The Preparation for Final Vows takes place at the Novitiate Community in Manila, Philippines. It is held from January 20 to July 7, 2025. The team of this Preparation for Final Vows consists of Maria Vidal, Puspharani Arputham, Saráh Ngunda, and Anastasia Puji Hastuti.
There are 7 participants joining the session in person; Anastasia Imaniar Rusani from Indonesia, Yéssica Rosas Delgado from Chile, Inés Estevao Domingos from Mozambique, Joséphine Musila Milonga from Congo, Judith Yuku Abo from Congo, Cathérine Makolo Kikara from Congo, and Rachel Mwanakunda from Congo. One participant, Evelyne Aquije Angulo from Peru, at present has not joined the group yet in Manila due to illness. We remain united with her and fervently pray for her speedy recovery.
On January 20, the Novitiate Community organized a Eucharistic Celebration at 10:30 AM to accompany the participants as they soon will begin their formation journey. All the sisters of the Philippines participated in the celebration. Our Superior Delegate, Sr. Irene Barboza ss.cc., and the Asian Coordinator, Sr. Romeka Situmorang ss.cc., were also present, as well as Sr. Aurora Laguarda. The Mass was presided by Fr. Felipe Lazcano ss.cc.
Anastasia Puji Hastuti gave a brief introduction explaining the motivation behind our gathering for the Eucharistic Celebration. The Mass began with an entrance procession of pilgrim dance and holding the light by the 7 of junior sisters. Each sister placed her hand on the others' shoulders, symbolizing that they are not alone—together, they will undergo the formation process. The light represented the presence of God, who will continue to guide their paths and formation process. The diversity among them is a symbol of the richness of God's gifts. This coincides with the Jubilee Year, where each one is called to journey together with hope. Each of these young sisters represents the hope of the Church and the Congregation. The theme for the Mass was “REMAIN IN ME AS I REMAIN IN YOU” (John 15:4-9). It served as a reminder that God remains in us always, wherever we are, and that we should turn to Him every day.
In his homily, Fr. Felipe continued to elaborate the significant message on the readings and the chosen theme. During this period of preparation for final vows, each one is called to fix our eyes and hearts on God, so that we may be molded and renewed. He added that the Good Father always centered His life on God because in Jesus, we find everything. Each one is called by God out of love (Ephesians 1:3). Thus, because of His love, we are here. At the end of the Mass, Sr. Irene Barboza and Sr. Romeka Situmorang offered words of encouragement and wished the participants a fruitful process of preparation for final vows. After the Mass, we continued with a family gathering and shared a meal together.
In the evening, at 7:30 PM, the Junior Sisters met with the organizing team for the preparation of final vows, along with Patricia Villarroel, Superior General, and Pushpa Rani, General Councilor. On behalf of the team, Maria Vidal greeted the young sisters and invited them to carry out the formation process meaningfully through the means we offered particularly through the programs that has been designed with much care and respect. She explained the formation process that each one has to take and considered. The organizing team, along with the brothers and sisters who have prepared the various programs, will continue to walk with them throughout this journey. Each participant is invited to fully engage with whatever is offered and to integrate it with their personal life journey they have travelled. The road ahead is yet to be traveled. As Spanish poet Antonio Machado said, "There is no road, the road is made by walking." Let’s keep going!
Furthermore, Patricia Villarroel welcomed the participants and conveyed an inspiring message and encourage them to approach this formation period with openness, trust, and joy. She invited them to enter the process with an open heart and embrace whatever life presents. At the end of this formation process, they will be able to confidently affirm their vocation and their capacity to say "yes" with trust in God, to the call and vocation they want to live.
01/26/2025