Perpetually professed Good Shepherd Sisters worldwide celebrated the Feast of the Presentation of Mary on November 21, with their devotional renewal of vows.
Sisters, apostolic and contemplative, from the Province of Philippines-Japan had the celebration at the Good Shepherd Chapel in Quezon City, with Fr. Baltazar "Tasang" Obico OFM as presider during the Mass that followed the Morning Prayer.
Sr. Regina Kuizon RGS, province leader, led the Renewal of Vows-- of chastity, poverty, obedience, and the fourth vow of zeal.
The Nov. 21 celebration was preceded by a triduum, wherein communities reflected on the vows of chastity, poverty, obedience/zeal each day.
During the feast, the sisters commemorate Mary's offering of self to God. "Mary responded in opennedss to the Spirit. giving herself totally to the person and mission of Jesus." (Const.9)
"On this beautiful feast, the sisters "also celebrate the renewal of vows. St. Mary Euphrasia sadi: Our renewal of vows in not merely an outward ceremony, it is an act of the heart, sincere and without limits by which we mean to re-affirm the obligations undertaken at our Profession. So make this act with all the fervor of your soul. It is useful as a reminder of your engagements, and to engrave their memory ever more deeply in your heart; it is helpful too, to strengthen your good resolutions and to efface by your love many faults caused by thoughtlessness or forgetfulness.. The renewal of vows gives one/us the chance to repair the wrong and begin again with fervor."
The sisters also marked the 36th year anniversary of martyrdom of Sr. M. Consuelo Chuidian, Sr. Virginia Gonzaga, Sr. Catherine Loreto and Sr. Concepcion Conti, who perished during the sinking of the MV Cassandra on Nov. 21, 1983, saved many lives. By giving their lifevests to women and children during the shipwreck and helping others, they lost their own.
Photo: The Cassandra Martyrs
Besides the sisters from the Provincialate, Good Shepherd Community, Euphrasian Community, Heart of Mary Villa, St. Bridget School Community, Welcome House-Tahanan and apostolic and contemplative sisters from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who have come to Quezon City for the preparation for the November 24-25 Province Assembly.
| Several photos from Nov. 21 celebration of Mary's feast | |
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