By Sr. M. Cielo Matuloy RGS
Days before Christmas, our joyful anticipation of Christ's birth was replaced with sadness as we heard news of deaths, destructions and displacements brought by typhoon Sendong in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.
Our hearts broke at stories of lost loved ones and we worry for some people personally known and related to us including our own sisters. However, our spirits refused to be dampened as we take once more our inspiration from the God who came to be with us. As the news later said, “Christmas rush to give”.
Despite geographical and financial limitations we reached out with our hearts and started realizing the prayer-inspired idea of making candles which we call “Light of Hope”.
We venture into this little project with all the victims in mind, not only so we can send financial assistance but more importantly to accompany them in prayer and encourage others to do the same. Since two of us (Kris and Sr Tess) are “experts” in candle making and we already had some materials available, we feel confident and our little kitchen suddenly turned into a candle factory (a challenge to the imagination of some). The rest of us are just too happy to pitch in where we can, may it be from buying loads of wax in Divisoria, or in preparing the wicks and putting them on the molded candles, or in the cleaning and packaging part.
Despite piles of assignments to do, it is our joy that we can contribute a little of our time and effort. Our project will definitely not yield as much as the billions of dollars given to the victims by the European Union, but it is a small thing that we do with much love. Just like Pondong Pinoy's 25 cents, it is small but it is given with loving thoughts and intentions for those in need.
We see the candles we make as something that bring us all together as one: us who make them, the victims and survivors of Sendong for whom they are made, you dear sisters and friends who buy and use them, and even our restless earth who yearns for healing. Each time a candle is lit, we are together in praying that the light of hope that comes from God may spread to all of us. As we welcome and go through another year, we pray that the spirit of giving may stay with us and bring new life to all specially to our brothers and sisters who find it hard where and how to begin again.
Sisters in Temporary Profession and Sr. M. Teresita Figueroa(Directress)
(Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Peru. Philippines, Sudan)
Sr. Kristiana Prasetyo CGS (Indonesia)
Sr. Pauline Njura Mugaithia (Kenya)
Sr. Jane Kendi Mutuambia (Kenya)
Sr. Lydia Kagendo Mutwiri (Kenya)
Sr. Kelly Ngai (Malaysia)
Sr. Flora Nat Mar Mar Swe (Myanmar)
Sr. Lucy Aung Sian (Myanmar)
Sr. Rosabel Perez (Peru)
Sr. Cielo Matuloy (Philippines)
Sr. Angelina Ibrahim Trilly Koko
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