from the 2009 Fiesta Souvenir Program

Let me give you an article written by Ms. Anita B. Lazo. Said article was some sort of an introduction for the "Getting to know the Hermanas Mayores" feature of the 2009 Fiesta Souvenir Program.

Christian Discipleship in Action
By Anita Basco Lazo

This year, Calbayog is blessed with three notable women as Hermanas Mayores – 2009 who, without question, personify excellence in their passion for church and community service.

Prima (Emma) Y. Fortuna, Edele R. Alegria and Venancia M. Yangzon have given most of their adult lives to such service worthy of profound admiration.

Upon arrival in the U.S., Emma joined the Calbayog Association of America, Inc. (CAA, Inc) in the Bay Area with Edele. As active members of the Association, both were instrumental in keeping it strong and stable. First in her agenda, Emma changed the election process by drafting its guidelines into what was known as “The Calbayog Association of America, Inc. Election Guide”. In 1980, Emma and Edele began to put together the novena to Our Lady’s Nativity in preparation of our hometown fiesta celebration. Led by Emma, copies of the novena were printed and are being used today during the nine consecutive Saturdays up to the weekend closest to the designated feast day. From this year on through 1989, Emma was commissioned as Eucharistic Minister at St. Barnabas Parish in Alameda while teaching catechism to prepare young children for first communion, an activity she dearly loved and enjoyed. In addition, she joined the Legion of Mary and became secretary and eventually served as president of the Legion’s Junior Praesidium, lasting for about 5 years.

In 1981, Emma became secretary of the CAA, Inc. serving the Association for over 18 years until she was elected president in 2001-2004.

Having taken up residence in Mesa, Arizona with her husband, Felix Fortuna, during the winter months, Emma continues to devote her time as Eucharistic Minister at the Holy Cross Parish Church. Despite the distance, she has consistently been an active participant in the activities and projects of the CAA, Inc., with her election this year as member of the Board of Directors for the incoming term.

Equally deserving of note and esteem is one of our high-achievers Edele R. Alegria. Likewise, she served as president of the Legion of Mary at the St. Barnabas Parish for 4 years and became Director of the Confirmation class in the Parish for 2 years. Edele was also the summer camp nurse for the Fill-Am Youth and for a time became a member of the “Magkakaibigan”, a Filipino pastoral group in the Diocese.

For the most part, Edele has been in the forefront as a leading figure in the CAA, Inc. She was also an active participant in the activities and projects of the Association and had been a member of the Board of Directors until she was elected president from 1997-1999.

Presently, Edele resides in Barangay Binaliw, Tinambacan District with her husband Sam Alegria. She keeps herself busy by working as coordinator of a Supplemental Nutrition Feeding Program for malnourished children, 6-12 years old, a continuing program sponsored by the Commission on Health under the Diocese of Calbayog in Barangay Binaliw. Edele feeds over 200 children five days a week for 6 months at a time. Additionally, she serves as Servant of Basic Ecclesial Community at the Chapel of San Isidro, (Barangay Binaliw) of the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Tinambacan District and is also the adviser of the Parish Youth Council. Commissioned by the Bishop of Calbayog as Lay Minister at the Chapel of San Isidro, Edele became a coordinator of catechists, as well.

Foremost in church ministry and community work is our beloved Venan M. Yangzon. Her unselfish service on behalf of the Calbyog Parish is undeniably a shining example of Christian fervor. An enthusiastic catechist from 1952-1956, her work began at the Pilot School while attending various catechetical institutes and seminars to further enhance and improve her skills on this most fulfilling gift. As a member of the Children of Mary (COM) Society, Venan took the rank of unit treasurer in 1951-1964 and attended parish and diocesan conventions from 1960-1963. In 1973, she was appointed the Society’s Regional Treasurer. For ten years (1975-1985), she became a member of the Society of Priestly and Religious Vocation (SPRV) and was promoted as vice president in 1986. As organizer of COM units in different parishes, she was also responsible for reorganizing dormant units. In 2008, Venan was elected COM president. Years back in 2003, she was elected as a member of the Calbayog Parish Pastoral Council and soon took on a higher level position as assistant treasurer. From 2008 to the present time, Venan is the Parish Pastoral Council’s Treasurer.

As Calbayognons, our hearts are filled with utmost pride and joy as we ponder on the remarkable achievements of our three hermanas mayores. Indeed, it is with total gratification that we salute these ladies, deserving of recognition they truly deserve for the glory of God.