The Mabuhay Scholars of Paco, Lipa, and Tagaytay communities together with staff, benefactors, and friends of Mabuhay Foundation – Germany, and the Canossian Sisters celebrated a day of encounter, prayer, and fun last February 12th in Canossa Academy- Lipa City. The cool, sunny, and beautiful place was a welcoming site to hold this encounter. The gathering started with a Pilgrim walk on the theme of synodality where everyone was able to pray in the four prayer stations prepared by Sr. Aurea de Vera IV, FdCC, and Sr. Amelia Manlusoc, FdCC. In the first station, the participants were able to enthusiastically recall how the Lord has graced the journey of St. Josephine Bakhita. The second station was an invitation to the participants to reflect on the mission of St. Magdalene of Canossa in making Jesus known and loved. Everyone was welcomed in a peaceful garden while making their commitment as stewards in taking care of mother earth as they go to the third station with St. Francis of Assisi. Lastly, everyone thanked Mother Mary for her maternal guidance and love in each one’s journey of loving God. It was indeed a meaningful prayer activity.
The next encounter of Mabuhay Foundation staff, Monika Einwich and Norbert Einwich and the scholars were at M. Fernanda Riva gym Monika and Norbert shared some interesting facts about Bamberg, Germany and the sharing on the objectives and mission of the Mabuhay Foundation, that is, to empower each individual to strive in his/her studies in order to transform his/her family and the larger society. The Mabuhay scholars were once again inspired by the generosity and love of their German sponsors. Afterwards, a hearty sharing by two former Mabuhay scholars- Maria Fatima Belino (a graduate of Law) and Joseph Angeles (Head Teacher of a Public school in Lipa City) gave an opportunity to Mabuhay scholars to value the gift of education and the many generous persons who are helping them to finish their studies. The morning culminated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided by Fr. Eugene.
The afternoon was joyously filled with group games facilitated by Sr. Annaliza Cosico which allowed the Mabuhay scholars to laugh and know each other. It was followed by the small group activities in the classrooms organized by Sr. Elizabeth Asuncion and selected Mabuhay scholars. Each group has 4 activities to experience. These are the two games coupled with a virtue to learn and deepen which is togetherness and hope respectively, Hair Love movie watching on the love between family members and ‘’Color it with Love’ which allowed them to bring out their creativity. The Mabuhay scholars performed a dance as their expression of gratitude and love to Mabuhay Foundation team and sponsors who later joined in the dancing.
It was a beautiful day with the Mabuhay Team composed of Monika Einwich, Norbert Einwich, Helga Pieler and Martin Kuhn with daughter Svenja. They arrived in Manila on February 9 and will stay in the country until March 3. We are grateful for their presence and personal encounters with the scholars in today’s assembly, the next scholars’ gathering in Kiangan and in their visits to the scholars and their families in other Canossian communities – Paco, Tondo, Lipa, Magallanes, Nueva Ecija, Kiangan, and Cagayan de Oro. Mabuhay po kayo!
