After months of anticipation and careful planning, Good Samaritan Education (GSE) made its long-awaited return to witness the ministries and work of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in the Philippines.
By Fran Vella*
With 24 participants from six GSE schools – Lourdes Hill, Mater Christi, Rosebank, St Mary Star of the Sea, St Patrick’s and St Scholastica’s – this unforgettable experience over eight days united students and staff in deep personal learning and community engagement.
Good Samaritan Sisters Anne Dixon, Grace Marcelo and Leonie Dueñas welcomed us warmly, introducing us to the rhythm of local life in Bacolod and helping us quickly form bonds with the community, including the children, staff and volunteers at the Good Samaritan Kinder School and Outreach Centre.
At the Kinder School, we deepened our understanding of the local community’s challenges and the school’s daily operations. We spent time with the children in the playground and classrooms, quickly developing friendships while witnessing the inspiring work of the Sisters and the dedication of the staff who provide daily care for the children.
‘I felt the warm embrace of kindness in the thick Bacolod air, in the radiance of the smiles of children and in the beauty of simplicity.’ (student participant)
Students at the Good Samaritan Kinder School. Image: Good Samaritan Education.
At the Outreach Centre, we came to appreciate the effective work of volunteers and staff who, along with the Sisters, uplift the local community with kindness and much-needed practical support.
We assisted with the feeding program, distributing meals across the city in Bacolod, and visited the Boulevard where we had the privilege of engaging with locals, an experience that brought the reality of daily life for the other close to the heart of each participant.
Collaborating with volunteers on tasks such as preparing and packaging meals, baking and painting walls fostered strong connections and a shared sense of purpose in God’s mission.
During our time in Bacolod, we focused on being fully present, listening attentively and learning from everyone we encountered, true to our Good Samaritan Benedictine tradition.
‘I learned that the only way that I can unlock God in me is to see God in others.’ (student participant)
The immersion included a visit to St Scholastica’s College in Manila where we connected with students and staff, building bonds of friendship that enriched our experience.
We ended the day in prayer, joining the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing for Vespers followed by conversation that deepened our awareness and connection to the global Benedictine community.
‘I see my studies becoming contextual and perspective driven.’ (student participant)
While the environment in the Philippines was challenging at times, the immersion offered moments of deep introspection and personal transformation.
It was clear during the debrief session that students returned with a renewed perspective and broader worldview inspiring advocacy and an appreciation for the power of solidarity.
The immersion was a wonderful experience of communio for our GSE schools and connection with the ministries of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan in the Philippines. Special thanks to Sister Anne Dixon and everyone on the ground in the Philippines who made this immersion a truly enriching experience.
The ministries of the Sisters are supported by the Good Samaritan Foundation. Donations over $2 are tax deductible in Australia and can be made via the website.
*Fran Vella is Good Samaritan Education Mission Program Coordinator.
Philippines immersion group with the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing. Image: Good Samaritan Education.
This article was published in the November 2024 edition of The Good Oil.
