60 Years of Blessings

Anniversaries always call for a celebration. Yes, it is a time to remember, to look back with gratitude to the God of history who made everything possible for us. Sixty years is indeed a milestone. I asked some of my sisters who belong to this age bracket how do it feels to be sixty. One says she feels young as ever. Another opines that it seems she is just starting life and she has still a long way to go. And yet another says she feels like nearing eternity.

I guess at 60 years, one has a lot to thank God for. It means more than just enjoying and living life, but most of all journeying it in a spirit of hope with the One who is the source of life and love.

That is exactly the sentiments of each and every one of my sisters in our Philippine province. Our sisters look back with gratitude to the God of history as our congregation celebrates its 60 years of Philippine foundation. It was in October 13, 1938 when the first Pauline Sisters from Italy set foot on Philippine soil.

The experience of our Italian sisters attests to the fact that God is indeed a God of surprises. His ways are not our ways.

The memoirs of our Italian sisters tell us that they were sent to start a foundation in China not in the Philippines. But the outbreak of Second World War forced them to flee China and settled in the Philippines instead. And in the Philippines they stayed. It was very clear from the beginning that it was God’s will for them. In due time, vocations came in. The first Filipino vocation in fact, entered during the war. “Ate Pining” as we fondly call her celebrated her golden jubilee just about two years ago.

We pay tribute to our pioneer sisters who have labored with great love and generosity during their early years of foundation. Armed only with their faith in divine providence, they were able to overcome all kinds of difficulties and inculturate themselves very well to their new environment. Their shining example gives inspiration to us younger generation of Paulines to also strive to live our vocation with the same faith their life has shown.

The Italian sisters have long gone back to their native soil except for one that has opted to stay. Some of them have already died while others are in the twilight of their years. But they have beautiful memories of their missionary life in the Philippines. They love to recall their experiences, they remember and continue to pray for the people they have met and befriended. Above all, they never cease to thank God for his continuous guidance and loving presence in their lives.