“To Suffer and Die with Jesus”

Sr. Ma. Charlyn M. Mamotho, TDM is from Asuncion Parish in the Diocese of Tagum. She has completed her formation within 8 years and finally professed her vows last July 16, 2022 in the presence of the Teresian Daughters of Mary community, invited religious brothers and sisters and her family represented by her sister and nephew.

Her former classmate who entered ahead of her in the novitiate program was the one person who influenced her to enter the same congregation and introduced her to the Teresian Daughters of Mary community. Although her classmate did not pursue her vocation in that same community, it was not a hindrance that she continued hers and indeed on that Saturday at 10:00 in the morning her perpetual vows happened.

Sr. Cha is elated and at the same time anxious of the vows she has to live throughout her lifetime but she is positive that whatever struggles she may face, the Lord and our Lady is there to always guide her. When asked why she wanted to become a religious, she forcefully answered, “I want to serve, suffer and die with Jesus”. These words are striking in ways unimaginable. In this new age of “instant” and comfort, we shy away from pain because of things, people, situations that could hurt us. But Sr. Cha on the other hand, wanted to suffer because of her love for Jesus.

I do know that this statement holds more weight than any matter on this world. But we are inspired because of people like her, it was indeed a special day not only for Sr. Charlyn but also to us lay people who see her as an inspiration in doing better in life. By better we mean not only for our own benefit but for others. The challenge of Most Reverend Valles during the homily was not only for her but to all who were present. It is to love like Mary did, to love not only the members of our clique, our family or our community but to extinguish the boundaries and love everyone that we meet.