Meeting of RCAs & Principals of FI Schools
by Dr. Rodilla L. Tumanda
(back row L-R): Srs. Delia Pedroso, Rosa Ortega, Rebecca Loreto, Nelida Peñaflorida, Georgita Hormillosa, Nilda Genovate, Lourdes Marzoña, Nilda Paloma, Ma. Celia Gorriceta, Consolacion Ruy
(front row L-R): Sr. Emelinda Falsis, Dr. Rodilla Tumanda, Mrs. Minerva Roiles, Sr. Eufemia Pomado, Mrs. Paulina Deiparine, Mrs. Cecile Montefrio, Ms. Wevina Suñer, Mrs. Lanie Sumagaysay
The Provincial Superior of the Hijas de Jesús Congregation, Sr. Georgita Hormillosa, FI, had a meeting with all the Representatives of the Congregation in the Apostolic Work (RCAs) and Principals of the Hijas de Jesús schools in the Philippines at the Colegio de las Hijas de Jesús (CHJ) in Ledesma St., Iloilo City last June 20, 2010 at 9 o’clock in the morning.
Sr. Georgita started the meeting with the history and reasons why the document on the “Orientation to Adapt Our Centers to New Situations” or (OAC) was formulated. Then, she reviewed and explained all important points mentioned in the document.
Afterwhich, the members of the Reflection Team on Joint FI-Lay Formation presented to the group the modules that they made last summer for all FI schools in the Philippines, which were approved by the Provincial Superior. Sr. Lourdes M. Marzoña, FI, RCA of Stella Maris Academy of Davao (SMAD), explained to the group the task given by the Provincial Superior to the Reflection Team last summer. Then, she presented the Introductory Module for the Pre-canonization of Mother Cándida María de Jesús. Dr. Rodilla L. Tumanda, Grade School Principal of SMAD, presented two modules for the Pedagogical-Pastoral Accompaniment, which will be given to all people working in FI Apostolic Centers. Ms. Wevina Suñer, Principal of Hijas de Jesús School in Estancia, Iloilo, also presented the outline of the module on “Being Responsible Stewards of God’s Creation”, which will be given to all the Hijas de Jesús educative communities. The presenters made it clear to the group that the modules may be modified according to the context of the apostolic centers.
In the afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, the RCAs and Principals were divided into two groups. They reviewed and discussed the proposed Manual of Roles and Functions of the RCA and Principal. They also shared some difficulties that they encountered in the exercise of their functions as RCAs and Principals. Some FI schools have RCAs who also function as Principal in their respective school and as Superior in their community, while the other FI schools have sisters as RCAs and Lay Partners as Principals.
At 3:30 pm, the meeting with the Provincial Superior resumed. A representative from each group shared some confusion that they encountered in the exercise of their functions, and also gave their observations, comments, and suggestions to improve the proposed manual.
Then, Sr. Rebecca Loreto, FI presented the proposed Organizational Chart for FI schools. It will be studied in order to have a unified and clear structure in terms of lines of authority as well as relationship of functions.
Sr. Georgita was grateful to all the participants for their contributions and active participation in the meeting. The participants were also very grateful to the Provincial Superior for the wonderful opportunity to share experiences and insights. The group members also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Nelida Peñaflorida, RCA of CHJ, and to the FI Sisters & lay collaboratiors of CHJ for their very warm accommodation and for the delectable food that they offered.
