Dominican Sisters of the Philippines, former missionaries to Hawaii, send their greetings
By Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Perhaps you were taught by one of them in school, or catechized by another, or received help in hard times from another through a parish social ministry program. The Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines who served in Hawaii over the past 50 years express their New Year greetings, grateful remembrances and prayers.
A group of them who worked in Hawaii from 1964 to 2017 gathered at the Dominican Sisters Motherhouse in Molo, Iloilo City, in the Philippines on Christmas Day for a group photo. Some of these missionaries were also assigned to California and Saipan.
In Hawaii, they opened St. Elizabeth School in Aiea, Oahu, St. Joseph School in Makawao, Maui, Holy Cross School in Kalaheo, Kauai, St. Catherine School in Kapaa, Kauai, and Rosary Preschool in Waipio, Oahu. They also continue serving at St. John the Baptist School in Kalihi and House of Aloha skilled nursing facility in Waianae, both on Oahu.
Those sisters who have retired continue to hold the Diocese of Honolulu in their prayers. Others continue their service in the Philippines and in Italy, serving in congregational leadership and as principals, teachers, religious formators, infirmarians, librarians and more.
Pictured above are Dominican Sisters who worked in Hawaii. The years they served in the islands are in parentheses.
In the front row, from left, are Sister Auxiliadora Sumagaysay (1974-1984), Sister Delfina Anonoy (1969-1998), Sister Ascension Zambra (1970-1975), Sister Mariana Salmo (1971-1984), Sister Felicitas Macsera (1964-1995), Sister Thaddeus Magtoles (1969-1978), Sister Viviana Parnoncillon (1966-2017) and Sister Genoveva Binas (1991-2004).
In the second row, from left, are Sister Louise Banares (1971-1981), Sister Modesta Sucaldito (1975-1981; 1985-1988), Sister Dulce Amor Castro (1996-1999), Sister Aurora Tano (1978-1985; 1986-1991), Sister Modesta Cachuela (1977-1991), Sister Delfa Guillen (1976-2012), Sister Lucia Cercado (1986-1991; 1997-2008), Sister Nelly De deAsis (1979-1986; 1998-2005), Sister Scholastica Mondejar (1966-2012) and Sister Edgarda Labtang (1972-1994).
In the third row, from left, are Sister Serafica Tolentino (1970-1979), Sister Evangeline Sotelo (1986-1991), Sister Rita Doce (1980-1985), Sister Benedicta Sanchez (1969-2015), Sister Celestine Bancal (1967-1982; 2000-2006), Sister Jeanette Loria (1986-1991; 1994-2015), Sister Gemma Sobredilla (2004-2007) and Sister Georgina Delgado (1982-1986; 1991-2016).
In the top row, from left, are Sister Priscilla Enarsao (1969-2016), Sister Teresita Constantino (1968-2017), Sister Daisy Donado (2002-2009) and Sister Marylou Superio (1990-2009).