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Celebrating 50 years of healing presence in the Philippines For half a century, Medical Mission Sisters have lived our healing charism in the Philippines. In the fall of 2009, Medical Mission Sisters joyfully celebrated 50 years of healing presence in the Philippines. Two special Masses were held. Bishop Jose Jacinto, from the Diocese of Urdaneta, and Bishop Arternio Rilllera, from the Diocese of La Union, joined two priests, our Sisters, family members, benefactors, and mission partners for a festive liturgy on September 30, our Foundation Day. The Eucharistic celebration was held at HEAL, our Haven for Ecological and Alternative Living in the northern Philippines. In her introduction to the Golden Jubilee Celebration, Sister Yolanda Durian thanked the pioneers who helped to establish our presence in the Philippines, as well as the Sisters’ families, our Associates, friends and benefactors, and the people with whom they are called to be in mission. Sister Yolanda shared, “We proclaim our healing charism, our gift to be present to life in the Spirit of Jesus the Healer. We proclaim our call to be actively present to brokenness as Jesus was. We proclaim our commitment to promote healing and wholeness in all aspects of life.” In the southern Philippines, a special 50th anniversary Mass was held on October 3rd in Malaybalay City. Bishop Honesto Chaves Pacana celebrated with 3 priests, 2 deacons, our Sisters, relatives, benefactors, friends and co-workers, catechists and youth. In his homily, Bishop Pacana reflected on the need for healing of both persons and communities. He expressed gratitude for the presence of Medical Mission Sisters and the gift of healing entrusted to us, and invited laywomen who feel called to religious life to learn more about our healing charism.
Our Sisters share, “We highlighted the sacred journey among our people in the Philippines, the journey we believe in faith, of 50 years of God’s favor of healing presence in the Philippines. We praise and thank God whose love and faithfulness gave His Son Jesus, who showed us how to live and laid down His life so that we may live.”
January 15, 2010
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