News

Fire Breaks Out At Assumption School in San Simon, March 29, 2011

Fire razed three buildings of the Assumpta Technical High School in San Simon, Pampanga (Philippines) last Saturday, March 26th. While no one was hurt, the school sustained major damage to its pre-school classrooms, computer laboratory and faculty lounge. The Sisters' convent, located right beside the affected buildings, was fortunately spared from the blaze.

Sr. Maria Josefina (Marjo) Matias, Philippine-Thai Provincial, had this to say of the incident:

Fire in San Simon
26 March 2011

Last Saturday, 26 March 2011, fire of still undetermined origin razed the Pre-School wing of Assumpta School in San Simon, Pampanga. It began at the Faculty Lounge that we more commonly call the “bahay kubo” at around 4:30 pm. By 6:00 pm the fire was under control. It went so fast and we cannot thank God enough that it happened on a day when there were no students!

Speaking with Sr. Josefina Maria Magat (superior of the San Simon community) from Bangkok, where I still am for a series of meetings, she said that the community of Assumption Together (Sisters, Lay Partners, Students, Graduates, Parents and benefactors) draws strength from the support of so many who assure all that we have something much, much stronger than what fire can destroy. And so, as one community there is the determination to “rise from the ashes”...renewing the commitment to participate in God’s mission in San Simon.

Meetings have begun among the School Administration, the Sisters and the Board of the Mother Rosa Memorial Foundation to chart the course of recovery and restoration.

One cannot but be moved by the faith that accompanies all in San Simon. A faith that enables them to see and recognize God’s action in the midst of the damages that are so real.

Indeed, faith that gives birth to acts of communion and solidarity has the power to transform pain and destruction into something indestructible so that LIFE is still the last word. And so we are able to give thanks that no one was hurt.

To all of you who gave and continue to give support to our community in San Simon, by calling, sending SMS messages and by coming to San Simon, thank you for being ONE with us. Because of you, we know for sure that “we will rise from the ASHES...”

Sr. Maria Josefina Matias, RA

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Please pray for the San Simon community as it tries to recover from this tragedy.

If you would like to support their efforts to 'rise from the ashes' and reconstruct the damaged buildings by making a financial contribution, you may send it to:

Religious of the Assumption

Attention: Sr. Mary Ann Azanza, RA

11 Old English Road

Worcester, MA 01609

Please write "San Simon Fire" in the memo line. All donations will be acknowledged and are tax deductible.

Thank you very much for your support and solidarity.

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Burned out pre-school classrooms

Former Science Laboratory

Another view of the fire damaged buildings

Students at work after the fire