tambuli april 2016

TambuliTambuliTambulibecausewereally

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MEDICAL MISSION SISTERS APRIL 2016TambuliTambuliTambuliTHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THETambuliTambuliTambuliTHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THETambuliTambuliTambuli

MEDICAL MISSION SISTERS TambuliTambuliTambuli

MEDICAL MISSION SISTERS TambuliTambuliTambuli

APRIL 2016TambuliTambuliTambuli

APRIL 2016TambuliTambuliTambuliTHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MEDICAL MISSION SISTERS APRIL 2016

Tambuli Edited.indd 1 5/6/2016 6:54:12 PM

what’s inside On March 4, 2016, the staff and volunteers of the Diocesan radio station DXDB and the local weekly newspaper Bandilyo, visited the lumad community of TINDOGA in Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon. This short encounter opened their Lenten recollection, praying and reflecting with Easter Joy Community, on how we are affected and transformed by our experience of Jesus among the poor and marginalized. The day ended with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration where each one shared the “headline” of his or her good news from this recollection.

1st Philippine Environment Summit held The first Philippine Environment Summit organized by the Green Convergence with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as co-convenor was held last February 09-11, 2016 at SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The theme of the summit was “Greening together, growing together: Breakthroughs and innovations towards sustainable development.”

The summit was a celebration of the Philippine Environmental Movement, a showcase of programs and projects that contributed to the country’s social and economic advancement while protecting the environment. It was also a call to government and the Filipino people to unite in accelerating the drive towards sustainable development.

Attendance at the summit included students from different schools and colleges, delegates from different LGUs, government and non-government organizations, business people, private individuals who are active and are engaged in environmental projects, activities and programs. The summit focused on the situationer and issues on the environmental problem (Philippine and Global) and touched topics on: food safety, management and protection of environment and sustainable economy.

14th GENERAL CHAPTER FEEDBACK

The 14th General Chapter feedback was given to the members of MMS Philippines in an All Members gathering last January 18–21 in the residence of Shalom Community in Quezon City. Sr. Bernadetta Rini Dwi Astuti , Sector Coordinator of East Asia, and Sr. Rowena Pineda, Chapter delegate, shared the report of the 14th General Chapter report and the 57th GA Report. After the feedback, the members, through reflections of small groups, articulated the implications of the new Society government structure for Unit Philippines. They also named possible Link Persons of the new Society Leadership Team to Unit Philippines. This post-Chapter gathering was also a good opportunity to learn together about the Ageing process through a very enlightening input by Dr. Cheridine Oro-Josef. We celebrated these beautiful days of togetherness and hopefulness with a simple dinner for all. In Bukidnon, Sr. Rowena also met with the group of Lay Promoters on February 4, 2016, and then the Associates on February 15, 2016 in Malaybalay for the Chapter reporting.

Sr. Rowena Pineda shown here presenting the 14th General Chapter report on January 17, 2016 at Loob Tagpuan, Quezon City to Associates in Metro Manila, joined by those who are applying for Associate membership.

Three farmers from Pagadian City and Tangub City for a one-month training course on organic farming and permaculture on February 23 and still on-going.

Widening the tentEASTER JOY COMMUNITYIMMERSIONS

LAUNCHING OF REAP...

MINDANAO PEOPLE’S MINING ...

HEAL COMMUNITYTHE STORY OF HEAL

SERVING MEMBERS...

1ST PHIL. ENVIRONMENT...

SHALOM COMMUNITYINTEGRATIVE MEDICINE...

CARE FOR THE WELL BEING...

FORMATION: MY ENCOUNTER...

MMS Phil. NewsSOLIDARITY WITH THE LUMAD

14TH GEN. CHAPTER FEEDBACK

RENEWAL OF VOWS

Pinay MMS OverseasLOVING IS SILENT...

Making the cause knownPARTNERSHIP IN PROMOTING...

THREE WAYS TO BE A SAINT

WHEN PEOPLE TRUST YOU

JOURNEY IN THE MISSION

THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

WE LOVE BECAUSE...

BECAUSE YOU REALLY...

NewsbitsSpecial Announcement

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Tambuli is a musical instrument indigenous to the Philippines fashioned from the horn of a carabao that produces long, melodious sounds. Long before, this instrument was used to summon villagers to a meeting of their elders, or to warn of a common danger. Tambuli fi ts the essence and spirituality of the offi cial publication of MMS Philippines. This publication is created to make known their response to the call of healing mission in the spirit of Jesus the Healer.

About the Cover

About Tambuli

“...because we really love!” is a phrase born out of the challenges of the present-day injustice and oppression that we see everyday. The innocent and curious gaze of this child from Tindoga is a representation of every child’s witnessing to the things that the world has to show. Children are the most fragile and delicate beings in this world; honed with love and a� ection, they will grow up to be God-fearing and loving but if otherwise happens, they could be one of this world’s greatest dilemma. Due to this realization, it is up to our witnessing to go beyond what is expected of us. It is not enough that we pity those poor and marginalized, it is not enough that we express our sympathy to those who are hurt. The opening of the Holy Doors and the observance of the Extraordinary

Jubilee Year of MERCY is a challenge to everyone to go beyond their feelings and strongly say “I will do this...because I really love”.


Tambuli | i.

editorialBIRTHING THE

THEME OF THIS TAMBULI

BIRTHING THE THEME OF

THIS TAMBULI


THIS TAMBULI

BIRTHING THE BIRTHING THE BIRTHING THE BIRTHING THE BIRTHING THE BIRTHING THE BIRTHING THE THEME OF THEME OF THEME OF THEME OF THEME OF THEME OF THEME OF

THIS TAMBULITHIS TAMBULITHIS TAMBULITHIS TAMBULITHIS TAMBULITHIS TAMBULITHIS TAMBULI


THIS TAMBULI

“If you really love...you try to � nd out...you are patient and long su� ering... tireless, sel� ess, generous...you want to give...you serve, not just work.” � ese were the particular verses from Mother Anna Dengel’s beautiful poem, “If You Really Love” that spoke to us who were gathered in a circle for faith-sharing. Many generations of MMS have found in this poem much inspiration and encouragement for life in mission.

� is time, it was our vibrant group of 11 lay promoters with 3 MMS who gathered on February 16 to draw from the gi� of “If You Really Love” as we entered into the season of Lent and prepared for the celebration of Easter. � e coordinator for formation, Isagani Cagatcagat, who was also facilitator, invited us to sing this poem to begin the very � rst formal “faith-sharing” as a group. With some quiet re� ection time, we drank deep from the wellspring in these words. � e next moment was a sacred time of sharing the particular line that spoke to us like a source of faith motivating us to carry on amidst life’s challenges.

REAL LOVE empowers us to go beyond our personal preferences for the sake of our

beloved. It enables us to extend our waking time, to stretch ourselves way beyond our comfort zones, for the joy of the one we love. “We are what we eat” was Isagani’s way of synthesizing our heart-warming stories of faith, commitment, change, sacri� ce, of a growing desire to live according to God’s will, that our Beloved may be made visible in us.

We are “what we eat”, what we take in, what we feed ourselves with. We become what we are most present to. � e more we choose to be present to our Beloved, the more we become like the Beloved. � e more we take life in from God’s eyes, the more we become like God, loving unconditionally. � is is also called living life contemplatively.

Surprised at how Isagani put together our stories of real loving, we were suddenly gi� ed by the Spirit with another surprise! As we attempted to articulate the summary of all that was shared, someone suggested...BECAUSE WE REALLY LOVE! � is expresses what we realized as the very motivation of our engagements and commitments. No longer IF we really love, but BECAUSE we really love. In this spirit, the theme for this issue of Tambuli was

born!

You are welcome to be present to the “food” that this Tambuli issue o� ers. We hope you will be nourished by the di� erent ways our sisters, communities and our lay promoters are living the healing charism. May you receive the grace to contemplate the stories of our ever-widening tent and the news bits from sisters and communities in mission. May the re� ections on LOVE feed you with joy, hope, and a deep sense of gratitude for our personal and shared journeys. May these pages be a place of communion where we partake only of the good news of God’s unconditional love. Let us celebrate in relationship the gi� of being Easter people!

“Love is the impetus which gives our way of life its meaning and direction, empowering us to commit all that we have and all that we are to help bring about a world where all live in harmony and where no one is in want. (MMS Constitution, p. 2)

Sr. Rowena J. Pineda, MMSEditor-in-Chief


From Easter Joy Community: IMMERSIONS

Easter Joy Community organized and facilitated the re� ection of the Religious of the Diocese of Malaybalay (RDM) to

culminate the Year of Consecrated Life on February 19-20, 2016. An immersion in a community of the Talaandig tribe in a mountain barangay in Lantapan, Bukidnon was the context of the re� ection.

The main purpose for this immersion was to encounter God among the indigenous people by participating in the ordinariness of their daily life. The desire was to experience together the indigenous spirituality and to draw insights on how this encounter could further shape their respective ministries.

� e image of “widening the tent” from Isaiah (54:2) comes to mind as we look back and forward to the various ways in which we live as witnessing communities. We see that the “widening tent” is not only ours. Together with

many others, MMS in di� erent places in the Philippines engaged in programs, movements, and initiatives for the sake of indigenous peoples, ecological justice and conversion, integrative health, migrant workers and tra� cked persons.

New possibilities for collaboration, solidarity, and community-building have been born in these mutually enriching engagements.

On March 4, 2016, the staff and volunteers of the Diocesan radio station DXDB and the local weekly newspaper Bandilyo, visited the lumad community of TINDOGA in Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon. This short encounter opened their Lenten recollection, praying and reflecting with Easter Joy Community, on how we are affected and transformed by our experience of Jesus among the poor and marginalized. The day ended with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration where each one shared the “headline” of his or her good news from this recollection.

with Easter Joy Community, on how we are a� ected and transformed by our experience of Jesus among the poor and marginalized. The day ended with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration where each one shared the “headline” of his or her good news from this recollection. The inspiration for such immersion experiences was Pope Francis’ encouragement that we “go to the peripheries” to encounter God there. New evangelization also calls us to “go to the wells” where Jesus awaits to encounter us. And now, the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy and Compassion invites the entire Catholic Church “to refashion itself in...merciful love”.

On March 4, 2016, the sta� and volunteers of the Diocesan radio station DXDB and the local weekly

newspaper Bandilyo, visited the lumad community of TINDOGA in Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon. This short encounter opened their Lenten recollection, praying and re� ecting

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widening the tent


LAUNCHING OF REAP MINDANAO NETWORK

On October 28, 2015, the Network Resisting Expansion of Agricultural Plantations in

Mindanao (REAP Mindanao Network) was launched at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. This network aims to gain local and international support to address the urgent concerns on land monopoly, land grabbing, contractualization, child labor and conditions of women in the workplace, threats among peasant, labor leaders, and environmental activists among others. REAP Mindanao Network was convened by Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao Region (RMP-NMR), Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA), and Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR). Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo attended this launching as representative of the RMP-NMR and as one of the MMS assigned in Bukidnon with the lumad.

Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo, MMS

Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo and Sr. Jean Amar attended Mindanao People’s Mining Conference. It was held at Ateneo

de Davao University last March 2, 2016. The theme is “Strengthening Mindanao people’s unity in the defense of Mindanao patrimony and ancestral lands against foreign mining plunder”. It was a joint e� ort of Panalipdan! Southern Mindanao, Panalipdan! Mindanao, Kalumaran and Sisters Association in Mindanao (SAMIN). It was an opportunity for mining-a� ected people of Mindanao to gather and share their experiences,

MAKING THE CAUSE KNOWN: Sr. Jane participated in the activities for the Vocation Day in

the Diocese of Cubao on Nov. 28, 2015

Voc. Promotion in the Diocese of Malaybalay with Sr. Jean and lay promoters of other Congregations

Representatives of people’s organizations, institutions, advocates, a� ected Indigenous Peoples in Mindanao and peasants attended the launching of REAP Mindanao. Inset: Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo shared the struggle of the Manobo-Pulangihon in Barangay Butong, Quezon, Bukidnon in reclaiming their ancestral land against a land grabber.

MINDANAO PEOPLE’S MINING CONFERENCE

From MMS-EJC Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo and Sr. Jean Amar attended Mindanao People’s Mining Conference. It was held at Ateneo de Davao University last March 2, 2016. The theme is “Strengthening Mindanao people’s unity in the defense of Mindanao patrimony and ancestral lands against foreign mining plunder”. It was a joint effort of Panalipdan! Southern Mindanao, Panalipdan! Mindanao, Kalumaran and Sisters Association in Mindanao (SAMIN). It was an opportunity for mining-affected people of Mindanao to gather and share their experiences, discuss strategies and forge unity with the broadest segment of the society in order to scrap the Mining Act 1995 and start to reorient the Philippine mining industry away from export-oriented character towards building domestic industrial capacity.

Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo joined the supporters of peasants, Moros, representatives of the lumad (indigenous peoples) who were gathered at the University of the Philippines to resist the expansion of plantations in Mindanao. The occasion was the launching of the Network Resisting Expansion of Agricultural Plantations in Mindanao (REAP Mindanao) on October 28, 2015

discuss strategies and forge unity with the broadest segment of the society in order to scrap the Mining Act 1995 and start to reorient the Philippine

mining industry away from export-oriented character towards building domestic industrial capacity.

Sr. Jean Amar, MMS

Leaders of Indigenous People’s communities a� ected by mining in Mindanao with representatives of SAMIN and sta� of partner-organizations during the Mindanao People’s Mining Conference.

Tambuli | 2

Easter Joy Community


THE STORY OF

2016 February is a signi� cant date for HEAL as we thank and praise GOD for our ten years of existence.

Indeed, we can look back at the pains as well as the joys of growing and developing to where we are today. We thank the many people that have become part of our growing. Special thanks to VRIENDEN who gave us the seed money to start our sta� house and training center/hall. With that encouragement, MMS Philippines did an all out campaign for local fundraising.

HEAL is a dream come true for MMS Philippines. It has been a long time desire to respond to the signs of the times, particularly the destruction of Earth – through an alternative eco-friendly life style: to live simply that others may simply live.

With the donation of a two hectare piece of land by the De Guzman family in Sitio

Maburac, Barangay Capulaan, Villasis, Pangasinan, our story evolved. In the beginning, there was nothing. � is piece of land was � lled with tall wild grass (talahib) and cogon grass. In 2006, the clean up of the property was started by our two pioneer Sisters Lynn Kaum and Natividad Cristobal. � e task was simply to plant all sorts of trees on the empty land. And with the seed money from Vrienden, construction started in 2007. By 2008, the community moved in, with additional members: Sisters Eufrecina Briones and Mary Anne Bellosillo. � e session hall was almost � nished and a group of De La Salle University students were the � rst to come for a week-end Earth Camp Program.

Right from the beginning, it was clear to us that our advocacy program will focus on consciousness raising on what is happening to our beautiful

land, by guiding individuals and groups that come to our place to a spirituality that is rooted in our Creation Story. We believe that an alternative eco-friendly life style has to be grounded in the Source of LIFE – our Creator. We are clear that HEAL is a place of HOPE, connecting with Mother Earth and guiding participants through an ecological way of life. In doing this, we have moved towards sustainable living, drawing from what Earth can supply us.

Given our healing charism, the symbol we have chosen for our logo are the four elements: Fire (Energy, Light), Water (cleansing and refreshing), Air (breath, Spirit – ruah) and Earth (nourishing and nurturing). � ese are the four elements basic to life – the basic components of Earth as well as of humans.

In our present reality these basic elements are being destroyed and damaged, e.g., mining, logging,

HAVEN FOR ECOLOGICAL ANDALTERNATIVE LIVING

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widening the tent


deforestation, displacement of people, climate change as well as global warming, likewise, areas that cause illnesses in our present society – respiratory diseases due to pollution of air; high blood pressure due to the food we eat; loss of biodiversity due to technology that promotes monoculture; dysentery, typhoid, malaria and dengue due to the contaminated and polluted water . We can enumerate more.

� us, the urgent need for healing the Earth as Pope Francis says: “� e cry of the poor, is the cry of the earth.”

� e call for us today is to undo the damage we have caused and reclaim the original blessing of God’s creation. Our time is a very special time and an exciting time as an ecological worldview is emerging worldwide in humanity. � is is a great reason for HOPE.

Will we develop the wisdom and

insights, new values and virtues to help bring about the great shi� from a technological and industrial growth - dominated worldview called globalization, to a worldview that leads the humans into a benign way of living on this Earth?

In all these, we stress a need for silence, serene attentiveness, stillness and rest as a counterbalance for the increasing speed of life “rapidi� cation” all over the world. It is only when we are in a mood of mindfulness that we will experience the sacredness of all life and make a choice that is life enhancing and fostering of life.

Sr. Mary Anne Bellosillo, MMS

VISIONA home for all created

life, living harmoniously with one another, in a

just and healing way and mutually enhancing of a deepening/growing

relationship with creator God.

MISSIONTo be a healing

community, a home for all created life, celebrating

a common relationship with God and actively

participating/promoting the vision/dream.









VISIONVISIONVISIONA home for all created A home for all created A home for all created

life, living harmoniously life, living harmoniously life, living harmoniously with one another, in a with one another, in a with one another, in a

just and healing way and just and healing way and just and healing way and mutually enhancing of mutually enhancing of mutually enhancing of a deepening/growing a deepening/growing a deepening/growing

relationship with creator relationship with creator relationship with creator God.God.God.

MISSIONMISSIONMISSIONTo be a healing To be a healing To be a healing

community, a home for community, a home for community, a home for all created life, celebrating all created life, celebrating all created life, celebrating

a common relationship a common relationship a common relationship with God and actively with God and actively with God and actively

participating/promoting participating/promoting participating/promoting the vision/dream.the vision/dream.the vision/dream.









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HEAL Community


SERVING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY OF LIFE

We are faced not with two s e p a r a t e crises, one environmental

and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integral approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.”

“I want to recognize, encourage and thank all those striving in

countless ways to guarantee the protection of the home which we share.” (Pope Francis, Laudato Si, 2015)

Over the years HEAL has o� ered di� erent programs to di� erent sectors, groups, individuals, organizations to experience what it means to be a member of the community of life and to realize that we are only a part of the Web of Life. Recently, HEAL had the opportunity to share their programs to the di� erent groups who came as shown in the photos: Priests and

Sisters coming from di� erent countries and Congregations attending the East Asia Pastoral Institute Sabbatical Leadership Experience on March 7-11; Buddhists Monks from Korea for a program on A Day With The Earth on February 27-28 and three farmers from Pagadian City and Tangub City for a one-month training course on organic farming and permaculture on February 23 and still on-going.

Sr. Lynn Kaum, MMS



Priests and Sisters coming from different countries and Congregations attending the East Asia Pastoral Institute Sabbatical Leadership Experience on March 7-11. From HEAL “We are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental. Strategies for a solution demand an integral approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.”

“I want to recognize, encourage and thank all those striving in countless ways to guarantee the protection of the home which we share.” (Pope Francis, Laudatu Si, 2015)

The Haven for Ecological Living and Learning (HEAL) established by the Medical Mission Sisters in 2006 is a direct response to the challenge posed by the ecological crisis and to heed the call of Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudatu Si.

Buddhists Monks from Korea for a program on A Day With The Earth on February 27-28.

Priests and Sisters coming from di� erent countries and Congregations attending the East Asian Pastoral Institute Sabbatical Leadership Experience on March 7-11.

Buddhist Monks from Korea for a program on A Day With The Earth on February 27-28.

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1ST PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENT SUMMIT HELD

The � rst Philippine Environment Summit organized by the Green Convergence with the Department

of Environment and Natural Resources as co-convenor was held last February 09-11, 2016 at SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The theme of the summit was “Greening together, growing together: Breakthroughs and innovations towards sustainable development.”

The summit was a celebration of the Philippine Environmental Movement, a showcase of programs and projects that contributed to the country’s social and economic advancement while protecting

the environment. It was also a call to government and the Filipino people to unite in accelerating the drive towards sustainable development.

Attendance at the summit included students from di� erent schools and colleges, delegates from di� erent LGUs, government and non-government organizations, business people, private individuals who are active and are engaged in environmental projects, activities and programs. The summit focused on the situationer and issues on the environmental problem (Philippine and Global) and touched topics on: food safety, management and protection of environment and sustainable economy.

1st Philippine Environment Summit held

The first Philippine Environment Summit organized by the Green Convergence with the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources as co-convenor was held last February 09-

11, 2016 at SMX Convention Center Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.

The theme of the summit was “Greening together, growing together: Breakthroughs and

innovations towards sustainable development.”

The summit was a celebration of the Philippine Environmental Movement, a showcase of

programs and projects that contributed to the country’s social and economic advancement

while protecting the environment. It was also a call to government and the Filipino people to

unite in accelerating the drive towards sustainable development.

Attendance at the summit included students from different schools and colleges, delegates

from different LGUs, government and non-government organizations, business people, private

individuals who are active and are engaged in environmental projects, activities and programs.

The summit focused on the situationer and issues on the environmental problem (Philippine

and Global) and touched topics on: food safety, management and protection of environment

and sustainable economy.

At the di� erent breakout sessions, there were presentations of some of the remarkable breakthroughs and innovations towards sustainable development by individuals, organizations and corporations such as: SALT - A LAMP THAT RUNS ON SALT AND WATER; a renewable power company generating clean, indigenous, renewable energy source; sustainable integrated and natural mini-farm program, etc.

Srs. Fe Mandreza and Lynn Kaum together with other sisters from di� erent religious congregations volunteered in the registration of the participants.

Sr. Lynn Kaum, MMS

Tambuli | 6

HEAL Community


In living the present with passion, MMS Philippines a� rmed the three areas of mission

focus, namely ecology, indigenous peoples, and care for the wellbeing of the sisters. In � nding adequate ways to respond to the care of all members, speci� cally

our elderly sisters, a full-time nurse and a geriatric doctor, Dr. Cheridine Oro-Josef are providing professional health care for the sisters in Shalom as well as other elderly MMS coming for Dr. Cheridine’s monthly visit.

Lack of access and equity may be said to characterize the delivery of health care services among marginalized

poor in the Philippines today.

Through the years of work of bringing health care to the marginalized, challenges and threats need to be met with a corresponding change in the mindset of health professionals and development workers.

NGOs such as INAM Philippines come in not to bring programs but to learn with the community, the indigenous peoples, PWAs (persons with addiction), PWD (persons with disability) what the health situation is and from there, train community health volunteers to establish community health programs

From Shalom Community:INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE FOR THE

MARGINALIZED

appropriate to their needs and the resources available in their areas.

PIM is a consciousness that understands health as a total well-being resulting from the interplay of economic, political, socio-cultural and spiritual aspects of life; health is a right

and a responsibility; everyone has the right to choose what will restore or maintain his or her wellness. From an ecological perspective, PIM believes that health is for all creatures because we share one breath.

In the photo is Sr. Dulce (standing with yellow shirt, mentor of INAM’s training team, facilitating the learning process of community health program managers from 3 municipalities of Misamis Occidental to become facilitators of the Philippine Integrative Medicine (PIM) training in their respective expansion areas.

CARE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY SISTERS

Daily exercise is one of the healthy ways that the Health Team is caring for the well-being of our sisters. The post-Chapter gathering became a good opportunity to learn together about the normal ageing process and the common problems of geriatrics through a very enlightening input

by Dr. Cheridine. “Our demographics show an aging membership with more than 50 percent of our sisters being 75 or older. And yet, the passion for mission remains throughout our membership, as we respond to the emerging needs in this globalized world.”

Sr. Jean Amar, MMS

Sr. Dulce Corazon B. Velasco, MMS

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widening the tent

and a responsibility; everyone has the

In the photo is Sr. Dulce (standing with yellow shirt, mentor of INAM’s training team, facilitating the learning process of community health program managers from 3 municipalities of Misamis Occidental to learning process of community health program managers from 3 municipalities of Misamis Occidental to become facilitators of the Philippine Integrative Medicine (PIM) training in their respective expansion areas.


MY ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS THE HEALER AMONG HIS PEOPLE

This photo was taken during the ‘Kampuhan’ of TINDOGA in front of the Municipal Hall in Quezon, Bukidnon last December 20, 2016. We had an interview with Datu Andong and Bae Jocelyn together with Sr. Belen and Sr. Elsa to document their situation. An encounter of Jesus the healer to his people For almost 7 months in my Candidacy period (Novitiate) and experiencing our mission with TINDOGA brought me a new life.

To be immersed with them is a challenging journey which widen my perspective of understanding their situation.

I feel sadness upon knowing their situation, but I remain hopeful because they continue to find justice in the struggle of their ancestral land… letting their struggle be our struggle.

It was an experience of healing to my woundedness - seeing the reality of TINDOGA. They have lived a simple life, in unity, hospitality and communion with one another. Their spirituality filled me with enthusiasm because of their deep connectedness with Magbabaya (God).

It is a learning process for me, in encountering God in all created life and discovering the Gospel values in the lives of the community. In addition, it challenges my way of doing, relating and being that would be life giving to me and to others.

This experience is a manifestation of the Paschal Mystery of Christ - that we are called to be a healing presence to one another in whatever situation it could be. It is a transformative journey, to learn in their way of life and how they respect their culture in living their traditions and identity.

For almost 7 months in my Candidacy period (Novitiate) and experiencing our mission with TINDOGA (Tribal

Indigenous Oppressed Group Association) brought me new life.

To be immersed with them is a challenging journey which widens my perspective in understanding their situation.

I feel sad in knowing their situation, but I remain hopeful because they continue to � nd justice in the struggle for their ancestral land… making their struggle our struggle, too.

It is an experience of healing my own woundedness seeing the

reality of TINDOGA. They live a simple life, in unity, hospitality and communion with one another. Their spirituality � lls me with enthusiasm because of their deep connectedness with Magbabaya (God).

It is a learning process for me, encountering God in all created life and discovering the Gospel values in the life of the community. In addition, it challenges my way of doing, relating and being that would be life giving to me and to others.

This experience is a manifestation of the Paschal Mystery of Christ - as we are called to be a healing presence to one another

in whatever situation. It is a transformative journey, learning from their way of life and how they respect their culture living their traditions and their true identity.

I am � lled with great joy and gratitude for having the experience of being able to encounter the di� erent faces of Jesus in them. It is, for me, an invitation to listen and discern every action I take in following the will of God for me.

Because we really love… Take up the challenge in following Christ and be a living witness of His love.

Novice Lyzyl Rose S. ItalioMedical Mission Sisters

� is photo was taken during the ‘Kampuhan’ of TINDOGA in front of the Municipal Hall in Quezon, Bukidnon last December 20, 2016. We had an interview with Datu Andong and Bae Jocelyn together with Sr. Belen and Sr. Elsa to document their situation.

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formation


SOLIDARITY WITH THE LUMAD IN MINDANAO“Our global mission as MMS, together with our Associates and many like-minded people, is to witness

to the integration of those marginalized and to the cry of the Earth, our Common Home.”

“… we commit ourselves to focus on the potential for life in everyone and everything. We want to be a witness of hope and solidarity by treasuring the dignity and

potential of the poor and those denied with justice.” - 14th General Chapter Report

Sisters from Quezon City and Bukidnon as well as their lay sta� joined the Solidarity-Cultural Gathering with Lumads on September 19, 2015 in Quezon City. It was a morning of listening to the stories of the lumad in Mindanao and enjoying songs, poems, and dances of courage, solidarity and hope.

Sr. Fe Mandreza from HEAL Community spent one day with the 700 lumad and their supporters from Mindanao who travelled all the way to Metro Manila to share their stories of struggle and aspirations for justice and peace. This month-long event was called Manilakbayan. Here Sr. Fe was listening to a indigenous woman from Bukidnon who was among the Manilakbayanis while they were welcomed at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City.

Medical Mission Sisters representing the members and Associates across the world stood with the lumad, one day during its 14th General Chapter in Pune, India, in response to the call for global solidarity candle lighting and prayer with the indigenous peoples in the Philippines on October 11, 2015. This day was dedicated to call for justice and compassion in the wake of the series of killings of our tribal leaders and supporters who resist large-scale mining and expansion of plantations. The MMS action on this day was also on behalf of the indigenous peoples all over the world.

SOLIDARITY with the LUMAD (Indigenous People) in Mindanao:

“Our global mission as MMS, together with our Associates and many like-minded people, is to witness to the integration of those marginalized and to the cry of the Earth,

our Common Home.”

“… we commit ourselves to focus on the potential for life in everyone and everything. We want to be a witness of hope and solidarity by treasuring the dignity and potential of the poor and those denied with justice.” 14th General Chapter report

Sisters from Quezon City and Bukidnon as well as their lay staff joined the Solidarity-Cultural Gathering with Lumads on September 19, 2015 in Quezon City. It was a morning of listening to the stories of the lumad in Mindanao and enjoying songs, poems, and dances of courage, solidarity and hope.





our Common Home.”







our Common Home.”





9 | Tambuli

MMS PHILIPPINES NEWS


14TH GENERAL CHAPTER FEEDBACK

14th GENERAL CHAPTER FEEDBACK

The 14th General Chapter feedback was given to the members of MMS Philippines in an All Members gathering last January 18–21 in the residence of Shalom Community in Quezon City. Sr. Bernadetta Rini Dwi Astuti , Sector Coordinator of East Asia, and Sr. Rowena Pineda, Chapter delegate, shared the report of the 14th General Chapter report and the 57th GA Report. After the feedback, the members, through reflections of small groups, articulated the implications of the new Society government structure for Unit Philippines. They also named possible Link Persons of the new Society Leadership Team to Unit Philippines. This post-Chapter gathering was also a good opportunity to learn together about the Ageing process through a very enlightening input by Dr. Cheridine Oro-Josef. We celebrated these beautiful days of togetherness and hopefulness with a simple dinner for all. In Bukidnon, Sr. Rowena also met with the group of Lay Promoters on February 4, 2016, and then the Associates on February 15, 2016 in Malaybalay for the Chapter reporting.


The 14th General Chapter feedback was given to the members of MMS Philippines in an All Members

gathering last January 18–21 in the residence of Shalom Community in Quezon City. Sr. Bernadetta Rini Dwi Astuti , Sector Coordinator of East Asia, and Sr. Rowena Pineda, Chapter delegate, shared the report of the 14th General Chapter report and the 57th GA Report. After the feedback, the members, through re� ections of small groups, articulated the implications of the new Society government structure for Unit Philippines. They also named possible Link Persons of the new Society Leadership Team to Unit Philippines. This post-Chapter gathering was also a good opportunity to learn together about the Ageing process through a very enlightening input by Dr. Cheridine Oro-Josef. We


RENEWAL OF VOWS

Sr. Razia Yaqoob, MMS from Pakistan renewed her religious vows at Our Lady Cause of Our Joy Chapel in HEAL, Villasis, Pangasinan last February 7, 2016. Fr. Gil Manalo, SVD was the main celebrant assisted by Fr. Ayo, SVD. Her teachers and classmates at the SVD College in Urdaneta City, HEAL Staff and MMS from Quezon City were present to join the Sisters in the simple celebration.

Sr. Razia Yaqoob, MMS from Pakistan renewed her religious vows at Our Lady

Cause of Our Joy Chapel in HEAL, Villasis, Pangasinan last February 7, 2016. Fr. Gil Manalo, SVD was the main celebrant assisted by Fr. Ayo, SVD. Her teachers and classmates at the SVD College in Urdaneta City, HEAL Sta� and MMS from Quezon City were present to join the Sisters in the simple celebration.

celebrated these beautiful days of togetherness and hopefulness with a simple dinner for all.

In Bukidnon, Sr. Rowena also met

with the group of Lay Promoters on February 4, 2016, and then the Associates on February 15, 2016 in Malaybalay for the Chapter reporting.

Tambuli | 10

Tgathering last January 18–21 in the residence of Shalom Community in Quezon City. Sr. Bernadetta Rini


When I came to UK one year ago, it was

an opportunity to see how the world really looks like aside from the small world in the Philippines I had lived in for the past years. I could not imagine I would see, meet and encounter people from di� erent cultures, races, and faith traditions here in London particularly. And yes, like anybody here, I myself am a foreigner, a stranger and a migrant missionary here in UK. I myself need and have longed to be welcomed as I am by the people around me.

And since I did not come from here, I also

struggle with the language. Basically, English is not my � rst language, l have to struggle in listening and understanding English words spoken in di� erent accents and meaning. In other words, when I came to UK, I needed to learn to communicate not only in words but also in non-verbal ways, like giving a warm smile, a pat on the back or shoulder, and sometimes simply being with strangers in silent presence. I believe that language is quite an important value in welcoming people most especially those who cannot speak the local language. Coming from my own cultural background, we are used to sharing with others regardless of how much food was le� on our table or

space in our room. I try to carry this signi� cant value with me whenever I come in contact with strangers. How? I think the amount of time I am choosing to spend listening to people and making them feel that there is a person willing to be with them is invaluable. In this way, establishing a relationship based on trust and openness is somehow touching people’s hearts to share and entrust their own story with me. Most importantly, recognizing my own innate goodness is making me see and touch other people’s innate goodness, too.

Where I am coming from, my roots, my faith encounters and my cultural values… these are the things I am

bringing to welcome people whenever I set my foot inside the detention centre. � e e� ort to be mutually welcoming is beyond my expectation. � ere are times when detainees are the ones making me feel welcome the most than I am welcoming them. Actually, I have learned so much from them especially in making a person feel comfortable and at ease. � e detainees I meet every week try to show their smiling though downtrodden faces. But even in their darkest moods, there would always be a space to welcome and accept each other. For me, journeying with detainees has turned my world upside down. As I listen to each detainee’s story, I learn to be more humane in relating be more humane in relating

11 | Tambuli

PINAY MMS OVERSEAS


Loving is Silent Presence

with others and with myself as well.

� e situation in detention makes me understand the world I am living now. It is a very scary, heart-breaking disturbing world and I could not imagine myself if I were actually in that situation. How will I be able to cope or even survive? For me, working closely with detainees and accompanying them all throughout is a sacred encounter. I will always be grateful for each opportunity that allows me to see, touch, feel and share in a detainee’s deepest pain, longing and hope for freedom, healing and wholeness. I have to learn and accept most of the time that to be

simply present especially in silence is enough. I felt happy whenever a detainee would share his or her positive thoughts and hopeful disposition. One of our client detainees in Harmondsworth who was almost eight months in detention, always says with a warm smile, ‘� ank you...you have favoured me’ whenever he sees me. My heart is touched whenever he would say those words to me, I could not help but recognize God speaking to me through this person who could see light in such a di� cult situation.

My dear friends, my desire to join the Refugee Tales Walk last year paved the

way to immerse myself in places, people, cultures and the presenting issues on refugee/migrant crisis which I chose myself to engage with as a Medical Mission Sister and as a volunteer detention visitor here in Jesuit Refugee Service. My journey with all of you indeed helped me to experience being welcomed and how to welcome strangers. Your warm, gentle, encouraging and supportive way of making me feel at home in this country is immeasurable and unforgettable in my entire life. Your presence and accompaniment are gi� s and blessings to me. You also taught me something: Even when our world is dark

and l i f e can be di� cult, we would never walk alone. We have each other and we are walking together…this gives me enough courage and strength to continue walking with the refugees and be in solidarity with you who are working to e� ect change in our society.

� ank you and welcome!

Sr. Rosalinda L. Maog, MMSJanuary 23, 2016

Tambuli | 12 Tambuli Edited.indd 12 5/6/2016 6:54:49 PM

THREE WAYS TO BE A

The MMS Lay Promoters completed their orientation and formation program in August. One of the most signi� cant part of the formation was the exposure with

a community of Indigenous People (TINDOGA) in Barangay Butong, Quezon. The experience rekindled the � re in them to be “of service” to the poor and the marginalized. Their experience also helped them appreciate more the healing charism of the MMS. After their training, they participated in the vocation month of the Diocese of Malaybalay and in the creation of the Foundation Day issue of Tambuli. The MCK (Making the Cause Known) activities helped them to understand better the realities of the di� erent groups especially the youth and why we do MCK. They also recognize their need for personal healing and the call to be a healing presence for their families, in their work and in the church. For this, they would like to continue partnership with MMS and supporting one another in promoting and witnessing the h e a l i n g presence of Jesus. At the

y e a r - e n d evaluation

i n

November, they recognize the need to intensify MCK, follow-up of prospects and to have ongoing formation for the lay promoters. They are grouped into two teams: Promotion Team which initiates and coordinates promotional and fundraising activities and creates promotional materials; and the Formation Team which develops and implements the program for the on-going formationof the lay promoters. Their plan for this year includes: MCK in parishes, faith groups, with friends and youth, mission appeal, i n p u t and workshops on personality a w a r e n e s s , ecology and I n d i g e n o u s P e o p l e a m o n g others.

Sr. Mary Jane Caspillo, MMS

Partnership in PromotingJesus the Healer

MAKING THE CAUSE KNOWN

13 | Tambuli

November, they recognize the need to intensify November, they recognize the need to intensify MCK, follow-up of prospects and to have MCK, follow-up of prospects and to have



Partnership in Promoting


SaintTHREE WAYS TO BE A

There is only one real sadness in life. That is not to be a saint. Not to be the person God is calling you to be.” These are the

� rst words of Most Reverend Robert E. Barron, DD, keynote speaker of the � rst International Eucharistic Congress – Youth Days (IEC-YD) last January 28, 2016. The IEC-YD is part of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress hosted by the Archdiocese of Cebu, Cebu City, Philippines.

More than eight thousand young people from di� erent archdioceses/dioceses in the Philippines convened at Hoops Dome, Lapu Lapu City, Cebu, the main venue of the IEC-YD. Three young MMS Lay Promoters also took part in the event, as pilgrims and

members of the Diocese of Malaybalay delegation. They are Alexander C. Alonzo, Melbert I. Guipetacio and Shiela C. Lumambas.

Bishop Barron, the auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Californa and is a known evangelist in his Word on Fire ministry, encouraged young people to be holy, as everyone is called by God to be so, wherever he or she is and whatever he or she does.

In his catechesis, he pointed out that there are times when man forgets to dream God’s dream for him, so much so that he is only concerned of himself and of the things in this world. It pains God, he said. Money, fame, power and honor are all the things this world can o� er, but Bp. Barron said there are far more important things in life than that, “and that is to dream God’s dream for you and most importantly,

to be a saint.”

“To � nd one’s center, to know that we’re all sinner, and

to realize that one’s life is not about oneself,” are

three ways to attaining sanctity.

All of us has something or someone which keeps us going. That thing or person is the center of our lives. “It may be a person, thing,

talent or anything.” But the most crucial part

is recognizing where God in all of those things.

Bp. Barron encouraged everyone to re� ect if God is

at the center of their lives. If he is not the center, he said, division,

destruction and chaos will occur.

“To be a saint is to say ‘everything in me belongs to Jesus Christ. Every part of me revolves around that center,” he added.

Acknowledging that we have sinned and fall short in the glory of God (Romans 3:23) is as important as resolving to try not to sin anymore. “To be a saint is to know that you are a sinner. Sin is bad worship. Sin is worshipping the wrong thing.”

There is only one who is to be worshipped, and that is Christ, he said.

Bp. Barron also explained the third way for a person to be a saint – that one’s life is not about oneself means we are all part of a much larger and bigger community. Therefore, the need to give up our own plans and surrender ourselves to God’s will and plans, with all the gifts that we have and share it to others.

He taught the young the Law of the Gift, quoting St. John Paul II, “Your being increases in the measure that you have given away!” It is necessary, he said, to surrender our lives according to God’s plan. “Eliminate wealth, pressure, power and honor” for you to truly give yourself to God’s will and make Him the center of your life.

“There’s a power within you that could power greater than we could imagine.” (SCL)

Shiela C. LumambasMMS Lay Promoter


“Why am I here?”

This was my question when the Diocesan Commission on Youth (DCY) o� ce of the Diocese of Malaybalay through its chairperson Sr. Leizyl G. Corre, FdCC trusted me with the management of its income generating project (IGP).

At � rst, I couldn’t hide my surprise because of the gravity of the task. I just happen to initiate the management of the IGP in one of the youth events and it was like that – they appointed me as the manager. That is why I can’t help asking myself the purpose or reason of me handling such important mission in the youth ministry of the diocese.

In all our operations - taking orders, selling, monitoring and

liquidating, I realized how well

I see myself now in handling and managing such kind of work. I saw

how other young people, especially the o� cers, trust me. I believe it is a gift

from God, given to me… so I can use my skills and develop what needs to be developed.

Through the management of the IGP and the trust of the people around me, I saw and realized the gradual change in me - the change in my attitude especially when I face costumers. Before, I was so reactive, but through my involvement in the IGP, I appreciate the importance of being pro-active. I have learned the essence of understanding � rst the situation and respecting others and myself especially during stressful moments.

My involvement in the IGP of the DCY (Diocesan Commission on Youth) does not only stem from � nancial needs. More than that, it develops my personal, social and spiritual life. It gauges my abilities as a leader in di� erent scenarios in life

My gifts as a leader and follower were put into practice especially that it is not only I doing the operation. We are always in a team. And most of all, being involved in the IGP of the DCY is now added to the long list of my experiences in serving God, including that of being a lay promoter for the Medical Mission Sisters.

These are all gifts from God that I need to hold on to, and care for.

When people begin to trust you, and when you recognize that you are being trusted, it will bear fruit. Maybe not just for the person who trusted you but more so, for you… as the person who received the trust.

I thank God because of the opportunity to deepen my relationship with Him through the service I am giving in the youth ministry. I thank Him for the many people who have journeyed with me, for the many places I’ve traveled with them and with Him, for the many unforgettable experiences I encountered. Because of these, I am given the chance to become a better person and to dream and aspire for more godly things.

Rondel Marcelino, MMS Lay Promoter


15 | Tambuli

of my experiences in serving of my experiences in serving God, including that of being a God, including that of being a lay promoter for the Medical lay promoter for the Medical

These are all gifts from God that These are all gifts from God that I need to hold on to, and care for.I need to hold on to, and care for.


“Because GOD loves us so much He gave His only begotten Son”….. literally begun in the Annunciation of the Lord when the Angel Gabriel appeared to the Blessed Virgin Mary and declared upon her that she would conceive by the power of the Holy Spirit bearing the Son of the Most High….. And because Mary was obedient to the Father, she willingly accepted the will of the Lord. Such obedience was

brought about because of her great LOVE…Here and now…. Because we really love God and we adore and glorify Him, we, in the MMS-Easter Joy Community, with the company of the loving lay promoters and associates willingly and devoutly celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord which is also referred to as the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

It started with the greatness of LOVE…..It was accepted humbly and lovingly still because of LOVE...And now, it is celebrated by men and women full of LOVE…Because We Really LOVE…

Daylin TorresMMS Lay Promoter

The Feast of the Annunciation of the Lord

gives me the opportunity and allows me to extend my service more.

Despite my imperfections, I trust God and I believe in His calling upon me - to extend what I can do and do what he wants me to do. “We are all called but few are chosen”.

I never thought and even expected that this is how far I will be in working and journeying in the mission He entrusts to me.

I’m serving three religious groups

now: Singles for Christ, Parish Youth Apostolate and as a lay promoter of the Medical Mission Sisters. I could say that God is so good to me because He gave me these families who really help me strengthen my faith and live life with a purpose.

If we only let God do the rest and let Him be the center of our life, there is nothing to worry even if we are in the darkest hours in our lives and even if we are facing all kinds of obstacles. That is what I have learned in living life in the

mission God entrusted to me. All that I have right now, are truly God’s grace given to me, and really coming from Him.

To be able to work fully in your mission, you only have to “believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” (Christian D. Larson).

Henry Gadrick Ace Marte, MMS Lay Promoter


17 | Tambuli

Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any

Henry Gadrick Ace Marte, MMS Lay Promoter


LOVE is a very broad, great and inspiring word that can be heard and showed by anyone towards others. A lot

of people tried to de� ne love but similar to point, line and plane in Math, it remains unde� ned. � e de� nition of love is beyond our human comprehension that we are le� to only describe it.

Love is more than about its de� nition or description but about the challenge to spread it up to the least of our brethren. We are challenged to make others feel the love that we felt upon following and serving the Lord, being part of His mission.

Fear is one of the barriers why we fail to do this. Human as we are, we are � lled with various worries, doubts, and fears. And again, we are reminded a lot of times in the Bible that there is nothing for us to fear about for He is with us all the time. As it is written in the � rst letter of John, “� ere is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishments.”

� erefore, let’s strive to spread the Gospel, spread the love for we love because God loved us � rst.

Richard B. Casanos, MMS Lay Promoter


“In every experience, there’s always a lesson to ponder... a lesson to re� ect.” This quotation reminds how I went through everything as a result of who I am now. Recalling my di� erent experiences, I just smile and say “I made it because You really love me.” Very beautiful to hear but I admit it is not that easy before I was able to freely utter this one.Before being a lay promoter of the MMS , I was once a postulant of a religious congregation. It was indeed a great experience. Great not merely because it was always happy, an easy life. It was great because it was an experience of great love from God, through the formation that leads me to grow and to change. Inside, I experienced unusual things. The happiness that I encountered was not only laughing outside, but a real happiness because of the ful� llment or fullness that I felt within.I experienced joy of serving others through sharing/listening to them, visiting the sick,

poor families, reading stories and playing

with children. It was all peculiar and unusual feeling

for me. There is also the joy with the community and the people around where we live. I smile whenever I remember the amusing memories I had with them.On the other hand, during

formation, I experienced di� culty and desolation. Dryness in prayer life, struggle in the process of formation like accepting my own reality, new discoveries about myself and di� culty in healing the wounded part of me. Really it was not easy. I cried a lot to God, kneeling in prayer, begging Him to help me.I believe that to be called is a gift to accept and a challenge to face. Those times I really found myself clinging only to Him, surrendering

everything to him. But in times of desolation, I found out that God’s

light is always

there to spark. After knowing all my realities, it was He who accepted me unconditionally, showed me light, gave me hope and strengthened me to continue, through the help also of the people around me. God truly loves me that He cannot a� ord to leave me behind, not experiencing the joy of being loved by Him.Now that I am here, I’m still exploring His will for me. Here, I am always reminded of the love of God that inspires me to continue to grow, love others sel� essly, accept everything that happens with an open mind and to be hopeful that He is willing to listen and will help me along the way.The signi� cant experiences that I had with God when I was still in the convent and now that I am here as a lay promoter, is a grace that I am happy and honored to have. It is because through this, I can feel God has something up for me to do and to experience. My desire to do His will is always there. For now, I know He is allowing me to let others feel his great love, acceptance, hope, joy and forgiveness that I had experienced with him. I am once wounded and now willing to be His healing instrument.Allow me to end this sharing with this phrase “Because you love me… I was healed… I am being formed... and I am willing to love them as you have loved me.”

Stearril P. Congreso, MMS Lay Promoter

“Because You really love me...”


19 | TambuliTambuli Edited.indd 19 5/6/2016 6:55:29 PM

• Sr. Edna Villafuerte from Sector North America and Sr. Emma Panizales from Sector Latin America visited Easter Joy Community in Bukidnon while they were on renewal. One of their signi� cant experiences was an encounter with the Manobo-Pulangihon community belonging to the organization TINDOGA during a short visit in Butong, Quezon in November 2015.

• Dulce Corazon Velasco’s eldest brother, Alfredo Velasco, Jr., passed away last December 9, 2015. Let us join his family in praying for his eternal peace.

• Elsa Zerrudo has returned to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay to be on solo living while accompanying her 93-year old mother. She will be with her mother as long as she is needed.

• Rebecca Pacete left for her new mission assignment in Venezuela on February 2, 2016. She is currently in her process of integration in Barquisemeto. Let us accompany her with our prayers as she faces the mission challenges considering the very critical economic and political situation in the country.

• Evelyn Anuncio began her time for formal renewal since January 25, 2016. Part of her program is to experience intercultural and international living with the MMS in Germany for two and a half months. She is expected to be back in Bukidnon in August 2016.

• Sr. Shahnaz Emmanuel and Sr. Razia Yaqoob were sent forth on April 20, 2016 as they repatriate to Pakistan. They had completed one year study on Accounting and learning on Ecology in Pangasinan while they were based in HEAL Community. Farewell, Shahnaz and Razia! Thank you for sharing life in mission in the Philippines.

Our new Society Leadership Team, led by our new Society Coordinator Irene Fernandez, with members Bernadetta Rini Dwi Astuti, Edith Dug-Yi, Maria Fernanda Ramirez Rivera, and Rosemary Ryan, o� cially began their term of o� ce after hand over ritual on April 17, 2016. The hand-over from outgoing Society Coordinator Agnes Lanfermann and Assistant Society Coordinator Elizabeth Vadakekara took place at the Generalate in London, England. Let us be united in one circle of prayer across the Society as we thank God for Agnes and Elizabeth and their leadership in our crucial time of renewal. At the same time, we entrust the next six years to the Spirit that will lead the way for us through our new Society Leadership Team.

Bless ings of courage, hope, and joy!

A Special Announcement

Bless ings of courage, hope, and joy! Tambuli | 20

Newsbits


Editor in Chief: SR. ROWENA J. PINEDA, MMSAssoc. Editor: SHIELA C. LUMAMBASLay-out Artist: AARON DON V. SALVAÑAConsultants: SR. MARY JANE C. CASPILLO, MMS SR. JEAN AMAR, MMS Contributors: SR. LYNN KAUM, MMS RONDEL MARCELINO HENRY GADRICK ACE MARTE

RICHARD B. CASANOS SR. ROSALINDA L. MAOG, MMS

NOVICE LYZYL ROSE S. ITALIO STEARRIL P. CONGRESO HEAL COMMUNITY EASTER JOY COMMUNITY

DAYLIN A. TORRES

SR. DULCE CORAZON B. VELASCO, MMS SHIELA C. LUMAMBAS

Tambuli Editorial Staff

Medical Mission Sisters

The Medical Mission Sisters invite you to make space in your heart to experience solidarity with those in need by responding to the call to mission according

to your gifts in diverse ways: Membership as Sisters or Associates, Partnership in Mission or

Financial Support of Mission

Who are we?Medical Missiion Sisters, also known as the Society of Catholic Medical Missionaries founded in 1925 by Anna Dengel, is an international, apostolic, religious institute of ponti� cal right. We are sisters and Associates present in Africa, Asia, Europe North and South America.

Together with others similarly called, we seek to preserve the integrity of life and to act where this integrity is threatened, to participate in the movement of empowerment of those made poor and those who are oppressed, weaving care and compasssion in to the web of life.

You can reach us through:Call or Text us at: 0947 720 9591 ; 0943 822 1596

Facebook: MMS Philippines

Visit us at: http://www.medicalmissionsisters.org.uk

Email us at: [email protected]

O� ce Address: #30 F. Collantes Street Loyola Heights, Quezon CityMailing Address: P.O. Box AC 121 Cubao 1100, Quezon City


tambuli april 2016

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