A DAY OUT WITH MOTHER GENERAL

What would be the way to make this last canonical visit of Mother General Maria Inez something truly worth remembering?  That was on our minds as we- some sisters from the Mater Dei-MRHCommunity, and two from other communities- waited for our ride to a half-day of rest with Mother General, her General Counselor Jocelyn Salomo, and the new Provincial Counselor Isabel Romero, who arrived from Japan last night.

We had thought of taking a walk around Hi Street in Bonifacio Global City, but then Eugene Falsis, the brother of our sister Emelinda Falsis and our very able driver for the day, suggested the Venice Plaza.  What a pleasant surprise the morning turned out to be!

Upon arriving at the Venice Plaza, after braving the horrible traffic that Metro Manila is known for, we first had some coffee -well, some others had juice – and waited for the gates of Venice Plaza to open. Then we took a long leisurely walk around the place that was a great imitation of the actual Venice. The construction was so like the real place, with gondolas rowed by boatmen in the canals.  The place was filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants, but also lots of nice nooks and corners where one could rest, and where one could take a lot of fantastic pictures!!! We ended the tour of “Venice” with an Italian lunch.

Before going home, we passed by the American Cemetery in McKinley Hill.  It is the place where American and Filipino soldiers who died defending this country are buried.  We silently and respectfully went around the cemetery in the van, marveling at the well-kept grounds, the beautiful landscape, the respectful silence that surrounded the place that invited one to prayer.  We were also filled with the thought – each one of us- that nothing good really comes out of a war.  If only everyone thought this way and war could be avoided!!!

We came home in the early afternoon feeling very grateful for a half-day well spent.

By Sr. Catherine Cheong, F.I.