A Karakol Welcome for the Shepherd’s Staff

Submitted by regina on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 15:37

 

By Sr. M. Lourdes Fabia RGS
(Maryridge, Tagaytay)

The Centennial Shepherd’s Staff on its journey to places of Good Shepherd presence in the Philippines is now on  its  visit to the four Good Shepherd foundations in Cavite.  Sister Mary Aimee Olaguer brought the     Staff from Baguio  (still with the garland of everlasting flowers from our Sisters there) on February 8, feast of the Most Pure Heart of Mary  and received  a “soft” welcome  at the CGS (Contemplatveschapel from  the Maryridge, CGS, Bahay Pastulan and Bukid Kabataan (BK) communities.  While we sang “Shepherd of my Soul”  the beloved symbol was placed near the altar.  An Evening Praise   “Heart of Mary, One Heart with Jesus” followed.

Sunday, February 12 dawned with mist and a slight drizzle.  But as the time for the  grand welcome at 9:00 a.m. neared, the sun came out and a cool breeze embraced all who had assembled at the roadside --  the children of Bukid Kabataan and Maryridge’s Tulong Paaral,   lay staff of our communities,  the Sisters from our different communities,  friends, lay affiliates and mission partners ,  and other guests.  When the festive music sounded, the “Karakol” started  led by two BK boys with the banner     “ Isang Daang Taong Paglalakbay” and  Sister Ludila Panaligan  holding up the Staff.  Everyone danced the traditional ritual dance  of the Cavitenos,  swaying with  colorful paper ribbons,  flower sticks and garlands.  The priests and guests who had gathered at Maryridge  watched  from the balcony while others came out to join the procession at the tail-end.       

/IMG_0811a1.jpg" align="left" hspace="10" border="0" />Before the Eucharist, Sister Gloria Nubla gave an introduction and traced the beginnings of the Philippine foundation.  When she came to Cavite, she made this remark which elicited appreciative nods “The diocese must be special because we have here four communities in this province!”  A powerpoint presentation was later presented.  It started with the significant mention that the centennial visit of the Shepherd’s staff is made within the golden jubilee year of the Diocese of Imus.  This coincidence  (or providence?)   recalled the sentiments of Mother Foundress in the early years of our congregation:  My dear daughters, I feel I could never say enough about our Mother Church, of the love we owe her.  On arriving at our foundations, think that as daughters of the Church, you are as it were sent by her.”    The video opened with the “Karakol” of the diocese’s own golden jubilee celebration,  and images of O.L. of the Pillar (patroness of the diocese), the cathedral, and the bishop and clergy were flashed on the screen. The story of the four GS missions here was  told within the setting of the Local Church.  If we “as it were”  sent by the Church, our experience has been “indeed” always welcomed by our local church.

Another journey we have linked up with is the coming of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary (also known as the Eudists) to the Philippines in 2006.  Their first foundation in Asia, AVE COR, is in this diocese through the invitation of the then Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle.

The February 12 Eucharist was presided by Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto, papal nuncio to the Philippines, the homily was given by  Archbishop Luis Antonio  Tagle, and 15 priests concelebrated.  In his homily, Archbishop Chito made a beautiful link between the “people with leprosy” (1st Reading), the “pure and purifying touch of Jesus” (Gospel) and our Good Shepherd vocation.  He did make the note that he was not canonizing  the GS Sisters (we know them well enough for that!) but described the Good Shepherd vocation and mission so endearingly and beautifully.  The 90-voice lead choir (BK, Tulong Paaral, and the four communities’ lay staff) sang the centennial songs and the original compositions of Sr. Myra Atian (responsorial psalm, offertory, communion) with all their hearts.

Special messages concluded the rites:  from the Papal Nuncio;  Chinkee de Jesus, a Maryridge alumna; Atty. Lolita de Villa, friend and benefactor; and Sister Rose Tapia with her word of thanks.  Then Sister Rose invited everyone to go to the garden where the Staff, symbol of the Shepherd’s love and compassion and presence in Cavite, was to be installed under a simple arch of bamboo and palm and flowers.

e="mso-spacerun: yes;">  We gathered around  the arch and the grotto of our Blessed Mother , and as  Sister Cecile blessed the Staff, we sang once more our centennial song.  We lingered for a while  looking at the Staff .  .  .  and knew in our hearts “that a Shepherd beckons us, his love embraces us” .  .  .  now and onto the next hundred years and forever!


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Related Articles:

Regional Celebration in Cavite:
http://www.goodshepherdsisters.org.ph/news/cavite

2012 Centennial
http://www.goodshepherdsisters.org.ph/2012-centennial