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GOD’S PROVIDENCE in the Incredible Land of India!

by: Sr. Emily Soliva, tc

BACKGROUND

The TC missionary presence in India has been challenging from the very beginning of its foundation. With over billion residents, India boasts of diversity in culture, lifestyle, languages and religion. As it is a Hindu dominated country, with almost 80% of its population  practicing Hinduism and 2.3% Christianity while others are from different denominations, it was never easy for the missionaries to acquire Visa and enter Indian territories. The first TC sisters used to have Tourist Visa and upon its expiration have to leave which affects the stability of the community. Some sisters were blessed to obtain one to two years of stay through Student Visa which somehow sustained the newly established foundation.

Through the generosity of the Capuchin Fathers of Tamil Nadu, South India, the first community of sisters composed of Sr. Dora Maria Vargas (Colombian), Sr. Anselma Bawag (Filipina) and Sr. Lorena Sacal (Filipina) started implanting the charism in Indian soil on June 2008 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu.

LOOKING FOR GREENER PASTURE

After nine years of being in Rameswaram, the only TC community in India moved to Dindigul where ANUGRAHA, the counselling institute of the Capuchin Fathers, is located.

On December 5, 2017 Sr. Emma Bawag and Sr. Emily Soliva travelled to Dindigul along with Fr. Jegan the parish priest. Later that day, Sr. Roselle Niaga reached Anugraha accompanied by Sr. Virginia Pagulon from Tiruchirapalli.

The first weeks of stay in Dindigul were spent meeting the community of the Capuchin fathers in Anugraha which is of the South Province, Tamil Nadu, getting to know the different apostolates they cater, and making themselves attuned to the new reality that they were to embrace.

With the Capuchin Fathers, the sisters are collaborating in their education ministry in the Arts and Sciences Institute that they have in Nochiodaipatty, Dindigul, accompanying the young ladies who come to Anugraha for their studies and are staying in the hostel managed by them, overseeing the needs in the counselling institute and in the pastoral ministry of the parish such as family visitation, participating in the various festivities, etc.

The first sisters of Montiel Anugraha Community – Sr. Anselma Bawag, Sr. Emily Soliva and Sr. Roselle Niaga.

CHALLENGES         

Although the Student visa of the foreign sisters favoured their long stay in India, it is yet bringing another challenge as it calls for more creativity in balancing community life with studies, apostolate and the sisters’ personal process of growth as they continues to adjust to the unique culture and distinct reality of the mission.

 Another challenge faced by the foreign sisters is the local language which is an important tool in establishing rapport with the natives eventually gaining their trust and confidence in the long run. Tamil is the official language of Tamil Nadu, the state in India where the mission started, but it got different slangs according to the districts which is bewildering at times. Due to the limited number of sisters in the community with various tasks to attend to, sometimes this aspect of learning the local language is getting compromise. Yet the sisters recognize the necessity and significance of advancing in the practice and use of local language.

In order for the mission to continue flourishing, the need for native vocations is a very important aspect to work on to. This is yet another challenge of Montiel Anugraha community. Most of the young ladies in Southern India especially in the villages are given into marriage almost immediately after completing their secondary studies. Nowadays, majority of the family in Tamil Nadu is having only either a daughter alone or a daughter and a son which is a difficult reality to get vocations to the religious life. Some other factors which affect the formation of the young people in the initial stage are the stability of the sisters, the language, the diverse cultures within India and some health and family issues of the vocation prospects.

A SELF-SUSTAINED COMMUNITY

With the desire to find a solution for the community’s auto sustainability, being in Anugraha is truly providential

 Working in partnership with the Capuchin fathers helps the TC mission in India to be a self-sustained community.

 At present, the three sisters are employed in the different ministries that the Capuchin fathers are offering in Anugraha. Sr. Princy is collaborating in the counselling and healing ministry alongside the accompaniment of the workers in the Animation Center of the Capuchin Fathers. Sr. Soseth is full time accompanying the young ladies who come to pursue their undergrad and post-grad degrees in the college owned by the fathers. This is as well a good avenue for the community to promote vocation awareness to the young people, to guide them in their spiritual journey in order to grow holistically. The family ambiance, close accompaniment with them and giving them a friendly and familiar approach make them feel that they are in a home away from home, too. Sr. Emily is assisting and collaborating in the education ministry of the fathers in the Arts & Sciences College that they have. Being of service to people with different backgrounds and religions is such a beautiful and fulfilling mission!

The missionary journey in India may be full of unending challenges yet the sisters never felt that they are alone and lack in anything. God’s providential care is always felt through the constant support of the sisters in all the communities of the Vice province, the unceasing accompaniment of the VP team, the untiring support and encouragement of the Capuchin Fathers, the numerous well-wishers around ever ready to extend their generous help at any circumstances, and the hospitality and joy shown by the people they serve and work with and the various faces of poverty which remind them of the mission for which they have been chosen and called to.

Being in the mission may not be that easy but the experiences here in India are truly a meaningful journey of God’s abiding presence and faithfulness. The sisters cannot but thank Him endlessly for sustaining and making the TC mission still alive in this land after facing so many difficulties within the 13 years of its existence. Special gratitude as well to the sisters who have been part of this beautiful history especially to Sr. Elena Echavarren whose love for the Indian mission is very evident from the beginning until now and for all those who have contributed and are still contributing to making our charism known not only in Tamil Nadu but in all parts of India. In God’s perfect time, we trust!
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Simple Life

by: 이충량 Elizabeth

    It was twenty years ago when I first met the Capuchin sisters.  I didn’t know about the life of a religious, but it shocked me to see the sisters whose poverty became their form of life.

     The first time I entered the convent, I saw the television, refrigerator, washing machine, and most of the furniture were all recycled things that were given for them to use.  Some were gathered from houses and streets when families leave behind their things as they move to their new house. More so, all the clothes they have were only two or three sets of habits for changing in all the seasons.

      The Capuchin sisters live the poorest life in the world.  They are not only materially poor.  They also gave up a life that they could live abundantly.

      In the darkest place of the world, the sisters dedicate themselves to take good care of the children abandoned by their families. 

       Seeing the sisters who chose a simple life for those in difficulty and witnessing their dedication and service to the poor, I realized that emptying oneself is filling another person. 

        Eventually, I support the sisters to share in their poor life.

The Directress with some of the children of the Daycare Center
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BENEFACTORS: BRIDGE OF GOD’S DIVINE PROVIDENCE

by: Sr. Rowena Abulencia, tc

God’s way in manifesting His blessings to us is so mysterious. Sometimes we will be caught in AWE, other time SURPRISE and other time is PROVIDENCE because it will arrive when it is really needed. One time a sister, said “we don’t have canned goods anymore, I hope somebody will come to bring us some”. Behold, on that very afternoon, a friend arrived bringing canned goods, bread, and a sack of rice. These are the usual way that our friends and benefactors will surprise us and we will be amazed of what they will share to us, especially in our mission.

Our benefactors are God’s gift to us. They are persons with open, generous, and kind heart.  They served as our partners and collaborators in our mission by their generosity, with their time and resources. They helped us a lot in sustaining our apostolate as well as our presence by their loving support. By all means, they are God’s channel of graces. The bridge where we can feel the fulfilment of God’s promise… “Seek first the kingdom of God, and everything will be added unto you. (Mt. 6:33)”

As a sign of our gratitude we remember them in our daily prayers, sacrifices, and prayer intentions. This is how we tried to be present spiritually in there day to day journey.  Also, we lend a listening ear, a comprehending mind, and a compassionate heart. Despite of our busyness, we suspend our schedule in order to be with them in some special moments of their lives. Not in only in celebrations but also in moment of sadness and difficulties.

For all of you, our dear FRIENDS and BENEFACTORS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

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Thank You Lord for Your Love and Trust

by: Sr. Anselma Bawag, tc

When someone asks me about my vocation, something good is happening to me.  You know what? I am becoming young.  I feel young. It doesn’t mean that my age decreases nor the wrinkles in my face disappear.  It is because when I talk about vocation, I cannot help but go back to my younger memories, on the time that I couldn’t understand yet that the changes that was happening to me, was because God was gradually leading me to hear His call.  

I remember how I said no to every invitation to be involved in any church- related activities. And how God mysteriously worked to capture my heart. I tried to avoid Him, be away from Him but He won my heart!  Of course, the first reaction I had that time was to recognize my unworthiness!  How could it be possible that a person who did not practice her being Catholic for long time will be a “Sister”? With all the failures and mistakes, I have done. Indeed it was not I who choose Him, It is He who chose me to follow Him and bear fruits…“ (John 15:16) And what else?  My heart overflowed with gratitude because in spite of who I am, He Loves me, still called me, He trusted me, He strengthened me and gave me the grace I needed because He knew how weak I was. He knew that my decision to say Yes to Him was not enough, He knew that after that decision I needed all the more His support, His daily inspiration, and His guidance.

One of the best experiences I have in Religious Life was the chance He had given me to experience this life in India for 11 years. A place where there are only a population of less than three percent Catholics, a place where I almost couldn’t express myself in terms of language, a culture very different with mine, coupled with the difficulties regarding Visa and travels, but with the overflowing love and grace of God, experienced through the support and love of the people around that taught me a lot more regarding faith, trust in God, love to my neighbor and gratitude, and more.

More than 25 years since I made the decision to live this life but until now, I can always feel that it is just like yesterday.  It is because I can remember clearly how His grace worked in my life especially in that moment.  It is just like yesterday because I feel I am still beginning, I have done still very little to what I have promised to do when I said “Here am I Lord, I come to do your will” (Ps.40:2).

I don’t know how long will the journey be but it was and it is a wonderful one not because everything happened and passed easily. The experiences were and are so rich and the blessings of God is always abundant yet not with struggles and trials, but joy is always there because He did not let me journey alone. He gave me sisters to journey with and people who supposed to be the recipients of my service that turned to be the ones who are teaching me more and more to recognize the beauty of this vocation. And most of all, I am certain that the one whom I am following is leading me to reach the place that is prepared for me. I know until now I am not worthy so I always pray to God that He may not look on my failures but on my desire to do His will.

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GOD’S WORD AND GOODNESS

by: Sr. Amelita Llego, tc

GODS’ WORD AND GOODNESS ………. CANNOT AND WILL NEVER BE OVERCOME BY THIS PANDEMIC SITUATION!

It’s been eight months now since I arrived to my new community San Damiano Postulancy House. I came on June 29, 2020 with the “new normal” caused by the pandemic and the do’s and don’ts was already part of the life of the community in order ensure our health and safety.

Going to the Church for the Mass was impossible so we celebrate it online. We don’t go out of the house, even going to the market. We have to order the things that we need for the community.

Thinking about our life and situation, we also think in the community on how we will start with our apostolate and what we will do? We were bothered on how to live our charism hearing and seeing the suffering of our neighbors especially the children. We feel deprived to do our usual way in serving our needy brothers and sisters, considering the safety of everyone.

The formandees are serving as Choir in the parish because the other choir members are still afraid to go the church. With regards to our neighbors, we can attend to their needs whenever they knock and ask for some rice and water. For the children in the neighborhood, we have feeding program for them.  Last December of 2020, there was No Christmas Party for the children for it was being prohibited to have gatherings, we just only have gifts giving like toys, dress, slippers, shoes, fruits and some pasta to be cooked which was sponsored by some of our friends and benefactors. Thanks to their generosity that even though with some crisis and difficulty they did not have any second thoughts of sharing their blessings to others.

We also come up with the decision to have catechesis on-line since face-to-face learning is still impossible. Sr. Francine, the superior of the community asked the help of some friends to help us look for children who are interested to join the On-line Catechesis every Sunday. And the plan was realized in the middle of October 2020 for the children who will be preparing for the First Communion on June 2021. At First, they were twelve (12) interested participants but now only five (5) remains. They are very faithful to their Sunday Catechesis, always excited, enthusiastic, listen well, and actively participates in the discussion. With this kind of students, who will not be inspired of teaching them? That’s why I needed to prepare my lessons well and also myself, my heart and my mind in order to have the right answer to the children’s questions. As they are learning from their Sunday Catechesis, I am also learning from them. It is a challenging experience for me this time as using this technology is new to me yet this is a dream come true to us, to teach catechesis and spread the word of God even just inside the house.  I learned from them also to come earlier before the time in order to set up the things to be used for the Catechesis to avoid technical problems when the class is going-on.

Aside from that we will also accept Tutorial Lessons for the children like English, Reading, Writing and Math. Hopefully to begin this Tutorial on the 3rd week of March 2021 and on May too.

We also consider in the community that handling BLBBC Scholars is also part of the apostolate. They are only two but needs to be guided well for they are very easy to be unbalanced when things are getting tough and harder due to the demands of their online studies and the paper works that need to be done. The constant reminders, understanding, patience, and the heart-to-heart talk help them to be responsible not only of their studies but to their other duties and formation as well.  

With God’s grace, protection, and constant care to us and to our needs, this situation of the pandemic is not a hindrance anymore to us to extend our help to others and instead this has been Gods’ way for us to exercise our Charism.

with the scholars
online catechesis
Singing in the Parish
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Fraternal Life

By: Sr. Lorena B. Sacal, TC 

     Fraternal Life plays a very important role in the life of a religious. We articulated a lot and have given so much emphasis on how to live in the community or with someone that you like and don’t like according to culture, temperament and personality, etc., etc. For a time, those inputs and formations are helpful and enlightening but for how far will it help us? After 3 days? a week?  a month?

     As for me, I have a very simple understanding on fraternal life: First, I consider it as an “investment” because it is both “Gain or Profit” and “Risks”. To invest is something that we are not sure of. We give yet we can never be sure that it will earn much but we are hopeful that we will gain. As we invest, we do not know how much others are investing to make it strong but individually we need to contribute. Same in the community life, each sister should invest even if we can’t see how much. The bigger investment, the bigger interest we gain. Just like for example, if I like a healthy community then I should be healthy. If I like a loving community then I should love. If I like a welcoming community then I should welcome others. If I like a fraternal community then I should be fraternal. In short, I should invest in the areas I want to have. It is not easy to invest without being sure but investing means “Gain” despite of the “Risk”.

     The second is: Fraternity is standing beneath the Cross”. Probably, one would think that standing beneath the Cross is somehow a very difficult task and it is true indeed. Only those who truly love can stand beneath the cross of the beloved. Same in the community, if one sister is in trouble, we need to stay with her even if it entails pain and suffering on our part.

     The third is: The two disciples journeying going to Emmaus. They were sad, confused and wondering about the recent situation in the community. Maybe, they were questioning the identity of Jesus and somewhat blaming the community especially those who have put Jesus to death. But everything changed when Jesus surprisingly walked with them and explained everything including the revelation of His presence when He broke the bread and their eyes were opened and they recognized that indeed it was He who walked with them. Though their eyes were closed while walking with Him yet they have noticed that their hearts were filled with yearnings while listening to the Lord’s explanation about the Scriptures. Yes, fraternal life is a journey. At times we are confused, saddened and wondering, angry, hopeless and at times we blamed others for a certain situation in the community but as women of the Resurrection, our journey is always accompanied by our Lord. Many times, we might not recognize Him but He is walking with us and teaching us the significance of each event in our journey as a community. And the Journey to Emmaus means being who we really are and at the same time how we leave our hearts open for Jesus to enter and do something in it.

walking together

     And the fourth is:  simply following what the Lord have told us to do in John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another”. This is the witnessing that we can give to the world. It is not that we will just show to the people but our own “Aura” will tell the people who we are.

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The path towards “my home”

by: Frances Laraine Andrade, TC 

     Studying away from home is a common experience of young people. For me, remembering that moment when I needed to leave home in order to pursue my studies in BS Nursing, in Cebu City, was not easy. Thanks to my mother who accompanied me for a week while I get to know the place, my school, church, etc. She was the one who helped me look for a place to stay, a “boarding house” that is clean, safe and is near to my school. She also helped me to feel at home though I’ll be far from them – far from my comfort zones. Even though by boarding house was good, I was not really contented and comfortable. I was constantly looking for a place to stay where I can feel better – for my studies as well as for my personal needs and preference. After a year of staying in a boarding house, I transferred from one place to another until I found what I consider “my home”.

the author as a BS Nursing student

     I could not forget the first time I entered the dormitory which was still under construction. There were men working, no dormers yet, but there was a strong feeling of serenity and comfort when Sr. Luz Maria Buitrago brought us inside the chapel. There was an inner voice telling me “this is your home”, “this is the place you’re looking for”… For that reason, I told my parents my desire to stay there and thanks God they agreed.

     I am truly grateful to God for leading and guiding me to find Luis Amigò Ladies Dormitory (LALD), “A HOME AWAY FROM HOME”. It was there that I have come to know God more and be convinced that He really exists. My prayer life and relationship with Jesus was also nourished and strengthened. The sisters whom I encountered were very friendly, simple, caring, and joyful. They were so available to accompany and journey with us in our life as students and as Catholics. There were different activities that I have found helpful in my growth such as the Orientation program, monthly talks, recollections, sport fests, Christmas party, etc. They also included us in celebrating the important feasts of the Congregation and of the Church. This ambiance of familiarity and friendship also changed my “bias” regarding religious sisters. They used to talk with us during mealtime, welcomed us when we arrive from school/outside, and they also corrected and encouraged us to be good and responsible young women not only with our studies but also with our lives. For all these experiences, I am also grateful and happy for the testimony of the sisters who were significant in my journey in the dormitory – for Srs, Elena S. Echavarren, Luz Ma. Buitrago, Mapin Pineda, Emma Bawag, Juliet Mantos, Rowena Abulencia, and other sisters. I would also like to give thanks for the providential presence of Sr. Adela Paternina whom I believe was God’s instrument for me to reflect in a deeper way my vocation.

Sr. Francine with Sr. Elena Echavarren, tc

     In this moment, upon reflecting and looking back on my experience in LALD, I come to realize that I have been searching for “my home” many times and for many years.  But it is Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who was searching and looking for me like a lost sheep. I believe that He is the One who found me, led me, and brought me to “my home” – the home where I truly discovered Him in my life, that He is “My God and My All” and at the same time myself, my calling, my mission in life. Now, I have discovered the deeper meaning of “HOME”, it is not only my parental home or LALD which is made of structure or the people whom I have lived with but “my home” is the place where God is, where I am now and where He is continually leading me. I am grateful to my parents, siblings, and family for being God’s instruments in my life – it is where I experience God’s unconditional love and abiding presence and for LALD [with the sisters, formandees, dormmates, etc.] where I was able to be more convinced of God’s love for me and of the mission He is inviting me – to share this love to others whom I will encounter in my life. It is He who has given His life for me and continues to invite me as well to give my life for Him through others.

      As it was written in the Scriptures “I know my sheep and my sheep know me, they hear my voice and they follow me”. To follow Jesus is a very challenging mission however, with His grace, love, and mercy I believe everything is possible. He, who is the Good Shepherd is my way, my truth, and my life.

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Holy Family Home- Our Family

We feel very honored to be able to contribute to the sustainment of Holy Family Home Foundation.

Our first contact with the institution was 4 years ago, soon after our arrival to the Philippines. The relationship that has developed throughout these years is not merely as contributors or donors, but a long-lasting friendship: Holy Family is part of our family in the Philippines.

A very special moment has always been the yearly Christmas performance at our residence. It has always been for us, and for all our guests, a touching moment marking the start of the most festive season of the year. We wish that this relationship grows more and more in the years to come.

Ana and Pedro
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The Perfect Community: each one is a “gift of God”

By: Friendship Home San Francisco- Titay

(From the Mirror of Perfection  # 85)

“The most Blessed Father, having in a certain way transformed the brothers into saints by the ardor of his love and the fervent zeal which he had for their perfection, often used to ponder within himself about the qualities and virtues which should abound in a good Lesser Brother. And,” he used to say that a good Lesser Brother is one who would possess the life and qualities of the following holy brothers: namely;

the faith and love of poverty which Brother Bernard most perfectly had;

the simplicity and purity of Brother Leo who was truly a man of most holy purity;

the courtly bearing of Brother Angelo who was the first soldier to enter the Order and was endowed with every courtesy and kindness;

the friendly manner and common sense of Brother Masseo, together with his attractive and gracious eloquence;

the mind raised in contemplation which Brother Giles had even to the highest perfection;

the virtuous and constant prayer of Brother Rufino who, whatever he was doing, even sleeping, always prayed without ceasing and whose mind was always intent on the Lord;

the patience of Brother Juniper, who achieved the perfect state of patience because he always kept in mind the perfect truth of his low estate and the ardent desire to imitate Christ through the way of the cross;

the bodily and spiritual strength of Brother John of Lauds, who at that time in his robust body surpassed everyone;

the charity of Brother Roger whose life and conduct were spent in ardent love;

the solicitude of Brother Lucidus who had the greatest care and concern and did not want to remain in any place for a month, and when he enjoyed staying some place, would immediately leave, saying: “We do not have a dwelling here on earth, but in heaven.”

As community, living together with a common calling, mission, and commitment, we welcome each sister as a “gift of God” with an open heart which eventually offers us the possibility to unfold our talents of nature and grace. We embrace each one’s unique qualities. Enjoying each other’s presence, the love and joy that is shared, the sorrows that we carry hand in hand, and the acceptance of our strengths and weaknesses make fraternal life meaningful and worth living.

The community at prayer with some girls
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Going Strong

By:  Ms. Rose Javier

As a consecrated Lay Amigonian, I really tried my best to live my commitment. Pandemic strikes, but this does not discourage me and I believe the same with all the members of the MLA. We still gather together, not in a meeting, but in action. We made ourselves available by becoming channels for our brothers and sisters here in Purok Tumpok when the sisters gathered goods and help for them. We go house to house to distribute the goods. Until now, our group is always invited to pray at the wake of those who have died in our neighborhood. We are grateful that they are already trusting our group. During this pandemic, we also do feeding program for the children with the initiative of the sisters. Indeed, there is a feeling of true  joy in reaching out to others.

Personally, I continue praying the Septenary at home with my family and this is one of the positive impact of the pandemic. We gather together as a family. We also attend online Masses and read the Bible.

I was also grateful that we have resumed our weekly meeting with the sisters who are accompanying us. I am happy to have the opportunity to be enriched once again by the Word of God through the sharing of each one and being formed through the faith formation that we are receiving this month.

I am grateful to God that we, as a group, are still going strong with our desires and commitment. We are always excited to meet and be enriched with one another and with our desire to grow in our faith and in the way we are called to live our lives as Lay Amigonian with our families  and neighborhood.For all these, I am grateful to my companions, the sisters, and to God.

Praying of the Holy Rosary
Organizing the goods for distribution