Celebration of the Novena and Feast of Our Mother of Perpetual Help

Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Journeying Together with Mary, the Mother of Hope,” we gratefully recognized the selfless love and guidance of our Blessed Mother Mary throughout our shared journey. This grace-filled celebration became even more meaningful as it closely coincided with two important feasts: The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 27 and the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 28. These feasts remind us of the deep bond of love between Jesus and Mary, so beautifully depicted in the icon of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. In Macau, the community gathered on June 26 at San Agustin Church for the Holy Mass at 7:30 PM, celebrated by Fr. Sheldon Eric D'Souza. After the Mass, everyone came together to share the joy and love of God through an agape meal at the Pastoral Center. In India, two communities—Banabira and Bangalore—celebrated the feast on the same day. In Banabira, the sisters, together with the hostel boys and guests, held a simple yet meaningful celebration. The Mass was celebrated at 5:30 AM by Fr. Augustine Lakra at the parish church, Mother Mary Queen of the Destitute. In Bangalore, the Eucharistic celebration was held at 5:00 pm in the convent chapel and was presided over by Fr. Francis Ezhanikatt, CSsR, with seven priests concelebrating— the parish priest, two Pallotine fathers, two Dominicans, and two Redemptorist Priests. The occasion was made even more special by the presence of 12 additional Redemptorist fathers and friends of our Congregation here in India. In both celebrations, they also thank the Lord for the Anniversary in the Religious Profession of Srs. Maria Theresa, Vandana, Ranjita, and Sushila. In the Philippines, on June 28, sisters from various MPS communities in Metro Manila, along with our lay partners (LAMPS), gathered for the Holy Mass at 10:00 AM at the MPS Betterliving Mission Community in Parañaque City, followed by a sumptuous fellowship meal. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Rico John Bilangel, CSsR, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Eric Sevencruz, CSsR. It was a beautiful celebration that reminded us of the o pen, m oved, p assionate, and h ealing hearts of Mary and Jesus—qualities we, as religious missionaries, are called to imitate in living out our vocation. Across our three countries, the burning, compassionate hearts of Jesus and Mary—as reflected in the spirit of Our Mother of Perpetual Help—united us in love and devotion. As one MPS Asia Region, we continue to walk with Mary, our Mother of Hope, bringing her message of love and Jesus’ Perpetual Help to the world.

On June 24, 2025, the MPS Asia Region celebrated with joy and gratitude the Perpetual Profession of Sr. Clariza B. Moren, mps, and Sr. Anna Flor P. Padao, mps. The Eucharistic Celebration was held at 9:00 a.m. at the Blessed Sacrament Parish in Biñan, Laguna. It was presided over by Rev. Fr. Rico John Bilangel, CSsR, together with several concelebrating priests. During the celebration, the two sisters made their Perpetual Vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience—offering their whole lives to God and the mission of the Church and the Congregation. In his homily, Fr. Rico John reflected on the words of Jesus: “Remain in my love,” which was the chosen theme of the celebration. He encouraged the sisters, as well as the entire community, to embrace this invitation through the vows they had professed. To remain in His love, he said, is to live: Chastity – a love that is free and inclusive, reaching out especially to the poor, the lost, and the forgotten; Poverty – a life of simplicity and radical trust, letting go of control, possessions, and security, and placing everything in God’s hands; Obedience – a heart that listens and responds to God’s will with love and freedom, even when it is difficult. These vows are not just obligations, but expressions of love and trust—ways of allowing God to take deeper root in one’s life. As part of his message, Fr. Rico John also affirmed the identity and mission of the sisters as MPS: “ M ade to Love, P erfected to Serve, and S anctified for God.” After the Mass, everyone gathered for a simple fellowship meal at the Novitiate House Hall, sharing in the joy of the occasion and giving thanks for the sisters’ generous “yes” to God. This celebration was a beautiful reminder of God's love and faithfulness. As Sr. Clariza and Sr. Anna Flor begin this new chapter, may they, through the loving intercession of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, always remain in His love through “ faithful chastity”, “self-emptying poverty”, and “humble obedience.”