The Society of the Divine Word marked its 100th year of missionary presence in the Philippines last August 2009. As part of the SVD family, Saint Jude Catholic School Community spearheaded by the Campus Ministry Office had a pilgrimage last April 1-3, 2009 to Cagutungan, Abra – the roots of the SVD in the Philippines.
We Remember... the perseverance of Fr. Luis Beckert and Fr. John Scheiermann in establishing the Society of the Divine Word here in the Philippines. Seeing the path they took and experiencing the rough roads going to Abra; we pilgrims felt the struggle and difficulties they have gone through. But with their faith and confidence in God and through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, they succeeded in becoming Witnesses to the Word to the people of Abra and eventually to the whole Philippines.
We Rejoice… as we celebrate the SVD Centennial in the Philippines, we as one SJCS family rejoiced with the people of Abra. Thanking the Lord for the gift of places, people, friends and faith. Believing that each of these are factors in fulfilling the mission of the SVD, that is to become Witnesses to the Word in the World.
We Renew… our commitment to the Society of the Divine Word, through our services to Saint Jude Catholic School. As one community, let us uphold the school’s core values of excellence, discipline, commitment, service and Christ-centeredness. Let us be true Witnesses to the Word in the World.
As part of remembering, rejoicing and renewing, here are some of SJCS’s reflections, showing their continuous commitment and service to the SVD missions in the Philippines.
"I am a proud Abrenio! I’m proud of my roots, our culture and most especially I’m proud of being an alumna of Holy Ghost School, Holy Spirit of Manila and a member of the SJCS faculty. From this activity, I realized how great God is! He manifested his great love through the works and sacrifices and acts of love of the 3 missionary congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen. What touched me most was our trip to Cagutungan. The place was very far, a very small town but a holy ground. I can’t describe the feelings I had when we arrived. This was the first time I saw the place. This pilgrimage made me realize more my mission as a child of God and as a teacher. I’m very much inspired with the love and sacrifices of the early missionaries. I praise and thank God for making me part of this community. I’ve been raised by SSpS sisters. They were my mentors. I’m proud to be an SJCS teacher. Thank you God for this wonderful and memorable experience. This would never be forgotten. I promise to do my best as a missionary."
~ Eliza Beth Arciaga
