CELEBRATION OF GOD’S GRACIOUS LOVE

The Disciples of the Divine Master Philippine-Taiwan-Hong Kong Province celebrated the 70th Anniversary of their Foundation in the Philippines last August 25, 2026, at the Divine Master Convent in Antipolo City.

The solemn Mass at 10:00 a.m. was presided over by Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Cubao. It was concelebrated by priests from the Society of St. Paul, the Augustinian Recollects, the Missionaries of Jesus, the Alagad ni Maria, and some diocesan priests. The sisters gathered together with guests coming from different religious congregations, collaborators in their mission, relatives, friends, benefactors, and members of the Pauline Family.

The second Renewal of Vows of Sr. M. Joyce Celiz, PDDM, also highlighted the Eucharistic celebration. Such was an affirmation that God’s love is steadfast, empowering his disciples to remain in Him as they fulfill his plan.

During his homily, Bishop Ongtioco emphasized God’s faithfulness to the PDDM Congregation, acknowledging His goodness reflected in the growth of the number of sisters over the years. This journey began with three Filipina pioneers: Sr. M. Fides Reboldal, Sr. M. Charitas Reforeal, and Sr. M. Speranza Alejandro, whom the bishop thanked and honored during the celebration. He noted that the 93 sisters in the Province represent 93 unique vocation stories, all intricately woven together into one tapestry that showcases the Lord’s beautiful masterpiece. He remarked, “We do not look back merely to reflect on what we have accomplished, but to marvel at what God has done for us. Everything comes from God. Everything is grace.”

In her Thanksgiving Message on behalf of the sisters in the Philippine-Taiwan-Hong Kong Province, Sr. M. Magdalene Magallanes, the Provincial Superior, expressed gratitude for God’s graciousness, countless blessings, and the numerous manifestations of His love. Since the time when the three Italian missionaries planted the seeds of the PDDM vocation, the sisters have flourished in their mission across various regions of the Philippines. It is indeed God's providence that sustains the sisters as they strive to be faithful and fruitful in living their vocation and mission throughout the years in this part of Asia.

An agape followed the Mass, where everyone gathered for a thanksgiving meal together. Then, the guests were led on a walk through The Heritage Avenue at the Alberione House. It features the life and presence of the PDDM sisters in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Hong Kong since 1956.

In the afternoon, a Thanksgiving program titled “Journey Beyond Time” took place at St. Paul Hall, where the sisters and young women in formation presented a heartfelt tribute, which specifically acknowledged the individuals who have played a significant role in their journey over the past 70 years.

The day concluded with expressions of joy and gratitude. The sisters are determined to move forward, always eager to fulfill God’s plan for themselves and the entire province as they continue their mission in the Church and the world. Deo gratias!

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THANKSGIVING MESSAGE OF THE PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Thank you, Lord, for your countless blessings.

On this special day, we look back with grateful hearts on the many graces God has given us throughout these 70 years.

We remember with particular gratitude our Pioneering Sisters, especially the three Italian Sisters who first came and planted the seeds of our mission here: Sr. M. Lidia, Sr. M. Clementina, and Sr. M. Pierra.   And Sr. M. Gianfranca Rulfo, who stayed with us for 40 years.  They have now gone before us to the Father, but their lives, their sacrifices, their courage, and their love for the mission remain a precious part of our history. 

We also thank God for the First three Filipina Sisters who continue to be with us: Sr. M. Fides, Sr. M. Speranza, and Sr. M. Charitas. Through them, we are reminded of those early years and of the beautiful continuity of our vocation and mission.

From those humble beginnings, God has allowed our presence to grow and flourish—not only here in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, but also in Taiwan and Hong Kong. After 70 years, we now have 93 professed Sisters in the Province. 3 Novices, 1 Pre-Postulant, and 1 in a special journey, ALL living in 11 communities.  Four Filipina missionaries and 3 Chinese in Rome, 3 in the USA, 2 in Canada, and 1 in Africa.

And we also have a community in heaven, with 17 Sisters who have gone before us. We entrust them once again to the loving mercy of God, grateful for all that they have given to the Church and to our congregation.

When we look back over these 70 years, we realize how truly faithful God has been. There have been joys and challenges, beginnings and endings, moments of uncertainty and moments of great blessing. But through everything, God has never abandoned us.

We therefore give thanks not only for what we have accomplished, but even more for what God has accomplished through us.

And we cannot forget the many people whom God has placed along our journey.

We thank our Friends and Benefactors, whose generosity and support have helped sustain our mission in so many ways. We thank the families of our Sisters, who have given their daughters to God and to the service of the Church. We thank the members of the Pauline Family, who have journeyed with us, encouraged us, prayed with us, and shared in our mission. We are also thankful for all our lay collaborators in our mission, as well all those who have been recipients of God's graces manifested through our specific ministries.

To all of you, we say a heartfelt thank you.

Our 70 years are not simply a celebration of the past. They are also an invitation to look toward the future with faith and hope.

The Sisters who came before us planted the seeds. Others nurtured them. And now, it is our turn to continue the mission entrusted to us—to be faithful to our vocation, generous in our service, and joyful witnesses of God’s love wherever He sends us.

May we never forget where we came from. May we always treasure the legacy of those who went before us. And may we have the courage to continue building upon what they began, as we zealously respond to the challenges and call to mission in the world today.

For 70 years of grace,

for the Sisters who have gone before us,

for the Sisters who continue the mission today, for our communities and our ministries,

for our families, friends, benefactors, and companions along the way,

TO You, dear Bishop Ness, being a Father to US in the Diocese of Cubao and for celebrating with us today...

Dear Fathers, our Chaplains, for journeying with us through these years, nurturing us with Christ's presence through His Word and the Eucharist.

AT SA INYO PONG LAHAT, sa aming mga Kapatid sa Pamilyang Paolino.

For all the blessings—seen and unseen,

we give You thanks, O LORD.

Thank you very much, and God bless us all.