What's Happening

By Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal, OP
Chapter Prioress, Our Lady of Remedies

November 4, 2025, Bodø, Norway – The Adrian Dominican Sisters, Our Lady of Remedies Mission Chapter – based in Pampanga, Philippines – recently celebrated their 20 years of mission in Bodø, Norway, just north of the Arctic Circle. 

The mission began in 2005 with the presence of the late Sister Zenaida S. Nacpil, OP,  along with Sister Bibiana T. Colasito, OP, who came the next year. Through the years, other Sisters served in this mission: Sisters Lourdes Pamintuan, OP, May Cano, OP, Romina Bautista, OP, Jenny Fajardo, OP, and Racquel A. Rones, OP. Currently ministering in Bodø are Sisters Alma Zapanta, OP, since 2015, and Salvacion Valenzuela, OP, since 2022.

The Sisters’ mission evolved from domestic work to pastoral and catechetical ministries. They have also served as a comforting presence to Filipino people living in Bodø. Currently, the Sisters engage in evangelistic activity via social media and in education.

The Filipino community in Bodø helped to organize the 20th anniversary celebration with their bavanihan (collaborative) spirit. The celebration drew Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Adrian Dominican Congregation; Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal, OP, Chapter Prioress of Our Lady of Remedies; members of the local Filipino community; and Norwegian friends and Co-workers.

The celebration commenced with a Eucharistic Liturgy officiated by the priests formerly assigned to St. Eystein Parish in Bodø, Monsignor Torbjourn Olsen, Father Marek Shelmko, and the current parish priest, Father Reidar Voith.

During the celebration, some individuals gave heartwarming testimonies about how the presence of the Sisters had impacted their faith. Speakers showed their appreciation to the Sisters, many traveling long hours to attend the celebration. They expressed their gratitude and best wishes to Sisters Alma Zapanta and Salvacion Valenzuela, who serve not only as messengers of hope, but as beacons of light in a world that needs more loving presence and service.  

Jessa Marie Acer Artates, a Filipina who came to Norway in 2015, spoke of the difference that the Sisters made through activities for the Filipino community at Mariaklosteret, a local center. Jessa spoke of making friends with other members of the Filipino community, and of forming a sense of family.

The Sisters “never asked anything of us, but they gave us everything that mattered: a place to belong and a space to grow.” She thanked the Sisters who were present to them through the years. “Thank you for saying yes to the calling,” she said. “Thank you for making space not just for God but for us, who became guests, and guests who became family.” 

Community members who attended the celebration offered their time, talents, and treasure for the momentous event. They showcased their talents in singing, dancing, and playing the flute and the piano as their personal contributions to the celebration.

The occasion ended with words of gratitude by Sisters Elise and Yolanda to the people who journeyed with the Sisters for two decades.

 

Caption for above feature photo: Participants at the 20-year anniversary of the Our Lady of Remedies’ presence included, from left, Sister Maria Yolanda Manapsal, OP, Chapter Prioress; Sister Alma Zapanta, OP; Odd Emil, Mayor of Bodø; Sister Salvacion B. Valenzuela, OP; and Sister Elise D. García, OP, Prioress of the Congregation.