SISTER DOYET, FIRST MANGYAN MISSIONARY NUN
May 5, 2005
By Madonna T. Virola
Inquirer News Service

Her people had never thought that one of them could be a Holy Spirit sister. So it made history when Doyet M. Luarca took her vows as the first Mangyan of the Hanunoo group to become a missionary nun.

More than 500 Mangyan people, friends, nuns and priests witnessed Luarca made her pledge on May 1 in a ceremony mixed with Mangyan rituals in a church at the foot of Mount Halcon in Barangay Paitan, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

"It's the first time that the ceremony is conducted outside of our convent. We wanted Doyet's family, relatives and friends and the Mangyan community to participate," said Sr. Milagros Sandoval, provincial leader of the Servants of the Holy Spirit-Philippine North.

The Holy Spirit sisters fron Manila, even the older ones, came in full force, enthusiastic to welcome a Mangyan to their congregation.

Bishop Warlito Cajandig, who was proud to wear his miter for the first time in 16 years, led a group of diocesan priests and novices, and missionaries of the Divine Word (SVD).

A truckful of Mangyan people arrived from Dangkalan, an islet in the southernmost part of Oriental Mindoro, in Bulalacao town. Thier leaders, Ana Galicia and Badang Isidro, said they were proud that one of them was now part a congregation which has been serving them for the past 33 years.

"From being administered, the Mangyan is now a co-administrator," said Fr. Ewald Dinter, SVD, director of the Mangyan Mission- Oriental Mindoro.

Strong decision

At first, Luarca's family objected to her choice of vocation. They had expected her, the fifth in a brood of nine children, to help them in household chores in Dangkalan.

"She was simple but determined, so many were surprised about her decision," said Sr. Cristeta Pias, her formator.

"I thought about becoming a nun while in a second year high school, struck by the sisters from the Siervas de San Jose who conducted our retreat," Luarca said.

Later, she learned more about the Holy Spirit sisters while working with them for seven years as a teacher in Tugdaan, a Mangyan school in Naujan.

Luarca grew up like the other Mangyan girls who loved to climb trees and mountains, unmindful of getting dirty. She obtained a degree of Bachelor of Science in Education at the Divine Word College in Calapan City, the provincial capital, and supported her younger siblings in school from a teaching job.

"Marunong and Diyos sa kagandahan (God knows of the beautiful)," 77-year old Ulim, a community leader, remarked on his daughter's entering a mission.

Sister Doyet's decision was unconventional of the Many Mangyan women who end up taking care of the household," said Gabby Oybad, who could be the first Mangyan priest.

Indigenous ceremony

Dinter said Luarca's taking her vows was "historic in Mindoro church which has been there since 1572. The Mangyan designed church is decorated with flowers, fruits and plants, as well as tribal products.

During the ceremony, Luarca was brought to the altar like a bride by her father. Both were in full Mangyan attire.

As part of a Mangyan ritual, a fire was lit before a procession entered the chapel to rid the surroundings of bad spirits. Earlier, a budyong (horn) was blown three times.

After the homily, Uliw Dinter and Sandoval gave their blessings and reminders. After they spoke, Luarca was presented the habit and veil. While she changed her attire, a gong was played for the dance of celebration and thanksgiving.

During the offertory, fire, fruits, soil, a Mangyan dress, cross, the Constitution of the Holy Spirit sisters, bread and wine were brought to the altar.

Luarca took her vows, signed the "kasulatan (documents)" and rendered a thanksgiving song.

Many Mangyan people watched in awe at the ceremony.

More vows

Luarca will be going to a school in Tagbilaran City in Bohol this month to witness her two batchmates take their vows before the provincial leader of the Servants of the Holy Spirit - Phlippine South.

She will renew her vows every year until the fifth or sixth year when she will profess her perpetual vows before the international congregational leadership of the Holy Spirit based in Rome.

AS a missionary nun, she may be assigned to other countries. She also looks forward to being able to serve her Mangyan community someday - a a full-pledged nun.