40 years of Religious Profession

Sr. Mary John Paul Canlas from the Divine Master Community in Iligan City celebrated her 40th Anniversary of Religious Profession. It was held last March 7 in the Chapel of the Bishop’s Residence.  His Excellency Most Reverend Jose Ramirez Rapadas III, Bishop of the Diocese of  Iligan presided the Eucharistic celebration with Rev. Fr. Roger Lood as concelebrant.  Sr. Mary Anthony Basa attended the said celebration with Sr. M. Carolina de Jesus, the new member of the community of Iligan. Few friends, collaborators and benefactors who have been supporting us from the very beginning of our PDDM life and mission in the Diocese were also present. Four seminarians from the Inahan sa Kinabuhi Seminary served as the choir with Sr. M. Carolina.

In his homily, Bishop Rapadas recalled some personal traits and dispositions of Sr. M. John Paul in doing her ministry. He admired Sr. M. John Paul for her availability, committed service and generosity in attending not only to her specific assignments but even to the needs of sick priests. The Bishop attributed all these expressions of ministry by  Sr. M. John Paul  to her love for the Divine Master. Before ending his homily he exhorted Sr. M. John Paul with these three points: first is to look back with gratitude for all the blessings and graces the Master has given to her; second is to look forward with faith and hope to what in store for her in the future; and the third is to look within with joy and see how the Master revealed Himself to her personally and to celebrate her own response to His call. The Bishop thanked Sr. M. John Paul for her twelve years of service in the diocese.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, a simple dinner followed. Even as we thank Jesus Master for blessing our dear sister with  perseverance and meaningful journey of discipleship, we are also grateful for Sr. M. John Paul for the forty years of fruitful and joyful self giving -all for the PDDM Mission, so that the Kingdom of God may come. Deo Gratias!