The people of Tacloban witnessed to the resilience of the human spirit as they rose from the ravages of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda in 2013. In many ways, the community of the Daughters of Saint Paul in the city journeyed together with the people whom they serve. Almost two years after the strongest typhoon in history, the sisters celebrated the Feast of our Lady of the Holy Rosary, October 7, 2015 and the anticipated Feast of Jesus Master with the blessing of the the newly-refurbished main centers of apostolate: the Media Center and the Radio/TV Office.
The blessing was officiated by Fr. Ronel Taboso, Sto. Niño Parish priest with Fr. Gwen Padagdag, his assistant, and Fr. Bart Pastor, founder of the Family of God’s Little Children Community. Sr. Noemi Vinoya, FSP Provincial Superior, graced the occasion to cut the ribbon of spiritual prosperity together with Sr. Delia Abian, Paulines Media Centers in-charge. Members of the Women Religious Association of the Archdiocese of Palo, Association of Pauline Cooperators, Pauline Mission Associates, Pauline Lay Mission Partners, friends, and patrons attended the blessing and were the first ones to see the transformation of the Paulines Media Center.
Sr. Justin Vargas, the new superior, shared her grateful joy to those present and highlighted the words of Blessed James Alberione, founder of the Daughters of Saint Paul:
“Our book centers are focal points of the apostolate. It is a center of light and warmth in Jesus Christ. The book center is a temple and the Sisters who tend to it are preachers. The counter is a pulpit of Truth.”
The sisters of the Tacloban Community together with Sr. Rose Ongcoy, former superior (2012-2015) would like to express anew their humble gratitude to the different communities and circumscriptions of the Daughters of Saint Paul, their relatives and friends, and many people of good will here and abroad, who extended not only their financial help, food and other basic needs but also their prayers and moral support.
Yolanda and its aftermath was one of the greatest challenges the Sisters had encountered in their Pauline life, and they are grateful for the countless miracles the Master has shown in the Media Center and in the Sisters’ life. For this reason the Icon of the Divine Master will continue to be given pride of place in the Media Center where the people, especially the children, come to pray daily for their intentions and miracles.
