Feature
by Mr. Aries Q. Puno
“Soaring like an eagle, right across the sky, following Your lead, with trust You taught my soul to fly.”
In a heartfelt celebration of vocation and commitment to Jesus Christ at the Assumpta Chapel last May 12, 2024, the Assumption community came together to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Sister Josefina’s vocation— marking her fifty years of faith and service to God. Archbishop Florentino Lavarias, Bishop Emeritus Paciano Aniceto, together with other priests, presided over the mass. He emphasized the significance of identifying where an individual is coming from and where she is going, symbolizing Sister Josefina’s journey of faith and service.
The fifty years of Sister Josefina in the Religious of the Assumption allows each one to also reflect on the timeless relationship between the sheep and the shepherd. Like the song Lord, You Are My Shepherd, it gave a vivid view of how the sheep sees the shepherd, with Jesus as the divine shepherd who guides, protects, and nurtures. Truly, Sister Josefina’s vocation, with the guidance of the Shepherd, exemplifies the trust and guidance as she followed the religious path and led others with faith and compassion.
The celebration was attended by diverse individuals composed of selected learners in every section, ATHS faculty and staff, MRMF Board of Trustees, the Assumption communities, Sister Josefina’s family, alumni, guests, and other visitors. Their presence in the celebration highlights the profound experiences of Sister Josefina with those from the different walks of life throughout her decades of service. As the mass concluded, Sister Josefina appreciated the generosity which bore fruit in the scholarship fund that she initiated.
As it came to an end, the community transitioned to a festive gathering with a sumptuous meal in Assumpta Court 1. The venue was filled with different stories of seatmates from different backgrounds. This gathering served as a testament of inclusive joy and gratitude enveloping in the hearts of everyone who attended.
The fifty years of Sister Josefina’s vocation is a remarkable testament of saying YES to the Father. Her dedication has indeed become a beacon of faith to everyone. The message of this celebration was clear— Sister Josefina’s journey of faith is not only a personal milestone, but a celebration of faith and love in the community she’s affiliated with. This, indeed, allows us to reflect on our own journey in faith, too; seeing the importance of knowing where we are coming from and going. Like the sheep, may our journey and commitment remain steadfast as we follow our shepherd, Jesus. May His guidance lead us in our journey of faith and service, the same way He guided Sister Josefina.
