Digos Community

Provincia Filippine - Australia - Saipan - Taiwan

Inserita il: 28/12/2013

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After a year of apostolic exposure as a community, the youngest community of the Pastorelle Sisters in the Philippines in the vibrant City of Digos, had a new set of members at the opening of the Apostolic Year 2013-2014. They are: Sr. Cynthia Angalot, SJBP, assigned in Divine Mercy Apostolic Center, Sinawilan District, Sr. Josefina Labata, SJBP, in Matti District Catholic Center (MDCC) and Sr. Saturnina Caccam, SJBP, as full time Sister-in-Charge of the accompaniment of the aspiring candidates for the religious life in the whole Philippine Province.

Varied apostolates, new forms of immersion and a more challenging work for vocation promotion emerged as the community started to venture on its second year of pastoral ministry in Mindanao. Filled with enthusiasm, much hope and deep sense of gratitude, the community remembered the warm welcome of encouragement from the Shepherd of the Diocese, Bishop Jimmy Afable, D.D. during the Sisters’ first encounter with him, wherein they presented the symbol of a boat in joyful expectancy of a meaningful pastoral collaboration both with the Bishop and the People of God in his Diocese.

Series of meetings, Fiestas, Eucharistic Celebrations and formations on the Year of Faith characterize the first gatherings in the ministry. Although it was not Sr. Josefina’s first time where she is presently assigned, she joined the community in their new venture. After familiarizing themselves with their communal life in the house, the community program was formulated-brief, simple and feasible. Although the Sisters had much difficulty adjusting to the multiple activities of their varied pastoral involvements, their earnest desire to be with each other has gained top priority over their other undertakings.

Towards the end of July and start of August 2013 were the most busy time of the year journeying with the people in preparation for the town fiesta in honor of Mary Mediatrix of All Grace. To deepen this popular devotion prior to the actual celebration, Feeding Programs, Marian Exhibits, Dalaw Patron catechesis and Medical Mission were organized.

In a festive atmosphere, the parish celebrated the Feast of Mary Mediatrix of all Grace with the theme: “Maria, Sumbanan sa Panaw diha sa Kristohanong Pagtoo.” (Mary, Model in the Journey of Christian Faith). It was a grace-filled day of meaningful celebrations of the Holy Eucharist and bonding among the GKKs (Basic Christian Communities). Sharing of food and presentation of individual talents in a simple gathering, highlighted by the procession of the Patroness’ statue around the town, culminated the concerted effort of the parishioners to keep their love for Mama Mary truly alive and burning.

During the months of October and November, the preparation of the candidates to the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Communion was held in different schools and chapels of GKKs.

In the area of Youth Ministry, with a great desire to involve the young people in the culmination of the Year of Faith, simultaneously with the celebration of Christ the King in November, modules and seminar were conducted to the youth for their formation. During the semester break, a Basic Orientation on Youth Ministry (BOYM) and the “Parable of the Pencil” (basic formation on self- knowledge) were facilitated in Matti District Catholic Center.

The experience of being one with one another and with the Church through the series of formation given to them, impelled the young people to lead the overnight vigil and early dawn procession on the culmination of the Year of Faith and of the Celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King. The theme, “Paglingon, Pagsaulog ug Paglantaw” (Look back, celebrate and look forward), gathered them all in the spirit of unity as they connected the journeys of the past, the present and the future of the youth ministry in the different GKK. Likewise, the preparations during the Mass Wedding of the 12 couples at MDCC allowed our young people the opportunity to extend their ministry in the many activities of the parish. Through their creativity and novelty, the preparation of the venue was hastened, and the liturgy was celebrated meaningfully.

As far as Vocation Ministry in our Congregation’s first community in Mindanao is concern, the Lord has been good to open the way for us to the many challenges of this endeavor. Generous people from other Congregations have helped facilitated the various ways of making us known in the parishes and schools around. At the start of the apostolic year, we were able to reach the places of General Santos City, Marbel, Surallah Kidapawan, and Kabacan for posting. Together with the members of the Pauline family in Davao, we participated in the various programs and initiatives of the whole Vocation Month of September in the different Dioceses in Mindanao, such as: Davao City, Zamboanga City, Dipolog City, Dapitan, Rizal, Tagum City and Bukidnon.

Aside from the big events that we have had, the daily pastoral involvements continue. The formation of the catechists, daily and Sunday Masses’ liturgical animations, assistance for the reception of the sacraments of the faithful, home visitations, on-going accompaniment of vocations and other pastoral activities fill up our daily calendars--so with its accompanying abundant blessings and providence from Jesus Good Shepherd who promised to be with us always and with the flock He shepherds. Indeed, God is so good!

Pastorelle Sisters of Digos