Llanes: The Maryknoll teachings

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Tomorrow, Feb. 11, 2012, the Maryknoll Convent School-Marishan School here in Baguio City will mark its centennial celebration and homecoming at the Maryknoll Ecological Sanctuary. The highlight of the event will be the 3pm mass to be led by Baguio Vicariate Bishop Carlito Cenzon followed by the blessing of the centennial garden. Sisters coming from Miriam College will be joining the event together with a performance form the Maryknoll choir.

AS STUDENTS of Maryknoll-Marishan, we learned at an early age to be focused in all our under takings. Strict adherence in understanding and analyzing each situation was a norm in our school. These are some of the reason why we consider ourselves different from other schools.

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I explained to my colleague Vincent Cabreza of the Philippine Daily Inquirer who together with Maurice Millanes made an article regarding our centennial celebration that one of the rigid trainings that the Maryknoll Sisters and our teachers employed on us was our proficiency in the English language both oral and written English.

I told Vince that we were only allowed to speak in Filipino before the start of our classes, recess, lunch break, the time we go home, and during our Filipino subject.

Some of our classmates in high school and college thought of us as children coming from the rich families of Baguio. But the truth is, we just like any other children of any family in Baguio. The only advantage is that we were taught through the Maryknoll way.

Sister Virginia Fabella, M.M., Philippines said that "In order for one to have an Orderly Mind, one must consider that in today's world where chaos is the only norm and change is the only constant, an orderly mind is neither static nor inflexible, but open and creative. It is not afraid to imagine, question or challenge, and it welcomes both paradox and mystery. This is an orderly mind: its fruit is wisdom.

But not only should one have an orderly mind, one must also have Gracious Courtesy. Sister Marisa Lichauco, M.M., Philippines explained that "Courtesy is more than mere politeness. It involves respect and concern for others. To exude courtesy graciously is to bestow benevolence and nobility upon others as well as upon oneself".

Having an Adaptable Disposition must also be practiced. Sister Teresa Dagdag, M.M., Rome, Italy wrote that "It is a basic stance before the Source of all being that absorbs one's presence and capacity to engage in a dance believing that all interruptions, interventions, and unexpected events... Are mystery that moves us along the cosmic dance of life."

Students in Maryknoll-Marishan have always been taught that God is ever present. This is why we follow the teachings of Sister Mary Clare Henry, M.M., Maryknoll Sisters Center in New York on Solid Piety. She explains this as "Having a deep root of respect and faithfulness to prayer with an awareness of God's presence at all times".

But we were not serious at all times; in fact, each and every one of us has our own sense of humor. Sister Helen Graham, M.M. Philippines joyfully tell's us that "The Saving Grace of a Sense of Humor saves us from ourselves; allows us to see the unexpected, the incongruous, the over serious, the absurd, the surprises in life, and to laugh a laugh that is a mixture of joy and incredulity, like that of Sarah when she would bear a son in her old age".

All in all, the Maryknoll Sister, our teachers, and our parents have always instilled in us that we should always "Make God's Love Visible". Dr. Rosario Oreta Lapus, President of the Miriam College in the Philippines shares to the theme of the Maryknoll Sisters Centennial Theme. "God's love is a powerfull companion in our journey through life. god rejoices in our happiness and walks with us in our struggles.Let our lives be a true reflection of God's words and works".

In behalf of the Maryknoll -Marishan Sisters, teachers, parents and those who studied and graduated in our school, our heartfelt thanks to Sir Rei Bautista, former Mayor Peter Rey Bautista, Editor Sam B., and Assistant Editor Ma'an C., for allowing us to share to the people of Baguio the contribution of our school to our community through this column.

I'd also like to thank my collegues in the Baguio Midland Courier, Baguio Reporter, The Chronicle, DzMM, DzBB, DzRH, DzRB, DWIZ, DzWT, DzWX, Star FM, 98.7 Z Radio, GMA News TV, Abs Cbn and my station PTV 4 for accomodating and helping us dissiminate the Centennial Celebration and Homecoming of the Maryknoll Sisters, the Maryknoll Convent School and Marishan School.