Calapan (Philippines). On 15 November 2025, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of Bl. Maddalena Morano House, of Saint Mary Domenica Mazzarello Province, celebrated the 30th anniversary of their presence in Eastern Mindoro, a province of the island of the Philippine archipelago.
The event, celebrated at the Mary Help of Christians School in Mindoro, had as its theme, “Mission and Hope Led by Mary”.
The FMA mission in Eastern Mindoro began on 18 June 1995, when three pioneers – Sister Ester Silva, Sister Florencia Malacaman, and Sister Ravena Dominguez – courageously responded to the call to serve the local youth. They were accompanied and supported by the then Provincial, Sister Felicidad Boado, who helped launch the new mission of the FIL Province.
Moved by apostolic zeal, the Sisters immediately immersed themselves in evangelization. In line with the Salesian Charism of reaching the poorest, their commitment has focused heavily on youth ministry, university ministry, and the mission dedicated to indigenous Mangyan groups in the suburbs of Eastern Mindoro.
Five years later, in 2000, their commitment to integral development led them to establish an agricultural school in Parang, Calapan City. This forward-looking vision, often serving young people from distant and marginalized areas, was designed to be of not only spiritual but also economic benefit, providing practical agricultural training alongside spiritual and psychosocial formation. The goal remains to guide young people to become responsible Christians and productive members of society.
The anniversary celebration began with a solemn Eucharist in honor of Blessed Maddalena Morano, presided over by Monsignor Moises M. Cuevas, Bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan. He was joined by Bishop Buenaventura Famadico, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of San Pablo, a long-time supporter of the FMA mission, along with seven priests from the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan and members of the Society of the Divine Word.
In his homily, Bishop Moises praised the Sisters, saying that, “they are special, because they make the people around them special.” He emphasized their unceasing dedication to young people and their simple and joyful lifestyle, which reflects the spirit of their patroness, Blessed Maddalena Morano.
The FMA Community, employees, and formandees welcomed with joy the Sisters from various parts of Luzon, along with the employees and young formandees. The event was further enriched by the presence of friends, alumni, former formators, and benefactors from both the public and private sectors.
The Provincial, Sr. Teresita Padron, expressed in her words the hope that the Institution will continue to be a dynamic meeting place, where vocations are cultivated and where the fundamental values of the Preventive System-reason, religion, and loving-kindness-are embodied in the daily lives of all those involved.
At a particularly emotional moment, called “Baliktanaw”, the reading of the history of the mission’s beginnings took place, which deeply touched everyone present, especially the pioneer Sisters and those who worked alongside them. Heartfelt expressions of gratitude followed to all those who supported the mission, including the pioneer Sisters, the parents of the Mindoro Island FMA vocations, and the benefactors.
The festive atmosphere was enlivened by performances by staff, Past-Pupils, formators, and current formandees, including a song celebrating Mangyan culture and a lively dance, an expression of their joy in belonging to the Philippines.
At the end of the celebration, Sister Maria Grelyn Cruzat, Animator of the Community, reminded everyone that the 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but a strong invitation to continue spreading light, hope, and love, especially towards young people, emphasizing that, “Our young people are not just the hope of the nation, they are the present of the Church.”
The day ended with thanksgiving to the Lord for His love, infinite goodness, and divine providence, which have sustained their ministry for three decades, and to Mary Help of Christians, for having powerfully led the FMA mission that continues the commitment to form not only “agricultural hands” but also the hearts of young people.
I am so glad I was there, one with the Blessed Maria Maddalena Community of the St. Mary Mazzarello Province of the Philippines. It was really an encounter to celebrate the Jubilee of Hope for the Indigenous People of Oriental Mindoro, called the Mangyans, the hope of Mary Help of Christians Agriculture Training Center, the local Church, and the country.