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BLESSING OF ST. BENEDICT’S FARMER CENTER AND FARMERS’ CONGRESS
in Alang-Alang, Tacloban
Another centennial gift to the Priory is the St. Benedict’s Farmer Center in Alang-Alang, Tacloban. It is the biggest Farmers’ Center in the Philippines , if not in Asia, according to Nicanor Perlas, who was one of the Speakers at the first Farmers’ Congress in that region, which followed the blessing of the Center by Archbishop Dean.
Sr. Eloisa was the initiator and implementor of the project and she had the help of the Governor, and his mother, Congresswoman Petilla and many other co-workers and friends.
Sr. Mary Thomas cutting the ribbon
BIOGRAPHIES OF SOME PIONEERS
SR. FERDINANDA HOELZER, OSB
MANILA PRIORY’S FIRST PRIORESS
by
Sr. Mary John Mananzan, OSB (Prioress)
INTRODUCTION
This is the first month of our Centennial Year and we have decided to focus on the foremothers of our Priory throughout this year hoping to learn from them and to be inspired how to live our Missionary Benedictine calling in the context of our world today, just as they lived it in their time.
It is but fitting that we begin with the leader of the Founding Team that gave birth to our Priory who became our first Prioress—Sr. Ferdinanda Hoelzer, OSB
I can just imagine Sr. Ferdinanda leaning over the rails of the SS. Gneisenau bound for Hongkong, where she and her 4 other companions would take another ship that would bring them to their destination—Manila, Philippines. As she looked at the sea glistening in the moonlight, she must have felt both excitement and trepidation, confidence as well as a sense of inadequacy at being chosen to lead the band of pioneers that would start the mission in the Philippines. She must have looked back at her childhood when she had no inkling that she would be making a journey to the ends of the earth!
LIFE JOURNEY OF SR. FERDINANDA
Early Years as a Religious
Anna Hoelzer was born in Düsseldorf of a very good Catholic Family. At the age of 20, she entered the Poor Clares but left due to poor health. She then joined the Missionary Benedictine Sisters in St. Ottilien and received the name, Sr. Ferdinanda. Recognizing her potentials, her Superiors sent her for further training in Nursing and afterwards bookkeeping and other practical courses. Her first important office was as Novice Mistress and Sister Baptista Battig was one of the novices she was privileged to guide.
Pioneer and Prioress
When the decision was made to found a mission in the Philippines in 1906, she was chosen to lead the pioneers as Sister Prioress. Sr. Caridad, in the history of our Priory, describes the personality of Sr. Ferdinanda thus:
Mother Ferdinanda was a woman of rare abilities, friendly and winsome. She was described as one with deep, penetrating look; of stately figure and very pale; courteous and with charming manners but also exacting in her demands. She knew how to give a “beautiful and dignified appearance” to things plain and poor, as she did in directing the transformation of a horse stable into a chapel worthy of the Lord. From what has already been told of what the Sisters went through as they sought the Will of God in their call and response, giving due consideration to the character and culture of the Filipinos and of the “changed situation” in the country, one can infer the stature of this rare woman in the society where she had chosen to take her place, in obedience and in love. (p.82)
Because of the great need of the new mission, it was decided in January, 1911 that Sr. Ferdinanda would go to the United States to ask help accompanied by Sr. Xaveria who was to learn English with the Benedictine Sisters of Atchison, Kansas. Then she went to the Motherhouse to consult with Mother Birgitta, who seemed not to have received the communication about the trip and was not too pleased with it. However, Mother Birgitta saw the great opportunity of sending Sisters to Atchison for education and so 4 postulants went with Sr. Ferdinanda back to the US. Sr. Ferdinanda continued her “begging” tour and she came home with Sr. Xaveria in March, 1912.
This long trip was her last act as Prioress, because her term was ending. But she still had the joy of receiving the vows of the First Filipina Sisters: Sr. Maura Alcala and Sr. Placida Haraza. She was succeeded by Sr. Angela Boedeker. Sr. Ferdinanda became Superior of Albay. After her term, she was called upon to make a new foundation in Opon, Cebu.
A Call Within A Call
She did all these pioneering work with great success, but deep in her heart, she had a longing to be a contemplative, having tasted this life as a Poor Clare novice earlier on. With the help of Bishop McGinley, she would realize her desire.
Even in joining the Carmelites, she had again to be a pioneer joining the new foundation of Bishop James McCloskey of Carmelites in Jaro, Iloilo. Ecclesiastical permissions for her transfer were sought and obtained. The four French nuns who would be her companions in this foundation came to Manila and stayed at St. Scholastica’s welcomed by Mother Clodesindis, who was by this time (1923) the Prioress of Manila. Sr. Ferdinanda was again instrumental in the foundation of the first Carmel in the Philippines. The fateful day of November 6, 1923 was later on recorded in 1941 by the Prioress of Carmel who was eyewitness of the event:
Solemn hour! Her whole past life was dying away and silently falling into God’s mystery. A new, unknown life was before her, a life certainly desired for a long time, which however, could not be embraced without a universal and absolute sacrifice. As the boat was leaving, the Mother Provincial of the Benedictines was on the deck when a beautiful rainbow appeared suddenly and clearly in the sky and the last word which reached the ears of our dear Sister from her former superior was “PAX”. Yes, “PAX” to her, who had been for her community a mother, a Sister, a Friend.”(Sr. Mary of Christ, Obituary of Sr. Agnes, p.2)
From Ferdinanda to Agnes
In a simple but touching ceremony on November, 1923, Sr. Ferdinanda received the Carmelite habit and the name Sr. Agnes of the Assumption. She was then forty-eight years old. At the end of the year of noviceship, she made her Perpetual Profession. She became sacristan and infirmarian. She was admired for her zeal, her asceticism and her “talent to prepare surprises, songs, pious representations and innocent fun to give joy to the Community”(Sr. Mary of Christ, p. 4) In 1931, the Sister celebrated her 25 years of religious life in the Philippines. The next year she was elected to the office of Subprioress, for which she had composed beforehand a welcome song not knowing she would sing it to herself. Some years later the charge of Assistant of the Novitiate was added to her task.
It was not all sweetness and light for Sr. Agnes. Later on in life, especially during her illness, she suffered some dark nights of the soul.
Sr. Mary of Christ writes of the “shadows”:
First of all, her idealistic aspirations rendered her so restless at times that she became almost unjust, sharp and bitter, then she would regret the past or desire a new surrounding; strong temptations of changing would assail her and her soul was plunged in darkness; at times in our Carmel, then in its foundation, there was not enough place for contemplation; at other times Carmel did not offer her enough activity. Then it was very hard for her to wait were it for a cup of broth in sickness or for a work to be done. If a remedy did not give at once the desired improvement, a second one had to be taken, without delay, and if this one did not give relief, then a third, and so on. We all know that those things cannot be helped in this life and as long as we are ‘in via’ we have to expect them within us and with those around us. (p. 6)
Last Days
Since 1938, it was evident that in spite of her energy, that Sister Agnes was weakening. She had acute anemia and had to take a long rest. Then she suffered from hemorrhage that alarmed the community. She was given the Last Sacraments in May, 1939 and from that time on she had to live almost entirely apart from community life. In April 1941, she had an accident which rendered her invalid. She again received the Last Sacraments on October 12. It seems that after this she regained her peace of soul:
It was truly the beautiful evening of a life wholly spent in God’s service…Her love of God and every virtue shone wonderfully during this period. Fully conscious till the end, her beautiful intelligence, her energy, her moral qualifications were centered on one thing. .. Her joy, peace, childlike innocence were delightful to us all. How often she repeated, “ the goodness of God, the goodness of God, it is all pure mercy. (P.7)
Finally after 12 days and nights of great suffering, on November 12, 1941, she died with the promise: “Let me go, I will send you joy.” (p. 8)
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MOTHER CLODESINDIS LÜKEN, OSB
WOMAN OF WISDOM, WOMAN OF COMPASSION
by Sister Adelaida Ygrubay, OSB
INTRODUCTION
Much has already been written about Mother Clodesindis by people who lived with and been touched by her, that there is really nothing new that anybody could still add to those written accounts. However, reading about her has allowed me to get to know a remarkable woman, a woman of faith and courage – a woman of compassion – that it would be a pity not to share her with all of you. Also, Mother Clodesindis played a significant role in the development and growth of the Missionary Benedictine foundation in the Philippines. It is just fitting that we continue to learn from her as the Priory takes the first steps into the next century.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Mother Clodesindis arrived in the Philippines in 1920, the leader of a group of 15 Sisters. A year earlier, she returned to Tutzing with her companions from three years of nursing service with the German forces in Mesopotamia, in what is now Iraq. It was a dangerous sojourn, but the suffering and privations of that time were soon eclipsed by the joy of returning to the Motherhouse, with “not a single one of the group lost.” Now she has embarked on another adventure, arriving in Manila without passports, visa and money! But again, she brought her Sisters safely to their destination.
Mother Clodesindis came to Manila as Visitatrix and was appointed Prioress when the Prioress, Mother Angela Bödecker, left for the General Chapter in 1921. She plunged herself into the life of the school and the community, and before long had initiated new things in response to the needs that she perceived. Thus, she was instrumental in the growth of the community and the apostolate.
INCREASE OF LOCAL VOCATIONS
When Mother Clodesindis arrived in the Philippines, there was only one Filipino professed sister, Sister Maura Alcala, OSB. She had a companion in profession, Sister Placida Jaraza, OSB, who died just two years after profession. There were doubts whether the Filipino girls were strong enough for convent life, and so no candidates were encouraged. But Mother Clodesindis was convinced that “the large number of German Sisters must be balanced with native Sisters” and so she began to accept Filipinos into the novitiate. The first two who were accepted were Sr. Concepcion Lacson, OSB and Sr. Hedwig Espinas, OSB. By 1927, 8 professed Sisters were added to the Priory. Sr. Withburga Kilger, OSB writes about how Mother Clodesindis was as Superior:
Within convent walls, Mother Clodesindis led the Sisters on the path of perfection by her exhortations and her shining example, her prayerful recollection, her sincere humility, her love of silence and poverty, her utter selflessness, her boundless charity.
This description of Mother Clodesindis may sound exaggerated to our modern ears, but having looked through the many testimonies from Sisters, friends and students, I am not so quick to dismiss it as such.
GROWTH OF THE APOSTOLATE
At the same time, Mother Clodesindis perceived the great need to reach out to more and more people through the schools, thus, she established or gave permission for the establishment of 10 schools in the period of 6 years (1921-1927). Mother Clodesindis has always had a heart for the poor, and before long, she, the Sisters and the students were engaged in various works of religious instruction and charity in several places:
• In 1921, the Free School was started in Singalong for poor boys and girls
• Home visits to poor families in the neighborhood of St. Scholastica
• Religious instruction was conducted in several places: in the orphanage, in the reformatory for girls, the Bilibid Prison, Culi-Culi, even in Fort McKinley
• Care for the deaf –mute and blind students, bringing them to SSC for Holy Mass and religious instruction because the Protestant school head did not allow it
• Christmas Drive in SSC for the poor.
In 1927, Mother Clodesindis left for the General Chapter and was elected Prioress General. When her term as Prioress General was over, she came back to the Philippines and was again appointed Prioress of Manila, a responsibility she held from 1933 to1939. After her term of office, she went to Legaspi on July 3, 1939, where she was superior of the community. There she died when St. Agnes was bombed by the Americans on Holy Saturday, March 31, 1945.
MOTHER CLODESINDIS
Mother Clodesindis did achieve a lot in such a short time, and she could be excused for thinking that this was all because she was so capable and responsible, etc. Yet nothing could be farther from her mind. For one, I think that Sr. Withburga’s description of her style of leadership would have made her cringe in embarrassment. One who achieved so much – what did she think about herself, what made her this way? How was she as a person?
HER PERSONALITY
Mother Clodesindis was of quick intellect and always had a happy disposition. Growing up the youngest in her family (Clara Lüken was the 7th of eleven children, but her four younger siblings all died at an early age/in infancy), she was a bit indulged and loved to engage in pranks. She loved to tell stories and to entertain with her observations. Later in SSC, recreation with her in community and with the student-boarders was something people looked forward to because Mother Clodesindis always had something “fine” for people to enjoy. She trained as a teacher and had a gift for it. She could keep her students hanging on her words with her simple and direct way of giving lessons, always with illustrations on the blackboard. Early on in her life, a serious side could be noticed, too, that made her desire to give herself to God for the missions. Already then, she was generous, especially to the poor. She had a strong personality (Sr. Canisia, OSB writes that she had a “fiery and fervent temperament”) and the bearing that reflected this. Students in St. Scholastica’s College remember that just by looking at Mother Clodesindis walking its corridors, one knew she was the Prioress.
HER JOURNEY TO GOD
From her entrance in Tutzing, Mother Clodesindis sought to learn from our life, and put efforts into growing in virtue. Indeed, although her achievements are many, and there are schools and apostolates to testify to these achievements, Mother Clodesindis is, in those written accounts, remembered less for these than for her life of virtue. This gives me an insight into what was really important for her.
Mother Clodesindis loved to talk, but from the time she made unnecessary comments as a postulant and was corrected by a novice (the novice was Sr. Baptista Battig, who entered a year ahead of her), she quickly learned. Henceforth and throughout her life, she strove for a deep silence, and exhorted Sisters to do the same. Perhaps it is this silence that gave Mother Clodesindis sensitivity for the sufferings of others, especially the poor. This silence must have been the seedbed where God worked on her and from which grew her faith, hope and love. Prayer strengthened her, and she especially loved the liturgy, from which she got spiritual nourishment. Once, a Sister asked her for a book to read for Lectio. Mother Clodesindis promised to give her one, and came with the Missal. She told her that everything she needed was there, and exhorted her to pray with her emotion, intellect and will.
Mother Clodesindis’ practice of poverty was so extreme that Sister Canisia would say that there were those who thought that Mother Clodesindis had a vocation more to be a Franciscan than a Missionary Benedictine. We all know of the story of her getting shoes that were not a pair, but she wore them without complaint until it was noticed. In community, she sought to economize so that there will be more to give to the poor. She was embarrassed by attention and sought to avoid it, although when needed because of her position and responsibility, she can be most charming and sociable. She did not want her feastday celebrated (even as Prioress General, declaring instead a common Sisters’ feastday, September 12) and always cautioned Sister Canisia before her feastday that there should be “nothing dramatic, nothing personal” in the celebration.
One thing that repeatedly came up in the recollection of people who knew Mother Clodesindis is that she genuinely loved the poor: the poor around St. Scholastica’s College, the prisoners, the deaf-mute, the blind, and especially the lepers in Albay. The leper colony was an hour away on foot, but Mother Clodesindis made the trip there every Sunday, no matter how tired she was – and she would always have something for them. During the war, the lepers had nothing to eat anymore. She asked Sr. Milagros to give half of their remaining rice for the lepers. Sr. Milagros had many other stories to tell about Mother Clodesindis’ concern for the poor: when informed that a newborn baby had nothing to wear, her order was “give our towel,” to another “give our petticoat,” and so forth, until there were only two things left in her cabinet. Mother Clodesindis also gave “aid to poor priests and missionaries and loving assistance to Sisters of impoverished congregations or those who had newly arrived.” Most touching was the testimony written down by Mrs. George V. Winternitz on how Mother Clodesindis sheltered her and her husband when they arrived as refugees from Austria in the time of Hitler. She told of how Mother Clodesindis, without being asked for help, sought out other refugees to see if they needed anything. Her care extended even to animals. Sr. Milagros, who loved animals herself, noticed that Mother Clodesindis tended to sick animals until they were well again … a duckling which fell in the water was wrapped in Mother’s handkerchief until it was alright.
Her frailties, part of her reality
Despite her faithfulness to the demands of our life and her strict self- discipline, she remained herself, that is, a person with a strong personality and a fiery temperament, and at times, this did not work for her. She was impulsive and sometimes “gave orders and decisions that she found herself obliged to recall later on.” An example of this was the short-lived experiment of a local superior for Manila to deload the Prioress. The experiment was scrapped after it was not approved by the General Chapter of 1933. In one case that must have pained her, she had to ask forgiveness from a dying Sister for not believing (on the advice of the doctor) that the Sister was indeed sick! Living with herself must surely have made her grow, as - time and again - she had in humility to accept that she had been wrong.
Mother Clodesindis knew suffering and accepted that suffering is part of life and must not be shunned. She loved telling the Sisters that it is suffering that builds character. One of them kept a verse that Mother Clodesindis wrote on a card and which illustrates how she sees suffering:
Dust clings to our wings
Dross to our gold
Vanity to our being loyal and dutiful
Conceit and arrogance to our knowledge
Rust to our power and strength.
Then God sends an angel who will shake the dust from our wings, remove the dross from our gold, melt away the vanity from our virtue, the conceit from our knowledge, the rust from our power ….. and the name of the angel is: SUFFERING.
The Final Offering
A lifetime of unselfish caring and giving reached its climax when a higher expression of her compassion became possible that fateful Holy Saturday, March 31, 1945. The bombing had been getting closer to St. Agnes Academy and the Sisters were all moving to the air raid shelter, when Mother Clodesindis noticed the four children of a teacher who had taken refuge in the convent. They were all crying from fear. Mother Clodesindis, without thought of her safety and taking the Sacred Heart as her protector, went back to reassure them. At that moment, the bombs fell and all perished.
CONCLUSION
Mother Clodesindis had the gifts of a keen intelligence, a loving a generous heart and a presence that people notice. She was loved and popular and achieved much, but what she wanted above all else was to be transformed in Jesus, and to finally be in union with him. This is one of her favorite quotes:
If your praying does not make you more gentle, more patient, more charitable, more joyful, more submissive to God’s will, that is, if it does not make you a better person, then your praying is not as it should be. If your praying does not strengthen your resolution: I wish to be as humble, as kind, as patient, as obedient as Christ was, as perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect, your praying is not as it should be.
Her exhortations and conferences, even her short messages in greeting cards speak of this desire – and she wished them for others, too. A message that Mother Clodesindis wrote on the bulletin board in Saint Agnes Academy says it best:
Simplicity aims at one goal, seeks one thing, is occupied with one activity and gives her heart totally to her love. Such a Christian is clothed in loveliness from head to foot. It gives everything we do an appearance of importance, to all we say a surprising power of conviction, and even our silence and our rest radiate something heavenly, expelling all evil and converting souls.
Mother Clodesindis kept alive this desire to be one with Christ by her faithful striving. When, that last time in Legaspi, she hastened to answer his call, it was to finally “give her heart totally to her love.”
SISTER WILLIBALDA SCHRADER, OSB
July 1, 1879 - June 27, 1962
Compiled by Sister Fe Andrea Collantes, OSB
ONE:
From A Historian, Sister Caridad Barrion, OSB, 1982
Time: First Friday, December 1907
Place: Entrance of a Church in Colombo
Action: A Malayan Woman kissing the hand of a German Sister
"Reflecting on that incident, Sister Willibalda wrote:
As both hands were firmly united, they reminded me of those Malayans of my future destination in the Philippines. The joining of the two hands in front of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Eucharistic God, was a symbol of a spiritual union with the Malayan race and me, in increasing loving confidence in the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
Years later, Sister Caridad Barrion, OSB recorded the following:
“Sister Willibalda was certainly closely knit with the Filipinos, rich and poor, with whom she would eventually be a fellow citizen. In particular, she treasured the young girls in St. Scholastica’s College, the school she administered for 31 years and served for 44 years.
Who was this very dearly loved and highly revered “Baday”? She was born on July 1, 1879 in Laer, Westphalia. As a young girl, she attended the Royal Catholic Seminary in Muenster and graduated in 1900. She had to take the “Teacher’s Oath” and serve the government as a teacher for five years. She tells of this “Oath” and its significance in her life:
One of the never-forgotten incidents of this time was the pronouncing of my official oath in the presence of my class, first grade, 30 boys and 30 girls, before a crucifix and two burning candles. His Reverence, the parish priest, was present, too. I had to swear by a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God, never to teach anything against the teaching of the Church and also not against the Regulation of the Government. This oath united me firmly and steadfastly with the Church, with the Government, the people, especially with the parents of my students. For myself, I received the Canonical Mission: to teach Religion.
Before her five-year service was ended, she informed the government of her resignation. She wanted to be a missionary and join an Order dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She entered Tutzing on April 1, 1905. With her was her half-sister, Bernardine, who became a Benedictine Oblate. Sister Willibalda’s Profession was on April 14, 1907. She was sent to East Bergholt for further mastery of English. Passing her home in Westphalia on her return trip was most painful for her parents and for her. “Become a good Mission-Sister,” were the words of her father before he gave the last blessing. She and Sister Theresia left the Motherhouse on the feast of St. Gertrude, for the Philippines.”
“After a typhoon, “SS Rubi” brought them to Manila on Christmas Eve. Looking back to that memorable night, she wrote of her first “joining hands” with the Filipinos:
At 12 o’clock at night, Christmas Night, we attended Holy Mass in an oriental manner. After Mass, full of joy and frolic gaiety the people kissed the Divine Babe. I was much surprised, nevertheless, I liked it. Our trip was one-half the equator; therefore, the Malayan people’s customs were different from European ways. It was never hard for me to get used to oriental ways of living, provided there was nothing in them forbidden by our Holy Rule.
As was the way with Sister Willibalda, she recorded her early experience in St. Scholastica’s along with her personal reflections. An experienced German teacher, she wrote of her first impression, of her “joining hands” with the Filipino girls whom she came to educate. She was open to learning about them from the start. She wrote:
On January 13, 1908, we started a class of 19 children, different in age and knowledge. Two divisions were made. As it seemed to me, playing and merry-making they loved above all studies. So, we began with what they liked, to lead them to duty and work by and by.
Obedient to the Superior and readily adjusting to circumstances, she profited from every experience; every observation would be for her a “living book.” She wrote of her first outing with the pupils which was a learning process for her:
On February 10, we celebrated the feast of St. Scholastica, the Patroness of our school, in a very simple way. Poverty was seen all around. After dinner, Sister Superior said to me: “Go with the children by streetcar to San Juan Heights for a picnic.” I had no idea where that place was located, but the children knew it. So, we went as happy and cheerful as could be. When we arrived at San Juan Heights, we left the streetcar and let me say, in no time, all had left the car and were scattered all around in great rejoicing, leaving me alone. Where had they gone? There were some residences of better class people. These had gardens; to them they had hurried to, picking flowers and fruits which they could take. Going to the nearest ones I said: “You may not do that, they are not yours. Joyfully they answered, “Why not, God let them grow for us, too.” The owners of those gardens, hearing the noise, came out. When they saw the happiness of the children and mine also, they left the children to do as they liked it, enjoying the scene which was for me a living book, teaching me the nice relation of children and grown-ups, even to strangers, their hospitality. Later on, I witnessed it more and more by personal observation. Coming home, they narrated in high glee about the beautiful picnic.
Sister Willibalda administered the school from 1908 on, though during the early years of the century, the title “Directress” was not given to her. She was well equipped for her work. One of her early companions wrote that after her arrival systematic work in the school began:
During the vacations, we had to work out our objectives and distribution of subject matter by months. All these and our manuals were sent to the Bureau of Education as Sister Willibalda was accustomed to do in Germany. It seems the Bureau was happy about this and imitated our work somewhat…
Succinctly, Sister Withburga Kilger, another “pillar” of St. Scholastica’s, wrote in the Golden Jubilee Book: “As directress, Sister Willibalda was strict in discipline, gentle, patient and motherly.” As the story of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters would unfold, her role and her characteristics as a religious teacher and administrator would come more and more into focus."
TWO:
From a Chronicler, 1963
PREPARATION
"When Theresia and Bernardine from Westfalia arrived at the station in Tutzing on April 1, 1905, they made straight for the convent. As thorny fence surrounded the property of the Sisters, the travellers could not find any entrance gate so they crawled with their luggage through the fence. They found a backdoor that brought them to the coal room. “A queer entrance,” they said, but fearlessly they walked on. Sister Pauline met them and brought them to the parlor. Here they both admired the big reception room with the shining floor, and Theresia burst out, “What a splendid dancing hall!” Soon Mother Birgitta arrived and after a short salutation Theresia again burst out, “Mother Prioress, you have a first-class dancing hall!” Mother Birgitta was silent for a moment. Then she said smiling, “Yes, David also danced before the Ark of the Covenant.” After a short interview both were accepted, Theresia on trial as postulant, Dina as pensionary.
Miss Theresia Schrader, the efficient teacher, who liked dancing and music, had still to learn a lot in the convent. On the evening of that day, she entered, Sister Magistra Ferdinanda came to her cell and asked if she would still wish for something. “Oh, yes, I have in my suit-case, a good apple; may I perhaps eat it still?” Sister Magistra was silent for a moment, then answered, “Better a spiritual communion.”—“I did not know what that was,” Sister Willibalda added when in later years she told us that incident.
Next morning, candidate Theresia, saw how three other candidates were busy removing a pile of rubbish. “What work that is!” Theresia thought, and then she felt Sister Magistra pressed a shovel into her hand. So she prayed in her heart, “Dear Lord! In Holy Scripture it says, ‘If you have faith you can move mountains…’ Help me with this pile of rubbish!” She tried her best to help. Rev. Father Archabbot observing her from the window, remarked to a Sister, “One sees that this one down there has never worked with shovels!”
The first year passed quickly, and on March 25, 1906 Theresia received the Holy habit, and as her patron the Anglo-Saxon Missionary, St. Willibald. A year later, on April 14, she was allowed to sing her first “Suscipe”. Sister Willibalda and Sr. Theresia (Bunnenberg), both of whom were destined for the mission in the Philippines, were sent to England for further study of English in St. Mary’s Abbey in East Bergholt. After five months, they returned to the Motherhouse. Sister Willibalda was allowed to spend three days at home where Miss Dina was already waiting for her. Another good-bye was before her, but it was a consoling one, at first her father had refused his blessing to his eldest one; now he gave it whole-heartedly.
Theresia and Dina took the boat for the Far East on November 17, 1907, experienced a terrible typhoon in China Sea, they landed in Manila on December 24 where they were welcomed with open arms by the Sisters.
EDUCATION OF YOUNG WOMEN
“In January 1908, the Benedictine Sisters opened their school in a larger house in San Marcelino Street with Sister Willibalda as directress. For 31 years she stood at this post filled with energy, efficiency and total devotion. She began her work with only 11 pupils. By June it had grown to fifty-one, twenty of whom were interns. Year by year the number of students increased. In 1913 the elementary and secondary courses received Government recognition. The students in their blue and white uniform under St. Willibalda’s care were a pleasant sight! The expansion and its high academic requirements were shouldered by the directress. But Sister Willibalda was not only directress, she was also class teacher and prefect of interns, whose number has grown to a hundred.
Sister Willibalda was a true Westfalian, and as such insisted on order and discipline. In spite of strictness the girls felt the love and kindness with which Sister Willibalda embraced them all, big and small. With few exceptions they were obedient and grateful. As a born teacher, Sister Willibalda knew how to keep the attention of the children. She aimed especially at religious education and formation of character. As prefect of the interns she showed a motherly understanding for the problems of the children and wisdom in solving difficult cases. Many of the former students came in later years to their former “Mother”, either in Manila or in Baguio, to share with her their joys and sorrows. Some introduced their future husbands. Others brought their little darlings that Sister Willibalda might admire and bless them.
On her 80th birthday, one of her former students who graduated in 1925 expressed her appreciation in an open letter:
“Who does not remember you dear guide and adviser?
Who does not know your unselfish devotion to duty, your affection for us,
the wonderful discipline that you inculcated to us?
That discipline enables us now to meet difficulties with energy and courage and to conquer them.
You guided our steps kindly but firmly,
correcting when necessary,
praising when we deserved it.”
WELFARE OF THE POOR: FREE SCHOOL AND CLINIC
In 1939 Sister Willibalda was relieved of her office as directress, and she was entrusted with the care for the poor of the neighborhood and the initiation and training of College students in the work of social action.
Sister Willibalda had a warm heart for the poor. The students who accompanied her on her house visits learned much more from her example than from a theoretical instructions. When in 1941, war broke out, Sister Willibalda still continued her difficult work of charity. In 1946 when St. Scholastica’s College rose slowly out of its ruins, she became principal of the newly opened Free School. Here again she put herself completely at the service of the poor, the children as well as their families.
On March 19, 1948 Sister Willibalda had brought poor children for First Holy Communion to the church in Pasay. At a street crossing, a heavy truck bumped her hurting her hip-bone. On a stretcher she was brought to St. Scholastica’s College. Her condition looked critical. But after some weeks she recovered and resumed her former work for four more years.
Of her as mother of the poor, Sister Asuncion Bonafe, OSB writes:
I love to remember Sister Willibalda as a gentle, kind and loving disciplinarian of young boys and girls in the Free School. She was my principal when I was assigned to teach in our Free School for a year. That was my first year in the convent and my first year of my teaching experience. I was a “candidate” then, that’s how we were called. What struck me most was her great love and service for the poor. Sister Willibalda was a strict disciplinarian with a purpose: she loves the children and wants them to learn the lessons taught them in school especially the values of obedience and honest work. I remember Aling Puring, a poor woman who helped her clean and do some errands in the school; and also Mrs. Leyva one of the teachers in the school. She treated them all—the teachers, helpers, students and the poor people who come and beg for help—with patience, love and motherly care.
SILENT CONTEMPLATION IN BAGUIO
After forty-four years, Sister Willibalda exchanged Manila, the scene of untiring activity, with the quiet convent in Baguio. Eleven years she spent there in the shadows of the pine trees. Her quiet occupations, preparing vegetables, pasting pictures and similar work left her ample time to think of God and pray in the chapel. She lived in intimate union with God, trying to do His holy Will as perfectly as possible.
Inspite of hearing loss, she tried to contribute to the recreation something she has specially prepared. At convent feasts it gave her joy to deliver speeches on an edifying topic.
On December 5, 1961 Sister Willibalda unexpectedly had to undergo an operation because of an intestinal obstruction caused by hernia. She received Extreme Unction and in spite of her old age, the operation was a success. But Sister Willibalda never recovered after the operation. She died in her sleep, June 27, 1962."
On our 100th birthday as a Priory we thank God for Sister Willibalda and salute her for starting and passing on the tradition of striving for excellence in study and work, respect and care for the poor, genuine love for our students and learning and active commitment to the poor rooted in:
unwavering FAITH,
enduring HOPE, and
SISTER GODEHARDA VOELKER, OSB
by Sister Mary Bernard Lansang, OSB
Sister Godeharda: an Educator, a Disciplinarian
“Ladies, a reminder: When you hear the first bell, walk to your line; . . . second bell: SILENCE; third bell: go to your classroom, 2 by 2, in silence . . . lift your feet as you ascend the steps.”
That was Sister Godeharda, addressing us, the entire high school body at Assumption Academy, San Fernando, Pampanga (now, St. Scholastica’s Academy, San Fernando). She stood before the assembly in the quadrangle of the school and managed to make her voice heard without a microphone . . . to us, young girls, Sister Godeharda stood tall, poised and strong! A Westphalian sister in command . . .!
Such was the standard disciplinary routine in school. Coming from a small school in Sta. Rita, this new order of behavior escaped me. One day, our class was going down for recess. Not used to the regimentation in this “colegio,” I started talking with my partner. Sister Godeharda, Directress, clapped her hands and called out, “Silence! . . . Who was talking?” I kept mum and pretended innocence. Emphatically, Sister repeated, “Honest! Who was talking?” Then, the verdict came: “Consuelo, see me in my office this afternoon!”
Early that afternoon, I went to the Office of the Directress in fear and trembling. There was Sister Godeharda. . . she spoke just one sentence: Consuelo, here in this school, you have to be honest!” Tears ran down my cheeks . . . this was something new . . . I felt lost. Sister stood and placed her arms around my shoulder and said, “Courage! You will do better next time . . .”
That was Sister Godeharda! German Benedictine discipline personified! Soon, I learned from the sisters the art of self-discipline: jumping out of bed at the sound of the bell, being punctual for lining up for Holy Mass, punctual for meals, punctual for the study time in the study room, and many more things. Above all . . . HONESTY AND TRUTHFULNESS!
Walking around the school grounds or along corridors, Sister kept an eye on order and cleanliness. She would pick up pieces of paper or candy wrappers lying around. Students who saw her would get up and follow suit. Thus, without a word, she instilled in us care for our surroundings.
Alumnae and sisters who lived with her cherish fond memories of Sister Godeharda:
“Wherever she was, whether as a plain classroom teacher or an administrator, Sister Godeharda was a fascinating figure. When she addressed an assembly of students gathered in the playground or in the gym, she raised both hands, palms toward the spectators. She cupped her hands near her month (microphones were rarely used in our schools during the early years of her teaching). Her voice traveled through nature’s graceful loud speaker . . . and somehow, her message got through. In the classroom, she demanded full attention. She never shouted nor scolded . . . She was such a perfect disciplinarian.”
Sister Godeharda on Stage
In San Fernando and in St. Agnes Academy, Legaspi, St. Benedict’s Academy, Guinobatan, Sister Godeharda’s name was equated with drama . . . oration. . . declamation. Many medals and trophies garnered at the BACS Meet (Bicol Association of Catholic Schools) were partly due to the enthusiasm and support of the faculty and sisters especially Sister Godeharda. I had the fortune of having been trained by Sister in declamation. Sister would make me stand on stage and she would stand at the farthest corner of the hall (the size of three classrooms) training me to project my voice so that without a microphone, words would get across, loud, clear and distinct. Then, I would start: “Bells by Edgar Allan Poe.” With a motion of the hands, a tilt of the head, a sway of the body, Sister would model to me effective ways of delivering a literary piece.
Tirelessly, she would coach drama members with sustained interest and enthusiasm. Only much later did I discover that Sister Godeharda, prior to her being sent on mission to the Philippines, was sent to London for intensive training in English. That, to me, is a revelation of what mission meant to our early foremothers in our congregation.
Sister Godeharda Molding Young Minds and Hearts
At that time in the 1950’s we did not yet talk about inter-disciplinary approach to education; yet as Sister taught us religion, physics and good manners and right conduct in our senior year, I felt a certain integration happening within me. Sister made us read stories from a simplified biblical story book (in the 1950’s we did not have Bible for our use.) We memorized some passages and recited them like pieces of poetry: “I am the vine, you are the branches . . . without me you can do nothing.” “And I, if I be lifted up, I will draw all things to myself.” If you wish to have life, take up my cross and follow me.” Later on, as a sister, I realized that what I learned from our class with Sister Godeharda (and, of course, from all the other sisters) have greatly influenced my life.
Diminishments . . .
All through our school days in San Fernando and later, as a college student in the University of Sto. Tomas, where I met Agnesians, my classmates and I saw Sister Godeharda up on a pedestal. We would talk about Sister, singing her praises, recalling some achievements in school and we would extol the merits and excellence of Sister Godeharda. We were all proud of her.
Later on, as a young perpetually professed sister, I had the opportune moment to see the other side of Sister Godeharda. Sister and I worked together in our school in Bacolod for one school year. Based from my past experience of her, I had high expectations of Sister Godeharda. To my surprise, her efforts in drama and in discipline were not so much appreciated as they were in Pampanga and in Bicol. I helped her in administrative work and I saw how Sister was slowing down in her pace at work. I also saw with my own eyes some moments of dejection and rejection from one or the other sister or lay partner, and yet, she never, never talked against people, not even against those who must have hurt her sensibilities. Somehow, I felt pain and disappointment written on her face. It was during those times that I saw how Sister spent time in prayer.
“Bloody but unbowed!”
Despite the disappointment that she must have felt, Sister stayed on the line of duty with unflinching courage and undaunted commitment. That year, the SSC alumnae of Bacolod raised funds to open a vocational school in Sum-ag. In collaboration with the Federal Republic of Germany, our sisters and the alumnae worked for the opening of Holy Family Vocational High School. Sister Godeharda, with her usual thoroughness and commitment, worked out papers t |
