CELEBRATING GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY IN JAPAN

The 50th Anniversary of Religious Life of Sr. Carmen Segovia was celebrated in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture last May 31. It was very rare in this part of Japan to experience such, thus presenting a great opportunity for evangelization.

It was attended by many Japanese Catholics and non-Catholics alike. It gathered once again many people she worked with for the twenty years she was there, – faculty, alumni, and parents of Shotoku, our mission school, Filipino migrant groups from different parishes, Japanese families, NGO’s, etc. Her family was represented by her elder sister who came all the

way from the U.S.

Through a simple but meaningful liturgical celebration, the beauty of “religious life” as a vocation option was once again introduced. And through a PowerPoint presentation during the party, the love and fidelity of the Triune God were concretized in the F.I. vocation journey of Sr. Carmen.

We share with you below her “Thanksgiving Prayer,” which touched the hearts of many as it was likewise translated into Japanese.

I Remember….

I Celebrate….

I Believe

Lord, I remember with grateful heart your providential care

and love…when I was born, and my mother died, You were there with my aunts and family who, with patience, kindness, and love, took care of the baby.

You guided me and my siblings to study with the Hijas de Jesus Sisters who, with dedication and zeal, nurtured my faith and moral and spiritual values and enkindled the seed of my vocation and that of my sister Nieves.

Lord, I celebrate you…

In your constant love and fidelity all these years. In

my struggles, in my successes, and the challenges I encountered in the mission you have sent me.

In the gift of my family, in my Sisters in the Congregation, my Spiritual directors and the countless beautiful people who have accompanied and journeyed with me all these years.

In what is in my heart that counts the most. The contentment, the joy, the thankfulness …the deep knowledge of being loved by you.

Lord, I believe…

that the seed of love, care and compassion I have shared with those you have given me will bear fruit in their lives. That you will always keep them close to your heart. And that they will be living witnesses of that merciful love.

That you will love me as I am, that you will always be there for me… that your grace will be enough for me….