MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER

S t . S c h o l a s t i c a ’ s P r i o r y 2 7 M a g a l l a n e s D r i v e , S i l a n g C r o s s i n g W e s t , T a g a y t a y C i t y P H I L I P P I N E S

Vol. V No. 2 June - July 2016

MANILA PRIORY Page 2

June 19, 2016 was a very special day for all of

us, especially for the four Golden Jubilarians and one

Silver Jubilarian. Sr. Rosalind Tanhueco, OSB, Sr.

Mary Vincent Feliciano, OSB, Sr. Genevieve Benares,

OSB and Sr. Guadalupe Valdez, OSB were the happy

Golden Jubilarians, while Sr. Rose Ann Leonardo,

OSB was the lone Silver Jubilarian. Sr. Rose Ann’s

other companion, Sr. Ruth Bartonico, OSB, is

currently the Prioress of our Peramiho Priory and will

be celebrating her Silver Jubilee with our Sisters in

Tanzania.

The Thanksgiving Mass with Renewal of

Vows, which started at 10:30 a.m., was held in the

chapel of the Priory House in Tagaytay. It was

presided by Most Rev. Archbishop Emeritus Paciano

Aniceto, D.D. and concelebrated by Fr. Dudley T.

Villanueva, SSS and Fr. Austin Cadiz, OSB. Since the

chapel is quite small for a large number of visitors and

Sisters from our nearby stations, chairs were set up in

the adjacent community room where a large screen

projector was placed. Another screen projector was

likewise placed along the corridor outside of the

chapel. Because of this set-up the guests who could

not be accommodated in the chapel were able to

follow the whole Eucharistic Celebration and the

Renewal of Vows of the Jubilarians. Our Prioress

General, Mother Angela Strobel was the one who

received the renewal of vows of the Sisters. Mother

Angela and Sr. Lumen Gloria Dungca, our Vicaress,

are in the Philippines for their Canonical

Visitation.

From the beautiful introduction given by

Sr. Josefina Nepomuceno, OSB before the start of

the Liturgical Celebration, we were amused to

learn that all the Golden Jubilarians came from

large families with siblings ranging from 8 to 12.

This was in contrast to our Silver Jubilarian – Sr.

Rose Ann – who is an only child.

After the Liturgical celebration all the

guests enjoyed the sumptuous meal catered by one

of the famous chain of restaurants “CABALEN”.

Once again, we congratulate our Golden and Silver

Jubilarians.

And now we look forward to the Diamond

Jubilee of Religious Profession of our Sr.

Winfrieda Bugayong, OSB.

May God continue to sustain you all with His

loving presence.

By: Sr. Carmel Simpauco, OSB

JUBILEE CELEBRATIONJUBILEE CELEBRATIONJUBILEE CELEBRATION

L-R: Sr. Rose Ann, Sr. Rosalind, Sr. Lydia, Mother Adelaida, Mother Angela, Sr. Lumen

Gloria, Sr. Mary Vincent, Sr. Guadalupe. Sr. Genevieve (seated)

Page 3 Vol. V No. 2 June - July 2016

Our mission school in Sum-ag, HOLY

FAMILY HIGH SCHOOL celebrated its GOLDEN

JUBILEE of Foundation held last June 18, 2016.

Bishop Emeritus Navarra, DD was the main celebrant

at the Jubilee Eucharistic celebration. Since this

Jubilee Day coincided with the friendly visit of

Mother General Angela Strobel with Mother Vicaress

Lumen Gloria Dungca, we were all over-joyed

celebrating together this momentous occasion. The

evening Cultural Show and Recognition Ceremony

included special citations for our early pioneers

particularly our German Sisters and benefactors,

former principals, distinguished alumnae, all HFHS

alumnae who are presently employed at SSAB and

HFHS and alumnae who entered the religious life.

By: Sr. Vicenta Anuran, OSB

Mother Angela

Strobel, OSB and Sister

Lumen Gloria Dungca,

OSB had their visitation of

Saint Scholastica’s Acad-

emy Tabunok Community

from July 4 – 5, 2016. Sr.

Maureen Cariaga, OSB,

Sr. Roseve Balagat, OSB

and Sr. Bernadetta Choi,

OSB fetched them from

Mactan International Air-

port, Lapu-Lapu City in the morning of July 4.

Upon arrival from the school grounds, they were met

by some employees and students. The members of

the Dance Club welcomed our revered visitators

with their Pit Señor dance accompanied by the Drum

and Bugle Corps. Mother Angela gave a short

message and words of thanks. Then, the sisters

proceeded to the convent chapel where all sang the

Benedictus and a short prayer read by Sr. Maureen.

After a break, midday was prayed and lunch

followed. After siesta was the opening session in

which the sisters made a casual introduction of

themselves including their assignments, what they

are doing now and also their work in the previous

years. The Sisters then took snacks with the

visitators and the individual interviews followed.

In the morning of July 5, Sister Maureen

gave the visitators a tour of the school and were

brought especially to the newly constructed Senior

High School Building. The interviews were

continued and then we had a “photo ops” with

Mother Angela and Sister Lumen Gloria. While

waiting for Midday, M. Angela and Sr. Lumen

Gloria shared some stories to the Sisters which filled

our community room with laughter. After lunch, the

visitators were brought to the airport for their flight

to Manila. The visitation was short but, it was a joy

filled day for all of us.

By: Sr. Martha Lugtu, OSB

Standing L-R: Sr. Margaret Mary, Sr. Bernadetta,

Sr. Maureen, Sr. Roseve, and Sr. Martha

Seated L-R: Sr. Lumen Gloria and M. Angela

MANILA PRIORY Page 4

It was indeed a grace-filled Jubilee Trip in the

making. Mother Adelaida, OSB and sixteen OSB

sisters and six SPA lay staff made the “Balik

Marihatag” travel to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of

Foundation of the CBS Immersion Community last

June 2-5, 2016. There to welcome the big group were

the members of the current CBS community- Sr.

Melanie, Sr. Guadalupe, Sr. Nicole, Sr. Agatha together

with the host families who gladly accommodated some

sisters in their homes. The sisters had a lot of fun to see

once again many of the marihatagnon friends which

evoked lots of fond memories.

The theme of the celebration “Balik tan-aw ug

pagpalig-on sa kaakuhan uban sa mga Layko sa

Hugot na pagserbisyo alang sa mga kabos” served as

guide for reflection in the various organized activities

participated in by the sisters, lay partners and

parishioners that include:

June 3, 2016-

Vibrant Eucharistic Celebration presided by Most

Rev. Nerio P. Odchimar, DD, and Bishop of

Tandag Diocese concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Nestor

Climaco, Rev. Msgr. Florio Falcon, and Rev. Fr.

Nelson Espinola. Sr. Celine Saplala, OSB (First

CBS marihatag superior-1991-1993) and Mo.

Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB set the jubilee spirit of the

celebration by giving the historical background of

the CBS Marihatag immersion community, its

mission and challenges and words of gratitude and

appreciation to God and to the Marihatagnons for

all the support, commitment, forgiveness and love

shared with our sisters assigned in Marihatag in the

past twenty five years.

Forum on Laudato Si, Climate Change for the

Philberth youth scholars and their parents

facilitated by Sr. Cecille ido, OSB.

Ecology travel tour and tree planting by the sisters,

youth and adult volunteers in the CBS reforestation

project site at the Cabahian mountain slope. They

brought along with them assorted fruit bearing and

forest seedlings. Each one experienced the joy of

planting the seedlings in their assigned patches. The

planters went home tired but happy and full of hope that

newly planted seedlings will bear much fruit for the

future generation to enjoy.

June 4, 2016-

Dialogue of life and gift giving with the Manobo Lumad

evacuees who are on their 9th month of suffering in the

evacuation center at the Tandag oval sports center. The

sisters and all their companions listened to the updates

of the file cases, arrest and speedy trial attained for

justice for the victims of the Siptember 1, 2015 Lianga

masacre. Amidst the sufferings, the lumad Manobo

leaders and the rest of the evacuees can still see the

glimmer of light. They are still thankful to the people

who continue to sincerely help them in order to attain

real justice.

Deep community prayer, amazing meals and snacks

followed one after the other and sharing of fond

memories (with Bishop Odchimar and family friends in

Brgys. Antipolo and Mabog and yes, swimming for a

few minutes at the tree park beach) as the time could

allow made our “Balik Marihatag” experience so joyful

and meaningful.

The jubilee participants are so grateful for all the bountiful

blessings and guidance of the Merciful Father all the way in

the past 25 years upon the CBS Marihatag Mission. They

were led to a deeper realization that the Jubilee celebration

is not only a very precious gift but a clarion call for us to be

renewed and strengthened for mission to effectively and

urgently respond to the cry of the poor, the cry of the earth

wherever we are and to “persevere in running the race

that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,

the leader and perfecter of faith” (Heb 12:1-2).

By: Sr. Odilia Bulayungan, OSB

L-R: Sr. Melanie, Sr. Agatha, Sr. Nicole, Sr. Guadalupe

MANILA PRIORY Page 5

Sr. M. Cecille Ido, OSB facilitated the two-

full day seminar on the theme: “ Stewardship and

care for the earth in a special Jubilee Year of Mercy”,

last June 25-27, 2016. There were 52 participants

from different organizations, parishes, schools and

religious congregations who eagerly responded to this

week-end program offered by St. Benedict’s

Resource Center of St. Scholastica’s Center of

Spirituality. This seminar hopes to motivate

participants to a deeper reverence and respect for

God’s creation and encourage them to address

environmental problems, especially as they affect the

poor and vulnerable people.

The 1st Session began with a reflection…

“If there are children in so many parts of the

world who have nothing to eat. Is this also happening

in the Philippines? How do you feel about this? What

have you done and can do about it?

On the 2nd Session the groups has a creative

presentation on “Living Mercy”: An experience of

Mercy.

Discussion goes on on…….. How does care

of creation belong to the works of Mercy?

What kind of world do we want to leave to

those who come after us, to children who are now

growing up?” (§160).

Need for awareness of What is happening to

our common home, and to dare to turn what

is happening to the world into our own

personal suffering and thus to discover what

each of us can do about it” (§19).

Concrete actions large and small – from the

everyday actions of good ecological citizens

(§211) can pressure national governments to

implement what they have promised to the

international effort to reduce greenhouse gas

pollution.

The 3rd Session focuses on LAUDATO SI.

The universe unfolds in God, who fills it

completely. There is a mystical meaning in every

creature, of every reality. Laudato Si, 233

Laudato Si’ . . .

is concerned with the mentality that has

created global warming and the moral

failure behind people’s inability to act.

is a plea for the restoration of relationships:

that includes God, mankind and the natural

world.

denounces a “throw away culture,” where

the poor, the elderly, the unborn, the

unemployed, the migrant and the disabled

are cast to the margins for lack economic

utility.

charts a pathway back to healing and

renewal and in its core idea of “integral

ecology“.

calls for Ecological Conversion, to make a

huge shift and to look at all reality through

the eyes of our mother earth.

Laudato Si’ has the potential to create a

movement of action and ideas that will last

long after Pope Francis’ pontificate.

It will challenge the western world, cutting

Page 6 Vol. V No. 2 June - July 2016

across the polarities of left and right, liberal

and conservative, exposing the individualism

at the heart of contemporary elite narratives.

It will challenge free-market libertarians to

care for the earth, and liberal ecologists to

care for the unborn. It will trigger a new kind

of orthodoxy, one defined as much by the

way we live as what we think.

Yet to most Catholics, and to most people of

goodwill, it will speak to the hearts and

minds of our generation, and prick millions

into prayer and action.

It will help shape … a new future, and bring

new hope.

The 4th SESSION was all about:

THE STATE OF THE PHILIPPINE

ENVIROMENT

I. The Philippine’s rich resources

Abundant agricultural lands

Rich forest ecosystems

Teeming marine life

Vast mineral wealth

Abundant freshwater supply

Many power sources

Unparalleled biodiversity: The Philippines is

one of the 18 mega-diverse countries

globally and the epicenter of marine

biodiversity. The country's rate of endemism

is one of the highest worldwide

II. Poverty in Paradise

Less forests, more disasters

Agricultural Instability and Food Insecurity

Fresh water for profit, No water for the

people

Degraded coastal ecosystems declining

fisheries

Unplanned Urbanization

Poverty and the lack of access, ownership

and control of people of their ecosystems

Mining Liberalization

III. What needs to be done

Environmental advocacy should be PRO-

PEOPLE.

Environmental advocacy should be

SCIENTIFIC and PROGRESSIVE.

Environmental advocacy should be

NATIONALIST and PATRIOTIC.

Environmental advocacy should OPPOSE

GLOBAL EXPLOITATION AND

OPPRESSION.

The groups went home with much

excitement and enthusiasm to SHARE to their

families, fellow church workers, friends and

neighborhood of what they have learned from the

SEMINAR. They promised to put into PRACTICE

the LAUDATO SI challenges in restoring the life of

MOTHER EARTH and be responsible stewards of

GOD’S CREATION for future generations.

From: SSCS - EVENTS 2016

Page 7 Vol. V No. 2 June - July 2016

The school year 2016-2017 has been in full

swing for more than a month now. Below is the

presentation of the enrollment figures of the eleven

(11) ABS (Association of Benedictine Schools)

schools as of July 11, 2016. To see the difference of

the enrollment figures SY 2015-2016 and 2016-

2017, a simple comparative study was made.

Enrollment in seven schools under the ABS

is apparently increasing in two consecutive school

years, that is, school years 2015 – 2016 and 2016 -

2017. A review of the enrollment records provided by

these schools shows two to twelve percent increase in

enrollment. On the other hand, the three schools with

college levels reveals decline in enrollment. This is

expected because of the implementation of the K-12

and this effect will be evident until 2019-2020.

By: Sr. Rosario Obiniana, OSB

Grand Total Enrollment of the Ten ABS Schools

Page 8 Vol. V No. 2 June - July 2016

It is school year 2016-2017, another year

with a good start. Officially enrolled are 2, 273

Agnesians – 1,143 in Grade School and 1,130 in

High School. For them the school hired 157

employees consisting of teachers, guidance

counselors, and general services personnel, all of

whom joined an Institutional Team Building

Activity on June 9. They had Zumba, Shibashi,

Amazing Race, and other group games. The next

day this same group of employees had their

Commissioning Rite during their Mass at the school

chapel.

Classes opened on June 13 with Morning

Praise and re-launching of the Ten Hallmarks of

Benedictine Education in the high school. All the

probationary teachers in both the GS and HS were

then given a starting session on the Ten Hallmarks

by Sr. Lucy, OSB. Also re-launched the day after

was Lectio Divina, regularly held by the entire high

school department every Monday.

On July 1 SAA celebrated its 104th

Foundation with a Mass, Manualia activity for the

students and a talk on Pope Francis’ LAUDATO SI

to the teachers by Sr. Constance Tecson, OSB.

The Canonical visit of Mother Angela

Strobel, OSB with Sr. Lumen Gloria Dungca was a

happy, well-remembered occasion made so, by the

warm welcome by the school band and entire

Agnesian community upon their arrival. A cultural

program of dances and songs delighted our guests.

On the same day, July 9, that our visitors

left and then on the 16th an Institutional Campus

Journalism summit was held. Dubbed

JOURKNOW 2016, the activity was participated in

by selected GS and HS Agnesians.

On July 11 the feast of St. Benedict was

celebrated with Holy Mass, the Induction of Officers

and Commissioning Rites. A fitting conclusion to the

Mass was the Signing of the MOA by Sr. Reginalda

Cortes, OSB and other administrators with the SAA

Partner Communities where our students and teachers

do their Outreach work.

The students’ MANUALIA and the

LUGAWAN ni San Benito, the Samaritan Clubs – HS

outreach, ended the gracefilled celebration.

By: Sr. Lucy Togle, OSB

1st row (L-R): Sr. Lucy, Sr. Carmela, Sr. Lourdes Edissa, Sr. Ma. Lourdes 2nd row (L-R): Sr. Reginalda, Sr. Ma. Jose, Sr. Consilio

Page 9 Vol. V No. 2 June - July 2016

BAYANI NG KALUSUGAN goes

to . . …….. SR. ELOISA DAVID,

OSB

Our Sr. Eloisa did not only

receive one award but two in a matter

of days.

T h e D O H B a yan i n g

Kalusugan Award aims to recognize

individuals, groups and organization

for their exemplary work, innovation

and reforms towards Universal Health

Care.”

Sr. Eloisa David, OSB is

one of the 15 Awardees of Bayani

ng Kalusugan for individual

category.

This is the very first award

organized by Department of Health

(DOH) in their celebration of the

118th Anniversary with the theme:

Celebrating Health and Honoring

Heroes.

It seeks to honor

i n d i v i d u a l s a n d

organizations, who in the

small and large circle that

they move in, have

rendered time, effort and a

part of their life, in meaningful contribution to move

the country closer to Universal Health Care.

Individual or

organization that

rises above the rest

or excels in making

difference in the life

of our poor brothers

and sisters. They are

indeed an inspira-

tion and modern

heroes in our

country.

Sr. Eloisa is

truly a servant of

God and a woman for others. Born from wealthy

family, she gave up it all to the call of serving others.

This selfless act aptly describes her story, giving

new meaning to the word service.

Aside from this

prestigious award, she

also received a plaque

as an outstanding

a l u m n a o f t h e

University of the

Philippines on June 22,

2016, a day before the

Bayani ng Kalusugan.

By: Sr. Eugene Amar, OSB

15 Awardees of BAYANI NG KALUSUGAN

MANILA PRIORY Page 10

Tacloban School

June was a month to remember for all the

events and happenings that filled the 30 days. First was

the transfer of offices from Janssen building to St.

Otillien in Maharlika even if the 3rd floor was not yet

ready for use and some of the offices transferred only

partially. Classes started June 13 for all and it took some

days for things to settle down for the semblance of a

school schedule. Then the transfer of the 2nd floor. This

transfer also meant a change in schedule with Holy Mass

at the end of the day and some prayers in transit. Then

there were all the preparations for the visitation for

everything to be all done within one day. Trust in the

Lord, confidence in the Blessed Mother’s help and the

patience and cooperation of the Sisters got us through this

month of so many important happenings.

Manila

June 23 We met with the PH Extension community

regarding the circular of the School President

on Electric Power and its implication on the

ongoing renovation. It was a lively discussion

and many questions were brought out and

suggestions given. Some sisters expressed later

on the need for frequent discussion/sharing

such as this.

June 27 Sr. Celine joined the Grade School Unit for

their Morning Praise followed by the

Launching of the Outreach Program of the

Unit. The children were shown some

photos of their past activities. The program

for this school year was also presented. Sr.

Celine then updated the assembly with the

recent developments in SSC’s Housing

Project though a powerpoint presentation

of Sambayanan ni San Benito.

Marikina

June 28 31 delegates from the high officers of the

Ministry of Education of the North Central

Province of Sri-Lanka, made an exposure

visit to the Philippines. Their visits

included St. Scholastica’s Academy. The

visit was aimed at improving the knowledge

and understanding of Sri-Lanka education

officers and specialists on School-Based

Management (SBM) and School-Based

Teacher Development (SBTD). The visit

included Classroom Observations, tour of

campus grounds and facilities. This was

followed by a one-and-a-half Round Table

discussion with SSAM administrators and

faculty on what they had seen, heard, learned

and shared. The visit was funded by the World

Bank: Transforming the Education System as

the Foundation of the Knowledge Hub Project.

Ormoc

June 16 On the 15th, the images of Sts. Peter and Paul

were processed to the gym stage. Veneration of

the images of Sts. Peter and Paul continued

until the start of the Mass celebrated by Fr.

Boboy.

June 28 The midday fluvial procession was

followed by a land procession with all the

barangays joining with the statue of their

patron saitns. SPC College and senior high

school students took care of the image of

St. Peter during the procession. “St. Peter”

came home without the arm carrying the

Holy Bible and the rooster which jumped

from its perch due to the bumpy procession

route. The sisters’ had their dinner at the

parish.

June 29 On the day of the feast, two Sisters

attended the 4:30 early morning Mass w h i l e

the rest attended the 7:30 evening, dinner was

at Dr. Alicia Tugonon’s place.

Pambujan

June 4 In all generosity and support for the

Pambujan Apostolate, Sr. Celeste arrived at

the community with her many stuff

donations from the Marikina School and

mostly for the turn-over of the financial

matters of the hospital. She graciously

assited Sr. Ma. Teresita in the bookkeeping

of the hospital and going around to

Catarman meeting different people in the

different offices like SSS, BIR, Philhealth

and the like.

June 24 On the feast of St. John the Baptist, the

municipality of Pambujan celebrated its

town fiesta. The sisters joined some of its

activities to show its oneness with the

people and its neighborhood. They joined

the early breakfast invitation of the Parish

Priest for all Religious Men and Women of

the Diocese followed by the Eucharistic

Celebration of more than 30 priests and

Bishop Trance being the main celebrant.

San Fernando

June 6 Blessing of the Twin Saints - St. Benedict

and St. Scholastica and the new parking Area by

Fr. Jess, SPC after the Mass.

MANILA PRIORY Page 11

We express our gratitude to all who have

contributed to this newsletter.

Sr. Virginia Ferino, OSB Priory Secretariat

Stella Marie Martinez

Layout Editor

Sr. Christina Lassar, OSB

July 6 , 2016

From Punalur, India

Sr. Agatha Mutano, OSB

June 20 , 2016

From Nairobi, Kenya

Mo. Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB

to and from Rome, Italy

July 11 - 17, 2016

Tabunok

June 29 City Tour as part of Sr. Bernadetta’s

exposure to the historical sites in Lapu-

lapu City and Cebu City. The sisters left

the school compound at 8:30 a.m. They

first went to Freedom Park in Lapu-lapu

City and proceeded to Cebu City to see

and visit Fort San Pedro and the Santo

Niño Shrine. They had “lunch out” but,

their dinner was a “take out meal.” Their

day ended with Vespers and Compline on

wheels. Again, the sisters had a day of

bonding and sharing their lives. It was a

tiring day but, full of fun and enjoyment.

We thank God for a life lived in

community.

Tacloban Hospital

June 30 Three significant happenings of the day

are:

a. Town fiesta of Tacloban in honor of St.

Niño de Tacloban.

b. Arrival of Mother Angela and Sister

Lumen Gloria for their visitation of the

three communities in Leyte.

c. Inauguration of the new President of the

Philippines and new Vice President - Leni

Robredo.

Both the school and the hospital

communities welcomed Mother Angela

and Sister Lumen Gloria at the airport.

Together, they prayed the prayer for the

visitation and sang the Benedictus at the

hospital chapel.

Westgrove

June 9 Outreach of all employees to Bayan ni Juan,

Caluan, Batangas.

Priory House

July 3 PH Extension Community spent their statio

day at the PH Tagaytay.

July 11-16 Sr. Lydia and Sr. Cecille attended the AMRSP

Assembly held in Nueva Ecija.

July 11-17 Mother Adelaida participated in a course

“Leadership in the Rule of St. Benedict” held

in Rome.

Special Request for Prayers

For our sick Sisters

Sr. Baptista

Busmente, OSB

Sr. Consuelo

dela Paz, OSB

Sr. Lillian

Barbudo, OSB

Sr. Joanne

Ungay, OSB