Marriage is Beautiful But…

“Marriage is beautiful. Its beauty is so powerful but some choose to renounce marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.”

These were the words of Davao Archbishop and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., during his homily in celebration of the Silver Anniversary of Sister Ma. Cencia “Nene” C. Renegado, TDM, held at Teresian Daugters of Mary, Matina, Davao City, December 9, 2017.

Valles remembered the parents and family of Sister Nene who gave two sisters to the Church. Sister Nene has also an elder sister who belongs to the same congregation, Sister Ma. Minda C. Renegado, TDM.

For Sister Nene, “Twenty five years in Religious Life is worth celebrating because not all who answered the call continued and because it’s my time to praise and be thankful to God who is the source of my life and my vocation. He called me, loves me and never left me.”

Filled with memories of God’s unconditional love, Sister Nene looked back saying, “Initially, God was so irresistible, but when difficulties began to add spices in my religious life, it thrilled me and I was overwhelmed in facing uncertainties to no end. I held on to God who is in control. He allowed me to face my battles head on. That is why I have gone this far.”

Sister Nene expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Sister Gertrudes Neri, TDM, Superior General, the Teresian Daughters of Mary Sisters, her relatives, friends and benefactors and the concelebrating priests. Special thanks was also given to the Most Rev. Romulo G. Valles, D.D., presider and homilist. “Archbishop Muloy, estudyante ko nimo sa Formation Institute for the Religious,” recalls Sister Nene.

She ended her thanksgiving speech by quoting Harvey Mackay: “None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone’s help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying: ‘Thank you’.”

In this Year of the Clergy and Consecrated Persons, Valles sees an opportune time for Sister Nene and the whole Church to appreciate the giftedness of the vocation to religious life. Quoting Pope Francis, Valles challenged all members of the Church to become bruised and dirty for being in the streets than looking flawless without touching the lives of the poor and needy.