Exploring the Impact of the New Foundation in Pampanga, Philippines

On  April 27, 2023, a small band of Little Sisters, together with a Jeanne Jugan Associate, arrived in Magalang, Pampanga, a five-hour drive from Manila, to begin the Congregation’s third foundation in Philippines. PangasinanMagalang is located approximately half-way between our first two foundations in the Philippines. The first house was founded in Pasay City, just  south of Manila, and a novitiate was constructed in Bolinao, a small resort  on the northern tip of the province of Pangasinan.      

Welcoming the first poor old lady - Lola Marina!

The Little Sisters welcomed the foundation’s first Resident, a woman who had just lost everything in a house fire, on May 17th.  Kind neighours had noticed the fire, woke her up and helped her escape the flames. They offered her hospitality for a night, and gave her some clothes and a bit of money.                   

The house intended for the elderly was well maintained and in good order. As for the small house where the Little Sisters were to sleep, it was first necessary to declare war on the ants and spiders that had taken possession of the building! After a vigorous cleaning they happily settled in. 

As for the small house where the Little Sisters were to sleep, it was first necessary to declare war on the ants and spiders that had taken possession of the building! After a vigorous cleaning they happily settled in. 

The home was officially inaugurated on May 24th.when Archbishop Florentino Lavarias celebrated the Mass with three concelebrants. The Little Sisters were happy to welcome Residents and Sisters from the Homes of Pasay City and Bolinao for the day, to the enjoyment of all.                

After several speeches , the blessing of the small Home and its compound was carried out by the Archbishop and concelebrants.

With great solemnity the Blessed Sacrament was given its rightful place in the chapel.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony then took place, with the mother of a Filipino Little Sister whose family had been instrumental in initiating this foundation doing  the cutting.

Along with this family, a large legacy from a benefactor in South Korea made this foundation possible and greatly facilitated the necessary logistics. The Little Sisters see in these two details as well as the generosity of so many benefactors who donated needed supplies, the loving solicitude of Divine Providence. “If God is with us, it will be accomplished!” – Saint Jeanne Jugan 

   Mother General Maria del Monte Auxiliadora and Mother Assistant Marie Rose visit the new foundation of the Little Sisters of the Poor, in Pampanga, Philippines.