God’s Mercy and Providence Unfold in Lent: Blessing and Groundbreaking for the Extension of Joseph Gualandi School Building for the Hearing Impaired

IN a joyful and grace-filled celebration during the sacred season of Lent, the Sisters of the Little Mission for the Deaf (SLMD) in Naga, led by their dynamic local superior Sr. Nora B. Patlonag, SLMD marked a significant milestone in their apostolate with the deaf community. The groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of their long-awaited two-storey school building was held in hopeful anticipation of their upcoming Silver Jubilee in November 2026.

The occasion began with a solemn Eucharistic Celebration presided over by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Rex Andrew Clement Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres, who has walked with the community since their arrival in Naga. He reflected on the mercy and providence of God throughout the congregation’s mission journey—especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when construction was first initiated despite limited resources and uncertainties.

The presence of Archbishop Rex was deeply meaningful, as he had been witness to the arrival of the missionary sisters upon the invitation of Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P., D.D., who envisioned a mission for the deaf and hard of hearing in the Bicol Region. This vision bore fruit through the establishment of the Joseph Gualandi School for Hearing Impaired, Inc., now under the loving care and leadership of the SLMD Sisters, in partnership with missionary faculty, volunteers, and loyal supporters.

The ribbon-cutting and ceremonial groundbreaking followed the Mass, with the Archbishop leading the spiritual rites. He was joined by key supporters and dignitaries who offered their presence and partnership: representatives from the Department of Education-Naga Mr Michael Del Rosario, Miss Nancy Morada, Dr Stanley O. Dy , AVP / Dean , CHS-Naga College Foundation Inc, City Councilors Joe Perez and Atty. Oying Rosales, Judge Maggie Cu, Ms. Llweyn Garillos, Mrs Maricar Odiamar of RKX Construction, Engr. Warren Chavez, Architect Ryan Rabusa, Engr Carlo Brusas, ADENU Batch ‘69, teachers, parent and students of Joseph Gualandi School. Their hands joined in laying down the plans and earth as symbols of faith in the project’s full completion.

Also offering strong backing were LGU-Naga City Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, City Administrator Lito del Rosario, City Engr. Alexander Caning, and Engr. Joel Martin, who tirelessly support the mission’s advocacy for inclusion and empowerment through education.

Present during this blessed event were fellow sisters from SLMD communities in Cebu, Las Piñas, and Indonesia, all united in joy and hope for the unfolding miracle in Naga. Their unity was a visible testimony to the enduring charism of the congregation’s founders: Venerable Joseph Gualandi, Venerable Orsola Mezzini, and Rev. Fr. Cesar Gualandi, who all believed that deafness should never be a barrier to encountering the love of Christ.

Though many of the learners come from impoverished backgrounds, the mission continues to offer holistic education, infused with fear of the Lord, livelihood training, and faith-based empowerment programs. The sisters, faculty, and volunteers provide loving service in the name of Jesus through their ministry to the deaf, fulfilling their call to serve “the least and the last” in society.

This project, initially started during the pandemic was never abandoned. It is a testament to divine providence, rekindled in this Jubilee of Hope declared by Pope Francis. It is a call to all people of goodwill to become angels, donors, and benefactors for a cause rooted in Gospel love.

As the Lenten season continues, this groundbreaking reminds us that in the quiet sufferings of marginalized communities, God is present, merciful, and always providing. The Mission lives on, filled with joy, courage, and a deep desire to see every deaf child encounter Christ through education

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of mission, for the hearts You send to serve, and for the ears that hear Your love in silence. We ask You to bless the work of the Sisters of the Little Mission for the Deaf not only in Naga but in Cebu, Las Pinas, Indonesia, Italy and Brazil as well. Send holy angels, generous donors, and kind benefactors to help bring this vision to fulfillment. May every stone laid be a testimony of Your mercy. Grant that no soul be left behind because of disability or poverty. Through the intercession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the loving face of the Divino Rostro, may this work be completed in Your time, for Your glory, and for the joy of Your little ones AMEN.