Sisters Ma. Michelina Brondial, Ma. Benigna Cadawas, Gerarda Cruz and Nives Montecillo celebrated their Golden Jubilee of Religious Profession on December 3, 2011 at the Queen of Apostles Sanctuary 2650 F. B. Harrison St., Pasay City. The Eucharistic celebration was presided by the Most Rev. Sofronio Bancud, SSS, DD, Bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan. Among the concelebrants were Fr. Joe Aripio, SSP, Provoncial Superior of the Society of St. Paul and eight (8) religious and diocesan priests.
With the theme, “ 50 years of Religious Life in God’s Love and Fidelity”, Bishop Bancud pointed out that the celebration is a manifestation of God’s unconventional love and fidelity which sustained the Sisters in their journey. The event calls for joy and gratitude for the graces and blessings they received as they offer and dedicate their lives selflessly for the mission.
A significant part tof the liturgy was the bequeathing of the Pauline heritage to the formands. A lighted candle, symbol of the Pauline ideal which was carried during the entrance procession was passed on to four young members: 2 Aspirants, 1 Postulant and 1 Pre-postulant. Each of these formands were enjoined to keep a faithful fellowship with that light and bring it to all corners of the world.
Words of thanks was delivered by Sr. Michelina Brondial on behalf of the group. Agape and fellowship with families, relatives and friends followed at the Alberione Auditorium.
Sr. Michelina shares her reflection on this important milestone of her religious journey:
Celebrating God’s Love and Fidelity, A Reflection
Sr. Michelina Brondial, FSP
December 8, 1961 was a day to remember. It was the day when five of us professed our endless an unwavering fidelity to God. We were joyful having to reap the fruits of our perseverance and hard labor. We were filled with the Holy Spirit as we greeted with smile and embraced our parents, sisters, relatives, friends, benefactors and visitors. Little did we know that 50 years after, we would celebrate our Golden Anniversary. There was a tinge of sadness though, for one of the sisters, Sr. Cherubina passed away two years ago. We are sure that her spirit was with us during the wondrous celebration.
The four of us made a lot of preparations before December 3. Even if we were far from each other we were able to distribute tasks and communicated through the internet and cellphones re: the invitation, Liturgy, souvenirs and the reception. We asked our sisters in the Mother House to help in the decoration and the choir for the songs during the mass.
Above all these we prepared ourselves spiritually. We were given a two-day input on spirituality by Fr. Allan Gamutan, SSP and Sr. Evangelina Canag, FSP, in Pasay City. We also attended a three-day retreat at Canossa House of Spirituality, Tagaytay. These exercises made us look back on ourselves; who we were and what we have become. We were made to re-examine ourselves and to recommit, to love and to be faithful to God, to count our blessings and to reinvigorate ourselves for the service of Jesus our Master, Way, Truth and Life through the media apostolate.
What a joy to have reached 50 years of religious life. It was amazing indeed to have survived the journey where happiness and sorrow, triumph and pain abound; in health and in sickness passing plateus and mountains, seas and rivers under the rain or sun. Our lives were not easy yet we went on because we love the Lord and we know that He loves us more. Yes, the struggles were many but the joy is tremendous!
I am grateful to our Mother Mary, our teacher and Queen from whom I derived strength and comfort in times of sadness; St. Paul, the Apostle from whom I got courage in times when I was discouraged; Blessed James Alberione and Ven. Thecla Merlo, our founders; and the Sisters who taught me exemplary virtues.
I’m thankful to my parents, brothers and sisters who willingly and wholeheartedly offered me to God, and to those were part of my long and winding journey.
