January 10 – 12, 2009

THE CANONICAL VISIT OF MOTHER GENERAL Mª. INEZ FURTADO AND GENERAL CONSULTOR JOCELYN SALOMO TO THE JUNIORATE COMMUNITY 

The Juniorate Community poses with Mother General

           In the morning of January 10, 2009, Sr. Fe Linterna, Superior and Mistress of the Juniors, went to Manresa Retreat House in Quezon City  to bring Sr. Mª. Inez Furtado and Sr. Jocelyn Salomo for their visit to the community of  Bl. Antonia Bandres Juniorate  in Marikina City. On the way, passing along the Katipunan Road, Sr. Fe thought that it would be good for the Sisters to see the Ateneo de Manila University, within which  Loyola School of Theology, where our Junior sisters study Theology, is part of its campus.  They also passed by the East Asian Pastoral Institute where Mother General and Sr. Jocelyn met  Srs. Angela Acdol and Bema Solis who are currently enrolled there for a renewal course. The two sisters were very happy upon seeing Mother General and Sr. Jocelyn.  After that Fr. Jeyaraj, S.J., the EAPI Director, graciously showed them around the institute.

          Before proceeding home, Sr. Fe also familiarized the Sisters with the neighborhood by showing them the Riverbanks, the malls, the places where the Sisters get their foods and groceries, etc. Reaching the house, they were met by the Sisters of the Juniorate Community and were warmly welcomed by them.

           On Sunday, January 11, the community attended the 8:15 A.M. Mass at our Parish, the San Jose Manggagawa Parish, which is just a walking distance from the house. Towards the end of the mass, before the Priest said the final blessing, he welcomed Srs. Mª. Inez and Jocelyn, who were surprised by it but they stood up to be recognized when the Priest introduced them to the parishioners who in turn applauded the two visiting Sisters.  After the Mass, the Parish Priest greeted them personally and told Mother General about the help and support that the sisters give to his parish and is grateful to them.  After the Mass, walking towards home, the Sisters brought the two around their neighborhood to see the context of their community. During the encounters with Mother General, the Sisters felt happiness in their hearts as they experienced a palpable presence of Mother Foundress and they saw a clearer direction to their life as Hijas de Jesus, the way our Mother Foundress has envisioned our Congregation to be.

A pose at the front of San Jose Manggawa Parish Church

Meeting with some Church workers

 

Mother General and the three Junior Sisters: Marie Sweet Candelaria, Emily Espino and Felie Acelo

 

 

 

January 12 – 13, 2009

VISIT OF MO. GENERAL  Mª. INEZ FURTADO WITH SR. JOCELYN SALOMO TO ANGONO COMMUNITY

A pose with the Community of Angono with Mother General and Sr. Jocelyn Salomo

         Mother General Mª. Inez Furtado and Sr. Jocelyn Salomo visited the Angono community as well as the Sisters’ apostolic areas. The people of Sitio Labahan,  Sto. Rosario and “Minahang Bato”,  the main areas of the community’s apostolic activities, were very happy to meet the two Sisters, who were accompanied by Sr. Helen Catangcatang, the Superior of the community. They also saw the Divine Mercy Day Care Center which was initially started by Sr. Helen but right now has been turned over to the barangay. Mother General and Sr. Jocelyn met with the leaders of the areas who expressed their gratefulness for the great help and support that the Sisters offer to them, particularly in their spiritual development and the formation of Basic Ecclesial Communities chiefly in their  sites. The people felt comfortable in the presence of the two sisters which made them very spontaneous in expressing their joy and gratitude.

           For the Sisters, the visit was a grace-filled and meaningful moment, especially for the time Mother General spent  with each individual sister to hear their concerns and desires which are for the good of the Congregation. Indeed their presence was God's gratuitous gift to the Sisters and to the poor people they care for.

SEE PHOTOS BELOW…

 

Sitio Labahan, where women earn money from washing the clothes of those who can afford to pay.

Mother General goes to Sitio Labahan

 

Mother General plays with a baby in her mother’s arms.

Mother General, Sr. Helen Catangcatang and the women and their babies from Sitio Labahan

Cute children of DivineMercyDayCareCenter as Mother General and Sr. Helen watch them.

 

The BEC people pose with Mother General and Sr. Helen.

 

 

January 13 - 16, 2009

The VISIT OF MOTHER GENERAL Mª. INEZ FURTADO AND GENERAL CONSULTOR, JOCELYN SALOMO TO NAZARETH SCHOOL EDUCATIVE COMMUNITY

INSPIRED AND STRENGTHENED
By Mary Ann C. Flores
Faculty – Nazareth School
Sampaloc, Manila

Nazareth School facade

            The New Year generated happiness, love, and hope to the whole Hijas de Jesus Congregation in the Philippine Province for the “mother” has come.

            Madre General Mª. Inez Furtado, F.I. y Hermana Jocelyn Salomo, F.I., BIENVENIDAS!!!

            All of us knew even last year, that we should be ready to face more challenging situations this year. The problems will not only be felt nationwide but globally. Distinct in our human nature is to worry about material concerns that we might deprive our family with.

            The providential visit of our dear Mo. General at the opening of the year, definitely unburdened most of these worries for we knew that someone committed to her mission is here to re-strengthen and encourage each one of us to go on! Mo. Inez arrived the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, in Nazareth School, Sampaloc, Manila. She and Sr. Jocelyn stayed with the Nazarethans for three and a half days. Their visit was announced during the first week of classes after the Christmas vacation. Nazarethans – students, teachers and staff felt excited and envisioned a grand welcome for her and Sr. Jocelyn. For it is not everyday that the Superior of the Congregation, Madre Inez, would pay us a visit.

            Contrary to what most of us expected, the morning after she arrived, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, a very humble but very significant welcome was accorded Mo. General and Sr. Jocelyn.

The children offered Leis or garlands... then another set of bouquets

Below is the children's Dance of Welcome

           

          A simple ceremony was prepared, befitting the Superior who manifested simplicity and humility but radiating love, concern, and kindness. She always wore that smile and gave everyone a nod of recognition. It was not surprising then that most of the students wanted to see, greet and speak to her. Everyone struggled to learn “un poquito” de Español, to express joy and gratitude for her visit.

          Mo. Inez was not only content to stay in the comfort of her home in Sampaloc, Nazareth School.

She visited the vicinity near and not so near the school. She did not ride the school’s service vehicle but equipped with an umbrella, Mo. General with Sr. Jocelyn were joined by our very own Sisters who showed them around. Knowing that most of our students lived near the school, she wanted to have a feel and observe life in the community where our school is situated. Everyone is important and everything about and around these persons are important to our Mo. General.

The other Side of Nazareth School

            One can really witness the commitment she has embraced, that is, the mission that makes her whole. It is evident that she has given herself to her commitment For it is what her life is all about – to closely follow our foundress, Blessed Candida Maria de Jesus, F.I.

          The visit was short but it undoubtedly demonstrated how a Superior – a servant-leader should be: one exuding exemplary virtues of simplicity, humility, and compassion.

One who would really go out of her way to look after all those entrusted to her care – the Sisters, the young boys and girls, the lay collaborators in the Hijas de Jesus mission to continuously share the love and commitment of our Mo. Foundress Candida Maria de Jesus, F.I.

MG Surrounded by Nazareth School Students

 

                    

A Classroom Experience

           

          A Eucharistic celebration, in thanksgiving for the Mo. General’s visit capped the memorable visit with our very own alumnus celebrating the mass, in the person of Fr. Darren Lopez, who claimed that he got his vocation from our dear Nazareth School.

The offering of gifts during the Mass at the Chapel

 

 

Mother General Mª. Inez Furtado and Sr. Jocelyn Salomo pose with the Nazareth School Community...

and a photo op for posterity with the Nazareth School Faculty, Staff and F.I. Community

 

MUCHAS GRACIAS, MADRE Mª. INEZ FURTADO, F.I. y HERMANA JOCELYN SOLOMO, F.I. for making us feel that we have a special place in your hearts!

 

 

 

January 16 - 18, 2009

MOTHER GENERAL Mª. INEZ FURTADO AND GENERAL CONSULTOR, JOCELYN SALOMO AT MANRESA RETREAT HOUSE

 

Mother General and Sr. Jocelyn pose with the MRH community

          Sr. Mª. Inez and Sr. Jocelyn visited the Manresa Retreat House community on January 16- 18, 2009. Mother General’s visit started with the individual encounter, with Sr. Jocelyn doing the translation at least for some. Light moments ensued at mealtimes, and at breakfast, the priest who celebrated the Holy Eucharist would join us for breakfast.

           The visit ended with the community encounter. We were led more deeply into the Formula of the Institute, seeing it in a new light. It was indeed challenging, a deepening into what we have already started as a Province. The challenge set before us as a community in mission is indeed serious: that we witness to the mission of retreat apostolate and make alive our spirituality in this house of prayer. And  this visit has enkindled in each of us this ardent desire.

A brief pause from the encounter for a photo-op

 

 

 Sr. Aida Jallorina, F.I.     

 

 

January 19 – 23, 2009 - Lasang and Stella Maris Academy

MOTHER GENERAL Mª. INEZ FURTADO WITH SR. JOCELYN SALOMO STEPPED ON DAVAO SOIL

          Mother General Mª. Inez Furtado and Sr. Jocelyn Salomo stepped on Davao soil at 3:40 P.M. of January 19, 2009. To welcome them at the airport were Srs. Catherine Cheong and Felicidad de Jesus. They proceeded to the Hijas de Jesus Residence at Lacson St where the rest of the sisters were waiting.

 

The Hijas de Jesus Residence in Lacson Street

A warm and welcoming embrace...

Hello Sr. Jocelyn, it is so good to have you here with us...

Entering the Hijas de Jesus Residence, with Engr. Danilo Perez who provided the car

The Students prepare for their flag ceremony

 

  

she entered a Grade-five class and interacted with some of the students. the Children...

Time out to watch the Dancing Students during their P.E. time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A classroom scene... interacting with the students.

 

The Mass in anticipation of the Year of the Ox

          She also attended the Eucharistic celebration which the educative community had in anticipation of the Chinese New Year.

 

Davao City scenery

 

WELCOME TO LASANG, DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES

          The Insertion Community of Lasang, Davao City, Philippines, welcomed Ma. Inez Furtado, their Superior General with Jocelyn Salomo, one of the General Consultors, last January 22, 2009. Accompanying them in going to Lasang were Sr. Catherine Cheong, and the two sisters of  Lasang, Felicidad de Jesus  and Teresita Saba. The two members of the community of Lasang presented to Mother General their small and cute house.

 

The Cute prayer room of Lasang community. We fix our eyes on Jesus , Mama Mary and Mother Foundress. Sr. Teresita Saba and Sr. Felicidad de JEsus at the prayer room.

           After visiting all the parts of the house, Sr. Felicidad brought them to their improvised  pastoral center.

The Pastoral Center

Mother General, Sr. Felicidad de Jesus and Sr. Teresita Saba at the pastoral center of Lasang

          After a few minutes of rest, again, Sr. Felicidad brought them to Navarro National High School, the public school where the sisters are giving catechesis class to the fourth year students. Mr. Willy Rosal, the principal and some faculty and staff welcomed them in the office.

 

A Walk to Navarro National High School

 

 

Inside the Navarro National High School

 

 

Srs. Ma. Inez and Joy were welcomed by the Principal, Mr. Willy Rosal of Navarro National High School.

          

 

 

The Navarro grounds

          In the parish of St. John the Baptist, they were able to meet Fr. Ricky Peñalosa, the parish priest. After which they proceeded to the construction site of our new house.

          They stayed a little bit longer at the Gabriel Taborin College owned by the Holy Family Brothers. Bro. Davide del Barba was so happy and excited to welcome them in his office. Bro. Davide speaks Spanish so he had a very spontaneous exchange with Mother General.

Srs. Mª. Inez , Jocelyn, Catherine and Felicidad had a long conversation with Bro. Davide, owner of the Gabriel Taborin College.

         

 

 

 The last part that they visited were Bucana and Tambongon, the most depressed area of Lasang where fishing is the means of their livelihood. The government is planning to relocate the families but it needs millions for the budget.

a fishing village called Bucana

Children swimming

     

The on-going construction of the future house of the community in Lasang

 

          The highlight of the visit was the joint communitarian encounter of the communities of Lasang and Stella Maris. Mother General  animated, challenged and helped the sisters to want to become better  Hijas de Jesus. Days after the visit, what she said was still being talked about by the Sisters.

          The visit to Lasang was only for a very short period of time but for those visited   it could be counted as eternity! Our experiences with her is different and very moving, the fact remains that it helps a lot spiritually!  Thank you very much Mª. Inez and Jocelyn! We accompany you with our prayers.

           For us, the Sisters of Davao and Lasang, we are grateful for her visit. It was also very nice to have Sr. Jocelyn Salomo around. The visit strengthened the bond of union among us and made us more zealous to carry out the mission here in Mindanao.  

   

The joint encounter of Mother General with the communities of Davao and Lasang held at the Hijas de Jesus Residence, Lacson Extension, Davao City

a Photo op with Srs. Mª. Inez and Jocelyn: from left to right: Felicidad de Jesus, Teresita Saba, Victoria Lim, Catherine Cheong, Lina Cornelio and Eufemia Solleza. Standing at the back: Felisa Molina

     

         
Sr. Catherine Cheong, F.I. - for Stella Maris Academy
Sr. Teresita Saba, F.I. – for Lasang Community

 

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