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. 
 

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.

February 19, 2025, Winter Park, Florida – A recent article in The National Catholic Reporter recounted the focus on Haiti by the worldwide Dominican family in its annual Month for Peace observance in December as well as the long-time presence and partnership of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park, Florida, with parishes in Haiti.

The article cites a letter to the Dominican family by Father Gerard Francisco Timoner III, OP, Master of the Order, calling on Dominicans for greater reflection and solidarity with the people of Haiti suffering from “violent atrocities and human rights violations, incessant killings, kidnappings, sexual assaults, human trafficking, and forced labor.” Adrian Dominican Sister Durstyne Farnan, OP, Dominican Representative to the United Nations, speaks of the “moral obligation” to advocate for the people of Haiti.

Much of the article focuses on the long-running efforts of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Winter Park, Florida. Since 2006, the parish has partnered for five years with one Haitian parish at a time, listening to their needs and working with the parishioners to address those needs. The focus is on the self-determination of the Haitians and the sustainability of their projects.

Read the entire article by Chris Herlinger and watch a video in which Sister Rosemary and other involved parishioners describe their ministry with Haitian parishes.  
 

Caption for above feature photo: A slide during a recent presentation on the Haiti Mission of St. Margaret Mary Parish, Winter Park, Florida, depicts Haitians working in micro-enterprises to help them remain self-sufficient.

Courtesy of St. Margaret Mary Parish, Winter Park, Florida