OND Jubilee Celebration

A Jubilee is a time for looking back and looking forward; an occasion of grateful remembrance of the past events; of rejoicing for the graces received; of recognition of God’s faithfulness.

On December 8, 2021, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame celebrated the 60th year of vowed life of pioneering OND sisters namely Sr. Leonor Bernardo OND, Sr. Hilda Tajonera, OND, and Sr. Angelina Ricabar, OND; 50 years of vowed life of Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND, and 25 years of vowed life of Sr. Imelda Mission, OND.

Sr. Leonor Bernardo, OND was not able to join the celebration as she was confined at the OND St. Therese Care Home after she suffered from stroke.

Sr. Hilda Tajonera, OND marked her 60th year of vowed life as an OND, proclaiming her gratitude for the many wonders God has designed in her missionary life, echoing her motto: “Lord, give me the grace and do with me what You will.” The OND National Capital Region Sisters, with their Area superior Sr. Vilma Esmael, OND joined Sr. Hilda in a Eucharistic Celebration at the OND Abada Mission House. Their Mass Presider was Fr. Ross Kapunan, OMI.

Sr. Angelina Ricabar, OND and Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND rejoiced in jubilation together with the OND Sisters, their families, relatives, and friends in thanksgiving for the gift of 60 and 50 years of Consecrated Life.

Left to Right: Sr. Maria Josephine Jacquilmac, OND, Sr. Elisa Caballero, OND, Fr. Rito Daquipil, OMI, Sr. Imelda Mission, OND, Sr. Marie Jane Olegario, OND

His Eminence Jose Collin Bagaforo, DD, Bishop of Kidapawan Diocese was the main presider and homilist within the Eucharistic celebration at the Our Lady of Hope Chapel, OND Compound in Tamontaka with the theme: “God with me, I don’t fear.”

During the Introductory part of the Eucharistic Celebration, a symbolic mission landscape was slowly carried by Sr. Susan and Sr. Angelina to the altar as the commentator read the following excerpt: “With grateful hearts, we retrace with you, Sr. Susan and Sr. Angelina, the missional landscapes within which you responded to the call of the mission during the last 50 and 60 years in order to reach communities in the margins, you dared to walk or ride on horseback uphill; or sailed the turbulent seas; at different periods and places, you both spent time encountering peoples of all walks of life and different orientations if only to witness the kingdom values of love and hope, justice and peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. Your presence in the mission reflects your inmost desire: “Make my heart like unto Thine” is the motto of Sr. Angelina while Sr. Susan follows the disposition of the apostles who said, “God with me…I do not fear!”

The Jubilarians renewed their commitment before God’s presence and the community gathered as witnesses, fully aware of the new challenges of the contemporary world and with the help of the life-giving Spirit, they commit themselves anew to serve the Church in the ministry entrusted to the Oblates of Notre Dame choosing to give a prophetic witness to the Gospel and to denounce the values of the society today which compromise them, with high hopes to be continually nourished by the Word of God, to be always animated to live the OND charism and spirituality in context and to passionately engage in the building of the Reign of God in partnership with the other agents of Church renewal.

On this season of Advent, they are challenged to grow deeper in their faith and find ways of sharing it with others, fully alive, effective, and reconciling members of the Church founded on the Apostles and following Mary’s journey, a pilgrimage of faith and of consecration, radiating Jesus’ presence to others in the various mission they continue to collaborate.

The OND National Capital Region Sisters with Sr. Hilda Tajonera, OND and Fr. Ross Kapunan, OMI, fourth and fifth from the left

After the Jubilarians Prayer of Commitment, Sr. Erlinda C. Hisug, the OND Superior General expressed her message assuring them of the OND Community’s prayer as they once again freely and willingly profess the evangelical counsels to imitate the chaste, poor, and obedient Christ who came to do the will of his Father. She also urged them to continually strive to live their religious commitment with joyful and generous heart.

His Eminence Jose Collin Bagaforo, DD, punctuated his homily and congratulatory message to the jubilarians saying that, an abundantly blessed consecrated life as what Sr. Angelina and Sr. Susan lived in 60 and 50 years thus far, was lived as such, not because of reason but because of love.

As tribute to the Blessed Virgin, bouquet of flowers and roses for Mary was offered by the Jubilarians. Sr. Susan Bolanio, OND, the Golden Jubilarian delivered her message of thanks to one and all.

Meanwhile, Sr. Imelda Mission, OND, was joined by the OND Bongao community sisters, the OND ZAMBASULTA area superior Sr. Elisa Caballero, OND, the Notre Dame of Bongao community and the Our Lady of Holy Rosary Parishioners and friends, in a solemn Eucharistic Celebration celebrated at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish and presided by Fr. Rito Daquipil, OMI. The OND sisters also had their renewal of vows witnessed by the parishioners of OLHRP. A festive program and lunch followed at the Notre Dame of Bongao, Inc.

Sr. Imelda fittingly proclaimed once more her motto: “I delight in the Lord who has chosen me”, exhorting in her message of thanks, her gratitude in the many ways God has molded her in her missionary life. (Sr. Marilou Fernandez, OND)