Our two golden jubilarians: Sr. Mary Tarcila Abano and Sr. Mary Clare Leones looked radiantly beautiful as they processed to the strians of “Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord we love.....”. They were celebrating their Golden Jubilee of Profession with the theme Joyful Gratitude for Yahweh’s faithfulness.
At the altar were the main Celebrant, Father Ron Bagley, CJM , Homilist Father Miguel Garaizabal, SJ and Father Victor Leones, SVD. Indeed the Entrance Hymn of joy said it all:....call us to rejoice in Thee, lift us to the joy divine.
The Eucharistic celebrants were somehow connected to the two Golden Jubilarians. Father Victor Leones, SVD is Sr. Mary Clare’s brother who is a missionary in Ghana for more than 30 years. He
scheduled his home visit this year so he could be in this joyful celebration. Father Miguel Garaizabal, SJ, is missioned in Thailand. He was in Buhi, Camarines Sur for his rural experience as a tertian in 1976 when Sister Tarcila was assigned there. By Divine Providence, he is at this time in the Philippines for a course in Galilee Retreat Center for Priests in Tagaytay City. And Fr. Ron Bagley, CJM is our brother Eudist who is part of our religious family.
Sr. Tarcila’s niece, Kinca Abano Ranada read the First Reading, the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians 1:21-23 and the Prayers of the Faithful was read by Sr. Clare’s niece Joanne Leones. Communion song was a duet: Sr. Tarcila and her niece Gigi Otacan sang Yahweh the Faithful One.
The two Golden Jubilarians renewed and confirmed the vows they made 50 years ago in the presence of the whole congregation just before the Offertory. Having done so, they placed their written vows on the altar table while all the Good Shepherd Sisters, apostolic and contemplative sang Mother Foundress’ aspiration.
Before the Mass ended, Sister Mary Tarcila and Sister Mary Clare thanked all the persons they hold dear to their hearts and grateful for their growth and perseverance.
Reception was held at the Heart of Mary pavilion and conference hall. All went home: “Ang puso ko’y nagpupuri sa Panginoon, nagagalak ang aking espiriu sa ‘king tagapagligtas.”
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