To
honor St. John Eudes on his Feast Day, Religious of the Good Shepherd Sisters
together with the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, Little Sisters of the Poor,
Inter-congregational Theological Center Brothers, vocation contacts and other
invited guests attended the youth acoustic night with the theme “A heart for
the World” last Aug. 19 at St. Bridget School Auditorium, Quezon City.
Before
the program began, Mr. Elias Jayson Tolentino, Resource Development Manager of
St. Mary Euphrasia Integrated Development Foundation Incorporated (SMEIDFI)
encouraged the participants to talk with individuals in small groups.
Afterwards, an opening worship song entitled “Lord I offer my life” was sung by
Ms. Jade Ruiz to start the program. It was immediately followed by a video
presentation entitled “Why are you here?” The CYP Music Ministry invited
everyone to sing along with them while they were playing worship songs.
Then,
the resource speakers were introduced to share their personal vocation stories.
Sr. Tarcila Abaño, RGS was the first speaker who said that she found God in the
most godless place. She also added that one of the major struggles she
encountered was when her father did not allow her to enter the convent but she
still chose to obey God’s calling. She was proud to share that she was already
50 years in the religious life and contented. A response song entitled “Your
Love” was then given by Ms. Jade Ruiz.
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The
second speaker was Sr. Therese Merlita from San Lorenzo Ruiz Home of the
Elderly. She emphasized in her sharing that if we cling to God everything will
be alright. She shared that her parents did not allow her to enter the convent
since she was the eldest among her siblings. For that reason, she finished her
studies in college and then she went abroad to work and support her family
financially. After helping them, she went back to the Philippines and entered
the convent. She gladly shared that she professed her final vows as a member of
the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor last 2010 and she was 7
years in the religious life now. Ms. Gilda Panis sang “This is my Now’’ as the
response song for Sr. Therese’s sharing.
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Fr.
Dennis Jones Garcia, CJM was the last resource speaker. He shared that the Congregation
of Jesus and Mary was the third congregation he tried before he became a
priest. He also added that there are many challenges toward his journey to
vocation but with the grace of God, he conquered such challenges. To end his sharing,
he said that “If it’s really for you, it’s for you!’’ A response song “One Call
Away” was presented by Inter-congregational Theological Center Brothers and
Ruhama Girls.
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The
closing remarks were given by Sr. Ma. Añanita Borbon, RGS. She expressed her
heartfelt thanks to all the people who made this event possible and she
acknowledged Mr. Tolentino for organizing this meaningful event to promote
vocations. The last performance was presented by the Congregation of Jesus and
Mary seminarians: a worship song entitled “Yes Lord!”
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