Sometime in the year 1970, two sisters: Sr. M. Fe Nirza and Sr. M. Gianfranca Rulfo, from Manila were sent to look
for a possible place where we could establish a new community in the island of Cebu - the "Cradle of Christianity in Asia". They
first of all paid a visit to the late Eminence Julio Cardinal Rosales, asking his permission, presenting him a copy of the PDDM
Constitution. His Eminence not only welcomed them but he also told them: "I already invited the Pink Sisters, they are not yet here,
but you are very much welcome, as soon as you can because the Archdiocese needs a Congregation whose main apostolate is perpetual".
With such encouragement, they beagn to seek ... and with the help of some friends, they were able to find a small apartment at #33 F.
Ramos St., Cebu City, owned by a Chinese family, Mr. Vicente Yap. He was so kind to accomodate them, paying only P300 pesos a month.
On June 13, 1971, three sisters full of enthusiasm and hope were ready to leave Manila aboard the ship, "Sweet Faith", directed to open
a new Tabernacle in this beautiful island of Cebu. They were Sr. M. Scolastica malate, Sr. M. Esther Sawal and Sr. M. Gianfranca Rulfo.
From June 14 to 29, the pioneers kept themselves busy to get things organized, while staying with the Daughters of St. Paul in Jones Avenue.
On June 29, Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, His Eminence Julio Cardinal Rosales joyfully blessed the little "Bethlehem House" of the
PDDM, made fitting for the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Liturgical Apostolate Center (first floor); workshop and dormitory in
the mezzanine.
From that time on, the Blessed Sacrament was continuously adored.
Like any beginning, life was hard and difficult. It was really an experience of joy and pain "giving life" to the PDDM life and mission
in this new part of the world! But the little seed sown has to undergo the slow and painful purifying process in order to grow and become
a tree, that others may come and take shelter.
In the following year, January 1972, Mother Maria Lucia Ricci, the Mother General then, her vicar Mother Maria Tecla Molino, came to visit
this newborn community and upon seeing the promising apostolate, encouraged the sisters to acquire a piece of lot and build a house with
a bigger Chapel and Liturgical Center. Soon after, a 280 sq. meter lot of Msgr. Patrick Alo, located at Capitol Site along Escario St., was
acquired.
To start with, the Divine Providence sent good and generous benefactors: Mrs. Lee of Singapore and Propaganda Fide (Rome) were great aid
to begin the preparation for the construction, on the first week of May, 1973. On June 9, Feast of Queen of the Apostles, the laying of
the cornerstone took place, officiated by Msgr. Patrick Alo and attended by several friends and benefactors. From that time on, prayers to
St. Joseph were intensified, and, he never failed to help bring this "project of faith" to its completion.
After all the excitement of the ten months that passed since the laying of the cornerstone, the sisters difinitely moved to the new residence
at Alo Private Road, Escario St., on April 1, 1974, while the Liturgical Center remained in Ramos. They had the consolation of bringing with
them that day, the Blessed Sacrament which they requested from Msgr. Alo. Since the Chapel was not yet ready, the sisters tried their best
to have it within a week and exactly on April 6, Saturday, they had the grace and the joy to have the first mass, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Luis
Boeren, MSC, parish priest of the parish, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, concelebrated by Fr. Donaghue, CSSR. From that day on, they started
the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by turn in the new and beautiful chapel which was open also to those who wish to pray and adore.
Days were spent also in preparation for the new Liturgical Center, which was transferred only on May 1st of the same year. It was a tangible
experience of how the Divine Providence worked - the fact that the Liturgical Center started to function immediately and became known to other
neighboring towns.
May 19, 1974, at 3:30 in the afternoon, the formal blessing of the house and the consecration of the altar was officiated by His Eminence
Julio Cardinal Rosales, assisted by Msgr. Dian. A concelebrated Mass followed with the presence of many friends and benefactors including
Mrs. Lee from Singapore with her mother, brother and sister. It was indeed a wonderful event for the Congregation in the Philippines: Cebu which
is the second foundation after Manila. The big day ended with hymns of praise to the Lord for the wonderful things He has done in three years
time! This was an offering for the 50th anniversary of the PDDM Congregation (1924 - 1974). There was a need, a demand for a bigger chapel, liturgical
center and a more private residence for the sisters. Sometime in 1990, another lot of 600 sq. meter was acuired just at the back of the existing lot.
The seed continued to grow ... and grow ...thus it needed a wider space to expand. On MArch 25, 1992, the construction began with the blessing of
the site. On December 9, the community was graced with the presence of His Eminence Ricardo Cardinal Vidal who blessed the new Chapel and the
sisters' residence. Present also were Mother General, M. M. Tecla Molino, with one of her councillors from Rome and some sisters from other communities.
Many friends and benefactors came to share once more the sisters'joy. On May 31, 1995, the Postulancy was transferred from Antipolo to Cebu.
Today, it is a great joy to see how the Divine Master Chapel is frequented by people from all walks of life - people who regularly make the Eucharistic
Adoration and ask for prayers as they believe the Divine Master Chapel is a place for graces. This same chapel to this day, has become the adoration
chapel of the Capitol Parish.
Blessed with plenty through the years, the sisters continually believe in the fidelity of the Lord. Indeed, He is the one who plants, man cultivates, waters,
fertilizes ... but, God it is who grants blessed growth, and in the end, fruitful harvest.