Philippines: Dominican Sisters Celebrate 100 Years of Grace and Mission in Iloilo Centennial Mass

The Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines concluded their five-day Centennial Jubilee celebration with a Solemn Pontifical Mass presided over by Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila.

The event was held on July 24, 2025, at the Parish Church of Saint Anne in Molo, Iloilo City, located about 650 kilometers south of Manila.

The Mass was concelebrated by 15 bishops and attended by numerous priests and religious sisters from both local communities and abroad. They joined the Dominican Sisters in giving thanks to God for a century of providence and protection.

Government officials and the family of Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo, including former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo, also participated in the celebration.

Sister Ma. Nemia D. Daral, OP, superior general of the Dominican Sisters, remarked, “Our path has not always been easy. We have weathered war, endured transitions, and experienced sorrow. But through it all, God has remained faithful.”

She emphasized the congregation’s journey as a pilgrim of hope, stating, “Today, we thank God for a century of blessings for every vocation, every mission, every moment of grace that has shaped our journey as a congregation. To God be all the glory. To each of you, our heartfelt thanks. And together, we journey on in faithfulness, gratitude, and hope.”

Archbishop Midyphil Bermejo Billones of Jaro called the centenary a testament to excellence. “We celebrate today a beautiful validation of the faith of Mother Foundress. This represents the spiritual significance of God's amazing love for you and the people you serve,” he said. “You have been faithful in adversity and trial. When times are tough, go on striving; just do your best, trusting in God's love and power.”

In his homily, Cardinal Advincula reflected on the meaning of consecrated life. “It is not simply a lifestyle. It is a sacred election, a calling rooted in love and meant for mission. Consecrated women are bearers of God's mercy. The nuns, by their vocation, enter the suffering of others not with mere charity, but with deep compassion,” he said.

He reminded the faithful that the Jubilee Year of Hope is not just a calendar event, but a spiritual invitation: “It calls us to walk forward in mercy, strengthened in mission, and anchored in love.”

The founder of the congregation, Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo, was born on February 17, 1884, in Molo, Iloilo City, to a wealthy family. In 1914, she joined the Siena Sisters. In 1925, she founded the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines, having given away her wealth to support its establishment. She led a life marked by simplicity, charity, and deep prayer.

The day’s liturgy featured a specially composed Mass setting by Maestros Gerardo Vicente Muyuela and Beny Fruto Castillon, performed by a combined choir from the University of San Agustin Choir and Troubadours, Coro Liturgico Agustino, and Santa Maria Parish Choir.

This centennial celebration marked a milestone not only for the Dominican Sisters but also for the Church in the Philippines. It highlighted the enduring legacy of Venerable Mother Rosario Arroyo, the support of the Archdiocese of Jaro, and the countless consecrated women who have dedicated their lives to serving God and His people.