Do you have the real courage to follow Jesus? Join the Sisters of Mary...

OUR PURPOSE is to follow Christ more fervently in praying and more closely in proclaiming the Kingdom, by doing good to people; concretely by providing free:

- educational/vocational welfare for the underprivileged children / youth
- medical care to the sick and the dying
- shelter services to the homeless and helpless.

If you have a strong desire to serve the Lord and help the poorest of the poor and fulfill the message of the Virgin of the Poor of relieving the suffering, we invite you to join us.

"LET US SERVE THE LORD WITH JOY..."

These words from the Psalms are the motto of the Sisters of Mary.

The Sisters of Mary was founded in Korea in 1964 by the Servant of God, Msgr. Al Schwartz. Their purpose is to serve the poorest of the poor in the Name of Christ.

The Sisters of Mary can be described as "contemplatives in action". That is, they strive to unite the vocations of Martha and Mary. Their active life of service to the poor is balanced by three hours of daily prayer and contemplation.

After approximately four years of formation, the Sisters profess the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and service to the poor. These vows are renewed each year at the end of the annual retreat.

Through the invitation of the ecclesiastical and government authorities, the sisters have expanded from Korea to the Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil and recently in Honduras. At present, they care for tens of thousands of needy children and adults in their charity boarding schools, Day Care Centers, Clinics and Hospitals.

With the inspiration of the Virgin of the Poor, who appeared in Banneux, Belgium, they do their best to fulfill her message of relieving the suffering of the poor. The material and spiritual needs of people continue to increase, thus there is an urgent need for more generous and dedicated young women to join them in this life of service and prayer.

Candidates should be between the ages of 18 and 35; college or high school graduate; be in good health; and above all, have a sincere desire to serve the poor with the heart, mind and spirit of Christ.

Come now and join them, please write, phone or visit personally:

Contact the Vocation Directress:

The Sisters of Mary
Biga II, Silang 4118 Cavite Philippines
Tel. No.: (046) 414-0575 / (02) 529-8321
Email: smvocation@gmail.com
Website: www.thesistersofmary.org

***

Fellow Alumni, please share and spread the news...As the Sisters of Mary is expanding to another country, they need more Sisters to serve the poorest of the poor...Let's help them in their Vocation Campaign.

Thank you very much! God Bless you!

Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz

The life of the Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz (1930 - 1992)
Founder of the Religious Congregations of the Sisters of Mary and Brothers of Christ.
Champion of the Poor and Father to countless children in the Boystowns and Girlstowns in Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Guatemala, Brazil & Honduras!

This video is courtesy of World Villages for Children old website,
I stumbled upon it way back 2008. Thank you very WVC!

ASMSI Fun Run for a Cause 08.14.2011

EVENT INFORMATION:

1. The ASMSI Fun Run for a Cause will be held at the Sisters of Mary School Girlstown Complex, Biga, Silang Cavite on August 14, 2011 @ 7 AM.

2. Registration Fee will be Php 350 for both alumni and non-alumni (inclusive of ASMSI Fun Run Certificate of Participation, Singlet and Bib No.)

3. Water refilling stations will be available within the route.

4. First 3 finishers for men and women will receive special prizes.

5. Novelty and special prizes shall also be given during the event.

* Proceeds of this event will go to the Sisters of Mary School, Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI) and ASMSI Welfare and Development Center - ASMSI Outreach Program/Projects

HOW TO REGISTER:

1. Submission of Registration Forms and payment should be done starting
March 20, 2011 - August 14, 2011 at any of the ff:

A. Alumni Office - SMS Girlstown Complex, Biga Silang, Cavite
B. Authorized Alumni Officers and Batch Representatives
C. Fun Run Organizers

* Forms can be downloaded at the Download section of this website or email the Alumni office: contact_us@asmsi.org.ph

* Payments can be deposited at ASMSI BDO Account, don't forget to send a scanned copy of the deposit slip to the above email address and state the purpose of your deposit or bring the copy during the event.

Account Name: Alumni of the Sisters of Mary School, Inc.
Bank: BDO Savings Account No. 190-035-778-8
Branch: SM City Dasmariñas

2. For inquiries, please contact the organizers:
Mercy - 0922.8308939 / 0915.1187710
Ann - 0929.3058433 / 0922.8910972
OR the Alumni Office at:
Phone: (+632) 529-8321 / (046) 865-3097
Email us: contact_us@asmsi.org.ph

For more updates visit: www.asmsi.org.ph
Add us on Facebook: funrun2010@asmsi.org.ph

Dare to share your blessings in a Healthy Way!
Let's run lightly in the way of the Lord!

Thank you very much!

Fr. Al's - Prayer for Beatification

Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz

(1930 - 1992)
Founder
Religious Congregation of the Sisters of Mary
and the Brothers of Christ

Almighty, ever-living God, giver of all good gifts, You have filled
Msgr. Al with an ardent love for You and for souls. You have inspired
him to dedicate his life to relieve the suffering of the orphans, abandoned,
the sick and the poor, especially the youth, which he did with all humility
and courage until the end of his life. May his holy life of love and service
to the poor be recognized by the Church through his beatification
and canonization.

For your glory and honor, we pray that the life of Msgr. Al be an
inspiration for us in striving for perfection in the love of God and
service to others.

Bestow on us, through his intercession the ...(mention the favor you ask for.)
We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ, your Son and the maternal
aid of Mary, the Virgin of the Poor. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Glory Be ...

(With Ecclesiastical Approval)

For favors granted, kindly write to:
The Sisters of Mary School
Brgy. Biga II, Silang 4118 Cavite, Philippines
Tel. No. 046-865-3097 or 02-529-8321
E-mail: faco_al@yahoo.com.ph

Remembering Fr. Al on his 19th Death Anniversary

Today marks the 19th death Anniversary of our beloved Fr. Al Schwartz. His Excellency Most Rev. Manuel Sobreviñas, DD, PHB, STB, Bishop-Emeritus of Imus and other priests led the congregation in blessing of the tomb of Fr. Al followed by the celebration of the Holy Mass, Lunch then short but grand program for the visitors.
Check out the photos below to feel the celebration. Truly, the works & memories of a great man will never be forgotten even after so many years that he is gone. We love you Fr. Al! c",)

More pictures here.

Check out Ate Shaye's FB album here for more...

Fr. Al, Dakila Kang Ama

FR. AL, DAKILA KANG AMA

May isang pag-ibig na wagas
Ito'y inihandog sa mahihirap
Taglay mong pagmamahal na nagbigay ng liwanag
Sa mga pusong salat sa ginhawa

Tanglaw ka, ilaw at gabay
Sa mga kabataang mahal mong tunay
Na nakamtan ang mapagkalinga mong mga kamay
Upang tahakin ang landas ng Maykapal

Koro
O Fr. Al, dakila kang ama
Ang pag-ibig mo ay wagas at magpakailanman
Maging buhay iyong inialay
Sa mga dukha at walang malay...O Fr. Al

Sa aming puso, laging naroroon
Ang iyong mga aral at patnubay
Katapatan sa Maykapal at pagmamahal sa Inang Banal
Kalinisan at pag-ibig na wagas

Kailanman, O aming ama
Ika'y mananatili sa aming puso
Pagmamahal at liwanag mo'y aming ikakalat
Salita't gawain mo'y aming gabay...(Koro 2x)

***
In loving memory of the 19th Death Anniversary of our Beloved Servant of God, Fr. Aloysius Schwartz (18 September 1930 - 16 March 1992)

The Sisters of Mary commemorates Fr. Al’s 19th Death Anniversary

On March 16, 2011, the Sisters of Mary community remembers the 19^th death anniversary of Fr. Al, the beloved Founder of the Sisters of Mary and Brothers of Christ, who presently serves more than 8,000 poorest of the poor but deserving high school students from all over the country.

We remember how Fr. Al came to the Philippines in 1985; and seeing the need for charity programs like that which he had already established in Korea, he did not hesitate to start one in the Philippines.

His unselfish love for the less fortunate paved the way for more than 48,000 underprivileged Filipino youth to have a brighter and more promising future. Now, they are productive members of the society and doing their part to help their families.
Fr. Al, the father of the orphans and the champion of the poor is certainly enjoying the company of the saints in heaven, fulfilling what he has promised:

“If I go to heaven, I will spend my eternity in aiding the sisters and children in a hidden and secret but very real manner.”

This he does every day by touching the hearts of generous donors to continually help the Sisters of Mary to be able to feed, clothe, shelter and educate thousands of the marginalized poor under their care.

In celebration of the 19^th anniversary of Fr. Al’s passing into eternity, the Sisters, Children, Graduates, Teachers, Friends and Donors will be offering the sacrifice of the Holy Eucharist on the school gymnasium of every campus of the Sisters of Mary in Cavite and Cebu.

Fr. Al's mortal remains rest in the Virgin of the Poor Chapel in Girlstown, Silang, Cavite. As part of the celebration, His Excellency Most Rev. Bishop Manuel Sobreviñas will bless his tomb at 10:00 a.m. which will be followed by the Holy Mass. Next will be a simple program for the visitors prepared by Boystown and Girlstown students.

Everyone, especially the Graduates, Friends and Donors are invited to this celebration.

***
This article was originally posted at http://www.facfi.org.ph/

The ID that Changed My Life Forever

Special Thanks to Sr. Imelda for accepting me to be one of the scholars of The Sisters of Mary School way back 1995!

Excerpt of my testimonial as graduate of the Sisters of Mary School:

My stay at the Sisters of Mary School opened new horizons and opportunities for me and for thousands of fortunate young men and women privileged to be served by dedicated sisters inspired to serve the poorest of the poor. My life was touched by Fr. Al even if I wasn’t able to meet him and thank him personally for bringing the Sisters of Mary to the Philippines.

To Fr. Al, Mother Michaela, Fr. Urrutia, my beloved Sisters, the dedicated teachers, all the workers inside the compound as well as the students I’ve met during my stay at Boystown, Silang Cavite…THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

You have touched my life in ways you may never know and for that I will forever be grateful to God for bringing you into my life.

***
The above article appeared also in the German website of the Sisters of Mary together with the testimonial of other graduates, if you know the language, click here!

If you want to help us in continuing the works of Fr. Al, visit FACFI website.

If you're searching for vocation, please visit this website (women 17-30 years old) or this website for men.

Thank you very much!

2011 ASMSI Grand Alumni Homecoming

Once again, let's rekindle the spirit and visit our beloved Alma Mater. Come home on March 20, 2011 for a day of fun, meet and greet our batchmates, friends and beloved Sisters of Mary for the 20th year of ASMSI.

SMS & ASMSI Youtube Video Collection

The Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, Founder of the Sisters of Mary and the Brothers of Christ Religious Congregations



Our Greatest Dream - Augustinian Recollect Vocation 2008 Official Theme Song Featuring the Children of SMS Boystown, Minglanilla Cebu

ASMSI & FACFI Concert for a Cause 2009 Video Reflection - Thanks to the benevolence of Mr. Jed Madela, Mr. Nyoy Volante, Mr. Dingson Balahadia and the MYMP for 'Singing for a Cause'...To the people who supported this event - may God bless you a hundred fold!

Reflection: You don't have to be a millionaire to share. Your small donation will count a lot. Give... share... love. Help children break free from a life of poverty. Visit www.facfi.org.ph - the funding arm of the Sisters of Mary in the Phils.

Thanks to Fr. Al for starting this mission of caring for the less fortunate and thanks to the Sisters of Mary for continuing the mission...

The SMS and SMTEI Website! A Silver Anniversary Milestone!

The Sisters of Mary has been in existence in the Philippines for almost 25 years, and as we celebrate its Silver Anniversary this August 15, 2010 it is but just a fitting tribute to our beloved Alma Mater that they be given a brand new website that they can call as their own.

Thank you to the generosity of the graduates (as primary movers, developers and sponsors) to make this website a reality.

It is now on the final stage of development. Contents are being added and hopefully additional features will be available soon.

We welcome your comments and suggestions and financial support to further enhance this website. You may visit the website at : http://www.thesistersofmaryschools.edu.ph/ and post your comments/suggestions at the guestbook or you may e-mail us at: admin@asmsi.org.ph

HAPPY SILVER ANNIVERSARY! The Sisters of Mary Philippines! God Bless you more!

Thank you Fr. Al for the continuous guidance and support you are giving to your institutions and your children all the way heaven. We love you!

SMS Philippines Silver Anniversary on August 15, 2010

August 15, 2010 - will mark the 25 years of existence of the Sisters of Mary in the Philipines.

The Sisters of Mary is an institution offering free technical & vocational high school education to poor yet deserving students here in the Philippines. It has 2 campuses in Cebu and 2 in Cavite. It was founded by a good-hearted American priest, the late Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz. His generosity of helping the poorest of the poor led a way of opening the process for his beatification and canonization which means he is now a candidate for Sainthood.

For more information about the Sisters of Mary and its charitable works, please do visit the following websites:

http://www.thesistersofmaryschools.edu.ph/
http://www.thesistersofmary.org/
http://www.facfi.org.ph/
http://www.worldvillages.org/
http://www.asmsi.org.ph/
http://www.fatheralsainthood.org/
http://www.brothersofchrist.org.ph/

CONGRATULATIONS SMS Philippines! Continue Serving the Lord with Joy!

Happy Birthday! Our Dear Fr. Al

Happy Birthday! Our Dear Papa! The Servant of God, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz.
We love you!

Thank you very much for the unconditional love you have given to thousands of poor children
around the world.

Watch this video to get to know Fr. Al.

You may visit also the ff: websites:
http://www.asmsi.org.ph/
http://www.facfi.org.ph/
http://www.fatheralsainthood.org/
http://www.brothersofchrist.org.ph/
http://www.worldvillages.org/

SMS 24th Foundation Day & Children's Birthday

Thank you very much to all Alumni, guests & friends for the successful celebration of The Sisters of Mary School's - 24th Foundation Day and Children's Birthday last August 16, 2009 @ SMS Campuses in Adlas, Biga, Talisay & Minglanilla.

See you next year as we CELEBRATE SILVER!

Click here to view the collection of pictures of the celebration!

In Memoriam: +Fr. Teodoro A. Urrutia, SJ

Fr. Teodoro Urrutia, SJ was born on November 20, 1913 in Nanclaves de
Gamboa, Spain. Perhaps because of the influence of the Jesuit education he obtained
from St. Francis Xavier at Sanguesa, in Navarro, Fr. Urrutia entered the Society of Jesus
on June 7, 1934. He pronounced his first vows two years later and after years of
studies and formation was ordained to the priesthood on July 30, 1948. The following
year he made his tertianship and then pronounced his final vows on February 2, 1951.
As his first assignment, he taught religion, math and literature at the Escuela
Profesional Cristo Rey in Burgos, Spain. Later, he was made principal of that school.

In 1962, his dream of being sent to the missions was realized when he was allowed
to go to the Philippines. In this country which would become the dominant passion
of his Jesuit life, Fr. Urrutia was first assigned to the island of Olutanga in Zamboanga
del Sur. There he would be involved in running the Loyola High School in Subanipa
while at the same time acting as assistant parish priest of the town. After more than
ten years on the island, his missionary zeal would bring him to Bukidnon as where
he would serve as assistant parish priest to the different towns of the province.
In 1977, he was back to his beloved Olutanga island.

His apostolic work would take its toll on his health and so in 1988, he was transferred
to the Loyola House of Studies in Manila. Despite his health condition however, he
would still engage in active ministry, doing pastoral work in the Quezon Institute and
then chaplaincy work for the Sisters of Mary Boystown and Girlstown in Silang, Cavite
and Sta. Mesa, Manila. In 2003, his health condition worsened and on August 26, 2004,
Fr. Teodoro Urrutia, SJ, finally joined his Creator whom he had faithfully served with his
outstanding dedication to the missionary work of the Society of Jesus. Hasta Luego,
Don Teodoro!

Thanks to : "The WINDHOVER - The Philippine Jesuit Magazine : 3^rd Quarter 2004"

Click here for: Fr. Teodoro A. Urrutia's Memorial Mass Photos

LINK FR. AL'S CHILDREN FOUNDATION...

Please help us in advertising Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI). You may use the above banner or simply put http://www.facfi.org.ph/ website address into your websites, blogs, forums or if you know of any website which offers free display of banner as such: http://www.mixph.com/ which freely displays FACFI's banner.Thanks a lot mixph.com!

****

Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI) is a non-stock, non-profit organization duly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines. It was established on November 26, 1992 after the demise of Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, founder of the Sisters of Mary congregation, to assist the charity programs of the Sisters of Mary Boystowns and Girlstowns in the Philippines.

The foundation is a recognized donee institution and certified by the Philippine Council for NGO Certification (PCNC): Certificate No. : 044-2007

Something to be PROUD of...

Yesterday, the whole SMS - Philippines community once again feel proud of ourselves being part of this great charitable institution founded by The Servant of God, Aloysius Schwartz.

I even got some walking exercise just to scout for some newspaper stand who might still be open that evening hoping to get the days' issue of Philippine Daily Inquirer so that I will be able to get personal copy of the news. Unfortunately no more copy is available at the nearest 7-11.

Gladly, I have a friend who lives near a 7-11 store and I just texted him to get a copy for me. Yes! I was able to get one and soon I will be able to have it.

Here's an excerpt of the news:

The day they sang ‘God Bless America’


By Chelo Banal-Formoso
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:05:00 07/05/2009
Filed Under: Education, Youth, Music


FROM the where the guests have been invited to stand, one can see the perfect lines formed by the girls, perhaps over 3,000 of them. Only discipline can make lines like these.

And then – their voices strong, their hand movements synchronized, looking like they are lit from within – they sing. God bless America, land that I love. Stand beside her and guide her, through the night with the light from above. From the mountains to the prairies, to the ocean white with foam, God bless America, my home sweet home.

A choreography of emotions and amazing grace, the rendition moves Kristie Anne Kenney to tears. Even the non-Americans among the guests are misty-eyed.

“That you chose to welcome me today by learning a special song that honors my country and my heritage, and to do it so brilliantly, is a very wonderful treat,” responds Ms Kenney upon being handed the microphone. “And I know of no other nation in the world that has that kind of kindness and welcoming spirit.”

It isn’t every day that the US ambassador to the Philippines comes a-calling on the Sisters of Mary (SOM) and their wards at the Girlstown complex in Silang, Cavite. And this afternoon, she comes bearing gifts.

“I brought you some books because if you’re like me and you dream of what else is out there, you can do a lot of that through books,” she says to thunderous applause.

The girls are all in uniforms of blue and white. Marian colors. In this live-in high school founded in 1985 by Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, reading is highly valued, but so is moral and spiritual formation. The girls are taught to live a life of simplicity, charity, gratitude and joy. Marian virtues.

None of these kids is holding an iPod or a Sony Ericsson phone or any such cool gadget for teens these days. That’s because these girls, and their fellow scholars at SOM Boystown (not to be confused with the facility for juvenile delinquents), come from dirt-poor families of Luzon and Palawan (Visayas and Mindanao are served by the SOM schools in Cebu).

At Girlstown and Boystown, they are given free education, room and board, medical and dental services, not to mention heaps of hope.

To view the full article, click here: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/learning/view/20090705-213984/The-day-they-sang-God-Bless-America

Congratulations to our dear Sisters on their Renewal of Vows/Annual Retreat '09

Our dear Sisters of Mary (professed sisters) had their Retreat last June 15 to 18 at SMS Girlstown Biga. It's a once a year Retreat where all our professed Sisters in the SMS Philippines gathered together for prayer in preparation for their Renewal of Vows.





To our dear Sisters - Congratulations and Thank you very much! for sharing your lives to the poorest of the poor and for helping us to become better Christians and persons when we go out from our beloved Alma Mater! God Bless and We love you very much!

Invitation: SMS 24th Foundation Day and Children's Birthday '09

To All Sisters of Mary School graduates, I am inviting you to join us on the celebration of SMS Philippines 24th Foundation Day and Children's Birthday on August 16, 2009 @ SMS Campuses in Biga, Adlas, Talisay and Minglanilla.

Visit: www.asmsi.org.ph for details.

FACFI Website Update

It's already done. Please check the contents.

You may also Sign the Guestbook, send greetings to our beloved sisters or write testimonies for Fr. Al and the Sisters of Mary School.

Also in our effort to raise funds for Fr. Al's Children Foundation, Inc. (FACFI), we have made donating easier for you. The Paypal/Credit Card donation button is already working.

Click here to Donate!

Thank you very much!