Worcester, MA | Philadelphia, PA | Chaparral, NM
More than a hundred alumnae of schools run by the Religious of the Assumption gathered in Washington, D.C. the weekend of August 15-16, 2008. The alumnae, all of whom now live in the United States, graduated from Assumption schools in the Philippines and Nicaragua, as well as Ravenhill Academy in Philadelphia.
The reunion, held every three years, began with a Eucharist celebrating the solemnity of the Assumption. The main feature of the reunion was the keynote address by Sr. Diana Wauters, Superior General of the Religious of the Assumption. With her was one of her General Councilors, Sr. Maria Emmanuel Melocoton; the Provincial Superior of the US Province, Sr. Mary Ann Azanza; and Sisters Cecilia Hervas and Loretto Mapa of the Lansdale community.
The Assumption Alumnae Association Abroad (AAAA), which previously was composed of alumnae of Assumption schools in the Philippines, opened the invitation to this year's reunion to all alumnae of Assumption schools (from any of the 34 countries in which the Sisters are present) who now live in the United States. A good group of alumnae from the Assumption school in Managua, Nicaragua attended. They introduced their country, their alma mater and the Central American Province to the largely Filipina crowd. It was a good occasion to see once more, as had been so clear during the celebration of the canonization of St. Marie Eugenie, the international face of the Assumption.
Small group discussions focused on how the alumnae are living the values of their Assumption education in their present state of life: as mothers, wives, businesswomen, educators, etc. The assembly gave itself the assignment of trying to contact and invite more alumnae groups for the next gathering.
The time together was capped by another Eucharistic celebration followed by a festive dinner-dance. What a party!
Congratulations and thanks to the AAAA Washington D.C. chapter for a splendid job of organizing and hosting the Triennial Reunion. See you in Vancouver for the next one in 2011!