Half a century in their vocation

While the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of the Our Lady of Sorrows, last September 15, we have also witnessed the renewal of vows of the two sisters from the Congregation of the Teresian Daughters of Mary (TDM) in Matina on the occasion of their Golden anniversary. The vows of consecrated life are meant by which a religious woman, like our two Golden Jubilarian celebrators, strive to be more closely configured to Jesus Christ, the One that they love.

Sr. Ma. Cecilia Dativo Palomo and Sr. Ma. Lourdes Villalobos Paclibar made their solemn perpetual vows 50 years ago. Since then, they totally renounced all their worldly possessions including ownership of their patrimony. This includes an endowment, legacy, and anything inherited from one’s parents in order to live, serve, and follow God’s will, and for the service of His people.

During the Holy Mass, the renewal of the sacred promises and commitment vows made publicly by the two sisters in front of the altar of God was so amazing. It was a reconfirmation of their vows 50 years ago when they responded and gave their whole lives for God’s calling to love and to serve Him completely and entirely without reserve. The religious sisters came with open hearts and minds to be formed and transformed as Jesus’ disciples themselves. The sacred vows of the two sisters expressed their perfect love of God. In a way, the quest of union with God made everything possible at their age.

The Feast of the Our Lady of Sorrows, the day they have chosen for their sacred vow, reminds them of the unfathomable love, mercy, and goodness of God in their journey. The Sorrows of Mary, according to them, are so unique that led them to rejoice as they celebrate their Golden anniversary. As one witnesses the renewal of vows, one can see that the two hearts of these servants of God are free to love and accept God above all, and to love all men for the sake of God.

They embraced their commitments and vows for 50 years not because other professions are not desirable for both of them, but because the unique union with God and the work of God in their lives, as religious, are more greatly desirable. (Bro. Julius Lugay)