RVM Motherhouse
The Motherhouse at Quezon City owes its origin to the first Motherhouse at Intramuros, Manila which had existed since the foundation of the Congregation in 1684 up to the time when it was totally destroyed during the Second World War (1941-45).
For some time during and after the War, the Motherhouse used to be situated on Espafia Street, Manila. In 1950, however, it was definitely transferred to Quezon City where it stands to this day.
At present the Motherhouse compound covers an area of more than five hectares. In the compound stand the chapel of Our Lady of the Assumption blessed and inaugurated in 1950, St. Mary's Novitiate, the Motherhouse and the Juniorate, and the Infirmary. A few meters away from the main gate stands the three-storey Betania Retreat House, and close by is Luzon Regional Residence.
The Motherhouse, as the word signifies, is regarded by the Sisters as a real mother, which in fact it is. Not only does it generate and nurture their spiritual lives to the happy days of Final Vows, but also retains an abiding love for the children who have gone out to the Missions, and which for them always means Home and all that that glorious word signifies.
The bond between the Motherhouse and the Missions remains real and strong. As each group of Sisters starts out on a new venture for a new assignment, Home, with all the solicitude of a mother, anticipates and provides the hundred little necessary things that go into homemaking.
At the close of each school year, the Sisters are welcomed back to the quiet and peace of Home, there to make the annual eight-day retreat, as well as to renew body and soul in preparation for the assignment of active service in carrying on the work of Christ.
When over the years, the diminishing physical powers give warning that the journey's end is drawing nigh, Home, the powerhouse of prayer, welcomes them as tried veterans who have fought nobly and well and cares for their bodies and souls. Having given the best years of their lives to God and country, they are housed at the Infirmary. While in peaceful retirement from their labors in the Lord's vineyard, they dedicate the remaining years of their lives to the task of imploring God's grace and mercy for all the Sisters of the Congregation and the thousands of souls entrusted to their care.
On the other hand, the hundreds of Sisters laboring in the field are loyal daughters of Home. The joys of Home are theirs; her hour of trial and sorrow is shared by them. The loyal adherence they have given to the customs and the spirit of that Home in which the first happy years of their religious life were spent is the finest flower of their devotion.
May this bond between the Motherhouse and the Missions, which was first forged by the pioneer Sisters with the purpose of fashioning the Congregation into one holy religious family, never fail. May this bond that has proved the power of united action in the Congregation's achievements for the greater honor and glory of God never be less strong than in this 279th year. May those Sisters of the long tomorrow who will carry on to the tricentenary of the foundation regard the bond as a holy heritage to be cherished and safeguarded until the last member of the Congregation militant shall have completed the ranks of the Congregation gloriously triumphant.
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