LAY JOSEPHINES OF MALASIQUI CELEBRATING EARLY CHRISTMAS TOGETHER WITH THE KIDS (PHILIPPINES, DECEMBER 15, 2019)

Lay Josephines of Malasiqui (Masanton Familia) started with a group of women mostly teachers and churchgoers through the invitation of Sr. Felma Ramones, SSJ way back 2003. We had sessions every 3rd Sunday of the month  facilitated by Sr Felma along with Sr. Paz, Sr. Yoly, Sr. Cleofe and some LJs like Leah who take turns in gving us Formation. They come to Malasiqui every month for four years until we, the first batch, had our First Commitment on May 1, 2007. Years after, another batch was formed.

Joining the SSJ Family as Lay Josephines was a milestone in our lives. We were inspired by the SSJ charism and the living of the Josephine spirituality harmonizing prayer and work. Individually, we share our own experiences with our families, co workers, friends, acquaintances and other people around us. LJ Malasiqui has embraced the commitment to help the poor families and their children, unemployed women, other LJ groups or anybody who needs  moral, spiritual,  financial, and  economic assistance.

Yearly, LJ Malasiqui prepares different activities like livelihood projects (with actual demonstrations), visiting the sick and the elderly Lay Josephines, leading novenas in honor of our Patron Saint and of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Ripple Blessings/Outreach Program in the form of feeding the children, gift-giving during Christmas celebrations. Sr Azon Domantay gives Holy Communion to the sick and the elderly as well. We have been doing these varied outreach activities for four years already.

The group usually invites the children because we see in them real happiness even if they just receive simple gifts/prizes. Their sweet smiles, laughter and feeble voices saying Thank you make/complete our day. Catechism and good manners are integrated in our gatherings to educate our young guests.

Last December 15, 2019, we, the LJ Malasiqui, had Christmas Party with the kids. The first part of our party was with the children with the following activities: catechism, parlor games, sharing of food and gift-giving.

The second and last part was bonding among ourselves through shared lunch where we recounted and shared our stories, followed by a very exciting and joyful exchange of gifts.

MINELLI RAMONES POQUIZ, LJ (LJ COORDINATOR OF LJ MALASIQUI)

WRITTEN BY:

MINELLI RAMONES POQUIZ, LJ