We had a very simple yet solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Marcelo Spinola School Multi-Purpose Covered Court, Ipil, with those who became part of the mission of the Congregation in the Philippines: the Spinola school community; Laiko Spinola; family and friends.  We are also blessed to have the 3 Diocesan and 1 Claretian priests with us and some Sisters from different Congregations. It was indeed, not just a celebration of the Congregation but the whole Church. The simple but very inspiring homily of Fr. Alien, a Diocesan priest reminded us that this mission was of God entrusted to us through the Church and the Congregation and so we should always bring the glory to God and not to our own selves and that we are one with the whole Church every time we do our mission.

Of course, it is never a celebration without the sharing on the table. After the Mass, we had a simple agape.

After which, we had a short program that turns out to be a tribute to the Sisters. Some selected students showed a very touching performance and so with the teachers and the Laiko Spinola, who really had the effort to have their shirts printed for the celebration. Ma’am Nene Yap, who is a Spinola friend and was for a long time a co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord, gave her testimony in which, one can really sense that she had the experiences with the Spinola Sisters always fresh in her heart. In her testimony, she emotionally highlighted that through the presence of the Spinola Sisters in the life of her family, they have experienced God’s love and presence. Her children were also there, expressing their gratitude. After the testimony, we watched the video of the story of the humble beginning of the Sisters. Everyone was touched and reminisced both happy and sad experiences. We ended with a heart full of joy and gratitude for the love and fidelity of God with the words of gratitude of Sr. Jesnen and her prayer.

It was a simple celebration but stirs gratitude and more zeal for the mission.

For the years to come, it is God’s love which will be our anchor in continuously giving glory to God by announcing His personal love to all.