Faith Amid Challenges
June was marked by both joyful celebration and anxious moments for our Sisters in the Philippines.
On 6 June, our Sisters joined the Marist Brothers to celebrate the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat and to welcome a new Marist Fathers’ postulant from Sri Lanka. The celebration was enriched by the music of the Marist Fathers’ Novitiate choir, creating a joyful atmosphere of prayer, welcome, and thanksgiving.
Just two days later, Srs Sheila, Edna and Marianna travelled to General Santos for the Final Profession of a Marist Brother. Shortly after their arrival, a powerful earthquake struck the region.
Sr Sheila recalled:
“We really felt the full force of the earthquake. It was very frightening. We stayed still in the SMSM Sisters’ convent as things were falling and breaking around us. Thankfully, we were unharmed and the building held strong. The Brothers postponed the celebration. We decided to return to Davao early, taking a longer route because the usual road had landslides and falling debris. I still feel shaky, but we reached home safely. Sr Marianna even enjoyed the scenic route through the mountains.”
Sadly, the Marist Brothers’ elementary school collapsed during the earthquake.
Sr Lilibeth from the Balay Banaag Centre shared:
“We are all okay. Classes have been suspended. We collected the children from school. They are now at the centre, but we are staying outside because of the aftershocks.”
We give thanks that our Sisters are safe despite this frightening experience. We continue to pray for the people of General Santos and for all those affected across the island of Mindanao, asking God’s protection, comfort, and strength as communities recover.
