Philippine Novitiate transfers to St. John's Compound

The Philippine Novitiate transferred last February 11 from the fourth floor of Good Shepherd Building to St. John's Compound in Quezon City.

Photo: Sisters gather for the liturgy

Sr. M. Teresa Danganan RGS, Novitiate Directress and the novices, Sr. Lorraine Libres, Sr. Clara Lina Loilo, Sr. Emelia Guardian and Sr. Callen Nyaboke Abenga were given a warm welcome by the residents-- families and staff- of St. John's compound. Good Shepherd Sisters from the different communities in 1043 Aurora Blvd. -- Euphrasian Community, St. Bridget School, Heart of Mary Villa, Good Shepherd Community and the Provincialate also attended the blessing of the Novitiate house. Temporary professed sisters also came to celebrate with the novices. Two of the first five novices from the Philippines were also in attendance Sr. M. Jane Pineda and Sr. Teresita
Ante of Batch 1961.

A ritual of welcome was held. Sr. Callen Nyaboke Abenga who is from the Sector of Kenya led the welcome ritual which was followed by the blessing of the different rooms of the novitiate in St. John's Compound.

Photo: Oratory of the Novitiate.

SHARING By Sr. Rosalie Enriquez RGS (Sr. Rosalie Enriquez RGS was assistant Novice Directress when the Philippine Novitiate began in 1961. At present, she is a member of the Good Shepherd Community in Quezon City)

Just a brief recall. This morning at breakfast, when I saw our Novitiate sisters, I joined their table. And remarked, “How significant is your transferring to St. John’s Compound, the beautiful Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.” About 50 or 51 years ago, we started our 1st Philippine Novitiate down here on our side of the building being occupied by our Contemplative Sisters. Terry said, “Will you give that opening before the Blessing?” “No need, that’s all I wanted to say” was my reply. “Sister, we’ll put you in the program,” was Terry’s final word. We are blessed to have here with us now, two of our 1st Novices, Sr. Jane Pineda and Sr. Tita Ante. How interesting to recall that from the beginning of the Philippine Novitiate, God has planned the complimentary relationship between the active/contemplative RGS who were being formed/housed under the same roof.  I also recall that as we go up for daily Mass to our chapel, gazing at the huge construction going on, I compared our gradual formation as RGS. To conclude, we pray to God through Our Lady of Lourdes to continue guiding/forming the hearts of our Novices after the Heart of the Divine Shepherd. Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

St. John's Compound has been for many years the residence of the staff who work at the Good Shepherd Convent. It has also served as residence for the prenovitiate. In the early 1980s the Noviate was also located in one of the houses of the compound.

It will be recalled that on June 21, 2011, the Philippine Novitiate marked its 50th year.  The transfer to St. John's compound was the fruit of the discernment of the community after the 2011 Formators' Training held in Maryridge and is aimed at a relevant and wholistic formation.