Viriditas2: Soul Greening
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Sisters Merced Gumban, above right, and Merle Lebaquin both entered the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines in 1978 and have been professed for 44 years. They recently volunteered at a special medical mission in Molo, Iloilo, Philippines.
Sr. Merced: This was our second medical mission, held in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of our congregation’s founding.
Sr. Merle: At the Mother Rosario Clinic in the St. Dominic’s Socio-Pastoral Center, a team of dentists offered care to those who couldn’t afford cleanings, extractions and other treatments. Among them were Dr. Modesta “Joji” Gaerlan-Tokunaga and her son, Dr. Camden Tokunaga, from Hawaii. I had the joy of teaching all the Tokunaga children at Rosary Preschool in Waipio.
Sr. Merced: Across the street, on the campus of Holy Rosary Academy, a pediatrician, an ophthalmologist (Dr. Remi A.G. Tokunaga, also from Hawaii), a dermatologist and other medical doctors attended to patients. Vital signs were checked, and free medications were distributed.
Sr. Merle: I really admired that even members of the military came to offer free haircuts. Normally, a haircut costs around 400 pesos ($7–$8), which equals a day and a half’s wages in the provinces.
Sr. Merced: This is a great help for the poor. Even in the rain, people came because they simply cannot afford these services. It’s very much in line with the charism of our foundress, Venerable Rosario Arroyo, who had a heart for the poor. I’ve been away from the Philippines on mission for 34 years. I now minister at St. John Bosco School in Phoenix, Arizona. It’s been so meaningful to return to our motherhouse and to join in the prayers and celebrations.
Sr. Merle: I’ve been on mission for over 30 years and currently serve at Holy Angels School in Colma, California. It has been wonderful to reconnect and bond with the sisters after many years apart.
Sr. Merced: One hundred years is a major milestone for our congregation. I feel deeply blessed to be part of this legacy and am grateful to God and to our community.
Sr. Merle: I am also very grateful.
Sr. Merced: Three words come to mind as I reflect on the past and look to the future: Remembering, renewal and commitment. It was here that my religious vocation began. And re-visiting the motherhouse along with the medical mission helps renew my religious commitment to serve. This is so empowering. I pray that one day our foundress, Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo, may be raised to sainthood and become an intercessor for us.
Sr. Merle: Having another Filipina saint would be a powerful inspiration for me, our country and for all people.