Renewal of Vows of Sr. Karla Napala & Sr. Riza Cosme

A Reflection by Sr. Karla

Along with the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Sr. Riza G. Cosme and I renewed our temporary vows for one year at the Regional House Chapel, Las Pinas City, Philippines. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Al John Provido, RCJ, and our vows were received through the Regional Superior, Sr. Annie D. Estraza, MPS.


“He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his faithful love.”- Luke 1:54


As I renewed my vows, I found myself looking back at the journey God and I have shared. There have been joyful and blessed moments, but also quiet seasons when I felt tired, wounded, lost, and uncertain. The more I tried to walk forward, the more I realized how much I needed God. Yet, He never failed to lift me up, gently push me to my limits, and remind me that He remains at my side.


Many times, I have asked, “My God, can You not see that I am still returning to my old ways?” And instead of condemning me, He seems to gently tap my heart with His mercy, reminding me that falling is not the end of the journey. His faithful love always gives me the courage to begin again. I may not always understand His plans, but I trust the One who called me, and I am simply a follower who tries.


The Gospel of the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth spoke deeply to me during this renewal. When Mary received God's invitation, she “went in haste.” She trusted and moved, even without knowing everything that would happen. I experienced a little of this during my own preparation. But Mama Mary seemed to remind me: Go. Trust. Follow. And so, I did. Perhaps this is also what vocation asks of us. We make plans, but God sometimes changes the route. He does not always reveal the whole journey; He simply invites us to trust Him one step at a time.


Renewing my vows reminded me that my “yes” is not only for the beautiful and certain moments. It is also a yes in times of uncertainty, weakness, change, and waiting.


Still, now and ahead, I do not claim to have become the person I hope to be. I come simply as I am, with gratitude for the past, humility for my weaknesses, and hope for what lies ahead. He calls, I listen; He leads, I follow; and when I stumble, His faithful love helps me rise again.


And so, once again, I say: “Yes, Lord. I am here. I am still learning, still becoming, still trying, but I am Yours.”


August 18, 2026
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A Journey Begins in Faith and Love
June 30, 2026
Faith Flourishing in a Non-Christian Land
October 3, 2025
El Colegio Perpetuo Socorro, en Mazatenango, Suchitepéquez, Guatemala, en el primer dia de Octubre del 2025, celebró el Día de los Niños y de los Jovenes, una jornada llena de entusiasmo, sonrisas y fraternidad. Los estudiantes participaron en diversas actividades recreativas, organizadas con el objetivo de fomentar la convivencia, la alegría y el espíritu de comunidad. La jornada estuvo marcada por juegos, dinámicas y momentos de diversión que fortalecieron los lazos entre compañeros y maestros. Como parte de la celebración, se realizó también un compartir fraterno, en el que los alumnos disfrutaron de los alimentos que ellos mismos prepararon o trajeron con cariño para la ocasión. Fue un día especial para reconocer el valor, la creatividad y la vitalidad de los niños y jóvenes, recordando que ellos son el presente y el futuro de nuestra sociedad y de la misión educativa que llevamos adelante como Misioneras de Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro. La comunidad educativa agradece a todos quienes hicieron posible esta hermosa celebración, especialmente a los docentes y colaboradores que acompañaron con dedicación y alegría este día tan significativo.
September 25, 2025
On September 20, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the Capilla Medalla Milagrosa in Sonsonate, El Salvador, became a place of joy and grace as we celebrated the First Religious Profession of Vows of Sr. Alejandra del Carmen Rodriguez Aleman . The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Arnoldo , parish priest of Our Lady of the Angels Parish , together with his assistant priest, Fr. Santos . It was especially meaningful, as Sr. Alejandra is a daughter of this parish, making her offering of self to God all the more touching for her family, community, and parishioners. The celebration was graced with the presence of Mother Melissa Garza, Superior General of the Missionaries of Our Lady of Perpetual Help , along with two members of her General Council: Sr. Letecia Diaz Paredes and Lidia Marquez Tello, the sisters of the Region of Centroamérica, members of Sr. Alejandra’s family, and the faithful parish community. The liturgy, marked with solemnity and beauty, reflected the depth of Sr. Alejandra’s commitment to the Lord and to the mission of the Congregation. With hearts full of gratitude, we thank God for the gift of her vocation and for the witness of her “yes” in the service of the Church and the Congregation.  We entrust Sr. Alejandra to the loving care of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, that she may continue to live with fidelity, joy, and love her consecration to God.
August 26, 2025
The spirit of St. Alphonsus Liguori was profoundly alive during the Alphonsian Gathering held on August 24, 2025, at Ville St. John Academy in Parañaque City. Hosted by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist (CSSJB), the annual event brought together formands and formators/superiors from various religious congregations that embody Alphonsian Spirituality. These included the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (CSsR), the Missionaries of Our Lady of Perpetual Help (MPS), the Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Redeemer (OSR), and the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist (CSSJB). Although the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Good and Perpetual Succor (BPS) and the Order of the Most Holy Redeemer (OSsR) were unable to attend this year, their presence was still felt in spirit. The day began with registration at 6:30 AM, followed by a Eucharistic Celebration at 8:00 AM, presided over by Rev. Fr. Rufino Macasaet Jr., CSsR, and concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Bryan Espejo, CSsR. At 10:00 AM, a formative talk was delivered by Sr. Maria Victoria V. Flores, MPS, who thoughtfully unpacked the gathering's theme: “Gathered in Hope, Sent in Love.” She focused on the Four Pillars of Alphonsian Spirituality — the Crib, the Cross, the Eucharist, and Mary. Following the talk, participants were divided into five reflection groups composed of formands from different congregations. Each group shared reflections on the question: “How can we, as sisters and brothers of our respective congregations, strengthen the Four Pillars of Alphonsian Spirituality in our life?” A fellowship lunch followed, providing time for informal sharing and joyful bonding. In the afternoon, the groups presented the fruits of their reflection through creative and heartfelt presentations. This was followed by group games, which added an element of fun and camaraderie to the day. The gathering concluded with a solemn prayer of thanksgiving, sealing the experience in gratitude and renewed commitment to the Alphonsian mission. The day was more than just a gathering; it was a vibrant celebration of shared identity and mission. Though coming from different congregations, we are all united in the spirit of St. Alphonsus. Each of us has courageously journeyed from the “cribs” of our personal stories into the richness of Alphonsian Spirituality — beholding the Crib of Christ, embracing His Cross, celebrating His love in the Eucharist, and walking with Mary, our model of faith, hope and love.  As we closed the celebration, we could truly say that we were “Gathered in Hope, Sent in Love” — a people renewed in living out the Four Pillars of Alphonsian Spirituality.
August 26, 2025
With hearts full of gratitude, the Missionaries of Our Lady of Perpetual Help celebrated the 25th anniversary of religious profession of Sr. Nohemí Justo and Sr. Norma Salazar in two joyful gatherings marked by prayer, thanksgiving, and fraternity. The celebrations began on August 16, 2025, with a Eucharist at the Capilla de Guadalupe, Vicente Villada, Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, presided by Fr. Urbano, C.Ss.R. A week later, on August 23, 2025, a second Mass of thanksgiving was held at the MPS Casa Central, with Fr. Matthew Allman, C.Ss.R. as the celebrant. Both occasions gathered family, friends, and sisters of the Congregation in an atmosphere of joy and thanksgiving to God for the gift of consecrated life and the witness of perseverance of our jubilarians.  We thank the Lord for the 25 years of faithful commitment and loving service of Srs. Nohemí and Norma, and we entrust their journey to the maternal care of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, that she may continue to guide them in their mission of love, hope, and service.
August 20, 2025
On the joyous occasion of the Feast of the Assumption, August 15, 2025, we celebrated two significant milestones in the life of our religious community—the Investiture of Postulant Reizalee Razel D. Guzman and the Renewal of the Vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience of Sr. Joan P. Tidalgo and Sr. Janeth M. Torres. The Eucharistic Celebration took place at the Novitiate House in Biñan, Laguna, at 10 o’clock in the morning, and was presided over by Rev. Fr. Jayson T. Siapco. It was a deeply moving and solemn occasion, made even more special by the presence of Post. Reiza’s family and the sisters from various communities within Metro Manila. During his homily, Fr. Jayson offered a heartfelt reflection on the demands and beauty of religious life. As her Spiritual Director, he shared how he had witnessed Post. Reizalee’s journey of discernment. He reminded us that choosing this path is not easy. There will be moments of doubt, struggle, and even the temptation to walk away. Yet, he emphasized, that is where grace is found—in remaining faithful through the hardships. He shared that once we overcome the most difficult moments in our journey, future trials and temptations become more bearable and no longer shake us as they once did. The Investiture marked a beautiful new beginning for Reiza, who now officially begins her novitiate journey. On the other hand, the Renewal of the Vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience for another two years by our dear sisters Sr. Joan and Sr. Janeth was an earnest reaffirmation of their commitment to continue following Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, and to radiate His merciful love to the poor and most abandoned. It was a day filled with grace, hope, and inspiration—a tender testimony to God’s faithfulness, revealed through the courageous ‘yes’ of three women who continue to offer their lives in joyful service to the Church, the congregation and the people of God.