RELIGIOUS OF THE VIRGIN MARYMODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK MODULE 6 MOTHER IGNACIA AND THE VALUE OF WORK Target Third Year CollegelAdults Participants Objectives At the end of the session, the participants will be able to: a. illustrate the ethical value of work as exemplified by Mother Ignacia; b. share joyful experiences in the fulfillment of one’s work; ¢. design an action plan in accomplishing one’s work. SESSION 4. THE DIGNITY OF WORK Opening Song | “Allthat! Am* (SAP #72) PRELECTION s A. Prior 1. Have you observed your parents/guardians while at Knowledge work? 2, Do you think they find joy or fulfillment in their work? Why? B. Activity “VALUE RANKING” = What household chores do you perform at home? = Rank them according to the arder of their importance ‘Small Group Sharing - Reasons for their choices. PRESENTATION A. Data Gathering | Reporting to the big group (about their sharing) (Answers may vary) B. Synthesis Ethical Value of Work : Work has value because of two basic reasons: the person and the fruit of his/her labor.MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK 1. Subjective dimension — This refers to the human person as the primary basis of the value of work (PCP Il, 316). Work is “for humans” and not humans ‘for work.” 2. Productive dimension - This refers to the product of ‘Our work. Humans work in order to renew the face of the earth. This means that one’s work is his/her Contribution to social transformation. Mother Ignacia knows this ethical value of work; that’s why in their 1726 Rules and Constitutions, she instructed that ‘The Rectora shall see to it that the work assigned to the sisters shall not be excessive and beyond their capacity.” (#15) Furthermore, in #46, she tells the beatas that “all should endeavor to find means to keep themselves busy, because idleness and laziness is the root of evil thoughts which open the door to the devil so that he could corrupt souls.” Every work is significant, no matter how little or great, how hard or easy be it blue or white collar job. Every work contributes to the common good. Every work done in LOVE is SERVICE. One's Work is“a contribution to the social transformation. INTEGRATION A. Creative Song Adaptation | Output Students are free to chose any familiar song. They are asked to change the lyrics with the realizations/insights they gained from the lesson “Every work done in Love is service” B. Closing Activity | Para-liturgy: Prayer of Gratitude for the Gift of WorkMODULE 6- MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK SESSION 2. SPIRITUALITY OF WORK Objectives At the end of the session, the pupils will be able to: a. assess Mother Ignacia’s attitude towards work b. manifest appreciation and love of work as gift of God c.__practice Mother Ignacia’s attitude towards work Opening Prayer Loving God, we praise You for the wonders of Your Creation. It is your will that we accept work as a human responsibility. In your kindness may the work we begin bring us growth in this life and help us to lead others to fullness of your kingdom in Christ Jesus. With Mother Ignacia as our example and guide, may our work enhance ‘our human dignity and draw us closer in service to one another. Amen. PRELECTION ‘ A. Prior What attitudes towards work do you want a co-worker! Knowledge group mate to possess? Why? B. Activity ‘Small Group Sharing: About the reasons why they prefer such attitudes towards work PRESENTATION A Data Gathering | Reporting to the big group (about their sharing) (Answers may vat B. Synthesis Mother Ignacia’s Spirituality of Work CFC 1212 tells us that we should view our work as “sharing in the activity of the Creator.” Our work should enable us to transform the earth, and to have fulfillment as a human being. The following spirituality of work (PCP Il, 317) was exemplified by Mother ignacia:MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND. THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK ily WORK AS A WAY OF SANCTIFICATION When Mother Ignacia made a decision to ‘live in the service of God”, she resolved to live by the ‘sweat of her face.” She left her parents who could decently support her, bringing only a needle and pair of scissors. from home. In the 1726 Rules and Constitutions, chapter 1 #22, she tells her beatas that ‘their support should come from the labor of their hands...They should place their Confidence in the providence of the Merciful and Compassionate God.” For Mother Ignacia, one’s work is the process to becoming holy. She believes that by performing it with @ view in mind that it is for God and for humankind, a sister becomes holy. WORK AS A WAY OF HEEDING THE WORD OF GOD AND COOPERATING WITH THE LORD Mother Ignacia heeded the call of God after undergoing the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola, She was 21 years old when she lived alone in prayer, penance and sacrifice. She also extended charitable works to people around her. This apostolic life of Mother Ignacia attracted many to join her while others supported her charitable works. Her group attended Teligious services at the Jesuit church, gave catechism to children, admitted women for retreat and provided the needs of others especially the poor and underprivileged. 4.MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK Believing that she is following God's plan, she never felt tired of performing her apostolic works @ . WORK ASA GIFT TO GOD Mother Ignacia enjoined her beatas to dedicate all their works to God. In the 1726 Rules and Constitutions (1.37), she tells them that “All works should be offered to God, our Lord, avoiding vanity and ostentation, because Jesus tells us in His Gospel, that any person whose work is motivated only by human respect without seeking God's glory, shall not merit the reward in the next life.” Ignacia believes that all their works are God's gifts to them. Because she loves the Giver of the Qifts, she took good care of them. She performed them responsibly to make them worthy offerings to God. p WORK AS A WAY OF DISCIPLESHIP AND VOCATION Mother Ignacia catechized young children and accepted them as boarders. She taught them how to pray, read and write, do household works and be good persons pleasing to God. Teaching is the noblest profession and vocation not just because it is about molding the mind, heart and soul of the youth but also because it is about following the footsteps of Christ. ’ Mother Ignacia never felt tired of performing her works because she thinks of it as a gift of God. Rendering apostolic services to the people is her way of followingMODULE 6-MOTHET R IGNACIA AND. THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK INTEGRATION | Jesus Christ. She believes that her work Is a way of obeying God's plan. She performed her works wholeheartedly because it helps her become holy. A. Creative Output Fnumerate ways on how you can imitate Mother Ignacia’s attitude towards work. B. Closing Activity | symbols.) Symbolic Ritual: 1. Offer to God your plans on how to imitate Mother Ignacia's attitude towards work by reading them silently at the altar as part of the closing prayer. (Background music - MIDES WAY — while offering theirMONULF 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VAL UF OF WORK SESSION 3. THE FRUITS OF MOTHER IGNACIA’S WORK Objectives At the end of the session, the pupils will be able to: a. revisit the fruits of Mother Ignacia’s pioneering works and describe how they continued to flourish through the different RVM ministries; b. articulate sense of gratitude for the different RVM ministries; a. participate actively in the different ministries they will be involved in. | Opening Prayer Loving God and Father, by the labor of human beings you govern and guide to perfection the work of creation. Hear our prayers that our works may accomplish their purpose. May the example of Mother Ignacia untiring labor of love inspire us to give ourselves generously to the work entrusted to us so that we may sustain our life on earth and help build a community of faith, justice and love where all enjoy the fruits of their labors. Amen. PRELECTION A. Prior Knowledge Are all of you familiar with the different ministries of the RVM Congregation? B. Activity “HE'S/SHE'S GOT THE GUTS’ The students are grouped into 5-6 and asked to think of a person who has done great things for the society and identify his/her contributions (to be written in a cartolina or manila paper) PRESENTATION A Data Gathering | Reporting (Big group) The facilitator processes the answérs. by affirming the answers and making them understand that the worth of the work of the person bears fruit.MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK | B. Synthesis Mother Ignacia's goal of living in the service of God is not an easy task. But because she has a great love for the good of souls, she and her beatas overcame the difficulties ‘they met from the very foundation of the Beaterio. They blazed a trail for religious women by serving the Lord not just through contemplation inside the convent but by engaging in apostolic activities. They taught home arts and religion to women and basic Christian Education (Cariilla) and Catechism to children. They helped the Jesuits in giving retreats to women including Spanish ladies. They also took care of women whose husbands were away or widows who wanted to lead a quiet life (recogidas). They went to the barrios and conducted “mission” to the poor, | they also took care of orphans like those from Tamontaca. Below is an update on the different RVM Ministries (source: RVM Directory 2008-2009). 1. Education Ministry The RVM Congregation now has 60 schools: 13 in the Generalate Area and Luzon, 12 in Visayas, 12 in Northern Mindanao, 13 in Southern Mindanao. Most schools are PAASCU accredited and four are ISO certified. The RVM manage 3 diocesan schools in Manila and 7 in other countries. This means that the giving of Christian education initiated by Mother Ignacia blossomed into many schools that provide not just quality instruction but also strong spiritual formation.MODULE 6 MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK 2. Social Ministry The RVM now has 23 offices for Social Ministry. This means that they continue helping the poor, the needy and the underprivileged. Their works help uplift ‘the condition of our society. 3. Dormitory Ministry The RVM Sisters continue to care for women by providing dormitories. They now have a total of 9 dormitories. 4. Special Ministry The RVM Congregation has 21 special ministries that range from healing the sick, caring for the elderly, pastoral ministry, ecumenical centers, giving consultancy to certain fields, networking with some agencies and other ministries that respond to the call of the Church in the present time. 5. Retreat Ministry The RVM Congregation now has 8 retreat houses and all are named Betania Retreat House. They are located in Cubao, Tagaytay, Bagulo City, Laguna, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City, Iriga City, San Fernando, La Union. This means that they continue their active participation in the spiritual formation of the lay as well as the clergy. 3MODULE 6-MOTHEF R IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK These ministries prove that Mother Ignacia’s attitudes toward work still present in the Filipino of today, particularly in the RVM Sisters. Mother Ignacia’s industry, which was praised by Murillo Velarde, is being witnessed today by the RVM Sisters and it ruled out the negative connotation of the ‘ningas-cogon” of the Filipinos’ short- lived enthusiasm. Their determination to carry to the end showed that Fillpinos could also be constant and not fickle. Their steadfastness in suffering demonstrated the Filipinos’ paatitivaga (patience), pagtitiis (endurance) and assurance that if one tries her best, God will do the rest. It also gives the dynamism of the Filipino dictum: “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.” Mother Ignacia’s great love for God and His people is manifested by her work that bears much fruits through the | different ministries of the RVM Congregation. These ministries are Education, Social, Dormitory, Special and | Retreat Ministry. We as Ignacian Marians, are challenged, | too, to be of service to others by doing our work faithfully as God's stewards and Christian disciples. INTEGRATION A. Creative Output Journal Writing ss To what ministry do you want to belong? What contributions would you want to make? [B. Closing Activity. Interpretative Song: ‘The MISSION" by Jamie RiveraMODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK SESSION 1 PARALITURGY Theme: “Gratitude for the Gift of Work” Leader: Blessed be the Lord day after day, the God who created human beings and called them to share in the work of creation. Reading: Genesis 1:26-2:3 Silent Reflection Reading: Mother Ignacia’s Spirituality of Work [see below) Prayer of Thanksgiving Response: We praise and thank You, Lord. Leader: Loving Father, we do well to join all creation in heaven and on earth in praising You, aur mighty God through .lesuis Christ your Son our Lord For making us human beings to your own image and likeness and setting us over all creation. R. For clivosing # people and giving ther a destiny, bringing them out of bondage to freedom, carrying with them the promise that all peoples would be blessed and all could be free. R. For fulfilling Your promise in Jesus Christ your Son and our saving Lord who restored our human dignity and taught us the value of human labor. R. eh For giving us strength to use our capacities to work and provide for the well-being of our families. R. For enabling us to enjoy the fruits of our labor. R. 1MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND. THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK For allowing us, through our work, to share in Your activity as Creator, and to continue to develop and perfect that activity within the limits of our ‘own human capabilities R. For giving us the opportunity to collaborate with Your Son Jesus in the redemption of humanity by enduring the toil of work in union with Him. R. For the example of Your Son Jesus who ennobled and sanctified all human work by his work as a carpenter in Nazareth and by hi many other labors that confer on workers a special solidarity with himself. R. For giving us Mother Ignacia as an example of a woman who lived by the sweat of her brow and offered all her works to You. R. Closing Prayer: lord God, You have given us talents and skills as stewards of your creation ta care for, promote and develop it by our human labor. May we bring the spirit of Christ's love in all our efforts and work with our brothers and sisters at our common task, establishing true love and guiding your creation to perfect fulfillment. Enable us by the power of your Holy Spirit to build up the body of Christ on this earth that your name may be proclaimed and blessed through the good work of all. Grant to us the will to share the blessings we have inherited - the fruits of our labor with those in need. Remind us always dear God that we are not benefactors but recipients of your grace every time we open our hand to work and walk with others through the journey of life. Let your love fill our hearts so that like Mother Ignacia who lived by sweat of her brow constantly we may use wholeheartedly our abilities for love of You, Your church and the whole human family. Amen.MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND. THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK SESSION 2 INPUT Mother lanacia’s Spirituality of Work CFC 1212 tells us that we should view our work as “sharing in the activity of the Creator.” Our work should enable us to transform the earth, and to have fulfilment as a human being The following spirituality of work (PCP Il, 317) was exemplified by Mother Ignacia: 1. WORK AS AWAY OF SANCTIFICATION When Mother Ignacia made a decision to “live in the service of God”, she resolved to live by the “sweat of her face.” She left her parents who could decently support her, bringing only a needle and pair of scissors fram home. In the 1726 Rules and Constitutions, chapter 1 #22, she tells her beatas that “their eupport ehould come from the labor of their hande... They should place their confidence in the providence of the Merciful and Compassionate God.” For Mother Ignacia, one’s work is the process to becoming holy. She believes that by performing it with a view in mind that itis for God and for humankind, a sister becomes holy. nN . WORK AS A WAY OF HEEDING THE WORD OF GOD AND COOPERATING WITH THE LORD Mother Ignacia heeded the call of God after undergoing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. She was 21 years old when she lived alone in prayer, penance and sacrifice. She also extertded charitable works to people around her. This apostolic life of Mother Ignacia attracted many to join her while others supported her charitable works. Her group attended religious services at the Jesuit church, gave catechism to children, admitted women for retreat and provided the needs of others especially the poor and underprivileged.MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK Believing that she is following God's plan, she never felt tired of performing her apostolic works. Work AS A GIFT T0 GOD Mother Ignacia enjoined her beatas to dedicate all their works to God. In the 1726 Rules and Constitutions (1.37), she tells them that “All works should be offered to God, our Lord, avoiding vanity and ostentation, because Jesus tells us in His Gospel, that any person whose work is motivated only by human respect without seeking God's glory, shall not merit the reward in the next life.” Ignacia believes that all their works are God's gifts to them. Because she loves the Giver of the gifts, she took good care of them. She performed them responsibly to make them worthy offerings to God. rs ‘Work AS A WAY OF DISCIPLESHIP AND VOCATION Mother Ignacia catechized young children and accepted them as boarders. She taught them how to pray, read and write, do household works and be good persons pleasing to God. Teaching is the noblest profession and vocation not just because it is about molding the mind, heart and soul of the youth but also because it is about following the tootsteps of Christ. Mother Ignacia never felt tired of performing her works because she thinks of it as a gift of God. Rendering apostolic services to the people is her way of following Jesus Christ. She believes that her work is a way of obeying God's plan. She performed her works wholeheartedly because it helps her become holy.MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK SESSION 3 INPUT The Fruit of Mother Ignacia’s Work Mother Ignacia’s goal of living in the service of God is not an easy task. But because she has a great love for the good of souls, she and her beatas overcame the difficulties they met from the very foundation of the Beaterio. They blazed a trail for religious women by serving the Lord not just through contemplation inside the convent but by engaging in apostolic activities. They taught home arts and religion to women and basic Christian Education (Cartilla) and Catechism to children. They helped the Jesuits in giving retreats to women including Spanish ladies. They also took care of women whose husbands were away or widows who wanted to lead a quiet life (recogidas). They went to the barrios and conducted “mission” to the poor, they also took care of orphans like those from Tamontaca. Their hard works bore much fruit that many authorities gave them recognitions and awards: 1. On Sept. 7, 1893, ‘La lllustracion Filipino’, cited Mother Ignacia as a genuine product of the nation in the highest order. She was the foundress of a religious institution that still lives its pristine spirit ‘vigorously two centurles after Its foundation. 2. On duly 3, 1953, her institution was commended as a citadel of faith and culture. 3. On September 10, 1972, a plaque of recognition (posthumous award) was given by the National Historical Commission to Mother Ignacia as “foundress, in 1684 of the first all Filipina congregation granted papal recognition, as organizer of the first female retreat movement in the world and of a teaching order outdating many teaching orders within the Church and as fitting model of Filipino womanhood.”MODULE 6-MOTHICR IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK 4. On June 14, 1996, the National Council of Women in the Philippines gave her a posthumous award as “woman,” Exemplar...lt was from her bold initiative that she formed the first indigenous community of women. 5. Gregorio Zaide, a Filipino historian, included her in his book as one of the 100 heroes and heroines of the Philippines. 6. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in a pastoral letter, recognized her Beaterio now called the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) as “the reincarnation of the blossoming of authentic Marian devotion in the Philippines.” Mother Ignacia’s pioneering works continued to flourish despite the challenges of the new millennium. Her works became organized ministries that provided significant contributions not only in the Philippine society but also in other parts of the world. Below is an update on the different RVM Ministries (source: RVM Directory 2008-2009). 1. Education Ministry The RVM Congregation now has 80 schoole: 12 in the Generalate Arca and Luzon, 12 in Visayas, 12 in Northern Mindanao, 13 in Southern Mindanao. Most schools are PAASCU accredited and Tour are ISO certified. The RVM manage 3 diocesan schools in Manila and 7 in other countries. This means that the giving of Christian education initiated by Mother Ignacia blossomed into many schools that provide not just quality instruction but also strong spiritual formation. 2. Social Ministry The RVM now has 23 offices for Social Ministry. This means that they continue helping the poor, the needy and the underprivileged. Their works help uplift the condition of our society. 16MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK 3. Dormitory Ministry The RVM Sisters continue to care for women by providing dormitories. ‘They now have a total of 9 dormitories. 4. Special Ministry The RVM Congregation has 21 special ministries that range from healing the sick, caring for the elderly, pastoral ministry, ecumenical centers, giving consultancy to’ certain fields, networking with some agencies and other ministries that respond to the call of the Church in the present time, 5. Retreat Ministry The RVM Congregation now, has 8 retreat houses and all are named Betania Retreat House. They are located in Cubao, Tagaytay, Baguio City, Laguna, Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City, Iriga City, San Fernando, La Union. This means that they continue their active participation in the epiritual formation of the lay as well as the clergy. These ministries prove that Mother Ignacia’s attitudes toward work still present in the Filipino of today, particularly in the RVM Sisters. Mother Ignacia's industry, which was pratsed by Murillo Velarde, is being witnessed today by the RVM Sisters and it ruled out the negative connotation of the “ningas-cogon” of the Filipinos’ short-lived enthusiasm. Their determination fo carry to the end showed that Filipinos could also be constant and not fickle. Their steadfastness in suffering demonstrated the Filipinos’ paatitiyaga (patience), paatitis (endurance) and assurance that if one tries her best, God will do the rest. It also gives the dynamism of the Filipino dictum: “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.”MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK Mother Ignacia’s great love for God and his people is manifested by her work. And like any other kind of hard work, it bears much fruits. Mother Ignacia’s pioneering works continued to flourish despite many challenges through the different ministries of the RVM Congregation. These ministries are Education, Social, Dormitory, Special and Retreat Ministry. We as Ignacian Marians, are challenged, too, to be of service to others by doing our work faithfully as God's stewards and Christian disciples.MODULE 6-MOTHER IGNACIA AND THIRD YEAR COLLEGE THE VALUE OF WORK PRAYER FOR THE BEATIFICATION OF VENERABLE IGNACIA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO Father in heaven, Your name is glorified over all the earth in Your saints, men and women, distinguished by their wholehearted service and lave for You Through them You have established religious congregation in Your Church. In Your goodness and mercy, You have looked with favor on Your people in the Philippines and have chosen from among them Your lowly handmaid, IGNACIA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO to be the foundress of a religious family under the special protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. We humbly ask You to then to glorify Your name in her by performing the miracles needed for her beatification, through Your Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (petition) May her prayers and intercession obtain for us the favor we ask for, particularly that of remaining ever faithful to your love and service. Amen.RVM Education Ministry Commission and Mother Foundress Commission 2008