The Pioneer SFIC Community
The nucleus of the Congregation consisted of three young ladies who had the courage and generosity to answer God’s call to service.
On June 8, 1843, Pastor van Miert brought three Postulants to the Novitiate of the Recollect-Penitents in Roosendaal, Netherlands and on July 23 they received the habit. Miss Petronella van Miert received the name Sister Maria Teresia of St. Joseph. Her choice of name was in remembrance of the great reformist of Carmel, St. Teresa of Avila and of her devotion to the foster father of Jesus. Miss Maria van Hoof was given the name Sister Maria Bernardina of the Holy Name of Jesus, out of respect and gratitude for their founder. Miss Maria de Rooy took the name of Sister Maria Francisca of the Holy Family in honor of the holy Father St. Francis.
Sister Augustine served as their Novice Mistress at Roosendaal but Mother Joseph showed very much concern for the Novices from Veghel. On June 23, Mother Joseph accompanied the three Novices to Veghel although their novitiate year was not yet completed. On June 24, they arrived in Veghel and the whole town welcomed them.
The following day, Sister Maria Teresia was appointed temporary Superior by Mother Joseph. Thus began the pioneer community of the Franciscan Sisters of Veghel. In the following days and years, this small group had to struggle to maintain their connection with Roosendaal and to keep the distinct Franciscan character of their community.
The Dutch Pioneers in the Philippines
During the celebration of Mission Week in May 1928, the Sisters of Veghel displayed an exhibit of their mission in Borneo. Bishop Constant Jurgens was attracted to it and he requested Mother Isidora, the incumbent Superior General, for a number of her Sisters to the Philippines to undertake the formation of a group of young women who would begin a new Congregation. The sisters would stay for a period of, at least, five years after which they would be free to return to the Netherlands.
After a nine-day period of serious discernment with members of the General Board, during which all the houses of the Congregation were enjoined to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, an affirmative decision was arrived at. The terms of agreement were drawn between the General Board and Bishop Jurgens. The agreed upon provisions were signed by both parties on May 29, 1928 in Veghel.
The selected pioneer sisters for the Philippine Mission were Mother Chantal Tummers, Superior of St. Lugeris Convent in Hengelo, to lead the new community, Sister Catharina Hendrickx, Sister Alphonsa Jacobs, Sister Margaretha Hermus, and Sister Bertholda Bos.
Notwithstanding the pain of separation from their families and their homeland, the new missionaries generously accepted the call. On March 14, 1929, the Sisters arrived on Philippine soil, after a month-long sea voyage. Monsignor Jurgens and three Belgian Sisters were there to welcome them. They stayed at St. Theresa’s College, Manila for three weeks before they reached their first mission place in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya where they were welcomed with much joy by the people.