Faithwatch by Paulines Publishing House

Revised Edition

1938-1965

Sister M. Cleofe Zanoni, FSP Translated from the Italian by

Sister Gloria V. Felix, FSP

PHILIPPINES

Dedication

Sister M. Cleofe Zanoni, FSP

I humbly and gratefully dedicate this â&#x20AC;&#x153;journalâ&#x20AC;? to Mother Thecla Merlo, who permitted me to leave for the Orient and to spend there all my energies for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Translated from the Italian by Sister Gloria V. Felix, FSP

January 10, 1937

FAITHWATCH A Journal on the Beginnings of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines

Published and distributed by Paulines Publishing House Daughters of St. Paul 2650 F.B. Harrison Street 1300 Pasay City, Philippines E-mail: edpph@paulines.ph Website: www.paulines.ph Cover and layout design: Reajoy San Luis, FSP Photo credits: FSP Archives and public domain photos from the internet All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner without written permission of the publisher. Revised Edition 2013

at the service of the Gospel and culture

TRANSLATOR’S

Preface

I was nursing a fractured thighbone and thrown into inaction inside the community infirmary when Sister Evangelina Canag, then Provincial Superior, handed me the Italian manuscripts of Sister Maria Cleofe Zanoni’s journal, narrating the foundational years of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines for translation. I was greatly impressed by the spontaneity and ease with which the writer tried to bring to memory the events, their initial experiences in carrying out the Pauline apostolate, and the first achievements they had, especially in the area of vocational work in the face of material hardships.

The purpose of publishing this journal is to give later generations of Filipino Daughters of St. Paul the opportunity to experience, even just vicariously, the life of faith, hope and indomitable courage of those Daughters of St. Paul who pioneered the foundation of the Institute seventyfive years ago – Sisters Edvige Soldano, Elena Ramondetti, Maria Cleofe Zanoni (the author), Gaetanina Modenese, Bertilla Lorenzi, and Melania Ravarotto.

Their yesterday had truly been a formidable adventure of faith, hope and courage, a “putting out into the deep” (cf. Lk.5: 4), a setting out on a journey: “carrying no money bag, no sack, no sandals” (cf. Lk.10, 2-4). It is but fitting that today, we respond to that same faith, hope and courage, determined to follow in their footsteps, while engaging ourselves in a veritable FAITHWATCH! Sister Gloria V. Felix, FSP

CONTENTS

FIVE - Evangelizing Through the Apostolate 18. The Mission 62 19. Awesome Missionary Tours 69 20. A Village Festival 75

DEDICATION

TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE

SIX - War Times 21. First News of War 22. The Great Exodus 23. Our Apostolate During the War 24. Emergencies and Spirit of Adaptation 25. Days of Terror and Atrocities

86 88 95 97 108

SEVEN - Life After the War 26. Life in Ibaan 27. Cherished Memories 28. From Ibaan to Bauan

122 123 126 130 133 134 139 142

ONE -Orient-Bound 1. Shipboard Journal 2. “Before You Were Born I Dedicated You” 3. Departure from Italy 4. Some Odd Sensations 5. Shipboard Thanksgiving Rite 6. Procession on Board the Ship 7. A Hurried Trip to Lipa

1 5 8 11 13 19 22

TWO - Objective China 8. From Manila to Shanghai 9. First Taste of Bitter Experience 10. From Shanghai to Hankow 11. First Unsavory Surprise 12. War and Air Raid Alerts

25 27 31 34 39

THREE -In Exotic India 13. On Indian Soil, Again 14. Life in India 15 So Long, India

EIGHT - A Visit to America 29. Moments of Unspeakable Joy 30. My Second Departure from Italy 31. New Transplant 32. Arrival of Japan-Bound FSPs 33. The New House of Lipa

46 48 49

FOUR - Land of the Morning 16. Life in the Philippines 17. First Batch of Reinforcement

52 58

NINE -Memorable Visits 34. Mother Thecla Visits the Orient 35. The Manila Foundation 36. Further Progress in the Technical Apostolate 37. “Seek and You Shall Find” 38. Departure From Lipa

146 149 156 162 168

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TRANSLATOR’S NOTE EPILOGUE

179 182 186 190 191 194 194

Orient-Bound By faith he who is called Abraham obeyed by going out into a place, which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. Heb 11:8

1. Shipboard Journal January 8, 1937. Our departure for the Orient was in the offing. Sister Elena Ramondetti and I, Sister Maria Cleofe Zanoni, were the lucky missionaries. Our destination: CHINA! Father Alberione, our most revered Founder, came by to convey us his parting words of encouragement, recommendations and to impart us his most coveted blessing. In silence, we watched him sip his coffee. Then, as though an important thought crossed his mind, and tilting his head toward our direction, softly uttered: “Well, you are truly blessed for being in this much-talked of voyage. For all you know, you’ll soon be off on a Eucharistic trip. Be of good cheer,

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TEN - Towards the Finish Line 42. Straining Forward 43. An Event to Remember 44. Other Asian Foundations 45. Father Alberione’s Farewell Visit to the Orient 46. A Shrine for Mary 47. An Unwelcome Visitor 48. Welcome and Farewell

168 171 175

39. The Blessing of the “New House” 40. Wind of Changes 41. Great Indeed is the Lord!

then, and may Jesus-Host be your strength and light as you start out on your new mission.”

For a while we tried to savor his words, imagining how really fortunate we were to sail on board the ship that would transport the pilgrims to Manila, the site of the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress. The idea was certainly a new one, not having heard of the place spoken of before. The very thought of what would soon take place greatly thrilled us, and filled our hearts with emotions that almost brought us to tears.

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Our emotions heightened up the more as we sat by and listened with devout attention to the Founder’s very touching discourse. His words sank deeply and left a durable impression in our heart and soul. “China,” Father Alberione told us, “is immense and thickly populated. It is likely that you would also hear people talk of the war. However, you shouldn’t pay much attention to what they say because very often, while fighting goes on in one place, those living in other areas hardly take notice of it.

“Concerning the language,” he continued, “try as much as you can to learn it. You might find it difficult, but if you have faith, you will easily learn it. I would suggest that you recite the “Pact of Success” for this intention, for in so doing even what seems difficult would be much easier to overcome.

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“Be mindful also of the fact that China’s culture is much different from ours. Be careful not to ridicule their tradition and culture. Instead, you should try to understand and make the proper adjustments called for. “And of course, you would do well to hold on faithfully to your Pauline spirit and identity everywhere you go. As soon as possible, immediately start to recruit vocations. This task should be among your principal preoccupations. And, what about the people? Well, you should love and lead them to eternal salvation. When arriving at a place, properly settle down where they would let you. And, as it is customary here in Italy, always begin from Bethlehem. Don’t you ever forget to keep the Tabernacle with you, inasmuch as it is from the Tabernacle that you would draw light, strength and source of nourishment for your spiritual life. “Be of good cheer, I repeat. On you go, ever trusting in the Lord. After all, it is really the Lord who does the work! And, one thing more: be ever united with the Mother House. You should get your directives from Mother Thecla because only in this manner will you grow and develop. Inasmuch as you are young and inexperienced, many will try to give you pieces of advice. You may listen to them, yes, but you are to heed what you get from Rome and from your Superiors. In doing this God will surely bless you, and the Congregation will quickly

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spread out and prosper in the Orient where a great number of people await you.”

Towards the end of the Founder’s discourse, he also mentioned something about the future foundations and centers of formation in the Far East. Finally, he stood up to give us his blessing. That moment of leave-taking served to rekindle our enthusiasm and lift up our morale.

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The somewhat touching scene ended. We slowly turned our footsteps towards the chapel to pray, bid our farewell and recommend ourselves to Jesus and to Mary’s protection with the hymn, “O dolce nome, Maria, Maria! Speme e comforto dell’alma mia. Sempre sul labbro ovunque andro’, O dolce nome, t’invochero’!” (Your sweet name, O Mary, is the hope and comfort of my soul. Your name will ever be on my lips wherever I’ll go. Your sweet name, I’ll always invoke)

We were still absorbed in deep prayer when Mother Thecla and Sister Timotea Jovine, the Sister driver, arrived to fetch and accompany us to the train terminal. On the way, Mother Thecla, herself gripped by deep sorrow, gave us some of her parting recommendations. Her words so touched our hearts that in the end we broke into tearful sobs.

Upon reaching the train station we immediately checked in our luggage and waited for the train to pull out. The moment of parting arrived. Mother Thecla gave us each a tight loving hug. We

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stood there speechless, but our looks spoke more eloquently than our lips could with words. Then, as Mother Thecla’s way, she quickly withdrew and boarded the car parked nearby, trying to hide the tears that remained unshed in her eyes.

The train’s engines start out to roar and with the usual parting whistle, slowly pulled off the station. Very quietly we occupied the seats assigned to us in a dimly lit corner. Once settled, we silently offered to God the pains and sorrows that separation so poignantly brought about. Just then Mother Thecla’s emotionally charged voice reechoed in our ears: “Courage, dear Sisters, these moments are truly precious. Offer them all up to the Lord!”

2. “Before you were born I dedicated you.” Jer. 2:5

We certainly have no wish to become popular or known. But for record purposes, allow me to give a little background information about us. Sister Elena Ramondetti had for two years been Superior of a community of Daughters of St. Paul at Ancona, Italy. Instead, I, Sister Maria Cleofe Zanoni, hail from Verona, a province in the northern part of Italy. I am twenty-four years old and have been professed for already a year and a half now. On the second month of my entrance into the Congregation, the Superior assigned me to the task of promoting good literatures in the homes. Truly, Sister Elena and I cannot boast of

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very high educational preparations as most of the Daughters of St. Paul now do; however, both of us owed much what we know from life, from the examples and teachings of our saintly Founder, Father James Alberione. And what give us the strong drive to forge ahead in the performance of our religious duties and the apostolate, are our deep faith in God, who called us to serve him, our great trust in the words of Father Alberione who we believe is the instrument of God’s will in our regard.

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Our security comes from our earnest efforts to keep faithfully to God’s call, certain that he would always grant the graces and helps we stand in need of. Besides, we deem ourselves truly fortunate for having been called by God to serve him in the Congregation at a time it is fully enjoying its youth and beauty, and at a stage when faith, poverty, the religious-apostolic and Pauline fervor, are being lived by all. For us, faith in God working through those in authority is a truly lived experience, especially when for the first time we set out for the Orient. We then carried no letter from the Bishop whereby we might present or introduce ourselves. But just the same we enthusiastically plunged into the unknown, inspired solely by the words of Father Alberione who said: “Go, pitch your tent wherever they would let you!” We understood that as an order, and so we went mindful of nothing but the desire to bring the light of Christ’s Gospel to everyone and everywhere. Such was the lofty goal we set

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for ourselves, and to achieve it with the help of grace. And, speaking of credentials, we took with us the Book of the Constitutions, the Rosary and the Mission Crucifix along with our passports and the visa paper granting us the permission to enter into China.

From the very start of our missionary assignment, we already anchored our faith and hope in God’s never failing assistance and on the inspiring words of Father Alberione and Mother Thecla. Oh, yes, we did believe in their wisdom and trusted fully in their wise guidance. These were all the thoughts that had filled our minds as our train run with marvelous velocity towards Naples, the would-be first lap of our trip to the Orient. Night had already fallen when we reached Naples. Sister Maria Magnani, the Superior, and the Sister-driver were already at the station waiting for us to arrive. After hurried but warm greetings, we quickly took our luggage to the waiting car and sped off to the convent.

Later that night, Sister Edvige Soldano arrived with the train from Rome. Sister Edvige can speak both English and French having lived before in France and the United States of America. She came to accompany us to China where she was supposed to remain until the time we would be able to manage by ourselves. She brought with her two more letters from Mother Thecla. The letters contained some of her more intimate and motherly advice that would later on served

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to further strengthen our resolve to face the challenges of the new life that awaited us in the missions.

Sister Elena Ramondetti, Sister Maria Cleofe Zanoni, Sister Edvige Soldano

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3. Departure from Italy

January 10, 1937, was one hustle and bustle at the great seaport of Naples. The splendid Italian Liner Conte Rosso stood basking under the sun in the harbor, waiting for all passengers to board and check in. There were buntings of different colors flying all over the ship, and a red carpet, normally used in the reception ceremony of distinguished personalities, covered the entire length of the shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gangway. Everybody appeared excited while waiting for the Papal Legate to arrive who was on his way to the Manila International Eucharistic Congress. We too were high with expectations of what was soon to take place. We silently boarded the ship and looked for the cabin assigned to us. After having carefully arranged and stored away our

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baggage, we went on to the upper deck from where we viewed the surroundings. The Cardinal Legate, Archbishop Dennis Dougherty of Philadelphia, USA, finally showed up. Not long after his arrival, we heard the blast of the siren that indicated to the visitors on board to leave the ship. From where we stood we heard sounds of joyous laughter; we saw tears rolled down many cheeks, and in many faces there interplayed sorrow and joy. At a certain point we were handed rolls of paper ribbon intended for the take-off rite. At the given signal, the passengers started to hurl down the multi colored paper strips to friends and relatives who preferred to stay longer so as to watch the ship sailed off the harbor. Our ribbons remained suspended in midair because our Sisters had already gone back to the convent without waiting for the holding of the departure rite.

Italian liner Conte Rosso

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Alas! Our ship moved slowly away from the harbor. The anchor was hoisted safely and the ribbons started to nap off one by one as our ship drifted away. The sight was really something not so easy to forget. As we watched in silence, I was reminded of the old saying “To leave is like to die a little.” And in that instant sadness began to gnaw at our hearts, but the idea that our cherished dream would soon be fulfilled had somewhat eased the pain. And, as soon as our ship started its plough into deeper waters, we huddled close to each other and, with voices overflowing with emotions, sang our farewell song to our Motherland: “Addio, mia patria che amo tanto… O ciel d’Italia soave amor!” (“Farewell my beloved country so dear to me… O sky of Italy, my love!”) We drifted farther away from Naples’ harbor. As we did, that which the Founder had told us on the eve of our departure gradually became clear to us “Yours will truly be a Eucharistic voyage!” This became even clearer when touring the ship we saw the huge saloon converted into a big worship room, for it contained thirteen little altars and the main altar had a tabernacle where the Blessed Sacrament was kept. Why would not one rejoice upon realizing that Jesus was there, sailing with us on board the same ship? It was equally consoling to find out that among us there were twenty bishops, several priests, religious Sisters and pious laymen. Every morning several priests took turn in celebrating the Mass with

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different groups of pilgrims in attendance that accompanied the Eucharistic celebration, singing hymns in their native tongues.

Finally, when evening set in, we went up on deck after having taken our meal to recite our evening prayers and for a breath of fresh air. Then we silently withdrew to our cabin for our night’s rest. To our dismay, however, we could not sleep on account of the previous emotions that had taken hold of us.

The cabin assigned to us had three berths. Sister Elena settled herself on the lower berth and I occupied the upper one. Sister Edvige, instead, took the one opposite mine. I was just about to fall asleep when I heard Sister Elena whispered softly to me, saying: “Hey, there, we’re now navigating across the Strait of Messina… Look at the enchanting view of the city at night! Don’t you think that now is the moment for us to bid adieu to dear old Italy?”

4. Some Odd Sensations We must have been already fast asleep for quite sometime when we felt cramps in our stomachs – in Sister Elena’s and mine – cutting short our sleep. We thought first that it was just a matter of indigestion, but the annoying sensations did last up to the next morning. This, however, did not prevent us from getting up and getting ready for Mass. Somehow we managed to go to the chapel to recite our prayers and participate

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in the Eucharistic celebration. It was while at Mass when we realized that the malaise we were then experiencing was no more than bouts of seasickness. This went on for three more days and all the while our ship was navigating through the Mediterranean waters.

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On January 14, the fourth day of our voyage, just as we were up getting ready to attend Holy Mass, we suddenly felt much better. We therefore said our prayers, took our breakfast, and went up the stairs that led to the ship’s deck only to discover that our ship weighed anchor off the harbor of Suez Canal. Up where we stood we saw little boats from where peddlers with their baskets tied to long wooden poles, making signs to the passengers to purchase their goods. We looked on, pretty amused by the sight since we had never seen a thing like it before. Meanwhile, the Papal Legate with his entourage went down the ship and drove off to the city where he was scheduled to officiate the consecration of the new Church dedicated to Our Lady of Peace. While they were away, we tried to discover more of a world that was yet unknown to us.

In the afternoon of the same day, the ship once more lifted its anchor and began its course towards India. Naturally we had to pass again through Suez Canal. Oh, what a splendid cruise we really had! This time around the weather grew milder and down below the sea remained

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blue and sparkling beneath a clear and sparkling skies. The sceneries that greeted our eyes from every side left us almost breathless. On our left were the green coastlines of Africa. On our right were the interminable stretches of desert sands that glittered under the streaks of the noonday sun. And added to all these was the interesting sight of strangely attired travelers riding on the backs of camels.

5. Shipboard Thanksgiving Rite On the second day of our cruise alongside the Suez Canal, the ship slackened its course. A Thanksgiving Rite was held on board to thank God for the victory the Italian Army won during Italy’s occupation of Abyssinia that led to the surrender of the king of Addis Adeba. The said victory also occasioned the liberation of many slaves, the introduction of road building in Africa, etc. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the solemn Te Deum. Late in the evening of January 18, our ship called port at Massauwa, Somalia’s seaport capital. Somalia fell to Italy during the Conquest. Our stop over here was brief. The loading and unloading of cargoes lasted only three hours after which we again resumed our voyage. We had no dull moment on the ship. There were with us on this trip some Chinese and Indian nationals that greatly won our sympathy. The obvious reason was that these people became

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the objects of the Church’s missionary efforts and activities. Mostly of the other passengers were Europeans bound for Manila. Concerning the Papal Legate, he proved to be a truly distinguished personality inasmuch as in every place he went, he used to be accorded grand receptions.

No sooner our cruise alongside the Suez Canal was over, when our ship steered course onto the Red Sea. Sailing over this historic body of water immediately reminded us of the Biblical Exodus event, of the countless Egyptians, who lost their lives as they pursued the fleeing Israelites to freedom. 14

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As we stood on the ship’s deck recalling this great event, the sunrays grew hotter. We noticed that down below the sea was of an amazingly reddish hue. The presence of fishes that darted to and fro in every direction likewise did not escape our attention. So enchanting was the sight that moved us to raise our hearts to God and thank him for the wonders of his creation!

The sea was smooth and the weather had become most exhilarating as our voyage progressed. Meanwhile, Sister Edvige had decided to send a telegram to Mother Thecla, informing her that we have already crossed the Red Sea and just about to navigate the immense Indian Ocean and that we were all feeling well and in good spirits. In the course of the voyage, we were not only reminded that we were on a Eucharistic trip, but that our Congregation was born from the Eucharist.

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Could any thought be more awesome than the realization that we were about to experience the forthcoming birth of our Congregation in the mission territory of faraway China? Would not this be enough credential on our part to make any doubting Ecclesiastical Authority to allow us exercise the Pauline apostolate in his diocese or ecclesiastical territory?

January 20, morning. From not so far a distance we saw tiny dark mounds appearing from the horizon. As our ship drew closer, these objects were transformed into incredibly beautiful landscapes. Our faces lighted up while loud hurrahs escaped from the lips of many. “Land, at last!” However, our ship would reach port only late in the afternoon. There were bishops, priests, religious and lay people on the dockside, who came to meet and welcome the Papal Legate amidst music and songs. Others who came carried banners of different colors and sizes. A band also played from on top the terrace of a nearby building.

The moment the Papal Legate made his appearance, he was received with loud cheers and thunderous applause from those present. Then followed the welcome song that the students of the Mumbai Don Bosco High School performed. When the welcome ceremonies concluded, Sister Elena and I went down the ship to stroll around the docking area. We had in mind to kiss the ground in compliance to a promise we made to kiss the first mission land we had set foot on. But

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we were prevented to carry this out when we saw that everywhere we turned, the ground was all reddened by human sputum, for the Indians had the unfortunate custom of chewing tobacco leaves mixed with lime paste. When this mixture liquefies in the mouth, it turns into a red sticky liquid. The Indians used to free themselves of this red liquid by spitting it anywhere on the ground. A rather distasteful practice for us, Europeans! Really, everything in India appeared rather odd to us – the people with their lifestyle, their customs and the gaudy apparel they wear.

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On January 21 Monsignor Caruana, the Papal Nuncio to Cuba, invited us to go down the ship for a fleeting tour of Mumbai. He had us accompanied by an Indian priest who spoke little Italian. The first place we visited was the so-called “Tower of Silence”, a construction built in the middle of a beautiful park where tall leafy trees grew abundantly. This Parsi tower used to be called dakhma, was a structure intended for the disposal of the dead according to Zoroastrian rite. The Parsi woman who volunteered to give us information said that the dakhma was likewise meant to keep the soil and water from contamination. The idea seemed a little bizarre to us, but such was their religious belief and it is always good to respect what others believed in. In India there are kinds of birds, animals and insects that are considered sacred so that causing these harm would surely invite themselves problems.

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After our more or less exciting discoveries and experiences about some of India’s life and customs, we went back to the ship, and considered ourselves really enriched and had a much more improved knowledge of a country with only 2% Catholics of its entire population. A little sad though, considering that Christianity existed in India for nearly two thousand years. Early in the afternoon, our ship resumed its course and headed to Ceylon, an Island at the southern tip of India. The weather continued to be fair; the sea, sparklingly beautiful as ever. As our voyage progressed on smoothly, so did my journal keeping. There were a lot of things I needed to report to the Sisters back in Italy concerning our voyage. Therefore, I carefully noted down every event I thought might be of interest to them.

On January 24, at ten o’clock in the morning, our ship dropped anchor off the harbor of Colombo. Some passengers went down and hired a motorized boat that took them ashore so they could make a brief tour of the place. We also went ashore with the group. A missionary priest came to meet us. He brought us along with him to the mission camp where he lived and offered us coconut juice for drinks. Not used to its taste, we vigorously refused to have more of it. In the meantime, the missionary priest and Sister Edvige talked animatedly in English. Since we had no knowledge of the English language then, we just looked on like mesmerized children,

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unable to participate in their rather interesting conversation.

Eventually we decided to take a little walk. As we toured the surrounding areas near the mission, we saw people being wheeled about in carts drawn not by horses but by persons. We were appalled to witness this, not knowing that we would see the same manner of transporting people in China.

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It took three more days before we reached Singapore. On our way to this place, Father Madriaga, a Filipino priest who had just finished his studies at the Propaganda Fide College in Rome, offered to teach us the hymn for the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress: Gloria a Jesus que es encierra en la hostia de bendicion… goes the hymn in beautiful Spanish.

As our voyage progressed, the pilgrims also began their preparations for the Congress. From that moment on, Manila became the favorite topic of many conversations on board the ship. In the morning of January 28, our ship finally docked at Singapore’s busy port. We immediately went to the ship’s top deck to see how this new Oriental territory looked like. Many people came to wait for our ship to dock. This time, the preparations for welcoming the Papal Legate included all the passengers on board. We were on our way to leave the ship when Monsignor Caruana came and invited us to join his group.

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He even offered us seats in one of the wagons intended to bring the passengers around during our brief stopover in Singapore. We were always in the company of the Papal Legate in all the places he went, even at the special banquet that was tendered in his honor by the various religious organizations in Singapore.

6. Procession on Board the Ship In the evening of January 29, we sailed off from Singapore en route to Manila. On the following day, January 31, a Eucharistic procession was held on board the ship in the afternoon through the initiative of Monsignor Rosa, Archbishop of Perugia, Italy, and Chairman of the Pilgrimage Committee for the Manila 33rd International Eucharistic Congress. There were three Missionary Sisters of Mary on board the ship with us. Together, we led the procession, coming out of the chapel each holding a lighted candle. We wended our way through the corridors leading to the upper deck of the ship. Immediately behind us were the Bishops and Monsignor Rosa who held up the gilded monstrance. The procession halted at the command deck of the ship where a little altar had been nicely prepared for the occasion. Very devoutly Monsignor Rosa perched the monstrance on the thronette in the middle of the improvised altar. We then gathered around the altar and remained there for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament that lasted for an hour, during which we

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invoked the Lord to bestow his abundant blessings on all those people living in the vast Orient, on all Missionaries – past, present and future. That was a real moment of witnessing to a faith that was both deep and sincere! At the end of the Eucharistic Benediction, we sang sacred hymns and slowly retraced our steps back to the chapel where the Blessed Sacrament was again reverently kept. At midnight, the Papal Legate celebrated the Eucharistic Sacrifice; the end of our Eucharistic journey was close at hand.

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Already in the morning of February 2, there began a growing excitement among the passengers. Our ship had not yet reached the port but it already weighed anchor at the breakwaters. There, we waited for the Filipino skipper whose task was to pilot our ship to the harbor. Just then a motorboat bedecked with flowers arrived. At the same time, a tiny plane noisily hovered above us. Shortly after, other motorboats arrived and made a circle on the spot where Church dignitaries and civil officials were to alight. Down the wharf the band started to play a lively march and twentyone canon shots were fired as the papal Legate was being safely driven ashore. We certainly were impressed by the simple faith that Filipinos exhibited especially at that moment, faith burning hot like the noonday sun above us. It only gave more proof of the Philippines being the “Pearl of the Orient” and the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia. Everything around us spoke so eloquently of the warm and lively character of

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Filipinos. We were still trying to prolong our experience of the warm reception accorded us when the Filipino skipper boarded the ship so as to steer it safely to where it should be berthed.

The day looked glorious under a tropical sun that was beginning to have its toll on everyone. Down the quayside there were a good number of people that milled around waiting for our ship to eventually dock. There were women elegantly dressed in multicolored gowns locally called saya. The men stood beside them with their embroidered white shirts called barong Tagalog.

It was already eleven o’clock when we finally got down from the ship. How really glad we were to meet Father Borgogno, the Superior of the Society of St. Paul who came a long way from Lipa, a municipality of Batangas province, some eighty kilometers from Manila. In the afternoon of the same day, Fathers Marcos Grossi and Isidro Selvo also arrived from Lipa to join us. Before I forget, the Pioneer Priests of the Society of St. Paul came to the Philippines on July 1, 1935. They immediately took residence in Lipa at the invitation of Bishop Alfredo Versoza. It was not hard to imagine how really glad we were to see them after twenty-two days of sailing!

Our greetings were pleasantly spirited after which we boarded again the ship to join the other visitors who came to take a glimpse of the Italian ocean liner, Conte Rosso. The ship remained

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docked at the harbor for the entire duration of the Congress.

7. A Hurried Trip to Lipa

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On the day that followed our arrival, Father Selvo fetched us from the ship to take us to Lipa. This was supposed to be our first ground trip since we left Italy. Our travel to Lipa was full of excitements. At every bus stop, vendors would run towards the bus with their pastries, or goodies like boiled peanuts and bananas, sandwiches and fruits like oranges abundantly grown in the place. It was already evening when we finally reached Lipa, that we had to ask to pass the night with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary Sisters.

After the Mass the following day, we visited the Fathers’ residence. From there we were accompanied around some of Lipa’s historic buildings that included Lipa’s old Baroque Church. Shortly afterwards we rode back to Manila so as to witness the grand reception tendered in honor of the papal Legate and his Party at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. A program was held there, during which the young girls studying in the different colleges of Manila performed a beautiful native dance. Indeed they looked marvelous in their red, white and blue native costumes as they danced to the tune of “Planting Rice”. I think I already had mentioned earlier that our ship remained docked at the pier throughout the duration of the Congress. This, as a matter of

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fact, had given us the opportunity to participate in the various assemblies held at designated places within the city. For our meals and rest, we usually had them on board the ship.

It took two years to prepare for the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress of Manila. All the 1,600 parishes – poor and wealthy parishes alike took part and did all their best to help make the Congress a success. The program that was prepared lasted for five full days and capped with the procession of the Blessed Sacrament alongside Dewey (now Roxas) Boulevard Street by the famous Manila Bay. The Official Commemorative Journal of the event recorded that “Most of the 250,000 persons that took part in the Congress pointed out the deep religious influence the various liturgical moments had on them…”

Several groups that joined in the procession carried lighted candles, while singing the Congress hymn. Before the final Eucharistic Blessing the message of Pope Pius XII, then reigning Pontiff, was broadcast and heard by all those in attendance. This message, as a matter of fact, was one of the last messages he gave prior to his death. During our brief stopover in the Philippines, we did receive invitations to stay and start our mission in the country. They also pointed out the relevance of our apostolate that would surely do much good to the people. Of course, the pleasant

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dispositions of the Filipinos had so captivated our hearts, but what we witnessed during the Congress had inflamed even more our desire to go to China where teeming millions were yet to be brought to the true knowledge of Christ and his Gospel.

Objective China “Our frontiers are the confines of the world.” Blessed James Alberione

8. From Manila to Shanghai

There was a great commotion on board the ship on the day we were to leave the Manila port to go to China. We were excited and a little restless. At eleven o’clock in the morning, we heard the blast of the siren to warn those non-passengers to already abandon the ship, for it would soon pull out of the harbor. This time, however, only

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If the joy we experienced when we arrived in the Philippines was great, the gladness that we felt when our ship finally sailed off and headed for our port of destination, was much, much greater indeed! The uncertainty that loomed ahead – we had no idea then as who would come to meet us, or what our life in China would be. But all this seemed not to affect us in the least because fully armed that we were with faith in God’s loving Providence, and deeply trusting the Founder’s words, we bravely forged ahead, eager only to see our cherished dream come true.

a few visitors decided to remain a bit longer on board the ship. At the precise moment, the ship’s band started to play a very lively piece of music for those who stayed behind in appreciation of the Filipino hospitality. Down the quayside, the Philippine National Band responded with an equally vivacious piece that turned the moment into a mixture of joyful and sad good-byes.

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Soft skies were above us when our ship started to slowly move away from the harbor of Manila. At about midnight, however, while in deep slumber and dreaming of China, a strong jolt followed by the sound of splashing waters awakened us. Water had entered into our cabin through the porthole. This incident was to be followed by two more splashes of seawater that dismally flooded our cabin’s floor.

From somewhere we heard the sound of the alarm bell. At every sound, the ship’s crew came rushing forth to secure every entry point to prevent the entrance of water from outside the ship. We received words that our ship was crossing through the so-called “typhoon zone” of the China Sea. Just then the weather had worsened and the winds became more intimidating than ever. The waves began to rise like giant mounds that threatened to topple our already distressed ship. This time, we again experienced bouts of seasickness – not only Sister Elena and me, but also Sister Edvige and some of the ship’s crew as well. On account of this, no one dared to get up from

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bed to take either food or drink. At suppertime, only a handful of us passengers managed to show up for the meal. On February 11, the first day of Lent, most of us passengers were feeling weak and exhausted. Because of this, Monsignor Rosa decided to dispense everybody from the usual obligation to fast. Shanghai’s harbor finally came to sight. Hurriedly, we donned on the woolen clothes we put aside while we were cruising along the Suez Canal. The climate had now changed. Cold waves and thick fogs suddenly set in, forcing our pilot to intermittently blow the horn to avoid hitting or bumping against any of the rafts Chinese peddlers used in selling their goods to passengers of incoming vessels.

9. First Taste of Bitter Experience It was almost eleven o’clock in the morning when our ship managed finally to dock at Shanghai’s busy port. Almost immediately we were made to taste the first cup of bitterness on Chinese soil. We discovered that not one of the Pauline priests was in sight to meet us. But this did not easily dismay us. Once again, we tried to screen through the crowd that noisily thronged the area. Our efforts seemed to have been rewarded because from a distance we spotted a sister from the Daughters of Charity. Our apprehension turned to joy, especially when

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we learned that she was an Italian. After securing the permission to talk to us, she hurriedly took the stairs leading to where we stood waiting. Our meeting was most cordial and pleasant. She handed us a letter from Father Agostino Ghione, the Superior of the Society of St. Paul Fathers. Sister Edvige immediately opened the letter, and, what disappointing news indeed it gave us! We found out that the Fathers could not come for us because they live miles away from Shanghai. But our disappointment was lessened when the Daughters of Charity Sister invited us to go with her to her convent, so we could recover faster from our travel lag, get some food and rest. hwat a it

Very quickly then we looked for the ship’s Captain to convey to him our deepest debt of gratitude for the most exciting voyage we had, and to finally bid him and his crew goodbye. After that we proceeded to gather our belongings and retrieve our remaining cargoes from the Customs Office. It was at this point that we finally experienced a taste of Chinese curiosity. During the unloading of our remaining cargoes, the bottom of a small crate gave in. Both the employees and porters rushed to the scene, most eager to see what “hidden treasure” these contained. The damage was easily remedied and at two o’clock in the afternoon, everything was as it should be. Then we left with the Daughters of Charity Sister who took us to her convent. As soon as we arrived, she accompanied us to the community refectory to take our lunch. My

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goodness, you could not imagine how we feasted on the food set before us. We needed to make up somehow for the drain on account of the long and grueling trip and anxiety that had greatly weakened us

Now, I would like to go back a little to the time of our disembarkation. Frankly speaking, it was not that easy to describe how we felt the moment we set foot for the first time on Chinese soil. We felt happy at the thought that our dream would soon be realized. We kissed the ground of our dreamland not so much we considered the ground sacred, but because it represented for us the place we intended to spend the rest of our life, serving God and the Chinese people, who we want to bring to the knowledge of the One True God. Indeed, every missionary, in one way or another, passes through such indescribable experience. The Daughters of Charity Sisters, with whom we were temporarily lodged, treated us with much concern and kindness. As a matter of fact, they immediately provided us with Chinese grammar books so that we could familiarize ourselves with the language. There and then we realized that the study of Mandarin, the official language, was not to be taken lightly, for it demanded from any learner good memory, attentive ears, and a lot of hard work. In a word, one cannot make it a mere past time. Concerning the letter Father Ghione had sent us in which he sounded all but encouraging

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because he only urged us to stay put in Shanghai where we could have better opportunities to learn the language and to adapt ourselves more easily to the lifestyle and customs of the Chinese. But where in Shanghai would we stay? To remain with the Daughters of Charity Sisters would mean to take advantage of their goodness and hospitality. While trying to consider our situation, the words of the Founder flashed once more across our minds: “China is big; try to find a place where you could settle and begin to study the language.” So, still feeling apprehensive, we set out to look for a place where we could finally settle down.

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The city of Shanghai is indeed big and we thought it the right place to start out our apostolate. We therefore went to see the Archbishop who was a Frenchman, greatly hoping that he would allow us to stay and work in his archdiocese. But, since our Congregation was still new, its sphere of mission was only restricted within the confines of its place of origin (Piedmont, Italy), so that our request only landed on deaf ears. He said to us: “The Chinese are not fond of reading. I’m afraid there is no place for you and your work here in my archdiocese!” This had confirmed that to get settled and start our mission in China would indeed be an enterprise rather hard to realize. We imagined the Pauline Fathers’ own unpleasant experiences and difficult situation. In fact, they still had not found a permanent place to work and live up to the time we arrived. It then occurred to us that all this was an indication that the Lord

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wanted that we put more trust in him and to be more patient. And that was what we did.

10. From Shanghai to Hankow Not knowing what steps to take in such a situation, we abandoned ourselves to God’s loving hands and carefully discerned what possible measure to adopt. This done, Sister Edvige, who all the time was our chaperon, had decided that we pack our things up and proceed to Hankow where the Pauline Fathers lived. In her mind, if the Fathers could stay there with no proper permission, what would prevent us to do the same? After all we truly needed time to learn the language and to have a place to stay. Having taken such a decision, we once more boarded a Chinese steamer bound for Hankow, a city situated on the northern bank of the Yangze River. We just took with us few belongings, entrusting the rest to the custody of the good Daughters of Charity Sisters. Our cruise alongside the “Blue River” did prove interesting, for our vessel wended its way along cities and coastal villages. However, throughout our trip we saw no church steeples, but instead, endless rows of pagodas and Buddhist temples. There were points during our cruise that the waters would widen to such proportions, that the riverbanks seemed to disappear out from sight.

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Among the things that had caught our attention was the so-called “floating city”, that is, a clustering of sampans, home to fishermen and their families the whole year round. When found in harbor areas, docking or the piloting of bigger vessels could be difficult; these “floating cities” in the various waterways of China, really caused problems especially with regards to hygiene and sanitation. Just imagine the presence of many children and the way housewives carry out housekeeping and cooking. Passing by these sampans grouped and tightly tied together had really been mind-boggling for us! At one point I observed a woman emptying the bedpan into the water below. A moment later, she laundered dirty clothes, washed up a pair of soiled boots and also leaves of vegetables together. Finally, she cooked rice with the water she fetched from the river itself. Someone on the same trip with us tried to explain that those “floating cities” do not usually stay long in any given place, but are ever on the move in search of better place to do fishing. Poor people! How difficult their life must really be. How we wished that in the end they would come to the knowledge of the One True God!

In the evening of the third day of our trip, we finally reached the port of Hankow. Since no means of transport were in sight, we at once asked the services of three porters to take us to the Catholic Mission of Tien Chi Tan. They motioned

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us to follow them in Indian file, which to us seemed rather funny. Recalling the Founder’s exhortation never to disparage the customs of the people, we managed to control ourselves from showing negative reactions.

After a quite lengthy walk, we reached the Catholic Mission, which was no other than the Cathedral Church and to which the convent of the Capuchin Friars was adjoined. Here, we were accorded very fraternal welcome. Afterwards we inquired where the Pauline Fathers lived. A friar sent a messenger immediately to inform the Pauline priests of our arrival. It did not take long for Father Agostino Ghione, the Superior, to come. Although greatly surprised, he showed himself glad to see us. He only talked to us briefly, but enough to make us realize the predicament they themselves were in. The following day we decided to go and see where the Fathers’ place is. Oh, dear! Just imagine the sight that greeted us: a two-storey house where you can have a plain view of the skies from downstairs. One must truly be courageous and have guts to live in it – rickety that it was, and infested with rats! It was no wonder why the socks and coats of the Fathers had holes as big as potatoes! The community of the Society of St. Paul at Hankow used to be composed of three priests, namely: Fathers Agostino Ghione, Clemente Canavero, and Giuseppe Bertino. The last two

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priests could already speak Chinese. There were also with them three young boys and an elderly lady who did housekeeping and cooking, but the Fathers told us that her management of the house was rather poorly carried out.

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However, the Fathers were only too glad to be able to keep and operate a small printing press consisting of a tiny printing machine and a paper cutter. The Fathers informed us that they had been tasked to print the Italian magazine, The Italians in China, a magazine intended for the delegation of civilian workers assigned to teach the Chinese about naval and aeronautic craftsmanship. This certainly enabled Italy to maintain good diplomatic ties with China. The delegation prided itself of a setup that counted several officers and one with the rank of Admiral. This was one reason why the Pauline Fathers agreed to print the magazine that was being subsidized by the Italian Government.

11. First Unsavory Experience We met the first shock of our life in China during our very brief stay at the Canossian Sisters’ convent. On the day we arrived the Sister porter showed us a huge basket that contained three newly-born infants. How greatly surprised we were at such a spectacle. The Sister told us that what we saw should not alarm or shock us because what we had witnessed had become ordinary occurrences for them. So that the infants

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would not suffer from cold, the parents would usually place the basket right in front of the convent’s gate.

“It’s good enough the parents still take the pain of bringing their infant to the mission,” the Sister porter explained, “otherwise the babies would just be abandoned in the open fields, or marshes to die.” In China, every Catholic Mission undertook the task of gathering the unfortunate foundlings so as to baptize them in the evening, giving them the grace of the sacrament before dying. Those fortunate enough to survive were raised and given proper education in order to become future Christian parents should they afterwards decide to marry and raise their own families. We leave it to God that those who received baptism would be given also the grace to survive.

Still stunned by our recent experience because of the discovery we made concerning Chinese foundlings, we decided to go and present ourselves to the bishop of Hankow. As soon as he learned what our mission was all about, he addressed us quite annoyed and said: “My dear Sisters, you should tell your Founder that we are no longer living in the time of St. Francis Xavier, who went to the mission with only the crucifix and the breviary… And now, here you are on it, again! Oh, no!” His words, discouraging though they sounded, failed to dampen our spirits and resolve, for we knew deep in our hearts that the Lord would always guide our steps and decisions.

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Providentially, that same time, Monsignor Yu Pin (Bishop Paul Yu Pin), the Bishop of Nanking, who was on his way back to his diocese, dropped by Hankow. The Pauline Fathers had been looking forward to seeing him because they intended to ask the good Bishop to let them live and carry our Pauline mission in his diocese. As I already mentioned earlier, the Pauline Fathers were also in the same situation we were in.

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With hearts burning with hope, we intensified our prayers, and true enough, God, who never fail to stand by his promise to those who would fully trust him, led us out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The moment Monsignor Yu Pin heard about our apostolate, he immediately proposed that we go to his diocese to live and work there. His last words to us before he left were: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I shall see you then in Nanking.â&#x20AC;?

Bishop Yu Pin

Well, not only the good Bishop welcomed us to his diocese, he also allowed the Fathers to come, live, and work in his great diocese. Thus, overflowing with joy and feeling deeply grateful to the Lord, we sailed back to Shanghai to retrieve our other belongings and sailed off once more to our new mission post.

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On Match 19, feast of St. Joseph, we arrived safely at Nanking. The Canossian Sisters gladly took us in for few days while Bishop Yu Pin tried to find a house for us. Luckily, the good bishop did find one quite close to his residence. Right from the outset our only wish was to occupy a bamboo shack, but it turned out that we would be made to settle in a two-storey flat inside a compound where a prominent Chinese magistrate lived. We moved in to this new house on the same evening it was found. The Bishop dropped by to see how we were faring, and to introduce us to a lady to whom he had given the task to teach us the Chinese language.

We knew from the very beginning that it would take us a while before we could master the language. But we were not disheartened. We did most of our communications with our lady teacher through signs. Since our teacher knew only Chinese, we exerted every effort to learn the language as fast as we could. By the month of May we had the joy of putting up a tiny chapel where daily Mass was celebrated. We spent most of the day learning the language because the Bishop wanted that we initiate our book mission apostolate in the families. In April Bishop Yu Pin came to visit us again. This time, he brought along with him the wife of a high-ranking Chinese Military official. The Bishop informed us that the woman was

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excessive humidity, which prevented her from perspiring. Of course, this was but one among the many other difficulties one had to encounter in the process of acclimatization.

Finally, the day arrived for the Officer’s wife to be baptized. The Bishop himself came to officiate it and he also administered her the sacrament of Confirmation. Present during the ceremonies were some selected friends of the candidate, who were still non-believers. The newly-baptized lady received the name Teresa. How truly amazing the grace of baptism for from that day onward Teresa became a fervent and happy woman.

Towards the beginning of July, Sister Edvige decided to leave for Japan. Sister Elena became ill and had to stay in bed for several days with high fever. This sudden illness was due to the

August 15, 1937. We had just finished lunch when loud air raid alerts filled the air. We thought that it was just a fire alarm, but the sight of several planes buzzing noisily overhead followed by the sounds of deafening explosions, led us to conclude that something wrong must really be going on. Sister Edvige who had returned, Sister Elena and I rushed to the chapel for safety, and to pray for God’s protection as I muttered gripped with fear: “Dear Lord, please, help us! Save us!” On seeing me pale and distraught, Sister Edvige scolded me and said that I should instead calm down and put more sense. However, it was not that easy for me to control my fear at the moment. After that incident, air raid alerts became more frequent. Almost daily, Japanese warplanes came to attack and drop bombs. Everyday the danger intensified so that people began to evacuate to

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already receiving catechetical lessons from our Chinese teacher, but he would prefer that we did it, an assignment we gladly welcomed, hoping thereby to have the opportunity to improve on our Chinese. In three month’s time the Officer’s wife was all ready to receive Baptism!

12. War and Air Raid Alerts

Nanking, China 1937 - Sister Cleofe, Sister Edvige and Sister Elena with Bishop Yu Pin and the Officer’s wife

One evening, when we were just about to go to bed, a great silhouette in a cross-form across the sky caught our attention. What could that sign be? We immediately sent a letter to Sister Edvige who was in Japan. On her return mail she wrote that many had also seen the same odd sign in different places.

safer places. Even Bishop Yu Pin decided to leave his residence for his personal safety.

On August 20, the feast of St. Bernard, Father Ghione sent a priest to inform us that they, too, had decided to leave the city. He asked Sister Edvige if we were thinking to do the same, and having received an affirmative reply, consumed all the remaining Hosts being kept in the Tabernacle. Sister Elena and I immediately packed our few belongings and safely stored them in a much safer place inside our flat. In the evening the Fathers came to fetch and accompany us to a place called Chin Chang, some three-hour ride from Nanking.

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In those days the Railroad Bureau did not follow any fixed schedule. So, we decided to take the train that left Nanking at about midnight. Because of the imposed blackouts, travel became really inconvenient. At one point of our trip, a Pauline Father reminded us that back in Alba, Italy, the Te Deum was being chanted in commemoration of the foundation of the Congregation. Good for them, we thought, we should instead be singing the Miserere on account of the grave anxiety and constant fear the daily air raids of Japanese planes all over the place had been causing us.

It was three in the morning when we reached Chin Chang, but we had to wait at the station until daybreak. Our frustration knew no bounds because we had not the least idea how the parish priest of the Chin Chang Catholic Mission would welcome us. Nevertheless, we decided to proceed,

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taking the letter that Father Ghione secured for us from the Vicar General. On our way to the church, what we have always feared might happen really occurred. The air raid alert gave an ear-splitting blast so that we were forced to seek a place to hide. We sought refuge beside the wall of a building while the danger lasted. The Japanese planes from Nanking continued to hover over Chin Chang. As soon as the danger eased out, we resumed our way to the parish church where we attended Mass. After the Mass, we went to greet the locally founded Chinese Sisters who gladly extended us their hospitality. The Pauline Fathers meanwhile, went to see the parish priest to make arrangement for our stay. The very kind Chinese Sisters on their part offered us each a glass of hot water to drink so that we could quench our thirst. They prepared a place for us to pass the night. It was already eleven oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock at night when we finally went to bed â&#x20AC;&#x201C;very sleepy and extremely spent.

Our sojourn in Chin Chang, however, would last but for a week because the place was cramped and full where life for us became extremely difficult. As a matter of fact, the Pauline Fathers decided to leave the place to join their confreres in the Philippines. We, on our part, made up our minds to stay behind. But, unable to resist the stifling situation due to overcrowding at Chin Chang, we retraced our steps back to Nanking. Problems seemed to follow us wherever we

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went, for soon enough, we had to abandon the city on account of the dangers posed by the ongoing air raids and bombardment by Japanese planes. Finally, all we could do was sit down and seriously study the situation so that we could come up with a plan of action. After much prayers and deliberations, we decided to remain in China.

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To realize our purpose, we agreed to go back to the Canossian Sisters at Hankow while waiting for the turmoil to subside. The idea seemed the best then, thinking that while staying with them we could do keeping or perform some useful chores in their hospital. With grim determination we humbly presented ourselves to the Canossian Sisters for yet another time. They gladly accorded us again the hospitality we direly needed. But the war seemed to grow fiercer. Even the Canossian Sisters began to feel its ill effects. They then suggested that we move over to Canton where we might find better opportunity to get over the worsening situation, and to eventually realize our dream to live and work in China. So, we again boarded the train bound for Canton. Travels continue to be dangerous because air raid attacks would happen without any warning. After two days and two nightsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; travel by train, we finally reached safely the city of Canton, but tired and covered with dust. The nuns belonging to the Suffraggio Sisters Congregation gave us all we needed like food and lodging. We

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imagined things to be already all in order when we realized that the situation had turned from bad to worse not just for us, but also for our hosts. To remedy the predicament, we decided to take the first steamer and sailed off to Hong Kong.

It was during our trip to Hong Kong that we realized how much problems China had to contend with. The sights of many villages and of countless people that needed to be brought to the knowledge of the One True God really touched the very core of our hearts. And there we were, fleeing for safety, looking helpless before such a situation that involved great risk even to our own safety. And we felt utterly downcast, thinking that we had left our country and loved ones to work in the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vineyard in China. What a great pity, indeed, not to be able to do so. Circumstances seemed vent in keeping us from realizing our long-cherished dream; and, for how long? Only the good Lord could give us the right answer, for we knew that in life man may propose but it is always God, however, who disposes things according to his will and divine pleasure. It was about noontime when we reached Hong Kong, the Gateway to Mainland China, and where we hoped to wait for the war to be over. The Canossian Sisters took us in, found a space for us to temporarily occupy their Sacred Heart Convent. Unfortunately, however, the Sisters could not accommodate us for a long period of time. So, we tried to think of a way to remedy

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our new problem. We earnestly beg the Lord to show us what course of action to take. In view of this, we made the resolution to recite the “Pact of Success” with this additional petition: that he would grant us the grace to remain in China. And to give more weight to our petition, we also recited the Chaplet to St. Paul for, honestly, we had no intention whatsoever, to leave China.

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Despite our unshakable resolve to remain, we were fully conscious of the fact that we were still at China’s door, and could be expelled at any time. Shall we go back to Italy? Good Lord! By all means, not! What are we to do, then? At this point, Sister Edvige decided that we go to India where the Pauline Fathers were already working there for two years. We submitted to the idea, thinking that after all, India was also a mission land and it would temporarily substitute for our dear China. To write to our Superiors in Italy about the changes in our plans was not possible, and much less expect to receive an immediate answer from them, so Sister Edvige decided that we prepare ourselves to go to India. In a matter of few days all our passports and travel documents were ready. The Italian Embassy had even helped secure for us three complimentary tickets from the management of the Italian Liner Biancamano that usually make regular trips to Mumbai. The Embassy was able to easily procure our tickets by telling that we were refugees fleeing from China.

Objective China

Thus, once again, on September 13, 1937, we found ourselves on board a ship headed for India. In the meantime we wired the Pauline Fathers stationed at New Delhi, and informed them of our forthcoming arrival. How entirely different this voyage was from the former one we have had, for unknown to us, we were rushing headlong toward a very bitter frustration! On our first voyage we were all brimming with enthusiasm; on this one, we doubted if we would ever lay hold of our dream again, that is, of working as missionaries in China. But what else can we do but bow to the will of God and say, “Your will not ours be done, O Lord!”

It took us only two days to reach the port of Manila, where our ship made a brief stopover. While at the Manila Harbor, Monsignor Piani, the Apostolic Delegate to the Philippines, and Father Borgognio, the Superior of the Pauline Fathers, managed to get on board to greet us. Monsignor Piani, as a matter of fact, had even suggested that we open a house in Manila like what the Pauline Priests from China had done. But Sister Edvige was firm in the decision that we go back to India.

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“Our frontiers are the confines of the world.” Blessed James Alberione

13. On Indian Soil, Again!

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After days of uneventful sailing from the Philippines, we finally reached Mumbai on September 29, 1937. This time it was Father Domenico Ambrogio’s turn to meet us at the pier. We hardly recognized him then on account of the length of his beard; he had just been released from hospital confinement. The customary customs inspection did not last long, for after the required formalities we sped off to the train station to buy tickets for New Delhi.

It was during our ride to New Delhi that we realized the disheartening news about the Pauline Fathers’ situation. “We have been here for already two years,” says Father Domenico, “but the Archbishop seemed to be just tolerating our presence. What would he say were he to know that you have come with the intention to stay?” His worry eased a little when he learned that we came as refugees from China. He thought that

When the train made its first stop, Father Domenico bought us two broad rimmed hats made out of cork materials. A decent couturier would undoubtedly blush in embarrassment to see how we look, I tell you! But why at all bother about how we looked then? In the mission one should always expect the inevitable, isn’t it? It was in this fashion that we traveled on to New Delhi. When Father Alfonso Ferrero, who came to meet us at the train station saw us, he could hardly believe his eyes. He made no comment though, but we noticed the bewilderment written all over his face. We passed the night in the Fathers’ visitor’s room. The following day Father Domenico accompanied Sister Edvige to scout for a place where we could stay temporarily. In the meantime Sister Elena and I tried to fish from a trunk of old cassocks, figuring out how we could make gowns out of them. We were badly in need of extra clothes inasmuch as the clothes we had on were of black woolen stuff.

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In Exotic India

something else should be done about the way we dress. He suggested that Sister Elena and I should refrain from donning our religious attire. Because we brought with us only few spare habits, we immediately hastened to the dark corner of our compartment to concoct something so as to remedy the situation. We shortened our habits and took off our veils and the rosary attached to our belts, and thus did away with our nun’s look.

In Exotic India

In just a matter of two hours or so Father Domenico and Sister Edvige managed to find us a nice tiny hut not far from where the Fathers lived. That same afternoon we moved over to our new house. The Pauline Fathers were so kind as to provide us with: stove, three chairs, three beds made out of bamboo, a tiny table, silver wares, kitchen utensils for cooking. Our house had but few furnishings, but enough to make us comfortable and happy. The moment arrived to roll up our sleeves and work hard, not so much to perform our apostolate, but to do housekeeping for the Fathers! That was what we could manage to do at the moment. Meanwhile, we intensify our prayers so that God would enlighten the Archbishop and thus grant us permission to stay and perform our mission in his archdiocese.

While standing near the sarcophagus to watch how Islamic worship is carried out, a Muslim priest inquired if we were interested to see the relics of the prophet Mohammed. We gladly obliged and he at once put on the sacred vestments and reverently drew out a silver container wrapped in velvet material. He sprinkled the object and then pulled out two other boxes much larger than the first box. The second box contains the pair of sandals worn by the prophet, and the third contains a page of the Qumran.

14. Life in India

15. So Long, India!

I already mentioned earlier that Sister Elena and I shed off our habits. To do errands in the city, it was necessary to ride on bicycles, which the Fathers gladly loaned to us. Sister Edvige, on her part, encouraged us to go out and tour the city so that we could begin to observe how the people live and what their beliefs are. We found out later that the Indians consider sacred almost everything.

Days quickly passed by. After almost a year since our arrival in India, the Archbishop’s permission did not come. Meanwhile, the Pauline Fathers from the Philippines expressed their need of Sisters who could help attend to their many pressing needs. Knowing fully well the uncertainty we were subject to, Mother Thecla decided to send us to the Philippines. In a letter she told us: “Since the Philippines is close to China, you may go there for the time being. As soon as the war would be over, you could go back to China and once there, we shall send other Sisters to join you.”

The first place we decided to visit was the grand mosque at New Delhi. To enter this mosque, it is necessary to first take one’s shoes off and put on a pair of white slippers kept ready

at the mosque’s entrance. At its center is a huge tub that Muslim worshippers use for ablutions or cleansing purposes. The rite of purification is followed by series of prostrations on the carpeted floor. Not one of those praying seems bothered by the coming and going of other worshippers.

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3 In Exotic India

It was already 5:30 p.m. when we managed to get down from the ship. The Apostolic Delegate already returned to his residence, but Father Borgogno and the Mother Prioress of the Benedictine nuns of St. Scholastica Convent stayed behind to wait until our papers were cleared from the Customs Office. They accompanied us to the Benedictine Sistersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; convent at Vito Cruz where we lodged in until the first week of December.

In Exotic India

When we finally left Manila for Lipa, the good Sisters even gave us a brand-new sewing machine for present.

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For yet another time we prepared ourselves to leave. On September 30, 1938, with tearful eyes we said good-bye to all the persons who had helped us during our sojourn in India. In the evening of October 2 we boarded again the ocean liner Biancamano and on board it, we set out for our third Oriental cruise. On the morning of October 3, we once more switched to our religious habits no longer black this time, but white. Sister Elena and I exchanged meaningful looks, for we seemed like angels in white robes. Although overwhelmed with frustrations, we thanked the Lord just the same. The voyage to Manila proceeded smoothly. On the 13th of October, at 2:30 in the afternoon; we reached the harbor of Manila. The Archbishop Delegate, Monsignor William Piani and Father Borgogno, were at the quayside waiting for our arrival. We were still exchanging warm greetings when a sudden blast of wind pushed our vessel away from the shore and we had to wait for three long hours before the ship could finally be securely piloted and moored to its berth.

3 In Exotic India

Stay at whatever house you enter and proceed from there. When people will not receive you, leave that town and shake its dust from your feet as a testimony against them. Luke 9:4-4

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16. Life in the Philippines In 1938, Lipa, which today is a first class city in the province of Batangas, became the cradle of the foundation of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines. At the wise suggestion of the Apostolic Delegate, Monsignor Piani, the Bishop Alfredo Versoza Priests of the Society of St. Paul agreed to establish themselves in Lipa. In this municipality, which is eightykilometer ride from Manila, the good Bishop Versoza happily welcomed the first four Italian Fathers, Brother Gregorio, and about fifteen

On the other hand, we have practically nothing. Our hurried departure from India made it impossible to gather the basic things we would need for future survival in the Philippines. Thus, in common agreement, we assumed the task of housekeeping, cooking and laundering. We devoted whatever extra hours to study the language and culture of the people. We deeply experienced the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loving care right from the beginning of our life in the Philippines. Bishop Versoza saw to it that we enjoyed the same warm invitation to live and work in his diocese. He managed to acquire for us a property close to the Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place, allowed us to occupy it, knowing fully well that we would not have the money to pay for it. The house was roomy but barely furnished when we moved in, but the good Pauline Fathers generously provided what we would need to live decently: a small round table that we could use for different purposes; a clay stove and a screened cupboard,

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Land of the Morning

young boys. Divine Providence seemed to smile so lovingly at the Pauline Fathers because the Bishop, besides allowing them to settle in his diocese, provided them a piece of land and an old house they eventually managed to transform to a more suitable dwelling for their fast growing community. And to top it all, the Fathers also now owned a modest printing press equipped with a bookbindery.

Land of the Morning

Lord will surely bless you with many vocations…” Surely, we felt much like living in Bethlehem of old. We had no chairs, or beds to sleep on. For chairs we used three wooden boxes. At night we slept on buri mats (palm leaves) spread out on the bare wooden floor of our house. Our weekly allowance for food was P2.00.

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Sister Elena who was an expert seamstress was assigned to take care of the Fathers’ wardrobe and linen. I was tasked to look after the kitchen and laundry. Sister Edvige was often in her room well occupied in writing to or answering letters from either the United States or Italy. We were to keep in mind that Sister Edvige’s task was but to help us start our foundation in China. Now, she was to keep us company until such time we would be able to go on by ourselves. Back in Italy, Father Alberione and Mother Thecla were closely following us through letters. As a matter of fact, one of the letters read: “Your cradle that is Lipa, should be another Bethlehem. It should be like Alba characterized by poverty, faith, prayer and apostolic zeal.” In yet another letter they tried to lift our morale, saying: “The

Our next move then was to set up a tiny chapel. “You are to keep the Tabernacle always wherever you go,” was the Founder’s recommendation when we dropped by to see him before our departure for the missions. In keeping with this practice, the Pauline Fathers provided us a tiny wooden altar that Bishop Versoza blessed on January 25, 1939. Our friends and benefactors came to join us to celebrate this special event. To entertain our visitors, Sister Elena and I sang some Italian songs that obviously touched some of the ladies to the point of tears. During breakfast, the Bishop noticed that we lacked chairs. So, he sent us some. We had finally in our midst the

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not to mention the brand-new sewing machine from the Benedictine Sisters.

The Most Reverend Alfredo Versoza , Bishop of Lipa together with some of his flock welcomed Sisters Elena, Edvige and Cleofe.

Filipinos are known for being kind-hearted, generous, and simple. We did have a taste of all these when a pious lady volunteer helped us secure the things we urgently needed. In finding out how poorly furnished the house was, she asked some of her friends for assistance. In just a short time she managed to get us beds, bed sheets and some amount of money for the purchase of other home furnishings.

Divine Guest – real and living! What more could we possibly desire?

Although our activities were limited in attending to the domestic needs of the Pauline Priests and their growing community, we still found the time to be updated as to the religious, cultural and political realities of the country. For example, we discovered the dismal lack of priests, and the religious ignorance especially prevailing in the remote villages. This thought all the more inflamed our desire to begin our book diffusion in the homes, leaving little time for us, but not for

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Home to home book diffusion

Land of the Morning

our study of the three major languages necessary to communicate with the people, namely: Filipino (the major native language), Spanish and English. We got our Filipino lessons from a lady teacher; our Spanish and English from an elderly gentleman. Thus our immediate preparation for the apostolate consisted mostly in the assiduous study of these three major languages. On Easter of 1939, Sister Edvige decided to make a trip to Italy, hoping to get more Sisters for our Philippine Mission. Sister Elena accompanied her to Manila and helped her secure a ticket for the Italian cruiser, Biancamano. Left behind, I occupied myself in preparing the Fathers’ Easter meals. To celebrate with a bottle of soft drink [soda] on the feast of Easter would not be out of place, I imagined. So, I opened a bottle, consumed half its content, and left the other half for Sister Elena who would be back from Manila any time. I ceremoniously presented to Sister Elena, upon her arrival from Manila, the half empty bottle of orange juice. We both burst into a hearty laughter, and wished each other a very happy feast of Easter. Sister Elena and I truly loved each other in the Lord. Although we performed our assignments separately – Sister Elena kept herself busy mending and repairing the Father’s linen, while I, on the other hand, did the cooking and the laundering of the priests’ clothes. An added color to our simple existence, was the company of a dog we named Piemonte.

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Land of the Morning

One fine day, feeling a little tired doing my laundry work, I rushed to the kitchen to get some snacks. I also asked Sister Elena to join me. In silence we tried to consume our snacks, but then out of a sudden we both burst into peals of laughter, not knowing the reasons why. We were experiencing this quite often, and our only explanation was perhaps tiredness played tricks such as these, on us!

17. First Batch of Reinforcement

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After some time Sister Edvige wrote from Italy, informing us of her return with three other Sisters. One can just imagine what joy filled our hearts, thinking that the time has finally arrived and we would be able to exercise fully our apostolate of book diffusion. After all what preoccupied us most at the time was concerning vocations, and that became our insistent prayer to the Lord. Our thoughts immediately flew to the girls we met at St. Scholastica’s College in Manila. We truly felt the urgent need of recruiting vocations for our Congregation. One night, during the month of May, a sudden jolt followed by a strange sound interrupted our sleep. What could it be? Well, it was an earthquake, the first we ever experienced since we arrived in the country. The tremors did last for nearly half an hour. Good enough our house did not suffer any damage.

Land of the Morning

Days sped on quickly. There were evenings we used to sing out loudly so as to chase away our tiredness. Our house easily filled up with laughter and mirth, making people wonder if we were really the ones producing such noise in the neighborhood.

Early one morning, on the first week of September, we received a telegram from Sister Edvige that read: “Arriving on September 12 on board Biancamano.” Good gracious! It would be just a matter of days and we would have the joy of welcoming our new companions. On September 12, early in the morning, Sister Elena and I boarded a bus bound for Manila. The Italian cruiser has just dropped anchor off the breakwaters when we arrived. Surge of emotions filled us at the sight of the ship that had taken us across different bodies of water on our way to India. Sister Elena’s face grew pale with excitement. Both of us were hoping to be at the docking area when the ship would berth. This wish did not at all materialize, because we could do nothing but watch the ship docks at its berth from a distance.

As soon as the docking maneuvers ended, we rushed to board the ship, eager to embrace and kiss our newly-arrived Sisters. The first two Sisters were introduced to us as: Sisters Gaetanina Modenese and Bertilla Lorenzi. The third Sister wore lay clothes and was feeling

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Land of the Morning

Sisters Gaetanina Modenese, Bertilla Lorenzi and Melania Ravarotto

Land of the Morning

meaningful and joy-filled. We surmised too that the bareness of our house, and the plain arrangement of the chapel proved to our Sisters how faithfully we kept the Founder’s advice to always live poorly in imitation of Jesus Master. Well, what difference would it make? Isn’t it enough that Jesus is with us, and we are with Jesus? It is of great comfort to us though that the Sisters arrived bringing with them some new things for the chapel, coming as gifts from our Major Superiors from Italy. Even my old parish priest from Verona, managed to send us a parcel. I felt so thrilled because the package contained the sacred vessels for Eucharistic Benediction!

Once inside the bus we pressed ourselves in one row, eager to listen to what the newlyarrived Sisters would tell us about their voyage experiences. They gave us the sad news that Italy is at war in Africa so that when their ship happened to run short of water while passing through an African territory, the request was rebuffed because of the existing sanction against Italy.

When finally we reached Lipa, we immediately went to the chapel to sing the Magnificat, to thank God for the Sisters’ safe arrival. Sister Elena and I also thanked and praised the good Lord because although all by ourselves, we managed to comply with all our duties with joy and serenity. The few months we spent together proved to be truly most

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somewhat bashful. She cautiously drew near and introduced herself as Sister Melania Ravarotto. “I am a professed of only few months. I will be the driver of the community.” As soon as all custom formalities were complied with, we immediately retrieved the Sisters’ luggage so as to load them to the bus waiting for us at the dockyard.

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Sisters Gaetanina, Melania and Elena in front of the first house of the Daughters of St. Paul at 7 de Junio Street, just a few meters from the present compound.

“Go into the whole world!” The whole world can be likened to an immense Parish - the parish of the Pope. This is the field in which evangelical worker sow good grain continuously in the light of the day… you have the constant task of giving humble and devout service to the Pope in his immense parish.

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Blessed James Alberione

18. The Mission October 1, 1939 marked the day we launched the book mission to the families. The Pauline Fathers were doing well with the printing apostolate. The first titles of books and pamphlets just off their press were the following: The Holy Gospel According to Matthew, A Catechism for Holy Communion, The Eucharist, Ang Barko ni Pedro, a book on apologetics. All these copies of Catholic literatures filling our “propaganda bag”, we started our initial mission campaign! Our first apostolic rounds were held in Bolboc, a tiny village not far away from Lipa. Our

The goodness and simplicity of the villagers were so touching as to make us forget the fatigues caused by the heat and dust. The peoples’ willingness to listen despite our difficulty in expressing ourselves was something we found hard to forget. Thus when we gathered in community for evening recreation, the topics of our conversations could not but revolve around the most exciting experiences of our first mission campaign.

Diffusion in the marketplace

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

knowledge of Tagalog, then, was very limited, but this did not deter us to express ourselves in the best manner we could. This fired us up to strive to learn the language even more quickly, for we noticed that the people were truly thirsting for God’s Word. Our hearts were filled with holy satisfaction because in this first mission campaign, we were able to leave a book or even only a pamphlet in every family we visited.

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

In the Philippines rain clouds easily form so that rain would fall just as easily. Sometimes we would experience heavy downpour while in the middle of the street doing our mission rounds in the families. But an occurrence such as this did not easily put off our enthusiasm, or from hindering us to continue our work because the rather warm atmosphere easily helps dry our clothes.

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Our initial experiences in the mission helped us much to know better the life and customs of the people, giving us opportunities as well to improve on the three languages we were determined to learn. Quite so often the words of the Founder would come alive to mind: “You would soon discover what are the needs of the people you are called to serve, as you perform your mission. Take note of these and report them to those who write and print. You are to point out which of these have to be given priority.”

Sister Cleofe taking a ride on a bamboo raft

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

One thing we found out was the fact that most of the villages are located far away from the church. There was also scarcity of priests everywhere, resulting to the religious ignorance plaguing especially countryside. This, of course, was one of the major problems the Catholic Church had to face squarely. I personally felt the urge to do something and so I decided to write and prepare a leaflet containing the most basic tenets of the Christian Faith. I was convinced that if all families would be given this “seed”, there was hope for them to achieve salvation.

My problem was my insufficient knowledge of the Filipino grammar. I therefore humbly submitted the initial draft to our language teacher for editing. The leaflet was finally printed and we immediately began to disseminate hundreds of these everywhere during our mission campaign. In 1982, when visiting the Philippines from India, I realized that the leaflet was still in circulation but already in a revised form by the Carmelite Fathers working in the Prelature of Infanta, Quezon. Gratitude to God filled my heart at the thought that even to that day the little “seed” we once sowed among the Filipinos is truly very much alive and yielding plentiful harvests for the Lord.

One day in January 1940, was a red-letter day for the Foundation of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines. It marked the entrance into the Congregation of Teresa Punto, the first Filipino

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

Rufina Pormalejo (Sr. Giuseppina)

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vocation. Immediately after her came Rufina Pormalejo. Both were from the Bicol Region. Our hearts overflowed with joy because we began to sense the initial results of our prayers and sacrifices. This too proved to us how faithful truly God is to us!

Our tiny community was truly determined to follow in the footsteps of St. Paul, the great preacher. So, every day, the four of us: Sisters Gaetanina, Melania, Bertilla and I, would board the BLTB bus bound for Batangas, the provincial capital, and to Bauan, a coastal town, for our family visitations, making no distinctions of peoples’ education, beliefs and status in life. At about 4 p.m., we would stop our rounds so as to be home for the Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament. In the evening, at recreation time, we had many stories to relate about the day’s experience, some of which were funny and extremely entertaining. One of the interesting experiences we had took place in Batangas City. The incident proved to us the simple religiosity of the people who had such a relish for religious articles like rosaries, medals and holy pictures. When the Sisters arrived from Italy they brought along with them a good number of said articles. We decided to bring some

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

when visiting the families but since this manner of diffusion is not really part of our mission, we only put them out upon request. And the moment we displayed them, people would start to flock around us, to buy, or to just get a glimpse of what we had. Even men were mindless of what people say. They also bought rosaries, which they hang about their necks just like women do. The sight would easily invite the laughter of Westerners, but not here! There were times we had to stand on hours, waiting for the women to make up their minds, which article to purchase. Our constant exposure to heat and the sun on account of this manner of transactions ended up in our getting lies - a fastidious problem for it makes you want to scratch your head when the itch starts troubling you. However, all our discomforts got full compensation for they gave occasions to the people to open their hearts to us. Slowly, we were able to form around us a circle of good friends, acquaintances, and collaborators.

I have now something to relate – one of the many experiences that I could not easily cast out of memory. This happened one morning while on our way to Batangas City for the usual family mission. In the bus I happened to sit beside a young man who I usually encountered everyday. I was praying my rosary then when he suddenly turned and asked me: “Until when will you be in that habit?” He might just be teasing, but it did trigger my indignation. I was about to give him

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

because the Archbishop delays in giving us permission to do so, we then decided to do our apostolic rounds in the provinces of Laguna and Quezon. Meanwhile we continued hoping that the good Archbishop would soon grant us the permission we had long been desiring.

19. Awesome Missionary Tours

a piece of my mind, but still unable to express myself in either Tagalog or English, I kept my mouth shut until the phrase “Life everlasting” from the Apostles Creed quickly crossed my mind, prompting me to say it without batting my eyes. He looked at me quite astounded, and everything happily ended there. He must have realized how devoted Sisters are to the praying of the Rosary. Well, I would limit myself with this particular incident, or I will never finish since we have similar experiences, especially in the early stages of our life in the Philippines. Back in 1939 the diocese of Lipa only consisted of few municipalities and parishes. We found it easy to cover all its area when carrying out our book diffusions to the families. Inasmuch as we could not perform our apostolate in Manila

What was sad was the fact that the Philippines lacked priests and missionaries who could attend to the religious needs of its growing population. For example, there was but one priest assigned to every 25 or 30 thousand inhabitants who generally are scattered in far-flung villages. Some villages could not even be accessed easily on account of the poor road system. To go to some villages, one has to travel on narrow trail along mountainsides and muddy footpaths.

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Sisters Cleofe and Redenta with collaborators

The Philippines is rightly called the “Pearl of the Orient,” because it is the only Catholic country in Southeast Asia. Our missionary experiences in both China and India were enough proofs of what the Italian song says: “India idolatra, China infedel! (Idolatrous India, unbelieving China). The scarcity of churches in both China and India except perhaps in Mumbai and Shanghai is one solid example. This, however, is not true with the Philippines, for in Manila alone there exists a good number of churches. Every town or municipality has a parochial church and additional chapels in important villages or barrios.

Places like these usually get the visit of the priest only during the yearly celebration of the feast of the village Patron Saint. Consequently, many die without the grace of the Sacraments. Hence the urgency of addressing the spiritual and doctrinal needs of these poor neglected souls!

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Quite consoling though was the fact that there are a good number of schools and colleges in some Provincial capitals and first-class municipalities that are usually run by nuns. But sad to say, only the wealthy families could afford to enroll their children in the said schools and colleges. Those of poor families go to public or government-run schools that barely tolerate religious instruction. Thus so many students in both high school and college levels finished their studies without the benefit of religious education. Marriages in remote villages are mostly contracted before the Civil Judge. Hence, the growing problem of illegitimate children and of natural unions of Filipino couples. To top it all, there were Catholics who did not even know how to make the Sign of the Cross. However, the people’s thirst for the truth was most amazing. For example, they could listen for hours to the Sisters who spoke to them of God without showing signs of boredom. The different Protestant sects only make a good spoil of these simple village folks, causing our hearts to bleed. Honestly, I felt that only prayer and efficacious desire would make up for our inadequacies and lack of involvement.

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

I am now going to relate some misadventures we encountered in some of our missionary rounds in certain remote villages. It was our practice when we go to visit a place to first start from those who live in the farthest section, gradually moving towards the center. Ordinarily, we stopped our home visitations in the afternoon so we could go home on time for our practices of piety. In the evening, before going to sleep, we usually recalled the happenings of the day that serve to heighten even more our enthusiasm and missionary fervor. Two of our Sisters related that one day, while visiting a village, they came across children playing in the open field. Upon seeing the Sisters, they became stricken with fear. They ran to the village crying their hearts out. Our two Sisters followed the children and tried to calm them down. On hearing the children’s terrified shouts, women rushed out from their houses to find out what was going on. Fright and concern were also written on their faces, but on seeing the Sisters, they immediately apologized for what happened. The women explained that it was the first time Sisters were seen in the place, and they themselves were thrilled to see the “American nuns with long noses!” After this more or less funny incident, the two Sisters continued on their rounds, but children and elderly women with infants in their arms followed them in processional manner. In the villages, most of the huts are made of bamboo materials. Houses are two meters high from the ground so that they would not be submerged

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

in floodwaters during the typhoon season. It only takes two or three days to build a bamboo hut. Being of light material, it can only hold so much load. We were afraid to go up the huts especially when many children are following us. Once, what we were afraid of would Home to Home visitation in a barrio happen did occur. I was then intent in explaining to the host about the content of a book when a very loud noise was heard. Unknown to us, the floor where we were all seated collapsed on account of our weight and before we knew it we find ourselves all down on the ground! A great roar of laughter erupted, so characteristic of the simple and warm-hearted Filipinos. However, we all came out unscathed, thanks be to God! When we were through with our day’s rounds, we returned home with a deep sense of fulfillment, really happy for the chance of sowing the seeds of truth, and for meeting so many kind and simple people who never tire in thanking us for our visit. San Benito is one among the clusters of villages that belong to the municipality of Lipa. To reach it, one has to tread a narrow footpath that

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

could easily be missed on account of the many junctions along the way. So as not to get misled, we would patiently ask people to show us which direction to follow. The usual answer we get in the native language is: “Malayo pa, po,” meaning, “It’s still far!” although we seemed to have already hiked a good distance. So all we could do was to go ahead until we reach a deep ravine. There was no bridge around and to get to the other side, one has to go down below by following a narrow and dangerous path. Our ordeal seemed endless because we still had to cross a creek. Naturally we had to take off our shoes and stockings and patiently scale up, hoping now to get a glimpse of the village we intended to visit. When finally we came upon the path that led to San Benito, we found ourselves before interminable rows of banana and coffee trees and coconut groves. Luckily somebody gave us the assurance that San Benito is already within reach. It is such a pity that in the Philippines it is not easy to enjoy the scenic beauty of landscapes such as seen in Europe, or in Italy on account of the thick foliage of trees that hide them from view. On the other hand, this is also providential or the people could get suffocated under the burning heat especially during the dry season. We saw to it that all the directions we had received on how to reach San Benito were faithfully followed. We felt greatly consoled when we finally came upon groups of houses. We immediately

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

introduced ourselves and our purpose in coming, pulling the books and pamphlets out of our bags, so that we could show and explain to them their contents. Well, the people all seemed to be just there for us.

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It was customary for us to stop our rounds at noontime to take lunch and get a brief rest until one o’clock. It is exactly on occasions like these that we taste the generous hospitality of Filipinos. When for any reason, a stranger happens to be around and the family is at table, the newcomer is immediately asked to dine and partake of the meal. The family would not even bother if the food at their table is worth presenting or not, for their concern is to accommodate the visitor in whatever way possible. This custom is especially a common practice among poor village folks, and if the situation so warrants it, they would not hesitate to go to the nearest neighbor to ask for the needed assistance. On our part, we never intentionally refused such show of hospitality from the villagers. As a matter of fact, we showed them how much we really appreciate their kindness, willingly consuming the food they lay before us that often consists of broiled fish, vegetable stew and a plate of hot rice. What was most exciting was that we allowed ourselves to consume our meals before the amused gaze of onlookers who would come upon invitation of the host family hoping thereby to provide us with easy company. It is so edifying

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

to see those people – young and old – deeply engrossed and silent as they watched us eat.

After taking our lunch, we would respectfully thank the family and take our leave so as to resume our interrupted work, already thinking of the long walk home at the end of the day. When finally we were through with our mission rounds at San Benito, a jolly good fellow volunteered to show us a much shorter way than the previous one. He explained that this route would require that we pass through a bridge. And, oh, what a bridge it was! It was a plank that was a meter wide and was also made of bamboo. The supporting poles were also made of bamboo. You can well imagine the kind of fear that grips our hearts at the sight of this “bridge”. There was no more time to back out, so all we could do was make a big Sign of the Cross, praying to safely overcome such an ordeal. Once again the Lord proved himself truly propitious with us, leading us safely home utterly fulfilled.

20. A Village Festival The yearly celebration of the village Patron Saint was in progress when we arrived for our book mission. To reach this particular place, it was necessary to take the ferryboat. On this occasion, we were in the company of a matron who was not only a resident of the village but also its benefactor. As a matter of fact, it was through her auspices that the village chapel was built.

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

This same lady also arranged our free ride with the ferryboat Marianito. A large crowd and the village band were at the wharf when we arrived. As soon as the bandmaster caught sight of the distinguished lady, he motioned the band to play. As our entourage neared the chapel, bells began to peal. This time, we prepared ourselves for yet another pleasant surprise!

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Not very long, the parish priest also arrived and with him was a long line of villagers. There were practically signs of merrymaking everywhere. Many families had butchered pigs and goats, and got things ready for the village fiesta. The peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enthusiasm was so high that we too found ourselves greatly carried away. The villagers were warm and hospitable, but still very backward when it comes to the Catholic Faith. During this visit we were told that the parish priest comes only during the yearly celebration of the feast of the village Patron Saint. And it is only then that he administers the sacraments of baptism, reconciliation, marriage and also confirmation, having been granted the special permission to administer it by the Bishop. The good lady meanwhile kept herself occupied in distributing the leaflet on the Blessed Trinity to all those who go to confession, who believe that the knowledge of the contents of the leaflet already cover the basic tenets of the Catholic Religion, which of course is far from the truth.

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

The events that highlighted the village feast was of course the Mass celebrated in the morning and the administration of the sacraments of Baptism and Marriage in the afternoon. In the evening the evening procession was held in honor of the Patron Saint, with the playing of the band and the singing of sacred hymns by the participating devotees and the general public. The religious celebration culminated with the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

We observed that during the day people moved about visiting friends. Some, especially the men, took part in gambling joints and cockfights; elderly men, instead, preferred to enjoy the occasion in drinking spree. Our experience in this village fiesta was so good to be forgotten. But our problem soared high because the ferryboat Marianito failed to come on time to transport us back to where we could board the bus that would take us home. What now? Nothing, but be resigned to pass the night in the village. The following day, at ten oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning, the good villagers placed a tiny sailboat at our disposal. On our return trip some band members decided also to ride with us. Of course we were aware of the risk we were taking, but we believed in our hearts that like in other similar risks, the Lord would see us through safely. Thus, for half an hour our boat glided smoothly on placid waters. But out of a sudden strong contrary winds began to blow hard against us. Big waves

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

intermittently battered our tiny vessel from every side. The men riding with us immediately worked on the boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sails to keep the boat steady on its course. Indeed, there were moments when we imagined our boat would submerge on account of the big waves. At this point, we confidently turned to Mary, the Bright Star of the Sea, for protection and motherly assistance. After three solid hours, we finally came close to shore, but we could not land because the unruly waves keep propelling our boat offshore. Luckily there were sailors in the area who helped in piloting our boat safely to the dockyard. This incident was only among the series we ran into during our missionary tours in the different villages we visited. Anything similar is enough to dampen the spirits of even single-minded missionary. We, instead, took the

A boat ride to the mission

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

challenge at heart, for we returned to the same place although no longer with the same means of travel.

Our next missionary adventure took place in a rather thickly populated village where the parish priest also resides. Inasmuch as the place was big, it was not possible to cover it for just one day. So we decided to stay for the night in the place. The parish priest helped us secure accommodation in a family composed mostly of women. But then, some villagers showed up by surprise. They want to take a glance of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Madresâ&#x20AC;? (Mothers) whose presence in the community they considered more of a dream than a reality. After chatting with us for already almost two hours, they showed no intention to leave. We then asked our lady host to inform the villagers of our desire to retire. Instead of directly telling the visitors to leave, the lady started to unroll the mats on the floor. We waited to see if someone would show any intent of leaving, but to our dismay, everybody stayed put in his or her place. At this point, we knelt and started to recite our evening prayers, hoping that this gesture would make them leave us in peace. But even this attempt turned out utterly useless. We began to show signs of restlessness, still not knowing what to do next. An idea crossed our mind that we think would free us from such a dilemma. There and then before everybody, with still our habits on, we lay down and closed our eyes and slept.

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Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

It was midnight when we discovered that all the visitors have already taken their leave. We became accustomed to incidents like this. For example, when people find out that we are Italians, they would gather around us, asking us to tell them something about Rome, the Holy Father and, mind you, even about Mussolini. However, what people seemed to find quite amusing is the length of our noses. They would fix their gazes on us for a while and then burst into laughter. At times they would ask even embarrassing questions about religious life. Some think that we join the sisterhood because our boyfriends abandoned us, or something similar. Poor people! How much do they know or understand about religious life?

Filipinos are also known for simplicity. This is quite true especially among those who live in countryside. What Westerners would considered improper or wanting in decorum, is not consider so in the Philippines. For example it is a common sight to see children, especially young boys, play under the rain with no under wears on. In the beginning we feel uneasy about it, too, but afterwards we no longer took notice of such cultural practice. And how are weddings carried out in villages or barrios? Ordinarily, the bridegroom leaves the house and heads to church with his best man and entourage. If he lives a little distant from the church, he then hires caretelas (two-wheeled carts driven by horses), to transport him and his companions to church where the relatives are already lined on

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

both the aisles that leads to the main altar. Two beautifully decorated kneelers are set up before the altar and, if the couple to be wedded asked to first go to confession, they are given the time to do so. When everything is ready, the priest goes to the altar to start the wedding rite. At one point of the ceremony, one of the bridesmaids accompanied by her consort placed the white veil over the bride’s head and half of it around the bridegroom’s shoulders. This is followed by the laying of the white cord around the necks of the couple, symbolizing a yoke. The ceremony ends with the conferment of the Nuptial Blessing. Everybody now leaves the church to participate in the wedding party, usually hosted by both the relatives of the wedded couple. In cases when eight or more couples simultaneously receive the sacrament of matrimony, the village church would overflow with guests and relatives turning the village church into a veritable ‘market place’ with everybody speaking and no one seemed to listen on account of the excitement and great expectation! Then comes the moment for the groom to take his bride home to his house. In case he has no house of his own, he takes the bride to that of his parents until such time he is able to build his own house which, usually is made from bamboo materials and nipa leaves. This new dwelling is far from richly furnished, for most of the time it contains only a pair of straw mats, a bamboo

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bench and a plain wooden trunk in which to keep the couple’s limited personal belongings.

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Now, you might want to know a little about how villagers here face the bitter loss of a loved one. Well, the usual custom of bereaved families was to draw the strength to face their loss from the comfort of their Christian faith, from the moral support and the sincere encouragement of relatives and friends who come to condole sometimes with financial assistance, or availability of friends and relatives in doing errands if called for, look after the kitchen, offer snacks and serve food to those who drop by to visit and pray for the deceased. All this is carried out in a moderately serene environment. The burial is tinged with fatalistic resignation, so typical of the Filipino culture: ”Wala tayong magagawa; ito and itinakda ng Tadhana,” meaning, “there’s nothing we can do, since this is what fate has decreed.” It is also customary for families to bring their dead to the village church for a brief necrological service, paying tribute to whatever virtuous deeds the deceased performed in life. After this, the priest gives the farewell blessing for the dead. The priest does not accompany the funeral procession unless he is requested to do so, or given a “handsome fee” which, of course, a practice people greatly resent. A good practice in favor of the deceased is the recital of the novena prayers for the Souls of the Faithful Departed. At the end of the novena those

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

in attendance usually give voluntary contribution for Mass stipend. Then a banquet is served for all those who are present at the end of the novena prayers for the dead. My, I can go on and on, but I would prefer now to tell something about our little religious community.

For the time being, we decided that Sister Edvige and I should go back to China. Thus, while waiting for our Superiors in Rome to grant us the permission to do so, a telegram arrived with this message: “Sister Edvige returns to Italy before the war could block all exit passages.” It is for this reason that I remain in the Philippines to continue the mission we had started for sometime. But then this worrisome thought kept bugging us since the amount of money Father Borgogno loans us to pay the house and lot we are occupying is yet to be settled. Our problem eventually got solved when Bishop Versoza decided to replace our property with a smaller one. Our newly-acquired house is beautiful with a little rose garden that is truly enjoyable to behold. The change of property proved beneficial, for being smaller it makes it much easier for us to settle our debt. Besides, the size suits very well our present community. Since then life moved on smoothly. Meanwhile we brace ourselves to face life’s challenges with healthy optimism and courage, keeping ourselves well occupied with housekeeping and book mission to the families. And to boost our spirits even more, we decided to organize a course

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of spiritual exercises in November with Father Borgogno as retreat Master. By Christmas we felt ourselves prepared and overflowing with apostolic fervor. Even our little chapel looked distinctly attractive. Indeed, joy seemed to emanate all around us.

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We started the year 1941 with the monthly recollection. The succeeding days passed uneventfully on, but not for the Pauline Priests, for after much waiting, they, finally, were given permission to establish themselves in the archdiocese of Manila. But that is not all because with the permission comes the pastoral task to look after the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows in Pasay. On account of this development, they moved their community to Manila, granting us the permission to occupy the house they were vacating. We took advantage of this providential offer. We therefore sold our house and immediately settled our debts to the Pauline Fathers.

An interesting incident happened after the Pauline Fathers moved their community to Pasay, granting us the right to occupy and live in their house, which is just next to the monastery of the Redemptorist Fathers. The idea was far from the liking of the Fathers, for the reason that their Constitutions do not allow them to put up residence beside the convent of nuns. However, this little problem was at once eased up when Father Borgogno explained that it is no fault of the Redemptorist Priests if their new neighbors

Evangelizing Through the Apostolate

are religious Sisters inasmuch as the nuns were the ones who moved next to them. It is thus that our problem disappears to our great satisfaction. As a matter of fact, we are living next door to the good Redemptoist Fathers of Lipa to this day!

Having made some days of spiritual exercises in August 1941, Sister Gaetanina Modenese and I renewed our vows in the hands of Sister Elena Ramondetti then Superior of our little community. On December 8, of the same year, the first Filipino vocation, Teresa Punto, donned the religious habit of the Congregation. Father Borgogno officiated the Investiture Rite in a simple and quiet atmosphere. Present during the ceremony were Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister and brother who, on account of an unavoidable circumstance, had to stay behind for more days. Teresaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brother had decided to join the Society of St. Paul afterwards and now known to all as Brother Marcelino Punto. But what seemed to have started so beautifully and well, ended with a most grim piece of news: the outbreak of World War II!

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Blessed be the Lord, who did not leave us a prey to their teeth. We were rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare; Broken was the snare, and we were freed. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 124:7-8

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21. First News of War It was a lady-friend that conveyed us the gloomy news of the war between Japan and the United States of America and, not only, but that Japanese warplanes had already been conducting aerial attacks on the city of Manila. We could not believe her at first, but we soon realized how true the news really was.

Meanwhile, Teresa’s brother and sister who were supposed to leave for Manila by bus had to abandon the idea because all the buses were already taken by the Military to be utilized for their defense operations. Although we were in the verge of panic, we still managed to hold

The following day we discovered that many families had abandoned Lipa in search of places of safety. On the 10th of December, the Pauline Fathers, together with a woman and her teenaged son, arrived from Manila, also with the news about the continual bombings in the city. They came to Lipa, thinking that it was a much safer place for cover. The families residing in the vicinity of Lipa were advised to stay in their homes. Sometime during the same day we were told of the appalling news that Italy was also at war, that Father Borgogno, together with some companions, were taken prisoners into a concentration camp where other Italian missionaries working in the Diocese of Lipa were being detained. That very same night Japanese soldiers knocked at our convent with the intent to take us also to the concentration camp. But since it was already late, we humbly begged the soldiers to let us wait till the following morning. Luckily, the captain gave his consent, but left a soldier behind to prevent us from escaping while he and his men were away.

At this sad turn of event, Sister Elena, then Superior of our community thought it wise to prepare some of our personal belongings to take with us in the event that we would need them later on. At eleven o’clock in the morning, a soldier showed up to inform us that we could stay home

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a homely entertainment to celebrate Teresa’s Religious Investiture. As the program prospered, the curfew alert suddenly sounded into the air.

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but that a soldier would be assigned to ensure that we did not leave the house; in a word, that we were under house arrest. Only the Filipinos were allowed to do errands outside. Notwithstanding all this, we kept our calm, thanking the Lord who never for once had abandoned us, not even during the most trying circumstances.

which they did by transporting away all of the other remaining pieces until the wee hours of the night.

On December 27, Saturday, a telegram from the United States arrived from Sister Paola Cordero, the Superior, inquiring about our conditions. It was not possible to wire her back then because all the means of communication had been stopped and blocked by the Japanese invaders.

In just a few days, Lipa became a deserted place. Only some men and women, including us, had decided to remain. Meanwhile, our Redemptorist Fathers neighbors tried to convince us to leave because according to them the Japanese soldiers were but shots away, and it was prudent for us not to be around when they come. Right the following morning a loud explosion filled the air and the next news we were told was that the Filipino soldiers had blown up the Lipa Bridge to delay the advancing enemy. At this point we felt obliged to hand over the keys of our house to the two Pauline Brothers who were staying with us. While patiently thinking over what actions to do next, a Redemptorist priest arrived with a truck with the intention to accompany us to a village some kilometers away from Lipa. So we went.

Although we were facing a truly perilous war, we managed to get on well. With serenity we bravely welcomed Christmas of 1941. Of course, there was no longer the traditional Misa de Gallo (Dawn Mass), but we somehow maintained the same joyful Christmas mood with the help of our two-stringed mandolin. 88

22. The Great Exodus One evening, the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secretary dropped by to alert us of what would take place that very night, that is, the intention to set the gasoline station and the lumber yard on fire so that these would not fall into the hands of the Japanese. However, instead of carrying out the original plan, the people of Lipa had been granted permission to take for themselves as much pieces of lumber,

The next day, towards dawn, loud explosions were heard. We learned later that the Filipino soldiers blasted out two bridges. We realized then that the Japanese were closely advancing towards Lipa. In the afternoon, the Filipino Captain, whom we had befriended, came by to see us and to find out what plans we had, for according to him, he and his group were leaving Lipa that very day. We could not give him any definite answer, for we relied mainly on the Bishopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision concerning the matter.

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Once in the village, it was not hard for us to find a house because many families had abandoned them and were away hiding. With the Parish Priest’s kind permission, we occupied the first empty house closest to the church. Towards evening the house owner showed up. Far from being disappointed, he expressed satisfaction because his house, according to him, had become not just a simple family residence but also a religious convent. And, still filled with excitement, he conveyed to us the news about his wife who has given birth to a baby girl. As a matter of fact, he came to pick up some linen. He was happy to let us occupy his house for as long as we saw fit to do so. And since his newly-born baby was a girl, we suggested that she be given the name of Thecla, in honor of our Foundress and Superior General, to which he consented gladly. The few families who stayed behind in the village would drop by to see us, bringing with them banana fruits, coffee for brewing and sugar, and also rice grains for cooking. With this show of unsolicited solidarity, we realized even more how generous and hospitable Filipinos were. The next day, however, fear had gripped us once more because of the terrifying shouts we had heard. When we looked out to see what was it all about, a grim sight greeted us: people madly rushing to safety. Notwithstanding all this, we decided to remain, but through the Parish Priest’s

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pleadings, we joined his group and also fled with them to a much safer place.

When we reached the place that was to be our haven for safety, the Parish Priest had ordered twenty-seven of us to occupy a house with but two rooms. Just imagine the situation we were in! At supper time, there were not enough plates, and resorting to the saying, “necessity is the mother of invention,” we managed to improvise plates by making use of fresh banana leaves. The next problem that had cropped up was about water. People of this village drew their water supply from an artisian well set up at the center of the village plaza. Nobody seemed willing to fetch water for fear of being caught by the Japanese. So, we had to economize the use of water as best we could.

On the last day of the year 1941, the Parish Priest had decided to move to yet another village. This new decision on his part had greatly gladdened us, thinking that we would then have the opportunity to assist at Mass since we had been deprived of it already for several days. On New Year’s Day, the Parish Priest had decided to celebrate the Holy Mass right in the house where we were staying because, being Italians, the Japanese had been suspecting that we were spies of the enemy. On the 4th of January, one of the Pauline Brothers dropped by to tell us that the Japanese soldiers confiscated our house in Lipa, including

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the poultry barn, and about a hundred of our layers. The Japanese soldiers must have had a great time enjoying our chicken! Two days later, on the feast of Epiphany, Brother Gregorio came to fetch us. We hurriedly bundled up our few belongings and followed him to the car where Father Borgogno, the Superior, was waiting for us, and who had informed us that Brother Gregorio had obtained from the Japanese Headquarters the permission to accompany all Italian priests and religious missionaries (men and women) working in the Diocese of Lipa to Manila. 92

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Before proceeding to Manila, we decided to drop by our house to see in what condition the Japanese soldiers had reduced it. And, to our great dismay, the house was in total disarray. Different objects were piled one on top of another at the center of the reception room – linens, books, magazines and reams of paper, etc. It was no longer possible for us to rearrange them for lack of time. We then gathered whatever useful things we thought we would need later on and then hurriedly boarded the car waiting outside for us. Before leaving, Father Borgogno had a brief talk to the Postulants and the newly-vested Teresa, promising them that he would soon come back for them, too. Just as our vehicle was about to pull out of the gate, some Japanese soldiers drew near to ask if we were Americans. They were pleased to

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find out that we are Italians; Italy then being their country’s ally. One of the soldiers who spoke little English smiled and exclaimed, “Ah, good friends! Good friends!”

On our way to Manila, it was necessary to stop somewhere to pick up an American Priest who we tried to hide among us so that the Japanese would not discover his presence or we would all be taken prisoners and be killed. We were extremely lucky because the Lord had delivered us from all the dangers and harms that we encountered that day. However, we had to make several stops and delays because of the destroyed bridges. Besides, there were also the long detours and roadblocks, not to mention the series of checkpoints along the way from Lipa to Manila. At each checkpoint, Brother Gregorio was obliged to go down the truck to show the pass he was carrying. There were checkpoints that demanded passengers to go down for inspections. Luckily those assigned to do this tedious job were not the strict ones, or they would have discovered the presence of the American Priest traveling with us. As our trip progressed, the appalling sights of damaged houses, demolished bridges and skeletons of burnt passenger buses abandoned here and there greeted us. When finally we reached Manila, the sun was already down. We were immediately accompanied to the convent of the Assumption Sisters while Father Borgogno

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and the American Priest proceeded to Pasay where the Pauline Fathers lived.

Churches then were not as many as it is today, and there were only limited public utility vehicles plying in this particular section of the city. As for the house, there were but few pieces of furniture when we first occupied it, but then friends gladly donated whatever we needed for the upkeep of the house and the chapel. Once again, we were reminded of the insistent recommendation of the Founder, saying: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Always keep Jesus with you wherever you go!â&#x20AC;?

While in Manila, we were fully aware of the dangers we were in; nevertheless, we decided to ignore whatever perils there were ahead of us. The Archbishop of Manila was not very pleased of our presence in his archdiocese, but considering the situation then, there was nothing he could do but tolerate our being in the area. In order to ease our minds, we sought the advice of Monsignor Piani, the very amiable Apostolic Delegate, and whose considerate regard for us is boundless, for he did not only encourage us to stay but also allowed us to temporarily stay in the city. We therefore looked for a house but the rental of the one we found was rather expensive. However, Divine Providence always came to our rescue. A good family gave us the permission to occupy their beautiful and spacious house built in an area not far from the residence of the Pauline Fathers.

23. Our Apostolate During the War

Few days after our arrival in Manila, we tried to visit the grocery store for foodstuff we so badly needed so as not to burden the good Assumption Sisters who provided us lodging and of our other needs. Meanwhile, people had often wondered where we drew the courage to be seen going out in the open, knowing only too well that very few would ever dare do what they saw us doing.

Having known of our presence in the area, the residents enthusiastically welcomed us for they could now easily join us for Holy Mass.

The ill effects of the war showed their ugly marks everywhere in the country, and the occupying Power was determined to take full control of the entire nation. With the full force of their destructive forces, the Japanese Imperial Army did nothing but sow havoc and fear among the people. Sensing the imminent defeat, the Filipino and American Forces retreated to the mountains of Bataan and the island of Corregidor. As the battle between the warring forces raged on, schools were indefinitely suspended, while Government Offices could only perform very limited services to the people. However, the Invaders let the people freely exercise their religion. They also granted us permission to conduct our book mission to the families. But while we enjoyed the freedom to perform our mission, other Religious Institutions were hindered from exercising theirs on account of the

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war. In our case we could still apply what St. Paul said in one of his letters: “The word of God is not bound!” As a matter of fact, it was during these difficult times that the people realized how badly in need they were of our apostolate, the goal of which was to proclaim the Good News that God is a loving and provident Father, solicitous about the safety and the well-being of all his children.

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Just about this time, I came across a tiny catechetical pamphlet on the basic truths a Catholic should know written in English. This was exactly what many Filipinos needed. So, while recuperating from flu, I decided to prepare a summary of what Catholics should know in the major language, which was Tagalog. As soon as the manuscript was ready, I immediately submitted it for correction and printing. We could hardly believe our eyes when the first 20,000 copies of Things Catholic Should Know (the title it carries for more than 50 years now), had been consigned to us. Today, in its revised edition, it is titled Light to My Path. Somehow, it had become like a best seller in the country since more than two million copies have been printed and diffused since its first printing. It so happened once that we ran out of paper, but instead of being disheartened, we courageously invoked the Japanese High Command Office to allow us to buy more paper. It did not matter whether the paper’s quality was poor, for what truly mattered to us was that

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people be brought to the knowledge and love of God.

24. Emergencies and Spirit of Adaptation The situation kept worsening day after day. We suffered greatly on account of the destruction of all communication facilities throughout the country. Life became tremendously difficult because we did not know what was really going on around us. On the night of April 8, 1942, a strong jolt had awakened us from sleep. The next day, April 9, Bataan, the last bastion of FilipinoAmerican resistance against the invading forces, had fallen. Many were taken prisoners and brought to Capas concentration camp in the province of Tarlac. Philippine History remembers this event as the “Death March.” During this socalled “Death March”, many prisoners died along the way on account of hunger, exhaustion and atrocious treatment by their captors. Despite all this, those prisoners heroically resisted to the end, even at the cost of their life, for God and country. After the Fall of Bataan, the Philippines ceded the rule of government to the Imperial High Command of Japan. The new Government then issued a monetary currency obliging all to use it. But as the tide of hardships continued to rise, food shortage began to be felt almost everywhere. Flour also began to disappear from the markets, making it hard for us to secure what

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was needed so that we could supply hosts for the Pauline Fathers.

Thus, when it finally became truly impossible to perform our mission, we tried out other ways with which to occupy our time. For example, we offered ourselves to cook for the Apostolic Delegate, and to some of our friends. Besides cooking, we also tried our hands at tailoring. How many priests’ cassocks had passed our hands!

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Adapting to situations during wartime was never easy but nevertheless exciting. It so happened that four Pauline seminarians were due to receive the religious habit of the Society of St. Paul. But no white cloth could be found because importations of fabric materials had all been stopped. To remedy this problem, we requested some of our friends to donate us some of their white bed sheets out of which we managed to make the needed cassocks of the four candidates. In June, we moved to another house because the owner had decided to rent it to another family. But again, the Lord did never abandon those who trusted in him, for he provided us with yet a better one. You could just imagine our joy when the house owner gave us the permission to occupy the house for as long as we wanted to do so. But our joy would soon be marred by the tragic death of our good benefactor. This took place when the woman and son were about to board their family car and armed men suddenly showed up and fired shots at them. When the husband

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learned about the tragedy, he succumbed to a fatal cardiac arrest. What a distressing experience this must had been to the surviving relatives as they kept vigil before three coffins! In the spirit of Christian compassion, we tried to console our good benefactors with the comfort that comes from our Faith.

On July 4, 1942, a simple yet moving Religious Investiture was held in our convent. It was supposed to have been the second but since Teresa Punto had gone back home to her family, Rufina Pormalejo’s Religious Clothing Day had since then became for us, the first ever. An added joy that we experienced was the entrance to our Congregation of Floria Perez on the very same day. How blessed indeed is the Lord of the Harvest, for even in such difficult times he provided workers in his field!

I must also confess that although we lacked many basic things, we were able to keep ourselves united, loving each other as dear sisters in the Lord. And even though the war kept on tearing people apart, peace and harmony in our little community, continued to prosper, the excellent reminder of the beautiful lyrics of the song: “Where there is charity and love, there God, abides!” As the war went on, prices of goods began to rocket up, causing basic commodities to disappear from markets. Thieves multiply everywhere so that even the tombs in cemeteries are forcibly

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opened so that the shoes, the clothes, and even the gold-fillings found in the dentures of the dead are stolen and sold for money. At first we could not reconcile ourselves as to the correctness of the report, but whether we like it or not, we found the report to be true.

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In the beginning of 1943, we felt the deep desire to communicate our conditions to our Superiors in Rome, but we had to abandon the idea because there was nothing we could do at the moment. The reports about Italy would usually come to us through the daily paper that followed the usual boring and repetitious pattern about the terrifying news abroad and the ever worsening conditions in the Philippines; for example, the countless innocent victims that died in the hands of Japanese soldiers. In October 1943, something memorable had taken place in Manila. Japan decided to grant independence to the Philippines, but always supervised by the Japanese Military High Command. For this event every district in Manila had been festively decorated, and a member of the Supreme Council, Jose P. Laurel, had been appointed as President. The Te Deum was sung at the Manila Cathedral to solemnize the event. We thought this would be a good breather for the people, but it turned out to be just the contrary, for life became even more unbearable under the new dispensation.

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In November of the same year, after some days of torrential rains, Manila went under water so that to cross from one street to another, one had to ride in tiny rowboats, or improvised rafters. There was no electricity and kerosene could nowhere be bought. The ever-rising water nearly reached the fifth step of the stairs leading to our house. Fearing for our safety, we ran in haste to the chapel to sing the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ave Maris Stellaâ&#x20AC;? (Hail Star of the Sea) to Our Lady, begging her to free us from all harm. After, we dropped a medal of the Blessed Mother down the rising and swollen waters. Luckily, the rain had ceased in the afternoon and soon afterwards, also the floodwaters subsided. Christmas, 1943: our third under the Japanese Regime. We still had no news about Italy, and from our Superiors in Rome. A black thick wall seemed to be separating us from them. Although greatly distressed, however, we still managed to be with them in spirit through the Infant Jesus, present everywhere especially in the Sacrament of the Altar. Our prayers then were mostly directed to the advent of peace in the world, and most especially in the Philippines. Our favorite prayer this period was the prayer composed by St. Bernard, the Memorare, that the Founder recommended us to recite everyday. We tried to do this, firmly believing that Mary would surely keep us safe under her motherly protection.

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As time went on, money also became harder to find or earn. Many families could ill afford to have three square meals a day. We thought that in such circumstances people would turn to God for help; instead, many turned to a life of licentiousness. The practice of black marketing proliferated in the country, and not a few Filipinos had turned to morally harmful entertainments. There really was a great need to make reparation to God for the many evils committed against his merciful love and justice.

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We were looking forward to an improved situation on the New Year, but life became even more intolerably difficult so that food became more scarce and thieves had also began to multiply. Our daily meals were reduced to just boiled rice, dried fish and banana fruit. Although all these stuff were still available, yet it was not that easy to get them. The unstoppable rocketing of prices of prime commodities had led to the hoarding of rice grains that eventually became Manila’s major problem. To face this situation, we decided to go to the province to buy our supply of rice. So, one day, accompanied by Lydia Silvestre, an aspirant, I decided to go to the province of Pampanga to buy us a few sacks of rice. We boarded the train that in those days would make one harrowing experience on account of the overloading of passengers. It was so difficult to buy tickets and secure seats so that those without had to content

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themselves to ride on the train’s rooftop. Even to get down from the train became a wearisome ordeal, especially for women. Of course, there were those who could easily manage to get out by passing through the train’s window. In situations such as these, all we could do was to patiently follow the long queue of passengers and wait for our turn, keeping in mind that we had come that far so as to provide for the other members of our little community. When we reached Pampanga, some friends had informed us that it was much easier to buy rice in the villages or barrios. And we were so glad to oblige for in a matter of only ten days we were able to get enough sacks that could last for some time. How very true indeed the saying that “God helps those who help themselves.”

But how to transport the rice we gathered back to Manila? After much pleadings and an offer of a reasonable fee, a caretela (a horse-driven cart) owner agreed to take our cargoes and us to Manila. Off then we went, hoping to reach Manila in the shortest possible time. But during our drive home, I noticed that the soles of my shoes were falling apart. I had to think fast how to fix my shoes and fit for travel. By sheer luck, we found a piece of tiny steel cord on the way and this enabled me to solve my shoe problem.

The ride back to Manila by caretela was rather long. We had to pass by several towns and Japanese checkpoints. At one checkpoint,

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Sister Cleofe and Sister Palmira Bernardini

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the Japanese sentinel wanted to confiscate our sacks of rice. He refused to believe that we only got them in small quantity at a time. To convince him we showed the sad conditions of my shoes. He then softened when he saw the distressing sight of my shoes and he allowed us to proceed peacefully. It was about nine oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the evening when we finally reached Manila. But we had to make a stop somewhere to repair the badly damaged wheels of the caretela, and to allow the horse to rest a little. It was almost eleven oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock at night when we finally reached our gate, but the Sisters were still up waiting for our return. How much they rejoiced for our safe arrival and for the good number of sacks of rice we were able to gather in so short a time. We too thanked the Lord for having protected us all the way. And, oh, what an experience to remember!

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As days wore on, our supply of rice naturally had to be replenished. So, we again decided to go back to Pampanga to buy rice. To do this, we were required first to secure a permit from the Japanese High Command. A good lady friend came forward to get the permit for us and not only that, she also allowed us to use her cargo truck for the purpose. So, we went again to Pampanga for the usual rice campaign. Upon our arrival, we noticed the presence of two religious Sisters belonging to another Congregation who had come with the same purpose as ours. Having collected more than what was necessary for their consumption, they gladly donated us six sacks of rice. Thinking that to proceed would be an abuse of the peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; generosity, we decided to go back home and asked the two Sisters to ride with us together with their cargo. Our Sisters could not believe their eyes when they saw us returned so quickly. But when we told them about what had happened, we all thanked the Good Lord who kept on providing for our needs even in the most trying times. Gladly, then, we shared some of the rice we gathered to the priests of the Society of St. Paul. We repeatedly went to the far-flung barrios of Pampanga for new supply of rice, not only for the Pauline Fathers and ourselves, but also for the poor families who used to come to us twice a week for assistance. However difficult the times had been, Filipinos continued to hope and to look forward to the coming of the Americans. They refused to cooperate with the enemies so that the

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Japanese became suspicious. In their fury, they started to witch-hunt, to imprison and to torture innocent civilians, or eventually put them to death.

On September 21, 1944, Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liberating Forces had started their bombing operations. A most fierce battle ensued that lasted for nearly an hour. As the fighting raged on, thieves began to take advantage of the situation by entering homes; stealing whatever valuables they laid hands on. We, as a matter of fact, we were robbed not once, but twice!

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Now, close to where we lived were the four installations of anti-aircraft devices. One could just imagine the kind of inconvenience we had to put up with whenever those alarm devices were turned on. On account of the worsening situations, staying in the open was greatly prohibited and discouraged. The frequent incursions conducted by the Americans had forced us to build an air raid shelter where we used to hide ourselves the moment the sirens would sound. We kept our silence once inside the bunker, easing our fear through the soft recitation of the rosary, tightly clutched this to our breasts like someone about to be executed would have done! In November, the Japanese had occupied the compound near us. As this happened we immediately decided to split ourselves in two groups. Those who were afraid to what might happen like Sisters Gaetanina, Melania, Novice

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Rufina, Postulant Lydia and I, chose to go to Lipa, while those who preferred to remain were Sisters Elena, Bertilla and Postulant Floria. We decided to move the more valuable of our possessions to the residence of the Apostolic Delegate before we left for Lipa. Meanwhile, Sister Elena and her group proceeded to Vito Cruz, to the convent of the Benedictines, where the good Sisters extended them hospitality. When we reached Lipa, we got the news that the Japanese were still occupying our house. Once more, the good Bishop came to our rescue by giving us the permission to occupy the two rooms on the ground floor of the seminary. Having finally settled and out of danger, we tried to occupy ourselves with something worthwhile. This time, we decided to go into vegetable gardening. This initiative enabled us to supply our Sisters in Manila with our homegrown vegetables when we visit them once a month on board a Japanese cargo truck. Even when travel became extremely dangerous, we never failed to experience the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s abiding presence and assistance.

Once, Sister Elena made a fleeting visit to Lipa. On her return trip to Manila, we provided her with a good supply of vegetables, bananas and preserved meat we knew she would share with the priests of the Society of St. Paul. Towards the end of December 1944, Sister Melania had decided to go to Manila to renew her religious vows in the hands of Sister Elena, the Superior. It was to

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be the last time she would get a good glimpse of Manila because not long after that, Manila would become the target of fierce encounters between the Japanese Army and the American Liberating Forces.

25. Days of Terror and Atrocities

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The Pontifical University of Santo Tomas, owned and managed by the Dominican Priests was taken by the Japanese and converted into a garrison, and at the same time they used for jailing Americans and British nationals, Filipino military enlisted men, and civilians. On the first week of January 1945, the University became the target of American military operations. US warplanes threw tear gas bombs all over the place so that their Rescue Team could land on the University campus. Caught unaware, the Japanese were forced to face the American Rescue Team in a fierce encounter during which many Japanese had been killed. Some had managed to escape, but the few who had survived committed suicide rather than surrender to Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Liberating Forces. The battle for the liberation of Manila began with American military armored vehicles positioned in the different strategic areas of the city. High-powered machine guns were carefully installed high up on the University roof, and aimed at the different Japanese installations all over Manila. Inch by inch the city of Manila was taken, an operation carried out in the midst of

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destructions and utter misery of civilians mostly caught in the crossfire.

From the University of Santo Tomas the Japanese invaders had been taken over to the College of St. Scholastica, owned and managed by the German Benedictine Sisters. The Japanese had occupied the compound and converted the school buildings into hospital wards for their sick and wounded soldiers. However, they allowed the Sisters to remain and occupy their own living quarters inside the sprawling school campus. Whenever there were bombings, the families who lived in the vicinity would run for safety inside the school compound. On February 11, while Sister Elena was on her way to the chapel for the usual hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, an incendiary bomb dropped near her. Luckily, the bomb did not explode. Few days later, the school building caught fire when a bomb hits its roof. The building started to burn at a frightful rate that the Chaplain had to rush to the chapel to retrieve the Blessed Sacrament out to safety to a little table placed beneath an acacia tree. Almost in a state of daze, the Sisters and those who had come to take refuge in the compound, followed the Chaplain in procession to where the Blessed Sacrament was to be deposited. Out of a sudden, however, Japanese soldiers, armed with bayonets still dripping with human blood, and with faces contorted with savaged rage, entered the campus.

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The Sisters, instead of showing dismay, took more notice of the fire that was fiercely devouring one of their school buildings. Meanwhile, military airplanes continued to hover menacingly in the area. Just then, the good Sisters found themselves face to face with a group of thugs with bayonets all ready to split them in halves. The Sisters, however, did not flinch but showed themselves undaunted, ready to die if needed. They were unaware of the horrifying fact that those were the very soldiers who had come from De La Salle School after having massacred three hundred people that included fourteen De La Salle Brothers and some nursing mothers whose tiny infants had been mercilessly bayoneted while in their mothers’ arms!

The Chaplain, meanwhile, stood in the middle holding up the ciborium containing the Sacred Hosts in the full view of the advancing soldiers. This, however, made no impact on the Japanese who were fast closing in towards the grief-and fear-stricken group. When the soldiers were just about a few steps away, the Chaplain shouted at the top of his voice these Latin words: “Vade retro, satana!” (Be gone, Satan!). Suddenly, the one leading the group made a full stop and ordered his men to turn around and leave the place. What a great relief for everybody! In the end, we had to admit, the Chaplain, a man of courage, deposited the Blessed Sacrament back to the temporary altar beneath the acacia

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tree. In a sudden burst of joy and enthusiasm, the group that had gathered around, reverently knelt in humble gratitude to God who came to the rescue of his beleaguered children from a sure death in the hands of the enemy.

Bombings and continual shelling continued, causing massive destructions to properties and deaths to civilians. The wounded ones were brought for immediate treatment to the Sisters’ place. The Chaplain, meanwhile, had been busy hearing confessions. As soon as evening came, everybody would try to get some sleep. By now the bombings had finally stopped. On the following morning, which was Ash Wednesday, the Chaplain celebrated Mass and exhorted the Sisters to receive Communion in the form of Holy Viaticum.

The sun was piercingly hot that day and everybody was still in the grip of fear and anxiety, not certain what could happen from one moment to the other. All the while American planes continued to fly over the compound where our Sisters were. A splendid idea came across their minds: to gather themselves and form the letters SOS. In the event they would sense the presence of Japanese in the area, they were to immediately break their formation. For several times they noticed the planes made attempts to encircle the compound. Not long after, deafening explosions were heard and the barricades surrounding the college campus fell apart. Just then a giant

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armored car slowly pulled in, filling them with mortal fear. At this point, one of the Sisters dashed forward, shouting in Japanese: “Please, don’t shoot at us!” In the end their fear suddenly turned to jubilation when they discovered that the tank did not belong to the Japanese but to the American Liberating Forces.

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The group’s rejoicing was cut short when everybody was ordered to lie flat on the ground, while the Americans adeptly wielded and aimed their high-powered machine guns at every nook and corner of the place, peppering these with bullet shots. When the operation stopped, everybody had realized that all the Japanese stationed to secure the compound could not be found; they had abandoned all their posts and escaped. The Americans immediately ordered them to leave and look for a much safer place to hide.

Meanwhile, our three Sisters who had been staying with the Benedictine nuns made up their minds to move out from that place to seek shelter with a family. In their great haste, they forgot to take with them their belongings. But without feelings of regrets whatsoever, they left just the same to save their lives they considered more important, than all their earthly possessions put together! After two days of hiding, they decided to go to Pasay where the Pauline Fathers lived. On their way, they witnessed the irreparable

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damages the war had sown everywhere. A very sad reality, however, had greeted then when they arrived because the Parish church and the Fathers’ printing press, were all reduced to ashes on account of the recent bombardments. The area was fully deserted; the few families that decided to remain managed to construct makeshift huts on the spot where formerly their houses stood.

Our Sisters immediately made the necessary inquiries as to the whereabouts of the Pauline Fathers. Somebody pointed to a house left standing in the middle of the vast wreckage. They rushed to the place and knocked at the door. When door opened, there stood before them Father Borgogno, who immediately asked them: “Well, how have you been doing all this time?” Sister Elena remained tongue-tied for a while for up to that moment she had no news about us who opted to stay in Lipa. When told about our decision to split out, Father Borgogno became extremely upset. He then informed us of the massacre that had just been carried out in Lipa. The bad news had certainly shocked Sister Elena and her companions. Although full of misgivings for the decision made by the three Daughters of St. Paul, Father Borgogno had pitied the three grief-stricken Sisters so that he let them in, and afterwards had them accompanied to an empty house that was only a stone’s throw from where they live. Before leaving, the good Father had gently assured them,

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saying: “For the time being, you may occupy that house. Brother Marcelino will look after your meals. Meanwhile, keep yourselves busy and help manage the laundry when needed.”

The house our Sisters were told to occupy had no doors. At the height of the bombings, thieves usually come to loot or steal. To allay our apprehensions on the matter, Father Borgogno decided to assign three Pauline students to keep us company at night. Meantime, the thought of our Sisters who might be among those massacred in Lipa kept tormenting Sister Elena’s mind so she decided to have Masses said for their intentions. hwat a it

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When the situation began to improve, Brother Gregorio had enlisted himself in the US Army. This enabled him to travel to Batangas and find out if the Daughters of St. Paul were among those who were killed by the Japanese. I would, at this stage, pick up from the point where the Bishop of Lipa gave us the permission to occupy two rooms on the ground floor of the seminary. There and then, however, we were briefed about the Japanese military’s gruesome plan to set the town of Lipa on fire, and to put all the inhabitants to death. The above piece of information had the more increased our sense of the perils, that at any given moment could befall us. Thus, with utmost caution we tried to avoid being seen by the Japanese soldiers, or by their collaborators patrolling the area. Although the majority of those living in Lipa tried to look for

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safer place to live and hide, we were among the few ones who braved the risks of staying behind.

As days passed by, the war’s end seemed nigh in sight, causing the hope of Filipinos to soar as they looked forward to their liberation from Japanese rule. This situation naturally angered the Japanese, sensing their looming defeat so that they became even more determined to exterminate all those who tried to resist collaborating with them. They very insolently told us: “Yes, the Americans will come, but not one of you would have the chance to set your eyes on them!” Thus, they would now and again summon the men folks to the barracks for an alleged meeting, but then nobody knew what had happened from the time those poor men were last seen.

On February 18, we decided to make the Holy Retreat in preparation for any eventuality. On the second day of the Retreat, the second girl entered the Congregation. This important event so uplifted and invigorated our drooping spirits. The Lord was indeed faithful and was ever true to his promises. Proof of this was when he sent us another vocation to help work in his vast harvest field in the Philippines. Meanwhile, we became ever more aware of the inevitable coming of the American Forces to liberate the country. We, therefore, talked to the Seminary Rector and asked him to allow us to dig holes in the seminary garden where we could bury some of our most treasured possessions.

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The Vincentian Fathers had such a good laugh at the sight of Sister Melania and I carrying a spade and a hoe to execute a job usually done by men. It took us three days to finish our diggings after which, we rushed back to our house that the Japanese soldiers were then occupying so that we could take those items we left there and took them with us to the seminary. Good enough, the Japanese soldiers granted us the permission to do just that. So, back to the seminary garden we carefully packed the big wooden cross, the frames of the 14 Stations and some other precious items that we safely tucked in wooden trunks to be buried underground. All this done, we placed a cross marker over the hole we dug to enable us to easily locate them afterwards.

On March 14, a communication came, informing us that a Japanese colonel who resided in Tayzan, a little town 30 kilometers away from Lipa, was willing to give pass slips to all Lipa residents who wanted to leave. This had delighted us, but how to go to Tayzan when there were no longer means of transportation operating at that time? The only way to reach Tayzan was to travel on foot. The rather old and sickly Bishop Versoza, and his assistant, Monsignor Alfredo Obviar had made up their minds to take the risk. Bishop Versoza sent us words that he wanted us to join his group, composed of 2 seminarians, 7 Vincentian priests, 3 Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Mary, members of 3 well-known families in Lipa, and

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the 5 of us, Daughters of St. Paul. So, we organized ourselves and one morning, right after the Mass we divided ourselves in two groups and set off for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;grand marchâ&#x20AC;? to Tayzan to obtain the permits that would enable us to get out of Lipa and to move to another place. Since it would take three days to reach Tayzan, we decided to bring with us a cartload of provisions and cooking paraphernalia. The scene that had greeted us on the way to Tayzan was grim and lonely: empty houses and deserted streets! Nevertheless, we deemed ourselves still very lucky because we could lodge ourselves in any house of our choice to pass the night.

During our most tedious trek to Tayzan, we managed to keep our spirits high, glad that the good Lord continued to protect us from all harms. But, in the morning of the second day, after coffee break, two Japanese soldiers approached us with their bayonets drawn and dangerously aimed at us. They ordered us to form ourselves into a circle and show them our travel passes. We became panicky, knowing that this was among the deadly tricks Japanese soldiers usually do when they intend to take, or to kill somebody. But like a sure blessing from heaven, one of the soldiers did express his intention to only take the gold wristwatch the Seminary Rector was wearing. Very reluctantly, the Rector parted with his valuable wristwatch so that we could proceed on safe and unhampered, to Tayzan.

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Exultant with hope but with limbs that ached on account of long foot travel, we decided to stop for the night in one of the empty houses. But knocks had awakened us from our sleep. A messenger had come with a warning from the local guerrillas, telling that we should immediately abandon the place and look for another hideout where we would be safer. He told us to refrain from taking the main road lest we risk being seen by Japanese patrolling the highways.

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Obediently, we once again gathered all we would need for the journey and marched off towards safety. Having covered quite a distance, we stopped for a brief rest. When we opened our eyes the sun was already up high in the sky. A Vincentian priest hurriedly said Mass, after which we again resumed our way to safety.

This time, our march to safety was particularly strenuous not only because we had to pass through rough and bumpy footpaths, to scale stiff hillside trails, but also because we had some children in our company. Finally, we reached a village that was already in the hands of the Americans. During the hectic days of endless walking, we hardly paid attention to our personal fears. But the moment we reached safer place of escape, feelings of apprehensions started again to bother us because we do not know the condition of our Sisters in Manila. As a matter of fact, the usual news we used to get from Manila was far from indeed consoling. At any rate, we continued to

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have faith in God and his almighty protection. The assuring words of our Founder had also helped boost our morale and spirit, hoping that our Sisters in Manila were also like us, spared from every possible danger.

On March 18, the eve of the feast of St. Joseph, after a frugal breakfast that the people who temporarily sheltered us had prepared, we decided to get some sleep so as to ease up our exhaustion caused by the long walk we had made. Meanwhile, Bishop Verzosa and Monsignor Obviar, his assistant, left ahead for Ibaan, an interior town in Batangas. On March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, after Holy Mass, we once more resumed our journey on foot for Ibaan, which we hoped to reach by noontime. Upon reaching Ibaan, Father Guido, a priest of the Oblate Fathers of Asti (Italy) and rector of the parish of Ibaan, treated us with a simple lunch. After this, he accompanied us to a nipa hut where we temporarily stayed during our brief sojourn in the place. Ever mindful of the Founderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exhortation, to always keep the Blessed Sacrament with us, we immediately worked to convert one of the rooms into an improvised oratory where we reverently deposited the Sacred Hosts. The Vincentian Fathers who were with us all the way from Lipa to Ibaan, usually acted as our Chaplains. They took turns in celebrating the Mass for us and for those people who came with us looking also for a safe place to hide. We would

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pray the Rosary with the people in the evening and conclude the day with the benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

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The day after we arrived, Father Jose, a Josephine priest, came and told us about his intention to leave for Manila to see what had befallen on both the Pauline Priests and the Daughters of St. Paul who had opted to remain in Manila. However, he told us very frankly that he would not want any of us to go with him. “Don’t you worry because I will assure the Fathers and your Sisters, that you are all alive and safe.” This, indeed, was the moment we had been waiting for – to be able to find a way to communicate with our Sisters in Manila!

Sometime later, Sister Elena related what transpired when Father Jose showed up in the Pauline Fathers’ place in Pasay. She reported: “I was making the Holy Hour in the chapel, a little enclosure separated from the receiving room by just a thin curtain, when Father Jose arrived. From where I was, I heard Father Borgogno warmly and enthusiastically welcoming the newly-arrived priest who unceremoniously broke the news in this manner: “They’re staying with us in Ibaan right now, and are sending their regards to all of you.” I instantly stood up and rushed out to convey the happy news to the other two Sisters who were with me. Joy had so gripped our hearts; we could say nothing that made sense. I rushed back to the

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chapel to thank the Lord, now sure that our Sisters in Ibaan had no idea yet that like themselves, we too were alive and safe. The Lord had been really so wonderful towards us. I am convinced that the prayers of our saintly Founder, Father Alberione, had much to do with our having been spared from harm and misfortunes.

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Thus says the Lord: “The people that escaped the sword have found favor in the desert. As Israel comes forward to be given his rest, the Lord appears to him from afar: With age -old love I have loved you.; so I have kept my mercy toward you. Again I will restore you, and you shall be rebuilt, O Virgin Israel. Jeremiah, 31 2-4

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26. Life in Ibaan While keeping order in the chapel one morning, I accidentally raised my eyes and from the open window I caught sight of a man in army uniform. He was as though looking for someone. Unable no longer to refrain my curiosity, I rushed up to the window to have a closer look at the man. Our eyes locked and I easily recognized that the man was no other than Brother Gregorio of the Society of St. Paul. Like a flash of lightning, I ran downstairs and then out in the street, calling as loud as I could, “Brother Gregorio!” I was not

The news easily spread that people came and flocked to us. Even the Vincentian Priests joined the others, eager to hear what had also befallen their confreres who decided to remain in Manila. But just as the news that came to us was all good and joyful, that of the Vincentian Fathers was rather stark and depressing. All their confreres suffered gruesome death from the hands of the Japanese, save for a certain Father Gutierrez who miraculously escaped from the brutal carnage. There and then, I was again reminded of the words of our beloved Founder: “Do not be afraid; pray to Mary and she will surely protect you from all harm.” When Brother Gregorio rode back to Manila in his army vehicle, he took along Sisters Gaetanina, Melania and some Vincentian Fathers, too.

27. Cherished Memories One afternoon, while doing the laundry in a nearby creek, I heard sound of voices and light footsteps heading to where I was. I stood up quickly to see who could be up there at such an early hour. I peered through the gaps of the

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at all mistaken for the man in uniform stopped and turned to me. What a happy reunion we really had, then! Afterwards, Brother Gregorio explained to us why he was wearing an army uniform. He had to join the US army to enable him to travel to Batangas to find out where he could locate us.

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bushes and saw two figures closing in towards where I stood. I immediately recognized one as Sister Elena. I waited in silence but as soon as they were within reach, I excitedly came out from my hiding and shouted, “Elena! Elena!”

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Not having expected my sudden appearance, the two Sisters immediately stopped short off their tract. I excitedly dashed towards Sister Elena who looked too dumb founded to be able to react. Lovingly, I placed my arms around her, and the emotions that passed through between us, were too great for description. I, as a matter of fact, could hardly believe that we were again together! Sister Elena looked haggard and the habit she had on was faded and crumpled. We had many more good things to talk about and communicate to each other, and time seemed more generous to us to do it, thank God. The Vincentian Fathers had also come to take part in our rejoicing and had tarried a while more so they could listen to the endless tales the two Sisters from Manila had to narrate.

After two days, we made up our minds to see the Bishop and asked him what would be the best course of action to take, considering our too cramped situation in Ibaan. We arrived in the place with only the few pieces of clothes we were able to grab during our flight from the Japanese who wanted to kill all of us. Understanding as ever and open to suggestions, the good Bishop had made this new arrangement for us, saying:

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“You may transfer to Bauan (a coastal town in the southeastern part of Batangas), if you wish. I’ll notify the parish priest and ask him to allow you to occupy two rooms of the rectory. I would ask you to be patient because right now there are other three families staying in the parish rectory. But you may go there just the same.”

Before leaving for Bauan, we made a fleeting trip to Lipa to see the condition of our house. But, this was not our only reason; we also wanted to go to the seminary garden to retrieve the trunks we left buried there. The friendly Americans had given us a hand so we could carry out our plan by letting us use the Red Cross van. But our joy immediately did turn into a nightmare when we saw the most distressing sight that greeted us when we reached Lipa. Everything was in shambles! All that remained were heaps of rubbles and a good number of badly damaged houses. It took us sometime before we could locate and recognize the place where our house once stood. Both the seminary and the cathedral had been razed to the ground by the fire. The moment we found ourselves inside the seminary premises, we started the search for our “buried treasures”. But our marker was nowhere to be found. With grim determination, however, we continued our search until finally we hit the right spot! “At last!” cried out Sister Elena, “we can now put on something proper and decent!” We brought away the trunk containing the wooden

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cross and the frames of the Fourteen Stations to Batangas City for the purpose of safekeeping under the custody of the Good Shepherd Sisters.

28. From Ibaan to Bauan

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Exactly a week had passed, and in obedience to the Bishop’s advice, we packed our things up and said good-bye to our many friends in Ibaan. Although our stay in this place was only very brief, there were some girls who manifested their intentions to enter our Institute. “You may follow us to Bauan, if you wish, but we cannot promise that life would always be fine and filled with roses.” Bauan finally! The parish priest, an untiring minister of God, warmly and enthusiastically welcomed us. Father Gualberto Torres had enormously suffered during the war. He lost his family except his thirteen-year-old nephew who lived with him in the rectory. Losing no time, Father Gualberto showed us the three rooms he intended for our use. We immediately converted a room into a tiny chapel where we kept the Blessed Sacrament, the second room into a receiving room, and the third, for our sleeping quarter.

Although our situation had improved a little than that of Ibaan, we, nevertheless, had to content ourselves to sleep on the bare wooden floor with no sheets and pillows. For cooking we had to utilize the same kitchen and eat our meals together with the parish priest inside the same

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dining hall. And what could be said about the church? Well, the roofs were gone except for that part on top of the main altar!

As I mentioned earlier, Bauan used to be a coastal town that had suffered damages during the war. But it was here that the Americans had decided to put up a military hospital and headquarters. There was also a Military Chaplain who provided spiritual services for those soldiers assigned in the area.

Not long after we arrived in Bauan when the Chaplain came for a courtesy call during which he asked if we could assist in providing religious and moral guidance to the soldiers. He told us that the recently opened nightclubs and whorehouses in Bauan’s main thoroughfares had been causing him much concern. For this reason, he wanted that we help him divert the soldiers’ attention to something really worthwhile that would help minimize their interest for morally degrading pastimes. The Lord had, at all times, been quick “to hear the “cry of the poor”, for he had inspired us to put our femininity and culinary knowledge into good use. So, we invited the Chaplain and his men to drop by our place to taste our Italian spaghetti. This simple strategy seemed to have worked because almost immediately after that, soldiers began to come, although timidly at first, to order plates of our tasty spaghetti. The Chaplain, pleased with the good results of our

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innocent venture, made it a point to take with him bundles of spaghetti noodles and tomato pastes every time he would drop by to see us.

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Since the visits of the servicemen for their plates of spaghetti had by now became more frequent, our rather frugal lifestyle might have called their attention, because one day, some of them came with bed sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and a good quantity of towels, kitchen utensils and tableware. The Chaplain continued to supply us with spaghetti noodles and tomato pastes that lasted for quite sometime. Oh, how we thanked God for all the blessings he kept sending even in such unthinkable way. But what had given us more joy was the knowledge that the men who used to frequent our little canteen had looked since then, much better and also in high spirits after having eaten a plateful of our nourishing Italian spaghetti! They appeared serene and at ease in our company. We took this as an opportunity to help these young soldiers from committing spiritual and moral harm to themselves and to others. This special commitment lasted all the while we were staying in Bauan. While we, Italian Sisters kept ourselves busy attending to our kitchenette, our four Filipino Sisters, the three postulants and a novice, looked after the upkeep of our house without neglecting to apply themselves diligently to the study of the basics of Religious Life.

While we were in Bauan, the Lord of the Harvest blessed us with the entrance of three

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young girls: one from Casiguran, Quezon, another from Ibaan, and the third, from Bauan itself. A great amount of faith was needed to join us at a time when we saw no bright future ahead of us. Our life then was a daily existence, supported by the hope that God would eventually â&#x20AC;&#x153;turn our mourning into dancingâ&#x20AC;?. In the meantime, we tried to inculcate to our newly-entered vocations all the good things we ourselves had received from the Founder, from our Co-Foundress Mother Thecla, and our other Superiors, from whom we learned: the Pauline Spirit, love for Jesus Christ and his Gospel, and zeal for the Pauline apostolate. Although we lost all our valuable possessions so that we had to live in want, all this did not deter the girls from sharing our life. This had given us much joy and had also strengthened our hope in our truly faithful God!

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8 A Visit to America

It doesn’t matter adapting this or that means; what matters is that There should be hearts ardent and willing to be fully given for others. Fr. James Alberione

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Towards the end of September 1945, a letter from Mother Thecla had reached us via the United States of America. Only God knew the happiness we experienced when we learned of its contents. Attached to Mother Thecla’s letter was a note from Sister Paola Cordero, then Superior of the Daughters of St. Paul in the United States. Mother Thecla said in her letter that she wanted us to go to America to take our much-needed rest and physical re-conditioning. Afterwards, she wanted that we help to conduct book missions in the families. In appreciation of this, Sister Paola, the Superior, had promised to have some books printed for us when we return to the Philippines.

Extremely delighted by Sister Paola’s generous offer, Sister Elena had decided to immediately send Sister Melania and me to the United States.

On board the US Marine Eagle, were several wounded soldiers and a dozen of women including ourselves. All of us women had been accommodated and occupied a large cabin. For twenty uneventful days we navigated the immense Pacific Ocean that, I thought, was far from peaceful as its name indicates because all that the ship did was sail through rough and turbulent waters. Things had changed when our ship steered through the world-famed Golden Gate Bridge, so often the topic of conversations of the young soldiers we used to serve in our little canteen back in Bauan. The bridge was long and elevated enabling even huge and tall vessels to pass through underneath. The sight it offered was awesome and, to me, extremely breath-taking!

The US Marine Eagle called port at San Francisco, a big Californian city. A huge crowd turned out at the pier to meet us. As soon as we were through with the usual inspections, we were accompanied to the convent of the Presentation Sisters, where we were given our needed accommodations. Here, our stay was much shorter than

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By the end of 1945, our passports and travel documents were ready and all in place. But because of the many dangers at sea during that time, no commercial ships were operating, forcing us to apply to take the war ship US Marine Eagle used in transporting wounded soldiers and some civilians bound for California, USA.

The day that followed our arrival in San Francisco, we boarded the train that was bound for New York. While in the train, a telegram had reached us from Sister Paola, telling us of her eager desire to see us. Our meeting with our sisters was extremely exciting, and it became even more so when Sister Paola broke us the news that Father Alberione and Mother Thecla who were making their fraternal visits to the Pauline Fathers and Sisters, would come to the United States for the same reason. hwat a it

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I was so filled with immense joy at all this, but a pang of regret nipped at my heart when the thought of the other Sisters in the Philippines crossed my mind. They surely were missing the grand opportunity we were then enjoying. How I wished they were with us to complete our joy. Our coming to America was not so much for our own sake, but most of all for the good of our budding Filipino community. For this reason, we resolved to courageously and generously give ourselves to the task that would soon be entrusted to us while in America.

The encounter we had with Mother Thecla was beyond description! Just imagine how thrilled a child would be to see its mother after having been separated from her for a long, long, time! To this could also be added the tensions

that had gripped our hearts and hers, on account of the indescribable anxieties that the war had caused us.

In November of the same year, Sister Paola had surprised me with the news that I could go to Italy to see my family before we go back to the Philippines. I certainly had no words to describe my joy as I imagined my forthcoming meeting with my dear ones after an absence of nine long years. My excitement had doubled, as I looked forward my meeting with my younger sister who entered the Congregation at the tender age of fourteen, three years after I had left Italy for the Orient. In the Congregation, she is known as Sister Bianca Maria Zanoni.

As planned, I boarded a ship and sailed to Naples. This time, however, the Superior and the Sisters who came to meet me were no longer the same ones who sent us off nine years before. Nevertheless, the encounter I had with the Sisters of the community of Naples had been equally warm and pleasant.

30. My Second Departure From Italy On January 16, 1947, I again boarded the ship that brought me back to the United States, no longer alone, but with two other Daughters of St. Paul, namely: Sisters Luisa Toninello and Teresa Musi. Our voyage had been far from being pleasant though because somewhere along our way, we nearly hit a floating mine. Two days

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we had intended because of our eagerness to reach New York where our own Sisters had been waiting for us to arrive.

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Our stopover in New York lasted for two days, giving me enough time to prepare the crates to be shipped to Manila. From New York, I took the train for San Francisco where the ship that would take me to Manila was docked. It was so delightful to meet two other Daughters of St. Paul - Sisters Bianca Giordano and Laurenzia Casamassima - who had come ahead in the United States to learn English. hwat a it

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Once again, we boarded a ship bound for the Orient with a good number of both Catholic and Protestant Missionaries. Before it headed straight to Manila, our ship called port at Honolulu. We reached Manila on the first week of March, after one month sailing across the vast Pacific Ocean. When our ship had finally been docked at the Manila South Harbor, Sister Elena was already at the quayside, eagerly waiting for us.

too would have to move ourselves from Bauan to San Jose, so that the place that the seminarians would vacate would be turned over to us. San Jose, by the way, is a tiny municipality about ten kilometers away from Lipa. When we moved over to San Jose, the parish priest was Father Luis Fornace of the Oblates of St. Joseph. He immediately gave us the permission to make use of three rooms of their seminary, the biggest of which we converted into to a dining hall, a kitchen and a workshop. The other two smaller rooms became sleeping quarters. Our moving out from Bauan to San Jose was much easier this time because our American friends from Bauan had provided us with a lorry, big enough to accommodate all our belongings and pieces of furniture – a sufficient proof that our Providential

31. New Transplant The old saying that the cabbage should first be transplanted so that it could grow much better, seemed to have worked quite well with us because when the Bishop of Lipa had so arranged that the diocesan seminary be transferred from the town of San Jose to Bauan, this meant that we

A room converted into dining hall, kitchen and workshop in San Jose, Batangas.

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before we reached our port of destination a violent cyclone had badly damaged the ship’s steering wheel. Eventually, things had returned to normal, to the great satisfaction of both the ship’s crew and passengers!

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Constant mobility and the pressures of responsibility had greatly taxed Sister Elena’s health. To confront the situation it was necessary for her to go back to Italy for treatment and rest. To do this, however, she had to sail in another American warship bound for the United States because there were still no commercial vessels operating from the Philippines to Europe. Thus, in March 1947, Sister Elena Ramondetti boarded a US warship and sailed off to the United States of America. hwat a it

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After Sister Elena’s departure for America, we immediately organized ourselves for the construction of our house in Lipa, - a challenge to which we committed ourselves with much faith and passion. But it did not take long for us to realize the difficulty that loomed ahead, because we had no idea who to contact for the job. We solved this initial problem when Father Borgogno introduced us to Architect Espejo, a reliable parishioner friend of theirs from Pasay. Architect Espejo acted quickly and drew the house plan and looked for a good contractor whom we found very reliable and fit for the task. The next problem that needed to be tackled was where we could get the construction permit, for at that time, Lipa’s power supply was very poor. It was exactly in circumstance such as this, that we believe from the depth of our hearts, that

God’s work would not fail to shine. So, unfazed by the odds before us, and armed by our faith in God’s unfailing Providence, we started a series of novena prayers, and invoked the help of all our heavenly intercessors. From San Jose, we would go to Lipa every Sunday to visit the site where our house would soon be constructed. We used also to have a Mass said for the Holy Souls in Purgatory to obtain through their intercession the helps, both spiritual and material, we needed to be able to realize our construction project. Sister Elena who was then vacationing in Italy had informed us that she had even recommended our special intention to the dying Sister Vincenza Gasparrone who, on her part, had gladly promised to pray for our urgent needs the moment she reached heaven. And true enough, on October 5, 1947; the day she died, we received the permit to start the construction of our house. Behold, then, the power of prayer, and the miraculous assistance of the Holy Souls in Purgatory on our behalf!

The first load of construction materials arrived on the 11th of October. Two days later, the 14th, the digging of the foundations immediately took place. An artisian well was built at the construction site to remedy the shortage of water. To this day, as a matter of fact, the same well continues to give the community of Lipa, fresh drinking water. On November 2, the cornerstone was blessed. While the construction work went on smoothly, we

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God always takes good care of those who put their trust in him.

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On the night of December 26, 1947, our sleep was interrupted by violent gusts of winds. Terrified, we jumped out of bed to close the windows which we usually left open during the night. The following morning we found out that a very strong typhoon had hit Luzon, leaving on its trail uprooted trees, heaps of shattered window glasses and rooftops blown away to different directions. These natural phenomenon did leave a lasting impression on us. After the typhoon, our minds immediately flew to the site of our construction. We thought of

the damage that could happen to the wood planks and the cement bags piled high under the shed that was put up to keep them from getting wet. Before such an unexpected dilemma, all we did was to wait patiently for the weather to improve. When it finally did, we immediately rushed to Lipa to find out at what point the construction work was done. To our great consolation, everything seemed all in place so that our instant reaction was again to thank the good Lord for his love and unfailing protection.

32. Arrival of Japan-Bound FSPs February 10, 1949, marked the arrival of three Italian Daughters of St. Paul from the United States bound for Japan. They were Sisters Irene Conti, Lorenzina Nota, and Palmira Bernardini. Their assignment was to start the Congregation in Japan. They were sent to the Philippines to get a taste of mission life, and to increase their efficiency in speaking the English language by helping us perform the book mission in the families. At this point, allow me to cite an incident that would leave a truly unforgettable mark in our memory. It was Easter Monday that fell on March 29, 1949. A custom that we usually carry out almost everywhere in the Congregation, was to make Easter Monday as a non-working day, during which we would rest longer, pray in common, go out in the open for group recreation, or even to go for an outing if this would be

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again found ourselves facing the wall; this time, it was about the money we needed to give the weekly salary of the construction workers, and the necessary amount for the purchase of other construction materials that needed to be done every thirty days. Our only hope, then, was to turn to the Poor Souls in Purgatory who we believed would intercede to God for us. In the meantime, we intensified the apostolate of book diffusions, firmly believing that â&#x20AC;&#x153;God helps those who help themselves.â&#x20AC;? And, in the course of our book diffusion work, we would humbly express our needs to the good people we encountered who, in turn, had gladly extended the financial assistance so urgently needed. Thus, when payday arrives, the worker had always been given their salary and, not only, but to our great surprise, there still was the sufficient amount left for our other needs during the week.

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The bus driver tried hard to keep a good hold at the wheels, but the roads became extremely slippery farther on that at a certain point, the brakes ceased to function, causing the bus to skid and turned turtle. A loud chorus of “Jesus, Mary and Joseph! And “Angel of God” resounded in the damp air. There was dead silence that followed after, “Thank, God, no one died,” but some of the passengers suffered from twisted arms and s sprained legs. In reporting the incident to the community later on, Sister Gaetanina had this to say: “I made some efforts to gather my few things when I noticed that some of the passengers were attempting to get out of the bus through the windows. I started to worry about the fate

of the other Sisters who were seated beside me, but who could nowhere be seen at that moment. Just then what greeted my sight when I raised my eyes were broken pieces of glass and passengers’ luggage scattered all over the place. Fear gripped my heart, but as I turned my gaze on the opposite direction, I saw my other three companions, standing and looking very fine. Thank God, I muttered, no one of us was hurt. Most of the other passengers looked dazed; only a few suffered from slight bruises. When the commotion subsided, we found ourselves surrounded by the other passengers, feeling endlessly grateful and having this to say: “Thank you, Sisters! Nothing serious happened to us because you were praying the rosary during the trip!” Well, we ourselves did have the impression that Our Lady’s hand joined to that of St. Paul, had indeed helped to ward off serious harm from befalling us; most probably to reward our readiness to put the community’s needs before our own. There were also occasions when our plans went wrong, or did not materialize. But instead of losing our peace, we would immediately say: “Patience! Let us offer all these for the good outcome of the construction of our house!” Indeed, it seemed that everything cooperated to help us achieve our goals. Although we were few, our resolute efforts to work for the common good gave positive results for us, and for the good

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possible. This time, however, because of financial necessity on account of the ongoing construction of the house, we decided to go for a book mission to the families by forming two squads. Sister Gaetanina and Sister Bianca Giordano formed the first squad, while Sister Bertilla Lorenzi and Postulant Maria Orgas, formed the second squad. All four of them happily boarded a bus to visit families in a nearby town with books. Once securely seated, they pulled out their rosaries and began to pray in silence. After an hour drive from Lipa, the bus pulled into the highway that was full of potholes. What was worse was the fact that it heavily rained during the night so that the roads became dangerously slippery and soaked in mud that made driving truly difficult.

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In July 1949, Sisters Irene and Palmira, had happily concluded their missionary stint in the Philippines. Overflowing with pastoral concern and zeal for the Pauline mission, they took the ship that brought them off to Japan.

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Missionary Sisters from US bound for Japan: (L-R) Sisters Luisa Toninello, Palmira Bernardini, Irene Conti, Lorenzina Nota

33. The New House of Lipa We asked the contractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s permission to allow us to move and occupy the first floor of our house as soon as this would be habitable because our temporary place in San Jose had became too crowded for our growing community. This arrangement had enabled us to sleep at night on the yet unpolished floor of the house where we

tried to spread the native mats at night and rolled them up again in the morning so that the workers could continue on their work unhampered. In this manner we had been spared from commuting daily from San Jose to Lipa, which became too tiresome for us.

The construction work was almost at its end when Sister Elena returned from her vacation in Italy. Even our four Filipino Sisters, who made their novitiate formation in Rome, had also returned, increasing thus our teams of evangelizers. The four were Sisters Elena (Modesta) Roallos, Paola (Floria) Perez, Nazarena (Lydia) Silvestre, and Thecla (Pacita) Honrade. At about the same time, a shipment of house furnishing arrived from the United States of America. Thus, little by little more house furnishing began to fill up the bare spaces of our new house that enabled our Sisters to live in a more comfortable manner.

The construction saw completion on the last Sunday of December. The house really looked fantastic, and its green paint made it even more attractive to behold. As a matter of fact, after the war, it was regarded one of the best constructions in Lipa.

After Sister Elenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s return from Japan, we left for Manila to invite the Apostolic Delegate, Monsignor Piani, to officiate the blessing of the new house. On this memorable occasion, we also invited all those who had helped fund the construction of our house. We finally reached a

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outcome of our cherished project: the completion of the construction of our house!

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very important milestone in the history of our foundation in the Philippines. To God, then, be all the glory and praise!

There is something every Filipino Daughter of St. Paul must keep in mind, and it is this: The House of Lipa was the fruit of ardent prayers, sacrifices and constant labor of love by â&#x20AC;&#x153;the workers of the first hourâ&#x20AC;?. Most of all, it was a project realized through the powerful intercession of the Poor Souls in Purgatory!

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In January 1949, Sister Redenta Commentucci, arrived from the United States to carry out the task of forming the Novices. On January 25, the Holy See granted us the permission to make the house of Lipa the official Novitiate Formation House in the Philippines. On March 18, 1949, the first three Filipino Sisters began their novitiate course under Sister Redenta, and they were: Sisters Pierina (Luz) Enriquez, Maria Pia (Candelaria) Faller, and Maria Teresa (Ladesma) Orgas.

Sister Bianca Maria with first batch of Filipina vocations: Sisters Teresa Orgas, Giuseppina Pormalejo, Nazarena Silvestre and Pierina Enriquez.

Sr. Redenta Commentucci, first novice formator

Blessed is she who comes in the name of the Lord! Mark 12:9

34. Mother Thecla Visits the Orient

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April 10 will always be considered a redletter day in the history of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines, for it marked the mostawaited visit to the Orient of Mother Thecla Merlo, Co-Foundress and the Congregation’s First General Superior. She parted ways with Father James Alberione, the Founder, who was still in Calcutta, India. She thought it much better to go to the Philippines ahead since there were yet no communities of the Daughters of St. Paul that needed to be visited in the country. Father Aberione, on the other hand, proceeded to Allahabad to continue his fraternal visits to the priests and brothers of the Society of St. Paul, while Mother Thecla took the plane for Manila. To have Mother Thecla with us for the first time was a rare gift from the Lord, for it gave us the opportunity to communicate personally with

May 1949 was also memorable because it is the month during which we celebrate with great solemnity the Feast of the Queen of Apostles. As a matter of fact, it was on this occasion that two of our young Postulants received the religious habit of the Daughters of St. Paul. Since Father Alberione was still in India and could not be present to officiate the Investiture Rite, we therefore asked Monsignor Obviar to do it. The good number of visitors that turned out for the ceremony had so amused Mother Thecla. She found it interesting that the parents of one of the candidates had to come even a day before to prepare the food to be served for the occasion. We, in fact, had been spared from preparing our own community meals. Indeed, a truly typical Filipino trait so commonly practiced especially in rural areas! Time flew very quickly and Mother Thecla’s visit had finally ended. We had no words to describe our regrets, but the words she left when she bade us goodbye, sank very deeply in our hearts. Very earnestly, she urged us to generously follow and love our Pauline vocation. We felt that her visit had been for us a true source of blessings and also gave our budding apostolic ventures the right orientation. It was also during Mother Thecla’s visit that Sister Elena was designated

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her. Even our celebration of Easter became very lively on account of her presence.

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Delegate Superior to Japan, and I, became the Superior of the growing community of Lipa.

In November of the same year, another Religious Investiture was held in our convent. Several girls tried to ask to be admitted into our Institute. However, we had to carefully select the applicants and saw to it that they possessed the proper qualifications to ensure their perseverance in the religious life. Meanwhile, we began to see the need of organizing the technical sector of the apostolate.

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Luckily, some printing equipment arrived from the United States: an electric paper cutter, a folding machine, a book presser, and a stitching machine for pamphlets. But our books still needed to be printed outside.

During the visit of Primo Maestro and Prima Maestra Standing L-R: Sisters Pierina, Teresa and Pia.

Memorable Visits

In November 1949, a Papal Nuncio had been designated for the Philippines in the person of Monsignor Egidio Vagnozzi. The new Nuncio and his Secretary, Msgr. Moretti, became very close friends of our Congregation. It was not rare therefore that they would come to Lipa and drop by our convent for a fleeting visit and to enjoy a plate of Italian spaghetti. At about the same time, the See of Lipa was left empty because Monsignor Obviar became the Local Ordinary of the newly erected diocese of Lucena. In the absence of Msgr. Obviar, Msgr. Rufino Santos became the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Lipa.

35. The Manila Foundation It had always been our great desire to establish also the Congregation in Manila, but the Apostolic Delegate Michael Dougherty did not see it fit to give us that permission while he held that office. So we waited for God’s hour to strike. We informed Father Alberione and Mother Thecla about our difficulty in obtaining the necessary permission during our conversations with them. And this was the answer Father Alberione gave us: “Don’t you worry. Your desire to open a house in Manila will soon be realized. How exactly, I can’t tell you. But it will certainly be within this year.” Our hope to establish a house in not too distant a future in Manila, was greatly buoyed up by the encouraging words that came from the

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Papal Nuncio, Msgr. Vagnozzi, his Secretary, Msgr. Morelli, and Msgr. Rufino Santos the Apostolic Administrator of Lipa. True enough, God’s hour did strike in a most mysterious manner for we received the news that Msgr. Michael Dougherty became ill and died. His Excellency, Msgr. Gabriel Reyes then became the Archbishop of Manila. Almost immediately, we rushed to Manila to meet the newly-designated Prelate and asked his permission to open a house in his archdiocese. We did not find it hard to discuss our request with the new Archbishop because of Msgr. Rufino Santos. hwat a it

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Lipa’s Apostolic Administrator, had already briefed him earlier about our case. There was no doubt, too, that the Papal Nuncio exerted his good influence on our favor. Our audience with Archbishop Reyes ended so well, even with a light touch of humor for he quipped, saying, “Well, four more mouths to feed will certainly not make the archdiocese poorer, would it? Yes, you may come to work in my archdiocese!” Having obtained the permission to open our house in Manila, we immediately searched for a place where we could stay even temporarily. We found a small one on Harrison Street, quite close to the Fathers’ residence. But our stay there did not last long, for we needed a much larger space for our belongings and ourselves. Finally, we came upon a bigger house on Vito Cruz Street where the Mass could be celebrated everyday.

Memorable Visits

Mobility seemed to have been the order of this period, for our cramped situation in our temporary house on Vito Cruz Street had forced us again to look for yet another place to stay. This time our search ended at the Kraut Compound along Dominga Street, also in Pasay, and where a house had been offered for rent. We lived in this Compound for about six years. On June 30, 1950, twelve more Postulants received the Holy Habit in Lipa. The Papal Nuncio who was supposed to officiate the Investiture Rite had fallen ill the day before the occasion and was rushed to the University of Santo Tomas Hospital for immediate treatment. We, therefore, requested Monsignor Rufino Santos, then Apostolic Administrator of Lipa, to perform the Rite of Investiture. So as to accommodate the big number of visitors that turned out for the ceremony, we decided to have it done in the more spacious Divino Amor Church, known also as the shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Young girls meanwhile continued to seek admission to our Congregation. The house of Lipa started to be a bit crowded. To remedy the situation, we decided to build an annex building so as to accommodate our young candidates. In November 1950, the construction for the intended annex started and was finished in the early part of the following year. The second floor of the new building became the dormitory of the postulants,

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and the ground floor served as the printing shop and bindery department.

November 21, 1951 marked the establishment of our house in Cebu. Sister Melania Ravarotto and three Filipino Sisters sailed off to this very historic city, looking forward to initiate there our Pauline apostolate. When they arrived, they immediately tried to meet the Archbishop, but he was out making pastoral rounds in the town of Argao. So, Sister Melania and her companions proceeded to Argao to see and greet the Archbishop who did not only give his approval for them to live and

Apostolate Hall in Lipa with aspirants Cecilia Estrada (Sr. Joseph), Proserfina dela Cruz (Sr. Prose), Remedios Echavez (Sr. Antonietta). hwat a it

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In 1952 some significant progress were noted in the area of both community living and in the technical department of the apostolate. Two more Italian Sisters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sister Maria Gigliola Correggioli, and Sister Donata Bugnola arrived Sister Ma. Gigliola Correggioli on board an Italian cargo vessel together with a cutting machine. At about the same time, the Daughters of St. Paul in America had also sent a folding machine, a much bigger paper cutter, and a book presser. All the above printing equipments were stalled on the ground floor of the new building, becoming thus our permanent technical plant while we were staying in Lipa.

Daughters of St. Paul - Cebu in 1951

work in Cebu, but had also asked them to join and take lunch with him in the parish rectory.

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“Everything should begin in Bethlehem,” used to be the Founder’s constant reminder to those Sisters who came to see him before leaving for their mission assignment. Sister Melania and her companions tried to faithfully keep this important Pauline tradition. They rented a little house at Jacosalem Street, not far from the Archbishop’s residence where they went everyday for Holy Mass and for the Daily Hour of Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. However, they had to move to a bigger house to enable them to open a tiny book center and also to put up a little chapel where the Blessed Sacrament could be kept. After a rather taxing search, they found an ideal location for both the house and the book center at Jones Avenue. Not long afterwards a batch of Sisters also arrived to reinforce the Community, enabling it to face the challenges of the apostolate in Cebu.

Meantime, Sister Elena left to conduct the fraternal visit among the Daughters of St. Paul in Japan. While there, we received the sad news that she fell ill with tuberculosis. All the while God had been blessing us with spiritual and material favors, so we thought that he was now asking us to show our gratitude through Sister Elena’s serene acceptance of her health condition. And, so characteristic of Sister Elena Ramondetti, she did accept this trial that had come to her and to us.

Memorable Visits

In Japan, Sister Elena received intensive care and good medical assistance that had made her recover faster so that she was able to return to the Philippines. But we did not enjoy her coming back because a few days later she received a letter from Mother Thecla, bidding her to go to India. She left for Mumbai where she stayed for thirteen long years! After Sister Elena had left for India, Mother Thecla recommended that we extend assistance to our Sisters in Japan who had decided to also construct a house of their own. But even before this request, we were already sending them a modest amount of US dollars. When the Philippine Government started to tighten its policy concerning the sending of dollars out of the country, we tried to find another way of reaching out to our Sisters in Japan.

Through the suggestion of a concerned benefactor who, at that time was in the shipping business, we decided to ship them timber instead of money. Our Japanese Sisters sold the timber and used the money to pay the construction of their new house. In addition, we were also asked to shoulder the expenses for trip and study of those Sisters being sent to Italy for their formation and further studies. This arrangement went on for sometime. When Mother Thecla came to visit the Philippines in 1962 – her last visit – she told us that the progress of the Congregation in the Philippines especially its remarkable achievements in the

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vocational field, was greatly due to the charitable assistance that the Philippine Province had extended to the Daughters of the St. Paul in Japan and in India. During the same visit, Mother Thecla also announced the news that two Sisters would be sent as missionaries to India. This had greatly heightened the missionary enthusiasm among the Sisters, but Sisters Paola Perez and Nazarena Silvestre were the ones chosen this time. On the early part of October, our two Filipina Missionaries sailed off to India together with Postulant Concordia Villaram who was on her way to Italy for her novitiate training and theological studies. hwat a it

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36. Further Progress in the Technical Apostolate Our progress in the technical area of the apostolate was making a good headway. With the opening of the houses of Manila and Cebu, demands for more books had likewise increased. To meet this demand, we decided to buy a service wagon that would facilitate the transporting of printing materials from Manila to Lipa. Sister Donata Bugnola therefore took up driving lessons and eventually became the community courier and driver. In July 1952 Sister Redenta Commentucci left for Italy, and in her absence I took over the task of Novice Formator. Unfortunately, however, I contracted tuberculosis that constrained me to

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take complete rest in the community infirmary for the rest of the medication period. The loving care of the Sisters and the proper administration of medicines had certainly hastened my recovery so that not long after, I was again back on my feet.

At about the same time we greatly felt the need to increase our output in the production of books. But to achieve this goal, it was necessary to purchase more modern printing equipment such as electric paper cutter, a much bigger stitching machine, etc. With Sister Redentaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help, we were able to obtain all these, but unfortunately, during the unloading of cargoes that included ours at the Manila South Harbor, the crate that was containing our electric cutter fell into the sea that could no longer be salvaged! The worse thing was the fact that our new machine had not been insured yet.

The moment we learned about the tragedy, we immediately communicated the incident to Mother Thecla. The response she gave was most encouraging, for she told us that what had happened was nothing compared to the evil that comes from committing a venial sin. This is how saintly persons judge human happenings. They prefer to put all their trust in God even when doing so would mean sacrifices and of being put to a bitter test on their part. So, unfazed by this seeming setback we again asked Sister Redenta to place a new order for a cutting machine. Said cutting machine

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arrived in Manila together with the marble altar that was blessed on December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. The altar really looked beautiful with the life-sized painting of the Divine Master serving as the backdrop of the Tabernacle. Flanking the Tabernacle were the statues of the Queen of Apostles on the right side and that of St. Paul the Apostle on the left.

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I must have already mentioned before that Lipaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electric power supply had always been poor and subject to fluctuations. This had certainly affected the proper functioning of our printing press. So, to minimize this inconvenience, we decided to install a 12-horse-powered generator inside our compound.

Life-size painting of the Divine Master at the altar of Lipa chapel

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In 1952, before the feast of Christmas, a very strong typhoon visited Lipa that left so much havoc all over the place. Even our beautifully tended garden was greatly damaged on account of the ferocity of the winds that uprooted all our Eucalyptus trees. It took us sometime to restore beauty and order in our premises where we decided to plant pine trees and flowering shrubs. In 1953 we ended the old year and welcomed the new at the foot of the Tabernacle. We kept vigil all night long and prayed the Lord to bless the year that was about to begin. And in fact, he really did bless us, for in May 1953 we received the news that Mother Thecla and Father Alberione were scheduled to visit the Orient. Mother Theclaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit became for us a real boost in spiritual renewal. Thus on the feast of the Queen of Apostles, our processional march in her honor was preceded by the solemn enthronement of the Holy Gospel. It was also on this occasion that Mother Thecla told us to scout for a lot where we could eventually construct our house. To have a house in Manila became for us a pressing necessity on account of the many demands of our technical and diffusion sectors as well as for our food supply. Manila would truly be the ideal place to set up a modern printing plant and a bigger house for our constantly growing community.

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In view of this, Mother Thecla and I went to Manila to see some of the lots on sale. But, unfortunately, all the lots we saw, or were offered to us, did not suit our purposes because what we had in mind were: 1) to be able to give a major boost to our book mission in the homes; 2) to increase our production output; 3) to put up a modern printing press; and 4) to be able to organize a study plan for our young Sisters to whom we wanted to provide with good religious and academic training in view of our mission in the Church and in society. Once all these objectives get realized, the house of Lipa would then become the official Novitiate House of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines.

Inasmuch as we did not succeed in finding a good location to build our future house in Manila, we made up our mind to defer our search temporarily. Instead, we agreed to the opening of a house in Davao City, where the Bishop had long been inviting us to come.

Daughters of St. Paul - Davao in 1953

By this time, Father Alberione and Mother Thecla had gone back to Italy. But before leaving

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Chapel in Davao

us, they both promised to come and visit us again after three years. And, as had been our experience, the visits of our Major Superiors become sources of enlightenment, progress in the spiritual life as well as material blessings. Not long after the visit of Mother Thecla had passed, towards the month of May, Sisters Gaetanina, Maria Pia and two other Sisters, took the boat and sailed off to Davao in order to begin in that city our beautiful Pauline Apostolate. And, like all our Pauline beginnings, the Davao Foundation also started from Bethlehem, that is, in poverty and humility. After many twists and turns of events, the alternation of joys and sorrows, our Sisters were able to buy a piece of property where they

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constructed a house that included the book center, a tiny reading room for the public, and a truly attractive chapel, made accessible to all those who might want to drop by and pray before the Blessed Sacrament.

37. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seek And You Shall Findâ&#x20AC;?

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Not long after Mother Thecla and Father Alberione had left and gone back to Italy, we went to see Msgr. Rufino Santos, then Archbishop of Manila, and we laid bare to him our plan to buy a lot in Manila. He showed great interest in our case and gave us pieces of sound advice and, at his suggestion, we went to see Mr. Benito Jalbuena, his friend then engaged in real state business. This good gentleman told us of a property on sale on Harrison Street in Pasay City. We immediately went with him to the place and, oh, it was exactly what we had been dreaming about! However, the price was rather too high for us. We tried to face this challenge through intense prayers, and faith in the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Providence and the powerful intercession of the Holy Souls in Purgatory. The thought of the property in question had further heightened our desire to acquire it. To raise the needed amount, we worked harder in the apostolate. As an act of faith in the powerful intercession of the Saints, we threw medals in some hidden corners of the said property. The Archbishop, who was a staunch supporter of our mission, had encouraged us to go on with

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the deal through Mr. Jalbuena.

To know what proper action to adopt on the matter, we wrote to Mother Thecla who at that time was conducting the Fraternal Visit in Southern Italy. The letter, therefore, was Mother Ignazia Balla forwarded to Mother Ignazia Balla, the Vicar General and, at her behest, Mother Thecla did not hesitate to give her consent, knowing fully well our need to transfer the ever-growing Community of Lipa to a much bigger place like Manila, and also for the other reasons I had already pointed out before.

But then, we came to know that Mother Thecla regretted the fact that she gave her consent in the purchase of the Manila property on account of the huge amount it would involve. But because several days had already passed since she sent us the letter, she abandoned the idea of changing the decision she previously made in favor of the purchase. In the meantime, our lawyer had already started to work on the document that would entitle us to acquire a moral status before the Philippine Government that would enable us to get P150, 000.00 loans on a mortgage basis

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from the bank operating under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Manila. Unfortunately, we were only able to borrow the amount sufficient to cover the down payment being required of us. But, thanks to the efforts of the Archbishop who had kindly mediated on our favor, the loan we needed had been granted us. As per agreement, we were instructed to give the rest of the payment to the Management Office of the Manila Electric Company, which we faithfully did by mortgaging our newly acquired property itself.

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Since the Manila Electric Company at the time we bought the property was still owned and operated by its New York-based Company, all the legal transactions had to be coursed to said Office. On the part of the estate broker, Mr. Jalbuena, who by now had become a very good friend of ours, decided to renounce his commission in the deal on our favor. This had of course eased a little our financial problem. Luckily, too, the Company had also given us five years more to pay our remaining debt. Well, the Lord had already called Mr. Benito Jalbuena to his eternal reward, and it would be most ungrateful on our part not to acknowledge the great good he and his wife, Julieta, had done for us. May the good Lord indeed rest his beautiful soul and bless his wife and children abundantly here and hereafter. The deed of sale was carefully drawn and the signing of contract had been set for November 13

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that had fallen on a Friday. One could just imagine how unpleasant this day must have been for the American Manager who would sign the contract with us. He did not look serene until I politely assured him: “Sir, please do not be bothered by the number because all numbers are the same. I’m pretty sure that today is as lucky for you as it is for us!” Having heard me say this, his face lighted up a little and, having concluded the signing of the papers and the first payment required, we all gave a hearty laugh. On December 15 we moved over to our new compound – a most magnificent place inside which was a lane flanked on either side by huge leafy acacia trees. Smoothly mowed grasses carpeted the front lawns. Inside the compound were two Americanstyled residential houses, one on the left and another on the right. We decided to convert the upper floor of the house on the left into the sleeping quarters of the Pre-postulants, and the ground floor into a chapel. Being larger and made with concrete materials, we transformed the ground floor of the house on the right, to a dining hall, a kitchen, and a receiving room fronted by the portico. The second floor became the sleeping quarters of the Professed Sisters. The third house behind that used to be the domestic helpers’ quarters became the laundry room and garage for our service wagon. Meanwhile, we converted the

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belongings. Such a world of contrast, we thought to ourselves!

tiny warehouse at the back of the house where we put up the chapel, into a temporary printing plant.

The days that followed had been busy days for all the Sisters. Some of our Sisters from Lipa came to give a hand to the Sisters in Kraut Compound on Dominga Street, who were very busy packing their things and getting ready to move in to the new house in Pasay. A priest of the Society of St. Paul came one morning to say Mass and consume the Sacred Hosts. After Mass we loaded the wooden altar to a cargo truck and brought it over to Harrison.

And just as the trucks transporting our humble possessions pulled into the compound, the former occupants were exiting, loaded with their expensive pieces of furniture and personal

December 16, 1953 marked the first day of the Christmas novena. The Superior of the Pauline Fathers came to bless the buildings inside the compound. All the Sisters followed in procession and sang sacred hymns as they entered every room and passed through the corridors of each building. The brief but simple blessing rite was immediately followed by the celebration of the Eucharist in the new chapel. At the moment of Consecration, many of the Sisters were with moist eyes, touched as they were by the thought that Jesus had for the first time taken possession of the new property. We sang the solemn thanksgiving hymn in Latin, the Te Deum, in Gregorian, and

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Daughters of St. Paul Pasay compound and the Regina Apostolorum building when these were acquired in 1950â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

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The statue of the Queen of Apostles was then brought in to take the place of honor reserved for her inside the chapel. It was the first time this gesture was carried out, because this house was being occupied by American Protestants. Thus, in our way of viewing things, the hall that used to stand witness to worldly entertainment or business, would now start to resound with Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holy praises. From Luther to Mary! Yes, from then onward Mary would not only be the Queen of Apostles but also the Protector, Queen and Mother of our new residence. The building was named Regina Apostolorum and the residents Regina Apostolorum Community. Henceforward the name of Her Divine Son would be sweetly invoked, loved, honored and preached!

also Mary’s song, the Magnificat, after the Mass. All these were the simple expressions that came forth from our grateful hearts to Him who, at the most opportune time and moments, intervened so as to grant what we had so long prayed for: a house of our own in Manila! May Jesus and Mary truly grant us the grace to live in our house like angels; may we never soil it with sin!

38. Departure from Lipa

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On January 28, 1954, the printing machines and the equipments for binding books were carefully loaded to a lorry and brought to Pasay. The Sisters who stood by to watch the ordeal could not hold back their tears. They knew for a fact that what were being taken away were most dear to their hearts.

The transporting of home appliances, of huge boxes of printing materials and pieces of furniture continued on the following day. Our service wagon had been kept busy the whole day, ferreting the Sisters and their luggage to the newly acquired property on Harrison Street. On February 10, the last batch of Sisters left Lipa. The few ones that remained were those preparing themselves for their novitiate formation.

39. The Blessing of the New House The house of Harrison was blessed and placed under the patronage of Mary Queen of Apostles.

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To add solemnity and significance to the occasion, the Clothing Ceremony of eight postulants was held on the same day. Archbishop Rufino Santos officiated the Investiture Rites, with the participation of the candidates’ parents, benefactors and friends of the Congregation. In 1954, towards the end of May, I flew to Italy for a short vacation. When I returned to the Philippines, I had the joy of communicating to the Sisters that two more Italian Sisters – Sisters Biancamaria Zanoni and Ferdinanda Venturini – would come to join the community. The latter had been assigned to our newly founded house in Australia. In April 1955 we received a telegram from Rome conveying the news that Father Alberione and Mother Thecla Merlo were coming to pay us another visit. The news had of course caused us much excitement and we immediately informed our Sisters from Cebu, who responded to the news without delay, for within fifteen hours they were in Manila, beaming with enthusiasm and all eager to meet our beloved Founder and Mother Thecla, who we were expecting to arrive by plane the next day, 18th of April. Just a few days after they arrived, Father Founder received a telegram from the Pauline Fathers in Tokyo, requesting him to come for his presence was badly needed there. Father Alberione, accompanied by Mother Thecla therefore took the plane and left for Tokyo.

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When they returned from Tokyo, they wasted no time in informing the community of their decision to open a new foundation in Australia. This important task was entrusted to Sisters Redenta Commentucci and Laurenzia Casamassima who, with Father Alberione and Mother Thecla, boarded a Quantas Airline that flew them to Sydney on May 13, 1955.

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The departure of these two Italian Sisters had caused so much sadness to us in the Philippines, but at the same time, we felt holily proud on account of the fact that the Philippines was fast becoming a good training ground for Filipino Daughters of St. Paul to become missionaries not only in the Asia-Pacific Region, but also to Europe and Africa. Father Alberione and Mother Theclaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visit to Australia lasted for eight days. They again returned to the Philippines to meet and talk to the Sisters in the branch houses after which they flew to India, the final leg of their trip to the Far East. This time, however, many of the Sisters had noticed Father Alberioneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seeming failing health and marked tiredness.

In the early part of July, two more Italian and a Filipina Sister were sent to Australia as reinforcement of the fledgling community of Sydney. They were Sisters Veronica Varona, Stella Luna and Ferdinanda Venturini. Sometime later, Sister Maria Giuseppina Pormalejo also followed and tasked to do housekeeping for the Pauline Fathers. A year later, Sister Maria Assunta Labay

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also left to become part of the Daughters of St. Paul community in Sydney.

Still in 1955, the Eufrasio family of Guinobatan, Albay, came to Pasay and expressed their intention to invite the Daughters of St. Paul to open a house in their town so as to help check through the apostolate of the Good Press, the alarming influence of some Protestant sects operating in the area. The good couple had also manifested their willingness to donate their own house and lot to the Congregation in the event that their appeal would be granted. But although we wanted so much to extend the services of our apostolate to all, in cases such as this, it was necessary first to obtain the approval of the Major Superiors from Rome. And this was exactly the process we followed. The answer from Rome was received with much rejoicing for it did not only convey approval but also the instruction to make the necessary arrangement with the Eufrasio family, but above all, with the Ordinary of the place.

In October of the same year the tiny community assigned to proclaim the Word of God in the Bicol Region took possession and moved in to the house that the Eufrasio Family of Guinobatan had so generously donated to our Congregation. The Bishop himself came to bless it.

40. Wind of Changes Meanwhile, from Australia, Sister Redenta Commentucci returned to the Philippines to

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Sisters Gaetanina, Melania and Cleofe welcomed by the Bishop and the people of Guinobatan, Albay hwat a it

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resume her interrupted task as Formator of the Novices. At the same time, we bought a new Heidelberg printing machine to enhance our output in the production of books. The new machine was blessed and given the name Timothy Giaccardo in honor of the deceased Vicar General of the Society of St. Paul and first follower of Father Alberione.

Time flew so quickly and in March 1956, our Institute in the Philippines underwent some changes. Sister Redenta who was handling the formation of the novices became the Superior of the community in Pasay, and I, who was the Superior of the Lipa community, was assigned instead to take Sister Redenta’s place. One afternoon, while the Sisters were in the chapel making their Eucharistic adoration and

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the others making their apostolic rounds in the families, I quietly slipped out of the house and boarded a bus for Batangas. What prompted me to do this was to avoid causing undue pain to the Sisters who were not yet aware of the forthcoming changes in the community. As a matter of fact, this change had not been easy for either Sister Redenta, or me. But we both knew that religious life, as a true “following of Christ” would always demand acts of renunciation and self-denial. The vow of obedience truly offers the opportunity to repeat one’s “amen” to God’s will. What St. Paul said about cheerful giving consoled us greatly. After all, God has been so good and generous to us; it is now our turn to reciprocate although imperfectly, his infinite generosity. Change inflicts pain, it is true, but it also promotes growth and progress. The recent reshuffling had opened the door to the setting up of a more appropriate religious educational and formative program for our younger members in the community. Thus in 1956, 12 Temporary Professed Sisters and Pre-Postulants had been chosen to take up further studies in Philosophy and in Theology. But then Sister Redenta who was tasked to give classes fell ill shortly after, and because of this the home study program had been suspended indefinitely.

All we could say was: Fiat! After all everything had its own time and place in God’s plan. This only showed that the academic preparation of

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the Sisters would have to momentarily give way to the apostolic and pastoral demands of the apostolate.

In 1957 the news had reached us that the Congregation’s First General Chapter would soon be held. Inasmuch as General Chapters are considered important events in every Religious Institute, we all tried our very best to prepare ourselves for this event with much prayer and sacrifices. In view of the forthcoming Chapter we had been asked to elect those Sisters who would be our representatives to the Chapter. The Sisters had chosen me to represent the Philippines to the Congregation’s First General Chapter. hwat a it

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On March 19, 1957, few months before the opening of General Chapter in Rome, two Indian and seven Filipino novices were admitted to their First Religious Profession. During this time India and the Philippines formed but a single Delegation so that novitiate formation of Sisters Raffaela and Elizabetta, the first two Indian vocations, was carried out in the Novitiate House in Lipa.

Mother Thecla Merlo First Mother General

As I have already mentioned earlier, we considered our First General Chapter truly

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unique and significant in the history of the Congregation because it was during this Chapter that Mother Thecla Merlo was officially elected First Mother General of the Daughters of St. Paul. When I returned from the Chapter, I was with a rather heavy heart because I was aware of the forthcoming departure of Sister Redenta for Australia. For me, this was like “dying a little” since I would have to assume her task as Novice Formator. Indeed, one has to die and be buried like the grain of wheat before it could become a source of new life.

41. Great Indeed is the Lord! How magnanimous the Lord is towards the poor and needy! In so many ways and in different circumstances, God did come to our assistance right at the moment we were in need of his provident help. In my earlier account, I already had mentioned that to enable us to meet our financial obligations to the bank and to the Manila Electric Company Management, it was necessary to mortgage not only our house and lot in Lipa, but also our newly bought property in Harrison, Pasay. However, we did not just confine ourselves to only putting our trust in God, but we likewise employed all our energies in the performance of the apostolate; in building good and harmonious relationships among us in the community and, whenever there was an opportunity, we always asked generous persons financial assistance for our

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new house and lot. Apart from all this, we made it a point to have a Mass said once a month for the Poor Souls in Purgatory to obtain through their intercession, protection for all the benefactors of the Congregation.

An annex building that would accommodate the printing machines, the bindery, stockrooms for books and printing papers; kitchen and a dining hall was now a must. The upper part would serve as dormitory for the Pre-Postulants who kept on increasing.

On September 14, feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the cornerstone of the proposed annex was blessed. The ceremony was carried out in utmost simplicity and in an atmosphere of prayerful gratitude to God. During the laying of the cornerstone we dropped some religious medals into the excavation. We also asked the Lord for the special grace to always please him,

Warehouse that was converted into temporary bindery

The Superior of the Society of St. Paul came to officiate the blessing rite; the Sisters gathered around singing the glorious strain of Asperges and Domus mea in Latin. The ceremony was capped with the Act of Consecration of the Apostolate to Mary Queen of Apostles.

In considering all these, we felt most keenly the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provident love manifested so tangibly to us through a continuing supply of our spiritual and material needs, as well as the flowering of vocations to our Institute in the Philippines. A proof of this, fourteen Pre-Postulants received the Religious Habit on the 8th of September with Monsignor Egidio Vagnozzi the Papal Nuncio,

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and to keep us from committing whatever might soil the sacredness of the edifice that would soon emerge in the area.

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Thanks to God, our desire for progress, for the extension of the apostolate, and to provide a better habitation for our Sisters was realized. One of our first move was to improve the condition of our printing plant. The low-ceilinged warehouse that we had converted into a temporary printing shop and bindery department had become too crowded so that it was necessary to think of constructing a place where the Sisters who work in the technical sector from eight in the morning to seven in the evening, would be able to work more comfortably.

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We continued to experience the blessings of the Lord also in the area of the apostolate of diffusion. Schools and universities that usually were hesitant to grant us permission to meet their students in their respective classrooms with our books finally became more supportive of our book missions in the schools. And in connection with the apostolate of book diffusion, a report had reached us from one of the branch houses, saying: “We are now well occupied with our home-tohome visits to families even in remote villages where people mistake us for priests. They would request us to celebrate Mass and to administer the Sacraments of Baptism, Confession and Marriage. It took us a good deal of explaining that we are not priests but religious Sisters who have come to propagate good books in their village.”

Towards the Finish Line Bothers, I do not think of myself as having reached the finish line. I give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead. Philippians 3:13

42. Straining Forward The year 1958 did mark for us not a few wonders most especially for the Community of Pasay because in February the annex building was finally completed. Then, in April, Sister Elena arrived from India for a brief visit to the Philippines that she had not seen for the past six years. As a matter of fact when she left for India, the Congregation in the Philippines was just beginning to yield the initial results in the apostolate and in vocational work. The number of Professed Sisters had remarkably increased; new branch houses had been opened in important cities like Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao. She could not believe herself when we took her to the apostolate hall where she saw the printing machines, the modern bindery, the spacious dormitory, the study rooms and finally,

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officiating the Rite of Investiture. I would not forget the words the Papal Nuncio had addressed to the candidates at the closing of the ceremony. He said: “You should be thankful to the Lord and consider yourselves fortunate because he called you to this particular Congregation that the Holy Father holds dear to his heart. As a matter of fact he wants me, in his name, to grant you, your families and friends, his Apostolic Blessing, coupled with the prayer that you receive the grace to live the religious life faithfully.”

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the chapel. She could not believe her ears when she heard the melodious rendition of the choir during the Mass. Indeed, she had no words whereby to express her gratitude to God as she swept with her moist eyes the width and length of the compound of the Daughters of St. Paul on 2650 F. B. Harrison Street, Pasay City!

On August 24 Msgr. Rufino Santos, Archbishop of Manila, came to bless the new annex building. Numerous benefactors, whose generous financial assistance enabled us to realize many of our apostolic projects, came for the Blessing Ceremony. The Archbishop delivered a very heartwarming speech inside the printing hall, mentioning the importance of the Pauline Mission and of religious calling in the life of the Church and in her evangelizing work. And as it was the good practice in the Congregation, the ceremony terminated with the Act of Consecration of the Apostolate to Mary Queen of Apostles. Msgr. Rufino Santos, Archbishop of Manila

Not long after the blessing of the improved printing plant, we again received another

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important grace: the preparation and the printing of the Catechism texts for Grades 1-VI. It was Monsignor Justiniano Ortiz then Chairman of the Archdiocesan Office for Religious Education and of Catechetical Instructions, who transmitted the news to us. Of course, we owed this great though underserved privilege, from the Archbishop of Manila, His Excellency, Monsignor Rufino Santos.

I did mention earlier that the Archbishop of Manila was a very staunch supporter of the Pauline Apostolate. Once in a while he would drop by in our convent to rest from the pressures of pastoral duties. One evening while having familiar chat with the Sisters of the community, I timidly mentioned our great desire to acquire another Heidelberg printing machine that would enable us to meet the demands for Catholic literatures in the Archdiocese of Manila. Without batting his eyes he asked: “Then, why not buy one?” I point out to him the problem of money to which he promptly replied: “I want you to find out if it will cost less to buy the machine in Italy. I’ll be off for Europe soon. I’ll see what I can do about this.” When the Archbishop returned from his trip to Italy, we asked him to bless the new Heidelberg printing machine that he himself had purchased for us. We christened the machine “Raphael” in honor of Rafael Santos, the Archbishop’s deceased father. The Archbishop who later became a Cardinal had already gone to his eternal reward, but his memory shall remain etched in the hearts

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Sister Elena Ramondetti during the blessing of “Raphael”, the printing machine purchased by Archbishop Santos

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of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippine Province. His gentle and paternal influence left truly indelible marks that would remain in the history of the Congregation in the Philippines, especially its early existence and initial growth in the apostolate. All these shall serve as inspiration and encouragement for those who would come later, for they would realize how the good Lord saw to it that he had sent someone to stand in his name, whenever we find ourselves in need to further his glory and to promote the good of souls through the Pauline apostolate.

43. An Event to Remember The Philippines was among the countries that had been greatly ravaged by the just concluded World War II because of bombardments. The Manila Cathedral that had suffered tremendous damage needed to be rebuilt. Without wasting time, Archbishop Santos created a committee

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whose task was to realize the project. Members of the Pontifical Institute for Sacred Arts had been invited to Manila to help draw the plan on how to go about the project. It was agreed during the meeting that the mosaic glasses of the Cathedral would all be ordered from a noted factory in Florence, Italy; that the Furioli Marble Industry of Rome would supply all marble materials. Meanwhile, a 500-tube pipe organ, the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia, was brought and installed on the choir loft of the rebuilt Manila Cathedral. The Cathedral’s Blessing Ceremonies had been scheduled to take place on the 8th of December, Feast of the Immaculate Conception and Patroness of the Philippines. The then reigning Pontiff Pope John XXIII, had appointed Cardinal Agagianian to represent him during the blessing, and accompanied by ten illustrious Church dignitaries and the world-famed Sistine Chapel Choir under its leader, Monsignor Bartolucci.

Two Scandinavian Airlines had been booked and chartered to transport the group of distinguished guests from Rome to Manila. Through Archbishop Santos we came to know that he had reserved two extra plane tickets for Mother Thecla should she decide to come for the consecration of the newly-restored Manila Cathedral. We at once communicated this news to Mother Thecla, urging her to consider the offer, which, as a matter of fact, she had gladly accepted.

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It would also be good to mention that the pre-war Archbishop Residence was among those severely damaged by bomb shellings. Archbishop Santos had also ordered its repairs and remodeling so as to be ready to accommodate the Papal Legate and his entourage for the forthcoming blessing and consecration of the Manila Cathedral. He had assigned our Congregation to look after the upkeep of the Guest House and the management of the kitchen. In addition we were also assigned to attend to the guests coming from Italy.

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The first batch of visitors arrived on December 3 at eleven o’clock in the morning. Students from various Catholic Schools lined up on either side of the road along Dewey Boulevard (now Roxas Boulevard). We also sent our Prepostulants who held tiny flags of the Philippines and of the Holy See. Of course, their excitement heightened, hoping to catch a glimpse of Mother Thecla or someone who might come to represent her. A few of us headed to the airport to wait for the arrival of the guests from Europe. When at eleven o’clock the first plane had managed to touch down the airport’s runway, we immediately watched for the plane’s door to open so as to find out if there were Daughters of St. Paul who traveled with that flight. But when finally the plane’s door opened and the passengers began to exit one after another, no Daughter of St. Paul came to view. Not long afterwards the second plane carrying the Papal

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Legate also arrived. When the heavily bearded Cardinal made his appearance at the plane’s door, a volley of twenty-one canon shots reverberated in the air. Finally the last passenger came out and she was no other than Mother Ignazia Balla, the Vicar General of the Daughters of St. Paul! The surprise nearly robbed our wits off us, but there she was, waving her hand and smiling at us. We excitedly rushed towards her, flashing our broad smiles of welcome! As soon as the customs requirements had been duly complied with, we accompanied Mother Ignazia to our convent on F. B. Harrison Street where the Sisters and Pre-postulants were eagerly awaiting our arrival. After briefly greeting the Sisters, we all went to the chapel to sing the Magnificat, Mary’s thanksgiving song, to the Lord. Right after, we again boarded the station wagon to accompany Mother Ignazia to the Manila Cathedral where the solemn Te Deum would be sung in thanksgiving for the safe arrival of the Papal Legate and his companions. This was followed later by a grand reception and dinner in honor of the newly arrived guests.

Mother Ignazia tried to slip unnoticed into the kitchen to greet the Sisters assigned to food preparations, but on account of the bulk of work we were then having, we were not able to give her the attention she deserved from us. I myself was to be on my feet all day, receiving and putting the guests at ease as they came. Aside from kitchen management we were also assigned to attend to

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several Asian Bishops who had expressed the desire to see our place and to speak with Mother Ignazia for reason that had to do with our Pauline Mission. It was only when the Civil Authority threw a banquet in honor of the Cardinal Legate that we really had gotten the chance to give a fitting welcome to Mother Ignazia.

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However, our busy days became even more so when we received a telephone message that Monsignor Bartolucci and his Sistine Choir Boys had decided to come and take lunch in our convent. The news had added more excitement to us, believing that it would give us an opportunity to hear the prestigious Vatican Choir render some religious songs. We really enjoyed watching the young boys and their elders consume the delicious banana fruits we placed before them!

On December 10 the members of the Sistine Choir and all those who would not take part in the Asia-Australia Meeting took the plane and flew back to Italy. On December 13 Mother Ignazia took the plane for Australia to pay a short visit to the Sisters there. Meanwhile, the Asia-Australia meeting that was held in Manila and graced by the Papal Legate happily concluded on the 17th of December.

44. Other Asian Foundations Taiwan. During the consecration of the Manila Cathedral, some bishops from Asia had come with

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some ideas in their mind: to ask the Daughters of St. Paul to open a house in their respective dioceses. Monsignor Riberi, Internuncio of China then residing in Taiwan (R.O.C.), told us: “I come here to do some fishing. I’d like you to come to Taiwan and prepare Sisters who would later go to Mainland China. In the city of Kaoshiung, the diocese owns a two-storey building that could be turned over to you should you decide to accept my proposal. Are you coming?” The invitation became an object of serious study in the community. The decision whether to accept or not the proposal was made easier on account of the wise and able guidance of Mother Ignazia. Thus in 1959 I took a plane and flew to Taiwan to see the place being offered to us in the city of Kaoshiung. On my trip to Kaoshiung I had the great privilege to be accompanied by no less than Monsignor Riberi, the Inter-Nuncio himself. After gathering the necessary data and information concerning his invitation to open a house in the city of Kaoshiung, I flew back to Manila to communicate to the Superiors in Rome all impression or added information I thought might help them decide whether to open a house in Taiwan or not. When the go-signal to start the Taiwan foundation had arrived we dispatched as early as was needed the first four missionary Daughters of St. Paul to Taiwan, namely: Sisters Maria Donata Bugnola, Leus Abuda, Maria Costanza Justo and Timotea Villaram. In the beginning the Chinese

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language and culture seemed to pose quite an enormous challenge to the new missionaries but they never for once doubted that God would always reward faith and obedience to his will, and that in fact, was what God did. Far from just propagating Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s knowledge through printed books and religious icons within the confines of the city of Kaoshiung, they also decided to work northward and extended their book missions to the families and Catholic Institutions.

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And so, ever on the move, the Daughters of St. Paul had asked the bishop of Taipei to allow them to start a little community at Hsinchuang, beside the Diocesan Seminary and at the back of Fu Jen University owned and operated by the Divine Word Fathers. The difficulty of the Chinese language did not dampen the courage and missionary zeal of the first Sisters in spreading the Gospel especially through the press apostolate and eventually, with the film and television. Young Chinese girls began to take notice of our mission and eventually had asked to join us. At this point more Sisters from the Philippines and also those expelled from Sabah, Malaysia, were added to the emerging Taipei community. Among them were Sister Silvana Guerriero (Italian) and Sister Maria Assunta Labay. In Taiwan today we have three communities and three book and media centers pastorally serving our Chinese brothers and sisters there. Sabah (North Borneo), Malaysia. In 1962 Mosignor James Buis, Vicar Apostolic of Jesselton

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who was also among the prelates that participated in the consecration of the Manila Cathedral, visited Pasay to ask the Daughters of St. Paul to come and open a house in his Prelature. A year later, four Sisters enthusiastically boarded a Dutch cargo freighter bound to Jesselton. They were Sisters Elizabetta Capello (Italian), Eulalia Bravo, Maria Virginia Guevarra, and Maria Assunta Labay. Unfortunately, this foundation had to be closed when our Sisters got expelled because Sabah became part of the State of Malaysia and Islam became the State Religion.

Towards the early part of March in 1962, most pleasant news had reached us from Mumbai, informing us that Mother Thecla would come to the Philippines for the usual fraternal visit. In fact she arrived in the company of Sister Elena Ramondetti. Father Alberione was not with her this time. Looking at her, I noticed that Mother Thecla seemed somewhat fatigued and pale. A few days from her arrival we decided to summon a physician to have her health condition checked. But even after taking the prescribed medicines her malaise persisted. To ease our worry we asked the Superior in Rome to send Sister Costantina, a Sister-nurse, to come to the Philippines and look after Mother Theclaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health. Shortly after this, Mother Theclaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition had improved somewhat that she wasted no time in resuming her interrupted visitations to the Sisters of the branch houses.

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On March 19 she received some temporary professed Sisters to Perpetual Profession. During the ceremony Mother Thecla noted the presence of many visitors who could hardly be accommodated in the chapel. She then suggested that we construct a much bigger one for the fastgrowing community. All the while though she seemed to us pensive and sad. Sister Costantina who was aware what Mother Thecla was then undergoing had this to say: “You see, she is in great pain because of her impending departure. She’s afraid that this would be the last time she would see you.” When we heard this, we did everything that was possible to ease her pain by singing Italian and Filipino songs. We too felt sorry for her. When finally the time of parting had arrived, we cried our hearts out, but then we also gladly offered everything to God. As she took her leave, Mother Thecla left us her final recommendation: “Facciamo tutto per la Gloria di Dio!” (Let us do everything for the glory of God). “Facciamoci sante, tutto per la Gloria di Dio!” (Let us become saints, all for the glory of God). On her last visit to the Orient, Mother Thecla, accompanied by Sister Costantina, made her final “tour of duty” so-to-speak, in both Taiwan, and Japan.

45. Father Alberione’s Farewell Visit to the Orient

In March 1963 a big group of Daughters of St. Paul was at the Manila International Airport

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to meet Father James Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family. His plane arrived and had touched down on time. Father Alberione was among the first passengers to get down from the plane. With him was Father Alfonzo Ferrero, the Superior of the Society of St. Paul in India. The Founder’s visit lasted only for two weeks during which his visibly failing health did not escape our attention. Feeling that this might be his last visit, he gave each one of us his final blessing and recommended that we all perform well the apostolate.

46. A Shrine for Mary

Earlier in my account I did mention about how I got Mother Thecla’s permission to construct a much bigger chapel for the community of Pasay. We immediately worked on this project by consulting Engineer Cherubini who became consultant to Archbishop Rufino Santos for the reconstruction of the Manila Cathedral. The good engineer himself drew up the plan and provided us with samples of Italian marbles from the famous Furioli Marble Factory of Rome. The actual execution of the construction was entrusted to Mr. Anton Kho, owner of the ACK Constructions. The chapel’s construction lasted for almost a year. The chapel resulted to a work worthy for a place of worship and a shrine for the Queen of Apostles. The shrine was blessed and consecrated on December 13, the feast of St. Lucy, virgin

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and martyr. Archbishop Rufino Santos came to officiate the Rite of Consecration. Present during this very historic day was no other than Mother Ignazia Balla, Vicar General of the Daughters of St. Paul, and Sister Elena Ramondetti, Provincial Superior of the Philippines although still residing in India at the time of this memorable event. Benefactors came in big number and filled the chapel to full capacity. We could proudly say that this Marian Shrine was the fruit of the dedicated efforts of the Sisters themselves, as well as the generous help of the Filipino People whose devotion to the Mother of God is, in so many ways remains unequalled in Asia!

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After the Consecration of the shrine both Mother Ignazia and Mother Elena stayed for sometime to have the time to visit the Sisters in the branch houses. Afterwards Mother Ignazia took me with her to Taiwan and to Malaysia, where a new house had been opened in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, on March 19, 1965. It was in this period that the Superiors in Rome started asking the Daughters of St. Paul of the Philippine Province to help provide missionaries to Africa and Europe. The Province then did embrace this important commitment, cognizant of the words of Jesus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give and you shall receive, seek and you shall find.â&#x20AC;? We then gladly prepared and sent Sisters to the mission, believing that the Lord of the Harvest would continue to send good and holy workers to his harvest field.

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Solemn consecration of the Sanctuary of the Queen of Apostles

Queen of Apostles Sanctuary

47. An Unwelcome Visitor

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On June 29, 1964, Manila suffered enormous damage on account of a severe typhoon. For more than a week, the city was in darkness and without supply of potable water. Communication lines were broken; potholes and debris became the common sight everywhere. Even our compound had not been spared for even the century-old acacia trees that had shaded the front lanes were miserably uprooted. What I witnessed had deeply saddened me because I became fond of the giant acacia trees whose leafy branches had protected us like cool green canopies against the sun when we sat and doze off, or ease our tired bodies after the day’s work. A month after the wrecker typhoon had left, the clearing operations and the work of beautification of the lawn began. We had replaced the acacia trees with young coconut plants that had given the compound a more rural look.

48. Welcome and Farewell

In Holy of Week 1965, Mother Ignazia wrote a letter from Rome informing us that the Philippines would become a Province separated from India and that Sister Elena would have to come to the Philippines to be its first Provincial Superior. I, instead, had to go to India to take Sister Elena’s place also as the Provincial Superior there. The impact of the news had emotionally overpowered me that I ran to the chapel to cry. Tearfully I beg

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the Lord to lighten my burden and to help me overcome the trial that had unexpectedly come upon me. But, however painful the disposition had been, I tried to bow my will to God’s own will. In the meantime, I tried to hold my peace and refrained from communicating the news to the Sisters. Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday, used to be days of deep silence and recollection for everybody. These were days of preparations for the great feast of Easter. On Good Friday I summoned all the Professed Sisters in the Study hall and briefed them about the disposition that came from Rome. At the end of my introductory prayer I read and translated the content of the letter. When I came to the part stating that the Philippines had been made a new Province, the Sisters had thunderously clapped their hands. More clapping of hands followed when I mentioned that Sister Elena was to be the Provincial-designate for the Philippines. But when they heard that India had also been made a separate Province and that I had to go there to take Sister Elena’s place as Provincial, no applause was heard but a continuous blowing of noses! Thus our Lenten recollection ended with something worth offering to the Lord. The dramatic revelation about the new disposition from Rome gave us the opportunity to join our sufferings with those of the Divine Savior that

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On August 12, 1965, I left for Mumbai with Sister Donata Bugnola whose new assignment was to start the Pauline foundation in Karachi, Pakistan. My heart was heavy with emotions. But I felt deeply grateful for all the years I spent in the Philippines. I could say that although I was going away with my body, but I was leaving my heart behind. What had lightened the sorrow I then felt was what St. Paul, said: “God loves the cheerful giver, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” hwat a it

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TRANSLATOR’S

Note

Sister Maria Cleofe’s diary on the Foundation of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines ended with a happy note from St. Paul. But some historical data needed to be mentioned especially such data were valuable in portraying how God had, through his Divine Providence, greatly shaped the very foundation of the Congregation of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines seventy-five years ago today. I am here referring to the Nanking Massacre during the Sino-Japanese War, and the equally mysterious escape of the Founding Sisters from the Lipa Carnage during World War II.

The Nanking Massacre

We find it useful to associate this macabre incident as infallible proof that the Foundation of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines is very much part of God’s plan of salvation for the Philippines. I tried to draw and portray in few sentences what the author of “The Nanking Massacre”, Iris Chang, calls “history’s most savage crimes,” for what took place in Nanking was the systematic murder, rape, and indefinable brutalities committed against 300,000 Chinese at the hands of the Japanese invaders.

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enabled us to celebrate Easter greatly purified of our self-love.

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The Lipa Carnage The marvelous role of God’s Providence in this piece of history in the Foundation of the Daughters of St. Paul in the Philippines should not remain unnoticed because for the second time,

Sister Maria Cleofe and her companions escaped death also from the hands of Japanese soldiers. This time, the Church prelate Monsignor Alfredo Obviar, did help craft their safety by his insistence that they abandon Lipa and seek a safer place to hide from the Japanese soldiers who at that time would want to keep them under custody.

The memory of Monsignor Obviar who later on replaced Bishop Versoza as Bishop of Lipa, should be kept well enshrined in the hearts of the Daughters of St. Paul of the PMPT Province on account of the paternal concern he showed towards us by extending support, encouragement and the promotion of the Pauline Mission especially in the early stage of our existence in the diocese of Lipa and throughout all his incumbency. Sure enough God who cannot be outdone in generosity did grant him length of days and holiness. As a matter of fact, the cause for his beatification is now in progress in the Vatican. The ways of Providence is indeed mysterious and the Lord is so good as to grant us, even in this life, the awesome effects of its dynamic workings in the life of those who love and serve him in humility and truth as Bishop Alfredo Obviar did. To God then be the honor and glory forever and ever!

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From Sister Maria Cleofe’s diary she narrated how on August 20, feast of St. Bernard, they decided to join the Pauline Priests to abandon Nanking in search of a much safer place to live and work. Had they stayed in Nanking, they surely would not have escaped the sad fate of the thousands of Chinese in the hands of Japanese soldiers. “Fear not, I am with you” – words etched not only on the walls of every Pauline chapel, oratories and churches, but most especially in the hearts and soul of the three founding Sisters: Sisters Edvige Soldano, Elena Ramondetti, and Maria Cleofe Zanoni, mindful that they were ever to be on the move to realize God’s will in line with the style of Father Alberione who, to realize God’s plan for the first member (SSP) of the Pauline Family, had to make a Pact with the Lord, the “Pact of Success” we call it. Truly, just when their dream to sow the seed of the Gospel in China was about to become a sweet reality, their dream melted and vanished on account of the Sino-Japanese War. But Providence led them instead to a very fertile land, the “land of promise” both for an abundant harvest in the apostolate and in the recruitment of vocations.

Translator’s Note

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Translator’s Note

Epilogue

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1965 – The culmination of the journey of faith of Sister Maria Cleofe Zanoni, one of the first three founding Sisters, undertaken in utmost trust in God and continuously sustained with love and sacrifice for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. 1988- The year that marked the fifty years of an apostolic feat that the Daughters of St. Paul performed on Philippine soil, Taiwan and Malaysia, in honor of Jesus Master Way, Truth and Life, under the gaze of Mary Queen of Apostles and in the spirit and footsteps of St. Paul the Apostle. And today, 2011-2013 – as the PMPT Province gears to mark its 75th Anniversary of Foundation, we are all invited to reflect with profound humility the achievements of faith that are presented in this memoir. Those of us who have partially been sharer of so marvelous an undertaking would continue on believing, hoping and working

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1938-1965 – Twenty-seven years of the gradual unveiling of God’s mysterious yet loving design, revealed in time and in the succession of events surrounding the providential founding of the Congregation in the Philippines.

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for the glory of God and peace to all men and women. Moreover, for those who are yet to come and be part of it might also be given the grace to experience as they dedicate all their energies to the apostolate, the faithful living of the evangelical counsels, the life, faith and indomitable courage of our Sisters who came to the Philippines to blaze the trail for the coming of God’s Kingdom and for the salvation of the Filipino People with the means progress provides. In the name then of the Jesus Master, who promised to be always with us, let us move ever onward, Daughters of St. Paul!

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