Professions and Jubilee in ISGA and IMSA

February 27, 2025. Two Novices of the Institute of St. Gabriel the Archangel (ISGA) professed their religious vows, two temporary professed members of the Institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation (IMSA) made their perpetual vows, and one IMSA member celebrated her Silver Anniversary of Profession on this day in the chapel of San Damiano Spirituality Center, Tagaytay City.

The newly professed ISGA members are ALVIN KEITH DE PERIO and ALEX PURA. LUCY DINOLAN and LYDIA PENASO are IMSA perpetual members, while EMELITA TUAZON is the Silver Jubilarian.

The professions and renewal of vows took place during the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided by Provincial Superior Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite with the rites guided by Fr. Celso Godilano, Provincial Delegate to the Pauline Aggregated Institutes. Several SSP priests concelebrated, joined by some clergy from Palawan and Macau in whose missions IMSA members are present. Relatives and friends of the celebrants were joined by the IMSA family and delegates from the Pauline Family.

The rites of first profession came first, followed by the renewal of vows. The perpetual vows came with the Litany of Saints by IMSA members with Fr. Paul Vincent Octubre leading the choir.

In his homily, Fr. Sobrejuanite pointed to the challenges of living the Evangelical vows in the world, without the usual “privileges” often afforded by the people to nuns with religious habits and to the clergy. Here lies the challenge of being “leaven” to the world. He recalled the aphorism dear to the Institutes: Not all flowers (candles) are for the altar.”

Daisy Santos, IMSA Coordinator, welcomed Lucy and Lydia as new perpetual members, followed by the rest of the members. Everyone was moved by the mutual embrace.

Emy Tuazon and Lucy Dinolan thanked everyone present. The “secrecy” of their vocation in the world was highlighted when Lucy shared the remarks of family members she invited: “Anong okasyon?” Indeed, members of the Institutes witness to the Gospel values and their vocation often in hidden and simple faithfulness.

The morning celebration was the highlight of the IMSA-ISGA annual retreat, during which Fr. Godilano delved on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope. In the Footsteps of Blessed James Alberione.” During this time, the retreatants were able to make pilgrimages to the nearby churches in Tagaytay City.