Preparation of Final Vows

During the past few weeks, we had a series of significant sessions.

First, we had a session on Spiritual Discernment facilitated by Fr. Jordan Orbe, S.J. This session shed light on the process of both personal and community discernment, which takes place in a spirit of prayer. It also enabled us to reflect on our life experiences and our loving relationship with God. Through this session, we learned to distinguish the spiritual movements of consolation and desolation and how to cope with it when we are in those situations.

Second, we had another enriching session on Forgiveness, Reconciliation, and Reparation, facilitated by Sr. Zenobia Gamarra, sscc. This session helped us to recognize our human fragility and the need for reconciliation as a path to personal and communal growth. We also reflected on how to care more compassionately for ourselves and for others. Sr. Zenobia presented this topic with much patience, creativity, love and care. She invited us to enter into the process with openness and sincerity. These three elements are essential in our life and we are called to live out in our everyday life.

Third, is Mission Experience. Sr. Anastasia invited us to immerse ourselves in the lives of the poor. We were given the opportunity to connect concretely with them through ministry in various centers. Some of us served at a home for the elderly run by the Little Sisters of the Abandoned Elderly, whose special mission focuses on the care and dignity of the elderly—around 75 residents live in the center.

Others served in a ministry to the elderly and people with special needs at a center run by the Missionaries of Charity. This center prioritizes loving care for both male and female elderly residents, as well as those with special needs.

On another occasion, some of us stayed for four days in the L’Arche Community, which provides special care for children with special needs. Another group stayed at Cottolengo in Montalban, run by the Providence Congregation. This center also serves children with special needs, the majority of whom are bedridden.

In addition, we had the joy of getting to know the mission of our congregation in Bagong Silang. Each of us had the chance to stay with the sisters there—some for the weekend, others for four days. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn more deeply about the various services the sisters provide.

The mission experiences in different communities helped us to encounter the face of God in the poor and strengthened our sense of closeness, compassion, and flexibility. Each one of us is grateful for the formation received and for the opportunity to engage with the different realities of life.

In conclusion, we also had the chance to celebrate life and Easter together, both among ourselves and with our brothers. This moment marked a sign of fraternity and joy. On her birthday, Judith shared: “I was so touched by the attention of my sisters—their creativity deeply marked my day and brought me joy.” What has been sown in love finds its place in communion.

05/27/2025