Eucharistic celebrations were held simultaneously in our contemplative communities in Cebu, Virac, and Butuan on November 11 to mark the launch of the Bicentenary Jubilee of the Contemplative Sisters Foundation.
In Virac, Fr Roberto Sanchez presided over the mass. Sr Celeste of Good Shepherd Home Legaspi community and the partners in mission of Virac were in attendance joining the contemplative community composed of Srs Lilly Sorop, Betty Therese Ramos and Imelda Santos.
In Cebu, the apostolic sisters of Villa Maria Convent and the partners in mission join the contemplatives in the celebration with Fr Raphael Catane, SHF as the celebrant. Members of CGS Cebu are Srs Maria Teresa Pomar, Ellen Jalop, Ronafel de Leon, Estelle Almendra, Luz Briones, Rosary Lutero and the oldest contemplative sister Sr Justa Morgia.
In Butuan, Most Rev Cosme Damian Almedilla, DD, Bishop of Butuan presided over the Mass. Friends came to also celebrate with Srs Josefina Estella, Imelda Fuentes and Ancilla Aliñgasa.
On November 11, 1825, St. Mary Euphrasia founded the Magdalens, a group of sisters devoted to prayer, penance, and sacrifice, within the community of Our Lady of Charity in Tours – where Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd traces its roots. Thus, began the unique character of the congregation, having a contemplative community within an apostolic institute, one mission, one charism, two lifestyles.
During the Ritual which includes the lighting of the Jubilee candle, the blessings of 200 years were numerated. The whole congregation is celebrating and thanking God for 200 years
… of profound gratitude for God’s PRESENCE in our lives and in our Congregation
… of contemplative community life
… of faith, hope and love amidst vulnerability that called for God’s power and strength
… of forgiveness and reconciliation
… for all our sisters: saints and sinners and friends
… of praying for the ministries of our Apostolic Sisters
… of developing our capacities for contemplation, friendship and unselfish love
The opening message of Sr Joan Lopez, Congregational Leader was read during the celebrations. To quote: “Two hundred years ago, in 1825, Sr Mary Euphrasia, who was made the leader of her community responded in faith, to establish the contemplative lifestyle within the congregation… Her courage, creativity, and commitment to God’s call have left a significant mark on our congregation’s history… Let this year of Jubilee be a time of celebration, gratitude, and deep spiritual renewal. Together with our Contemplative Sisters on the occasion of this launch of the 200th Anniversary, let us carry this message of Saint Mary Euphrasia in our hearts as we respond to the mission with zeal, “I have no great talents, I only loved.”
Sr Ronafel de Leon, sister from Cebu convent, shared: “We celebrated as one family, sisters and partners in mission, having conversation and sharing meals; May God be praised! We thank our sisters and all who prayed with us to make our celebration meaningful and grace-filled. It was indeed an experience of oneness in the mission.”
