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By Sister Helen Libo-on
The spirits of Venerable Catherine McAuley and those of the Sisters of Mercy inspire us to extend God’s mercy to those in need at the School of Saint John the Baptist of Jimenez Misamis Occidental, Inc., in the Philippines. Our school’s philosophy, vision, mission and goals demonstrate how we extend Mercy, particularly to the younger generation.
We wrap our students in God’s love by providing them with a quality education rooted in compassion, love and peace. We offer our students comfort and empower them to extend that same comfort and mercy to others. Our vision of transformed lives lived in freedom, harmony, dignity and truth aligns with the Mercy tradition. Students are lifted from hardship and prepared to live full, dignified lives, free from the constraints of poverty and ignorance.
As a Catholic archdiocesan school, in the tradition of our founder, Catherine McAuley, we answer the call to extend God’s mercy and are dedicated to serving creation and humanity. Education, our instrument, focuses on holistic development and leadership, empowering our students to actively alleviate suffering and promote justice. They are compassionate individuals who are ready to serve and to care for the world around them.
Scholarships for underprivileged youth are a tangible expression of offering the “Shawl of Mercy” to those who need it most. Twelve percent of our student population receives scholarships, thanks to the support and consistency of our Mercy Institute and alumni.
Regular spiritual exercises, such as Eucharistic celebrations, retreats, recollections and weekly Basic Ecclesial Community sharing, nurture the spiritual well-being of students, connecting them to God’s mercy and inspiring them to live merciful lives. Directed retreats for the graduating class offer a special time for students to share their inner longings, anxieties, problems and family conflicts. Many of our students live with relatives due to their parents working abroad, making it difficult for them to express their needs and frustrations.
Our weekly Basic Ecclesial Community sharing, held every Friday, allows students to read and reflect on the following Sunday’s Gospel reading in small groups. This practice provides a dedicated time for students to share and listen to one another.
Our school also nurtures love and care for the environment, reflecting Mercy’s Critical Concern for Earth and the well-being of all creation. Mirroring the sheltering embrace of God’s tenderness, we maintain close contact with parents, relatives and guardians to strengthen the support network for our students, ensuring they are surrounded by care and guidance. We extend God’s mercy to all by providing a Christ-centered, compassionate education.