MRA on its 45 Years of Grace

St. Michael School of Padada, Padada, Davao del Sur, February 08, 2025 – The Marie Rivier Association joyfully marks its 45th anniversary with the theme “Grateful Stewards of Love and Care.” The celebration brings together the Marie Rivier Associates from the different chapters from Visayas and Mindanao to reflect on the association’s journey of faith, service, and commitment to the values of Saint Marie Rivier. The milestone event features a Thanksgiving Mass presided by Reverend Father Ferdinand Lariosa, DCD, a tribute to the association’s foundress, and the acceptance of the thirty (30) new members from different chapters. Over the years, the Marie Rivier Association has remained steadfast in its mission to serve the poor, educate the youth by inviting them to spread the Gospel through acts of compassion and love. “Our theme reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, and we are called to share these gifts generously,” said Sr. Edel Gula, pm – the Provincial Animator of the Association. She added that, “For 45 years, we have been stewards of love and care, and we look forward to continuing this mission.”

Marie Rivier was gifted by God with a compassionate heart. As Marie Rivier Associates, they are called to bring love and care to everyone. Sister Charito Gorgonio, PM, the Provincial Superior and the invited speaker during the convention emphasized during her talk, “Love is not a feeling; it is the action of the heart in the face of suffering.” This message continues to inspire members as they serve with dedication and faith in their respective milieu.

An associate from Bohol shared in the group at large their common experience during the small group sharing about the faith passed down from Marie Rivier -emphasizing the importance of trusting God despite struggles, suffering, and pain. According to her, “Their life teaches us that no matter how much the difficulties we face, we should remain steadfast in faith and believe in God’s plan.”

The afternoon was an opportunity to showcase different performances, where members from various chapters expressed their faith through music, dance, and creative presentations. These moments of joy and celebration reminded each one that service is not only about giving but also about growing together in love and fellowship. The members expressed their gratitude for the association’s impact in their lives. To officially end the program, Sister Edel shared the following words to more than three hundred (300) Marie Rivier Associates present during the convention, “Marie Rivier’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who serve and those who receive.”

As for my experience during the convention, I had the joy of meeting new members of the association, each one bringing their own inspiring stories of faith and service. It was a heartwarming experience to witness the unity and shared mission that binds us together despite our differences. Looking ahead, the Marie Rivier Association remains committed to deepening its mission, ensuring that love and care continues to transform lives for years to come. As we celebrate this milestone, we ask ourselves: How can we, in our ways, become stewards of love and care in the world today? (Ms. Mariel Gentrolizo | Marie Rivier Associate – Toril Chapter)