Sunday, 23rd of February, fifty eight families with a total of almost three hundred (300) beneficiaries of the Sr. Teresa of Sto. Niño Center has joined the celebration of its 22nd Founding Anniversary with the theme Sr. Teresa Mira: Larawan at Halimbawa ng Mabuting Pakikitungo sa Lahat(Sr. Teresa Mira: An Image and Example of Doing Good To All) held at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Multipurpose Hall, Lucena City.

The anniversary began its ceremony with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist led by Fr. Russel Habito followed by a mini snack before the celebration started. Hosted by Sr. Claire Marie Sy,CMT. The event begins with the national anthem and was followed by a doxology from the Kinder pupils under the supervision of Teacher Ellen Zoleta. For an ice breaker, the women of the Livelihood gave a solemn performance of “Ang Bayan Ko”. Then the program proceeded to the presentation of the Life of Sr. Teresa Mira presented by Sr. Sharon Villafranca,CMT. Adding more excitement before another inspirational talk was given. Then, various group performances from the pre-school from the Nursery 1, 2 and Kinder pupils took the Center stage showing off their dance skills.

The program continued with the introduction of the guest speaker by Sr. Chrezann Angulo. Bro. Melchor Cruel gave a simple yet motivational talk that centers to what Sr. Teresa Mira did: “Do good to all”. That no matter what state in our life is, it is not a hindrance to help others in need and do something good even in the smallest way. He also reached out to everyone that we always have to thank God and never forget to thank those who helped us.

After Bro. Cruel’s inspiring talk, the Center’s beneficiaries showcased their talents in dancing and singing. Followed by the Scholars sharing their talent for singing, the much awaited folk dance performance of the Staff and Volunteers and Sisters’ unity dance then followed through. After the performances Awarding of Certificates were given to the deserving beneficiary and the families of the Center. The celebration ended with Sr. Christian Angulo gives a heartfelt closing remark, the event capped off with a simple lunch and ice cream to end the day of celebration.

LUCENA COMMUNITY

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 CALLED TO SERVE

Time flies so fast, last February 26, 2020, SR. TERESA OF STO. NIÑO CENTER celebrated its 22 years of existence. Being the oldest volunteer,    I saw from the very beginning how the mission of the CMT Sisters started, from feeding the poor children living near their house to well organized programs and services. Catering to the needs of the marginalized people. Many of them had been uplifted from their destitute conditions and equipped them with dignity to be part of human society.

My stint as a volunteer for 22 years had not always been easy, but with the grace of God, I was able to go through and put myself continuously at the service of the Center. Many people have been asking me; what kept me from working at the Center this long? My only answer is: GOD CALLED ME TO SERVE through the Center and work side by side with the CMT Sisters, to carry out the vision and mission of the Center. The Sisters are treating me like one of them and respected my position which also contributed to my stay up to the present.

I felt the hands of God through the intercession of Bl. Francisco Palau and Sister Teresa Mira in all the activities of the Center. We were able to reach out to the deserving beneficiaries and made them see in their daily struggle that God loves them and never abandon them.

As Sr. Asun Ciuraneta was always saying when she was still here “God will provide”, I experienced as two times directress that the Center had never been short of provisions, spiritually, physically and mentally.  His generosity cannot be outdone. He is pouring continuously His graces to my family also, be in good or in bad times.

As long as my service is needed, I’ll stay at the Center for the rest of my productive life, God willing.

LUZ M. MARQUEZ, DIRECTRESS