General Council and migration concern since the Philippines is the tion, and parents training on kids and teens . for comments, suggestions and 4th country in the region which has the most num- recommendations. ber of migrants and trafficked women. The group Lastly the Regional Conference Statement was Oct. - Nov. 2008 - Preparation once again of made the three proposed actions to the concern: given to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the the proposed revision considering all the 1) person to person education / formation on the Philippines (CBCP). comments/recommendations given during problem of migration and trafficking; 2) livelihood the previous presentation to the General training and others through women’s group and LIAISON PERSONS MEETING HELD Council. other agencies; and 3) send the conference state- Dec. 29, 2008 - Forum on the Study of ment to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. The Dominican Family Justice and Peace Asia the BCD with the participation of all Pacific held a mid-year meeting of the liaison per- the Superiors and Administrators of the sons on November 26-28, 2008 in Jakarta, Indo- Congregation. PRAISE GOD nesia. Progress reports per zone were presented Mar. 7, 2009 - Submission of the result of the on the action plan they did during their regional study. This would enable the different for our New Board Passers!!! conference in Kaohsiung, Taiwan in 2006. commissions to prepare the revised draft Sr. Edeva Jover, OP for presentation to the General Council. Other activities of the group include exposure to May 2009 - Presentation to the General Council (Teacher) Justice and Peace Realities of Indonesia, shar- of the revised draft for final comments and Sr. Myra delos Santos,OP ing of reflections on the realities, and review of suggestions. roles and functions. They planned also for their Dec. 29, 2009 - Presentation of the Final Draft to (Librarian) 2010 Regional Conference. the General Chapter for approval. the sisters as they concretize their preaching DOMINICAN SISTERS INTERNATIONAL - PHILIPPINES ( DSI-P) mission in the different regions and parts of MAJOR SUPERIORS' MEETING the world. The reports were well-appreciated by the Dominican Brothers to hear news and reports of how the Sisters lived out their he DSI-P Major Superiors had their Creation (JPCC) Commission while Sister preaching mission. The main focus of the meeting on December 9 & 10, 2008 Cecilia Espenilla,O.P. DSI Coordinator for discussions of the DSI Coordinating Council Tat Sta. Catalina Convent, Quezon Asia - Pacific shared the salient points taken and together with the General Council of the City. This was facilitated by Sister Cecilia up in the Sta. Sabina , Rome DSI Coordi- Order is the challenged of vocation. Many Espenilla,O.P. who is the DSI Coordinator nating Council Meeting whicxh took place congregations in America, Europe, Australia for Asia - Pacific.Fourteen Major Superiors from November 18 to 23, 2008. and New Zealand are experiencing zero from all over the country attended the semi- vocation for several years. Prayers are needed nar.- workshop. The main agenda focused The group also discussed the Dominican for vocations in the Dominican Family. on the possibility of the DSI-P to work to- Family Leadership Conference - Asia Pacific gether on collaborative programs and also (DFLC-AP) . This is the gathering of the five the formulation of DSI-P Stat- branches of the Dominican Family : Friars, utes . Nuns, Sistes Laity and Youth . The DFLC-AP is held every three years. It will be held in To put the Major Superiors in Kaohsiung, Taiwan on February 2-7, 2009.. the proper perspective , Father Quirico Pedragosa,OP., the Provincial Superior of the Phil- The draft of the DSI -P will be discussed fur- ippine Dominican Province ther and will be approved by the next gave a talk on "Collaboration Major Superiors- Meeting , May, 2009.. and Collaborative Projects". . Praise and glory are given to the Holy Sister Asencion Dumugho,O. Spirit for a gracefilled, fruitful and joy- P. gave a report on the Jus- ful seminar- workshop that ended tice and Peace and Care for at noon December 10. 3 From the desk of THE COMMISSION ON LITURGY AND PRAYER by Sr. Ma. Rosa Go, OP Renewal Program 2008 October 25 – November 15, 2008 Sta. Catalina Spirituality Center, Baguio City Number of participants: 31 Sisters ast September I was requested by the it prepares for and leads to the Eucha- Consecrated Life in the light of God’s word. Ac- OP-Siena Luzon Superiors through Mother rist. cording to him, encounter with Jesus must bring Cecilia Calaguas, OP to share with them xx Evening Prayer is best prayed after the about a renewed commitment to mission – the some notes on Liturgy and Prayer. While Eucharist and looks back to its celebra- mission of Jesus. He emphasized the centrality preparingL my notes, I came across a commen- tion. of LOVE and the danger of functionalism in the tary on the Liturgy of the Hours, written by xx Daytime is a reaffirmation of our dedi- way we live our religious life. Charles Miller, CM. The author simply shared his cation to God’s work as expressed and experiences on how he developed an apprecia- deepened in the Eucharist. Our vocation is a deliberate call of God. He tion and deep love for this liturgical prayer. I xx The Office of Readings is either a medi- chose us “not accidentally” but deliberately. found his insights and reflections worth sharing tative preparation for Mass or a reflec- Hence, we need to accept our vocation in hu- with you since the praying of the Liturgy of tion upon it, depending on when it is mility and with great gratitude to God who the Hours is an important element of our prayed. loves us. Dominican life. 2. The Nature of the Office of Readings” Fr. Dodoy called a Religious Community as a The first topic explains how the Divine Office HOME of Jesus’ Friends in Mission. Requirements is truly an Apostolic Prayer and is related to The Office of Readings (OR) is unique among to make our community a real HOME are: the Eucharistic celebration. The second topic the liturgical hours, not only in that it is not will surely be of interest to those who pray related to a particular time of the day, but also xx Unconditional welcoming the Office of Readings or it might inspire those in that it has its own orientation. Morning xx Common personal attachment to Jesus who haven’t made the OR a part of their prayer Prayer and Evening Prayer, Daytime Prayer and xx Quality time for one another program. Night Prayer, all are primarily people speaking xx Quality communication with each other to God. Although in these Hours the Church is xx Mutual service as EQUALS 1. The Sanctification of our Apostolic Day very careful to maintain the dialogical aspect of xx Sustaining COMMUNION in Mission. prayer (man to God and God to man), listening The plea that we are too busy in our modern is given a little more than a nod. In the OR Mission can only be understood in John 3:16- world for the Divine Office reflects a confusion the reverse is true; therein the emphasis is on 18, "For God so loved the world that He gave of values. We all make time for what we con- listening to God’s word both in Scripture and His only Son". Mission is what God is doing. It sider to be important. Nothing can be more in other sources. “Speak, Lord, your servant is God reaching out in love to all humanity and important that the fact that “God chose us in is listening” sums up the spirit of the Office in creation. We participate in God’s reaching Christ before the world began to be holy… of Readings. This emphasis tends to establish out to all people and in creation. and praise his glory” (Ephesians 1:44f). And a balance in the entire Liturgy of the Hours the posture that ”my work is my prayer” is at between speaking and listening. best a misdirected zeal and at worst a weak rationalization… The Office is truly an apos- We should come to the OR to hear the word The goal of MISSION is COMMUNION. tolic prayer, well suited to those engaged in an of God, to ponder it at leisure and as deeply And COMMUNION leads to MISSION. active ministry whether as a priest, religious or as possible. We should listen to God’s word in a lay person. a spirit of openness, eager to allow the word Requirements of a Missionary: to form our thinking, to shape our lives, and ◊ Personal experience of God’s love. Morning Prayer (Lauds) and Evening Prayer to lead us wherever the Spirit wills. The OR, ◊ Men / women of prayer (Spiritual per- (Vespers) are the chief hours, placed at those within the span of 15 minutes or so, is meant sons). Mission depends to a large extent times most appropriate for prayer, namely, when to take on the character of a day of recol- on CONTEMPLATION. the day is beginning and when the day is draw- lection or mini-retreat, the Holy Spirit himself ◊ The essential virtue is CHARITY. Only a ing to a close. Between these two extremities being the retreat master. loving person can be a missionary. is placed Daytime prayer, and just before retir- ◊ The need to DIALOGUE which demands ing is Night Prayer (Compline). The Office of The Renewal program 2008 was conceived an openness to LEARN, not to teach. Readings may be celebrated at any convenient with the desire to deepen our understanding hour. and knowledge of our life as OP-Siena Sisters. Jesus is the best model: He emptied Himself. Hence, the theme: “Open to God… Open to He took our flesh and pitched His tent with The Eucharist is the high point of every day, the fullness of Life as OP-Siena Sisters. us. He embraced us… the “otherness”. and is no longer limited to any particular time. The Eucharist is the focal point of all the Hours The first week carried the sub-theme of “Open- Fr. Dodoy explained the vows as: of the Office. ness to God’s Word”. Facilitating the 5-day ◊  Obedience as Freedom to Love. retreat was Rev. Fr. Quirico Pedregoza, OP (Prior The need to use the intellect xx Morning Prayer should always precede Provincial of the Philippine Dominican Prov- and the will. Both parties 4 the Eucharist since as a prayer of praise ince). Fr. Dodoy introduced each day’s topic on must be animated by faith and love… Obedience is grounded and reflect on provisions which might need xx frequent headache on love in the example of Jesus’ obedi- revisions in order to inspire new forms of lov- xx disturbance of sleep ence to the Father. Jesus loves the Fa- ing and preaching and adapt to the needs of xx appetite ther. His only desire is to please Him. contemporary society and the Church. xx disgust over things one does ◊  Chastity as aWitnessing to God’s xx decreasing energy Boundless Love. Deep love for prayer is The sub-theme for the third week was “Open- xx clamor / desire a necessity. ness to an Integrated Life”. There is need to xx developing a liking for someone ◊  Poverty as aWitnessing to God’s Gra- have a renewed understanding of the relation- xx resentment tuitous Love Gratuitous means un-called ship of our spiritual, emotional, psychological, xx selective companions / assignment for, undeserved, and given for free. physical and ecological life in order to maintain xx impatience "youthfulness of Spirit". Invited speakers were xx stubbornness / hardheadedness Fr. Dodoy did not dismiss the challenges in- Sister Letty Kuan Ndv and Rev. Fr. Percy Bacani, xx tiredness volved in the living of our consecrated life. MJ. There were no dull moments during the He would punctuate his sharing with the words: 3-day sessions with Sr. Letty and the one-day Fr. Percy highlighted the need for eco-con- "Masaya ang religious life, Nakakasipon!" The session with Fr. Percy. Both were experts in sciousness: inner and outer ecology. Simply retreat was a truly inspiring, encouraging and their particular fields: Sr. Letty with Human stated: as we sweep the dirt around us renewing experience. Development and Fr. Percy with Eco-conscious- (outer ecology) we should not forget to sweep ness: Inner and Outer Ecology. the "dirt" inside us.. in our hearts (inner The second week’s theme was: “Openness to ecology). the OP-Siena Culture.” The first two days were To age gracefully, Sr. Letty recommended en- supposed to tackle our “Historical Memory” hancement of prayer life, community life and Learn to travel light, not only with regards with Rev. Fr. Eladio Neira, OP (Vicar Provincial spirituality and to follow the 8-8-8 therapy: to material things (baggage) but more so of the Holy Rosary Province). His topic should with regards to what we carry in our hearts have opened to us the history of the early xx  8 hours of Sleeping / Recreating which (anger, resentment, "sama ng loob", etc.). Dominicans in the Far East, particularly, in the means 6 hours of sleep and 2 hours for Philippines and the history of the Beaterio resting in the form of catnap, closing When you feel HALT, learn to REST: as part of the history of the Holy eyes or listening to relaxing music. Rosary Province. “To xx  16 hours awake / 2 = 8 for flu- H - hunger R - relax understand where idation since every 2 hours, the body A - anger E - enjoy the moment we come from needs water. Lack of fluid gives rise L - loneliness S - simplify your life is an integral to wrinkles and impatience. T - tiredness T - tenderness part of xx  8 hours of movement k n o w i n g Guide Questions for eco-consciousness: who we are 1. Where am I in terms of my mind- and where set and lifestyle? Inner and outer we are going ecology? – that is to 2. Are we aware of the connection say our history is or disconnection between the earth part of our personal and the priorities of our religious and collective identities. communities? Our history is part of 3. Are we doing an environmental au- the on-going process dit geo-justitia to promote a travel of self-knowledge, a light spirituality and mission? vital ingredient in any religious life” As a fitting conclusion to an integrated life, (Guy Bedoulle, OP). Sister Margaret Jamias, MM guided us to a Unfortunately, Fr. Neira cosmic journey to the Maryknoll’s Eco-center was not able to come to deepen our understanding of God’s cre- because of a bad fall ation of the universe and our inter-related- and was advised by his doctor to get a 4-5 ness with the whole of creation. week rest. Renewed and refreshed, we left Baguio grate- Hence, the whole second week was devoted to ful to all the Sisters and Staff of the Spiri- the study of our Constitutions and Directory tuality Center for all the gracious services in order to have a better understanding of and kind attention given to us to make our our charism. As Canon 662 states: “Religious 3-week pleasant and indeed, enjoyable. On are to find their supreme rule of life in the our way home, we passed by Manaoag to following of Christ as proposed in the Gospel Start every meal with something raw. Drink thank God and our Lady for all the graces and as expressed in the Constitutions of their warm water. and blessings of the renewal and to ask own Institute.” for continuous guidance so we can live Here are some signs of mid-life disturbances the fullness of our OP-Siena life. The study of the BCD provided a good venue (for some people): to get an overview of the whole BCD as map of our OP-Siena life and understand its content, xx restlessness / walang gana 5 From the desk of OTHER COMMISSSIONS ON ECONOMIC ADMINISTRATION from the Office of the Treasurer General (OTG) ɶɶ Blessing of the new school building in Tigaon on November 22, 2008 ɶɶ Completion of Phase 1 - Gymnasium in San Isidro, Gen. Santos City ɶɶ On-going construction of an additional 6-classroom building ON RELIGIOUS CONSECRATION in Hermosa, Bataan 2 point Agenda for Religious BLESSING OF STA. CLARA COLLEGE, COLLEGE BUILDING Consecration Commission by Sister Zenaida Domingo,O.P. by Sr. Sofia D. Taguinod, OP

he Religious Consecration Commission TChair was given a slot in the agenda of the Quarterly OP-Siena Luzpn Superiors' Meeting held last November 14, 2008 in St. James Acedemy, Malabon City to discuss two important concerns. The first was a sum- mary of the Sisters' / Communities' Work- shop ourput based on 2 questions asked Fr. Roberto Pinto, OP during the Seminar on RELIGIOUS LIFE: Theology and Canon Laws held last May 31, 2008 and June 27, 2008 in M. francisca Spirituality Center, San Jose, Bulacan and M. Francisca Spirituality he blessing of the newly constructed college department of Sta. Clara College, Tigaon, Camarines Sur is an Center, Lagao respectively. The two ques- important event for the commun ity of Hinagaroy in Tigaon. The building was dedicated as a place of learning by tions were: THis Leonardo Legaspi,O.P., D.D., the Archbishop of Caceres,. In attendance , during the blessing were as follows” Mother Teresa Examen,O.P. and the Generalate Community 1 What are the present religious with Sister Ma. Aurelia Navarro,O.P., Superior of the House; Sister Estrella Tangan,O.P.., Sister Lourdes Dalwatan,O. practices and structures in my P. and the Oas Community, Sister Patricia Aguilar,O.P. and the Libmanan Community, Sister Corazon Fidelis,O.P. and community theat promote the ide- the Pilar Community, Sister Concesa Pedregoza,O.P.and the Mother Francisca Spirituality Center (MFSC) and Sister als of religious life? Victorina Camarinas,O.P. and the Tigaon Sisters. 2. How can I improve our religious community in accordance wih the Also some local government officials headed by the Honorable mayor Arnulf Bryan B. Fuentebella graced the occasion church ideals? by cutting the ribbon with Mother Teresa Examen,O.P., the Prioress General of the O.P.-Siena Congregation,, Alumni, Guests and CHED officials witnessed the said event with great expectations of development in the next days to come. he second concern was an overview of Tthe initial revisions on our BCD, Chapter 1 - Religious Consecration recommended CONGRATULATIONS by the Prioress General and members of dear Sisters Corazon, Benita, Marta the General Council. The superiors were Feliciana, Teresita and Irene encouraged to further study the proposals in their respective communities and submit their comments to the chair for presentation and consideration to Sister Rosa Go, OP, OIC-BCD Revision Committee.

he on-going study and revision of the TBCD is one of the recommendations5 given during the 10th General Chapter. The process being undergone was explained by Sister Rosa Go, OP to the same group dur- ing its Study Together Activity held last Sep- tember 19, 2008 in M. Francisca Spirituality years Center, San Jose. MINDANAO OP-SIENA SISTERS’ ACTIVITY OCTOBER 2008 October 23-28, 2008. Mindanao OP-Siena Sisters had their Holy Retreat at the Mother Francisca Spirituality Center facilitated by Rev. Fr.Christopher O’Leary, OMI. It was a great rest with the Lord via Lection Divina. The Sisters prayerfully cooperated so as to reach the “Basileia” – the Kingdom of God. October 29, 2008. Mindanao Region Sisters’ Mid-Year Assembly. Despite the absence of a number of Sisters who joined the Renewal Program in Baguio City, the Sisters of Mindanao Region convened to plan things ahead pertaining to the Region’s forthcoming activities. One of the topics discussed was the approaching 11th Region- al Chapter this coming March 27-31, 2009. The Regional Chapter core group planned to meet on Dec. 6 for the reporting by areas involved in the regional Chapter.

It was Wednesday, November 19, 2008 when the sis- ters from the Motherhouse , Formation, Siena College Q.C. and from nearby communities gathered for an early morning mass at 6:30 A.M. It was a concel- ebrated mass with Fr. Jose Rizal Dimapilis, O.P. and Fr. Clarence Marquez, O.P.

The day was kept busy for Mo. Terry to receive the well- wishers whose lives she had touched, and had come one after another bringing foods and gifts. Each one was warmly welcomed and everybody was happy. In the evening dinner was served at the Madre Francisca Patio Dentro under the moonlight. The young sisters in the Formation with the Associates of St. Catherine of Siena sang and danced with gusto. It was truly an affair to remember – the sisters way of saying, “We love you so much Mo. Terry”. Need we say, more?

VOCATION PROMOTION.... FORMATION.... Felisa, Sr. Charis, Sr. Fedelyn, and Sr. Gina- our three As involved and concerned social-moral beings, the t is said that, God does not call the equipped; formation attended the rally in celebration of the 40 rather, He equips those who are called. formators and vocation directress, respectively. After I the inspiring and energizing Eucharistic Celebration, years of Humanae Vitae. The assembly was from Sto. Domingo Church to UST last July 25, 2008. The initial formation is a very important “equip- we proceeded to Pansol for the program and party. It was a very enriching activity for all of us. ping process” being taken by those who are trying Furthermore, as joyful daughters of St. Dominic, the to follow Christ more closely and radically through As a part of spiritual, interpersonal, and scholastic enrich- formands and formators attended the Dominican Forma- the Religious Life. It is therefore necessary that ev- tion Gathering at the Dominican College, San Juan last ery formation year be consciously dedicated to our ment, the Postulants had their first Dominican Modular Class last July 11 at Sto. Domingo, Q.C. The Juniors on August 17, 2008. The theme was “Go, Grow, and Glow Loving Father. With this, the Formation Community with the Holy Spirit. Fr. Rolando Castigador, OP wittily celebrated the Holy Spirit Mass to invoke the Holy the other hand attended the JSF (Juniors-Seminarians Formation) gathering at Siena College, Q.C. last July 13, challenged and inspired us how to allow the Holy Spirit Spirit’s guidance throughout the formation journey. to work in our lives and formation journey. The advocate renews our formation life and channels 2008. It was an opportunity for us to know and bond with our fellow formands- juniors and seminarians from to us the necessary graces we need not only to As our journey continues, we, the formation com- persevere but also to bloom in our Religious Life. a number of Religious Congregations here in the Philip- pines. In addition, the Novices also attended the Modular munity, look forward to the activities ahead of us. We also anticipate a lot of consolations and It was held last July 5, 2008 at the Motherhouse Class on Old Testament Spirituality with their fellow women-novices from other congregations. It was held challenges, which we know will “equip” us Chapel, with FR. Felix III as the celebrant. It was as beloved daughters called by God. enthusiastically and actively participated by our four at the Spirituality Center of the Handmaids and Sacred 7 postulants, three first year novices, seven juniors, Sr. Heart, Tandang Sora last August 26-27, 2008. VOCATION PROMOTION.... Message from FORMATION....

Sr. Aurelia Navarro, OP INITIAL FORMATION ‘S INITIAL VOCATION PROMOTION “Vocations are given by God, and they are given in a concrete history. They are given at a particular time and place.” Dear Sisters and Friends, ll of us are vocation promoters. The hunger of the church and the de- We take this opportunity to inform you of recent mands of our times call us to awaken an awareness of the need for developments and activities that the Sisters Avocations. We are also called to create opportunities where young here and abroad are doing from September to people can learn what religious life is all about. No matter how young or December. We would like to thank those who old we may be in the Religious Life, we are all asked to do this. give us their articles on the on-going activities of Sisters. In relation to this, the initial formation- the Juniors and the Postulants, with some of the RE students and Vocation Club members were invited by Sr. Christmas Day.. What a beautiful Day ! Gina to get involved in the National Capital Region Vocation Awareness Campaign last November 8, 2008 held at the Amoranto Gym, Quezon That day reminds us how God loves us so much City. Some Junior Sisters also went to the Diocese of Balanga, Bataan for that His Incarnate Son, Jesus Christ was born an overnight Vocation Festival on November 7. They enthusiastically and to redeem us from our sins. With Christ's joyfully participated in the said activities in an effort to promote vocations. incarnation, he offered himself for us humans to be united with him and share in his divine The mentioned activities were full of fun, surprises, and challenges. It pro- life. Christ humbled himself and took the form vided an opportunity for the formands not just to befriend many people but of humanity so that we might share with him also to develop a number of virtues. They were also challenged to be more in his divinity. creative and imaginative in the approach of explaining vocation to the con- secrated life. Most of all, they were able to appreciate and love their own vocation. It provided an enjoyable opportunity for them to share the gift of As we celebrate the Christmas Season, we themselves, specially their vocation to others. are being challenged by Him to recognize His presence among us. Those people whom we Looking at the future and recognizing the aging of our priests and sisters, interact, encounter are the people whom God we can say that the current numbers are certainly not adequate to meet has given us to share the Christmas blessings of our Church’s needs in the future. love, life, peace and forgiveness. Taking form in the humanity of Christ, we are one with Him in With this, may we join together in praying and working for an increase in expressing our love in sharing our life to others; vocations to priesthood and Religious Life. In doing so, we truly are putting this leads us also in the divinity of Christ. May out into the deep,” lowering the nets, and searching for those who will be this joyous Christmas filled our life with the our future priestly and religious leaders. Vocation to the priesthood and birth of Christ in our hearts! Religious Life is a work of the Spirit. The Lord reminds us that we must pray to the Lord of the harvest that He will send sufficient laborers to reap The Editorial Staff the harvest that He Himself has sown. and yours truly wish you...

A CHRISTMAS filled with blessings, true Love, lasting Peace and boundless Joy all throughout the Christmas Season and the whole New Year through.

Editorial Staff: Sr. Melanie Doña, OP Sr. Nelita Sumagaysay, OP Ms. Priscilla Faraon Sr. Mercedes Lalisan, OP Sr. Pat Moreno, OP Sr. Mary Ann Allag, OP Sr. Myra delos Santos, OP