In the midst of the Indigenous People she lovingly serves and with whom she stands in their ongoing struggle to reclaim ancestral domain—the Ati of Boracay—and surrounded by her mother, family members, Sr. Josie ONAG, DC, Visitatrix, and the Sisters of Western Visayas, lay mission partners in Boracay and from Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, benefactors, and friends, all united in thanksgiving to God for the gift of being “chosen, called, and loved” as a Daughter of Charity, Sr. Mercy BARNISO, DC, made her Vows for the first time on 19 March 2026, the feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus.

The Eucharist was concelebrated by Fr. Peter HEQUILAN, CM, Fr. Francis BOLIVAR, the parish priest, and Fr. Gerardo VIBAR, CM, Provincial Director, as the main celebrant. In his homily, Fr. Gerry highlighted how Joseph, upon learning that Mary was with child through the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18), had resolved to quietly release her, believing it was the right thing to do. Yet his righteousness was revealed in listening to God, who sent an angel in a dream. Fr. Gerry reminded the faithful: “We all have dreams, intentions, and plans, most of which are good. Yet, like Saint Joseph, we are called to righteousness by aligning them with God’s wisdom. Though we may not receive guidance through dreams, we are nonetheless obliged to discern and place God’s will above our own.”

Fr. Gerry, speaking directly to Sr. Mercy, underscored three key aspects of this commitment according to the Constitutions and Statutes of the Company of the Daughters of Charity.

1. To live her baptismal consecration through the evangelical counsels of chastity, poverty, and obedience (C. 27).
2. To serve those who are poor, both spiritually and corporally, the specific vow that defines the Company’s apostolic mission (C. 24).
3. To give herself entirely, in community, to Christ present in those who are poor, in a spirit of humility, simplicity, and charity—the spiritual identity of a Daughter of Charity.

Celebrating this sacred moment on the beautiful island of Boracay invites a deeper reflection on mission and presence. Beyond its natural beauty, the island is home to the Ati Community, whose simple yet resilient way of life calls the Church to a mission of closeness, respect, and compassionate service. In this setting, Sr. Mercy’s vocation becomes a living witness—rooted in prayer and expressed in solidarity with those in situations of poverty, especially those who are often unseen and unheard. Her “yes” becomes a response not only to God’s call but also to the silent cry of those most in need.