MANILA PRIORY NEWSLETTER
S t . S c h o l a s t i c a ’ s P r i o r y 2 5 6 0 L e o n G u i n t o S t r e e t M a l a t e , M a n i l a , P h i l i p p i n e s
Vol. III No. 3 Apr-May 2013
Still exhilarated - like the rest of the Catholic
world- with news of newly elected Pope Francis, and
hope-filled with the election of a new prioress, thirty (30)
delegates and nine observers trooped to St. Scholastica’s
Center of Spirituality, Tagaytay for the 20th Manila Priory
Chapter from April 2 – 12, 2013. This, following the 12th
General Chapter in Rome in September-October 2012,
and coincided with the Synod of Bishops which opened
the Year of Faith.
The chapter opened with the celebration of the
Eucharist presided by Rev. Fr. Tarcisius Ma. Narciso,
OSB, Abbot Emeritus of Our Lady of Montserrat,
Manila. In the afternoon reports from the Prioress, the
Procurator and the Superiors were delivered. Reports
from the Task forces continued the following day.
This is the first chapter under the leadership of
Mo. Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB, who was elected Prioress
in January, 2013. In her report, Mo. Adelaida
acknowledged and expressed her gratitude for the work
of former Prioresses, Mo. Mary John Mananzan, OSB
and her immediate predecessor, Mo. Lumen Gloria
Dungca, OSB.
Setting the tone for the Business Chapter,
Sr. Angelica Leviste, OSB gave an input on Pope
Benedict XVI’s Apostolic letter Porta Fidei (Door of
Faith), the blueprint for new evangelization in The Year
of Faith. With “virtual technology”, Sr. Angelica
informed the delegates that she invited a guest speaker to
help deepen the topic at hand. A video clip of then
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle’s talk during the 50th
International Eucharistic Congress in Canada in 2012 was
shown. She also showed clips on the Taize community as
an example of evangelization in non-traditional forms. In
response to a serious and urgent crisis of faith within the
church, Sr. Angelica stressed the importance of the call to
be evangelizers anew. The delegates were then given time
for the reflection questions which would serve as impetus
as they tackle the issues and proposals in this year’s
chapter.
The Sisters also took time to watch the musical
“King and I” at Resorts World Manila, which served as a
refreshing break in-between those busy working days.
The Opening and Closing liturgies were lovingly
prepared by Sr. Pia Lansang, OSB.
All were grateful for the hospitality of Mo. Irene
Dabalus, OSB and Sr. Benita Reyes, OSB and the ready
service of all the staff of St. Scholastica’s Center of
Spirituality which helped make the days of the chapter
fruitful and grace-filled.
As the chapter came to an end, the delegates went
home full of hope and enthusiasm for the tasks ahead
believing that wherever we are, life will continue to flow
and that the Good News will continue to be shared.
By: Sr. Angeline Arceo, OSB
Seated from left to right: Sr. Josefina Nepomuceno, OSB, Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB, Sr. Angelica Leviste, OSB, Mo. Irene Dabalus, OSB, Mo. Adelaida
Ygrubay, OSB - Prioress, Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB - Sub-Prioress, Sr. Mary Thomas Prado, OSB, Sr. Ana Maria Raca, OSB, Sr. Mary Jerome Pineda, OSB, Sr. Pia
Lansang, OSB; Second Row from left to right: Sr. Constance Tecson, OSB, Sr. Mary Bellarrmine Bernas, OSB, Sr. Leonor Barrion, OSB, Sr. Ma. Teresita Lafuente,
OSB, Sr. Mary Vincent Feliciano, OSB, Sr. Baptista Busmente, OSB, Sr. Odilia Bulayungan, OSB, Sr. Cecille Ido, OSB, Sr. Vida Mones, OSB, Sr. Miriam Noemi
Francisco, OSB, Sr. Rosalina Fajardo, OSB; Third Row from left to right: Sr. Pauline Triviño, OSB Sr. Ma. Luisa Villanueva, OSB, Sr. Michaela Manalang, OSB, Sr.
Ma. Ezechiel Fernandez, OSB, Sr. Eloisa David, OSB, Sr. Celine Saplala, OSB, Sr. Mary Frances Dizon, OSB, Sr. Rebecca Manalang, OSB, Sr. Mary Paul Baul, OSB
MANILA PRIORY Page 2
“ Has heaven come down right here or have
we been lifted up to the heavens?” Such was the
impassioned question S. Consilio N. Napi, OSB, one
of the golden jubilarians, asked in her response
toward the end of the Eucharistic celebration with
Renewal of Vows on Wednesday, April 24, 2013,
9:30 a.m. at St. Scholastica’s Chapel, Manila. She
referred mainly to the liturgy just experienced, but the
golden day was preceded by meetings, practices and a
flurry of preparations. The idea of having a quiet,
monastic celebration was quite far-fetched
considering the other two jubilarians: S. Mary
Bellarmine G. Bernas, OSB. President of St.
Scholastica’s College, Manila for a number of years
among other positions held and S. Mary Placid C.
Abejo, OSB, Dean of the School of Music and
Alumnae Moderator for many years.
The number of guests had increased as the
day drew near and as expected, included not only
members of families but also school officials, past
and present, alumnae, classmates, friends and other
well-wishers. Add to that number the School of
Music choir, the members of the Manila Symphony
Orchestra and the Missionary Benedictine Sisters
from the Luzon communities. It could not be but a
grand celebration!
A day before, the chapel, the passages, the
refectory, the cells of the brides in the Priory House,
the Kuniberta and Barrion Halls of the school came
alive with golden and white flowers. The day itself
dawned with a serenade with no less than Mother
Prioress Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB as the guitarist.
Than as early as 8:30 a.m., guests were ushered into
the chapel. At the end of the line during the
processional were His Eminence, Luis Antonio
Cardinal Tagle, D.D., the presider, Abbot Emeritus
Tarcisio Narciso, OSB, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ, Fr.
Fruto Ramirez, SJ, concelebrants. There were other
priests who were there, but opted not to concelebrate.
S. M. Angelica Leviste, OSB introduced each
of the jubilarians to the delight of the congregation.
Then the liturgy which was prepared by S. Pia
Lansang, OSB and S. Imelda Halili, OSB began. The
compositions of S. Mary Placid for the proper of the
mass on the feast of St. Scholastica and Gregorian
chant for Missa de Angelis were all sung. When Fr.
Benildus Ma. Maramba, OSB was the one conducting
during the Gregorian chant, S. Imelda was at the
organ. For the rest of the songs, it was Mrs. Monette
Balingcos, Assistant Dean of the School of Music,
conducting while Mr. Arturo Molina conducted the
Manila Symphony Orchestra.
Sr. Mary Placid Sr. Consilio Sr. M. Bellarmine
Fr. Ramirez Fr. Bernas Fr. Narciso Cardinal Tagle
Page 3 Vol. III No. 3 Apr-May 2013
Cardinal Tagle dwelt for a while on the
description of love from the Song of Songs (the first
reading), but the real gem was in his reflection on
the Gospel passage about the five wise and five fool-
ish virgins. He said that the real bride is the Church
and so the jubilarians and we are the bridesmaids.
The challenge is to remain awake, holding aloft our
flaming torches and if we can not raise anymore our
arms high, to let our whole beings become the
burning torch through our compassion and love.
Inspired by those words, the choir almost
literally soared during the singing of “On Eagle’s
Wings” and in the final song, “Now Thank We all
Our God”. There were three venues for the feast
that followed the almost two-hour long liturgy:
Kuniberta Hall for the guests, Barrion Hall for the
members of the choir and orchestra and refectory for
most of the sisters.
It is on occasions like this that we can say,
“Religious life is indeed a beautiful life.” We hope
that some young hearts among those present heard
the whisper of that truth.
By: Sr. M. Isabel Orito, OSB
DIAMONDS ARE
FOREVER…
These romantic and/or rather commercial-
sounding words aptly describe in capsule the vows
our three beloved valiant Benedictine Women-
SISTERS ANSELMA PALER, OSB, ASUNCION
BONAFE, OSB and VERONICA ORIGENES, OSB
pronounced last May 1st 2013 on the occasion of their
Diamond Jubilee of Religious Profession. The altar
décor summed up everything: “from the rising of
the sun to its setting, may the Name of the Lord be
praised!” God be praised indeed for His fidelity and
marvelous works as our jubilarians pronounced with
utter clarity and authenticity “The Vows I have
made 60 years ago in the presence of Mother
Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB, Prioress, and all the
Sisters gathered here.” The Spirit of joy, gratitude,
fidelity and love pervaded the air in St. Scholastica’s
Chapel as everyone gathered witnessed this
awe-inspiring occasion on the Feast of St. Joseph, the
Worker.
The Missionary Benedictine Sisters of
Tutzing from different communities, families,
relatives, friends, guests, former students, formandees
(by the way S. Asuncion was my zellatrix when I was
a Novice) and our jubilarians’ former
co-administrators rejoiced as they sang together
“Thanks be to God Most High” and participated in
the beautiful liturgy prepared by the Sisters in the
Priory House. Everyone present was mesmerized
when the three Jubilarians sang the “SUSCIPE” with
their solid “diamond” voices. I believe that everyone
felt affirmed in their jubilation when the main
celebrant, Fr. Anselm Manalastas, OSB from the
Abbey of Montserrat recognized how fortunate and
how blessed we all are to be in this momentous
event! Addressing the jubilarians in his homily he
said: “your fidelity and love for God through your
Standing left to right: Sr. Angelica Leviste, OSB, Mo. Adelaida
Ygrubay, OSB, Sr. Asuncion Bonafe, OSB, Sr. Lydia Villegas, OSB
Seated: Sr. Anselma Paler, OSB and Sr. Veronica Origenes, OSB
MANILA PRIORY Page 4
monastic-missionary vocation is so contagious, so
edifying and worth emulating for us, young
religious. We thank God for His fidelity to you as
we thank you for your great example of faithfulness
to God.” In my mind, I added a prayer “may your
fidelity rub in on us for the rest of our lives. Amen.”
Our Sub-Prioress Sister Lydia Villegas,
OSB, gave the introduction, reflecting on her own
perspectives as a young grader in St. Scholastica’s
College observing the beautiful ways of the grade
school Principal, Sister Asuncion and the Physical
Education teacher Sister Anselma and the Nurse,
Sister Veronica. She remembered the words of Sr.
Anselma “left, left, left, right, left, left, left, right,
left…, and Sr. Asuncion who pointed to the graders’
fingernails every Monday morning to see if they
were clean and the silent yet hardworking Sister
Veronica who later upgraded the Nursing curriculum
that produced top graduates. S. Mary Jerome Pineda,
OSB, was our psalmist with her voice soaring high
up to the skies like the voices of our SSC College of
Music Choir with S. Mary Placid Abejo, OSB on the
keyboard and Ms. Monet Balingcos, conducting.
And how touching it was to see during Offertory
procession S. Fatima and S. Florence push the
wheelchairs of S. Anselma and S. Veronica
respectively while two relatives of each jubilarian
walked down the aisle near them while S. Asuncion,
still standing, also walked with them to offer candles
to the Lord- the God who called them to be His own
forever unto eternity.
Our concelebrant,
Fr. Juan Bonafe, SJ,
the brother-priest of
Sr. Asuncion shared
in the jubilarians’ joy
as he stayed on until
the “salu-salo” and
short program hosted
by an energetic
alumna who sang her
tribute to the jubilari-
ans “a capella” at the
Caridad Barrion Hall.
Sister Anselma and
Sister Veronica also
made the audience
happy when they
sang beautiful love songs with their clear magnificent
voices. Sister Asuncion was joined by Fr. Juan and
nieces and nephews when she sang “Sarumbanggi,” a
Bicolano folksong. Who would not think that they
were women in love of God in their eighties?
And talking about precious stones and
eternity, yes, the simple rings that our Jubilarians
received years ago turned into gold and now turned
diamonds like the Biblical “pearl of great price,”
forever precious in the eyes of the Lord.
By: Sr. Eligia O. Cababat,OSB
Sr. Veronica
Sr. Anselma Sr. Asuncion
Mo. Adelaida
Fr. Anselm, OSB Fr. Juan, SJ
Page 5 Vol. III No. 3 Apr-May 2013
“How lovely on the mountains are the feet of
the messenger who announces peace, who brings
good news…” Isaiah 52:7 ff
Walking on the mountain of God these past
twenty five years feels like a day for God has always
been there to give all the necessary blessings and fill
all the valleys and abyss where my human weakness
and limitations could not make it.
The utter spontaneity and simplicity of the
celebration but filled with love and joy reflects the
way God walked with me through these years with
cup always overflowing.
With heart filled with gratitude I thank all
who have been part of this journey and with open
heart I welcome all who will become part of the rest
of the pilgrimage on this earth to the eternal home.
By: Sr. Felice Imaya Calingayan, OSB
SUMMER CAMP FOR
STREET CHILDREN
21 street children representing the areas of
OSMA, Taft, Leon Guinto, Sandejas, Munoz and Ermita
streets in Malate participated in the SUMMER LEADER-
SHIP CAMP FOR STREET CHILDREN organized by
Tuluyan, a shelter for street families last May 8-11,2013.
The objective of the camp was for street kids to
acquire leadership skills in a camp setting, as they strive to
live COMMUNITY, exercise DISCIPLINE, give due
RESPECT for one another and for elders, observe
ORDER and experience the joy of OBEDIENCE and
SERVICE. Time and opportunity was provided for
PRAYER and SILENCE. All these values were integrated
into the different sessions, games, music and art, etc.
Day 1 : Getting to Know Baguio City, the Summer Capital
of the Philippines, Baguio City, May 8, 2013
The campers left Manila by coaster bound for
Bauang, La Union at 4:30 in the morning making a detour
arriving in Baguio City at 10:30 am. Their first stop in
Baguio was a courtesy call to the Sisters at the St.
Scholastica’s Convent. They were happy to meet the 8
sisters who welcomed them heartily.
After the greetings and a couple of songs, they
proceeded their way for a tour of the city. Among the
places visited were Camp John Hay, Philippine
Military Academy and Burnham Park where they took
their lunch.
At 3:00 pm they were ready for the two-hour ride
to Bawang. Tired after the long travel, an early dinner,
bath and rest was most welcome.
Day 2 & 3: A pilgrimage to our Lady of Lourdes Bauang, La Union, May 9-10, 2013
Early in the morning of May 9, 2013, the second
day schedule of start of the Summer Camp for street
children, the 21 kids together with 6 volunteer
companions, Camp coordinator Ms. Lolit Vargas, and
Adviser S.M. Cecille Ido, OSB started the day with a 234
steps climb up the hill …… to sing a hymn and pray a
rosary to our Lady of Lourdes.
THREE NUNS ON THEIR JUBILEE (To the tune of “Three Coins in the Fountain”)
Specially written by Batch HS’63/Coll’67 and SSAFI
On the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee of
S. Asuncion, S. Veonica and S. Anselma
May 1, 2013
THREE NUNS ON THEIR JUBILEE
LIKE DIAMONDS THEY SPARKLE BRILLIANTLY
SIXTY YEARS AGO THEY MADE THEIR
SOLEMN VOWS
EACH ONE OF THEM BECAME THE LORD’S SPOUSE
THREE NUNS SERVED IN DIFFERENT WAYS
A TEACHER, A NURSE AND A MISSIONARY
EACH DEDICATED TO DOING GOD’S WILL
AND DEVOTED TO BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
THREE NUNS IN THEIR 8O’S
HONED IN THE SPIRIT OF OSB’S
GOD BLESS THESE NUNS UNDER YOUR COMMAND
AND HOLD THEM IN THE PALM OF YOUR HAND!
SISTERS ASUNCION…VERONICA … ANSELMA!
Left to Right: Fr. Angel Crisostomo, MI, Sr. Aurora,
Sr. Rosalind, Sr. Imaya, Mo. Adelaida, Sr. Evangeline,
Sr. Stella, Sr. Mary Paul, Sr. Mary James
MANILA PRIORY Page 6
An orientation session on the children’s
expectations, schedules and activities of the following
days followed. Then a tour of the camp site, the chapel
area and tasking. Some other Camp activities :
By: Sr. Cecille Ido, OSB
Thanksgiving liturgy
Servers of the day prepare meals
A surprise visit by the Marikina Sisters led by M. Angelica was a real bonus.
The climb to the Groto Our Lady of Lourdes
On top of the Hill
Page 7 Vol. III No. 3 Apr-May 2013
SC voids parts of Marikina fence ordinance
By Edu Punay (The Philippine Star) | Updated March 27, 2013 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling nullifying provisions of a Marikina City ordinance regulating the fences and walls of establishments in the city.
In a ruling promulgated last March 12 but released only yesterday, the SC held that the city government’s imposition of standard height, location and type of fences and walls of industrial establishments, including schools, was invalid.
Justices voted unanimously to affirm the CA’s decision that voided Sections 3.1 and 5 of Marikina City’s Ordinance 192 imposed on St. Scholastica’s Academy and dismiss the local government’s petition for review.
The high court struck down the two provisions of the local ordinance as invalid for being in violation of the school’s constitutional rights to property. The other provisions of the ordinance still stand.
In enforcing the ordinance, the city government ordered the school to move its fences six meters back from the road to provide parking space to the public.
The SC, in a ruling penned by Associate Justice Jose Mendoza, held that the order – which was stopped by a local court through a writ of prohibition – would have converted 3,762 square meters of the school’s land for public use and violated the Constitution’s provision on eminent domain, which provides that private property should not be taken for public use without just compensation.
The SC added that the ordinance’s provision requiring at least 80 percent of fences to be see-through also violates the constitutional guarantee on privacy, “considering that the residence of the Benedictine nuns is also located within the property.”
MANILA PRIORY Page 8
We express our gratitude to all who have
contributed to this newsletter.
Sr. Virginia Ferino, OSB Priory Secretariat
Maria Anabel Alcaraz Layout Editor
SPECIAL EVENTS
Marikina
May 28 – Groundbreaking of a new
building.
Angeles April 22-May 14 –Summer Catechetical Camp 2013 in Sitio Maling,
Cutcut. Expected are between 80-100 6th Graders and 36 student
volunteer catechists. Karen Gutierrez organized the whole camp. The
camp run for three weeks.
Formation House
April 4-9 The novices had their exposure-immersion with the rural
poor in Pintong Bukawe. This consisted in an overnight stay in
Puray, Montalban: an experience of traveling by “habal-habal” (an improvised vehicle for traveling up and down the hills of
Montalban); experience of solar lamps at night, water sold and
delivered by small business enterprises, farming, harvesting and
household chores. Ms Cel, a staff member of the Tuazon Center was guide and companion for the entire exposure-immersion. Sister
Miriam Noemi Francisco, OSB gave the preliminary orientation.
Manila
April 15 -Sr. Vicenta joined the Office and the General Services personnel for their outreach activity in Sun Valley, Paranaque. The
employees shared their expertise and skills on food preservation, low
cost recipes and home arts like manicuring and hair care to the
mothers of SunValley.
April 18 – St. Scholastica’s School of Music was named Center of
Excellence in Music Education. Congratulations to Sr. Mary Placid Abejo, OSB, Dean, School of Music.
Marihatag
April 21-22 There was a Mindanao-wide gathering of Lumads
(tribal Filipinos) representing the 18 tribes in Mindanao at
ALCADEV, Hanayan to celebrate EARTH DAY and to build solidarity among themselves in their struggle against displacement,
relocation and the plunder of their ancestral homes. Sr. Stella, as
General secretary of the Panalipdan, helped facilitate the election of officers.
Tacloban School
April 15-16 Community outing to Naval, Leyte arranged for us
through the kindness of bishop Florencio Bactol, Bishop of Naval.
We went to three beaches where we enjoyed boat riding, swimming and good food. For the night we were housed in a new mini-hotel for
divers which is beside the sea. The event was also a despedida for
Srs. Rosario and Catalina who will soon leave for their new
assignment.
Sr. Veritas Lee, OSB Back to Seoul, Korea
March 27, 2009 - May 24, 2013
Sr. Imelda Halili, OSB From Rome, Italy To Manila Priory for good! April 7, 2013
Sr. Edna Quiambao, OSB Angeles May 15, 2013
Sr. Adela Arabia, OSB Westgrove
May 18, 2013 AM
Sr. Leticia Saraza, OSB Missioned to Bulgaria April 30, 2013
Sr. Benita Reyes, OSB
Tagaytay
May 18, 2013 PM
Sr. Ma. Luisa Villanueva, OSB St. Benedicts’s Home
May 20, 2013
Sr. Evangeline Madayag, OSB
Mati
May 24, 2013
Sr. Rosario Obiniana, OSB Tabunok
May 27, 2013
Sr. Ana Maria Raca, OSB Tacloban Hospital May 29, 2013
Newly Installed Superiors