Third gathering of Filipino Sisters

On June 21, 2015, 36 Filipino Sisters serving in the Holy Land gathered for the third year at the Convent of the Rosary Sisters in Jerusalem. Everyone had been looking forward to his event and responded enthusiastically when Sister Monica once again initiated to organize this gathering. For many of us, it was a first pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Marie Alphonsine, who was canonized a month ago. Ten sisters were unable to come because of the call to duty in their respective mission places and the cloistered Sisters were with us in prayer.

The gathering began with a Mass celebration, presided by Father Andy Wong, SDB, a Filipino and presently Rector of the Salesian Seminary at Ratisbonne in Jerusalem. He was assisted by Justy More, a seminarian on pilgrimage in the Holy Land and studying at the University of Santo Tomas seminary in Manila. Father Andy emphasized the need to be in close relationship with the Lord Jesus especially for us consecrated religious because "the storms" around us and inside us could be overcome by our deep faith and trust in the Lord. A Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land and the neighboring countries was entrusted to the intercession of Saints Marie Alphonsine and Mariam Bawardy.

Father David Neuhaus, SJ., Patriarchal Vicar and coordinator of the pastoral among Migrants came with an appeal. He encouraged the Filipino Sisters to help and be involved in the issues and concerns of the Filipino migrant workers by way of their religious presence, visits to communities, journeying with or spending some time to listen to them in person or by phone. He emphasized the many problems in the Filipino migrant communities and their families back home, the importance of the religious presence and support in fostering confessional-like trust relationships.

The Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King in Tabgha also shared their experience of the unfortunate incident at the Church of the Multiplication and their appeal for prayers for their community and the Benedictine Monks.

Filipino gatherings are never without food, and always with lots of laughter and stories. A sumptuous selection of food was shared by and with everyone. There would have been more stories and experiences to be shared but time was short that the gathering had to end so that the Sisters who travelled far can return home.
Thank you dear Sisters for our time of bonding, unity and celebration.
We look forward to another get-together in the near future!