With Grateful Hearts: 75 Years of MPS Missionary Presence in the USA

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.

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.

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.

On August 9, 2025, we gathered at the Parish of Our Lady of the Angels in Sonsonate, El Salvador, to give thanks to the Lord for the 25th Anniversary of Consecrated Life of our beloved sisters: Sr. Aracely Guzmán Castro, Sr. María de los Ángeles Alonzo Aragón, and Sr. María de los Ángeles López. The Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Constantino Barrera Morales and concelebrated by the Parish Priest, Fr. Arnoldo, together with his vicar, Fr. Santos. It was a moment of deep gratitude, joy, and renewal of our commitment to the Lord and His people.

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.

With deep joy and devotion, three communities in the Philippines—the Regional House and Dormitory Community in Las Piñas, and the Novitiate House in Biñan, Laguna—simultaneously celebrated the novena and feast day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The novena was held in advance from June 9 to 16, 2025, culminating in the celebration of the feast day on June 18, 2025. Guided by the theme, “Journeying Together with Mary, the Mother of Hope,” the communities joined in this sacred celebration with parishioners, benefactors, and friends, growing together in faith through prayer, fellowship, and the Eucharist. In Las Piñas City, the Regional and Dormitory Community marked the feast day with a solemn Mass at the Parish of the Supper of Our Lord at 7:00 a.m. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Reverend Elias L. Ayuban Jr., CMF, DD, JCD, Bishop of Cubao, and concelebrated by Fr. Kevin Cosme, the parish priest, and Fr. Eric Terrel. After the Mass, a simple fellowship brought everyone together in joy and gratitude. On the same day, the Novitiate Community in Biñan celebrated the Eucharist at the Blessed Sacrament Parish at 10:00 a.m., presided over by the new parish priest, Fr. Charlie Argente, OSJ. Their celebration also concluded with a shared meal and warm fellowship.  Though held in different locations, the celebrations were united in spirit and purpose. This shared devotion to Our Mother of Perpetual Help reminded everyone that even across distances, we journey together—with Mary, our Mother of Hope—trusting in her intercession and drawing strength from one another in faith and mission.

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.”