142nd SSJ FOUNDATION DAY CELEBRATION (Philippines)

On January 10, 2016, the SSJ Sisters in Luzon Cluster together with some Lay Josephines, TPMBI Residents, Provincial House collaborators and TDN-Mandaluyong workers gathered together at the Provincial House and celebrated the 142^nd Foundation Day of the Congregation Siervas de San Jose. The celebration called the Novitiate Day was spearheaded by C-T Mandaluyong (Novitiate).

It started with the reading of the following part of the introduction which called to our mind the significance of the celebration:

“On January 7, 1874, in the midst of the economic crisis and dehumanization effects of the Industrial Revolution in Salamanca, Spain, the Congregation SIERVAS DE SAN JOSÉ was founded by Fr. Francisco Butinya, SJ and St. Bonifacia Rodriguez, SSJ to give a concrete response to the plight of workers especially women workers and young women at risk through the harmony of prayer and work, Industria Cristiana and preservar.”

“What is the plight of the poor especially workers and women in the Philippines?  Is our Charism still appropriate as a response to the signs of the time?” 

Fr. Nonong, CM shared with us one of the many situations of our society that greatly affects the poor especially workers and women. In the advocacy of the group - HUWAG KANG MAGNAKAW (Thou shall not steal) of the 7^th Commandment, he highlighted his dream for the poor which forms the majority of our people in the Philippines; that through its advocacy and focus on the recreation of a cultural change highlighting on HONESTY, the poor will be able to reclaim their dignity as children of God. 

FR. NONONG, CM

SHARING IN DYADS DURING THE TALK OF FR. NONONG

SR. ERLIN, SSJ SHARING HER EXPERIENCE AFTER THE DYAD SHARING

After the sharing of Fr. Nonong, everybody proceeded to the Chapel for the celebration of the Eucharist which was preceded by two important activities:

·        Presentation of the Novices of the significance of the Novitiate Stage in our life as a religious especially as an SSJ and the relevance of being a novice in the midst of the present realities. The four novices (as one is sick) acted out the presentation.

SR. JENNY UY, SSJ (FORMATOR OF NOVICES) INTRODUCING THE PRESENTATION OF NOVICES

NOVICES' PRESENTATION

NOVICES' PRESENTATION

NOVICES' PRESENTATION

·        The very touching sharing of Sr. Paz Banaria, SSJ (perpetually professed sister) and of Sr. Genelyn Caminian, SSJ (Junior sister) of their most significant experiences in the Novitiate. Both of them attested that it was the experience of the God who loved them first that sustained their life in the Novitiate and up to the present especially in their missionary life.

SR. PAZ BANARIA, SSJ

SR. GENELYN CAMINIAN, SSJ

As the following last part of the introduction for the mass was read, everybody was filled with much gratitude to God the giver of life and vocation, the God, the faithful One who continues to journey with all of us His beloved ones…

SR. ROSA LEDESMA, SSJ READING THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MASS

SR. MILAGROS MARAVILLA, SSJ (PROVINCIAL COORDINATOR)
PROCESSING THE SSJ LOGO

FR. NONONG, CM PRESIDING THE MASS WITH FR. THOMAS (PRIEST FROM PAPUA NEW GUINEA)

SR. LIZA CELESTIAL, SSJ (KEY BOARD PLAYER) WITH 2 NOVICES (GUITARISTS)

“Indeed, it is in this intense moment in the Noviceship when our foundation for Life is established and strengthened through a deepening relationship with God, the Giver of vocation and being immersed in the reality of the poor working world.  It is through this that our purpose in life becomes clearer leading to the recognition of our personal charism that is within the Congregational Charism so as to be shared as a gift to others as we collaborate in the building of God’s Kindom.

It is truly a time of grace and celebration to realize that we have before us the constant opportunity to experience God’s mercy and also, to be God’s mercy to others.  And more so for us, SIERVAS DE SAN JOSE, it is a double gift for we, too, who have experienced the privilege of being in the Noviceship stage.  And so, let us celebrate with gratitude renewing our commitment to the call of God – to be bearers of communion in every moment of encounters.  With refreshed spirit, we give thanks to God and to our beloved Founder and Foundress!”