Calamba (Philippines). The Provincial Educating Community General Assembly was held on August 17 to 18, 2018 in Mornese Center of Spirituality, Calamba City (Philippines) with the theme, “Forming Families to be Seedbeds of Faith and of Vocations” which is in line with the theme of the Synod of Bishops in October 2018.
The 105 delegates were composed of young people, parents, teachers, and Sisters from all FMA communities in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Laguna, Mindoro, Negros Occidental, Cebu, and Palawan. All FMA community animators, school principals, and Sisters directly involved in the Educating Comunities of both school and non-school settings were present. Sr. Mabel Pilar, FMA, the Provincial Superior, was also present in the event.
To begin with, Sr. Pinky Garza, FMA, Provincial Delegate to PECCG (Provincial Educating Community Core Group), gave some orientations on the proceedings of the assembly. Mr. Owen Bandilla, PECCG Chaiman, gave the welcome message and was quickly followed by the inspirational message of Sr. Lucy Rose Ozhukayil, FMA, Visiting Councilor. In her message she encouraged them to “continue to inspire others to be channels of life-giving water to all those in need.” She also appreciated the strong Marian devotion of the Filipinos and narrated that it was Our Lady who in a vision, entrusted the girls to St. Mary Mazzarello.
The keynote address on the theme, “A Family Ministry Response to Gen Y & Z, Faith, and Vocational Discernment” was delivered by Sr. Debbie Ponsaran, FMA, Provincial Coordinator for Youth Ministry and Social Communications. It was followed by a moment of reflection and then sharing in small groups.
In the afternoon of the first day, Mr. Junep and Mrs. Cel Ocampo, husband and wife tandem, gave a talk on “Becoming God’s Messengers through One’s Family.” The Faith and Vocations Forum followed right after. There was a panel of six speakers from different vocations in life: consecrated life/priesthood, single-blessedness, and married life. They gave personal testimonies of how they live their specific vocations. After the break, each local educating community worked on concrete plans regarding the three inputs that they have heard.
The second day commenced with the “Good Day” talk of Sr. Maria Josefina Carrasco, FMA, Provincial Vicar. Then, they gathered by local educating community to review the PECCG six-year plan and the Family Ministry Plan and to formulate re-entry plans. After the break, the PECCG Constitutions (for educating communities in the school setting) were ratified and the new officers of the PECCG were elected. The new officers (at the provincial level) were composed of four parents, two educators, and four young people. Sr. Pinky continues to be the FMA delegate. They made their oath-taking during the Mass celebrated by Fr. Eli Cruz, SDB, former SDB Provincial Superior, which ended the annual event.
