Our MMCAA International Chapters have continually laid down the groundwork for the Maryknoll/Miriam spirit to live on and continue burning in the hearts of our alumni based in different parts of the world. Bonding together through social media despite time and distance and also through face-to-face encounters, the bonds of sisterhood and camaraderie have reached new heights. Through varied projects and creative undertakings, our international chapters have created opportunities for volunteerism and fellowship. They have created a network of Knollers in Canada, USA and Europe and have maintained ties with the Alma Mater no matter where they are around the world.
Here are some of the updates from our USA, Canada and European International Chapters:
USA WEST COAST
The West Coast Chapter continues to strengthen bonds and work towards a common goal of representing our alma mater with pride. As of July, their membership grew 98.51%. With strong teamwork, they held well-attended monthly events starting with Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. “In April, we organized a mass and dinner with the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers in Los Altos, California, and in May, we had a virtual Mother’s Day event praying Our Lady of Fatima Rosary and presenting a surprise video of greetings for Mothers of the Chapter. We sponsored a hybrid event in June with an inspirational webinar by Pia Hugo and, for July, with over 40 attendees, we hosted a well-received weekend of camaraderie capped by a beautiful Sunday Mass at Maryknoll Monrovia. We are about coming together to spark a change as bearers of Christ, and we have much more planned for the rest of 2024,” said Chapter Head Stephanie Magsarili.
We look forward to hearing more of what the USA West Coast Chapter has in store for the rest of the year. Like MMCAA USA West Coast on Facebook and Follow on Instagram:
USA WEST COAST
The MMCAA USA East Coast has been strengthening their Board of Directors, communications and planning. Chapter Head Yarel Montalvo shares: “MMCAA USA East Coast Chapter welcomed two appointees, Zenaida La Rocque (Coll ’70) and Ruby Reyes (GS ’62, HS ’66, Coll ’70), to the Board of Directors. The Board continues to strengthen our community bonds through our website and monthly Newsletters. This month of August, we just published our 6th Newsletter and will continue to publish during our tenures. We are also in the planning stages of doing an auction this October to continue to raise funds that will go to the Maryknoll Sisters in Ossining, NY, to MC Philippines, our Alma Mater, and to the USA East Coast Chapter.”
The chapter has a Facebook Group that you can join if you are based in the area. You may also contact them through e-mail at mmcaa.eastcoast@gmail.com.
WESTERN CANADA
Western Canada Knollers, the Western Canada MMCAA Chapter needs you! Chapter Head Kristine Minoza shares their goals: “MMCAA Western Canada aims to increase chapter membership by 50% by the end of 2025. We are currently actively seeking Maryknoll/Miriam alumni in our assigned Canadian provinces. Another goal that we have is to enhance chapter engagement and camaraderie among members. To support this goal, we will be having a virtual Christmas party this year and hold one chapter reunion in 2025.” If you are in the region, e-mail them at mmcaa.canadawest@gmail.com.
EASTERN CANADA
Our Eastern Canada Chapter has been actively planning outreach and social activities. Their Chapter Head Maricor Farolan shares: “Our chapter has recently adopted to support a library project in Isabela, Philippines which is a brainchild of Joi Irong, one of our BODs. We will provide new/used books to equip this library in the coming months. We’re also planning a couple of get-togethers with members next month at our September Soirée and a pre-Christmas celebration in the Fall.” If you would like to be part of the Eastern Canada Chapter, contact them through mmcaa.easterncanada@gmail.com.
EUROPE
The “ber” months will truly be exciting for the Europe Chapter! Chapter Head Rorit Mendoza shares: “The next two quarters will be busy for MMCAA Europe! We are looking forward to more occasions to bond and strengthen our resources. In September, we will be visiting the Sanctuary of Fatima in Portugal. Known as the “Shrine of the World,” we are eager to experience this special and spiritual place. We are also launching in September our EcoBayanihan project, which is a collaboration with a community organization, Alagang Kapatid foundation, that enable groups of women in Metro Manila and Negros Occidental to mount modest responses to the threats of climate change and plastic pollution. We will help upgrade their equipment and facilities for upcycling used clothing and for producing virgin coconut oil. Our fundraiser will be through a specially-designed tote bag by an alumna artist. A very special project is KUKBUK, which is a collection of our beloved recipes from the Philippines and our newfound dishes in our various adopted countries. As the first phase of this project, the digital cookbook will be available in November. For fun, the Chapter will have bonding Membership Meetings to enjoy Halloween and Christmas!”
Like MMCAA Europe in Facebook, follow on Instagram and e-mail them through mmcaa.europe@gmail.com
We are continuously growing our international chapters. For those in Australia or New Zealand, Knollers continue to meet with the objective of setting up a Chapter. There should be 15 members for a chapter to be formed, and they are targeting to build one before the end of the year. If you are from Australia and New Zealand, send an e-mail to mmcaa.ausnz@gmail.com to be part of the founding members of this chapter.
If you are a Knoller in a region that doesn’t have an official MMCAA chapter yet, contact alumni.mmcaa1979@gmail.com to set up one! Together let’s keep our global Knoller spirit flying high.
