The General Canonical Visitation in the Philippines has been successfully concluded. From July 27 to August 9, Sisters M. Begoña Pérez and M. Carmen Martín, Vicar and Councillor of the General Government, together with Sister Soshy James Soman, Councillor of the Delegation Government, carried out the Canonical Visitation of the communities and centers in the Philippines.
This journey of encounter and communion forms part of the process of Revitalization and Restructuring promoted by the General Government. In harmony with the guidelines of our 22nd General Chapter, held under the motto “Clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy,” the visitation sought not only to examine the reality of our presences but also to strengthen the bonds of communion that unite us as one body.
During these grace-filled days, the sisters had the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the reality of the two congregational presences in Manila and the valuable service they provide in support of vulnerable lives.
Pasig and New Manila: Inclusive education and community life
In Pasig, the delegation visited the community and the “Guardian Angel Learning Center of Pasig.” This center is a vibrant educational space filled with life, joy and creativity, where children aged 3 to 11—including those who require special educational support—learn and grow in an inclusive and welcoming environment. This work faithfully reflects the Hospitaller value of integral health, which seeks to educate and rehabilitate with professionalism and warmth.
The Hospitaller presence in New Manila, meanwhile, is home to the Delegation Government community. In both locations, the planned activities were carried out, fully achieving the objectives of encounter, accompaniment and discernment established for the Canonical Visitation.
Ecclesial communion and shared responsibility in management
As a beautiful sign of our communion and active participation in the local Church, the sisters visited the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao, Bishop Elias L. Ayuban Jr., a Claretian missionary. This encounter strengthens our commitment to walk together in a synodal spirit and to be fully integrated into the life of the local dioceses in which we serve.
Sister M. Antonia Guerra, in her service as General Bursar, also reviewed the various aspects related to economic and financial management in each community and center. This technical work and accompaniment are essential to ensuring the principles of transparency and sustainability in our institutions, guaranteeing that financial resources are always used for the good of and in service to those entrusted to our mission.
Looking to the future with gratitude
The sisters conclude this service with a profound sense of gratitude for everything they have experienced, for the many expressions of congregational communion they received and for the shared commitment to continue advancing along the path of Revitalization. It has been a Hospitaller experience of fraternity, shared responsibility and hope.
