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The Congregation of the Handmaids of the Divine Word, known as HDW, was founded not only for the sanctification of its members, but also for the promotion of the Word of God as found in Sacred Scriptures.

In 1985, Sr. Elena Suico and two companions approached the Bishop Emeritus of Malolos, Most Rev. Cirilo R. Almario, Jr.,D.D., and asked that they be admitted into the Diocese of Malolos. Bishop Almario informed the three Sisters that the immediate need of the Diocese and of the country in general, were religious sisters who would undertake the apostolate of the Word of God, by spreading it among the Christian faithful. The Sisters welcomed the challenge, and the Bishop decided to found the congregation of the "Handmaids of the Divine Word". The three Sisters wanted the title "Handmaids of the Divine Savior", but were later convinced that the proposed title suggested by the Bishop was more in conformity with the work being given to them. Thus a new congregation began in the Diocese of Malolos.

Since 1985 to 1991, the members grew from three to nine: five professed Sisters, two novices and two postulants. In 1991, Sr. Elena Suico decided to transfer to another diocese and asked Bishop Almario to allow her to go. Bishop Almario was reluctant to allow her, but upon her insistence, she was given the permission to go to another diocese. Two other Sisters went with her. The rest remained with the Bishop.

Sr. Natividad Berdin was appointed interim Superior. In 1994, Sr. Mary Libatique, was made Superior of the community composed of fourteen members. The new foundation continued

to progress, and Bishop Almario appointed Fr. Ernesto Mendoza to be the Spiritual Director of the Sisters in place of Msgr. Fernando Gutierrez, who because of his multiple work in the diocese and as Rector of the Diocesan Major Seminary, could not give enough attention to the newly founded Congregation.

The Sisters continued to receive Biblical orientation and started to attend the weekly Bible studies conducted by the Bishop in Malolos, Bulacan. Some of the Sisters were allowed to go to Manila for Bible seminars in order to further deepen their knowledge of the Word of God that they were to spread among the people.

In 1998, there were already twenty three members, a number that could no longer be accommodated in their house at the Immaculate Conception School for Boys compound in Malolos. It was then planned that they were to put up a new Mother House outside Malolos proper. Fortunately, a piece of land was donated to them at the Grand Royale Subdivision in Bulihan, Malolos by ex-Mayor Amando Buhain and Mary Ann O' Santos, co-owners and developers of the new subdivision. Within one year, the new house was completed. It was blessed by the Bishop of Malolos, Most Rev. Rolando J. Tria-Tirona, with Bishop Cirilo R. Almario, Jr., founder of the Congregation.

The apostolate of the Sisters did not limit itself to the Diocese of Malolos. Other surrounding dioceses began to invite the Sisters for Basic Bible Seminars and for the enthronement of the Bible in their homes. The Dioceses of Imus in Cavite, Antipolo in Rizal, Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija, Balanga in Bataan, Olongapo in Zambales, San Pablo in Laguna and the Archdiocese of Manila, welcomed the Sisters to give Bible seminars. The Sisters also took part in National Conventions held in the different parts of the country, sponsored by the Episcopal Commission on the Bible Apostolate (ECBA).

The task of the founder is to deepen the spiritual life of the Congregation as based on the Word of God. Even as retired bishop, he continues to

give spiritual conference to the Sisters and sends them monthly spiritual reflections for their spiritual growth.

The Sisters are very enthusiastic with their apostolate. Aside from giving Bible talks and seminars, they maintain a Bible Center in Malolos called "Mater Dei Bible Center."

It is hoped that this religious congregation, decided to the spread of the Word of God, will, by the grace of God, continue to prosper and bring about more tangible results in the life of the Christian faithful in Bulacan, as well as in other diocese who request for their services.

May the Lord, through Mary, guide the Sisters in their noble work.