A Centennial Summit for Bridget Schools was held November 25 at the St. Bridget College in Batangas City.
Some 350 teachers and administrative staff from the four schools administered by Good Shepherd Sisters attended. The schools include St. Bridget College in Batangas City, St. Bridget School in Buhi, Camarines, Sur, St. Bridget School in Quezon City and St. Bridget College- Alitagtag.
The Centennial Summit hopes to strengthen and deepen collaboration among the four St. Bridget schools to facilitate concerted and innovative efforts in accomplishing the Good Shepherd mission in education.
| Click list to enlarge |
| PROGRAMME |
 |
Keynote Speaker was Sr. Clare Nolan, training facilitator of the Good Shepherd International Justice and Peace Office in New York. Sr. Clare has been active in the justice and peace work of the congregation and facilitated the recognition by the United Nations of our NGO consultative status with ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) of the UN. She was Good Shepherd NGO representative to the UN from 1996-2008. during the Summit, she spoke on "Spirituality of Justice and Global Solidarity."
Sr. Lydia Ebora RGS, president of SBC-Batangas, welcomed the delegates to the summit in Batangas, the first foundation of the Good Shepherd Sisters in the Philippines. The first Irish Good Shepherd missionaries arrived in the Philippines on October 4, 1912 to explore the possibilites of opening a Catholic school in Batangas as requested byBishop Joseph Petrelli of the Diocese of Lipa. After months of preparation, the school opened its doors to students on January 1913.
Sr. Cecilia Torres, province leader of the Good Shepherd Sisters in the Philippines, also delivered her message.
The themes that were developed during the summit: "Congregational Thrusts, Charism and Directives" by Sr. Patricia Perez; and "RGS Ministries and the Justice and Peace Journey," by Sr, Maureen Catabian.
Sr. Ananita Borbon gave an orientation to the Sharing of Bridget schools. Other topics explored were: "Promoting a Culture of Excellence in the service of Mission," SBC, "Promoting a Culture of Simplicity in the Context of Commercialism,"- SBS QC and "Experience of Networking for Mission"- SBCA. (Please click to view complete programme)
Intermission numbers were provided by the different schools. A Eucharistic Celebration was presided by Fr. John de Castro OSJ, president of the Lipa Diocese Catholic Schools Association.
A Solidarity Night was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
Ms. Dolly Borras of SBC and Mr. Dio Sta.Maria of SBS QC were the masters of ceremonies.
The Centennial Summit of Bridget Schools is a fitting tribute too to the missionaries, teachers and lay partners, students and parents.