News from the Rehovot Filipino community

Flores de Mayo:

On May 30, 2015, the St. Therese of the Child Jesus Catholic Community in Rehovot celebrated Flores de Mayo. This annual Filipino tradition in honor of the Blessed Mother was kept in the most traditional style, with ten women representing ten different titles of Mary. Many attended, and the honored guests included the Filipino Ambassador, Hon. Neal Imperial, and members of his staff. A solemn procession began in the city park and sang its way to the outdoor altar specially prepared for the occasion. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Andrew Wong, SDB and included a commendation blessing of the community's officers and the coordinator, Ms. Maribel Arenga. This was followed by the crowning of Queen Helena, a program of music and dance, and a festive meal. Thanks to the donations and hard work of many community members, Flores de Mayo 2015 was a truly uplifting event.

The Sisters' Visit:

Although the St. Therese community in Rehovot includes migrant workers from Nigeria and India as well as scientists from all over the world with fellowships at the nearby Weizmann Institute, the majority of the members are Filipinos who work here in Israel as caregivers. Therefore, it was with great joy that on June 6th the community received the visit of two religious sisters from the Philippines who are also "migrant workers" in the sense that their pastoral work is here in the Holy Land: Sr. Monica Navalta, FSE from the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and Sr. Corazon Hinlo, SPC from Bethlehem University. Fluent in numerous Filipino dialects, the sisters offered a catechesis on Christian family life, participated in the Eucharist with the community, and had the chance to speak personally with many of the members.