The 23rd FSP Juniors Congress held last May 12-15, 2010 was participated in by ten (10) Juniors of the PMPT with one Singaporean Junior in Pasay with the theme: Women Associated with Priestly Zeal.
The first speaker, Sr. Melba Lobaton, formator of Postutlants and Pre-postulants spoke about Feminine Identity, Religious Life and the FSP. She discussed the identity of women and how they are to situate themselves in the world. This involves the genuine self-fulfillment not simply as persons but as women. She emphasized the traits or characteristics of women such as greater sense of relationship, nurturance and care, cooperation and mutual support, emotionality and intuition, receptivity, and acceptance of vulnerability.
The second speaker, Sr. Bernardita Dianzon talked about Woman’s Participation in the Priesthood of Christ. She discussed women’s own priesthood as baptized Christians. Like Mary who fully and perfectly participated in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, all the baptized believers participate in the priesthood of Christ. She emphasized that priesthood is self-offering thus, it is living a cruciform life wherein religious live their baptismal life in a more intense commitment that is to die and to rise with Christ. It is manifested in relationship with one another, in giving oneself in the name of love, service and common life, and in living the vows.
The second part of the Congress was held in Nasugbu, Batangas. The Juniors shared their experiences in their respective area of apostolate and community. The activity deepened their connectedness with one another. Their sharings as well as words of encouragement and prayers enriched one another. They concluded their Congress by praying together which was led by Sr. Aida Adriano, the formator of the Juniors.
