OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DAUGHTERS OF MARY IMMACULATE INTERNATIONAL October - December 2014

VOL. XXX1, No. 4To Jesus through Mary

2015-16 DMII Int'l Officers, Board Installed

Incoming International Regent Sis. Rebbie Pacanan receives a bouquet of flowers from DMI International Chaplain Fr. Jerome Cruz and International Regent Sis. Mila Villanueva.

The newly-installed 2015-2016 International Officers and Board with Fr. Jerome Cruz. From left: Sisters Adeline Lee, Fely Gallardo,Virgie Terrado, Letty Gano, Elvie Arambulo, Annie Ty, Fr. Jerome, Sisters Rebbie Pacanan, Cora Afuang, Pureza Guzman, Alma Cagampang,Yolanda Dagandan, Gloria Caminero, Lenny Larrazabal, Laura Cespon and Angie Baes. Not in photo: Sis. Terry Viola.

Fr. Jerome could only stare in awe! The color andglitter that greeted him as he entered the BanquetHall of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Manila was a

complete departure from the sea of blue he sees eachtime he attends DMI assemblies and conferences. Theevent was the Installation of the 2015-2016 InternationalOfficers and Board last Nov. 30, 2014.

Some 150 DMI sisters came to the installation garbed intheir Filipiniana best. The mood was jovial and veryChristmas-y, the event being the last for the DMI Boardfor the year and many brought Christmas gifts to giveaway. Four past International Regents graced theoccasion – Sisters Myrna Zapanta, Perla Arguelles, JeanVelarde and Lyding Ramirez.

A Eucharistic celebration by DMI International Chaplain Fr.Jerome Cruz preceded the dinner and the evening’sprogram.

In his homily, Fr. Jerome dwelt on the meaning andsignificance of Advent leading to man’s Redemption. Hesaid that Advent is a spiritual check-up. The four weeksbefore Christmas give us the time to reflect on the very

meaning of our life. “God loves us so much that He gaveHis only Son. Yet, we fail to recognize God in one another.”

Past International Regent Sis. Lyding Ramirez gave theopening remarks after which the incoming InternationalOfficers and Board led by International Regent Sis. Rebbie

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DMI Newsette

Daughters Of Mary Immaculate InternationalBlock 3, Lot 5, Kathleen Place, Fernando St., Pasay CityTel. No. 833-1203 Website: www.dmiinternational.org

Executive Officers

Sis. Mila A. Villanueva - Int'l RegentSis. Paulita M. Canonizado- Vice-Int'l Regent - LuzonSis. Evelyn D. Aquino - Vice-Int'l Regent - VisayasSis. Cecilia O. Apura - Vice-Int'l Regent - MindanaoSis. Corazon T. Afuang - Int'l SecretarySis. Amelia C. Castaneda - Int’l. TreasurerSis. Miriam O. Angot - Int’l Advocate

Rev. Fr. Jerome Ma. J. CruzInternational Chaplain

DMI NewsetteEditorial Board

Sis. Sally T. EstradaEditor

ContributorsSis. Carmencita D. G. Arce Sis. Ruby P. MacarioSis. Julieta V. Cruz Sis. Perla R. MalazarteSis. Helen B. de Leon Sis. Aurora C. MananganSis. Leticia O. Gano Sis. Ma. Clotilde R. TongSis. Pureza M. Guzman Sis. Annie O. TySis. Ma. Adeline A. Lee Sis. Teresita L. ViolaSis. Violeta C. Luna Sis. Mylene Segundera-Bass

DMII 2015-16 International Officers & Board,Mission Chairpersons

Executive OfficersSis. Rebbie Pacanan - International RegentSis. Cora Afuang - Vice-Int’l Regent for Luzon & RegionV RepresentativeSis.Pureza Guzman - VIR – Visayas & Region IXRepresentativeSis. Annie Ty - VIR – Mindanao & Region XIIRepresentativeSis. Alma Cagampang - International Secretary &Region II RepresentativeSis.ElvieArambulo - International Treasurer & Region VIRepresentativeSis. Yolanda Dagandan- International Advocate

International ChaplainRev. Fr. Jerome Ma. J. Cruz

Regional RepresentativesSis. Letty Gano - Region ISis. Virginia Terrado- Region IISis.Fely Gallardo - Region IV

Sis.Ma. Adeline Lee - Region VIISis. Terry Viola - Region VIIISis. Gloria Caminero - Region XSis. Lenny Larrazabal - Region XISis. Laura Cespon - Region XIIISis. Angie Baes - Region XIV

Mission ChairpersonsSis. Carmen Baquilid - Pro-LifeSis. Edna May Landicho - Morality in MediaSis. Juliet Cruz - Upliftment of Women WorkersSis. Mary Ann Jabines - Assistance to Prisoners’ Families& their VictimsSis. Cathy Pineda - Youth Welfare

DMI Newsette EditorSis. Sally Estrada

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From the International Regent

M E S S A G E

My dear DMI Sisters,

My two-year term as your International Regent has brought a lot of emotionsand as it ends, a sense of wonder how I had been able to measure up to thedaunting task. As I write this message for the last time for the DMI Newsette, afeeling of nostalgia engulfs me as I look back to the many occasions of meeting our DMI sisters as far northas Cauayan City, Isabela to down south in Surigao.

I had been enthralled by your heartwarming welcomes, by your humble selves, by your efforts in ensuringthat each and every Sister who attends these assemblies and conferences comes away with new learningsand new meanings to further enhance our tasks as daughters of our Heavenly Father and our Mother Maryand as service-oriented citizens of our country. And as we go about our tasks, unmindful of earthly rewardssuch as popularity or superiority and focusing instead on our heavenly rewards to ensure our berths.

Gone are the days of competition. Now are days of cooperation . . . of complementation . . . of friendship parexcellence. This strong spirit of close kinship and sisterhood that pervades our organization today continuesto inspire, encourage and empower us as we serve in the DMI missions.

We have several projects that shall come into fruition by year end. We have raised funds for ten permanenthomes in Palo, Leyte for 'Yolanda' victims in coordination with the CBCP-NASSA's housing project. We havelikewise instituted a Calamity Fund to support our Sisters in need. Attendance in our regional assemblies, areaconferences and biennial conventions has increased significantly. We have more Squirettes of Mary circlettesorganized and more SMIs in our membership roster. SMI area conferences in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanaohave also been instituted.

Congratulations, Sisters! You have done so well.

And so, as time moves from day to night, so, too, shall our organization move with certainty to accomplishthe projects we have worked on. So, too, shall we move ahead to do more . . . to pray more and to lovemore!

In the end, "what will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched,empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example" (a quote from Michael Josephson).

Let us all stay as ideals and as true Daughters of Mary Immaculate.

Thank you very much!

Yours in Christ and Mary,

SIS. MILA A. VILLANUEVAInternational Regent, 2013-2014

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Pacanan had their oath-taking before Fr. Jerome.Sisters Lydia Ordonez andBiennah Villanueva actedas marshals. The inductionof Diocesan and VicarialRegents then followed.The mission chairpersonsalso received theirrespective appointmentsfrom Sis. Rebbie Pacanan.

During the turn-overceremonies, Sis. MilaVillanueva as outgoing IRsaid that it is with mixedemotions that sherelinquishes her position toincoming IR Sis. RebbiePacanan. She also saidthat during the past twoyears, she was able tolearn and realize the truemeaning of the Year ofFaith. She prayed, learned,played and laughed withher DMI sisters inassemblies andconferences that sheattended in the 14 regionsof the country, memoriesthat she will forevertreasure.

Sis. Mila also cited some

changes in the internalrules of the organizationsuch as the term of missionchairpersons and theholding of area conferencesin-between SMI biennialconventions. The fund-raising for the DMI’sdonation of permanenthouses for‘Yolanda’ victims and theCalamity Fund foremergency purposes isproceeding quite well. Shelater distributed plaques ofappreciation to theoutgoing InternationalBoard and MissionChairpersons who servedwith her.

Sis. Rebbie Pacanan thenreceived the DMI gavelsymbolizing her acceptanceof the responsibilities fromSis. Mila as the 2015-2016International Regent.In heracceptance speech, Sis.Rebbie said that theposition seeks the person,her election as IR in Boholseemingly providential. Sherelated that there had beenobstacles that would haveprevented her from

The Vice-International Regents - Sisters Cora Afuang forLuzon, Pureza Guzman for Visayas and Annie Ty forMindanao are presented by Marshals SistersBiennahVillanueva and Lydia Ordonez to Fr. Jerome fortheir oath-taking.

Welcome remarks by Past IR Sis. Lyding Ramirez.

attending the convention,such as being a victim ofSupertyphoon ‘Yolanda’as well as a wound on herfoot that doesn’t heal. Onthe day of the

convention, however, shefelt well enough to go toBohol and later be electedas International Regent.She said of the gargantuantask that lies ahead: “There

Fr. Jerome Cruz delivers his homily during the Eucharisticcelebration.

Fr. Jerome administers the oath of office to the RegionalRepresentatives composing the DMII International Board.

2015-16 DMII Int'l Officers, Board Installed ...Cont’d. From Page 1

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is no failure in the DMI if wehave the heart and mind ofMama Mary”, then

exhorted the new Board:“Let us shape DMI’s futuretogether. The

organization’s success orfailure is in our hands. Let’skeep DMI alive.”

After her speech, Sis.Rebbie gave small replicasof the DMI gavel to

The diocesan and vicarial regents are installed into office. Incoming Mission chairpersons, from left: Sisters Juliet Cruz, Carmen Baquilid, Edna May Landicho, Mary Anne Jabines and Cathy Pineda and Newsette Editor Sis. Sally Estrada as they are about to take their oath.

The Past International Regents with IR Sis. Mila (2nd fromleft), Fr. Jerome (at center) and Past Region XII RR Sis.Lelis Pimentel (3rd from right.) They are from left: SistersPerla Arguelles, Jean Velarde, Lyding Ramirez andMyrnaZapanta.

Sis. Mila delivers her valedictory address.

A bouquet of flowers is handed to Sis. Mila by Fr. Jerome. Plaques of appreciation were presented to Newsette EditorSis. Sally Estrada and outgoing Mission Chairs SistersJuliet Cruz, Milde Tong, Ruby Macario and Helen de Leon.Not in photo is Sis. Chit Arce.

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The outgoing Board and Mission Chairs in a group photo. Incoming International Regent Sis. Rebbie Pacanandelivers her acceptance speech.

members of the newBoard and missionchairpersons as symbols ofauthority of theirrespective positions.

Adding more color to theevening was the presenceof a very talentedentertainer, Vevel de Asiswho sang popular songsby Michael Buble andimpersonating Filipino songdivas with brisk changes ofcostumes during the

show. Sis. Ruby Macariohosted the program.

After Fr. Jerome’s shortinspirational message, PastIR Sis. Myrna Zapantaofficially closed the night’sprogram, thanking theoutgoing Board for theircommitted service andcongratulating theincoming Board who will beat the helm of theorganization in the nexttwo years.

The evening's intermission was provided by Vevel de Asis, avery talented entertainer.

Sis. Josie Halog, DMI Office staff, receives a surpriseappreciation gift from Sis. Mila on behalf of the DMIBoard. With them are Sis. Lita Canonizado,Fr. Jerome(partly hidden) and Sis. Lyding.

Closing remarks by Past IR Sis. Myrna Zapanta.

2015-16 DMII Int'l Officers, Board Installed ...Cont’d. From Page 5

Trivia on Pope Francis: Pope Francis is believed to have been a serious contender at the2005 conclave which eventually elected Pope Benedict XVI. Leaked documents after theconclave show that Pope Francis received 40 votes in 3rd ballot but this was reduced to23 in the final one. He was very popular at the time and it is likely that this popularitywas one of the reasons for his election in the year’s conclave.

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Diocese of Iba Hosts Region III Assembly

Guests from the International Board, seated from left: SistersMilde Tong, IR MilaVillanueva, Helen de Leon, Ruby Macarioand Amy Castaneda withFr. Kenneth Masong (at center), guestspeaker. Behind them are members of the Assembly WorkingCommittee.

The assembly delegates listen intently to a guest speaker.

By Sis. Maria Rose Geronimo, Queen of Angels Circle, San Jose Vicariate, Olongapo City

The Regional Assemblyof Region III held atthe Subic Bay Freeport

Zone on Nov. 15, 2014 wasa “blockbuster”, being one ofthe best-attended in theRegion’s history.

Held at the Golden DragonRestaurant in Subic,Olongapo City, close to 500delegates representing 38circles from the Archdioceseof San Fernando(Pampanga) and theDioceses of Tarlac, Balanga(Bataan) and Iba (Zambalesand Olongapo City) attendedthe event. The assembly’stheme was “DMII:Evangelized andEvangelizing TowardsBuilding the Church of thePoor”.

As early as 6 a.m., assemblydelegates from theprovinces comprising RegionIII started arriving at thevenue. The registration ofdelegates was ably handled

by the RegistrationCommittee headed byVicarial Regent Sis. LourdesFelicano of St. JosephVicariate.

Diocesan Regent Sis. ErlindaCrispin of the Diocese ofIba, the host diocese,opened the assembly,warmly welcoming thedelegates and guests fromthe International Board ledby International Regent Sis.Mila Villanueva andthanking the workingcommittee of the Assemblywho worked very hard toensure the success of theevent.

The entrance of theRegional officers headed byRegion III RR Sis. AmyCastaneda and the Paradeof Circles signaled the startof the Assembly. This wasfollowed by the invocationled by Past Diocesan RegentSis. PurisimaTuliao, thePambansang Awit led by

San Sebastian VicarialRegent (VR) Sis. LettySantos and Pledge to theFlag by San Andres VR Sis.Norma Raguine.

Olongapo City MayorRolenPaulino graced theoccasion. Welcoming theassembly delegates to hiscity, he said that it is asource of great pride andpleasure not only for theDMIs of the Diocese of Ibabut also for the citygovernment and the peopleof Olongapo City that Subicwas chosen as venue forthis year’s DMI RegionalAssembly.

The Eucharistic celebrationwas officiated by Fr. AudieMozo who, in his homily,mentioned his apprehensionregarding the poor responseearly on when theOrganizing Committeelaunched its campaign forattendance, coming close tocanceling the

reservation for the venue.But the Committee workeddoubly hard and prayedharder still. Their effortshad not been in vain, for onthe day of the assembly, thevenue was filled to capacity.The event indeed was oneof the best-attended inmany years!

The day’s first resourcespeaker was Fr. KennethMasong on the topic“Poverty According to theBible”. He said that there area lot of reasons why there ispoverty, one of which isinjustice. “But the poor arethe privileged heirs of God’sKingdom,” he added. Heexhorted the DMIs to be fullyaware that the heart ofpoverty is sharing andcaring.

Msgr. Crisostome Cachothen gave an inspirationalmessage. He said that the

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turn-out of the assembly –the delegates’ attendanceand the well-managedprogram of activities for theday – is very inspiring.

The second guest speakerwas Fr. Roque Villanuevawho was introduced byRegent Sis. Merinnisa Ligayaof Immaculate ConceptionCircle. Speaking on the topic“Live Christ, Share Christ”,Fr. Villanueva gave atestimony on how one’s faithis sometimes put to a severetest. Even priests are notspared from this, drawingfrom his own personalexperience. His listenerswere moved to tears whenhe related how his motherhelped him through hispersonal crisis, eventuallyenabling him to rise above itand regain and strengthenhis faith. The speakercaptured and held theinterest of his audiencedespite the unholy hour ofhis talk (after lunch).

International Regent Sis. MilaVillanueva in her messagecongratulated the Regionaland Diocesan officers forholding a very successfulregional assembly. She alsoannounced the DMII’sdonation of ten houses inPalo, Leyte for ‘Yolanda’victims. Her parting word tothe delegates: “Live andchoose a life that matters.”

International MissionChairpersons Sis.RubyMacario for Youth Welfare,Sis.Helen de Leon for Pro-Life and Sis.Milde Tong forAssistance to Prisoners’Families & their Victims alsorendered reports regardingtheir respective Missions’projects and activities.

Region III RR Sis. AmyCastaneda thanked thedelegates for their presenceand the Diocese of Iba forvery ably handling andmanaging the Region IIIAssembly. She also

announced that the incomingDMI International Board andDiocesan and VicarialRegents will be installed onNov. 30, 2014 at the HyattRegency Hotel in Manila.

The assembly ended at 5:30p.m. with lucky delegatesbringing home prizes theywon in the raffles conductedby Sisters Linda Crispin andNene Ligaya.

Composing the Region IIIAssembly WorkingCommittees are thefollowing:

Steering CommitteeDR Sis. Linda Crispin,Chairperson

Finance CommitteeDiocesan Treasurer Sis.Violeta Abado

Program &InvitationCommitteeVR Sis. Lulu Felicano

Registration Committee -Dioceses of Tarlac & Iba:VR Sis. Lourdes Felicano andCircle Regents Sisters MabelCruz, Evelyn Arlega, LolitaQuintos and Merlita Matias

Archdiocese ofPampanga:VR Sis. Letty Santos andCircle Regents SistersBernadette Degala, IrmaPolangco, and EleanorVenturero

Diocese of Balanga(Bataan):VR Sis. Norma Raguine andCircle Regents Sisters SarahCobatsa and MagdalenePerez

Food & Raffles CommitteeVR Sis.Merinnisa Ligaya

Mass ServersSisters Maria RosieGeronimo and Violeta Abado

ChoirImmaculate ConceptionParish Choir

Diocese of Iba Hosts Region III Assembly ...Cont’d. From Page 7

Four Pinoys Working for Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY – Thousandsof people from differentparts of the world visitVatican City daily, hoping tocatch a glimpse of PopeFrancis. Four Filipinos havehowever been blessed withthe opportunity not only tosee the pope, but also tolive and work inside theVatican and serve him.

Sister Ana Capito and SisterRosalina Aldea, both fromQuezon province, wereassigned to the Vatican by

the Missionary Catechist ofSt. Therese of the ChildJesus.

They are tasked to assistItalian Cardinal FrancescoMonterise.

Sister Ana can never forgether first encounter withPope Francis. He was walkingdown one of the hallways inthe Vatican, and her firstinstinct was to hide. “I hidbecause I know that whenthe pope is passing, one

should not just go andapproach him. I didn’t knowif I should hide or walk away

quickly, but while I wasconfused about what to do,the pope suddenly greetedme with, ‘How are yousister?’ So I came nearer andkissed his hand,” Sister Anarecounted.

According to Sister Rosalina,Pope Francis loves to walkfrom his home at SantaMarta to his office at theApostolic Residence, morethan a hundred metersaway.

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Region XI Assembly Held Oct. 25, 2014

The Assembly delegates during the procession from thechurch to the HSP Formation Center.

Assembly speakers Fr. Dennis Cagantas and Sis. Ma. Cecilia Tapang receive Certificates of Appreciation from Sisters PerlaMalazarte and Lenny Larrazabal.

By Sis. Beatriz Belonias, Vice-Regent, Our Lady of the ImmaculateHeart Circle

The HSP FormationCenter of the HolySpirit Parish in Baybay

City, Leyte was the venue ofthis year’s RegionalAssembly of Region XI onOctober 25, 2014.

Hosting the event were thetwo DMI circles in BaybayCity, the Our Lady of theImmaculate Heart Circle ofthe Holy Spirit Parish inVisca and the Our Lady ofFatima Circle of theImmaculate ConceptionParish in Poblacion. Theassembly theme was“Proclaim Jesus’ Words . . .Emulate Mama Mary’sVirtues . . Make DMI a Wayof Life”.

Some 120 DMI sistersrepresenting nine circlesattended the assembly. Sts.Peter & Paul Circle of OrmocCity sent the largestdelegation of 28 sisters.

A concelebrated Mass withFr. Bryan Flandez of the HolySpirit Parish was the maincelebrant. With him were Fr.

Dennis Felix Cagantas andFr. Roberto Ebisa. The CFCMusic Ministry of the HolySpirit Parish provided theliturgical music during theMass.

A procession by the DMIsisters from the church tothe Holy Spirit FormationCenter followed. Region XIRepresentative Sis. PerlaMalazarte officially openedthe assembly, welcomingthe delegates andacknowledging the presenceof guests from theInternational Board led byInternational Regent Sis.Mila Villanueva. Baybay CityMayor Carmen Cari, aformer DMI herself, alsowelcomed the delegates toher city.

The morning’s first speakerwas Fr. Roberto Ebisa,general manager of RadioVeritas Asia who talked onMorality in Media. Fr. Ebisaunderscored the all-embracing impact of themodern means of socialcommunication that

presents challenges toChristians trying to keep thefaith in Jesus alive throughMary.

Fr. Dennis Cagantas was theresource speaker for Pro-Life. In his talk, Fr. Cagantasstressed the value of lifeand the DMI’s role inupholding life.

The two speakers had toleave early for their nextappointments andnecessitated adjustments inthe day’s program. Keynotespeaker IR Sis. MilaVillanueva gave way to the

two and delivered herkeynote address in theafternoon.

Introduced by Incoming RRSis. Lenny Larrazabal, Sis.Mila talked about the tenevangelical virtues of MamaMary, namely, most pure,most prudent, most humble,most faithful, most devout,most obedient, most poor,most patient, most mercifuland most sorrowful. Shealso announced the DMIBoard’s resolutions todonate ten permanent

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houses to victims of‘Yolanda’ through the CBCP-NASSA and to set up aCalamity Fund to be utilizedfor future emergencies.

The third mission,Assistance to Prisoners’Families & their Victims,was discussed by Sis. Ma.Cecilia Tapang, counselor ofthe Life in the GospelCommunity (LGC) based inCebu, who proxied for Fr.Martin Ando Banoc who wasnot able to come. As part ofa religious communityserving the poor, includingprisoners, Sis. Cecilia saidthat she could feel their painand their need forunderstanding, love andassistance. She urged heraudience to devote sometime to visit, talk to andassist them and theirfamilies. She said that notall prisoners are guilty ofcrimes. The innocent doesnot deserve punishment.

International Regent-electSis. Rebbie Pacanandiscussed Upliftment ofWomen Workers. A lawyer,Sis. Rebbie stressed theneed to be aware ofwomen’s rights in and out ofthe workplace. She said thatas DMIs, we should upholdour rights and those of otherwomen in the communitieswe serve.

International Chairpersonfor Youth Welfare Sis. RubyMacario reported on theactivities of the Squirettes ofMary Immaculate such asthe holding of areaconferences starting thisyear. She encouraged theDMI circles to form SMIcirclettes in their parishes.She also announced that the

Fr. Roberto Ebisa talks onMorality in Media.

SMI already has its own SMIHymn composed by her sonand now available onYouTube. She ended withher signature dance to thesong “I Have a Dream”which the DMI sistersgamely joined in.

The evening’s dinner andfellowship featured acontest for the Most PopularDMI 2014. Candidates werefielded by seven circles –Sts. Peter & Paul, JulioCardinal Rosales, St. Jamesthe Greater, Sto. Nino, OurLady of the ImmaculateHeart, Our Lady of Fatimaand Tower of Ivory. A fund-raising event, winners wereadjudged by the number ofvotes the candidates areable to turn in. Winning thetitle of Most Popular DMI2014 is the candidate ofTower of Ivory Circle withP70,740 worth of votes.Julio Cardinal Rosales Circleplaced second and Our Ladyof the Immaculate HeartCircle, third. Crowning thewinner was IR Sis. MilaVillanueva assisted bySisters Perla Malazarte andLenny Larrazabal.

A contest for the best dancepresentation was won bythe Julio Cardinal Rosales

Circle with their rendition of“Pandango sa Ilaw. Theother presentations wereperformed bytheSto. Nino Circle and theTower of Ivory Circle. TheSts. Peter & Paul Circle alsosang a medley of folk songs.Special awards were givento Sts. Peter & Paul Circlefor sending the largest

delegation, and the Sto.Nino Circle of Tacloban whowon the Early Bird Award.

The day-long event endedwith the awarding ofCertificates of Participationto the circles present byRegent Sis. Catalina Pascualof the host circle.

Keynote speaker IR Sis. Mila Villanueva is presentedtokens of appreciation by Sis. Perla and Sis. RebbiePacanan.

Sis. Ruby Macario receives her Certificate of Appreciationfrom Sisters Catalina Pascual and Teresita Balbarona.

The Most Popular DMI 2014 and her court

Region XI Assembly Held Oct. 25, 2014...Cont’d. From Page 9

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First DMI Circle Organized In Illinois, USA

Sis. Beth Salmon presides over the exemplification rites forthe charter members of Our Lady of Fatima Circle.

The newly-installed officers of the Our Lady of Fatima Circlewith Fr. Michael Soufal. To his left is Sis. Adele Gonzales,charter regent of the new circle.

We now have a DMIcircle in Chicago,Illinois. The Our

Lady of Fatima Circle ofSt. Albert the Great Parishis the very first to beorganized in Chicago, Ill.,USA. It received itscharter on October 11,2014, made possible withthe full support of Rev. Fr.Michael Soufal, pastor ofthe parish.

Sis. Beth Salmon, PastInternational Treasurerand Past DiocesanRegent of theArchdiocese ofZamboanga, was on handto welcome thecandidates and orientthem on the DMIorganization, vision andand missions and thevirtues of DMI members.She also assisted in the

exemplification rites andinstallation of the circle’scharter officers.Sis. Adele Gonzales, pastregent of the Our Lady ofFatima Circle of SanAntonio de Padua Parish,Zamboanga City assistedSis. Beth in the conductof the exemplificationrites. Sis. Adele was laterunanimously elected asregent of the new circle.She is married to a verysupportive husband, Bro.Isidro Gonzales, a fourthdegree Knight ofColumbus of St. JosephParish, Zamboanga City.The couple, now based inChicago, is very active inSt. Albert the GreatParish.

Congratulations andwelcome, DMI sisters!

Update from St. Charles Circle

The newly-installed officers of St. Charles Circle with Sis.Beth Salmon (seated 5th from right).

From San Diego, California

Past InternationalTreasurer andPast Zamboanga

Diocesan Regent Sis.Beth Salmon visited theSt. Charles Circle of SanDiego, California lastNovember, 2014. Shewas a special guest onNovember 13 during theinstallation of officers ofthe circle for 2015.

Sis.Erlinda Aquino is theincoming regent of St.Charles Circle with Sis.Aida Alfaro as vice-regent and Sis.Aida

McColgan as pastregent.Vicarial RegentSis. Josie Francisco wasthe installing officer.

Sis.Beth and PastInternational RegentSis.Beling Panganibanorganized St. Charles

Circle nine years ago.She reported that theCircle has remained veryactive in the Parish ofSt. Charles and hadbeen instrumental in theformation of anothercircle in California, theSt. Joseph Circle ofWestmorland.

The Circle hasremained very active inthe Parish of St. Charlesand had beeninstrumental in theformation of anothercircle in California

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Our Lady of The Abandoned Circle Opens Pre-Natal Clinic

Fr. Rommel Felizardo during the inauguration and blessing of the OLA Pre-Natal Clinic which the DMI sisters helped putup.

By Sis. Rita Lucena, Regent, Diocese of Antipolo

From the Diocese of Antipolo

It was a dream-come-true for the Our Lady of theAbandoned Circle of the Diocese of Antipolo.

The circle’s long-planned pre-natal clinic, a project ofthe circle’s Pro-Life Committee, is now a reality withthe inauguration and blessing of the clinic last May 3,2014 after the circle’s first Saturday Mass.

Located at the rear of the Basilica of the Our Lady ofthe Abandoned in Marikina City, the clinic will renderfree pre-natal services to indigent women of theparish. When it is time for the patient to give birth,she will be referred to a hospital for free delivery.

Dr. Belen Santos, an obstetrician-gynecologist whoheads the circle’s Pro-Life Committee will be the clinic’s

chief administrator and will be assisted by other circlemembers. Clinic hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30a.m. every Friday.

A call for volunteer doctors has been made in theparish in order to sustain and expand the operations ofthe clinic which was made possible through thegenerous donation of circle members, among themSis. Elena Mendoza, from whom a big bulk of theequipment came.

Rev. Fr. Reynante Tolentino, DMI chaplain and parishadministrator, and Fr. Rommel Felizardo blessed theclinic. A sumptuous breakfast was shared by thesisters who attended the event.

Located at the rear of the Basilica of the Our Ladyof the Abandoned in Marikina City,

the clinic will render free pre-natal servicesto indigent women of the parish.

Trivia on Pope Francis: Pope Francis is the first pope to reign with this title. He selectedthe name in memory of St. Francis of Assissi. Interestingly, another Francis is St.Francis Xavier - the co-founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) - the other founder was St.Ignatius. The Jesuits are considered to be very liberal but Pope Francis was one of therare conservative members of the society.

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Risen Christ Circle SponsorsIntergenerational Healing Seminar

From the Diocese of Paranaque

A total of 37participantscomposed of DMI

sisters and SMIs of theRisen Christ Circle andCirclette of the HolyEucharist Parish inMoonwalk Village,Paranaque City attendeda two-dayIntergenerational HealingSeminar last June 12-13,2014. The seminar washeld at the HEP ParishCenter. The seminar wasspearheaded byInternational Pro-LifeChairperson Sis. Helen deLeon and organized byCircle Regent Sis. HelenBalmores and the Circle’sPro-Life Committeechaired by Sis. LindaChincuanco.

The seminar wasconducted by the HealingMissionaries of the HolySpirit whose mission is tobring about thewholeness of the personthrough the healing graceof God that would lead tothe wholeness of thefamily.

On the first day, theseminar participants weredivided into small groupsafter praying before the

Blessed Sacrament andintroductory talk by Sis.Joy Dee, the Mission’shead servant. The smallgroups were thenassigned separatelocations not withinhearing of each other. Atrainer is assigned toeach group whoencouraged theparticipants to open upand express what’s intheir minds, includingtheir pains and hurts.The head servant, anexpert in angermanagement, helps inprocessing theparticipants’ thoughtsand feelings.

On Day 2, eachparticipant was assigneda randomly-numberedspiritual card. Thesession took place in the

Prayer Room of the HolyEucharist Parish. Theonly human interventionduring the exercise wasthe writing of theparticipant’s name onthe spiritual card.

Small miracles of healinghad been mademanifest during thesession with the HolySpirit seemingly workingamongst the participantsleading to the healing ofmany inner wounds andbrokenness. Accordingto the participants, theyfelt a feeling of peacesuddenly envelopingthem.

Rev. Fr. Elmo Ilao, theMission’s spiritual adviser,gave a talk to theparticipants before theend of the seminar.

The DMI sisters of the Risen Christ Circle who participatedin the Intergenerational Healing Seminar.

A follow-up session isheld a week or so aftereach seminar forevaluation andassessment of seminarresults.

Aside from the healing ofa person’s inner hurtsand pains, theIntergenerational HealingSeminar also involves thehealing of the familytree, the healing ofmemories and re-parenting the child withinof an adult person.

This seminar has beenapproved by no less thanLuis Antonio CardinalTagle.

The seminar wasconducted by theHealingMissionaries ofthe Holy Spiritwhose mission isto bring about thewholeness of theperson throughthe healing graceof God thatwould lead to thewholeness of thefamily.

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Transfiguration Circle Newest DMI Circle in Zambo

The charter officers of the Transfiguration Circle with theDMI sisters of St. Joseph Circle headed by Sis. LydingRamirez.

June 22, 2014 was aspecial day at theTransfiguration Parish in

Sinunuc, Zamboanga City.The day marked the birth ofthe newest DMI Circle in theArchdiocese of Zamboanga.

Spearheading theorganization of the circlewere Past InternationalRegent Sis. Lyding Ramirez,Diocesan Treasurer Sis. PinkySaavedra and RegentSis.Rose Bulawin of St.Joseph Circle. Sis.TitaPenaflor, chairperson forceremonials, joined thegroup for the exemplificationof charter members ofTransfiguration Circle.

Conducting theexemplification ceremonieswas the initiating team of St.Joseph Circle composed ofSisters Lyding as vice-regent, Evelyn Balbon ascustodian, Rose Tang andBaby Belarmino as guides,Dolly Canizares as chancellor,Edna Wee as monitor, RoseSaavedra as banner bearer,Pinky Saavedra asexemplifying officer, GraceGonzales as vicarial regent,Pilar Torres as past regentand Rose Bulawin as regent.Sisters Ann Thelmo andMarica Tapua also joined theconferral.

Gracing the exemplificationceremony were DiocesanRegent Sis. Angie Baes andVicarial Regent Sis.LowellTantoco. Sis. Angie deliveredan inspirational messageafter the ceremony.

The new circle which tooktwo months to organize isheaded by Charter RegentSis. Pilarica Ledesma andVice-Regent Sis.AngelitaDiongson.

From the Archdiocese of Zamboanga

The newestSquirettes of MaryImmaculate

circlette to be organizedin the Archdiocese ofZamboanga is the OurLady of the ImmaculateConception Circlette ofSt. Joseph the Worker

SMI Circlette Organized in Ipil, Sibugay

A group photo of the SMI Our Lady of the ImmaculateConceptionCirclette members after their initiation.

Parish in Ipil, SibugayProvince.The organization of thecirclette came aboutthrough the initiative ofRegent Sis. MariaLladones and PastRegent Sis.WengPalabrica.

Fifteen young girlscomposed the initialmembers of the circlettewho were initiated onJune 6, 2014 by the SMITeam led by EllaBallesteros, SMIpresident of Our Lady ofPurification Parish,Zamboanga City and Sis.Darlene Tandoc, SMIcoordinator of theArchdiocese. The electionof circlette officers andtheir installation followed.

Diocesan Regent Sis.Angie Baes thanked theDMIs for recruiting andinspiring the young ladiesto become SMIs who

she exhorted to follow inthe footsteps of theirelders as future DMIs.Ten ladies were alsoexemplified as newmembers of the St.Joseph Circle of Ipil bythe initiating team of theOur Lady of PurificationCircle led by Sis. MilaNavato. Sis. Angiecongratulated the circle’sofficers for ablymanaging both activitiesas well as the sistersfrom Zamboanga City forbeing readily availableeven within very shortnotice. Ipil is six hours’drive away fromZamboanga City.

By Sis. Monina Siasico, Vicarial Regent

From the Archdiocese of Zamboanga

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Snapshots from All OverFrom the Archdiocese of Manila

Bacood, Sta. Mesa. The Upliftmen of Women WorkersCommittee of the Our Lady of Fatima Circle of Bacood,Sta. Mesa, Manila headed by Chairperson Sis. DangBarrameda recently conducted a food processingdemonstration for women of Barangay 625. The 25participants who composed the initial batch of traineeslearned how to process tocino, longanisa and deboningbangus. Women from the other barangays haverequested for repeats of the food demo as part of theirlivelihood program.

Food Processing Demo

From the Diocese of Paranaque

Diocesan Recollection Held The diocesan, vicarial andcircle officers of theDiocese of Paranaque helda diocesan recollection onNov. 15, 2014 at theKnights of Columbus Hallof the Our Lady ofBeautiful Love Parish inMerville, Paranaque.Recollection master was Fr.Daniel Healy, director ofthe Anawim Community in the Philippines located at BFResort Village, Las Pinas City. Diocesan Regent Sis. SolEugenio welcomed the 85 DMI sisters who attendedthe day-long recollection with the theme "Reaffirm ourLove for Jesus Through Mary as DMIs".

Trivia on Pope Francis: Pope Francis is considered to be amongst theconservative faction of the Church. In the early 1900s (some might even sayearlier) a heresy arose called modernism. Essentially, the people whosubscribe to this view believe that the Church can - and should - reverseprevious dogmas and strip the Church back to a simplistic form as seen inthe early years.

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From the Diocese of San Jose (N. E.)

Basket-Weaving Demo Seminar Micro-Financing Project

San Jose City, Nueva Ecija. The Upliftment ofWomen Workers Committee of San Jose Circle conductedrecently a demo-seminar on basket-weaving for mothersin the barangay as a means of generating additionalincome for the family. The project was spearheaded byCircle Regent Sis. Rebecca Salvador who is a councilwoman of her barangay.

Guimba, Nueva Ecija. The Sta. Cecilia Circle ofGuimba, Nueva Ecija turned over funds to Ms. GraceCorpuz to start her small carinderia in the form of aninterest-free loan. Ms. Corpuz is the first beneficiary of amicro-financing project by the Circle under its Upliftmentof Women Workers thrust. Vicarial Regent Sis.Aida Paguio,Past Diocesan Regent Sis.Lilia Martires and RegentSis.Remedios Antonio are shown turning over the fundto Ms. Corpuz.

Feeding Program for 1,719 Children

From the Archdiocese of Jaro

Diocesan Regent Sis. Emma Victoria led 70 DMI sistersfrom the Archdiocese in planting 250 fruit tree seedlings(guyabano, mabolo and jackfruit) in Barangay Botong,Oton, Iloilo last July 7, 2014. This pro-life activity wasin partnership with DENR-CENRO’s urban greeningprogram.

Jaro, Iloilo City. The St. Joseph Husband of MaryCircle of Jaro, Iloilo launched a supplementary feedingprogram for 1,719 pupils of nine public elementaryschools in Iloilo. The program will run for four monthswith the children getting their supplemental feedingonce a week. The Century Pacific Group, maker ofcanned tuna products, through the RSPo Foundation isthe circle’s partner in this pro-life project.

Archdiocesan Tree-Planting

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Gone Too Soon! (My Alarm Clock)

By Em Cuartero

I hesitated doing this article allbecause I will be writing a portionof the story of my child. It’s not

supposedly this way. Nature designedchildren to bury their parents and notthe other way around. When childrenlose their parents, we call themorphans. But what do we call aparent/s who lost a child/children?Nothing.

Perhaps it is better left unsaid.

Alyssandra, who we fondly call ALEX isa smart, funny and beautiful 15-year-old who was diagnosed withNeurofibromatosis 1. Alex, in heryoung life and devastating conditionhad hopes for a future – she said shewill never have children so no one willinherit NF. She could’ve become ahotshot neurosurgeon (who mayhave discovered the cure for NF, whoknows). She was 15 but had themindset that will put to shame peoplewho are much, much older than sheis.

“If given the chance to live, I willserve the church and be a doctorand a nun at the same time.”

Neurofibromatosis is a geneticdisorder that disturbs cell growth inyour nervous system, causingtumors to form on nerve tissue.These tumors may develop anywherein your nervous system, including inyour brain, spinal cord and nerves.

Please tell God to help us find a curefor Neurofibromatosis. Hug Daniella so

tight for everybody who missed her.

Alex was diagnosed in 2011. Fromthen, her whole life changed. She hadsince stopped school and stayedhome. And in a span of three years,the bright and sunny teenager whowas about to be admired by youngboys retreated to her “sick” world,became depressed (who wouldn’t be)and with no vision of a future. Sheused to be the top of her class,consistently in the honor list and thenit all just stopped.

Alex is the second daughter that Ihave lost. Daniella was a stillborn babyand my fourth child.

On August 2, 2014, exactly 4:44p.m. (angel sign), my Alex was inheaven. Anak, you have not lostyour battle, it just ended, like anyoneelse’s. Sleep now, my dear. It’s pain-free, happy and peaceful. We set youfree to move along in your journey.Shine on, Ate. You have touched somany lives, especially mine. Yourshort life was meaningful and well-lived. The things that you havetaught your siblings will carry on. Thecourage you have shown us will go along way.

In our hearts, you will live forever.

(This is a story about Squirette Alyssandra Cuartero of the SMI Divine Mercy Circlette, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur (Region XII) who passed away last August 2, 2014. Author Em is Alyssandra’s mom. - Ed.)

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The SMI National Officers 2013-2015An Introduction

By Sis. Ruby Macario, Int'l Chairperson for Youth Welfare

Meet the NationalOfficers of theSquirettes of Mary

Immaculate. They had beenchosen among the bestduring the 14th SMI BiennialConvention in San Mateo,Rizal in May, 2013.

They were there during theLuzon Area Conference inCandaba, Pampanga inMarch 2014 and the VisayasArea Conference in Aklan inMay, 2014. These eventswere the very first to beheld as a result of aresolution passed during the2013 Convention regardingthe holding of areaconferences in-betweenbiennial conventions. Thepurpose is to provide theSMIs who are future leadersadditional exposure to DMI’sbeliefs, practices andspirituality and the

opportunity within their areato be exposed to areaconferences. That they havebeen able to measure up tothe new tasks theconferences require isconcrete proof of theircommitment to theresponsibilities as servant-leaders.

Next year, they will be themoving force during the 15th

SMI Biennial Convention inD’Leonor Inland Resort &Adventure Park, Bgy.Communal, Davao City onMay 16-18, 2015 wheretheir successors will beelected to the next term ofoffice.

The difference betweensuccess and failure is agreat team. Let uscongratulate this batch ofofficers for a successful job.

I am Maria Caroline B.Soliven, 21 years of age,currently teaching Statisticsand Analytic Geometryamong Grade 9 students inan all-boys school. I amproud to say that I havebeen serving God for morethan a decade whichincludes nine years as aSquirette of Mary. As aneducator, I know that Icannot just teach studentsto be academically preparedbut to be men of values.When I was elected as SMINational President, I realized

that this is what Mama Marywants me to do. Followingher footsteps in praising theLord gave me reasons toknow Him more, love Himmore and being of service toHim and others.

My name is JustineLosantas Calderon, 20years old and a freshgraduate of Bachelor ofScience in TourismManagement at CentroEscolar University – Manilalast April 7, 2014.

From serving as CirclettePresident for three years, Iserved as NationalTreasurer from 2011 to mid-2013 after being elected tothe position during the 13th

SMI Biennial Convention inBoracay in 2011. I find it agreat honor to be elected asNational Vice-President forLuzon during the 14th

Biennial Convention atCiudad Christia, San Mateo,Rizal last year.

My experience as aSquirette has made merealize a lot of things thathelped deepen my faith andto know more about MamaMary. I feel grateful and soblessed to be part of thisorganization. I am proud tobe a Squirette.

I am Jessany Yap, the SMINational Vice-President forthe Visayas. I am currently

Maria Caroline SolivenSMI National PresidentImmaculate Conception ofKarangalanCirclette,Antipolo

Justine L. CalderonNational Vice-President -LuzonImmaculate Conception ofKarangalanCirclette,Antipolo

Jessany YapNational Vice-President -VisayasOur Lady of LourdesCirclette, Aklanenrolled at the University ofSan Agustin in Iloilo Citywhere I am taking upBachelor in MedicalLaboratory Science. I amalso the Associate Editor ofour school’s officialpublication. Regarding mybeing a Squirette, let me

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quote from a piece I wrotebefore: “The Squirettes ofMary has brought me toplaces. Our life is a journeyand SMI has made itpossible for a lot of us tomake it worthwhile andmeaningful. We may bemiles apart but Someone upthere makes it possible forus to cross paths once in awhile and appreciate life’sblessings.”

I am Liezle Pauline Sta.Cruz Espiritusanto,second year student ofAteneo de ZamboangaUniversity taking up Bachelorof Science in ManagementAccounting. Having beenelected as SMI NationalVice-President for Mindanaohas given me the chance toperform and to lead in theSMI tasks such as spiritual,social, civic and sportsactivities and at the sametime, to assist in the DMImissions. As a member ofthe SMI initiating team, Ihave helped in the formationof six SMI circlettes in ourArchdiocese that nownumber 19 among the 27DMI circles. A recent civicproject that we launched isthe “Pulot BasurasaTabi ngDagat”. We also undertaketeam-building seminars andsports events.

I am Krysta Elaine Abel,SMI National Secretary. I amin my senior year as a BSBAstudent majoring inManagement Accounting atthe University of Batangas. Ihave been serving God for adecade now. I stronglybelieve that, to be a goodleader, one must be a goodfollower. Being a Squirette isnot only an opportunity butalso a responsibility. At 19, I

moral values.

I am Abbie Gail C.Villanueva, 17 years old,and currently a sophomoreat the University of thePhilippines - Diliman, takingup BS ComputerEngineering. Becoming aSquirette is truly one of thebest things that everhappened to me. My SMIfamily has played a hugerole in helping me findmyself as I continue to growup to be the best that I canbe. The SMI is anorganization I feel reallyblessed to be a part of andwill never ever want to lose.

Liezle PaulineEspiritusantoNational Vice-President -MindanaoOur Lady of PurificationCirclette, Zamboanga

Krysta AbelNational SecretaryMater Purissima Circlette,Lipafeel privileged serving as anational SMI officer which tome is quite an achievement.

My name is MelodyLanuza, the NationalTreasurer of the SMI. I amcurrently taking up Bachelorof Secondary Educationmajor in Filipino and proudto say that I have beenserving God for six years. Iwill be graduating a fewmonths from now and, withJesus’ and Mary’s guidance,I may be able to achieve mydream to be a teacher, toinspire my future students inlearning new things and toinspire them to have good

Melody LanuzaNational TreasurerIna ng Grasya ng DiyosCirclette, Malolos

Abbie Gail VillanuevaChancellorMedalya MilagrosaCirclette, Cubao

Quotes fromPope Francis

“A little bit ofmercy makesthe world lesscold and morejust.”

“Human rightsare not onlyviolated byterrorism,repression orassassination,but also byunfair economicstructures thatcreate hugeinequalities.”

“Although thelife of a personis in a land full ofthorns andweeds, there isalways a spacein which thegood seed cangrow. you haveto trust God.”

“Let us allremember this:one cannot proclaim theGospel of Jesuswithout thetangible witnessof one’s life.”

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MADONNA AND CHILD:Mirrors of Greatness and Humility

Christmas Reflection

Long, long ago, amidstmyriads of little stars, abright light appeared in

heaven, angelic voices wereheard. “Gloria . . . Gloria inExcelsis Deo!” The bright lightreflected the radiance of theMadonna and Child inBethlehem. It was the firstChristmas! The maiden was theBlessed Virgin Mary and the Childwas Jesus, the Emmanuel (GodWho is with us!) He was thepromised Messiah.

The bond existing between Maryand Jesus is a divine bond.Mary’s divine motherhood is amystery. She has a unique role inthe work of our salvation. It tooka while for the Church to affirmthis. In 431 A.D. at the Councilof Ephesus, the Church conferredon Mary the title Theotekos (Godbearer).

From the moment of conception,the bond between Mary and theChild Jesus never stoppedgrowing. She never stoppedgrowing closer to Jesus becauseshe loved Him more and more.She grew in motherhood untoHis crucifixion and even daysafter the Redemption, man’ssalvation by our Lord Jesus, theRedeemer.

The Madonna and Child is apicture of contrast, thegreatness of the maiden ofNazareth and the lowliness andhelplessness of the Son of God.St. Eusebius said” “Tounderstand the greatness ofMary’s dignity as Mother of God,we would have to understandthe greatness of her Son. Maryleads us to Jesus.” St. Augustinewrote: “Mary’s daily Fiat showedus that only through obedienceto God will we find true peace.Mary intercedes for us to Jesus.We see Jesus with His humbleand caring Mother.” The life ofthe Madonna speaks of JesusChrist’s teaching that the one

who exalts himself will behumbled, and the one whohumbles himself will be exalted.The Son of God Himself choseto be poor and helpless. Mary’sMagnificat, her “Joyful Song”echoed her virtues which formed and influenced the human qualities and character of her Son, Jesus.

May we always follow Jesus and Mary in our journey of faith. Christmas is in the lowly hearts of the poor in spirit. Only through selfless love can we see Jesus. He lives among the humble, the insignificant and downtrodden. The Child Jesus ishidden in the Madonna’s sweet embrace. Seek the Mother and her Child’s light and blessingswill be infused in you.

The bond existingbetween Mary and Jesusis a divine bond. Mary’sdivine motherhood is amystery. She has aunique role in the workof our salvation. It took awhile for the Church toaffirm this. In 431 A.D.at the Council ofEphesus, the Churchconferred on Mary thetitle Theotekos (Godbearer).

By Sis. Luz A. Gendrano, Past Regent, Risen Christ Circle

Merry Christmas! MayPeace, Love And Joy BeWith You All!

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