The Bicentenary Legacy AwardIn a spirit of gratitude for the legacy they have

passed on to us, we celebrate this year the bicentenary of the birth of our two founding Mothers, St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus, our Mother Foundress, and Mother Therese Emmanuel, co-foundress. We are called to live and make our own their legacy, according to the particular gift and grace the Lord has given us.

On the 25th of March of this year, we launched the Gallery of Holiness, dedicated to the recognition of eight Sisters and Lay partners who have already passed on to ‘fuller life,’ but whose lives have left a significant impact on many, and on our life in the Assumption.

They were: Sr. Milagros Dayrit, Mere Marthe Marie Poulet, Mere Maria Rosa Pachoud, Sr. Rosalima Maria Ladrido, Sr. Teresita Ledesma, Elizabeth ‘Lizatte’ Gustilo, and Miguel ‘Mike’ Magsaysay, and Ajarn Samai Chinnapha. They were called ‘luminaries’ because they have allowed a particular virtue to shine through their lives, and through their actions in their spheres of influence, have contributed to the transformation of peoples and communities.

In the same spirit of thanksgiving and joy in our founding Mothers’ legacy, the Religious of the Assumption of Southeast Asia is giving the Bicentenary Legacy Award to lay partners and friends of the Assumption, who have made a difference and continue to make a difference in their respective fields or spheres of influence, but in some significant and valuable way, have made a mark, for at least 20 years, and remain to be actively involved, in the life and mission of our Province in these our times. They embody a legacy that contributes to the transformation of society, and live the values which our founding Mothers upheld, through their life and zeal to serve others. Today, the Province of Southeast Asia is graced to have such men and women.

May God’s blessing be on those who receive this award and may God keep them faithful in the Lord’s loving service.

Humanity ascends! Bienvenido A. Tan, Jr., elegantly echoes a particular stage in this divine gift of Incarnation – Redemption. And he inspires in us the great hope that we each could still be more.

Bienvenido knew what it meant to live modestly especially during the war. Yet when he became financially comfortable, the passion he pursued was not to accumulate more for himself, but to generously share. He gave not just monies and other assets but even professional expertise, time and actual presence, to make a difference in the quality of other peoples’ lives. Over the years, this sense of justice, social responsibility, love, stewardship and gratitude for having been given the opportunity to help, always translate into concrete magnanimity towards individuals, families, institutions or communities. The same compelling

sense of honest service, respect especially for women, and uncompromised integrity run through his years in professional law practice, in business, in leadership and management of numerous foundations, as well as in his years in government. The life he chose to live has marked graciously his service to the country and to the Church.

Consistently guided by the conviction that one’s material possessions, talents, connections and opportunities for good are meant to extend love especially to those most in need, Bienvenido’s life has remained given to empowering others from their poverty and to assuring them of a proximate and caring God. Whether it is through housing projects for the informal settlers or displaced families; or through building schools, building up scholarship funds, augmenting teachers’ salaries; or through financial aids for farmers, Bienvenido’s generous support is unwavering. In government service, like his years as Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany or his mandate as Commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue, his integrity and transparency remain uncompromised. In humble and remote personal outreach projects as well as in prominent public service, he consistently poured himself out to feed God’s sheep and to make the Lord’s loving presence better felt across diverse social strata. Here is one profound realization for Benny: “There is real happiness and joy in following our Lord’s teaching!”

Assumption, in her varied missions, has remained tremendously blessed through this man of God. The name “Benny Tan” is part of the Assumption household. His impact is felt in the lives of our indigenous students in the Cordillera; the rural and urban poor in Pampanga, Metro Manila and Panay; the communities of Herran, San Lorenzo, and Antipolo; the Assumption educators all over the country through the Marie Eugenie Institute; the Lumads of Bukidnon; and the Christian-Muslim clientele in Lanao. More than the extensive material blessings however, Assumption is far more enriched by the person of Benny, his genuine friendship and his total dedication to God without counting the cost.

Throughout Benny’s life, God’s gift of inner peace as well as happiness in a great and loving family, empower his being “generous for others.” May we, inspired by this witnessing, also choose to follow the path of the Gospel, give consent to ascend, and rejoice in God’s dream for all.

There are superheroes, there is wonder woman and there is Baby Herrera.

A category that is all, Lourdes “Baby” Herrera’s brand of service borders on what Maya Angelou dub as phenomenal yet very self-effaced. A natural leader, nothing is too difficult, anything is achievable and it can be accomplished without much fuss and meaning.

A Wonder Woman? There is an adage that says: if you want something done, give it to a busy person. In the Assumption, if you want something done, give it to Baby Herrera: As a parent in the Assumption, San Lo, she willingly accepted to head the first Basic Education Family Council: a rather daunting task and very unrewarding for this was the beginning stage of the Basic Education Department “ restructuring.

In 2007, she was concurrently AAA president, VP for Administrator, Provincial Lay Representative and co-chairs of the Canonization Committee. She helped organized the canonization pilgrimage where over 1000 participated. She rallied alumnae and friends to raise funds so that others who could not afford to go to Rome would be able to participate.

A superhero? From 2007 to 2016, Baby was repeatedly elected for 3 terms as the Provincial Lay Representative of the Assumption. In her nine-year stint, as Lay Rep, development of MME Formation Programs went full swing and these programs were conducted throughout the Province, awakening the lay to the beauty and power of MME’s spirituality. The community of Assumption Lay (CLAY) and the Provincial Lay Formation team grew in an unprecedented manner. Baby ably represented the Province in the first international lay congress in Lyon Spain and in the 2012 General Chapter in Paris, France.

But who is Baby? What is her legacy? Not a wonder woman or a super hero, just vintage Lourdes “Baby” Herrera: She has heart even much larger than herself that knows not how to count the costs and that finds a special place for all. She allowed the spirit of humble service and self-giving to infect her being that put her at the service of God and country as a young professional – so that wherever she was, Baby was always “the person to count on”. And Assumption had every reason to be proud of her as an extension of itself - wherever she was – government, private sector, etc.

The rest is history – the committed woman that Baby is – was and continues to be available for absolutely anything – from organizing a sale to managing a Congress; from birthday celebration with the Malibay children to sponsorship of movie premiers for a cause; from spending weeks with a

dying classmate to spearheading CLAY activities, what is clear is she does all with love and dedication as though this was all she had to do.

Assumption is privileged to see St. Marie Eugenie’s dream of transformative education fulfilled in one of its students, in Baby, in her life of unequivocal service marked by hard work, loyalty and genuine love beyond the call of duty.

A highly regarded leader of international organizations, Ajarn Chainarong Monthienvichienchai, is the first Asian to be elected President in 1987 of Unda – an international Catholic organization of Broadcasters. He is also the first Asian to be elected President in 2004 of SERRA, International – which is involved with families and promotion of vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Pope John Paul II (now St. John Paul II) appointed him member of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications from 1987 – 1994, and since 1995, consultor of the same Pontifical Council in the Vatican. Ajarn Chainarong is a by-word for communication in his country.

Along with communication, EDUCATION is Ajarn Chainarong’s passion. He has dedicated his life to Catholic education.

ST. JOHN’s - also known as St. John’s Group of Schools, St. John’s Company for Education, or St. John’s University – has been in his family for over two generations. He has served with full dedication at different times as Executive Director, Director-General, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chancellor.

It was in the field of education that Ajarn Chainarong and the Assumption met. Mother Marie Eugenie’s charism for education resounded deep in his heart. In 1998, he was Assumption-Thailand’s representative to the International Educators’ Congress in Paris. But it was as participant in the Asian Educators’ Congress in 1996 in Antipolo that he experienced what he called, “God’s Epiphany.” Assumpta Technical High School unveiled the dream of Ajarn Samai Chinnapha, St. John’s founder, to have a school for the less advantaged rural youth in his country. Commissioned by the

Board of Trustees, Ajarn Chainarong undertook St. John’s inspiring and challenging Millennium Act. St. John’s School-Thabom came to birth – a partnership between St. John’s and the Assumption.

To the Assumption, he is - a gentle guide, a wise mentor and a committed partner in their mission

of transformative education- a zealous disciple who spreads the Good News “in season and out-of-

season” - a patient and persevering vocation promoterThis is Ajarn Chainarong Monthienvichienchai –- a man of selfless service- a man of integrity- a man of God.

Twenty years ago, in August 1997, in response to the call for SOLIDARITY and SHARING, our Philippines-Thailand Province, then, created the Provincial Solidarity Desk Fund known as ASSUMPTION EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (AEDEV) Fund. This served as an economic arm in support of the mission of transformative education of the Religious of the Assumption. Since education is our charism, the primary concern of AEDEV as our Assumption Mission Schools, presently known as Centers of Transformative Education (COTE). AEDEV helped in making our Mission Schools viable and aspire for self-sustainability, providing them with opportunities to link with and

have access to other financial and human resources.

Ma. Asuncion “Sonjie” de Ocampo Trillana became our partner in AEDEV from its birth. With Saint Marie Eugenie of Jesus, she believes that “each of us has a mission on earth, and is called to build a society where each has a role and responsibility.” Thus, began our journey, sharing life with Jesus and His reign through AEDEV’s mission. Our Mission Schools started as growing toddlers and then became empowered Centers of Transformative Education, with the enthusiastic and selfless leadership of Sonjie.

Like St. Marie Eugenie and Mother Therese Emmanuel, she took wholeheartedly the call to live out the challenge to “share one’s gifts and talents and enrich the communities where one is called to live and act.” What a journey it has been! Sonjie had a vision of FAITH and paid the price to get there!

Sonjie also initiated the Transformative Education in Assumption (TEA) Scholarship Program that targeted the best and brightest potential leaders in each school - qualification, formation and monitoring were very regular. Today some TEA scholars are now part of the

faculty bringing their servant-leadership qualities to enhance the transformative climate of the school.Sonjie is a gift to the Assumption and her mission. She is a transformative Finance Manager, as well as caring and supportive servant-leader to all the members of our apostolic teams.

Sonjie, thank you for what you have inspired in us because of your life’s witness and the legacy that you embody, that is:

enlightened by truth and strengthened by grace, we may be able to work towards using our gifts and our giftedness to exert a truly Christian influence so that God’s Kingdom may reign in our hearts, in our homes, in our friendships, in our communities and in our societies.

The Bicentenary Award is given to Jose Trinidad ‘Titoy’ Pardo for 46 years of unflinching, continuous service gratis pro amore to the Mission of Assumption in the Philippines. Paraphrasing St. Marie Eugenie, Titoy

believed that when Assumption called, he could not walk but run. He served as a parent class representative when his daughter was in Grade 1 in 1970. As a Family Council President in Assumption Herran, his diplomatic leadership and business acumen facilitated the sale of the school property and its transfer to Antipolo in 1974. For many years, he served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of San Lorenzo and Antipolo until his resignation in 2016.

His exemplary family life, fidelity to his marriage vows, and capacity to share material resources with others are enduring sources of joy for his household and his extended family, the Assumption Sisters.          His unquestionable integrity as a Public Servant in the Republic of the Philippines, kept him from being swallowed by the system, never compromising his Christian values to reach the goals of our country. Nurtured by the example of his mother, a woman of prayer committed to charitable works, the solid formation of La Sallian education and the Charism of Assumption Spirituality, he was identified as a Papal Awardee of St. Sylvester in 1982, CEAP Man of the Year in 1999, and an Affiliate of the Christian Brothers in 2014.

His commitment to serve others through numerous positions of leadership in business, government, civic and religious educational and charitable organizations sprung from his firm conviction “to find a need and to fill it.” Throughout the years, this conviction has been refined by what St. Paul wrote in Romans 12:2 as he learned “to be shaped not by the world but transformed through a renewal of mind that enable him to discern the will of God, what is good, what is perfect.”

Twenty- five (25) years after high school graduation, Stella Delgado Rufino

came home to Assumption and stayed for good. The deep spiritual experience of a Refounding Retreat launched her into totally new horizons as wide as extending God’s reign in contemporary society. In 1992 she accepted to help give birth to the Marie Eugenie Institute, Assumption Philippines’ significant act for its centennial year – a center for adult formation in the Assumption Philosophy and

Principles of education. Propelled by a living relationship with Jesus and Mother Marie Eugenie, she gave, not lent herself to the mission of the Institute as co-executive director for 18 years. Since then, the philosophy & principles of education have been translated in the language of our times, carefully laid out in progressive continuity in what we call today the MEI tracks. Through this transfer of knowledge, close to 6000 teachers & staff of all Assumption schools in the Philippines in the past 20 years have been served. They understand a common language such as “character for life, life for God” that Mother Marie Eugenie underlined in her counsels on education.

Chinit, as we all know her, always stays open to the promptings of the Spirit and Mother Marie Eugenie who beckoned her to expand MEI’s reach beyond Assumption walls. To the rally cry for Education Revolution at the start of our century, she brought the Marie Eugenie Institute to partner with the Foundation for Worldwide People Power in formulating and giving the Mentoring the Mentors Program for Public School Superintendents & Principals. MEI offers character formation and leadership for service to complement the gifts of seasoned educators with academic expertise. The Foundation turned over the administration of the Program to MEI in 2010, knowing that it will continue to serve the transformation of society through teacher formation. To date, more than 14,000 superintendents & principals of public and parochial schools have undergone and expressed great appreciation for the formation received. Indeed Chinit’s inspiring leadership has led MEI to be creatively faithful to the initial call to form

teachers through the Superior Normal School for Teachers that Mother Marie Eugenie responded to in establishing Asuncion de Manila in 1892.

Chinit’s gift of collaboration with other formators significantly contributed to the formation of the Community of Lay Assumption and Assumption Together in our Province in the past 15 years. We are here – Sisters and Lay – because someone accepted to help trace out a life-path for us.

A Legacy of Brilliant Legal Advocacy for the Catholic ChurchRooted in the Law of Love

Some forty years ago, the Religious of the Assumption was at the receiving end of a financial restructuring to help the Province get out of a debilitating debt . The Archdiocese of Manila, through Jaime Cardinal Sin requested several religious congregations to invest in Monte De Piedad Bank who in turn lent the money to the Assumption so as to pay off the high interest loan. Privy to this bailout was Atty. Sabino “Bing” Padilla Jr. Thus, began a long history of “rescues” involving Atty Bing Padilla and the Assumption.

Atty Bing’s love for the Church cascaded down to many religious congregations who saw in him their protector and defender. He took personal interest in their welfare and well-being. Assumption enjoyed such unwavering support. Atty. Bing’s involvement in the Assumption took on various forms. He was the legal counsel and member of the Board of Trustees in many of our schools and that of the Province. How he would enlighten board discussions and decisions with his luminous interventions!

His wise and timely advise kept us out of court, be they labor issues, cases of students and their parents. And if we needed to settle such disputes in court, he would win these handily and yet the opposing party gets its fair share of justice. His legal exploits are legendary. But he is most passionate and fiercest when he is defending and representing anything and everything Catholic Church. That is why Atty. Bing is the first recipient of the Bishop Jorge Barlin Golden Cross Award, a recognition of his selfless legal service of more than 30 years to the Philippine Church. Atty Bing is the first Filipino and the second Asian to receive the Papal Award of the Knight Grand Cross of the Pontifical Order of St. Gregory the Great, an acknowledgement of his outstanding and meritorious service to the Catholic Church.

For us in the Assumption, Atty Bing’s legacy is his unequalled loyalty and devotion to the Church, unparalleled competence as regards the law – but humane and people-oriented, always looking for what would be beneficial to the Church, the Congregation – the common good. He always gave us a sense of security, that there was absolutely nothing we could not overcome while remaining steadfast in the truth notwithstanding its possible painful consequences, that because of his support would always be bearable. His humble availability was 100%; assuring us that we could call him anytime, anywhere – he regarded all our concerns as important and always worthy of his full attention.

There will never be another Atty. Bing and we will always consider it a privilege and an honor, so underserved to have had the opportunity of having known him – the man, the lawyer, the servant leader and having benefited from his services that actually gave us a glimpse of the Master’s own servant leadership.