The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart (FMSC) are celebrating the a150th anniversary of the Foundation of the FMSC Institute in Rome. The congregation in Calbayog (they are the sisters who presently occupy the house of the late Julio Cardinal Rosales), led by their superior, Sis. Jocelyn Leaño observed the event with a Thanksgiving Mass led by Bishop Isablelo Abarquez. The mass was followed by an exhibit at the Centennial Pastoral Center.
Here's the introduction read by Sis. Jocelyn before this morning's mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral:
"Good Morning sisters and brothers in Christ,
Last November 14, 2010 at the General House 'Asisium' - Rome, the General Superior of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Emmapia Bottamedi announced the opening of the Jubilee year for the 150th anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute. she urged every Province and Apostolic Region to adequately plan and celebrate the jubilee year of the congregation, bearing in mind their social and cultural reality.
This is an extraordinary event in the history of our FMSC congregation, a great time to rekindle the flame of the grace of our origins that leads the congregation to remember, to preserve and to celebrate. A time to make a thanksgiving resonate with joy and amazement by reviving the gift shared in the spirit of strengthening awareness of the mission entrusted tos us; and for the immense benefit received from Him; in His goodness, without our merit, from different countries, races, languages and cultures He called us to form a unique Family united in Christ.
Above all to renew ourselves spiritually, to increase the sense of belongingness to the Congregation, devotion to the charism, love to one's own vocation. Everybody builds and grows on the basis of faith that our founders Laura Lerox, Duchess of Bauffremont and Father Gregory Fioravanti, ofm with the first sisters in different ways have sought to convey to us.
So today with praise and gratitude to the Lord, we, The Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Calbayog City Community, in participation to the whole congregation celebrates the opening of the Jubilee year for he 150th anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute, with the theme: "For 150 years in the steps of Divine Providence: from the gratitude of memory to the commitment of prophecy".
Bishop Isabelo Abarquez with the FMSC community in Calbayog led by the Superior Sis. Jocelyn Leaño (right)
Here are some pix i took at the FMSC photo exhibit at the Centennial Pastoral Center
That's me with Elma Magoncia and Sis. Jocelyn.
