SFIC Statement in Solidarity with the Suffering Filipino People

As we celebrate our 90 years of SFIC presence and ministry in the Philippines, we, the Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Holy Mother of God (SFIC), affirm our charism as recognizing the presence of God “in the poor, the little ones and the powerless.” (SFIC Constitutions 3:16-17)

Mother Teresia van Miert, our Foundress, “was deeply moved by the needs of the times in which she lived. Steeped in the Gospel and in the life of St. Francis, she discovered ways to alleviate the sufferings of the people in her surroundings.” (SFIC Constitutions 1:1-6)

Today, we are confronted with the pain and afflictions of our people and our country: gross violation of the fundamental right to life and human dignity, massive poverty and hunger, war and violence, injustice and a culture of impunity, extra-judicial killings and summary executions, graft and corruption, deceit and tyranny, systematic dismantling of democratic guarantees, misogynistic tendencies, and a proposed charter change that further curtails our democratic rights, destruction of our Mother Earth, verbal attacks on the Church and the hierarchy, and blasphemy against God.

Our Franciscan spirituality bids us “to heal the wounded, to bind up those who are bruised, and to reclaim the erring.” (SFIC Constitutions 1:26-28) Trusting in God’s mercy and compassion, we affirm our solidarity with our poor, oppressed, exploited, marginalized, and violated sisters and brothers. Together with them, we shall protect, defend and uphold the sacredness of LIFE, Human Dignity and Human Rights! We pledge to care, protect and nurture our Common Home. We kneel in awe at the majesty and supremacy of our God.

Hand in hand, we shall actively support peoples’ organizations and participate in movements that value and stand for truth, justice, peace and love. With one voice we acclaim the Sovereignty and Justice of our God. We remain steadfast in prayer for the well-being of our people and our country. With deep faith and certain hope, we pray for God’s Divine wisdom and compassion. Prayer can break the yoke of bondage and bring forth a release of God’s power, love and mercy.

NO TO TYRANNY!!! YES TO DEMOCRACY!!!

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8-9)

Sr. Julie Saguibo, SFIC
Provincial Superior
25 February 2019