FDZ Vocations

The story of God’s call and my response

FDZ Australia — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:00:16 +0000

I had the desire to become a Sister when I was in Grade III. My Religion teacher was a Benedictine sister (OSB). I was fascinated by her sweetness and simplicity, and the way she narrated to us Biblical stories. When I was in high school, the desire became more intense. Each day before going to school, I participated in the Eucharist; though I didn’t fully understand it then, I felt the day was not complete if I failed to attend Mass. I went to college at the Divine Word College in Bangued, Abra; still, the desire was there. I always looked forward to the daily Masses so I could listen to the SVD’s missionary experiences. I often went to the library not to do research work but to read books like “Life of St Therese of the Child Jesus”, “Guide to Sisterhood”, “Answering God’s Call”.

One day, I saw on the bulletin board of the Campus Ministry office in our school, the brochure of the Dominicans. I wrote to them and got an encouraging reply. But prior to that, I went to the Holy Spirit Sisters in our place; I was told I should finish my studies first and work at least two years to gain experience. Although I wasn’t interested in the Pink Sisters in Baguio, my cousin still accompanied me for a visit there and I was told that I was still young to be admitted. Later on, at school, I saw the brochure from Daughters of Divine Zeal; while I wasn’t attracted to the brown color of the brochure, I wrote to them. Sr Dolores responded and to this day, I remember her quotation “… The harvest is rich but the labourers are few…” At that time I also recalled the challenge of the Holy Father when he came here in the Philippines “… If you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” , And the word of the Dominican Sisters: “… There are many young people like you who are serving God as Sisters. It’s nice to serve God while you are still young.” However, when I saw a Dominican Sister in our place, I did not mention my desire. Then Sr Dolores and Sr Marilyn Abian came. For three days I saw them in the church but I did not approach them. On the third day, I finally introduced myself and they told me that I could join the congregation right away. I was terrified since I thought I was not ready to enter the convent that time, and offered excuses like I needed another year to complete my Education diploma; my father would not agree to my entering the convent, etc. The sisters simply said “… invite us to your home.” When they came, my father was very indifferent; my mother and an aunt were gracious and supportive. For a whole month after that visit, my father refused to speak to me – until I got sick and though he was against my decision, he relented.

So, after completing the school year I, together with Sr Eva Marie Briosos, entered the Congregation on 29 March 29 1990. My parents and relatives, our parish priest and two other priests accompanied us to St Joseph, in Laoag City. It was my first time to be away from home and yet I did not feel homesick at all, no matter that I forced myself to think about my family and friends. In the convent I experienced and I am still experiencing the love of God, the love that had drawn and brought me here and the love that sustains me here. I thank Him for having called me to be part of this religious family. I thank him for our Sisters and all those people who helped me find this community where He has called me to serve Him. Indeed, I can say He called me in a unique and mysterious way. So here I am now, a perpetually professed sister continuing to be drawn by His love and trying to give myself totally to Him in the daily events of my life.

Sr Rosemarie Borreta fdz

Protecting God’s property

FDZ Australia — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 22:00:52 +0000

We uphold different forms of charity: protection of the environment, calls for justice and care for women, youth and children and promotion of justice and we can say that we have still to implement it, especially the protection of environment. Certainly everybody is aware of global warming and its causes and consequences. However, we need to become more aware and seriously reclaim our sense of responsibility for nature and for creation. We continuously witness the dreadful consequences of the flippant attitude of humans in view of the global phenomenon that endangers our Mother Earth where the very gift of life is at stake. We cannot remain silent and indifferent towards the continuing disasters and calamities and the destruction of our planet’s biodiversity, etc, that threaten our environment and the God given nature. We have to do something and exert a little effort that might be of great help to lessen the environmental degradation.

During the last AMRSP Joint biennial Convention on Climate Change: Its impact and Challenges, we were updated on the real global situation that is demeaning the very essence of life. The denudation of our forests, the reckless mining, the increasing depletion of our marine life and freshwater resources, and the pollution of air and water. All of these are to the detriment of the ecosystem and biodiversity of our planet. Prayer is not enough to counteract the destruction of the Mother Earth. As individuals and as Community, we have to have an initiative to recourse to possible and achievable ways for sustainable development. We can offer our support to the different advocacies to save the Mother Earth through reforestation, zero waste management, water and energy conservation, environmental science in the curriculum and other initiatives that the Community believes can prevent climate tragedies. The Communities can start the zero waste management process – wastes choke our planet and we have an environmental liability by contributing to the increase of garbage. We need to intensify the methods that will promote “Reduce… Recycle… Reuse…” and each Community can talk about it and make these ‘three Rs’ a discipline and a principle in our waste management.

I wish there will be no delay in implementing whatever initiatives the Communities will decide. Let us do it in the light of faith and in the love we have for the Lord of Creation and Universe. It is our responsibility and our social concern to take some steps to protect God’s property for the wellbeing of all. As caretakers of God’s creation, we have to safeguard what he has entrusted to us.

Mother M Elna Casimsiman fdz

Image source: www.turnbacktogod.com

Begging the Master

FDZ Australia — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:00:05 +0000

Vocations come from God and it is through prayer that we obtain them. Our saint founder St Hannibal Mary Di Francia’s life was a testimony to this. He dedicated his entire being for the propagation of Prayer for vocations, thus, he became known as an outstanding Apostle of Prayer for Vocation.

Writing this short article, I remember in one of my sharings with the group of parents of priests, seminarians and religious from Minglanilla – Cebu, encouraging them that we have to pray always; knocking at the door of the owner of the harvest to send workers into His harvest so that His Church may never lack labourers according to His heart. Informing them that we have a great intercessor in heaven, St Hannibal – whose statue was placed in the Basilica of St Peter in Rome and blessed by Pope Benedict XVI on 07 July 2010 – would lead us to continue begging our master of the harvest to send us more holy, dedicated, committed and true priests, religious brothers and sisters to continue His mission. As the group would continue to pray and as they would encourage others to do the same, God indeed would listen to our prayers; He will answer in His own time and in his own ways.

Doing vocation promotion is hard and yet a privilege for me. Truly, I do a lot of travelling and it is physically tiring but also very rewarding. I can say that I have learned to step on the dynamics of promotion with constant texting, calling, and most of all travelling the mainland of Visayas and Mindanao, trusting that our Lord will surely assist me in this kind of work.

Indeed all of our efforts have paid off. Our Master of the harvest, sent us three young ladies – one from Cotabato and two from Butuan. They decided to “come and see”, leaving their family behind for a greater purpose. They have been with us for two weeks. I do believe that each one of them has the seed of vocation that is to be nurtured in our way of life; ready to face challenges in the formation of the Daughters of Divine Zeal.

I take this chance to thank each one of you my dear Sisters for the support and prayers which enable us to do our vocation apostolate. Let us together say: St Hannibal, through your merits and intercession, we ask you to continue to beg the owner of the harvest to send many and holy workers of the Gospel. Amen.

Sr M Evangeline Bastasa, fdz

It is Christmas!

FDZ Australia — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 20:00:29 +0000

The Solemnity of the Birth of our Lord was preceded by an intense preparation of the Advent season during which believers tried to enter into a journey of rebirth, of renewal and of revising one’s mentality and of viewing life and lifestyle according to the Gospel. It was indeed very challenging for each one to make an effort of discipline, sacrifice and detachment from the old ways of life to be able to celebrate truly, the long awaited festivity of Christmas.

If we really prepare ourselves to welcome the Son of God, the Emmanuel, peace and joy would reign in our hearts. The Peace that comes from the very experience of the Word made flesh will undoubtedly transform our outlook in life and consequently will lead us to be more attentive and docile to God’s message, to be more sensitive to the silent cry of our needy brothers and sisters, especially the poor and the powerless members of our society and it promptly makes us true collaborators in working together for the betterment of our Mother earth.

It is Christmas! The most awaited time has come. There are melodious Christmas songs and carols on the streets and houses, and the bright flickering of Christmas lights fill our surroundings with a festive atmosphere. But then, the real situations within and around us cannot be watered down and be overlaid with all the external Christmas manifestations of music, lights, more gifts and other goodies, etc. The celebration of Christmas will never become an automatic solution to one’s problems and difficulties, but it is a sure way of learning to live one’s life with all its lights and shadows, strengths and weaknesses in Jesus Christ who is born for us to give life to the fullest.

Every person thinks and reflects differently on the celebration of Christmas. There are those who have faith in the truth of Christmas, others have accepted it and welcome it in silence with the profound experience of their existence in hope and other groups of people, maybe in spite of their belief, are overpowered by its externalism without having full awareness of the real message of the Birth of the Son of God. This memorable event of our faith has to enhance and impel us to interrogate our very own journey and pilgrimage of faith towards the source and the central message of celebrating Christmas, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

If we truly focus our gaze on that baby lying in a manger and contemplate him with Mary and Joseph and be attentive to the every detail of that holy and silent night in Bethlehem, I would say that no one could remain indifferent to the message of that blessed and mysterious event. It is a challenge for everyone to live their lives as visible expressions of God’s love, shown to us in Bethlehem.

In the midst of the most sophisticated and consumerist world where faith and hope are not given importance and urgency, and where God may be placed in the level of human reasoning or He is being underscored and set aside, the witnessing of believers is vital. And during this time of Christmas, we are called to renew our life according to the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be witnesses of God’s love in the midst of struggles for justice and peace, and of violence and persecution by standing solidly with a firm and authentic Faith, with profound Hope and genuine Charity.

Nothing to be feared of, our Lord says: “Do not be afraid…I am with you…”. This is our sure hope. The “Emmanuel” will show us the way like a guiding Light enabling us to give witness to the unconditional love of the Father and His Kingdom.

Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, in his message for the World Day of Peace, wishes and urges us to believe and to be convinced of being the believers of Christ: “In the face of present difficulties, may Christ’s followers not lose heart, for witnessing to the Gospel is, and always will be, a sign of contradiction”. And in being a sign, we counteract through good deeds and by living our life in the light of Christian values and beliefs, as our Lord has shown to us.

I wish everyone, in this Christmas season, a profound conviction of being a believer of this God who gave himself because of His love towards his people. Let us go back to the Source, our Lord Jesus, and draw from Him new strength and enthusiasm to live our Christian life and to learn to love according to His standard. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Mother M Elna Casimsiman fdz

Image source: www.turnbacktogod.com

God never leaves me alone

FDZ Australia — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:09:14 +0000

God is always accompanying me, side by side. He never leaves me alone. He is constant and faithful. He provides me with all the necessary graces in order that I may cope with the trials and hardships I encounter along my journey. He gives me people to be instruments of His love, to look after my journey; people who are always ready and available to extend their very self to nourish my growth spiritually and morally. With these I am so grateful to God and to all the
persons responsible in making me discover more about my self, about my own weakness and strength, and a better appreciation of my vocation.

I consider myself lucky for God called me and chose me as His own. I am so lucky for God continues to love me despite my stubbornness. And I pray that I may remain steadfast in spirit as I continue my journey to deepen my relationship with the Master of the Rogate.

Lillette Marie Naquita

Image source: www.turnbacktogod.com

What we are looking for

FDZ Australia — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:24:17 +0000

In our daily life, we come to realize and discover that our life actually is a journey, in search of something that is precious and meaningful. It is only through Jesus that we can find true happiness, because of His great love which He shows to each one of us. We are called and chosen by the Lord and it is our responsibility to respond to this call.

I am inspired by Psalm 139. I am reminded of how God called me from the beginning of my existence. At present my heart cries out with one thing: “Lord, thank you”, for the love You have for me, for my vocation, for the grace of perseverance during my prenovitiate formation. Looking back to what I experienced in my journey, I realize how much one has to grow to become a better person; to learn more the life of a religious and to embrace “ROGATE” – as our identity. This is the challenge for me to move on and hold on to “JESUS”.

God is good, yes all the time! December 8, 2006 was a memorable day for me. I was accepted to the Novitiate! I felt great joy to move on to another stage of my formation, which I am once again called to deepen more my spirituality and to be in a deeper communion with Jesus. How marvelous God is; He gave me this beautiful gift that I have to cherish. Being a novice, I can say that there are many challenges to face; there are many possibilities to learn through the offerings of the congregation. In this stage of my formation, there are occasions when God reveals Himself to me in many ways and in different forms and shapes, in different colors and circumstances, but I have to see these with the eyes of faith, because these events are being presented to me to make me realize how great His love for me is. Sometimes I try to escape but they are always there; however when I come to appreciate them, they become beautiful and enriching. They challenge me to grow, to be more open to them, and to accept that they are part of my life. I thank those who share their knowledge,
who are God’s instruments for me in my journey, especially my formator Sr Elna Casimsiman, who helped a lot in shaping and forming me; because of their constant support I can see my improvement and development as a person. And I thank the Lord for giving me the fortitude to move forward in every step – for His LOVE endures forever.

Floriana Oto Open

It is beautiful to be here

FDZ Australia — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:06 +0000

Lord my God, thank you so much for your love and for those things that you have given to me. I recognize your love through everything that happens in my life, from my family to my community.

You gave me a good family. My parents are good examples for me, both in their spiritual and practical life. When I was small my father brought me along to his work and I played beside him while he worked. He taught me how to plant fruit, flowers, and other plants, how to play other sports and above all he taught me how to be strong. I have learned a lot of things from him that will be useful for me forever. And when I stay home, I always follow my mother wherever she is: when she cooks, she sews, she decorates our house… I have learned also from her patience, dexterity, gentleness, and her caring attitude. I grew up with their love.

Alongside this learning, they sowed in my heart the love of God. They usually brought me to church. My mother told me the story about the person who was crucified on the cross. He is Jesus Christ our God. She told me that “He loves me so much and He died for me”. I did not understand at that time but I believed my mother and I never forgot what she said. She also taught me to pray to Him and trust everything in Him.

Lord, you draw near me day by day through my family, my friends and in every event that happens to me. Gradually, I have come to know that I have loved you already. I have known that you have taken care of me within your heart. I have received from you a good family, good friends, good job where I was tempted by money, fame and the glory… but I felt something was lacking in my heart and I was not satisfied. Sometimes, I have failed you, and I despaired. But one day you woke me up with your words:

“Set your heart first on the kingdom and justice of God and all things will be given to you. Do not worry about tomorrow.” (Mt 6,32).

I have discovered that this world will never ever fill me, it can never satisfy me completely. I have realized that I am a spiritual being bound to aspire for more than what the world can offer. And so, you lead me to enter into the convent without worry about the world’s things. I became an aspirant and I felt joy. Day by day, little by little, I have changed myself. I have become open to my companions, my Formator, the Sisters and I have learned a lot of things from them. I enjoy this big family. You are my Father, the Sisters are my mothers and my companions are my sisters.

Sometimes you seem to put me to the test with some difficulties. There are times that I feel tried, and I’m down and in trouble with my vocation. But you are always there, patiently guiding me and raising me up. When I overcome difficulty, I feel more close to you. I believe that you are always with me, you never leave me alone. In many ways, you have given your grace to help me be strong each day.

Now, I am here to offer myself to you, Lord. Thank you for your kindness, and for everything that you have given me, especially for your love. I will also love everyone and put my love in everything that I do. I’m enjoying my journey to become your daughter among the “Daughters of Divine Zeal”.

Marselina

My life is not mine

FDZ Australia — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 00:42:13 +0000

The Lord of the Harvest has done great things for me, even though I feel inadequate in His presence. 08 December 2008 was a memorable day for me. Together with my two companions, I had my First Religious Profession. I deeply felt His abiding presence through all the people who came along my journey, who helped and molded me to become who I am; in a special way I would like to thank Mother Isabella, our superior in the Delegation, and my beloved formator Sr. Elna, and also to our sisters who are part of my journey. I am grateful to God for His loving care and love, and the love of our religious family, for making all things possible until the day I said my first “yes” to the Lord of the Harvest.

When I pronounced my “yes” in front of Him who called me to follow Him, I became more aware of myself and realized that my life is not mine; but my life is for Him. I will never forget this beautiful experience; I shall always ponder and reflect on it, knowing that this day will help me to be strong in my journey. I can not express in words how I felt at that moment, but I know I was filled with great joy when I offered myself to the Lord with my whole heart. My tears at that moment were tears of joy, remembering the Lord and the goodness of the people who have helped me, and most especially my parents even though they were not there but, I believe that they are also happy for me.

The name of Mary which I received during my First Profession is a gift. She will be my guide and my model in my journey. I believe that there is nothing more important in my spiritual life than to say “YES” to God, like Mary who with all her heart and soul received Jesus as her Lord and Savior. I pray that I may be inspired by her fidelity in following her Son Jesus Christ.

Sr Maria Farida Bhodo, fdz

Copiously Blessed

FDZ Australia — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:00:24 +0000

What word could I best describe the event of that second graduation of the Union of Prayer for Vocations (UPV) members (Marikina Chapter in the Philippines) but being “blessed copiously”? To culminate the initiation of these second batch members, they had an overnight recollection filled with activities days (10-11 Sep 2011). There was the solemn Taize style adoration in the evening and the Via Lucis (Way of Light) at dawn on the second day, an input, the giving of Medals and, of course, the Eucharistic celebration. This group started with nine aspiring UPV Lay but only five among them persevered – two from Cinco Hermanos, 2 from Marikina and a PAS, Marikina-Teacher.

My untimely poor health condition, the unavailability of a Speaker who can enrich the group with the Charism of our Congregation added to the improbability of this expected culmination. But God in His sheer goodness provided what was needed. Fr Alfonso, rcj, who was invited for the occasion, but was not sure to come, surprisingly made it.

Really God’s ways are mysterious! And if He wills it, NOTHING can really hinder it. Praised be Jesus always!

Sr Maria Luisa Luz, fdz

United in prayer for vocations

FDZ Australia — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:00:11 +0000

The Union of Prayer for Vocations (UPV) was first known as the Association of Prayer for Vocations. However, when St Hannibal di Francia founded this lay Association of Catholics on 8 December 8 1900, he called it the Pious Union of the Evangelical Rogation. St Hannibal envisioned a “culture of vocations” within the Church as a response to the command of Jesus “Pray, therefore, to the Lord of the harvest to send workers into His harvest”. The UPV is open to all Catholics; membership is generally individual and personal; the degree of affiliation depends on the individual’s choice:

Phase 1: Come & See (auxiliary members who are supporters of the ideals of UPV by praying and offering sacrifices daily for vocations);
Phase 2: Come & Stay (active members who fulfill the duties and obligaions in the UPV); and
Phase 3: Sent to Proclaim (core group that organizes, guides and forms the members of the UPV). Nothing extraordinary is expected from members except to:

pray daily to obtain “good workers” especially priests and consecrated persons;
offer their works, joys, sufferings and sacrifices for the cause of consecrated vocations;
spread the prayer for vocations;
support vocations and vocation-related activities of the church; and
become conscious of their personal Christian vocation by actively participating in their parish community.

In preparation for their graduation on Sunday 8 May 2011, the first UPV group from the Marikina area in the Philippines had an overnight recollection at the FDZ convent.
The graduation took place at the Daughters of Divine Zeal convent in a Holy Mass presided by Rev Fr Boboy of the Society of Jesus. They pronounced their Promise of Commitment to the Rogate before Mother Elna Casimsiman, fdz, Mother Delegate, and Sr Noemi Fuderanan, fdz, Centro Rogate Coordinator. As Sr Marisa called each one by name, Mother Elna presented the UPV medal to each one. In celebration of this happy occasion, a sumptuous lunch was enjoyed by everyone. Mme Carina Valera, Tita Silver and Ella Calleja from the Parañaque chapter all attended the graduation rites.

Yolanda Calleja
UPV Marikina, Philippines