Feature Story/News:  Day 1, August 7,2009

            Answered prayer through Blessed Candida “that the sun may shine.”  (! Que salga el sol!) these days of the Congress.  Thank you, Blessed Candida!  “Kiko”, the strong typhoon is gone!

          The 2009 National Congress, organized by the F.I. Philippine Province, brought together some 71 F.I. and Lay participants.  This first day was marked with an atmosphere of cordiality with every participant hopeful that this very timely encounter may come out with decisions, enlightenment and useful guidelines for the true development of many in our schools, centers, and communities, especially the poorest and the marginalized.

          Today’s Congress has universal character with the presence of John Kawakami of Japan, Juan Carlos Perez of Spain and Sisters Betty Paray and Teresa Li  from Taiwan.

          One of the things noticed and observed in this Congress is that everything is well-prepared and everyone is cooperative and enthusiastic.

 

 

          It was 5:00 p.m.  Colorfully dressed in their native costumes, the participants representing the 4 regions of Panay, Cebu, Mindanao and Metro Manila entered the conference hall for the most-awaited cultural presentation reflecting the socio-economic and political situation of their respective region.

          The Congress formally opened at exact 5:00 in the afternoon with a very touching opening prayer on video and the singing of the Philippine National Anthem solemnly acted out by selected Manresa School teachers.

 

        In her welcome remarks, Sr. Consolacion Ruy invited all to make present and alive these days the spirit of Blessed Candida Maria.

       The overview of the activities was outlined by Mr. Solas while the house rules and Congress’ mechanics were presented by Sr. Consolacion.

All delegates and participants were presented amidst rounds of applause.

      Sr. Georgita Hormillosa, Provincial Superior, warmly welcomed the delegates.  She highlighted the legacy of filiation which is to be sustained and continued; posed the relevant question, “How do we make relevant the F.I. charism in the concrete realities of today?”  She hoped that the experience of the Congress will encourage us to ask more questions, to deepen in the charism of Candida Maria de Jesus, to get to know her deeply as person and make alive in personal life.

 

 

Cultural Presentation Proper

Group 1 – Cebu City and Argao’s presentation touched the cultural tradition, cited both progress and problems, the effects of economic depression on the people, the two schools included action plans for students’ awareness through integration in the lessons.

 

Group 2 – Metro Manila presented the painful realities of Metro Manila were flashed with a burning/lighted candle, symbolic of the light of hope still flickering in  people’s hearts…and, acted out poignantly!  A prayer for healing ended the presentation.

Group 3 – Mindanao Group showed the beauty and bounty of the island of Mindanao and God’s graces and gifts, followed by native dances, disturbed by unrest caused by rebels and tribal conflicts; enumerated problems like terrorism, social injustice, and neglect of the ethnic groups’ welfare. “ Prayers and more prayers for Mindanao” was the fervent plea.

 

Group 4 – Panay Group presented the “Purchase of Panay by the 10 Bornean Datus”; followed by today’s real problems such as ecological problems, flooding, dysfunctional families, drug addiction and poverty.

 

All these presentations served as situationers for the next two-days activities
of the Congress. A brief reflection followed, thus, ending the first day.

 

By Sr. Amelia Alejan, F.I.

Day 2

 

THE PARTICIPANTS- F.I.-LAY NATIONAL CONGRESS 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR DAY 2