THE MOTHER ROSARIO BULLETIN 15
EDITORIAL
The most significant event in the life of a man is his birth because this is the reason why he exists and the most memorable event in the existence of an organization, or a congregation is its foundation.
It therefore follows that the foundress of the organization, or congregation is the God given instrument that made possible the existence of this congregation or organization.
God in His loving kindness and providence selected Mother Rosario to found the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines because He knows she is worthy to become a shepherd, a spiritual leader and a Mother of His many children. This is the role God has given to Mother Rosario and she has proven herself worthy to assume it.
As a shepherd she had loving concern for everybody especially the troubled, the burdened and the sick. She has lived the words of God "Come to me all...
She is a spiritual leader, through and through, leading the flock to deep spirituality through continuous and intense prayers, with unwavering faith, trust and confidence to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.
Finally, she is a Mother in imitation of the BVM, because anyone who fled to the protection and implored her help or sought her intercession was left unaided.
This is how important July 24 is to the Congregation. On this day, the Congregation was founded. On this day, God has entrusted to Mo. Rosario the role of the foundress which carries with her job as shepherdess, as spiritual leader and as Mother, and on this day, July 24, 2009, more than 200 Sisters enjoy the blessings God has bestowed on the Congregation. Happy Foundation Day.
THE MRAC JOURNEY
Members of the Tribunal for the Cause of the canonization of Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion were appointed. They held their first meeting last June 30, 2009.July 24, 2009 is the Foundation Day of the congregation. Activities are going on simultaneously in all our schools. Gathering of Sisters in the Motherhouse was held July 26, 2009 to celebrate and thank the Lord for the 84th Foundation Day of the Congregation.
Promotion of the cause of Mother Rosario is ongoing. Promotion materials announcing the Opening of the Diocesan Process of the Cause of her Canonization are being distributed to the different parishes and catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Jaro, Bacolod, Capiz, Antique, Mindanao, and abroad where we have mission houses.
You are all invited to witness the rare and memorable event in the Archdiocese of Jaro on October 7, 2009 at 9:00 AM at St. Anne Church, Molo, Iloilo City , Philippines - The Opening Process for the Cause of Canonization of the Servant of God Mother Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion.
Please continue praying with us for the speedy beatification of Mother Rosario. She will be an inspiration and a model for our people.
LIFE AND VIRTUES OF MOTHER ROSARIO
Mother Rosario pronounced her FIAT when God entrusted to her the founding of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines . She assumed likewise the role of the shepherdess, a spiritual leader and a mother.
When Mother Rosario and the two Siena Sisters were asked to go to Iloilo to pioneer the congregation, Mother with deep humility, obeyed without question because she relied in God's never failing assistance and care.
During the early years of the congregation, Mother Rosario was given the task of forming the Sisters. The Sisters have testified to the fact that she was very prayerful always spending her time Wore the Blessed Sacrament and her deep devotion to the rosary enabled her to spare some time at night praying the rosary with the Niña, some of whom joined the congregation later.
As foundress and at the same time the benefactress of the congregation she was very much concerned with the welfare and future of the congregation. After having been Directress of Novices, she became the superior and four years before her death, she was elected first Mother General during the first General Chapter. Having made to handle positions of responsibility was a sign that she was a model religious, outstanding leader, trustworthy and responsible.
TESTIMONY
Mother Felicitas Macsera, O.P.
(Prioress General 1999 - 2005)
Birthday: April 21,1930
Address: Molo , Iloilo CityBorn a few years after the foundation of Beaterio de Molo, my parents gave me the name Ma. Rosario after the name of the foundress of the new Religious Congregation in Molo, the Rev. Mother Ma. Rosario Arroyo de la Visitacion , a native of the place. She became popular and well-loved by the people that parents in the vicinity like to name their female children Rosario. Several girls were baptized with her name.
In my childhood days my parents would bring our family to celebrate Sunday mass at the Beaterio and on weekdays, together with other children, we attended catechism and Katon (Reading the Vernacular) classes taught by the Sisters. At times Madre Sayong would come to our class and asked us to pray the basic prayers that we have learned.
As I looked at her I could see her dignified countenance humble demeanor and gentle smile.
During my teenage years I became a volunteer catechist and a member of the Legion of Mary in Molo Parish. Constantly passing by the Beaterio on my way to and from the parish church I had observed the charity and generosity of Madre Sayong to the poor and the needy. Every Friday I saw crowds of poor people queuing up at the gate waiting to receive food (rice, etc.) from the hands of Madre Sayong and the Sisters.
During these years happy memories of my childhood kept unwinding on my mind, the prayerful and Christ-like manner of Madre Sayong and the Dominican Sisters made me look forward to be with them for catechism and Katon Classes. Their loving attitude in dealing with us, children, was a source of encouragement for me to come to class.
Without realizing it, Madre Sayong and the Sisters had made religious life attractive for me. Unknowingly they paved the way. Their presence in my life had touched me. But entering the religious life was very difficult for my family to accept. However when Mother Rosario died in 1957, obstacles to my desire to join the religious life gradually disappeared. And so, two years after her death, Madre Sayong finally saw me stepping into her convent on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June 1959.
Ana Juanillo Toledo
56 Years Old
26- A Figueroa St. Arevalo, Iloilo City
Ajtoledo_030753@yahoo.comSister Gloria Juanillo (my sister) used to bring brochures and Bulletin of Mother Rosario for me and I shared it with my friends and co-teachers who also say the prayer for Mother Rosario.
Last June 3, 2009 we slept early because of long brown out. My youngest son Dan Charles Lorenz lighted a candle placed it on top of the cabinet and left the house. After a while my daughter Ma. Ada was awakened by the smell of a burning candle and smoke. She went out of her room and kept on calling my name because of the thick smoke and fire. I went out of my bedroom to stop the fire at first unconsciously with my bare hand which did not put off the fire. So I used the blanket and the fire subsided.
It was hard to believe that the papers on top of the cabinet were burned but the prayer leaflet of Mother Rosario with her picture that I used to pray almost everyday was not burned. I believed that Mother Rosario saved our house from the fire. I know she is a woman of concern.
Mother Rosario did not only save our house from burning but also did other favors for my family like helping me in my sickness. I am on and off in the hospital because of diabetes, hypertension, cardiomegaly and kidney disease. I also attributed to her help the promotion of my husband to a higher position in his work and other favors that I received. I know Mother Rosario is interceding for us. She was an ordinary person but now works in extraordinary way.
Lorie Pulmones
Birthday; December 15,1983
Barangay Capul-an, Mina, IloiloI am the eldest of two siblings and I sacrificed a lot for the family. I was a working student because the wage of my father in the farm was not enough for the medicines of my mother.
My mother was sickly since I was in College. She has rheumatic heart disease. She had frequent nose bleeding. Every week we went to the hospital for blood transfusion.
In July, 2007 1 worked at the Sacred Heart Academy, Sometime in August 1 talked with Sr. Serafica telling her about my problems and she advised me to keep on praying and not to give up because there is nothing impossible with God.
Last September while I was going home to my boarding house 1 met Sr. Delfina. I also told her about my problems and of my sick mother. Sister advised me to ask Mother Rosario's help and I did.
Last October 14, 2008 was the most depressing moment in my life. The doctor told me that my mother has only few hours to live. I was advised to call the members of the family so they can talk to my mom for the last moment of her life. I went to the Western Visayas chapel and cried. 1 prayed for God's help begging Him to let my mother live. My brother and I kept on praying also for Mother Rosario's help.
My mother recovered. She was hospitalized from July to November 2008. Last November 1, 2008 we went out of the hospital. The diagnosis of the doctor was Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (a disease caused by low blood-platelets characterized by bleeding from nostrils and gums which is prolonged and the development of bruises-CAUSE UNKNOWN), My mother did not bleed until now. We go to the hospital for monthly check up. Her blood platelet is already normal.
I am very thankful to Mother Rosario and to the Sisters who helped me pray for the healing of my mother. I am eternally grateful to God for His countless blessings.
For favors granted please write to:
Mother Rosario Arroyo Commission (MRAC)
Dominican Sisters Motherhouse
Molo, Iloilo City , Philippines
Email: Mracop@yahoo.com
Tel.: 337-9820
CP.: 09284134592