Recent Earthquake 02/14/2012
COMMUNION OF PRAYERS Another disaster hit us this time in Negros Oriental. (see attached article) Dumaguete was hardest hit and it was also hit bad by the last typhoon Sendong (Washi). Let us pray for all the victims. And let us beg God to please spare us from any more tragedy. May we wake up to the call to care for the earth. Our communities in Iloilo, Antique and Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro felt the earthquake. We thank God that the Sisters and our students and their families and our friends are all right although a bit shaken.  NDRRMC (National Disaster Council): Dumaguete hardest hit by Visayas quake; CDO also feels quake February 6, 2012 3:05pm Nearly two months after being being devastated by Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi), Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental appeared to be among the areas hit hardest by a magnitude-6.9 quake that hit the Visayas area Monday. The quake registered Intensity VII in Dumaguete City, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Cagayan de Oro City, which also suffered great damage in the wake of Sendong in December, also felt Monday's quake at Intensity III, the NDRRMC said. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology head Renato Solidum Jr. had said damage to property can be expected if a quake is felt at Intensity VI or greater. A 2:30 p.m. the quake was felt at:
 The NDRRMC said both damage to property and aftershocks are expected from the quake, whose epicenter was traced to 5 km northwest of Tayasan, Negros Oriental. The United States Geological Survey said the Mercalli Intensity Scale defines Intensity VII as involving damage. "Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction; slight to moderate in well-built ordinary structures; considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken," it said. An Intensity VI quake is felt by all, with many being frightened. Damage is expected to be slight. The USGS defines an Intensity V quake was felt by nearly everyone. An Intensity IV quake is felt indoors by many and outdoors by few during the day. On the other hand, an Intensity III is defined as being felt noticeably; Intensity II is felt by a few persons at upper floors of buildings. An Intensity I quake is not felt except by very few. — RSJ, GMA News Add Comment January 6 – 11, 2012   Welcome to the Provincial Chapter 2012! While a Chapter is a serious event, the lobby of the St. Marie Eugenie Retreat House was a scene of HOMECOMING. Old faces, new faces, greetings of joy, excitement and high expectation!  51 delegates (34 RA’s and 17 Lay/Clergy) converged to experience ASSUMPTION TODAY – LISTENING TO GOD AND TO LIFE, ON THE PATH OF WISDOM, COMMUNION AND PROPHECY!  It was a grace-filled experience of LISTENING and SEEING with undivided attention; of discerning God’s WILL for us in the Assumption – TODAY. The highlight of these days was the PROCESS that was not only engaging but also enjoyable. The experience of BODY-Province that gave space for meaningful conversations, moments of prayers and silence bore fruit in communal and responsible decision-making.  We are now oriented towards the General Chapter full of hope and joyful anticipation! Mindanao Updates 2012 02/13/2012
Anger Management Fr. Ramon Masculino, Jr., GAMOT RESOURCES, Inc. January 20-21, 2012, AVR1, XU-Ateneo de Cagayan The XU-Campus Ministries held an “Anger Management Seminar-Workshop” at the AVR1 of Xavier University as part of the follow-through activity for the mid-life transition session. Three faculty from the different departments of XU joined CM in this occasion. The communities of the Assumption Sisters from Kauswagan, Lanao Norte and Kibangay, Lantapan with their lay partners also joined. There were around 50 participants who actively participated and honestly understood anger as emotion as well as passion. 
Kauswagan Sisters, Teachers and Staff
XU-Campus Ministers
Kibangay Sisters,Teachers and Staff
NAMASTE de ORO Foundation, Inc. Annual Retreat with Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ January 27-29, 2012, Betania Retreat House, Malasag, CDO City 
The Namaste group was blessed to have Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ as their annual retreat facilitator for this school year. Fr. Manoling’s module was a follow-through of what he gave during the XU- Holy Week Triduum Retreat last summer. Srs. Josefa and Elnora joined the group. 
RA-‐CDO CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2011 01/02/2012
By Sr. Elnora Marie, RA– January 3, 2012 December 17 - The day Typhoon Sendong caught CDO unaware I was preparing to go to Manila for the pre-chapter meeting when I happened to open the TV for the late night news last December 15. I knew that there was going to be a typhoon entering Surigao the following day. My flight for Manila was on December 16 at 10am. The plane took off just when the rains came. I thought it was just the usual typhoon that comes and goes, I felt safe when the plane left CDO. When we met on Saturday afternoon, December 17, SMarjo brought the news that there was serious flooding in CDO. We checked the news on line and received SMS. Then it dawned on me that the typhoon changed course and hit CDO badly. December 19 - Ocular Visit As soon as I arrived from Manila, we lost no time to go for an ocular visit. With Srs.Josefa and Cres, we went as far as we could. We could not go to all the places that were affected since some were still not passable. But, with what we saw, we were able to situate what Sr.Josefa heard from the evacuees who sought refuge in the XU Covered Courts, as they started to do some trauma counseling. Sr. Josefa continues to be involved in the trauma debriefing of flood survivors at the XU Covered Courts.  This is lower Carmen, just under the new bridge going to Manresa, after the rampaging floodwaters swept the houses away. Many people whom we know live here. December 20 - Aid started coming in At the relief center of the Social Action Office, there was so much need. Goods were running out. But Aid started to come in. PPRA immediately sent in donations to the Archdiocese. In the evening, Mark Labuntog. Jong Pimentel and I went around the different funeral parlors to condole with the bereaved families of XU personnel who perished in the floods. Mass cards were prepared by the Chaplaincy for the bereaved families. December 21 - Assumption-San Lorenzo sent goods through LBC We were told that LBC was offering free freight service for all goods coming from all parts of the country for Sendong survivors and that these goods would be delivered to the Red Cross Office. Although we have not seen these boxes since the Red Cross took care of these as LBC Donations, we thank all donors and trust that those who need them most have put these to good use. December 22 - 24 Triduum Retreat Our triduum retreat, in preparation for our renewal of vows was facilitated by Bishop Honesto Pacana, Bishop Emeritus of Malaybalay. This was marked by our involvements with the relief operations at XU. December 23 - Prayer for XU personnel who died in the flood Mr. Mark Labuntog prepared a prayer module for all the dead XU personnel who were victims of the floods. Archbishop Antonio Ledesma came to join us in prayer. December 24 - the day before Christmas The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro, upon the suggestion of Fr. Eric Velandria, SJ, Acting XU Chaplain, started the 8 o'clock habit prayer for the dead victims of typhoon Sendong. Fr. Boy Salvador, Archdiocesan Liturgist, prepared the text for the whole diocese to pray every evening until January 8, Epiphany Sunday. As part of the Chaplaincy Council, we planned to have a meditation concert an hour before the Christmas mass to situate the Sendong experience in the context of the mystery of the incarnation, in the here and now. Boyet Vasquez, former AMA who is a classical guitarist, and Anna dela Fuente, CDO-based pianist played some pieces. During the mass, with Fr. Eric Velandria, SJ as mass presider, the Sisters renewed their vows. This was a new experience for many since the Sisters have not really done any public renewal in the University Chapel. As customary, we joined the Jesuit community for the media noche after the mass. The family of Boyet Vasquez was invited too. Boyet played several pieces to the delight of the elderly Jesuits. December 25 - Christmas Day I went to SM City for the 9am Christmas Mass presided by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma and assisted by Fr. Boy Salvador. After the mass, it was decided that the complete list of the dead victims from all the affected areas will be compiled and on the eve of the Solemnity of the Epiphany, January 7 at 6:30 pm, at the Cathedral, the names of all the dead victims will be read and a sharing of one of the survivors will take place before the mass. December 26 - Relief Operations The Assumpta Technical High School of San Simon sent a cash donation of Php 50,000.00 directly to us for the flood victims. We in turn, turned over the amount to Balaiglobal, an NGO under the leadership of Sol Paeste-Mosqueda (former AMA), engaged in relief operations to affected victims who are not at the evacuation centers. They help the victims directly where they are. One of their major operations was the clean-up of a covered court. For three days, the volunteers (100 students and 100 army trainees) were busy removing the mud in the covered court of Brgy.Consolation, a badly hit area, for the affected residents to occupy.  This was the covered court at Brgy.Consolation that Balaiglobal cleaned and prepared for occupancy. The fund that Assumpta Technical High School sent was partly used to feed the volunteers as well as the would-be occupants. In the afternoon, Sr. Cres and I went to visit the place of the janitor of the XU chapel whose house was swept away by the flood. He, his wife and his child climbed the steel frame of the billboard directly above them. They held on to it for 5 hours until the waters subsided. After that, we proceeded to the house of Sr. Mary Ignatius' parents, passing through Carmen and Macanhan areas where the floodwaters rose to 30 feet.  This is where the janitor of the XU Chapel sought shelter. But they had to go higher since the water rose beyond the roof of this house. This is the billboard frame that they needed climb. December 27 - Sharing from Assumption Iloilo / Arrival of Sr. Marjo Assumption-Iloilo informed us that they would be sending assorted items for typhoon Sendong victims through Negros Navigation. Thanks to Gonzalo and Trining Go, friends of Sr. Ma. Estela, we were able to arrange for the truck to pick up the goods. In the afternoon, after picking - up Sr. Marjo from the airport and after a quick lunch at SM, we went to visit the parents of Sr. Mary Ignatius, then passed by the Macanhan and Carmen areas. We then went to see Dra. Letty Bautista in her clinic, then proceeded to visit her badly damaged house in Macasandig.  The family of Sr.Mary Ignatius during the visit of Sr. Marjo, RA. December 28 - RA Mindanao Regional Assembly with Sr. Marjo The RA Sisters in Mindanao came together to share on their Advent/Christmas experiences, the Kibangay Discernment as well as the recent events that have devastated Northern Mindanao. In the evening, while Sr. Marjo and some sisters went to have dinner at the Archbishop's House, the Namaste came for a prayer session, especially to pray with, Amor de Torres, Dra. Letty Bautista, Lucit Gonzales and Irene Demafelis who were all badly affected by the floods. December 30 - Iloilo Relief Goods Distribution With the goods coming from Iloilo, relief distribution took place, conducted by Sol Paeste-Mosqueda's group. Joseph Cruz, former music teacher of Assumption College-BED who now works in the US, is in the country for his vacation. He was invited by a team of counselors from various colleges in Manila to join them in the debriefing sessions of flood victims in different community centers here in CDO. He was able to join this relief distribution.  Relief distribution done by Balaiglobal in the area using the goods sent by Assumption Iloilo  This is the situation when the relief goods were distributed in the area. This community did not leave their place. They decided to camp out to keep their spaces. December 31 - Healing of the River Fr. Eric Velandria, SJ suggested to a team of student volunteers to organize a prayer service to heal the Cagayan River and float lighted candles along its banks. Student volunteers stayed up the whole night preparing 800 paper candle holders made from the relief boxes to be used for the ceremony. A group of rafters were invited to bring the floaters to the middle of the river, a local band was requested to sing, Boyet Vasquez was again asked to play Christmas carols while ShoeMart provided the sound system. This was to awaken the survivors' hope to begin anew with the closing of the year 2011 and look forward to a new beginning in 2012. January 1, New Year 2012 The campus was quiet with the volunteers home, for a break. Sr. Josefa was able to organize a mass baptism for all the children who stayed in the XU Covered Courts. There were 21 of them. Fr. Eric Velandria, SY officiated the rite. Classes have been postponed to January 9 to give time for the schools to prepare for serous debriefing sessions before resumption of normal classroom instruction. In all this, God remains Emmanuel. He has come and is with us. With hope and courage, CDO will rise again. The outpouring of concern and support for all has been truly life giving! A BLESSED NEW YEAR TO ALL! Christmas Chapter 2011 12/22/2011
Pastoral Letter 12/22/2011
 Pastoral Letter 21 Dec. 2011 A Time to Grieve, A Time to Build Antonio J. Ledesma, S.J. Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro Christmas is a time of rejoicing. But this year in Cagayan de Oro we mourn and express our condolence for all those who have perished in the wake of Typhoon Sendong on Dec. 16-17. In some places entire families have been washed away by the rampaging waters of Cagayan de Oro River. Others died in their sleep trapped inside their homes by the sudden rise of flood waters that reached unprecedented levels past midnight. There are accounts of how a mother clutching the hands of two children was able to escape from the floods, only to lose another child whose pleas for help could be heard receding in the darkness of the night. Another family was able to hold on to an uprooted balete tree that floated out into Macajalar Bay and reached the shores of Camiguin Island. Floating bodies have been retrieved from the waters of nearby towns. The low-lying communities of Cala-Cala and Isla de Oro have been leveled by a tsunami-like river surge. Practically everyone in the city has lost some relatives or personal friends in this calamity. Schools have lost some students and staff; officemates have not reported because of the condition of their homes; and a number of unidentified bodies still await a dignified burial in a common resting place. In some of our churches, the Misa de Gallo could not be celebrated because the church became a refuge for families seeking higher ground. In one chapel, even pigs and other animals were brought in and tied at the foot of the altar. Lay ministers were scandalized until the parish priest reminded them that this must have been the same situation in the stable of that first Christmas night. We have also started to celebrate the Misa de Gallo in the evacuation centers. Even as we grieve with those directly affected by this tragedy, the challenge for us now is to help re-build the lives and broken homes of the survivors. The evacuation centers are slowly being organized in the distribution of relief goods – in particular, water, food, medicine, mats, blankets, etc. We are heartened to see many volunteers and organizations coming forward to share their time, energy and resources. Our affected parishes and social action workers have collaborated with government agencies in running these centers in the City Central School, West City Central School, Macasandig, Bulua, Kauswagan, Iponan, etc. The 14 centers have been providing shelter and basic needs to more than 7,000 families and 43,000 individuals. Meanwhile, the listed number of dead and missing has reached nearly 700 persons. The longer-term challenge is to help these families re-build their present homes or re-locate to safer grounds. We are heartened by the visit of President Aquino and other public officials. His declaration of a state of national calamity and observation that families should not be allowed to return to extremely dangerous areas are welcome statements. Last January 2009, the city had already experienced severe flooding. Some old-time residents recalled that this phenomenom happens every forty years. But barely three years after that, Typhoon Sendong came with greater vengeance. We have to cast a broader look at the entire river basin area of Cagayan de Oro River. This extends to the northwestern part of Bukidnon and surrounding areas. Illegal logging and irresponsible mining activities have contributed to the degradation of the environment and the siltation of the river bed. The erection of man-made structures may have also impeded the natural flow of the waters. (The continued hydraulic flush mining along Iponan River has likewise caused widespread flooding of the Canitoan-Iponan areas of the city.) It is for these reasons that we have to strengthen the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council, a multi-sectoral effort to protect and conserve our most precious natural resource after our human resources – the river system. As we approach Christmas week and the coming of the new year, may I propose a Family-Adopt-a- Family program. Families unaffected by the flood can invite to their homes an evacuee family, especially those that have lost their homes or loved ones, for a few days or for a Christmas meal to share the spirit of the season. May the new-born child in the manger fill us with the spirit of solidarity in moments of adversity and hope in the sharing of love and life with one another. “Make us know the shortness of our life that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Ps. 90).  Assumption Young Leaders Camp Sharing 11/14/2011
By Gaby Morillo, Assumption Antipolo November 6, 2011  Gaby with the rest of Antipolo delegates Good evening everyone! I hope everyone enjoyed the barrio fiesta and this last night we have together. So I’m here tonight to share with you our insights – your friends from Assumption Antipolo about the things we've learned and are thankful for throughout the four- day Assumption Young Leaders Camp with the theme I see you, I L.E.A.D. It is quite hard, honestly, to condense everything that has transpired, everything we have learned, into a 5-7 minute sharing. But let me start by saying, Jesus is the ultimate role model of a leader. Knowing that we’re all from Assumption yet from different communities: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and Thailand; I believe we have all been exposed to numerous recollections, retreats, and morning talks. I personally have been through many since I was in Grade 3, with the simple Day with the Lord. However, this camp was definitely and pleasantly different. It was a combination of a retreat and leadership training – two things that are quite different. A retreat is where we strengthen our faith and bond with God, it is the time where we keep the atmosphere solemn and quiet; whereas a leadership training is full of workshops on confidence and communication, and activities to hone our skills in leadership. But this camp made me realize, made me see, how both can be very much connected; more so, how we as leaders are first and foremost, God’s servants. We are leaders, because of God and we excel because of Him. After every activity during this camp, may it be after the talk of a speaker, group sharing, and even the boodle fight, we would always be given a time to write in our journals. And in every moment of silence we had, we’d always put to mind how we can be better leaders for our community and for God. We are all dependent on God and just like what Ate Sarah said, “God is my back up”, that no USB, laptop, or computer can match how dependable God is.  Cafe Pandora activity Throughout the whole camp, all our activities revolved around our theme, I see you, I L.E.A.D. – love, empower, act, and dream. And as the days unfolded each word was concretized by the persons, experiences, and stories that were shared. First, love. I remember when we first entered the retreat house and how we all had those shy looks, awkward smiles, and exchanged “hello po” to those people we saw, that we regarded as strangers. But after the Avatar Race we did during our first day of camp, everyone seemed so bonded not only with their group mates but also with other groups. I remember what Sr. Maitel said that sometimes we need to do things outside in order to discover what is inside. From then on, our awkward and shy “hello po” formed friendships without judgments, transcending the notion that “Oh she’s from Antipolo, Makati, Mindanao, Passi, Thailand, etc.” rather it was friendship formed from just pure love. Next, Empower. This, we experienced as we listened to the talks of Ate Sarah Corpuz, Mr. Lito Tayag, Mr. Alvin Barcelona and the Himaya band, Bai Hani Sumndad- Usman, and from the workshop of Ms. Ana Valdes and team. Their experiences in life motivated – empowered us that we can be just like them without forgetting to reconnect with our roots just like Mr. Lito’s leadership journey from a simple farmer’s son in San Simon, Pampanga to a country managing director of Accenture. He has reached so far already but he continues to give back to his Alma matter – Assumpta Technical High School and be “just your ordinary guy”. Third, Act. After being motivated and empowered by the talks and different activities in this camp, we, as leaders, do not simply stop there. That is why, as we go back to our own homes, we are called to act and do something for the betterment of the whole community. After the gallery walk and Café Pandora sharing, seeing the different displays and hearing their stories, we had a renewed sense of awareness, because we saw what was happening in the different communities and how they address these issues. We had a wider perspective – we were able to see the bigger picture of the problems we had in the environment and even in the war happening in Mindanao. Bai Hani’s message was clear: we can be peace builders and voices of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao to our own communities. Lastly, Dream. We all have our dreams for ourselves, some may want to become doctors, lawyers, accountants, teachers, or even be part of the religious community by becoming a priest or part of the religious of the Assumption. But more than the dreams we have for ourselves is our dream as a community, for the community, and for our country. We are leaders and we must not be selfish and self- centered with the dreams we plan for our future. For sure, you’ve heard so many times from our adults that they expect so much from the youth, especially from us, young leaders. Thinking about it, of course they expect so much from us, because first of all we have inevitably inherited problems and issues from them. It is so strange that we’re not yet even close to becoming an adult or part of the decision makers of this country but we already know that we will be the ones to solve those problems. So I guess, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of us here becomes the president of the Philippines or becomes part of the government – just like what Mike (from Kauswagan) said, yes he can become the next president. All this we can achieve, if as St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus said “My gaze is fixed on Jesus Christ and the extension of His Kingdom” coupled with the values that Assumption has instilled in each one of us.  Antipolo delegates with Thai delegates This camp showed us that there are so many ways, means, channels for us to witness God’s presence through art, our work-life like Ms. Ana, and through music just like how Mr. Alvin and the Himaya band praised God and touched our hearts to see and believe in God’s presence in everything around us. As I end my sharing, I recall Sr. Marjo telling us during the first day, “It is hard to lead, when we cannot see.” Through this camp, we were able to experience what it is to see and L.E.A.D., so as we go home tomorrow and leave camp, I’m sure that we, young leaders of Assumption, are more than ready to lead – to love, empower, act, and dream. Madamo nga salamat! Dakal a salamat! Khop Khun Kha! Maraming salamat! Thank you very much and I hope you enjoy the rest of the night! ASSUMPTION YOUNG LEADERS CAMP 2011 11/13/2011
By Michelle B. Eala (Assumption College, Basic Ed – San Lorenzo)  Last November 3-6, 2011, the Assumption Young Leaders Camp was held in Assumption Sabbath Place, Crystal Cave, Baguio City. Student leaders and TEA (Transformative Education of the Assumption) scholars from different Assumption schools in the Philippine-Thailand province attended this momentous occasion. Organized by the Youth and Vocation Ministry of the Religious of the Assumption headed by Sr. Estela Marie Roceles, R.A., and the Camp ADHOC Team headed by Sr. Elnora Perez, R.A., the camp was centered on the theme, “I See You, I LEAD. Love. Empower. Act. Dream.” The camp aimed to provide the delegates with the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with God, self and others, hone their leadership skills and create a community of Assumption youth.  Each day, the delegates listened to talks given by former Assumption students who have succeeded tremendously in their respective fields. Ms. Sarah Jane Corpuz, a Management graduate from Assumption College and now a project development specialist for DMCI Homes, shared her story about growing up in Payatas and rising above poverty in order to achieve her dreams. Another speaker was Mr. Lito Tayag, a former scholar in Assumpta Technical High School, imparted valuable lessons on leadership throughout his journey to his current position of Accenture’s Country Managing Director. Maranao warrior princess and Assumption College graduate Ms. Rohaniza Sumndad opened the eyes of the young leaders to the situation of war and violence in Mindanao and encouraged them to take action and become peace builders. Finally, Julliard-trained and former Assumption College student Mrs. Ana Valdes-Lim gave workshops on Improvisation and Leadership Presence, together with her team. Together, they taught the participants how to respond to different situations they will encounter as leaders and how theater improvisation principles can be related to leadership.  One of the highlights of the camp was the jamming session with Mr. Alvin Barcelona and the band Himaya. The delegates had a fun yet very insightful experience, as they sang spiritual and secular music, watched motivational videos, and listened to the inspiring life stories of Mr. Barcelona and his band members.  Other activities of the camp included the Avatar Race, which was patterned after the movie Avatar directed by James Cameron. During this race, the delegates were grouped and assigned to complete a series of mental and physical tasks. Each task taught life lessons based on the movie and fostered the skills of working with a team. The Avatar Exhibit and Café Pandora allowed the delegates to tour a series of displays from each school that included specific responses to current problems especially with regards to the environment. The delegates were then tasked to come up with their action plans for their respective communities.  The camp ended with a barrio fiesta and a program for the night. Each region gave a cultural presentation and showcased their talents to the entire delegation. After this, an awarding ceremony took place where the groups, schools, facilitators and organizers were recognized for their efforts before and during the camp. Through the Assumption Young Leaders Camp, Assumption stayed true to its mission of providing its students with transformative education and molding future leaders. The camp’s various talks and activities were not only thoroughly enjoyed, but they inspired the delegates to answer the call to respond and become servant leaders in their own spheres of influence. I SEE YOU, I LEAD!  (from left to right) Sisters Cecile Franquin, Philomina Thomas and Ana Senties at the Provincialate From October 22 – November 9, 2011 the Philippines-Thailand Province is privileged to host the International Education Commission of the Congregation for about 3 weeks of mutual sharing and reflection on our common mission of Transformative Education. Sisters Ana Senties (from Mexico now based in Belgium), Philomina Thomas (from India) and Cecil Franquin (from Belgium) have had intense moments at the Marie Eugenie Institute and are right now participating in the Tracks that are offered by the same Institute to teachers and staff from our various educational apostolates in the Province. Sr. Ana Senties has been here since early September and has had opportunities to visit the Visayas and Mindanao. Sisters Philo and Cecile will join the Young Leaders’ Camp in Baguio from November 3 – 6, 2011. The Province is delighted to host the Commission and to have time with the Sisters particularly in the usual gathering of the Sisters of Luzon on the 1st of November in Antipolo when they will have time with the Provincial Council as well. On Wednesday, 26 October 2011, the Commission had a short visit to the Provincialate. We thank the Congregation for this honor of having the Commission with us form some weeks. Indeed it is an opportunity to grow in loving communion as body-congregation!  Education Commission with Sisters Maria Josefina and Mary Sheryl at the Provincial House. Antipolo Community Letter 08/26/2011
 Dear Sisters and Friends, Greetings from Antipolo! Today is the birthday of our Mother and Saint by our side, a good time to be in touch with you. We also want to send our wishes on the feast of our father, Saint Augustine. August 17-20 were very special days when JESUS passed by our Community in the person of Sr. Marjo whose canonical visit brought us many blessings. On the last day, just before her concluding message to our Community, there was lightning so strong that we felt someone/something was struck. It was indeed an unmistakable sign that hit our hearts, awakening us to the urgency of living the truth of our CONSECRATED LIFE. Thanks be to God! Looking back to the past three months, certain events have given us happiness. We treasure the week we spent in Iloilo last May, especially the joy of being with our Sisters, families, and friends. Thanks to the Iloilo Community who hosted the Golden celebration of Sr. Marie Leonie with her family who were not able to join us in Baguio. It was a charming celebration participated even by the youngest grandchild. Coming back to Antipolo on May l0th, we joined the school personnel in the second half of the in-service program. On the 3rd week of May, we bade adieu to SMLeonie and we welcomed Sr. Maria Perpetua and Sr. Maria Isabel bringing our number in Community to nine., Newness! On the second week of June, with the 225 school personnel( faculty, staff and auxiliary), we delighted in the opening of School Year 2011-2012 as we welcomed 2,145 students. Before leaving Antipolo in mid-April, Sr. Irene Cecile prepared all we had to do. It was a matter of entering a system. Sr. Maria Estela was a happy, energized Acting Principal with Ms. Grace Magtaas as Academic Coordinator and Mrs. Marah Santiago as the newly appointed Administrative Coordinator. After 42 years in Assumption Herran and Antipolo, Mrs. Norma Aguilos retired on May l3, 2011. We thank her for her dedication to Assumption Education throughout these years.  In mid-July, we welcomed back SR. Irene Cecile all aglow with the graces of the Third Year. On July 30th, our community had the joy of witnessing the conferment of the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ORGANIZATION DEVELOPMENT on SISTER IRENE CECILE I. TORRES, R.A. by The Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute ( SAIDI) School of Organization Development. Sr. Irene missed the graduation rite scheduled by SAIDI three days before her return from Paris. However, God's goodness provided a better occasion. Sasithara Sethanandha-Moreno requested SAIDI to hold a special graduation rite to enable her parents and friends to be present. Happy coincidence! Her parents,Paibon and Edith, a Bicolana, are long time friends of our Sisters in Bangkok. After finishing basic education in Mater Dei School in BKK, Sasithara( Bebet) attended Assumption College San Lorenzo. Married to a Filipino from Nueva Ecija, she pursued graduate studies in SAIDI and earned the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Organization Development. The graduation rite complete with guest speaker and all the works was followed by a luncheon graced by Sr. Marjo, Sr. Carla Teresa, our community of Antipolo in full force as well as Sr. Irene's three sisters Lai, Mia and Gladys, brother-in-law Mar, nephew Michael and niece Cayenne. The photos will give you a glimpse of the festive affair.  We are happy to welcome Thoai, our Vietnemese postulant who is staying in our Antipolo Community while she completed English classes at the Ateneo de Manila. Soon, she will leave us for the Novitiate in Alpha Village, Diliman. Her presence among us is like a ray of sunshine during these rainy months. And so, we continue to live this year inspired by the School Thrust, ISABUHAY ANG KAGANDAHANG LOOB NG DIOS.....LIVE GOD'S GOODNESS. Indeed, we have so much to thank GOD for so many signs of HIS GOODNESS. Lovingly your Sisters of the Antipolo Community, Sr. Pilar Emmanuel Sr. Maria Perpetua Sr. Julia Asuncion Sr. Luz Emmanuel Sr. Maria Isabel Sr. Maria Estela Sr. Iris Marion Sr.Maria Salvacion Sr. Irene Cecile |
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