Chinggay V. Utzurrum
The scene

RECENTLY, a Mother Ignacia Movement (MIM) Regional Assembly was held at the Betania Retreat House, in Nivel Hills, involving local chapter (Cebu) and the Visayas Region.

This regular meeting is organized by the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM), who own and manage the various RVM-community schools throughout the country, and there are quite a number. They also operate a chain of dormitories in the region.

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On the other hand, the MIM is under this group and works for the coming sainthood of its mother foundress, venerable Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.

In fact, the assembly had these objectives: To refresh one’s knowledge of Mother Ignacia and to renew their love and devotion to her. To share one’s experience of Mother Ignacia and strengthen the bond between one another and among units.

To emulate Mother Ignacia’s virtues in their lives and to spread them to others by witnessing. And to reinvigorate their zeal and enthusiasm in working for the cause of her beatification.

We admire the energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of Vicente Inola, national director of the Association of Campus Ministries in the Philippines, who was “imported” from
Manila just for the occasion. Such is his expertise and is affectionately called “Tatay Jojo”.

The two-day gathering had an unprecedented attendance with dynamic speakers who touched on Mother Ignacia’s heroism, strength of character and leadership skills.

Very much present was Sr. Teresa Valdez, RVM, jurisdictional coordinator for MIM in the Visayas, and Fr. Cristeto Mendez, chairman of MIM Cebu City chapter. Then the dynamism and dedication of guest speaker Dr. Pureza “Purie” Oñate totally enveloped the assemblage, as she focused on mother foundress!

Virtues in Filipino homes.

Dr. Purie Oñate is proudly a board member of the MIM, and medical director of Perpetual Succour Hospital; and if we know Purie, a woman of substance, she has a string of other community involvement as well!

The highly successful meeting culminated in a Eucharistic celebration by Fr. Christopher Amores, proudly a product of an RVM college!

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For the many interested in propagating the Mother Ignacia Movement, monthly masses are held at the Santo Rosario Church every second Saturday of the month. That means this coming Saturday, July 11 at 8:45 a.m.

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The love story of the Hernandez-Berciles couples started with the loving union of Jeanne Marie Berciles to Cesar Hernandez, some years back.

This time, it’s another Hernandez brother marrying another Berciles sister.

Recently, Cherry Marie, sister of Jeanne Marie, promised to love, honor and obey, Simeon, brother of Cesar Hernandez, at solemn rites at the Redemptorist Parish, a stone’s throw from her alma mater, St. Theresa’s College.

Wedding rites were officiated by Fr. Patrick Martin, CSSR, assisted by Fr. Eligio Cruz, SDB, the bride’s uncle.

At the reception, held at Cebu City Marriott Hotel, the huge Hernandez clan from San Jose, Batangas, and the nearby Berciles kith and kin, arrived from Butuan City, Agusan.

Amid all the lively songs and dances performed by the UP Close Band and the talented cousins of the couple, we’d like to congratulate the parents, Ellery and Cecillia Cupin-Berciles and the late Ananias and Rosario Macaraig-Hernandez. They were, after all, responsible for bringing the couple into this world.

In a family deeply steeped in familial and Christ-centered values, we know the newlyweds are on the right, living track!

Toasts and kisses!