On January 30, we are so glad to welcome Fr. Andrew Urbanski, SDS, general superior of the SDS Fathers to our Regional House. He came to celebrate mass in our community chapel. In his homily during the mass, he especially mentioned his gratitude to the Filipino sisters for the help and support they gave to the SDS Fathers in the beginning of their foundation in the Philippines. The year was 1996.

Fr. Andrew was accompanied by Fr. Christopher Kowalczyk, SDS, superior of the SDS Fathers in the Philippines.  Thank you, Fr. Andrew!

“What does it mean to lead according to the mind and heart of Christ?”

“Who does GOD want to lead the Region for the next three (3) years?”

These questions were posed by His excelency Bishop Teodoro Buhain to each one of us as he led us to a deeper reflection and    listen to the voice of GOD within.

Façade of Bl. Mary of the Apostles Chapel (Therese von Wϋllenweber) The Altar

It is obvious that a tradition is emerging for the Salvatorian Sisters of the Philippine Region to celebrate the Church designated date of the Feast of Blessed Mary of the Apostles (Therese von Wϋllenweber) more festively in Tara. Bolinao, Pangasinan. Blessed Mary of the Apostle is the Patroness of the Chapel in Tara, Bolinao since Sept 5, 2003. She, with Fr. Francis of the Cross Jordan, co-founded the Congregation of the Sisters of the Divine Savior (SDS) as the Salvatorian Sisters are officially known and she

was beatified last October 13, 1968.

The day of the Sisters started with the morning prayer which centers on the Ceremony for the Entrance /Admission to the Novitiate of Postulant Grace Cabanas, 27 years old lady who hails from Argao, Cebu. Sr. Irma Caumeran, the Regional Superior officially admitted her to the SDS Novitiate with herself as the Novice Directress as per Generalate’s appointment. Aside from the SDS Sisters. some young college girls attended the ceremony.

The celebration of the Feast of the Foundress began with a Triduum of Masses from Sept 2 to 4 with Rev. Fr. Jeremy Ofoob, parish priest of St. James Parish in town proper of Bolinao presiding on the first day of Triduum. Rev. Fr. Rendrix Rabago, parish priest of Anda, adjacent town of Bolinao celebrant on the second day and Rev. Fr. Nick Veloria, RCJ, parish priest of Our Lady of the Pillar Parish of Zaragoza. Bolinao where Brgy. Tara belongs was the celebrant on the last day of the Triduum. Already, people from different Puroks of Brgy Tara, from other Barangays of Bolinao and from nearby towns and parishes came to attend the Triduum of Masses.

The main event of the celebration for the feast was the Eucharistic Liturgy presided over by His Excellency Bishop Marlo Peralta, Bishop of the Diocese of Alaminos with Fr. Nick Veloria, RCJ and Fr. Ulysess , RCJ both from Our Lady of the Pillar Parish as concelebrants Preceding the celebration of the Eucharist, the Blessing of the newly repaired/renovated chapel was also done by His Excellency.

The Chapel was overflowing with many parishioners from the Divine Savior parish of Santiago/Dewey Islands , St. James Parish of Bolinao town Proper, Our Lady of the Pillar Parish even friends and benefactors from Binmaley, Lingayen and Alaminos Pangasinan came too to grace the occasion .

After the Santa Missa (Holy Eucharist) there was La Messa (lunch) for all who were present prepared and served by Officers and members of the Barangay Tara Pastoral Council and SDS Sisters assigned in Tara. A daughter of one of the parishioners of Tara and 3 classmates in Hotel and Restaurant Management ( HRM) course, as part of their training, took charge of the physical arrangement and assisted in serving the people. The people of Tara were cooperative in the over all preparation of the many features of the fiesta.

Aside from the two SDS Sisters assigned n Tara, Sr. Cecilia Dolosa and Sr. Mila Goyena, other houses were represented during this ceremony. Sr. Irma, now novice Grace and Sr. Ma. Guadalupe Olano, represented New Manila Community, Sr. Mary Adeline Abamo, Sr. Frances Mangabat and Ma. Whelita Mendoza for Novaliches and Sr. Geraldine Avila for Buho, Silang, Cebu , due to distance, was not represent. Two SDS Malaysian Sisters Sr. ary Aloysius Ho and Sr,. Agnes Lim were also present. Lay SDS were also represent and this year we missed the SDS Fathers presence.

The Sisters are very grateful to all for the presence, cooperation, availability, spiritual/moral and financial assistance and support and most of all to God who made it all possible.

Here are some photos to remember that significant day of August 2011 - the celebration of the 40th year of religious profession of Sr. Augustine Paderna, SDS and Sr. Geraldine Avila, SDS...

CONGRATULATIONS!