The welcome mat is always ready at Casa Cabrini. When I stayed there recently, it was my pleasure to visit with Sr. Romy Molon, MSC, and get to know some of the young women who are part of the community. Sr. Patricia Spillane, MSC, who also lives there, was teaching in a special program out of town, so she and I visited in Manila before and after time spent in Baguio City.

The women of Casa Cabrini live in the mountain provinces north of Baguio City. They come to this university town as an opportunity to further their education and live in a faith based community with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. For most, it is an opportunity and an experience that changes their lives forever.

One of the highlights for me was to facilitate a day of retreat that was held at Holy Spirit Retreat House not far from Casa Cabrini. Some of the young women were preparing for Confirmation; Bishop Carlito Cenzon graciously agreed to officiate at a Confirmation mass and ceremony at his private residence.

All the members of Casa Cabrini participated in the retreat day as a means of being in solidarity with those who were preparing for the sacrament and as an opportunity to deepen their appreciation of the Spirit’s presence in their lives. What followed was a grace filled, reflective day in a beautiful garden on the retreat grounds.

Claire and Jovie provided the music for our prayer services and each of us entered into this time of quiet reflection, group sharing, picnic style lunch, and prayer together. Helen and Venirose helped Sr. Romy prepare the food for our meal and merienda (breaks). We included Beverly, Mioryel and Sr. Patricia, who could not be with us for this event, in our prayer intentions. As always, I am impressed when individuals who are searching for meaning in their lives trust one another to share what is in their hearts. It was a testimony to the community spirit they have developed at Casa Cabrini over this past year.

A new school year has begun and that means movement and changes at Casa Cabrini. Sr. Isalia Carvalho, MSC, has now come to Baguio and new women have joined the community as first year college students: Jonalisa Butag and Cherry Minas. Helen has moved to Hong Kong to work and help her siblings with their educational needs. Mioryel and Claire are using their nursing skills in Isabella. Eventually they hope to work on our MSC missions in Africa. Sr. Romy and Beverly moved to the new community at the Center for Save Our Street Children Foundation, Inc. (SOSCFI).

Casa Cabrini is supported by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart as well as by contributions received from Cabrini Mission Foundation friends. Thank you for your generosity.

Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC