LAY JOSEPHINES’ CELEBRATION OF THE FEAST OF ST. JOSEPH, THE WORKER (May 1, 2015 - Philippines)

LAY JOSEPHINES – LUZON CLUSTER

RENEWAL

The most awaited day of the renewal of our commitment as Lay Josephines finally arrived! It was on May 1, 2015, the feast of our beloved protector, father and guide- St. Joseph, the Worker.

We started the day with a recollection at the SSJ Provincial Conference Room/chapel facilitated by Sr. Marcelina Sta. Cruz, SSJ. 

SR. MARCELINA STA. CRUZ, SSJ (LJ LINK PERSON FROM THE PROVINCIAL TEAM)

The theme of the recollection was the universal call to be “HOLY” by living out a life full of love as shown in the life of Jesus Christ, St. Joseph, and SSJ founders St. Bonifacia & Fr. Butinya. We recited together the Script by Fr. Pedro Arrupe SJ on “Falling in Love.” We also read and reflected on the formula for the commitment so as to internalize it. The word “love” was emphasized. This two hour recollection truly prepared us spiritually for our renewal.

We joined the Siervas de San Jose in the  Eucharistic celebration at 11:00 a.m., presided by Fr. John, a Claretian priest. We all actively took part in the mass which we ourselves prepared in coordination with one SSJ sister. Marylib gave the introduction before the mass; Connette & Onor offered the symbolic LJ house to be donated in Estancia Iloilo; Mercy read the first reading; Vicvic sang the responsorial psalm; Norly gave a short introduction before the commitment; Cris read the prayers of the faithful; and Connette thanked Fr. John for being the mass presider and all the SSJs for sharing their charism with us.

After pronouncing the formula of our commitment, we sang the song of joy –AWIT NG PAGHAHANGAD- as an expression of our gratitude and trust in God. After the acknowledgement of Connette, we gave red roses to the SSJs while white roses were given to us by the SSJs. It was really a very joyful and touching experience! We felt the love and support of the Siervas de San Jose…

LAY JOSEPHINES RENEWING THEIR COMMITMENT

LAY JOSEPHINES SINGING THEIR SONG OF JOY AND TRUST

LAY JOSEPHINES – MARY IN NAZARETH GROUP SILAY CITY

COMMITMENT & RENEWAL

On the same day at 3:00 p.m., the Lay Josephines in Silay City together with the Siervas de San Jose assigned at St. Theresita’s Academy had the Eucharistic Celebration in honor of St. Joseph, in the small chapel of the sisters. During the mass presided by Fr. Jonas Sumagaysay, the parish priest of San Diego Parish, Silay City, 3 Lay Josephines renewed their commitment as Lay Josephines while 3 others made their commitment as Lay Josephines for the first time. A simple snacks followed after the celebration.

MELY GUZON, EDRALIN AGUIRRE AND EMMA CORDOVA RENEWING THEIR COMMITMENT

NELMA PALERMO, ROGIELYN LASAFIN AND CARMELA ESQUIVEL MAKING THEIR FIRST COMMITMENT

FR. JONAS SUMAGAYSAY WITH THE OLD LAY JOSEPHINES

FR. JONAS SUMAGAYSAY WITH NEW LAY JOSEPHINES