June 11: 30th Foundation Anniversary

“Unwearied is your merciful love for us , Lord!”

After being unable to hold a public celebration for our 25th anniversary on June 11, 2020, due to pandemic restrictions, we finally gathered with long-time friends of community for our much-anticipated 30th anniversary celebration. Our sisters from the neighboring monasteries of Gedono, Indonesia, and Star of Hope, Macau, joined us. Our brothers from Guimaras, and the Benedictines from Digos were well-represented. The Assumptionists from Digos also participated. Additionally, we are much delighted to have one of our foundresses, who had since returned to Italy, to celebrate with us.
It was heartwarming to see the beaming faces of our guests after the Eucharistic celebration, which was presided over by our Bishop. He charmingly recalled his visits to our community when he was a seminarian back in 1995. He was the very first seminarian to come to our monastery for a retreat in preparation for his priestly ordination. At that time, the monastery had not yet been built, and the foundress, who came from Vitorchiano, Italy, was staying in the guesthouse.
The community also held a small tribute to the foundresses earlier in the day, featuring songs and short videos that recalled the history of the community. Leaving Vitorchiano was not easy for our foundresses, and the profound depth of their sacrifice is evident in their story. They shed all their tears, yet surrendered their lives to establish another monastic church in Asia. Truly, the Lord has done marvels for our community and we cannot but give thanks for his unfailing mercy!