In the Philippines, the members of the Pauline Family take turns hosting the celebration of the Feast Day of our founder, Blessed James Alberione. This year, we, the Sisters of Jesus Good Shepherd “Pastorelle,” hosted the “Pauline Family Gathering,” which was held at Jesus Good Shepherd School in Imus City, Cavite, on November 23. The theme of the gathering was: “Sa yapak ni Alberione, may Pagkakaisa na puno ng Pag-asa.” The event was filled with joy, enthusiasm, friendship, love, and hope, thanks to the presence of our brothers and sisters. It was attended by our SSP Priests, Brothers, and Seminarians; our FSP and PDDM sisters and formandees; Pastorelle sisters; the Institute of the Holy Family; the Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel; the Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation; and the Association of the Pauline Cooperators.
We began the gathering by celebrating the Holy Eucharist as one family. In her introduction, Sr. Puri highlighted that Blessed James Alberione was a man of his time, attentive to the Spirit, and deeply devoted to the Church. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Celso Godilano, SSP – Provincial Vicar, with Fr. Edward Dantis, SSP, as the homilist, together with other concelebrating Pauline Priests. In his homily, Fr. Edward shared that Jesus journeys with us and will bring us to heaven. While we are still on earth, there is always hope. Each one, however, must find their way and respond to this offer. He never abandons us, and it is through the suffering and death of Christ that we, as Christians, must journey to find union with the Father. Our gospel reading reminds us that our faith brings hope to our lives, and Jesus assures us that He has prepared a place for us.
After the Eucharistic Celebration, we enjoyed a meal together, followed by a short program. The program included a Karakol procession of the image of the Blessed Mother, accompanied by a photo of Blessed James Alberione, as it was carried to the gymnasium. Each congregation and institute prepared a special presentation, and there were trivia questions about the life of our Founder, followed by games enjoyed by all members of the Pauline family, both young and old. During the program, we were honored by the visit of the beloved Bishop of Imus, Most Rev. Reynaldo Evangelista, who welcomed the entire Pauline Family and expressed his gratitude for the presence of several Pauline congregations in the Diocese.
We ended the day with hearts full of gratitude, praising God for the gift of our beloved Founder, Blessed James Alberione, to the Church. Truly, we are the children of Blessed James Alberione - a man of prayer, humility, and silence; a man who knows how to listen with a heart full of love.
Sr Sheila Mae M. Estremos, sjbp
Comments