LAUNCHING OF PDDM CENTENARY
The Jubilee Year of the Centenary of Foundation of the Disciples of the Divine Master was launched in different parts of the world last November 21, 2022, a date which is of charismatic significance to the congregation.
In the Philippine-Taiwan-Hong Kong Province, the sisters organized and successfully held the celebration in Taipei, Taiwan; Wan Chai, Hong Kong; Davao, Cebu, Laoag and Quezon City.
Hong Kong
The Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Jay Flandez, SVD was held at 6:00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church (OLMC) in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. Rev. Fr. Emil Lim, SVD, Rev. Fr. Augustinus, RCJ concelebrated and Deacon Alex Kwok served during the Mass.
Present were members of the Pauline Family—the Daughters of St. Paul and Pauline Cooperators, parishioners and friends from Annunciation Parish (Tsuen Wan), St. Jude Parish (North Point), Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish (Wan Chai), St. Lawrence Parish (Cheung Sha Wan) and St. Joseph Parish (Central).
The celebration was creatively inculturated as the Introduction was read both in English and Cantonese by Sr. Maria Luz Cabahug, the Homily was imparted by Fr. Jay in English and Cantonese, and songs were sang in English and Cantonese by the mixed choir from OLMC and Annunciation Parish, Tsuen Wan. Sr. M. Cecille Duque joined the priests during the procession bringing the Pauline Family Lamp.
After mass, the PDDM sisters distributed packed sandwiches, drinks and fruits since food reception in parishes are not yet allowed in HK churches.
The whole celebration was livestreamed in the Youtube channel of OLMC Parish Hong Kong. You can view it here:
https://www.youtube.com/
Taiwan
The communities of Divine Master and St. Joseph House in Taiwan held a joint celebration of the Centenary Launching.
The solemn Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Narciso Estrella, OP. was celebrated at 10:00am at Divine Master Chapel in Xinzhuang, Taipei.
Among the guests were the superior of the Daughters of St. Paul, Sr. Tecla Lin, FSP, and the three Sisters from Sisters of Jesus the Good Shepherd (Pastorelle Sisters) together with their superior, Sr. Cecilia Santiago.
After the mass, the PDDM sisters and their guests enjoyed the lunch served at the rooftop of the convent. An intimate fellowship delighted the Pauline Family members who were present.
Cebu
The PDDM sisters in Cebu also held the celebration at Divine Master Convent located at Alberione Alley, Escario Street, Cebu City. The 6:30am Mass at the convent chapel was presided by Rev. Fr. Dan .delos Angeles with Rev. Fr. Raymond Ferraris and Rev. Fr. Paul Empig of the Society of St. Paul (SSS) as concelebrating priests. The occasion was also graced with the presence of Friends of the Divine Master, Adorers of Divine Master, the SSP novices and other guests. Breakfast was served after the Mass.
Davao
In Davao, the PDDM sisters celebrated the launching of the Jubilee Year with members of the Pauline Family, some friends and benefactors. The solemn Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Allan Gamutan, SSP took place at the Divine Master Chapel .
Breakfast followed after the Mass. The sisters were also grateful for the food shared by the faithful. The day culminated by the recreation of the Divine Master community.
Laoag
The Mass was celebrated at 7:30am at the Domus Patris Chapel, the house of retired priests of the Diocese of Laoag. Rev. Fr. Pedro “Pitz” Acoba was the presider.
Aside from the PDDM sisters, the celebration was also graced with the presence of Bro. Ranier, a cleric from the Diocese of Laoag and Sem. Vincent, grandson of Fr. Pitz from St. Mary Minor Seminary.
A simple breakfast followed at the Domus Patris Refectory.
Quezon City
The community of Alberione Center in Quezon City which is also the Provincial House of the PTH Province highlighted the Launching of the Centenary Year with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided by His Excellency, Most Rev. Honesto Ongtioco of the Diocese of Cubao.
The Mass was celebrated at the Alberione Center Chapel at 10:00am. The occasion was also blessed with the presence of the concelebrating priests—Rev. Fr. Larry Garces, Parish Priest of the community and his assistant, Rev. Fr. Edward Cometa; Rev. Rollin Flores, Provincial Superior of the Society of St. Paul and his fellow Paulines, Rev. Fr. Ruben Areño and Rev. Fr. Khris Llacer, SSP; Rev. Fr. Jonelito Sison, SSS; Rev. Fr. Melchor Bernal, SVD and Rev. Fr. Eldy De Castro, OH.
Members of the Pauline Family—Daughters of St. Paul, Pastorelle Sisters, Institute of Our Lady of Annunciation (IOLA), Friends of the Divine Master and some friends of the sisters were also present. The choir was composed of the PDDM Sisters, the Daughters of St. Paul and the Pastorelle Sisters.
A Centenary Lamp processed and enthroned on a stand in the sanctuary was a special feature of the celebration. Symbolized by it, we walk with Christ our Light bringing our sacrificial offering. May Jesus the Master cast light along the path we tread which lies ahead. A tarpaulin banner with the Centenary logo was hanged on a pillar in the atrium of Alberione Center. The guests signed on the tarpaulin as memorabilia of this significant event.
May the Presentation of Mary in the Temple which was the liturgy of the day, remind us that we can go on a pilgrimage of thanksgiving and with her give incessant thanks to God for so great a blessing we received.
