"THE AUGUSTINIAN" April 2002

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Welcome to Australia Sr.Gavina F. Barrera,OSA & Sr.Josefa L.Mabini,OSA, Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation-Philippines We are happy to be a part of the history of the AUGUSTINIANS in the parish of St. Kieran's, Manly Vale on its 50th anniversary celebration of its foundation. It was a JOY and a PRIVILEGE to be one with the Augustinian Fathers and the parishioners in some of the preparation and celebration of the memorable occasion.

Coming over to Australia for a MISSION is an experience of JOY and a sacrifice.

It's a JOY because GOD IS WITH US in the

• very meaningful thanksgiving liturgy
• agape, sharing together the bounty of the Lord and enjoying each others company
• recognition of the benefactors for the past 50 years
• warm welcome of Fr.Pat Fahey,OSA and the Augustinian fathers and brothers at Brookvale and Manly Vale communities
• comfortable and quiet place of the ground floor of Tom & Margaret Colman's house our temporary residence, a walking distance from the beach, Woolworths and the lagoon
• kind introduction of Mr. Tim Cleary and the hospitality of the staff and students of St.Augustine's College
• gentle, compassionate, understanding and patient disposition of Fr. Peter Jones orienting me to the pastoral ministry of the school
• kindness of Fathers Tony, Abel, Jun, Ralph and Bernie providing for our needs and joyfully teaching Sr.Josie services required as needed in the parish
• many generous people who volunteered to give us a ride daily to go home to Narrabeen
• friendly smiles that made us feel at home, while adjusting to the new culture and environment Our heartfelt GRATITUDE to each and everyone! "I THANK MY GOD FOR YOU AND WHEN I PRAY FOR YOU I PRAY WITH JOY....." LONG LIVE THE AUGUSTINIANS IN AUSTRALIA!. MARAMING SALAMAT PO.....MABUHAY!!!

Sr.Gavina F. Barrera,OSA & Sr.Josefa L.Mabini,OSA, Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation-Philippines

VISIT TO THE STREET CHILDREN REFUGE IN MANILA

For some years, the Augustinian Sisters of Our Lady of Consolation have dreamed about opening a home for street children in Manila. Whereas, in Australia, under-age children who live on the streets are the subjects of government legislation, this is not so in the Philippines. Under-age children are found living on the streets because of poverty or the lack of a family or both, or perhaps because they have been rejected by their families and have no place to go. Some live on the streets because their families, for reasons of illness or/and poverty can no longer provide for them. Some have run away from the difficulties confronting them at home.

Eventually, an apartment was found in a suitable part of the city to house the Tahanang Mapagalinga(Caring and Consoling Home for Street Children). Sisters Rose (house mother), Nicete, Diose and Jeanne moved in to live with and care for approximately eight children (the number varies somewhat from week to week). At present, there are seven girls and one little boy, "Christian". Dressed in their school uniforms, they go off to school each day. Upon returning home, they are always met by "House Mother" Sr Rose. They change their clothes, have something to eat and begin to do their homework. Later on, they are called to pray their evening prayer with the Sisters, followed by a dinner of healthy and nourishing food, laced with much love.

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