BLESSED ANTONIA BANDRES DECEMBER EVENTS

Advent Recollection for the Tricycle Drivers at LRCO, Barangka, Marikina

Theme:  “Ikaw, Ako, Tayo, at ang Kalikasan ay Mahal na Mahal ng Diyos

We, the Hijas de Jesus Juniorate Community at Marikina, facilitated a  reflection session for the tricycle drivers last December 19, 2009 , from 2:00 to 5:00  in the afternoon in our residence at 100 Chrysanthemum St., Loyola Subd., Barangka, Marikina City.

Aware of the extent of the destruction of our ecology, we feel the urgent need for all of us to take responsibility of God’s precious gift to humankind.  We call to mind that as stewards of God’s creation, we are dependent on Him on how to live in harmony with one another and with our environment. . Thus we came up with the theme:  “Ikaw, Ako, TAyo, at ang KAlikasan ay Mahal na Mahal ng Diyos”!!!

This was attended by the tricycle drivers and their wives.  The group was very free to share their thoughts and reflections about the theme. They were enthusiastic and responsive to the varied activities given to them. 

We  began with a song, “Kahanga-hanga” - followed by a prayer led by. Sr. Pura Ramos, FI, about the goodness  and love of God.  The creation account from the book of Genesis was read which served as
the foundation of the theme to be reflected. 

 Then they were divided into small groups.   Sr.Emily Espino, FI led them to recall  how they have experienced being loved, and how they show or express their love to the ones they love.  They reflected on their experiences of receiving love and giving love to others.  These events help them to recognize God’s loving presence in their lives.   Each group has a volunteer to summarize their sharing on God’s love which was shared to the big group. They had rich and happy memories despite the hardships they encountered.

Sr. Marie Candelaria, FI asked each group to reflect together on how to take care of our environment as an expression of love for God and how to help prevent more global warming. They were asked to express their ideas thru creative presentation.  They were able to communicate what they believe is needed to participate responsibly in caring for our environment as a way of responding to God’s love.

After which, Sr. Fe Linterna, FI led them to reflect more deeply on their actual experiences of the recent typhoons and the terrible flood that had caused so much damage. They witnessed the destruction that killed many lives and left so much suffering to many. She discussed further the idea of God as the Creator and He knows what is best for us, but we need to listen to Him, to be able to collaborate with His plan.  When we do not obey God, then we are doomed to destroy ourselves. 

We ended with the group singing “Ang Pasko ay sumapit”,while Christmas gifts were given to them: - goods donated by Manresa School and envelops with a little cash from the Juniorate community..

Merienda was served and they sang a song of thanksgiving.  They went home happy  and contented.

In the evening, they sang Christmas carols as their way of expressing their gratitude to us.  We handed to them some amount but they did not receive it. They said that they just want to sing for the community.

When they left, we sisters gathered for our evening prayer and shared too how god manifested His love for all.  We end the day also happy and contented. 

 

Prepared by

Sr. Emily . Espino, fi
Antonia Bandres – Juniorate Community, Marikina City
December 30, 2009

 

 

Grade II and III Pupils of Barangka Elementary School First  Communion

The Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo, Bishop Gabriel Reyes, DD issued a pastoral letter to all parishes of Antipolo, that starting Grade II Catholic pupils can receive their first communion. In response to the mandate of the Bishop, the San Jose Manggagawa Parish responded to this call. This is the first time that the public school Grade II pupils are allowed to receive communion. When the Grade II pupils heard this news they were so excited. Their parents too cooperated to secure the baptismal certificate and other needs of their children.

Intensive preparation was given to the students by the Catechists.  Sr. Pura Ramos, fi and our Junior sisters:  Sr. Emily Espino and Sr. Marie Sweet Candelaria are  involved in preparing their pupils for first communion.  Parents were also given preparation through recollection which was conducted by Sr. Pura assisted by the other Catechists. Some non Catholic students and out-of-school youth, who were interested to join, were given classes to prepare them for baptism by Sr. Pura at the Hijas de Jesus residence.  Their parents who accompany them also listens to the instructions given to their children and they were happy and grateful for this opportunity.   After the preparation, baptism took place before their first communion day.

Last December 5, 2009, in the morning, the San Jose Manggagawa Parish was filled with the first communicants together with their parents. Since the group was too big they were divided into two groups:  Grade II pupils followed by the Grade III pupils. There was an atmosphere of joy, excitement and happiness. The pupils received Jesus with reverence and love as seen in the expression of their faces. They went home rejoicing with sweet smile in their faces.

 

Prepared by Sr. Pura Ramos, FI.

Antonia Bandres-Juniorate,  Marikina City
December 30, 2009