April 24, 2025 marks the 157th Anniversary of our dear Mother Foundress, St Mary Euphrasia’s entrance to heaven, her feast day celebrated all over the world by all her children.
A Regional Novitiate House in Tagaytay
The festive SME Day this April 24 marked a historic moment for the Philippines-Japan and East Asia units with the blessing of the new regional novitiate house in Tagaytay City. Six Vietnamese and three Filipina novices, accompanied by their formators Sr. Jacinta Duong and Sr. Lea Comia, moved in just three days earlier to begin their shared formation journey. From Quezon City where the Philippine Novitiate was housed for more than six decades, it is now transferring to Tagaytay, to the former convent of our contemplative sisters. Just two years ago, the contemplative sisters had to close this convent of nearly four decades as part of the ongoing restructuring and response to the reality of aging and diminishment in the Province. Now, that space is becoming a witness to new beginnings in the region. Fr Serg Kabamalan, CJM presided the Eucharistic Celebration and the blessing. Sisters from Provincialate, Maryridge and Bahay Pastulan joined the celebration.
A Day for Women and Children
In Quezon City, a sharing on the life of SME concluded with a quiz on her life, a quiz with a twist since it included “essay” questions that led the Provincialate partners in mission to reflect and ponder on her values and legacy. Meanwhile, a joyful procession of the little statue of SME, followed by the Heart of Mary Villa’s women and children, sisters and partners in mission, delighted the elderly sisters in the compound. In Cagayan de Oro, the women’s ministry of the Archdiocese held an SME song interpretation contest, showcasing creativity and devotion.
Celebrating with the People
The contemplative sisters in Butuan had triduum masses reflecting on these three themes: Day 1 – “Ang Kalinaw Mao ang Bunga sa Hustisya” (Peace is the Fruit of Justice); Day 2 – “Ang usa ka tawo Bililhon pa kay sa Kalibutan” (A person is of more value than a world” and Day 3 – “Eukaristiya ang bahandianong kabilin nga tuburan sa gugma sa Ginoo” (Eucharist a Treasure of Spring of the Love of God.) The Eucharistic celebration on the Feast Day, April 24, was presided over by Bishop Cosme Damian of the Diocese of Butuan. The Mass was attended by neighbors, sisters, friends, and benefactors. In his homily, Bishop Damian highlighted mercy and tireless dedication to the marginalized as the enduring legacy of St. Mary Euphrasia. Those who entrust their prayers to the sisters in Butuan strive to live in the spirit and charism of SME whom they regard as a refuge of healing and hope. Following the Mass, a communal lunch was shared by all.
Compassion in Action
St. Bridget College Batangas community celebrated the Feast Day of St. Mary Euphrasia with the theme, “Compassion in Action: Living the Legacy,” highlighting the institution’s commitment to service and compassion.
Leading to the feast of April 24, triduum prayers were held from April 21-23, focusing on the themes: Compassion for the Least, Service to the Last, and Commitment to the Lost. This helped rekindle the fire for the mission of each bridgeinte, stufdnet and tracher. On feast itself, sisters and partners in mission gathered for a Eucharistic Celebration at the St. Bridget College Chapel. Rev. Fr. Cyrus Gonzales, OSJ, on his homily emphasized the principle of ‘agere sequitur esse’—action follows being. He encouraged attendees to embrace their mission as instruments of God’s grace, following the example set by St. Mary Euphrasia.
Keeping with the theme of “compassion in action” several initiative were also held: an educational tour and clean up drive in Batangas City Mangrove Conservation Eco Park in that coincided with Earth Day last April 22; visits to sick and elderly members of the St. Bridget College family, offering prayers, presence, and care and food sharing with street dwellers, drivers, and pedestrians. These acts of kindness served as proof of the college community’s spirit of compassion and service.
With contributions from Dr. Imelda B. Vergara (SBC), Sr Josefina Stella (Contemplatives Butuan), Sr Juliet Abrigo (RGS Cagayan de Oro), Sr Cielo (RSG QC)
