VISIT OF LILLIAN AND MARIANA TO HOLY FAMILY PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES (January to March, 2016)

“At the conclusion of the visit to Holy Family Province (Philippines) of Sr. Lillian Ocenar, SSJ and Sr. Mariana Maqueda, SSJ, we express our gratitude to both of them for their unassuming presence in our midst. The simplicity with which they listened and shared our life has become the “message” strongly felt and appreciated by all of us. Together we say: SALAMAT!  GRACIAS!  THANK YOU!” (Excerpts from the letter of HFP Provincial Team to the HFP sisters)

LILLIAN AND MARIANA WITH C-T SILAY (Jan. 18-24)

Lillian and Mariana arrived at Silay-Bacolod Airport at 5:45 p.m. on Jan. 18, 2016. They were welcomed at the airport by all of us (7 community members). When we arrived home we welcomed them with a sumptuous dinner and "kwentuhan" at table. 

The next day, the faculty, staff and students welcomed them with a short program showcasing the Filipino dances and singing talents. 

During the 3rd day of their stay, we invited them to a tour in Hacienda Adela where we were welcomed by a group of "sacadas"  and women residents of the hacienda.  They prepared for us a short program where they presented some of their practices, experiences and stories through their song compositions and poems.   We had an opportunity too, to taste their delicacies in simple snacks they served to us. Before leaving the place, we also had an experience of a carabao ride around their plaza. 

On the following days, we continued our regular schedules. In the morning we do our regular schedule in school and in the Taller; in the afternoon, we have meetings with them wherein we shared about our community and apostolic experiences, how we live the organic model of governance and the year of consecrated life, our following of Jesus the Worker in Nazareth.  

We enjoyed and valued much their presence in the community, and we appreciate their simplicity and humility. Their presence makes us feel closer to the bigger community of the Siervas de San Jose.

LILLIAN AND MARIANA WITH C-T PROVINCIAL HOUSE (Jan. 25-29)

The visit of Lillian and Mariana to our Provincial House Community-Taller from January 25 to 29, 2016, was filled with grace-laden moments, starting with  the Opening Liturgy  prepared by the C-T, invoking the Holy Spirit to accompany us during those four and a half days, and ending with the touching and meaningful Closing Liturgy prepared by Lillian and Mariana.

The first session was a sharing on how each one is, how she is in the following of Jesus,  what help/s her live out her vocation as SSJ and what encourages her most in the Congregation.  Our sharing was marked by simplicity, joy, spontaneity, openness and enthusiasm to share and to listen to each one.  This disposition prevailed in the next sessions which focused on our Communitarian- Apostolic Projects and experience of being a new community, separate from the community of the Madres-Mayores, as well as in all throughout the visit.  

Joy was palpable as we shared our life, ourselves, and our mission with Lillian and Mariana, in our prayers, in the Eucharist, in the sessions, during meals, recreation and informal chats. Sisterly communion was felt, not only with them, but also with the whole Congregation, which they were representing. Special moments of bonding were spent during our visit to historic places in Intramuros, and during the table fellowship at Barbara’s Restaurant and Max Restaurant. 

The visit was an experience of God’s loving presence, concern and support, as it challenged us, directly or indirectly, to live more authentically our Congregational Charism in the realities of our Community-Taller through the mission entrusted to us.   

LILLIAN AND MARIANA WITH C-T MANDALUYONG (Jan. 25 – 30)

C-T Novitiate’s sharing regarding the visit of Lillian and Mariana:

·   The sharing of experiences, questions asked and exchange of stories, concerns and ideas made the visit an experience that emphasizes on our sense of belonging to the congregation. It truly strengthen d bond that connects us. 

·        As we shared, we were enriched by the stories but also we were able to own even more the life (Community-Taller and apostolate) we journeyed.  Giving an account of it made us appreciate even more our vocation as Siervas de San Jose and the urgency of the mission entrusted to us in our specific milieu.

LILLIAN AND MARIANA WITH C-T CEBU (February 3-8, 2016) 

The first Mass with them was incidentally impressive since it was the 2^nd day Novena on the feast of our Lady of Lourdes in our parish for which we, the CT-Cebu TDNC co-workers were the pilgrims and sponsors together with other public and private school pupils/students  and offices of different companies. The church was teeming with the faithful. After the mass was a short program show -casing the workers’ talents and Cebu best in Music and the festive dance of the Sinulog and Cebu-Cebu. It was one way to introduce them.

At the end of the meal, we have to scamper with water and use rain water and ask from our neighbour’s deep well! It was a little taste of poverty!

Our first community meeting was a time for sharing our following of Jesus at this stage in our lives; the helps in living out our SSJ vocation and what in the Congregation animate us most. This was followed by an individual sharing with Sr. Lillian. 

Touring to different historical places in Cebu was another activity we had. It was the first time Sr. Mariana saw these places like the Basiica Minore of Sto. Niño and its Pilgrim Center, Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu, Cebu Museum and other places as we go along.

Attendance at daily masses was in our Lady of Lourdes Parish. The Morning Praise was prayed with our co-workers. The CAP was revisited and discussed with clarifications and verifications. Specific lines include that of the aspect of prevention; career development program for the workers; on-going formation of sisters as crucial. We also shared on how we live Multiculturality and Interculturality.

We had the Celebration of Life on a Sunday and had the Anticipated Mass during the previous night. We enjoyed a refreshing dip at the blue waters at Maribago, Mactan. We dropped by Lapu -Lapu City, the historical site where Magellan fell and died with Lapu-lapu coming out victorious. Passed by the Taoist Temple, had a view of it for a while and prayed. We also had a view of the TOPS, at the mountain side in Busay, Cebu. 

We had a short stop over at IEC Pavilion, feeling being part of that International Eucharistic Congress which happened from January 24-25, 2016.

LILLIAN AND MARIANA WITH C-T ILOILO

February 8 – 12, 2016

The visit of Lillian and Mariana to the Community-Taller Iloilo was a graced moment for all the sisters, staff and residents. 

Arrival of Lillian and Mariana at Holy Family Home, Iloilo

Welcome Program for Lillian and Mariana

The meetings of the two with the community, the individual conference with Lillian plus the daily interaction were privileged experiences of nearness, concern and support. 

During their four-day stay in Iloilo, they  had the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic view of the sea and  agricultural land besides having  a  taste of Iloilo culture through the welcome presentation of the residents, the visit to Miag-ao Church, Jaro Cathedral  and St. Anne’s Parish in Molo where the picture of St. Bonifacia was installed.  

Visit to Miag-ao Church

Inside Miag-ao Church

Visit to St. Anne Parish in Molo

Installed Picture of Mo. Bonifacia at St. Anne Parish

Truly, the visit of Lillian and Mariana has been a source of joy and inspiration to everyone.

Lillian and Mariana with C-T Madres Mayores(Feb. 18-25 a.m.)

A group pose during the Barrio Fiesta Celebration

As C-T Madres Mayores/individuals, the following had been our experiences with Lillian and Mariana during their visit to us (Feb.18- 25 am)

·        They listened not only with their ears but with their heart.

·        Very personalized approach

·        Simplicity and humility in relating; no air of authority

·        Approachable, shows nearness and interest

·        Their presence gives joy and brings the congregation near

·        Their person elicits openness to be ourselves

·        Each sister felt important; concerned about me as a kapatid

·        Challenged me to live my life  as true SSJ by their being and example

·        They are very sport (game na game); no qualms. They wanted to experience how we live our life as Madres Mayores. They joined in our regular activities (e.g., morning exercises, afternoon geriatric recreation, community day)

·        Mariana shows great interest in the Filipino culture

·        They show team working between the two of them and show concern for each other

·        They witness in their life the elements of OMG.

·        Their own sharing of their personal reflections is inspiring and challenging.

·        There is no more difficulty in the language, more free to express oneself in English or vernacular language.

Mariana joining the Relay Game of the Elderly

Lillian competing with Tele in Sungka

Mariana in Filipiniana during the Barrio Fiesta Celebration

C-T Day at Nayong Pilipino

House of Mabini

Mariana with Volly during C-T Day

Mariana & Flor celebrating together their birthday last 22nd of February, 2016

C-T MM group picture with Lillian And Mariana before the two's departure for Spain

LILLIAN AND MARIANA WITH C-T MURPHY (Feb. 25-Mar.1)

To you our dearest Lillian and Mariana,

It has been many days since you left for Spain but the beautiful and challenging memories of your visit to us here in C-T Murphy will remain in our minds and hearts.

Mariana with Eppie (they were juniors together)

Dance number from the Residents

Song & dance number from the Juniors

C-T Murphy dedicating the song "YOU" to Lillian & Mariana

Lillian & Mariana singing their response number: SALAMAT SA IYO

Lillian and Mariana appreciating the gift given by C-T Murphy

Allow us to tell you once again how we appreciate very deeply your short stay with us. We can still remember what you told us, Lillian, during our first meeting when you explained to us the objectives of your visit. Indeed, we can say that all of them were realized most especially this one: “that each sister and each community will be known and will feel that they count to the whole congregation…

During those days of togetherness, you have journeyed with us, like Jesus who journeyed with the two disciples of Emmaus, partaking bread with us, re-inkindling in us the gift of our charism and impassioning us to mission. Your very presence has brought our congregation closer to us and likewise has brought us closer to the congregation. We appreciate so much your simplicity, humility and your being one of us. We felt so much your loving concern and interest in us and in our tasks. You seem not to get tired of listening to us of, of living side by side with us, of looking at us with love and appreciation. Truly we can all say that your visit to us is an experience of GOD’S VISITATION!

Words are, indeed, inadequate to express our gratitude to you, Lillian and Mariana, for everything you had been to us and for everything you had shared with us. May the memories of your visit continue to re-enkindle the Spirit within us and inspire and challenge us to be faithful Siervas de San Jose.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! MUCHAS GRACIAS! MARAMING SALAMAT!

WE LOVE YOU,

C-T MURPHY

P.S.  We would like to thank you, too, for your love and concern for each one of us. Please don’t forget us as we don’t forget you, too. Pray for us and for our good future.

With love - TPMBI RESIDENTS

LILLIAN AND MARIANA WITH C-T ROSARIO (March 2-8)