Ursulines Trace Silver Beginnings in Mati, Phl

MATI CITY – The 3rd of May 2014 marked 25 years of faithful service of the Order of St. Ursulu (OSU) or Ursuline Sisters of the Canadian Union in the Philippines, particularly in the Diocese of Mati and the Archdiocese of Davao.

Most Rev. Patricio H. Alo, Bishop of Mati, presided at the Concelebrated Thanksgiving Mass at the OSU open-air kiosk, Capitol Hills, Mati City, at 8:00AM, before a crowd of well-wishers from various sectors of society—the clergy; religious, including Ursuline sisters from Japan and Canada; lay friends, neighbors, evangelizers, visitors; and the families of client-dependents being assisted by the sisters.

A literary-musical program depicting the OSU history in the PHL and messages from important persons, particularly OSU Provincial Superior Sr. Ryoko Akiyama of Japan followed after the Mass, culminating in a sumptuous lunch for everyone present.

How did It all start?

Way back in 1987, Bishop Alo as new Bishop of Mati, invited the OSU to come to work in his Diocese after Mother Susan Pouliot, OCD, a former student of the Ursulines in Canada, had told him about the Ursuline foundation in Japan that had been established  by Canada.

The Japanese mission, then celebrating its 60th foundation anniversary, accordingly felt that it was now their turn to send missionaries; so they answered positively to the request of Mother Suzanne Blais, OSU, Superior General.

After two years of discernment, Japan sent the first three missionaries to Mati on May 27, 1989: Sr. Aurore Jean,  Sr. Aiko Kuroda (RIP),  and Sr. Shoko Suzuki (RIP); in 1990 the first convent and Formation House was built, dedicated to St. Angela Merici, foundress of the OSU in 1535.

In 1992 was the entry of the first postulants who later made their public profession of vows, followed by more vocations.

In 1998, to answer the need of the Diocese for Faith Education, the Sisters decided to build the St. Marie of the Incarnation Retreat Center that could accommodate 100 persons, with many facilities for any kind of apostolate.

In 2010, the Community had a house built in Davao City to secure a Community for the Sisters studying in Davao or others having to spend a few days in the city.

The three Communities—Formation House, Retreat Center, Davao House –have been involved in different ministries such as giving recollections, teaching catechesis, welcoming visitors, and parish work.

Sr. Louise Boisvert, OSU local superior, shared that: “As we  continue our work in the Philippines, we  focus on JESUS CHRIST, OUR ONLY TREASURE, and do this by CARING for each person, on the STRENGTH OF UNITY, and RELATIONSHIPS BASED ON CHARITY”, praying too that “the Lord continue to help us in our apostolate and keep us always open to the needs of our people.”