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\u201cTwo hundred years is not short,\u201d reminded Fr. Hartono Budi, SJ, as he presided over the Mass in Quezon City for the Bicentenary Jubilee of foundation of the contemplative sisters \u2014 words that captured both the weight of history and the depth of gratitude carried into this sacred celebration. It has been 200 years since St Mary Euphrasia founded the contemplative community within the apostolic congregation of Our Lady of Charity in November 11, 1825 in Tours, France. In the Philippines, the contemplative sisters had been present since 1961. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite initial hesitations about celebrating festively amid recent calamities, the Contemplative Sisters of the Good Shepherd in the Philippines, together with the apostolic sisters and partners in mission chose to commemorate the milestone with meaning, humility, and solidarity. The celebrations unfolded across three contemplative convents \u2014 in Cebu, in Butuan and in Virac and also at the Provincialate compound in Quezon City and other convents in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faith That Pushes Through Storms<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In Cebu, electricity was finally restored the night before the celebration. The sisters had to go out of their way to complete all the preparations. At the start of the celebration, moment of silence was observed to remember all those who were affected by the recent earthquake in Northern Cebu, typhoon Tino and super typhoon Uwan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sr. Susan Montano, Province Leader, extended heartfelt gratitude to contemplative communities around the world and to the sisters in Cebu, Virac, and Butuan, honoring their \u201clives of prayer and redemptive love that have quietly blessed the Church and the world for two centuries.\u201d Bishop Emeritus Jose Palma DD presided over the celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n