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Cabrini's Feast - Filipino Style
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For nine days of the novena, Cabrini Companions, members of Circles of Discernment, neighbors, friends, and some staff from SOSCFI joined us each evening at Casa Cabrini. We were also privileged to have Sisters Patricia Spillane, Maria Aparecida Correa de Castro, and Teresinha Lumbieri with us. Dr. Michael Walsh, CEO from Cabrini Health, Australia, was our guest on the actual feast day, November 13th, when we celebrated mass and had a pot luck dinner at our home. The preceding evening, the Board Members and Staff had dinner with our visitors at the SOSCFI Center to welcome them to Baguio City. Except for Sr. Patricia, of course, this was their first time visiting the Philippines. November 14th dawned bright and beautiful. After so many months of monsoon rains and typhoons, such dry, sunny and warm weather was most welcome. We gathered at Our Lady of the Atonement Cathedral in Baguio, where Bishop Carlito Cenzon officiated at the mass, with concelebrants Fr. Benny Castaneda, Fr. Manny Panayo, and Fr. Mario Tambic. The children, parents, and staff from SOSCFI sang with gusto, while some of the youngest members led the Entrance procession into church, dressed in native attire and performing a dance from Benguet Province. Many of the native produce were offered as gifts, including all the flowers which decorated the altar and center with statue of Mother Cabrini. Echoes of “Go Where I Send You” and native tunes filled the sacred space, as nearly four hundred persons paid tribute to our patron saint. Sr. Isalia Carvalho renewed her vows as an MSC, and then all the Cabrini Companions present renewed their commitment, with seven new Companions making their pledge for the first time. Bishop Cenzon blessed the new stained glass window in honor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini after Sr. Patricia explained the symbolism depicted in the artistic rendering. This was the last window paying tribute to a saint connected with Religious Orders in Baguio to be installed in the Cathedral. Following the liturgy, SOSCFI prepared a program that was held at the adjacent Sangkabalayan Hall. The biggest unexpected treat was the visit by Mother Cabrini, who agreed to be interviewed by one of our college scholars, Jerry Manogan. She told us that the trip from heaven had been long, but most worthwhile; she was happy to join us for this occasion. Two Cabrinian awards were given by SOSCFI in recognition of the generosity from a local person, Honorable Congressman Maurizio Domogan, and internationally to Cabrini Health, Australia, which was accepted by Dr. Michael Walsh. Sr. Patricia addressed all present and then Bishop Cenzon delivered his message to the children in song, as he gave a solo performance of “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from Cinderella. Some of the parents performed native dances from the Cordilleras and one of our SOSCFI scholars also sang for us. A Filipino menu, prepared by some of the mothers, was served as box lunches at the conclusion of the program. Mother Cabrini told us: “I am so pleased with all the preparations done today in my honor. It has been good to be here with you!” I am sure she was even more pleased to see that her spirit remains active among us as the Interplast Team who came from Australia are now providing their Medical Mission to help children in need of surgeries this week. Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC |
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