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CIA The World Factbook

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The Philippines... Pearl of the Orient Seas

In 1521, the Spaniards, led by Ferdinand Magellan, discovered the islands to which was given the name Filipinas in honour of King Philip of Spain. Blessed with abundant natural resources, the islands have attracted traders, adventurers and empire builders for centuries. Today, with a population of 76.5 million - mostly of Indo-Malay, Chinese and Spanish descent, the Republic of the Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world.

The succession of various foreign influences has molded a unique Filipino nation and culture. This rich heritage is reflected in the diversity of customs, language, art, architecture and in more than a hundred ethnic groups. A splendid tradition of warm hospitality is a way of life among Filipinos. Relish the innate beauty of the land and find expressions of welcome and friendship in song, graceful dances, in ritual and festivity. Smiles, laughter, ingenuity and deep spirituality remain despite the industrialization and modernization of recent years.

Our First Mission in the Philippines

The first missionaries of our Institute who left Canada went to China inl9O9. They undertook services in the field of health care and education where their zeal and dedication soon became widely known. In 1921, Dr Jose Tee Han Kee, a close collaborator in their mission work, was named Director of the Chinese General Hospital of Manila. He then requested the Archbishop of Manila to send M.I.C. Sisters to assume the administration of the hospital. This facility was serving the Chinese community which at that time numbered nearly 40,000.

Délia Tétreault responded favourably to the request. This new mission was in line with her vision and missionary zeal particularly that of reaching out first to those who had never known Christ and of serving the poor. Five Sisters were assigned for this first mission in the Philippines. The friendship that developed between the Sisters and the families of the patients initiated their social work ministry. Home visitations and catechetical instruction brought about a number of conversions. The young Chinese converts, fruits of the catechetical classes, eventually inspired the foundation of the Immaculate Conception Anglo Chinese Academy in 1936.

Text M.I.C. Mission News (January-February-March 2002)
Louise Denis, m.i.c.