Philippines - Marist Sisters in Asia-Pacific

Two New Marist Sisters

On Saturday 19th November, Srs. Celina Gavia and Catherine Sariman, both from PNG, made their First Profession as Marist Sisters. Having completed their novitiate formation, they pronounced their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in the Novitiate Chapel in Mintal, Davao City, The Philippines. Fr. Larry Sabud SM presided at the Eucharistic celebration.

profession2 — Signing the Profession Documents

Sr Veronica Lum, representing the Superior General of the Congregation, received their vows. Many members of the wider Marist Family (Fathers, Brothers, Missionary Sisters and Laity) were present, as well as all the Marist Sisters in the Sector of the Philippines.

profession3 — Cutting the Profession Cake

They were also very happy with the presence of some of their neighbours and some people with whom Cathy and Celina had been involved in their weekly ministry outreach. After Mass all stayed to share in a lovely meal.

Renewal of Vows in the Philippines

LilibethApril — Srs April & Lilibeth Renew their Vows before Sr Veronica

Srs Lilibeth and April, both from the Philippines, made their first profession as Marist Sisters two years ago. During the last two years they have engaged in further theological study and participated in the mission of the Marist Sisters in the Phillipines.

Recently they reaffirmed their desire to be Marist Sisters when they renewed their vows of Chastity, Poverty and Obedience in the Congregation of Mary. Their vows were accepted by Sr Veronic Lum on behalf of the Congregational Leader of the Marist Sisters.

Cultural Celebrations in the Novitiate

On 10th October the Marist Novitiate community in Davao, The Philippines, celebrated Fiji Independance Day. In September celebrations were held for Papua New Guinea Independence Day.

These celebrations included a time of prayer, sharing on the cultural significance of these Independence Days and how they are celebrated in the home country, a celebratory meal and entertainment in the form of traditional dances.

PNG Independence — Srs Cathy & Celina Celebrate PNG Independance Day

With members of the Novitiate Community coming from a number of different cultures community sharing such as this is very important as it helps to develop appreciation of cultural diversity and leads to greater unity in community.

First Profession in the Philippines

With celebrants 2 — Srs Stephanie & Titilia with Celebrants

There was great excitement for Marist Sisters in the Philippines in the Philippines on 2nd February as two Fijian novices made their First Profession as Marist Sisters. It was truly a beautiful ceremony. Srs Stephanie and Titilia were so purposeful and happy in offering themselves. The singing was led by our own Sisters while three Marist Fathers students played the instruments. Fr. Alik smi was the presider. Fr. Larry sm sang the Gospel (Annunciation) and delivered a powerful homily. The theme chosen by the newly professed conveyed clearly where the hearts of Titi and Steph were. This was illustrated in a poster on the wall – “Not my will but thine be done” beside the picture of Jesus, “Let it be done unto me according to your word” beside the picture of Mary, a picture of their own hands was in between. Sr Stephanie’s mother, aunt and family friend had travelled from Fiji for the ceremony. Back in Taveuni, Fiji Sr Titilia’s family celebrated mass at the same time as the profession ceremony was taking place in the Philippines. Click here for more photos.

Missioning in Australia

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Missioning Booklet

Grace Missioned — Sr Gail Missioning Sr Grace

On 6th February Marist Sisters of the Sydney communities gathered at Marian House. After a beautiful prayer Gail farewelled and missioned Grace, who soon will take up her ministry as Novitiate Formator in the Marist Sisters’ Novitiate in the Philippines.

Then Vivienne, who has recently been appointed Sector Assistant, was also missioned.

Kate was present before returning to our new mission in Papua New Guinea. Therefore it was an appropriate occasion to acknowledge her Silver Jubilee and present her with the customary Papal Blessing. A delicious afternoon tea was provided and this gave all present the opportunity to farewell Grace and Kate and congratulate Vivienne in a joyful Marist celebration.

Fijian Sister Missioned to the Philippines

The Marist Sisters in Fiji recently gathered to mission Sr Teresia to her new appointment as Assistant Novice Mistress in Davao, The Philippines. Teresia left her beloved Fiji on Monday 18th January. She is currently spending time adjusting to her new environment and attending a course on Filipino language and culture.

Two young Fijian women travelled with Sr Teresia to The Philippines. Valerie Ho and Birisita Bibi are continuing their period of Candidacy in The Philippines in preparation for their Novitiate period.

First Ceremony of Marist Profession in the Philippines

There was great rejoicing in the Philippines on 8th September 2008 when Arlene and Edna from the Philippines and Florence from Papua New Guinea made their First Profession as Marist Sisters. This was the first time a profession ceremony for the Marist Sisters had taken place in the Philippines. Arlene and Edna are now ministering in Davao while Florence has been missioned to Fiji.We rejoice with Arlen, Edna and Florence and assure them of our prayerful support as they begin the next stage of their Marist journey.

Florence Speaking on “Behalf of the Newly Professed

Marist Leadership in Asia-Pacific

Over recent months the sisters in Asia-Pacific have been involved in discernment processes concerning leadership in the Region and within each Sector for the three years beginning February 2009. Sr Julie Brand has been appointed Regional Leader while Sr Margaret Vaney and Sr Anne Rounds have been appointed as Regional Councillors. Discernment regarding Sector Leadership has resulted in the following sisters being appointed or elected to the following positions:

New Zealand	Sector Leader	Sr Francine McGovern
	Assistants	Sr Analulu Tanuvasa
		Sr Juliana Massey
Australia	SectorLeader	Sr Gail Reneker
	Assistants	Sr Carmel Murray
		Sr Grace Ellul
Fiji	Sector Leader	Sr Sr Marianna Tevurega
	Assistants	Sr Mareta Nai Raikivi
		Sr Rosemary Simon
Philippines	Sector Leader	Sr Veronica Lum
	Assistant	Sr Torika Wong

Category: Philippines