Our Junior Sisters from the Philippines talk about themselves:
I am Sr. Maria Mercedez Aoen a fifth year junior sister.
I am from Bubog Nabuangan Conner Apayao Philippines. I entered the Congregation at the age of 16 a high School graduate. My acceptance in aspirancy was on June 24, 2013. My postulancy was on July 15, 2014 and my Novitiate was on May 2, 2015- 2017 and made my first profession of vows on May 1 2017. My first assignment was in Tabuk Kalinga Philippines in 2017 as a college student and on May 27, 2021 I graduated in my degree. And 2021 I am assigned in Bohol Philippines as an Elementary teacher and assigned in Campus ministry.
On the morn of November 1986, a healthy baby girl was born in Las Piñas City to the loving parent Alejandro and Emilia. They named her Lea. After five years she had her younger sister named Lilibeth. On 13 July 2011 Lea was accepted as aspirant of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. During the Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist on 2012, she was accepted as postulant. On 8 May 2013 was her initiation to the Novitiate and received her religious name Sr. Lea Marie E. Garces,CSFN. She made her first profession of vows on 21 November 2015 on the Feast of Blessed Mary of Jesus the Good Shepherd. Presently she is on her sixth year as a Temporary Professed Sister. Her present ministry is in Good Shepherd Convent-Bohol, Philippines as Bookkeeper and Senior High School teacher of Holy Family of Nazareth School.
I am Sr. Mary Minerva F. Jumawid, CSFN, a 25-year-old temporary professed Sister who hails from the scenic province of Bohol. I entered in the congregation on June 2013 and professed my vows on May 1, 2021. My strong faith and relationship with God radiate and inspire me to pursue religious life and follow Jesus in Nazareth. Currently, I am finishing my bachelor’s degree in Social Work with specialization in Community Healthcare and I look forward to spread my wings wherever and whatever God leads me to be.
My name is Sr. Mary Justine Suela. My baptismal name is Evalyn. I was born in Jaro, Leyte, on May, 1995. I am the third child of four children in my family. I have one sister and two brothers. I also have a one-month-old niece and a little over a year old nephew. My family is growing. I am excited to see these new family members when I go on vacation.
I am now 26 years old and I am in my 5th year in temporary vows. I graduated last year with a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a major in special education. My current ministry is teaching Christian living. I am also the coordinator of Christian Formation in our School. Besides teaching, I am studying theology every Wednesday. The theology course is offered free by the diocese for those who are teaching Christian Living but are not Religious Education graduates. Therefore, I feel fortunate to have this opportunity.
My name is Sr. Mariacris C. Carnice, 27 years old and from Los Angeles, Ubay, Bohol. I am now in my seventh year at the Juniorate level of formation and am currently studying Bachelor in Secondary Education. Although I have spent quite a number of years inside the convent, I’m still learning, discovering insightful ideas, and uncovering wonderful experiences day by day. This allowed me to know God and my sisters in a deeper way. The path to religious life is not an easy way, however, God extends His tentacles and magnificent presence, making me feel that I am not alone on the journey.
I have nothing to brag about myself, knowing that everything comes from God. I am very blessed and forever grateful to the people whom I have met in different areas of my life, may it be in the different ministries and communities, in school, and in the church. They are proof of God’s love and mercy for me. As Father Pedro Arrupe said, “Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything”. When I was a novice, I came across this wonderful quote from him. Indeed, what made me persevere until this time is God’s never-failing love towards me and my imperfect love towards Him.
“Before I formed you in the womb I Knew you, before you were born I set you apart; (Jer.,1:5)
I am Sr. Marie Vianney B. Argao from the province of Surigao Del Sur, Philippines. I am 27 years old. I am now in my 3rd year as a temporary professed sister. Before the pandemic happened, I used to teach kindergarten at Crame, San Juan. I’m currently living in our provincial house here in the Philippines. I am a full-time student at La Salle taking the course in accounting.
“God does not call the qualified but He qualifies those He calls”
I am Sr. Marie Teresa G. Refuerzo, 24 years old from the Province of Leyte in the municipality of Burauen, an agricultural municipality. It is considered as one of the major producer of copra, abaca fibre, and palay to Tacloban City and nearby cities and provinces.
I am now in my 3rd year as a Temporary Professed Sister. I have lived in Greenhills, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, our Provincial house, since my first profession and became a math kindergarten teacher for a year before the pandemic started. It is challenging for me because I am not a teacher, but being with the children and the sisters brings me much joy in serving God and His people. I am currently studying to be a Social Worker to better prepare me for doing ministry.
I am Sr. Rutchen Marie Mapan Calizing. I’m in my fifth year of my juniorate. On the feast of Christ the King, November 20, 2016, I made my vows. I came from a big and happy family in our province, Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. I was the ninth child of ten children. I have five sisters, and the other one passed away just recently. I also have four brothers. One interesting fact about me is that music makes me fall asleep when I have a hard time sleeping. I also love playing musical instruments such as guitar and ukulele, and I hope to learn how to play the violin. I also compose songs and love to sing. If I am to describe music, it is life. Life because it regains my strength and always brings me back to God, who gave this gift to me.
I am Sr. Shiela Marie Andoy Pozon, 42 years of age. I am from the province of Bohol. I am the second child of the seven siblings in our family. I joined our congregation at the age of 35, and I thanked the Sister for accepting me at such late age.
My first ministry as a first junior sister was at the Sacred Heart Kindergaten School in Crame as a cashier in the school and during my second year junior up to the present is in the cathedral, here in the Archdiocese of Antipolo as a catechist and assistant coordinator in Patronato. I thank God and I am so grateful for giving me this kind of vocation also for giving me the grace that I needed and because of His boundless mercy I am able to do His will for me.
