OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE CONGREGATION OF DOMINICAN SISTERS OF ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA

P SIENA TULAY

Vol. 7 No. 2 PHILIPPINES July- September 2009

I have made a bridge of my Son, with walls and a roof of mercy. and the hostelry of holy Church is there, lest journeying pilgrims faint on the way. Dialogue 21:27

Message

May I share with you the following reflection on the following gospel verse:

Jesús said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” (Mt. 19:14).

Jesus was addressing/challenging the apostles to become molders and formators of persons in their tender age. In the light of our Congregation´s mission, this

challenge of Jesus particularly resound in our ears as we continue the delicate task of forming, molding and shaping the lives of the people, including those who are not young anymore, who are entrusted to our care in our schools, hospitals and retreat houses. The ultimate goal of our endeavors is for them to become or remain authentic Christians, not just friends but faithful followers of Jesus. It is bringing them to Christ, this is what underlines our strivings as educators, teachers, formators, administrators of hospitals and retreat houses. Hopefully, we can help our charges in their integral continuing formation in order to make them men and women whom God and society can be proud of.

“Let the children come to me.” What a noble task Christ has entrusted to us! With our own human weaknesses, we realize how much we have to transform ourselves in order to be worthy of such a noble task! We are confident, and we trust, that God will help us through

From the desk of THE COMMISSION ON GOVERNMENT

RELIGIOUS CONSECRATION: Chair: Sr. Ma. Sofia Taguinod, OP Members: M. Stella Salao, OP Sr. Violeta Franco, OP Sr. Ana Celestial, OP S. Loreta Oranza, OP

LITURGY AND PRAYER: Chair: Sr. Maria Rosa Go, OP Members. Sr. Geraldine Damian, OP Sr. Melanie Doña, OP Sr. Gina Galang, OP SCHOOL APOSTOLATE: Chair: Sr. Cecilia Espenilla, OP Members: Sr. Anna Marie Gatmaytan, OP Sr. Rosalinda Guerrero, OP Sr. Zenaida Mofada, OP Sr. Calista Siyambalapitiya, OP HEALTH CARE AND OTHER RELATED MINISTRIES: Chair: Sr. Mesalina Cloma, OP Members. Sr. Florecilla Inzon, OP Sr. Ma. Jesusa Enginco, OP Sr. Melpómene Titong, OP Sr. Mary Fe Encarnación, OP

FORMATION: Chair: M. Ma. Aurora Villaverde, OP Members: Sr. Adelina Navarrete, OP Sr. Mangalika Fernando, OP Sr. Rhea Castillo, OP GOVERNMENT: Chair: M. Teresa Examen, OP Members: M. Ma. Cecilia Calaguas, OP Sr. Ma. Aurelia Navarro, OP Sr. Estelita Carbon, OP Sr. Priyantha Fernando, OP Sr. Caroline Capili, OP ECONOMIC ADMINISTRATION: Chair: Sr. Ma. Concepta Roque, OP Members: Sr Leonila Jiménez, OP Sr. Seldita Tiorosio, OP Sr. Bernadette Izon, OP Sr. Luzmin Oani, OP Chapter Coordinator: Sr. Ma. Sofia Taguinod, OPChapter Secretary: Sr. Susana Bravante, OPAssistant Secretaries: Sr. Zenaida Domingo, OP Sr. Myra delos Santos, OP Sr. Fedelyn Bueno, OP

GENERAL CHAPTER COMMISSIONSGeneral Chapter 2009

During the General Council Meeting last September 2, 2009, the Council created the General Chapter Commissions with corresponding chair and members, appointed the

General Chapter Coordinator and Chapter Secretary and Assistant Secretaries. It also appointed/invited non-delegate representatives of Superiors and Administrators to the Pre-Chapter activities (November 23 – December 5, 2009) for mutual enrichment of ideas and experiences (Acts 126, 2009).

UPDATES ON THE GENERAL CHAPTER DECEMBER 2009 PREPARATIONS

NB: September 21 - Commission Chair´s meeting with the Chapter Coordinators for proper direction of work.

September 22 – 24 - C o m m i s s i o n workshop (chair and members) on the collated Evaluation Questionnaire & additional proposals and recommendations leading to the finalization of the working documents.

Invited/Appointed Non-Delegate representative of Superiors and Administrators.

1. Sr. Felisa Sinobago, OP2. Sr. Inocencia Saavedra, OP3. Sr. Virginia Balayon, OP4. Sr. Anabella Diaz, OP5. Sr. Corazon Jaso, OP6. Sr. Charis Gavan, OP7. Sr. Meriam Litor, OP8. Sr. Mary Ann Allag, OP9. Sr. Susana Bravante, OP10. Sr. Arlyn Asor, OP, OP

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Congregational Research and Development Office (CORDO)

1. Submission of Program Budget Performance Report 2008-2009 & June 30, 2009 - Program Budget Proposal for 2009 - 2010

2. July 29 BLESSING OF THE CONGREGATIONAL AND RESEARCH OFFICE ( CORDO) by Father Fredie

3. VISITS – SEMINAR-WORKSHOP ON PROJECT PROPOSAL MAKING and Sharing of Some Researches made on Spirituality & Apostolate3.1. July 14-17 Visit to Holy Triinity College, Puerto

Princesa City, Palawan3.2. August 11 & 12 - Visit to Holy Rosary of School of

Pardo, Cebu3.3. August 13 & 14 - Visit to Siena School of Naga,

Cebu3.4. August 18-20 - VisIt to St. Michael Academy,

Catarman, Samar

4. OTHER VISITS MADE Japanese Embassy, CHED, FAPE & CEAP Offices

5. PROPOSALS APPROVED – June to August, 2009

5.1. Scholarship for Night High School Students _ Colegio del Santisimo Rosario, Libmanan, Camarines Sur-Holy Childhood –Propogation of Faith

5.2. Construction Multi- Purpose Room, Danlog, Camarines Sur-Extension Services Programs of Dominican School of Pilar and Congregation - Friends from Europe

5.3. Water System for Mother Francisca Spirituality Center - City of San Jose, Bulacan - Missio

5.4. Mother Francisca Outreach Activities for all the O.P.-Siena Schools and other Apostolates- Conference of Bishops of Italy

6. IMPORTANT EVENTS ATTENDED6.1- June 8, 2009 Blessing of Siena College of San Jose

College Department formerly Hillsdale College 6.2 July 24, 2009 Grand Alumni Homecoming-Siena

College of Quezon City6.3. August 22 & 23 - First Dominican Mission

Congress – Dom inican Family6.4. August 24 Foundress Day Activities

7. Handouts Given7.1 Instruments of God-September Article from “May I

Have This Dance”, by Joyce Rupp. 7.2. St. Francis Health Care System of Hawaii

Guidelines/Organizational Code of Ethics7.3. Standard for Quality Teaching & Learning-

from Hawaii Professional Dev. Academy

Last March 29-31, 2009, the 12th Regional Chapter was celebrated at the Mother Francisca Spirituality Center, Arradaza Street, Lagao, General Santos City.

Thirty six (36) perpetually professed Sisters convened to deliberate and decide on the recommendations; the results from the survey conducted by the nine Commissions on Consecrated Life, Liturgy and

Prayer, School Apostolate, Health Care Apostolate, Other Related Ministries, Formation, Government, Economic Administration and the new Commission on Cause of Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo. Elections of the Regional Officials for the next three years; 2009-2012 highlighted the celebration. Present were Rev. Mother Teresa Examen, OP, Prioress General and Rev. Fr. Honorato Castigador, OP canonist and consultant.

The newly elected Regional Officials are as follows:

Sr. Estelita Carbon, OP - Regional VicaressSr. Ma. Virginia Balayon, OP - 1st Regional Councilor (2nd term)Sr. Anna Marie Gatmaytan, OP - 2nd Regional Councillor (2nd term)Sr. Ma. Seldita Tiorosio, OP - 3rd Regional Councillor Sr. Ma. Caridad Braña, OP - 4th Regional Councillor (2nd term)Sr. Ma. Agnes Cardiño, OP - Regional SecretarySr. Ma. Teresa Cruz, OP - Regional Treasurer (2nd term)Sr. Zenaida Mofada, OP - Regional Coordinator of Schools (2nd term)

For all that has been, thanks be to God! For what shall be, we beg the grace of God!

REGIONAL VICARIATE OF MINDANAO CELEBRATED ITS 12TH REGIONAL CHAPTER

SALIENT EVENTS June 1 to August 31, 2009

“Praise and thanks to our Lord, our Lady, St. Joseph ll the saints and through the intercession of Mother Franicsca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes”

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From the office for CONTINUING FORMATION

A brief diagnosis of Religious Life today.

“This is a critical moment for Religious Life. Critical, not catastrophic. Not apocalyptic. Rather, a period of transition. The old religious models of the past do not seem to fit into, nor respond to, the evangelical demands of the contemporary world and Church. Furthermore, they apparently do not facilitate the radical following of Christ which is the raison d’etre of Religious Life.

… new models must foster and channel Gospel experiential practices of faith; of God’s presence; of common life; of real poverty, with total trust in God’s providence and in solidarity with the poor of the world; and with the experience of a truly evangelical mission.

With these essential elements as bases, perhaps the structural and institutional religious models of the future will turn out to be more fluid and less rigid. A good number of things of secondary importance have, with the passing of time, come to be regarded as essential. Critical turning points aim precisely at this: at distinguishing between the essential and the superfluous. Right now we are in one such moment.”

Does Religious Life look still relevant in the contemporary world?

“Looked at from the present, it does not appear as terribly relevant. The world around us does not seem to take notice of our presence, and much less is it questioned by our way of life.

In one of the best reflections on the Religious Life and the Church and the World, B. Metz charged religious with the mission of being “crush therapy”, a “spur” or stimulus for the Church and society. It’s being repeated, possibly ad nauseam, that Religious Life does many things, and does them well; but, in spite of this, it is becoming less and less relevant. Religious are praised for what they do rather than for what they are.

I believe that Religious Life is called to be a “sign” in the midst of the contemporary world, not so

much for it’s apostolic successes (work) as for its specifically Gospel values. Isn’t today’s world in need of mystical experiences, of a sense of the Absolute, of openness to the transcendent? Isn’t today’s world suffocated by individualism and loneliness, and therefore, in need of community, of communication, of “communion”? Isn’t it in need of faith and hope and of the “poor” who are capable of believing, trusting, hoping… in spite of everything? Isn’t today’s world, sufficient and competitive as it looks, in need of gratuitousness, a gratuitousness as absolute as “forgiveness”?..

When Religious Life becomes truly evangelical, it will have a meaning in today’s world and, in fact, in all worlds. For this, Religious Life must show evangelical “signs”. Now, such signs are not improvised or taught. They are a gift, and a responsibility. Every religious community should ask itself what it offers to society: well ordered services, or an evangelical experience as well?

Any Message to Religious in general, and to the Dominicans in particular, and still more specifically, to the Dominicans in the Philippines?

… Religious Life is not a matter of mere willfulness on our part. It is, above all, the work of the Spirit. It becomes necessary, therefore, to remain attentive to his voice and open to his work. Moreover, Religious Life, like any other kind of life, is subject to the temptation of “spectacular success”. Perhaps this where lies the danger for the future. We can mistake success and social acceptance for evangelical identity. It’s good to aim at many vocations, but not forgetting vocation discernment.

On occasion, religious institutes have widened the reality and scope of their charisms in order to accommodate everybody within them; but the end result has been that neither Gospel life has grown in such institutes nor have there been more “workers for the Vineyard” – only more problems for the communities concerned.

I was impressed, and my mind was set to think, by something I read some time ago: “few” vocations are needed, but “different” ones.

Religious Life Today

As we prepare for our General Chapter in December 2009. I would like to invite you to reflect with me “Religious Life Today” (an interview with Felicisimo Martinez, OP our

brother from the Province of the Holy Rosary).

On August 5, 2009 with Sr. Lanie I left for Sri Lan-ka to facilitate the renewal program of our sis-

ters. Since they could not all be out of their places at the same time, they were divided into 2 groups: first group was scheduled on August 9 – 14 and the second group on August 16 – 24.

With the theme “Open to God… Open to the fullness of Life”, I decided to share with them our Domini-can Life using the framework of our Constitutions and Directory. This was time-ly since we are preparing for the General Chapter in De-cember 2009 and the revi-sion of the BCD. After each session, they went through answering the General Chap-ter question-naires.

The first group

renewal program was held at the Retreat House in Tewatta where Our Lady of Sri Lanka is enshrined. This big place is owned by the diocese. Daily Fr. Jun Sipalay, OP celebrated the Holy Mass with us. Of course, we had very good homilies from our Do-minican brother. Jun has been in Sri Lanka for al-most 2 years now.

The Retreat House of the Bl. Sacrament Fathers in

Hanwalla was our venue for the second group… also a very lovely, quiet place. We benefited also from the Eucharistic celebrations and homi-lies of the Bl. Sacrament Fathers.

For me, it was indeed a wonderful experience to be with our Sri Lankan sisters, praying with them, bonding with them, listening to them and to their aspirations. I found them very alive, living a sim-ple lifestyle, well-loved by people, in particular,

their parish priests. The ministry in Sri Lanka is a witness of what is truly a col-laborative work of the sisters and the priests: Religious Life at the service of the Church.

Sr. Lanie and I were fortunate to be with Sr. Priyantha Fernan-do, OP (delegate of the Prioress General) on her silver jubilee of religious profes-sion. The different

celebrations were testimonies of how much she is respected and loved by the people she serves.

To all our Sri Lankan Sisters: Maraming Salamat, po for your kindness and worth remembering hospitality. It was my first time to be treated like a “bishop”. How can I forget all of you!

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A Sri Lanka Experience

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BLESSING OF THE ANNEX BUILDING OF SIENA COLLEGE OF SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY June 8, 2009

O n S c h o o l A P O S T O L A T E

H T C T O H T U

Final Visit of the CHED Chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Angeles and Commissioners Relative to the Application of Holy Trinity College

for the Grant of University Status.

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St. Martin’s Mission Hospital is now on its 18th year of operation. It shares in the mission of the Vicariate specifically on the healthcare apostolate.

While there are pay and private wards, the income from these wards is just enough to maintain operation.

The Mother Francisca Charity Program has also been existing since the beginning of the hospital. The program has continued through the generous donations from benefactors and friends.

Mother Francisca Charity Program

Hospital-based – St. Martin’s Mission Hospital, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Recipients: for the indigent sick especially the indigenous peoples of Sablayan and neighboring towns (Mangyans, Alangans, Batangans)

Services

Free outpatient consultation Medicines are given with a minimum

counterpart on the recipients Php 2.00 for every bottle of medicine Php 0.25 for every tablet In-patient Services No professional fees Free lodging Recipients are given rice to be cooked, with

noodles or sardines Free medicines of admitted patients

Sources of Funds

Our doctors and staff provide free service for our charity patients

From funding and donations For outpatients – consultation is always free,

medicines are given depending on availability For inpatients – patients are admitted as

necessary and as indicated. Medicines are given for free.

A P O S T O L A T EO n H e a l t h

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From the SISTERS ABROAD

Choosing the best season would be difficult because they are all special.

They each have something to offer and are unique in everyway. WINTER is a marvellous season because it is so beautiful to see everything covered with a white sheet of snow. SPRING is a good season because it is between winter and summer. You see life in everything…flowers begin to bloom and chirping birds fill the morning sky. One feels comfortable wearing a light jacket outside instead of a heavy warm coat. AUTUMN is also a great season because of all the colourful leaves falling even though they are a hassle to pick up or sweep. But WHEN SUMMER COMES, all those great seasons are blown out of the water. It is the perfect weather to go to shore and just relax, a great time too for vacation since school is over. But for Filipina Dominicans like us who were trained in school are missing the opportunity to explore and develop new ideas since Italy doesn’t offer summer classes unlike in the Philippines where there are a lot of activities designed to develop skills are offered. However, we keep ourselves busy with the activities of our respective Filipino community like, Flores de Mayo, Fiesta of Collegio Filippino and other activities.

Summer is also a time for us to go for vacation as well as to accommodate Sisters who are on personal/sabbatical travel. For instance, last May 21, we collected Sr. Charis and Sr. Fedelyn at the Fiumicino airport late in the evening. They are in Europe to visit important places concerning the Dominican History. They arrived late in the evening yet the following day on the Feast of St. Rita of Cascia they travelled to Spolleto, Umbria, Italy with Ms. Flor Icasiano, administrative and cultural officer of the Philippine Embassy to the Holy See and Sr. Jeany. It was a big surprise to meet a group of Filipino delegation (devotees) from Guiguinto, Bulacan

headed by Bishop Jose Oliveros. The Feast was preceded by the signing of the Twinning between Cascia and Guiguinto Bulacan devotees on the evening of May 21st. The celebration of the Holy Eucharist the following morning was presided by His Eminence Cardinal Antonelli, prelate of Umbria. He defined

WHEN SUMMER COMES

the presence of St. Rita in the history as a radiant light, a ray of love. Being in the land of St. Rita who was a wife and a mother, Cardinal Antonelli could not miss a reference to the family. He said that families nowadays are isolated; they face many challenges and often cannot cope with them. He asked everyone to invoke St. Rita to ensure that in every corner of the world network of families and meetings of friendship will happen. Before the final blessing Monsignor Fontana, Bishop of Spolleto, acknowledged and thanked bishop Oliveros together with the Filipinos. He said “Filipinos ae not strangers in the land of St. Rita and they are honoured today”. After which, we were privileged to enter and pray near the corpse of St. Rita.

Summer, isn´t just getting away from work, or relaxing but we continue to seek opportunities to grow spiritually and to live in communion with God and others as we do everyday

Editor-in-Chief: Sr. Ma. Aurelia Navarro, OP

Contributors: Sr. Melanie Doña, OP Sr. Ma. Rosa Go, OP Sr. Caridad Braña, OP Sr. Fatima Gomez, OP Sr. Jeany Reburiano, OPSr. Felicidad Lala, OP

Sr. Mary Fe Encarnacion, OP Sisters in the Formation

Layout: Sr. Myra delos Santos, OP

Sisters in Rome, Italy

Sisters Angelita Codilla, Fely Lala and Gloria Camitan with the Bishop and Franciscan Priests they work with in the parish of

St. Thomas Aquinas, Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S.A.

Sisters assigned in Ethiopia during the visit of the former Master of the Order, Bro. Timothy Radcliffe. 9

THE TWO (2) NEW POSTULANTS:

MARILOU CIRJUALES OPTIMA (First photo: 9th place from left)October 23, 1973Dawis, Bohol

SHERRY CABUNGCAL TRINIDAD(First photo: 6th place from left)September 14, 1987Hermosa, Bataan

WELCOME TO THE POSTULANCY

dear MARILOU & SHERRY !!

THANK YOU SISTERS for your prayers for more

vocation to our Congregation!

Sr. Teresita M. Medalle, OP(December 30, 1934-august 2, 2009)

In March 2001, Sr. Teresita Medalle or Sr. Tess as she is fondly called, suffered a major stroke in Puerto Princesa City I the midst of urgent converging year-end activities in the school and the mid-term evaluation of the Congregation. She was airlifted to Manila and began an eight-month long confinement in the hospital before she was transferred to the Motherhouse in December 2001 for rehabilitation. The abrupt interruption of Sr. Tess´ busy life was a clear and strong testament of God´s call as in Isaiah 48:17; thus, “I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.”

God´s promise started at Sr. Tess´ birth on December 30, 1934 in Cebu City. Her parents, Vicente Medalle and Figuracion Miel, probably felt this when they consented to let her go to the convent in 1957. she finished her elementary and secondary education in Cebu city and completed her Bachelor´s degree in Pharmacy, Master´s degree and Doctorate in Education all at the University of Sto. Tomas, Manila. She also had Piano, voice and Yamaha lessons. Her love for music was an irresistible interest which gave her immense joy. She pronounced her first vows on December 18, 1958 and her perpetual vows on July 12, 1964. she celebrated the golden jubilee of her religious profession on December 6, 2008. On that occasion she haltingly read her message of thanks on behalf of her group and focused on “God dwelling in grateful hearts” and “life becoming a treasure box of golden memories”

She graced her places of assignment in Gattaran, Cagayan, Catarman, Samar, Calabayog, Samar, Siena College, QC, and Holy Trinity College, Puerto Princesa City with her drive for institutional accreditation and academic excellence while pursuing her musical affairs. In 1980, she was elected as Chair of the Council on Education and superintendent of OP-Siena schools for two terms, from 1980 to 1986. She was College President in siena College, QC from 1977 to 1980 and College President of Holy Trinity College, Puerto Princesa city from 1987 to 2001.

On July 9, 2009, Sr. Tess was brought to the hospital for hypotension, loss of appetite and other complications. She succumbed to kidney failure and died of cardiac arrest in the morning of August 2, 2009. The eternal God, the “creator of the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 40:29) has claimed His own for He said: “I have called you by name: you are mine, I created you for my glory” (Isaiah 43:7). How blessed is Sr. Tess to have been called by God from the ends of the earth!

Sr. Alicia Condalor, OP(September 13, 1949- April 22, 2009)

The pretty cherubic face of Sr. Alice at her wake belied the pain and suffering she had endured silently. Two years ago, on her birthday, September 13, 2007, Sr. Alice had a severe Bronchial asthma attack while at Mass in General Santos City. Although she was rushed to the hospital, the attack left her comatose for a year and seven months. In March 2008, she was airlifted and confined at the Motherhouse Infirmary where she passed away very calmly at 12:46 p.m. on April 22, 2009. For someone like Sr. Alice, known for her cheerfulness and amiability, her condition which muted her and stiffened her limbs, must have caused her the unspeakable agony of not being able to communicate what was in her mind and heart. God gave her extraordinary cross to purify her and usher her straight into heaven to rejoice eternally with His angels and saints.

Sr. Alice was the eldest of five children born to Joventina Dalimocon and Canuto Condalor on September 13, 1949 in Hiraan, Carigara, Leyte. The family moved to South Cotabato where she finished her elementary education in 1964 and her high school in 1969 at Notre Dame of Dadiangas for Girls, General Santos City. She got her degree in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the Notre Dame College of Dadiangas in 1973. Three years later, in 1976, she entered the convent and made her first profession in 1979 and her perpetual profession in 1984. At her death she was 49 years old and 29 years in the religious life.

She loved teaching and had a special touch with children. She had always been a teacher of grade school, especially kindergarten pupils. She had a training in Early Childhood Education at the Chaminade University in Hawaii. She taught in St. James Academy, Malabon, Holy Rosary School, Pardo, Cebu City, Siena College, QC, Siena College, Taytay, Rizal, Immaculate Conception School, Lihue, Hawaii, St. Michael School, Waialua, Hawaii, Notre Dame of Lagao, General Santos, City, St. Anthony of Padua, Passaic, New Jersey, and Notre Dame of General Santos City. Her SPED class in Siena College, QC adored her as a special friend.

“The souls of the virtuous are in the hands of God, no torment shall ever touch them. In the eyes of the unwise, they did appear to die, their going looked like a disaster, their leaving us, like annihilation; but they are in peace. If they experienced punishment as men see it, their hope was rich with immortality; slight was their affliction, great will their blessings be. God has put them to the test and proved them worthy to be with Him; He has tested them like gold in a furnace, and accepted them as a holocaust” (Wisdom 3:6). We believe that God has chosen Sr. Alice to be with such souls.

May they rest in peace. Amen