Franciscan Sisters celebrate feast day simply

PURAK, Papar – The Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception celebrated their feast day on 8 Dec 2015 at their Pace Bene Centre here on a low key.  It also marked the conclusion of their six-day retreat facilitated by Brother Kipoy of Brothers of St Joseph of Congo.  Archbishop John Wong presided at the Mass, concelebrated with Fr Thomas Yip and Fr Thomas Madanan, who acted as their chaplains with three days each.

In his homily, the prelate presented his Advent theme to those present – the Sisters, their lay associates, benefactors and collaborators – and representatives of the other religious institutes, viz is to “read the bible, receive the sacraments, live the commandments, and go and evangelise.”  He also mentioned that the intention of their Founder, Msgr August Wachter, in putting them under the maternal protection of the Immaculate Conception, was to remind them to be as open to the working of the Holy Spirit as their heavenly patroness was.

After the Mass, all adjourned for the fellowship lunch at the dining hall.