Figlie de Maria Ausiliatice
The year 1981 was a tumultuous year of the Philippine politics but for the Archdiocesan Shrine of our Lady of Lourdes parishioners, it was a significant year for it paved the way for the establishments of FMA presents in Brgy. Punta Princesa. On the feast day of Mary Help of Christians in May 24 on that same year, the FMA sisters established their 8th house in Brgy. Punta Princesa as their way of commemorating MM’81, the Centenary of St. Mary Mazzarello’s death. The Mother Provincial, Mother Lina Chiandott6o, FMA visited Lourdes parish in June 13, 1982 and give the authority to start the FMA community here. At the beginning the Salesian Sisters resided in the house of the late Eliseo and Constancia Cornejo in Mambaling.
The birth of the community strengthened the educative system of the congregation. The first sister superior was Sr. Helen Carcallas, FMA; as such, she closely supervised the Lourdes kindergarten and Mama Margaret Training Center (MMTC), a vocational school established by Fr. Jose Bosch, SDB which at the start offered culinary arts and dress making. Sr. Paz Salcedo, FMA supervised the catechists’ development while on the other hand, Sr. Corazon Berboso, FMA was in-charge of the oratorians and the youth organization particularly for the girls.
In 1981, with the establishment of the FMA community in Lourdes Parish, everything was plain and simple. Until then, the FMA sisters introduced new innovations to improve the community life. From the short-term to long-term impact, from its humble beginning to its countless successful projects, the FMA sisters have been one of the primary contributors to the continuing triumph of the Salesian community in general.
From the modest establishments with only three pioneering sisters running the whole community, FMA sisters had proven to be worthy of the esteemed emulation from the parishioners.
The Lourdes Kindergarten School in particular has emerged to be its living legacy of how the FMA community transformed dreams into reality. In 1981, there were only 12 pupils. The shortage of teachers, lack of space, and a small playground were the problems confronting the school. But 26 years have passed; it has become an equally respected, recognized and accredited institution in Cebu providing a Christian-oriented education to children.
The catechetical work has also been systematized over the years. From only few catechists working and having a heavy responsibility to reach to the far flung areas in Cebu, now the catechetical program boosts the well-organized school-based projects, with no more shortage of catechists and a regular, well-planned course.
In the face of the fast changing world, the FMA today has been actively educating not only the youth but the parents as well. The training centers, with short livelihood programs prepared and available to everyone, have empowered parents in long-term basis. With the programs lined up in the training center like dressmaking, typing, steno graphing and others, it is a strong manifestation of the commitment of the FMA to live a remarkable contribution.
From countless beneficiaries to youth educational empowerment, the works of the FMA sisters are worthy to be called a great success. The impact to the community is a feat hard to surpass.
The FMA sisters’ success story is not typical. From their struggles to triumphs, the FMA story will remain a significant part of the Salesian and Lourdes’ history.
After 26 years of unselfish service, the FMA community continues its thrust and objectives in providing qualitative service to the local parishioner. Solidifying their goals and accepting the challenges of the future, the FMA is ready to take on tomorrow’s trial.
Today, with its rich history, the FMA is on solid ground to continue its heart for service for the community. As it travels to the future, it will be stronger yet still committed to its work of love and charity.(ONE LOVE)