MANILA PRIORY St. Scholastica’s Priory 2560 Leon...

MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER

S t . S c h o l a s t i c a ’ s P r i o r y 2 5 6 0 L e o n G u i n t o S t r e e t M a l a t e , M a n i l a , P h i l i p p i n e s

Vol. III No. 3 Apr-May 2013

Still exhilarated - like the rest of the Catholic

world- with news of newly elected Pope Francis, and

hope-filled with the election of a new prioress, thirty (30)

delegates and nine observers trooped to St. Scholastica’s

Center of Spirituality, Tagaytay for the 20th Manila Priory

Chapter from April 2 – 12, 2013. This, following the 12th

General Chapter in Rome in September-October 2012,

and coincided with the Synod of Bishops which opened

the Year of Faith.

The chapter opened with the celebration of the

Eucharist presided by Rev. Fr. Tarcisius Ma. Narciso,

OSB, Abbot Emeritus of Our Lady of Montserrat,

Manila. In the afternoon reports from the Prioress, the

Procurator and the Superiors were delivered. Reports

from the Task forces continued the following day.

This is the first chapter under the leadership of

Mo. Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB, who was elected Prioress

in January, 2013. In her report, Mo. Adelaida

acknowledged and expressed her gratitude for the work

of former Prioresses, Mo. Mary John Mananzan, OSB

and her immediate predecessor, Mo. Lumen Gloria

Dungca, OSB.

Setting the tone for the Business Chapter,

Sr. Angelica Leviste, OSB gave an input on Pope

Benedict XVI’s Apostolic letter Porta Fidei (Door of

Faith), the blueprint for new evangelization in The Year

of Faith. With “virtual technology”, Sr. Angelica

informed the delegates that she invited a guest speaker to

help deepen the topic at hand. A video clip of then

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s talk during the 50th

International Eucharistic Congress in Canada in 2012 was

shown. She also showed clips on the Taize community as

an example of evangelization in non-traditional forms. In

response to a serious and urgent crisis of faith within the

church, Sr. Angelica stressed the importance of the call to

be evangelizers anew. The delegates were then given time

for the reflection questions which would serve as impetus

as they tackle the issues and proposals in this year’s

chapter.

The Sisters also took time to watch the musical

“King and I” at Resorts World Manila, which served as a

refreshing break in-between those busy working days.

The Opening and Closing liturgies were lovingly

prepared by Sr. Pia Lansang, OSB.

All were grateful for the hospitality of Mo. Irene

Dabalus, OSB and Sr. Benita Reyes, OSB and the ready

service of all the staff of St. Scholastica’s Center of

Spirituality which helped make the days of the chapter

fruitful and grace-filled.

As the chapter came to an end, the delegates went

home full of hope and enthusiasm for the tasks ahead

believing that wherever we are, life will continue to flow

and that the Good News will continue to be shared.

By: Sr. Angeline Arceo, OSB

Seated from left to right: Sr. Josefina Nepomuceno, OSB, Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Sr. Angelica Leviste, OSB, Mo. Irene Dabalus, OSB, Mo. Adelaida

Ygrubay, OSB - Prioress, Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB - Sub-Prioress, Sr. Mary Thomas Prado, OSB, Sr. Ana Maria Raca, OSB, Sr. Mary Jerome Pineda, OSB, Sr. Pia

Lansang, OSB; Second Row from left to right: Sr. Constance Tecson, OSB, Sr. Mary Bellarrmine Bernas, OSB, Sr. Leonor Barrion, OSB, Sr. Ma. Teresita Lafuente,

OSB, Sr. Mary Vincent Feliciano, OSB, Sr. Baptista Busmente, OSB, Sr. Odilia Bulayungan, OSB, Sr. Cecille Ido, OSB, Sr. Vida Mones, OSB, Sr. Miriam Noemi

Francisco, OSB, Sr. Rosalina Fajardo, OSB; Third Row from left to right: Sr. Pauline Triviño, OSB Sr. Ma. Luisa Villanueva, OSB, Sr. Michaela Manalang, OSB, Sr.

Ma. Ezechiel Fernandez, OSB, Sr. Eloisa David, OSB, Sr. Celine Saplala, OSB, Sr. Mary Frances Dizon, OSB, Sr. Rebecca Manalang, OSB, Sr. Mary Paul Baul, OSB

MANILA PRIORY

“ Has heaven come down right here or have

we been lifted up to the heavens?” Such was the

impassioned question S. Consilio N. Napi, OSB, one

of the golden jubilarians, asked in her response

toward the end of the Eucharistic celebration with

Renewal of Vows on Wednesday, April 24, 2013,

9:30 a.m. at St. Scholastica’s Chapel, Manila. She

referred mainly to the liturgy just experienced, but the

golden day was preceded by meetings, practices and a

flurry of preparations. The idea of having a quiet,

monastic celebration was quite far-fetched

considering the other two jubilarians: S. Mary

Bellarmine G. Bernas, OSB. President of St.

Scholastica’s College, Manila for a number of years

among other positions held and S. Mary Placid C.

Abejo, OSB, Dean of the School of Music and

Alumnae Moderator for many years.

The number of guests had increased as the

day drew near and as expected, included not only

members of families but also school officials, past

and present, alumnae, classmates, friends and other

well-wishers. Add to that number the School of

Music choir, the members of the Manila Symphony

Orchestra and the Missionary Benedictine Sisters

from the Luzon communities. It could not be but a

grand celebration!

A day before, the chapel, the passages, the

refectory, the cells of the brides in the Priory House,

the Kuniberta and Barrion Halls of the school came

alive with golden and white flowers. The day itself

dawned with a serenade with no less than Mother

Prioress Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB as the guitarist.

Than as early as 8:30 a.m., guests were ushered into

the chapel. At the end of the line during the

processional were His Eminence, Luis Antonio

Cardinal Tagle, D.D., the presider, Abbot Emeritus

Tarcisio Narciso, OSB, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ, Fr.

Fruto Ramirez, SJ, concelebrants. There were other

priests who were there, but opted not to concelebrate.

S. M. Angelica Leviste, OSB introduced each

of the jubilarians to the delight of the congregation.

Then the liturgy which was prepared by S. Pia

Lansang, OSB and S. Imelda Halili, OSB began. The

compositions of S. Mary Placid for the proper of the

mass on the feast of St. Scholastica and Gregorian

chant for Missa de Angelis were all sung. When Fr.

Benildus Ma. Maramba, OSB was the one conducting

during the Gregorian chant, S. Imelda was at the

organ. For the rest of the songs, it was Mrs. Monette

Balingcos, Assistant Dean of the School of Music,

conducting while Mr. Arturo Molina conducted the

Manila Symphony Orchestra.

Sr. Mary Placid Sr. Consilio Sr. M. Bellarmine

Fr. Ramirez Fr. Bernas Fr. Narciso Cardinal Tagle


Cardinal Tagle dwelt for a while on the

description of love from the Song of Songs (the first

reading), but the real gem was in his reflection on

the Gospel passage about the five wise and five fool-

ish virgins. He said that the real bride is the Church

and so the jubilarians and we are the bridesmaids.

The challenge is to remain awake, holding aloft our

flaming torches and if we can not raise anymore our

arms high, to let our whole beings become the

burning torch through our compassion and love.

Inspired by those words, the choir almost

literally soared during the singing of “On Eagle’s

Wings” and in the final song, “Now Thank We all

Our God”. There were three venues for the feast

that followed the almost two-hour long liturgy:

Kuniberta Hall for the guests, Barrion Hall for the

members of the choir and orchestra and refectory for

most of the sisters.

It is on occasions like this that we can say,

“Religious life is indeed a beautiful life.” We hope

that some young hearts among those present heard

the whisper of that truth.

By: Sr. M. Isabel Orito, OSB

DIAMONDS ARE

FOREVER…

These romantic and/or rather commercial-

sounding words aptly describe in capsule the vows

our three beloved valiant Benedictine Women-

SISTERS ANSELMA PALER, OSB, ASUNCION

BONAFE, OSB and VERONICA ORIGENES, OSB

pronounced last May 1st 2013 on the occasion of their

Diamond Jubilee of Religious Profession. The altar

décor summed up everything: “from the rising of

the sun to its setting, may the Name of the Lord be

praised!” God be praised indeed for His fidelity and

marvelous works as our jubilarians pronounced with

utter clarity and authenticity “The Vows I have

made 60 years ago in the presence of Mother

Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB, Prioress, and all the

Sisters gathered here.” The Spirit of joy, gratitude,

fidelity and love pervaded the air in St. Scholastica’s

Chapel as everyone gathered witnessed this

awe-inspiring occasion on the Feast of St. Joseph, the

Worker.

The Missionary Benedictine Sisters of

Tutzing from different communities, families,

relatives, friends, guests, former students, formandees

(by the way S. Asuncion was my zellatrix when I was

a Novice) and our jubilarians’ former

co-administrators rejoiced as they sang together

“Thanks be to God Most High” and participated in

the beautiful liturgy prepared by the Sisters in the

Priory House. Everyone present was mesmerized

when the three Jubilarians sang the “SUSCIPE” with

their solid “diamond” voices. I believe that everyone

felt affirmed in their jubilation when the main

celebrant, Fr. Anselm Manalastas, OSB from the

Abbey of Montserrat recognized how fortunate and

how blessed we all are to be in this momentous

event! Addressing the jubilarians in his homily he

said: “your fidelity and love for God through your

Standing left to right: Sr. Angelica Leviste, OSB, Mo. Adelaida

Ygrubay, OSB, Sr. Asuncion Bonafe, OSB, Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB

Seated: Sr. Anselma Paler, OSB and Sr. Veronica Origenes, OSB

MANILA PRIORY

monastic-missionary vocation is so contagious, so

edifying and worth emulating for us, young

religious. We thank God for His fidelity to you as

we thank you for your great example of faithfulness

to God.” In my mind, I added a prayer “may your

fidelity rub in on us for the rest of our lives. Amen.”

Our Sub-Prioress Sister Lydia Villegas,

OSB, gave the introduction, reflecting on her own

perspectives as a young grader in St. Scholastica’s

College observing the beautiful ways of the grade

school Principal, Sister Asuncion and the Physical

Education teacher Sister Anselma and the Nurse,

Sister Veronica. She remembered the words of Sr.

Anselma “left, left, left, right, left, left, left, right,

left…, and Sr. Asuncion who pointed to the graders’

fingernails every Monday morning to see if they

were clean and the silent yet hardworking Sister

Veronica who later upgraded the Nursing curriculum

that produced top graduates. S. Mary Jerome Pineda,

OSB, was our psalmist with her voice soaring high

up to the skies like the voices of our SSC College of

Music Choir with S. Mary Placid Abejo, OSB on the

keyboard and Ms. Monet Balingcos, conducting.

And how touching it was to see during Offertory

procession S. Fatima and S. Florence push the

wheelchairs of S. Anselma and S. Veronica

respectively while two relatives of each jubilarian

walked down the aisle near them while S. Asuncion,

still standing, also walked with them to offer candles

to the Lord- the God who called them to be His own

forever unto eternity.

Our concelebrant,

Fr. Juan Bonafe, SJ,

the brother-priest of

Sr. Asuncion shared

in the jubilarians’ joy

as he stayed on until

the “salu-salo” and

short program hosted

by an energetic

alumna who sang her

tribute to the jubilari-

ans “a capella” at the

Caridad Barrion Hall.

Sister Anselma and

Sister Veronica also

made the audience

happy when they

sang beautiful love songs with their clear magnificent

voices. Sister Asuncion was joined by Fr. Juan and

nieces and nephews when she sang “Sarumbanggi,” a

Bicolano folksong. Who would not think that they

were women in love of God in their eighties?

And talking about precious stones and

eternity, yes, the simple rings that our Jubilarians

received years ago turned into gold and now turned

diamonds like the Biblical “pearl of great price,”

forever precious in the eyes of the Lord.

By: Sr. Eligia O. Cababat,OSB

Sr. Veronica

Sr. Anselma Sr. Asuncion

Mo. Adelaida

Fr. Anselm, OSB Fr. Juan, SJ


“How lovely on the mountains are the feet of

the messenger who announces peace, who brings

good news…” Isaiah 52:7 ff

Walking on the mountain of God these past

twenty five years feels like a day for God has always

been there to give all the necessary blessings and fill

all the valleys and abyss where my human weakness

and limitations could not make it.

The utter spontaneity and simplicity of the

celebration but filled with love and joy reflects the

way God walked with me through these years with

cup always overflowing.

With heart filled with gratitude I thank all

who have been part of this journey and with open

heart I welcome all who will become part of the rest

of the pilgrimage on this earth to the eternal home.

By: Sr. Felice Imaya Calingayan, OSB

SUMMER CAMP FOR

STREET CHILDREN

21 street children representing the areas of

OSMA, Taft, Leon Guinto, Sandejas, Munoz and Ermita

streets in Malate participated in the SUMMER LEADER-

SHIP CAMP FOR STREET CHILDREN organized by

Tuluyan, a shelter for street families last May 8-11,2013.

The objective of the camp was for street kids to

acquire leadership skills in a camp setting, as they strive to

live COMMUNITY, exercise DISCIPLINE, give due

RESPECT for one another and for elders, observe

ORDER and experience the joy of OBEDIENCE and

SERVICE. Time and opportunity was provided for

PRAYER and SILENCE. All these values were integrated

into the different sessions, games, music and art, etc.

Day 1 : Getting to Know Baguio City, the Summer Capital

of the Philippines, Baguio City, May 8, 2013

The campers left Manila by coaster bound for

Bauang, La Union at 4:30 in the morning making a detour

arriving in Baguio City at 10:30 am. Their first stop in

Baguio was a courtesy call to the Sisters at the St.

Scholastica’s Convent. They were happy to meet the 8

sisters who welcomed them heartily.

After the greetings and a couple of songs, they

proceeded their way for a tour of the city. Among the

places visited were Camp John Hay, Philippine

Military Academy and Burnham Park where they took

their lunch.

At 3:00 pm they were ready for the two-hour ride

to Bawang. Tired after the long travel, an early dinner,

bath and rest was most welcome.

Day 2 & 3: A pilgrimage to our Lady of Lourdes Bauang, La Union, May 9-10, 2013

Early in the morning of May 9, 2013, the second

day schedule of start of the Summer Camp for street

children, the 21 kids together with 6 volunteer

companions, Camp coordinator Ms. Lolit Vargas, and

Adviser S.M. Cecille Ido, OSB started the day with a 234

steps climb up the hill …… to sing a hymn and pray a

rosary to our Lady of Lourdes.

THREE NUNS ON THEIR JUBILEE (To the tune of “Three Coins in the Fountain”)

Specially written by Batch HS’63/Coll’67 and SSAFI

On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of

S. Asuncion, S. Veonica and S. Anselma

May 1, 2013

THREE NUNS ON THEIR JUBILEE

LIKE DIAMONDS THEY SPARKLE BRILLIANTLY

SIXTY YEARS AGO THEY MADE THEIR

SOLEMN VOWS

EACH ONE OF THEM BECAME THE LORD’S SPOUSE

THREE NUNS SERVED IN DIFFERENT WAYS

A TEACHER, A NURSE AND A MISSIONARY

EACH DEDICATED TO DOING GOD’S WILL

AND DEVOTED TO BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

THREE NUNS IN THEIR 8O’S

HONED IN THE SPIRIT OF OSB’S

GOD BLESS THESE NUNS UNDER YOUR COMMAND

AND HOLD THEM IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND!

SISTERS ASUNCION…VERONICA … ANSELMA!

Left to Right: Fr. Angel Crisostomo, MI, Sr. Aurora,

Sr. Rosalind, Sr. Imaya, Mo. Adelaida, Sr. Evangeline,

Sr. Stella, Sr. Mary Paul, Sr. Mary James

MANILA PRIORY

An orientation session on the children’s

expectations, schedules and activities of the following

days followed. Then a tour of the camp site, the chapel

area and tasking. Some other Camp activities :

By: Sr. Cecille Ido, OSB

Thanksgiving liturgy

Servers of the day prepare meals

A surprise visit by the Marikina Sisters led by M. Angelica was a real bonus.

The climb to the Groto Our Lady of Lourdes

On top of the Hill


SC voids parts of Marikina fence ordinance

By Edu Punay (The Philippine Star) | Updated March 27, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling nullifying provisions of a Marikina City ordinance regulating the fences and walls of establishments in the city.

In a ruling promulgated last March 12 but released only yesterday, the SC held that the city government’s imposition of standard height, location and type of fences and walls of industrial establishments, including schools, was invalid.

Justices voted unanimously to affirm the CA’s decision that voided Sections 3.1 and 5 of Marikina City’s Ordinance 192 imposed on St. Scholastica’s Academy and dismiss the local government’s petition for review.

The high court struck down the two provisions of the local ordinance as invalid for being in violation of the school’s constitutional rights to property. The other provisions of the ordinance still stand.

In enforcing the ordinance, the city government ordered the school to move its fences six meters back from the road to provide parking space to the public.

The SC, in a ruling penned by Associate Justice Jose Mendoza, held that the order – which was stopped by a local court through a writ of prohibition – would have converted 3,762 square meters of the school’s land for public use and violated the Constitution’s provision on eminent domain, which provides that private property should not be taken for public use without just compensation.

The SC added that the ordinance’s provision requiring at least 80 percent of fences to be see-through also violates the constitutional guarantee on privacy, “considering that the residence of the Benedictine nuns is also located within the property.”

MANILA PRIORY

We express our gratitude to all who have

contributed to this newsletter.

Sr. Virginia Ferino, OSB Priory Secretariat

Maria Anabel Alcaraz Layout Editor

SPECIAL EVENTS

Marikina

May 28 – Groundbreaking of a new

building.

Angeles April 22-May 14 –Summer Catechetical Camp 2013 in Sitio Maling,

Cutcut. Expected are between 80-100 6th Graders and 36 student

volunteer catechists. Karen Gutierrez organized the whole camp. The

camp run for three weeks.

Formation House

April 4-9 The novices had their exposure-immersion with the rural

poor in Pintong Bukawe. This consisted in an overnight stay in

Puray, Montalban: an experience of traveling by “habal-habal” (an improvised vehicle for traveling up and down the hills of

Montalban); experience of solar lamps at night, water sold and

delivered by small business enterprises, farming, harvesting and

household chores. Ms Cel, a staff member of the Tuazon Center was guide and companion for the entire exposure-immersion. Sister

Miriam Noemi Francisco, OSB gave the preliminary orientation.

Manila

April 15 -Sr. Vicenta joined the Office and the General Services personnel for their outreach activity in Sun Valley, Paranaque. The

employees shared their expertise and skills on food preservation, low

cost recipes and home arts like manicuring and hair care to the

mothers of SunValley.

April 18 – St. Scholastica’s School of Music was named Center of

Excellence in Music Education. Congratulations to Sr. Mary Placid Abejo, OSB, Dean, School of Music.

Marihatag

April 21-22 There was a Mindanao-wide gathering of Lumads

(tribal Filipinos) representing the 18 tribes in Mindanao at

ALCADEV, Hanayan to celebrate EARTH DAY and to build solidarity among themselves in their struggle against displacement,

relocation and the plunder of their ancestral homes. Sr. Stella, as

General secretary of the Panalipdan, helped facilitate the election of officers.

Tacloban School

April 15-16 Community outing to Naval, Leyte arranged for us

through the kindness of bishop Florencio Bactol, Bishop of Naval.

We went to three beaches where we enjoyed boat riding, swimming and good food. For the night we were housed in a new mini-hotel for

divers which is beside the sea. The event was also a despedida for

Srs. Rosario and Catalina who will soon leave for their new

assignment.

Sr. Veritas Lee, OSB Back to Seoul, Korea

March 27, 2009 - May 24, 2013

Sr. Imelda Halili, OSB From Rome, Italy To Manila Priory for good! April 7, 2013

Sr. Edna Quiambao, OSB Angeles May 15, 2013

Sr. Adela Arabia, OSB Westgrove

May 18, 2013 AM

Sr. Leticia Saraza, OSB Missioned to Bulgaria April 30, 2013

Sr. Benita Reyes, OSB

Tagaytay

May 18, 2013 PM

Sr. Ma. Luisa Villanueva, OSB St. Benedicts’s Home

May 20, 2013

Sr. Evangeline Madayag, OSB

Mati

May 24, 2013

Sr. Rosario Obiniana, OSB Tabunok

May 27, 2013

Sr. Ana Maria Raca, OSB Tacloban Hospital May 29, 2013

Newly Installed Superiors

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