50 YEARS OF GOD' FIDELITY

The Philippine-Taiwan-Hong Kong Province rejoiced in the Lord for his fidelity to the six PDDM sisters who celebrated their 50th anniversary of religious consecration last December 11, 2022 at Divine Master Chapel in Antipolo City.

Among the sister-jubilarians were Sr. M. Lucy Mabazza (a missionary in US), Sr. M. Francis Dy (a missionary in Taiwan), Sr. M. Danielle Paz (a missionary in Canada), Sr. M. David Tandinco, Sr. M.  James Rubite, and Sr. M. Adelle Arboleda.

The Eucharistic Celebration with the rite of Renewal of Vows was presided by His Excellency, Most Rev. Charles John Brown, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

In his homily, His Excellency shared his reflection about "The Way" who has a name and a face--Jesus, our Lord and our God. He is the "odos" meaning the Road; the Way; the Path that leads us from sadness and sin into light, glory and happiness. We as Christians, the members of the Body of Christ, together follow Him who is the Way. He also gave emphasis on the Advent theme "patience" in waiting for the coming of the Lord. It means going slowly, walking on the path, continuing in consistency and constancy. This he related to the example of the sister- jubilarians who have been patiently following and walking with the Lord for 50 years. He affirmed that they indeed are beautiful examples of being on and with the Way who is Jesus Himself. He also thanked them for their fidelity and for being examples to all of us.

The Mass was also attended by concelebrating priests--Rev. Fr. Rollin Marie Flores, Provincial Superior of the Society of St. Paul and other SSP priests, Augustinian Friars, and other diocesan and religious priests. It was all the more solemnized by the PDDM choir who sang the requested songs of the Jubilarians.

The Eucharist was then followed by an agape where the Jubilarians had fellowship with their relatives and friends as well as the other members of the Pauline Family who were also present in the celebration. After the agape, the PDDM sisters from different communities also gathered to showcase their presentations, gifts and greetings to the Jubilarians.

Prior to this affair, the Jubilarians had their meaningful and fruitful formative sessions and retreat with Rev. Fr. Rene Lagaya at Don Bosco retreat house in Batulao. Accompanied by Sr. M. Anthony and some members of the provincial team, they also had their bonding moments at the beach in Lian, Batangas after their spiritual exercises.

We thank God for His fidelity which He greatly manifests through the life and vocation of the PDDM Jubilarians. May their example bear fruit of more good vocations in the Church.