Tips for the Discerner

On Listening to the Word

Choosing the right congregation should not be the primary consideration of any young person who is thinking of becoming a religious priest, brother or sister.

The starting point is always the Word of God because the call uses the language of the One who Calls, not the language of the called.

In other words, immerse yourself in the word of God, in the study of the scriptures, in the homilies of the priests.

Maybe a good analogy is that of an author or a writer. Say you read Bo Sanchez, Jessica Zafra and Ricky Lo regularly. After some time, you are so immersed in their style of writing and in their distinct vocabulary that you don't need to look at the byline. You know the Writer because you are very familiar with the writing. You can distinguish one from the other. Such as, when the article is full of angst and irony, then must be Jessica. If it talks of showbiz gossip and latest scandal, you wont attribute it to Bo, because you are familiar with B's thoughts. Must be Ricky Lo.

The same way with listening to the promptings of the spirit. You can only affirm the voice and the message if you have listened enough to the point that your heart tells you that this is is! This is God's voice talking to me.

Try reading some excellent blogs like Faithofacenturion by Fr. JBoy Gonzales, usccb, the goodnews.

DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

Formal Name: DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL Commonly Called As: The DC sisters, the Daughters, Daughters of Charity Classification: Society of Apostolic Life

Habit: simple blouse and skirt in shades of blue with a very ordinary veil (see sample below)

Foundational Data:

In December of 1617 , the association of the Ladies of Charity was officially formed by Vincent de Paul. Realizing that these young girls would need some formal religious and secular education , Vincent turned to Louise de Marillac, his friend and collaborator in many charitable works, and asked her to train these first recruits. On November 29, 1633 , she took four peasant girls into her simple home in Paris and fashioned them into true servants of the poor-the first Daughters of Charity.

Vision/Charism:

We, the Daughters of Charityof the Philippine Province,envision ourselvesas a community of women given to God,living out our passion for Christ andfor persons who are poorin the Vincentian spirit of Humility,Simplicity and Charity,towards the realization of theReign of God.




Claim to History: One of earliest religious communities in the country and very instrumental during the Philippine Revolution. Their shelters and orphanages were the refuges of the poor then and now.



Five Reasons Why You Might Be Attracted:

a. It's status as society of apostolic life is unique. Members do not have perpetual vows, they have annual vows.

b. Probably one of the biggest congregations in the country and throughout the world - the possibilities of mission is endless. The Daughters are very brave to enter into new modes of living their religious life.

c. The spirituality is well-defined and very relevant to our times.

d. The sisters are very keen in professionalizing their human resources. Sisters are encouraged to take post-graduate courses.

e. Julma Neo is reason enough.


Reasons Why You Might Be Discouraged:

a. Most of the Filipina sisters are still traditional and may frown on the behaviors of the young generation.

b. The formation program has not solidified into the distinct character of the society - most of the studies are still towards religious life.

Best For:

Professional women with a strong sense of mission.

Contacts:

DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL

P.O. Box 7274 Domestic Airport Post Office,

Pasay City 301 Metro Manila , PHILIPPINES

Secretariat: Tel. No. (+632) 837–1008Telefax: (+632) 838-8987



website: http://www.dcphilippines.org/

Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Formal Name: Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Commonly Called As: ICM Sisters
Classification: Apostolic, missionary congregation

Habit: Optional

Foundational Data: Mother Marie Louise De Meester founded the Religious - Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (ICM) in Mulagumoodu, India in 1897. Born on April 8, 1857 in Roeselare, a coastal town in Belgium, Maria grew up to be a talented young lady with a love for the missions. At age 22, she joined the Canonesses of St. Augustine in leper, Belgium, where she received the religious name, Dame Marie Louise.

Vision/Charism/Mission Statement:

Our preferential option is for the poor. We are ready to go to peoples of other nationalities, races, cultures, religions, ideologies to be witnesses to the unity to which humankind is called in Jesus Christ and so to participate in the local Church’s mission.


Claim to History: St. Theresa's College formed some of best women leaders in the country


Five Reasons Why You Might Be Attracted:

a. a very strong missionary spirit permeates the whole congregation

b. openness of the sisters to try out something new

c. anchored on the values of justice, peace and integrity of creation

d. a very solid history of being one of the best educators in the country

e. a chance to be assigned to exotic countries like Mongolia, the Bahamas, Zimbabwe

Reasons Why You Might Be Discouraged:

a. community life is very erratic, relationships of the sisters are not as intimate compared with other congregations

b. formation program surprisingly does not float with the rest of their directions

c. strong women leaders sometimes can be intimidating to the young ones

Best For: Young independent women with a passion for justice and peace


Contacts

Tabuk: Sr. Lita Perez,icmCP#: 09198905213 Email: promotabuk@icmphilippines.org

Ilocos Sur:Sr. Lucy Andrews,icmCP#: 09196153158 Email: promoilocos@icmphilippines.org
La Union:Sr. Jelli Cruz,icmCP#: 09198531718Email: promolaunion@icmphilippines.org
Baguio:Sr. Cora Sastre,icmCP#: 09213044262Email: promobaguio@icmphilippines.org
Banawe:Sr. Anita Inyat,icmSr. Marie-Jeanne Pardou, icm CP#: 09184008422Email: promobanawe@icmphilippines.org

NCR:Sr. Emma de Guzman,icmSr. Remedios Encarnacion, icm CP#: 09184648191Email: promoncr@icmphilippines.org
Visayas
Carrascal: Sr. Gina Berin, icm CP#: 09182587246Email: promocarrascal@icmphilippines.org

Cebu:Sr. Tessie Reyes, icm CP#: 09204380082Email: promocebu@icmphilippines.org

website: http://www.icmphilippines.org/

Servants of the Blessed Sacrament

Formal Name: Servants of the Blessed Sacrament
Commonly Called As: Blessed Sacrament Sisters, or SSS
Classification: Contemplative

Monicker: Servants of the Blessed Sacrament Fathers ( as they used to serve the SSS priests)

Habit: see picture above



Foundational Data: Founded in France in 1858 by St. Peter Julian Eymard, the Apostle of the Eucharist, with the collaboration of Mother Marguerite Guillot, first Superior General. It was approved by Pope Pius IX in 1871..

Vision/Charism' "We live by the Eucharist and for the Eucharist. Our prayer is centered on the Blessed Sacrament continuously exposed in our public Chapels. We make each of our houses a Eucharistic Center, Where many people can share in our life of prayer and find helps for their spiritual development and Eucharistic formation."


Claim to History: Pioneered in the Promotion of the Adoration of the Eucharist


Five Reasons Why You Might Be Attracted:

a. contemplative life in a non-cloistered environment, this is very attractive to the young generation

b. well-defined formation program with professional, well-trained formators

c. community life is simple

d. The Eucharist, that should be attraction enough

e. slowly but surely growing its way into the Philippine church




Reasons Why You Might Be Discouraged:

a. well, because it is a contemplative community, there is not much pastoral involvement which might discourage those who seek dynamic ministries

b. limited areas - they are in Metro Manila and Davao

c. very low-key


Best For: those called to a life of contemplation and those who love the Eucharist


Contacts

The Vocation Directress:
Servants of the Blessed Sacrament
Zabarte Subd. Novaliches, Q.C.
Tel. 939-5523
Cellphone: 0919-846-3415
e-mail: servants_voc@yahoo.com

In Davao City:
Servants of the Blessed Sacrament
Jacinto Extension, 8000 Davao City
Tel. (082) 305- 7395
Cellphone: 0915-569-9121
e-mail : servantsdvo@yahoo.com

website: http://www.blessedsacramentph.org/

Religious of the Good Shepherds

Formal Name: Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd

Commonly Called As: Religious of the Good Shepherd, RGS Sisters

Classification: One Congregation, Two Vocations (active and contemplative)

Monicker: (In Baguio, Ube Jam Sisters)

Habit: For special occasions, white, for others, the RGS sisters are basically free to wear anything they want, depending on the needs of their ministry,and their own local reality

Foundational Data:The Good Shepherd Congregation was founded in Angers, France in 1835 by St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier.

Vision/Charism

We desire a Province of communities of compassion in radical incarnation of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

We dream of a world transformed in Jesus Christ where there is fullness of life for all beings; where no one is marginalized, oppressed or exploited; where everyone enjoys the all-embracing security of God' s care.

Claim to History: Being at the Forefront for the Fight for Justice,Peace and Integrity of Creation.

Dubious Distinction: Providing Shelther and Home to Rich, Problematic Women in the Past

Five Reasons Why You Might Be Attracted:

a. A spirituality of zeal and compassion permeates the RGS communities and ministries. Among the congregation in the Philippines, this one pioneered in delving into their rich history and contextualizing their spiritual heritage

b. A parade of names who helped define Philippine society: Sr. Christine Tan, Sr. Pilar Versoza, among others

c. Ministries of compassion especially for women is so contemporary and relevant

d. well-defined missionary direction, almost incomparable.

e. The love for the poor is very evident in their lifestyle

Reasons Why You Might Be Discouraged:

a. internal tensions from the past have not been healed, and continue to create a different culture

b. the various ministries can be very demanding, and stressful

c. community life is not that "family life" compared to other congregations, the sisters treat each other as professionals

Best For: Feminists

Contacts

Sr. Gemma Dinglasan, RGSLuzon Vocation Directress
1043 Aurora Blvd., Quezon CityTel.: (632) 913-6407 Fax: (632) 913-6435

Email: vocprom@i-manila.com.ph.

Sr. Zeny Clemen, RGSVisayas Vocation Directress
Banawa Hills, Cebu Cityor P.O. Box 2606000 Cebu CityFax: (032) 254-1631 (Convent) (032) 253-4194

Email: Zenyclemen@yahoo.com

Sr. Amy David, RGSMindanao Vocation Directress
200 Blas Chavez Velez St.Bulua, 9000 Cagayan de Oro CityTel. (08822) 726-270 Office (08822) 735-476

ConventEmail: shepherd@lycos.com

website: http://www.goodshepherdsisters.org.ph/

Canossian Daughters of Charity

Official Name: Canossian Daughters of Charity
Also Known As: Canossian Sisters of simply Canossians


Habit: White..see picture below




Foundational Data: Founded by St. Magdalen of Canossa in 1808 in what is now Verona, Italy.


Charism:

"Our Charism, or spiritual energy, comes from our relationship with Jesus in a particular moment of His life. It is the love of God that we discover in the heart of Jesus on the cross, and of Mary at the foot of the cross. Through our lives and our works, we try to bring this same love and hope into a suffering world."


Claim to History: Counts St. Bakhita in its roster of members. Bakhita was an African girl who was kidnapped, and repeatedly sold as a slave. She survived several tortures until the Canossian sisters educated, baptized and accepted her as its first African member.

Dubious Distinction: nothing, since this community is very low key
____________


Five reasons why your might be attracted:

a. Simplicity of the sisters: true to their spirituality, majority of the Canossian sisters are just so humble and simple

b. Very wild field in ministry: they are actually in several areas: education, lay empowerment, health, pastoral work. So there is room for everyone to practice her professional field.

c. Professionalism: the sisters have developed a professional work ethics, disciplined and organized

d. Well-defined spirituality: St. Magdalen left a spiritual legacy, and a practice called the Mental Prayer of the Heart

e. Justice and Peace Desk: very dynamic and well-defined, the sisters have a heart for the poor



Reasons why you might be discouraged:

a. Weak formation program: through the years, the formation program in the initial level has not broken through from its Italian influences

b. Low-key: the sisters are very quiet and humble about their works, almost invisible. they don;t have sisters with high visibility, which is really part of their values, but might discourage the young generation



Best For: Women who want a humble and simple form of religious life, silent workers

Contact Number:

Vocations:

Contact Person: Sr. Sally Navera, FdCC
Contact No : (0927) 380-6739

website: http://canossaphil.org/

Religious of the Assumption

Common name: The RA sisters, or the Assumption Sisters
Monicker: Roaming Around

Foundation: Saint Marie Eugénie Milleret founded the Religious of the Assumption in Paris in 1839.
Vision-Mission: Living Together the Incarnation Spirituality as Assumption Together in the Mission of Transformative Education Today

Claim to History: Produced Presidents (Cory, GMA), Senators (Loren), Top level executives, world class artists and businesswoman (i think all of them)

Dubious Distinction: In one of their campuses was invented what is now known as kolehiyala language, as in! (see Kris Aquino)

Five Reasons Why You Might be Attracted

a. Brilliant, well thought of pedagogy, truly rooted in the gospel. No other pedagogy can match the Assumption pedagogy of transformative education, not even the Jesuits

b. Prayer life is just beautiful. Enough said.

c. Rich history, both in France and in the Philippines.

d. The mission reach is so diverse and varied (San Lorenzo Village, on one hand, and Kauswagan Lanao del Norte, on the other, for example)

e. They have a very strong partnership with the lay, almost incomparable.

Why you might be discouraged:

a. The older generation of sisters come from such rich backgrounds: hacienderas, with names that might be mistaken for Manila 400: Yulo, Borres, Ledesma etc etc. This can be intimidating to the younger generation, makes them feel like a social climber.

b. Most of the pastoral works are still school-based, which is of course being faithful to their mission.

c. The lay partners can be intimidating to the younger ones (though they are friendly) but u have names like Judy Araneta, Liro Mapa, Chinit Rufino etc etc

d. Formation program has not streamlined yet.

e. And then there is the matter with the French Language

Best for: Confident professional women

Contacts:

Provincial House
Religious of the Assumption, Philippines-Thailand
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Tel/Fax Number: 63-2-5319614
Tel: 63-2-5331876

Mobile Phone Number: 0915-6480718

ppraboni@assumptionphil.org

Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception

They used to be called CFIC, and count in their roster the great Sister Mariani. That will give you a clue of the kind of life they live. Arguably one of the most post-modern congregations in the country today, the SFIC has wisely defined a life that is both radical yet traditional.

Five reasons you might be attracted to them:

a. The Franciscan spirituality! A deeply beautiful life. Contemplative poverty.

b. Avante garde ministries. The sisters are still in traditional institutions like schools, but they opened new ministries that are quite way off comfort zones (political detainees, cerebral palsy, abused women and exciting stuff like that)

c. Dynamic community life. nothing is boring here. experimentations are allowed. dialogues are part of everyday life.

d. Exceptionally gifted members: People like Sr. Cres Lucero, Sr. Josephini Ambatali, Sr. Immaculee, Sr. Stephanie Quiban

e. The quality of singing is simply angelic and divine.

Why you might be discouraged?

a. The young ones might find it difficult to measure up to the accomplishments established by the trailblazers.

b. a history of communal woundedness: its difficult to explain, but the communal psyche is wounded, it becomes heriditary

c. a fragile initial formation program. The ongoing formation is intact and stable, but the first stages have yet to find a stable footing

Best for: modern women professionals who are assertive

Contacts:

1. SFIC Provincial House# 5 16th StreetNew Manila, 1112 Quezon CityPhilippines
P.O. Box 570 AC P.O. Box 1139Cubao, Quezon City ManilaPhilippines Philippines
tel.: +00-63-2-7217155fax.: +00-63-2-7212159e-mail: mtbravo2001@yahoo.com

Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM)

First day of the month, of course I will feature the largest of them all.

Five reasons why it is attractive;

a. PATRIOTISM! The first Filipina congregation EVER!!!! RVM is the first all-Filipino religious congregation for women in the Philippines founded in 1684 by a Filipina, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.

b. STABILITY! It is also the largest Filipino congregation (both male and female), at present has membership of 747, as of the last count

c. HISTORICITY It is the oldest Congregation founded in the Philippines. Its historical value lies not only in its date of founding, but the many roles the sisters played throughout history, especially in the fight for freedom, and in educating millions of Filipinos.

d. EDUCATIVE MINISTRY! a combined total of 76 academic institutions and dormitories. That's enough to launch a spiritual revolution in the country and abroad. That is the potential for change. So, if you have the heart of a teacher or administrator, this one is it.

e. EXCELLENT FORMATORS: RVM can claim to have the most organized formation programs among all congregations in the country, and their formators are the most professionalized.

Five reasons why the congregation might discourage you:

a. Difficult to see poverty among such abundance. Though hardly their fault as the congregation has been blessed with wise financial management, the resulting lifestyle might discourage those who seek a simpler way of living.

b. Systems are so defined that there is little room for creativity. Brilliant educators are part of their leadership, people like Sr. Jackie de Belen, Sr. Evelyn Aguilar (present General), Sr. Assumpta David, Sr. Annie Co, Sr. Fe Gerodias and many more. They have put an impeccable system so flawless that leaves little room for a newcomer's dynamic experimentation.

c. Strict admission procedures. It will be like applying for a multinational corporation, so be ready with an impressive resume.

d. Intimidating figures. Bless their kind hearts, but some RVM sisters are so accomplished that they can be intimidating to young ones.

e. White habit, as in pure virginal white. Try wearing that and play with children in the park!

BEST FOR: Educators! Especially the excellent ones.

Contacts:
214 N. Domingo, 1111 Quezon City726-68-26; (Mother General)Telefax 723-33-44; e-mail: lalie888@yahoo.com (Vicar General)723-44-14; Far 721-80-30;

e-mail: rvmsecretariat@yahoo.com (Secretariat)721-80-23; Telefax 723-46-68; e-mail: rvm_economegeneral@yahoo.com (Econome)723-35-34 (Community)

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