CHECK-OUT: New Book About Fr. Al - Now Available!

Aloysius Schwartz, a missionary priest, was totally dedicated to serving the poor despite the struggles and sacrifices involved. In the process he was instrumental in bringing hope to thousands.

My Brother's Witness, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz is the story of a missionary priest, raised in a poor neighborhood in Washington, D.C. who literally saved the lives of thousands of Korean orphans in the early 1960's by providing food, clothing ,shelter and his own fully-accredited school program. He simultaneously opened clinics, dispensaries and two hospitals offering free services to the poor. He founded two religious congregations to help bring his programs to thousands. He then established similar programs in the Philippines and Mexico just before his early death from a debilitating disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. His programs continue to flourish.

Dolores Vita, Author
Annapolis, Maryland

The author was quite content with her life as a wife, mother, and grandmother, with all of its joys and challenges. At the same time, from an early age, she was drawn into the life and work of her brother, Father Al, a missionary priest. After her first visit to his programs in Korea and the Philippines in 1989, she began writing about the overwhelming experience. She believes it is a story that will inspire, motivate and uplift all those who are searching for the good in life and who are striving to become part of it.

Click Here for a SNEAK PEEK of this book. Courtesy of Infinity Publishing.

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Reserve your copy now! E-mail us at info@facfi.org.ph 

Call us at  (046) 865-3097 or (+632) 529-8321 

You may inquire at our campuses in Cavite and Cebu on how to get your copy.

You can buy your copies on March 18, 2012 during our Grand Alumni Homecoming

in Cavite.

Thank you very much!

Fr. Al: On Saving Souls

20th Death Anniversary of Fr. Al! You're Invited!

In loving memory of his 20th death anniversary, you are all invited to the Eucharistic Celebration to be presided by His Excellency, Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, D.D., Archbishop of Manila at the Sisters of Mary School, Girlstown Complex, Biga II, silang, Cavite on March 16, 2012 @ 10 AM.

A tribute concert follows in the afternoon at the Girlstown Auditorium. See you there!

If you happen to be in CEBU on those dates, feel free to visit our SMS Talisay campus and witness the historical unveiling of Fr. Al's memorable statue on March 18, 2012 (Sunday) at 9 AM.

Prior to that event, Fr. Al’s children from Korea and Philippines have joined their joyful spirits with grateful hearts through a showcase of their talents in singing, dancing and playing musical instruments in SM City Cebu Cinema 1, on March 14, 2012, at 7:00PM .

We cordially invite all our generous benefactors to witness the joy that comes from our ever-thankful hearts.

Join is in the celebration. Simultaneous Alumni Homecoming in Cavite (Biga) and Cebu (Talisay) on March 18, 2012! Thank you very much!

TESTIMONY: "Passionate dreamers never quit!"

Excerpt from the speech delivered by Ms. Darren Danielle Q. Delos Santos, valedictorian of the Class of 2012, Sisters of Mary Girlstown - Biga. Appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 5, 2012.

Our graduation is a dream come true for me, my fellow graduates and most especially our parents.

Finishing secondary education was a big dream, even an impossible dream for all of us. Big dreams are always accompanied by seemingly insurmountable challenges but the difficulties cannot stop us from reaching the finish line.

Passionate dreamers never quit! I never quit!

I was born poor—always worried about tomorrow, thinking God was so far, and no one cared. I got tired of hearing fights over money and other things.

I was the second child. My family had a happy and comfortable life that did not last long. The week I was born in 1995, Father lost his job, our only source of livelihood. He tried to look for another job, but failed.

My very good and religious father changed. Several times, I heard him say I was born a week before he lost his job. I was hurt because I thought I caused the family’s misfortune. I wished I had not been born.

When our life reached its lowest point, I started to hate my father. Anger filled my heart. I had to help put food on the table and earn money for school supplies and allowance by doing laundry for our neighbors.

I missed precious days in school. What I was happy about while washing clothes was I got enough time to dream. In one of my daydreams I would be operating a washing machine.

I took the examination for the Sisters of Mary School, which I passed, but I dreamt of going to the Regional Science High School in Isabela, where we lived after my parents separated. I also passed the entrance exam there.

Unfortunately, the uncle who promised to support my studies died in a car accident. I was left with no choice but to enroll at the Sisters of Mary School.

Now I realize that everything was planned.

This school changed me a lot, not just in the physical aspects but my whole being. It made me realize what I had been trying to figure out in life. The school provided me skills and abilities. It gave me the will to reach my goals no matter how difficult the road might be.

I was so insecure before, but now I have the confidence to do tasks even in front of many people. I felt so weak to face many trials before but now I can face them squarely and smartly find ways to overcome them.

I had lost hope that I could achieve my dreams but now I can stand firmly, determined to reach beyond my dreams. I discovered my capabilities and realized that, when I fall, I should pick myself up and just keep going.

Thus I can say, I am much better than yesterday. I am now ready for the future. I am not yet great … but someday I will be!

No words can express the gratitude I and my fellow graduates feel. All of our being we owe to the motherly touch of the Sisters of Mary family.

To our Heavenly Father, thank you for showing Your unconditional love and for nurturing us through your instruments.

To our beloved founder, Msgr. Aloysius Schwartz, thank you for being the author of this great story of miracle.

To Sr. Maria Cho, thank you for continuing the work of Mother Michaela; to Sr. Zeniola, our local superior; to our very dynamic principal, Sr. Amelia Luces; to our mothers, the sisters who patiently guide us; to our teachers, who painstakingly honed our knowledge, skills and attitude; to our spiritual friends—thank you for your guidance through your homilies; to Sr. Elena for bringing innovations in the school, to all our benefactors, thank you for your generosity.

And to everyone, who in one way or another contributed to our development, we pray for your good health so that you can continue being God’s instruments in showing His love.

To my fellow graduates, continue being the living witnesses of Fr. Al.

To our little sisters and brothers, may your presence here inspire you to study more seriously, grab every opportunity to learn, and always try to bring out the best in you.

Do not settle for mediocrity but aim for excellence. Take advantage of this paradise because everything you need to become good children of God and good citizens is here. Use them properly and take good care of all the facilities for the next generation.

TESTIMONY: "This school healed the paralysis in my soul"

Excerpt from the speech delivered by Mr. Jerald O. De la Cruz, valedictorian of the Class of 2012, Sisters of Mary Boystown - Adlas. Appeared in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on February 5, 2012.

Triumph and anticipation fill our hearts and minds today. The fulfillment of a dream lifts our spirits.

We now rise, a thousand-strong new disciples of redemption in a world burdened by poverty, power and pride. We stand tall but humbled by the selfless dedication of compassionate hearts that raised our hopes over our desperation. And we have emerged like champions for we have the best coach on our side—our beloved alma mater!

We are also beginning to feel homesick that we will be leaving soon this home, this sanctuary, this paradise that has nursed the wounds of our misfortune and the pain of our sacrifice, and (celebrated) the victories of our struggles.

I feel my brothers’ and sisters’ eagerness to cherish their life stories that gave meaning to this event. And I cannot help but share my own. I was in Grade 4 when tragedy struck. My father met a terrible accident that (cost him his job as) a miner, that (lost him) his capacity to provide (and achieve) his dream for the family.

We had to admit a most paralyzing truth—a bedridden father. I realized life was tough as I and the rest of the family worked our fingers to the bones to survive.

Mother had to carry the burden of providing for the family. The oldest son worked in a bus terminal. My other brother stopped schooling. I, the youngest child, collected and sold bottles, plastics and other junk after school. I had to pass up most childhood adventures to do household chores and to earn a living and care for my father.

The Sisters of Mary came like a mother rescuing a fallen child. The day I came here seemed to show me a picture of my father smiling and walking again.

This school healed the paralysis in my soul, just has it has done for every boy and girl that have lived here and just as it will do for those still to come.

The school breathed new life to our desolate spirits through the loving Father Aloysius, Mother Mary and the mother-sisters.

She made us see the merciful God through the charity of our benefactors, the needs of our neighbors and the joyful rewards from serving one another. She showed us the richness of our persons, the beauty of life, and the truth of our existence. She showed that beyond the excellence of academic and vocational education we were meant to be men and women fully alive preaching the fullness of God’s glory in everything we did for ourselves, other people and our country.

My fellow graduates, with the motherly love and concern of the sisters, we were molded to beat the odds and make the most of every chance we got. We owe them the greatest part of our achievement.

I wonder how we would ever forget our beloved founder, Monsignor Aloysius Schwartz who chose to live in poverty so that the thousands of us may enjoy the riches of his love for the poorest of the poor. Would we ever miss in our prayers the sacrifice of Mother Michaela and Sister Maria in keeping alive Father Al’s mission and vision for our souls? The nourishing food of spiritual awareness shared by the beloved priests in confessions, holy Masses and homilies? The limitless patience of our teachers broadening our wisdom? The robust  hearts of our benefactors, who gave us a foretaste of the riches of God? The sacrifice of our parents when we are apart? The time of all the visitors who share their joy with us today?

And so we saved a special place in our hearts for each of you where we shall sing songs of gratitude our whole life through. Thank you very, very much.

Our younger brothers and sisters, you are the witnessing eyes, the listeners, and the followers of us, your Big Brothers and Sisters. May today provide you the inspiration and will to gain the prize of your perseverance and determination. Your success has started. You only need to reach the finish line.

Before we leave those gates, we should never, must never ever forget: We never were eagles in the comfort of our nests. We are eagles destined to ride the wind and rise to the heavenly joy of serving our neighbors with compassion.