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

Called to Begin Her Journey of Consecrated Life

A Reflection by Sr. Karla

A Golden Jubilee of Consecrated Life in Gratitude to God

Restructuring for Renewal and Mission

A Journey Begins in Faith and Love

Faith Flourishing in a Non-Christian Land

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.

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.

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.