What's Happening

By Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal, OP
Chapter Prioress, Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter

March 27, 2025, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines – The Adrian Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, based in the Philippines, recently gathered with clergy and community members to witness the blessing of the newly constructed Covered Court, a sacred space that will serve as a hub for various activities and gatherings. 
 
The occasion was graced with the presence of the two Archbishops of the Archdiocese of San Fernando who hold a special spot in their hearts for the Sisters: Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, DD, and Archbishop Emeritus Paciano B. Aniceto, DD. Friends, family members, and benefactors also joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony and Holy Eucharist. In his homily, Archbishop Lavarias emphasized the importance of listening to God in prayer to discern God’s will and faithfully follow God’s path.  

The Covered Court was designed by the Arkiteks Envision Design and Construction Firm, headed by Architect Gerard F. Angeles and his team. The Covered Court represents a dream come true for the Sisters and the entire community of the Dominican School of Angeles City Foundation, Inc. It will provide a safe and comfortable space for the Sisters’ activities and serve as a venue for the students, who for many years had to endure the heat of the sun during school events. In addition, learners will engage in athletic and other recreational activities in the Covered Court.

This sacred space will be a beacon of hope and compassion for our less fortunate brothers and sisters, including the Indigenous Aeta and Badjao people, persons with disabilities, children and adults on the street, women, family members of victims of extra-judicial killings, and farmers, who will gather for various programs and services.

Finally, this Covered Court is a remarkable gift from God to the Sisters, realized through the collective efforts of everyone who worked tirelessly, especially the Dominican School of Angeles City community and the Pampanga clergy, who sold tickets and solicited donations. 

The Mission Council of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, led by Sister Maria Yolanda G. Manapsal, OP, and the school community, are deeply grateful for God’s continuous blessings. Truly, God’s plan unfolds in God’s perfect time.

The Covered Court was in use shortly after its dedication. The Dominican School of Angeles City, led by Sister Arsenia Marie T. Puno, OP, PhD, the school Directress, and Principal Sister Rowena Marie D. Cruz, OP, held its recognition and graduation ceremonies on March 27 and 28 in the Covered Court. 

The graduation event was honorably attended by Father Jomarsus Gatus, who in his homily reminded the students that their achievements are not solely the result of their own efforts but also a reflection of the support provided by those who served as instruments in their success.

 

The recognition ceremony welcomed proud parents and guardians, who gathered to applaud their children for their accomplishments throughout the school year. Sister Arsenia shared a powerful message about camaraderie, friendship, and the importance of recognizing the talents gifted to us by God. 

This day stands as a celebration of achievements for students, teachers, and parents alike, honoring the collective efforts and the belief that hard work truly pays off. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and support, achieving great things is indeed possible.
 

Caption for above feature photo: Adrian Dominican Sisters of the Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter, along with Archbishop Florentino G. Lavarias, DD, and Archbishop Emeritus Paciano B. Aniceto, DD, and community members prepare to cut the ribbon for the new Covered Court at the Dominican School of Angeles City Foundation.

March 3, 2025, Washington, D.C. – Cardinal Wilton Gregory, who retired in January 2025 after serving as Archbishop of Washington, D.C., since 2019, recalls the Catholic roots he found in his native Chicago. Before he was a Catholic, young Wilton Gregory was inspired to be a priest by the priests of St. Carthage Parish and the Adrian Dominican Sisters who taught him there. 

Read more about Cardinal Gregory’s life as a priest and bishop in this article printed in The Catholic Standard, newspaper of the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. 

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Donna Markham, OP, and Cardinal Wilton Gregory

Adrian Dominican Sisters File Photo