Phnom Penh (Cambodia). On 26 October 2024, the Daughters of Mary Our Help Province (MHA), together with benefactors, staff, volunteers, students, and friends, gathered in Teuk Thla, Phnom Penh, to celebrate the blessing and inauguration of the new House of Formation Blessed Eusebia Palomino.
The first part of the celebration took place at the main entrance of the house, for the ribbon cutting. For this significant gesture, the Provincial, Sister Gertrudes Ditching, called some guests, including Fr. Eugene Xalxo, Delegate in Cambodia of the Salesians of Don Bosco of St. Paul Province (THA); Fr. John Lester Bongbong Tajon, Jesuit; and consultant, Sister Lakana Yawasang of the team for the construction of the house; Sister Meldred Ramas, provincial treasurer and head of the team; Sister Guadalupe Ruiz Rojas, animator of the Community of Blessed Eusebia Palomino.
Sister Jessica Salvaña, first Animator of Blessed Eusebia Palomino Community and former Provincial of the CMY Province, currently Superior of Mary Mother of the Church Preprovince (RMC), which three years ago launched the project of this House of formation for FMA Temporary Professed and for young people in vocational discernment, desiring to have an experience of religious life.
Before officially cutting the ribbon, Sister Jessica expressed her thanks, especially to those who financed the building. The valuable contributions of the benefactors, the entrepreneur, the site engineer, and all the workers were also recognized.
The second part of the celebration was the Holy Mass, celebrated by Father Eugene Xalxo and concelebrated by Father Bongbong. A strong moment was the blessing of the altar, in which the Provincial, together with the Vicar, Sister Juliet Kwye Kwye, and the former Provincials, Sisters Teresita García and Jessica Salvaña, prepared the altar as a sign of their commitment over the years and joint work to meet the needs of the CMY Province.
Two benefactors then placed candles on the altar, symbol of those who let themselves be enlightened by Christ and live concretely Christian values, while two students from the eleventh class, animators of the oratory, along with a volunteer from Singapore, adorned the altar with fresh flowers, a sign of hope for new vocations.
During the Eucharistic Celebration, the assembly prayed for all the benefactors, including the FMA of the Province, who contributed in various ways to the opening of this house for temporary professed FMA and for young women in vocational discernment.
At the end, guests, sisters, staff, workers, Past Pupils, students, and volunteers shared a meal offered by a benefactor and prepared by Mary Help of Christians Community of Tuol Kork, through the Ma-in Café and Restaurant.
It was indeed a day of thanksgiving to the Lord for the joint commitment, dedication, and collaboration that made this realization possible, also thanks to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, from the initial stages of discernment, planning and implementation until completion of the project. May the work of all be blessed by the Lord with the gift of many and holy vocations.
Beautiful House! Thanks to all the benefactors who supported the project. Blessings to all those who will be staying in the community especially those who will be formed as future FMA. May Mama Mary accompany you in your journey.