“Our deep desire is to become more and more a sign and witness of the Hope that does not disappoint and that many, especially the poorest and neediest are waiting for.”

Dumaguete City,
The Philippines
November 30, 2009

Dear Sisters, Associates, Relatives and Friends,

Time flys here in Dumaguete . . . life is filled each day with many great realities – and sometimes not so great ones. Today we heard that Rowena, who was 20 years of age (though she looked as if she were nine years of age), has died. She lived on the streets with her mother and little brothers. Rowena came to the soup kitchen to eat on Sundays and in the evenings. When we realized she was sick, Sr. Maria took her to the hospital, but by then she was too ill. She died 15 days later. We hope that Rowena smiles at us from heaven and that she may protect all those who, like her, live on the streets -- especially her family.  

What should we tell you about this time here?
As you know our local community has a name. This begins to give us an identity. Since the Feast of St. Francis, we, the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor in Dumaguete, are called:  “Our Lady of Hope Community.”  Our deep desire is to become more and more a sign and witness of the Hope that does not disappoint and that many, especially the poorest and neediest are waiting for. We wish we could find many images of our Lady of Hope and spread them around the house and the city. Do you know of any? If so, would you could scan it and send it to us by email. Thanks!

On November 3, Sr. Armi began teaching full time at St. Paul University, which has been run by the Sisters of St. Paul (originally from France) for 105 years.  With Sr. Armi we were able to participate in the opening of the new semester and in the anniversary celebrations of their foundation. Everything was impressive, beautiful, rich in spiritual, religious, and cultural messages. We hope that Sr. Armi’s presence in this environment may bring a breath of fresh air and a healing presence.  

After three months of life in this city, we now call it:
 “The city that never sleeps and of endless celebrations.”
We live in a great location! Our small apartment overlooks the square of the Cathedral in Dumaguete, the largest in the city. All the social, cultural, and political activities take place here. Music, dances, shows and concerts are performed right across from the large terrace of our building.

Unfortunately, they often go on until two or three in the morning! The other side of the apartment faces the large outdoor market, which opens with much excitement and noise daily between three and four in the morning. When are we and the other people who live at the Marian Center going to be able to sleep? Celebrations here are huge and include parades and processions that are no less than the Feast of St. Anthony in Padua.  

 Then there are the schools, from the daycare center to the various universities. Each has its feast days and public events. Celebrations begin with a blessing and Eucharistic celebration or with a prayer. People in local costumes march with various bands and always wind up at our town square. Do you realize how lucky we are, as we can enjoy and participate in the social life with all the people in Dumaguete and in the surrounding Province? However, we may wind up being hospitalized because it is really impossible to get enough sleep. Well, that was a joke. Just to say that sometimes things are difficult. Fortunately, we recognize in this too a great opportunity to offer, with love, something to the Lord.

Honoring the Patron Saints of Dumaguete
Some of the events that moved us are: Buglasan Week (Peasants’ Week) and the Patron Saint Feast. Produce workers and sugar cane laborers arrive from the many parts of the Province. There were about 14 groups and the parade lasted about three hours. It was a world of beauty and harmony, rich with costumes and traditions, music and dances that left us breathless! On the last two nights, the celebrations included fireworks sponsored by each town, competing with each other.  Can you picture the enthusiasm and wonder on our faces?

This gave us the opportunity to get to know the hard work these people do; they are often underpaid and undervalued. We realized more how difficult the conditions are for thousands  of families and how this causes immigration and the exodus to the larger cities. 

The Patron Saints of Dumaguete are St. Joseph, whose feast is in March,  and St. Catherine of Alexandria, whose feast  is celebrated on November 25. It is impossible to give you an idea of the wonders, devotions and expressions of faith of our people toward St. Catherine. A solemn Novena, combined with the 5 am Liturgy and the 5 pm Liturgy, accompanied the faithful at the beginning of the feast. The Liturgies were well prepared and were centered around themes presented by people who live what they preach. Various choirs, all music professionals, animated and enlivened the celebrations. We participated as well, and enjoyed everything. 

Serving the Poorest Ones
We were impressed by the distribution of lunch to the poor of the city and surrounding areas on November 25.  Here there is the tradition of feeding a good lunch to all the neediest on the feast of the Patron Saint. After the solemn Liturgy, presided by our Bishop John Du, together with many volunteers, we served about 1,200 people of all ages. They came from near and far to honor Saint Catherine and especially receive a good warm lunch. It was such a beautiful feast! We were moved, realizing how much faith and love the people have for a Saint who had lived during the first centuries of the Church and had witnessed such solidarity toward the poorest people. Someone, as we did, may say: those 1,200 people remain in their misery; what counts is teaching them “how to fish.” This is what is in our hearts. We trust that in time we will have the opportunity to offer them the tools to “fish.”   

As for our direct ministry to the poor, we are happy to inform you that the ministry began on December 14, the feast day of our Blessed Mother Frances. It was especially meaningful to us that this date was chosen by people who were unfamiliar with its significance for us.

We feel that Mother Frances really wants to bless this new beginning for those who are dearest to her motherly heart. We continue to work with others and to be present in the various moments when hot meals are served, especially to the children.  

We wish you good health and much joy and peace. Know that we always remember you in prayer and count on your prayerful support. We carry you all in our hearts with love and gratitude.

Sr. Cristina, Maria and Armi, sfp

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