For this month’s blog post, I thought it would be interesting to see if I could follow a particular missioner through newsletters for a given period of time. I came across Sr. Nenita Tapia in this quest and really enjoyed following her journey. From July of 1976 to December of 2014, she appeared in newsletters with stories of her time in Bandung, Indonesia, Kupang, West Timor, and the Philippines, where she is still in misson today.
Sr. Nenita’s life began on May 30, 1932 in Manila, Philippines. She focused on her education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1952 and a Master of Science in Chemistry in 1959 from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila. Not long after, she entered the Maryknoll Sisters on September 2, 1960. While these newsletters do not share the beginning of her story, Sr. Nenita spent her first nine years in mission in Bolivia. There she taught Chemistry and Religion in Cochabamba, as well as supervising the Religion Program in Maryknoll High School. She later taught Chemistry at the State Technical University and worked as a research chemist in Oruro, Bolivia. [Maryknoll Sisters Website: https://www.maryknollsisters.org/sisters/sister-nenita-tapia/]
We pick up with Sr. Nenita after her return from Bolivia to the Maryknoll Center, where she has worked within the Development Department for three years. She is about to begin a new mission adventure in Bandung, Indonesia. Please enjoy these glimpses into Sr. Nenita Tapia’s time in mission as seen through the MSA Newsletters Collection!
Garuda – Indonesia’s Newsletter, July 1976
“SOME GOOD NEWS AND SOME…
At the height of the cholera epidemic Nenita Tapia fell ill. Since the fever persisted the doctor requested a blood test. Thank heavens it was only typhoid! She joins the rank of Gloria and Nora who have the ‘status symbol’ of surviving typhoid. Nenita, with language school and typhoid behind her expects to work as a chemist at the Development Technology Center, the same place written up in the last newsletter where Luise [Ahrens] teaches. At the same time she will cooperate in the modification of laboratory experiments in Analytical Chemistry at the Chemistry Department of Bandung Institute of Technology. Meanwhile, she tutors students in a Catholic school to build up her chemical vocabulary. It is the 3rd language in which she’ll be teaching and, she hopes, the last. When Nenita starts working in August it means that all of us will be employed and life will settle down – until someone new comes in…”
Garuda – Indonesia’s Newsletter, July 1979
“A TENUOUS BUT TENACIOUS THREAD by Nenita Tapia
Kinetics of fast bromination of ortho-cresol… bacterial colony count, water content of dried products… who am I?… my values in life… “Sister I need some red medicine-translated mercurochrome”… For the next time, count the number of times that love is mentioned in St. John’s first epistle… X-ray diffractometer quantitative analysis of bauxite… “May we play with the Lego blocks”?
My life here in Bandung is a potpourri of responses ranging from the highly scientific to the mundane. My work in the prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) is divided into acting as a lab instructor in chemistry researching new experiments for student use and applying intermediate or appropriate technology. The last one is a new venture, a compromise between the sophistication of technology and its service to the needs of the simple people. My first project: use of a plastic tent for faster and better drying of foods.
At home in the kampong, our house is always open. Neighbors freely come, adults and children alike, for water, medicine, toy blocks, magazines. Weddings, deaths, circumcisions—commiserating and rejoicing. These are the bonds of solidarity that strengthen our relationships (dialogue!) with our Islamic neighbors.
In the parish my efforts in pastoral work consist of a bible study club and in giving the Serendipity Series to the youth group and to the nurses at the hospital. Teaching an English class at the seminary gives me a chance to contribute to the education of the future of the local church.
Very varied activities indeed! If you multiply by six, the number of us here at present, you obtain a broad spectrum of presence permeating both government and religious structures and institutions. It is thus I believe that we evangelize by our missionary presence—a presence that is like a thread, apparently tenuous, but truly tenacious, weaving itself into a unified pattern through our life here in Bandung.”
Garuda – Indonesia’s Newsletter, November 1982
“SPOTLIGHT ON NENITA TAPIA
Nenita is now in the process of investigating a new field for her talents in Nusa Tenggara Timor, a province 1200 miles away from Bandung, close to Northern Australia. The Diocese of Kupang, neighboring internationally-disputed East Timor, is the site of a new Catholic University which is in the process of starting a chemistry department to train high school teachers. The Bishop has personally recruited Nenita for the faculty, presenting her both with a new challenge and an opportunity to use her expertise in another way.”
Garuda – Indonesia’s Newsletter, June 1983
“MISSION IN KUPANG, WEST TIMOR
’TP in the bathroom, ice cubes, 7-minute sermons, good food… I count my blessings’ was one of Sr. Nenita Tapia’s first responses to her new mission in Kupang, West Timor. She is working with SVD Fathers who are starting a new Catholic University, Universitas Katolik Widya Mandira. Getting there involves a 12-hour train ride to Surabaya, a ½ hour flight to Bali, and another 1 ½ hour plane connection.
‘Kupang is a sprawling city, hugging the coral cliffs. The roads are lined with trees, so it is very cool. UNIKA, as the school is called here, is a 2-minute walk away. There are lots of mosquitoes.’ As a result of which she suffered a mild attack of malaria, causing her to miss the Sisters’ Pentecost celebration, and somewhat dampening her own birthday. Local folks say she is now truly one or them.
Nenita was put to work immediately, setting up the syllabus for 12 science courses, and a library and laboratory. Her efforts were successful, as the government accreditation team granted permission for them to open. Then she was off to Surabaya on Java to buy lab supplies. (and watch the eclipse!)
Garuda – Indonesian Newsletter, January 1986
“WOMEN’S SECTION in UNWIRA
In the university where she teaches, Nenita Tapia has started consciousness-raising among the women students. As a feeler she called a meeting of the upper-classwomen (!) in the Education Department, gave them a peptalk and pointed out some problems they face as women in the campus. As a result of that first meeting, it was decided to hold a panel composed of the women teachers (who are greatly outnumbered) to share their experience during their student days. This was followed by the students forming small groups for a sharing of their own life-experience at UNWIRA and then drawing up a prioritized list of their needs and suggestions.
Garuda – Indonesian Newsletter, December 1986
“CLOSED FOR 6 MONTHS
NENITA TAPIA left Kupang and spent a few days in Bandung before leaving Indonesia for her renewal. She will be spending Christmas with her family in the Philippines for the first time since she entered Maryknoll 26 years ago. She wrote, ‘The fruits of my 3 ½ years ministry was symbolized by the farewell party given by my students. They organized the whole thing, which also meant cooking and selling syrup to raise money, preparing the meal, Mass and program, including a funny skit about you-know-whom. I was proud of them, impressed to see the comradery, cooperation and enthusiasm, the spirit of fellowship transcending the distinctions among teachers, students and employees. Above all I was overwhelmed by their sign of appreciation for my presence and service here. I’m not particularly comfortable with such manifestations of being honored, but I realize that in such celebrations are expressed intangible values in life, such as friendship and thanksgiving. Thus the reward of being a teacher.”
Garuda – Indonesian Newsletter, December 1987
“KUPANG NOTES
November was also the month for recollection weekends for some elect few of the student population, in which Nenita helped by giving spiritual conferences. For many it was the first time to experience a time and place set in an atmosphere for reflection and deepening of faith, in the context of their life as students.”
Garuda – Indonesian Newsletter, November 1989
“FAREWELL TO WEST TIMOR
NENITA TAPIA’S contribution to the establishment of a Catholic University in West Timor was acknowledged and celebrated in a round of Farewell parties before her departure for the Philippines, her new mission. SUSAN GUBBINS and HARRIET LUM island-hopped from Java through Bali and Flores to Kupang to be with her as the ‘mother hen’ took leave of her flock of chemistry teachers and librarians, all now well established.
WELL DONE, Nenita, and we’ll miss you no less than they!”
Fil-Com, No.3 – November 1989
“METRO MANILA
WELCOME TO NENITA TAPIA! – newest member of the Philippine Region.
After 14 years in mission in Indonesia, Nenita finished her contract at the Catholic University in Kupang, Timor. Having prepared her replacements in the chemistry section (4 teachers) and the math and sciences department (a former classmate at UST in Manila, now a Holy Spirit Sister), she left Kupang with peace of mind and arrived in Manila on October 4.
Currently she is getting a feel for present realities in the Philippines and exploring ministry possibilities during a three months’ orientation program.”
Fil-Com, No. 2 – March 1990
“OTHER NEWSBITS
NENITA TAPIA has been assigned to Baguio for at least one year as part of her reinsertion. She hopes to be involved in youth work among college students.”
Fil-Com, No.3 – June 1990
“Nenita has started to teach College Chemistry – in English for the first time in 30 years at the Baguio Colleges Foundation.”
Fil-Com, September 15, 1992
“SR. NENITA TAPIA REPORTS ON HER CAMPUS MINISTRY
The campus in Manila where Nenita is assigned by the archdiocesan campus minister coordinator serves 36,000 students. Her role includes being liaison to the Administration and Faculty, giving recollections, preparing liturgical services, and being available for counseling. Nenita joined a staff of two full-time lay ministers helped by many other volunteers some of whom are graduates of the school who want to dedicate a few years of their lives to this ministry.
Fil-Com, June 1996
“CAMPUS MINISTRY – 4 YEARS AFTER – By Nenita Tapia
I leave the campus of Polytechnic University of the Philippines with many changes. The Catholic community, a multisectoral organization, now has an identity, and participates as a community in the liturgical services and the various religious activities throughout the year, especially the Christ Awareness Week organized by the 3 flourishing student organizations in the campus. The latter were mobilized during the Pope’s visit in January, 1995. Some of our dreams came true: we now have a chaplain, our own phone, an overhead projector, a karaoke, an altar table and, wonder of wonders! A second room for a meeting hall. Volunteer staff members of the student organizations take care of much of the ministry – prayer sessions, spiritual formation courses, leadership training. Last year a Dominican sister took my place and I just went to the PUP twice a week to hold Bible studies. It was heartening when students from my ‘basic’ course requested ‘advanced’ classes. We tackled the ‘there and then’ of exegesis and the ‘here and now’ of hermeneutics, taking up such topics as the parables and the psalms. Last April 25, I was privileged to attend the baccalaureate service of many of the graduating students I had known the past 4 years. Two thousand graduates came. I shall remember with pride their confidence and enthusiasm as they took care of the different parts of the liturgy. When one works with youth, somehow their energy and vitality rub off on you!”
Fil-Com, December 2003
“Nenita Tapia rejoined the Region October 29, 2003, Welcome back, Nenita!”
Philippine Region Newsletter, March 2004
“BACK TO MY ROOTS… By Nenita Tapia
I acquired a rocking chair (my size) and a radio for my room. So I guess I’m settled here now! The reentry shock was not bad at all. I’m getting adjusted to the heat, the pollution and the traffic. Commuting around Metro Manila is the hardest part. I’m gaining weight, though. Must be all that comfort food!
After 2 months Orientation and a wonderful Christmas season, I’m getting involved: bookkeeping, gardening in the house, helping to accompany 3 young women (very multicultural mix of Chinese, Filipina and Bermese) in Admissions, preparing for the AWS Forum in October and lots of odds and ends. I went back to the University where I used to work in campus ministry. They welcomed me so eagerly that not soon after I have 2 Bible Study groups going.
Family visits are part of the perks being back here. It’s such a delight to watch my latest grandniece growing. Soon we’ll get past the anxieties over a newly-born to the excitement of seeing her first steps.
The Philippines is in the midst of the confusion, violence and difficulties of the campaign period for presidential elections in May. The situation seems overwhelmingly hopeless. But one gets inspired by people who do not lose hope and continue to find alternatives. I have joined a parish-based group to help in voter education, poll-watching, etc. In church I see all the devoted faithful, even teenage boys receiving Communion and the church packed full. And I can’t help but cry out: ‘God, look at the faith of your people. Do no abandon them. Hear their cry.’ Please, do join us in our cry for help.”
Fil-Com, December 2013
“A New Advocacy
Nenita Tapia found herself a convener of a new group: Church People Alliance against Pork Barrel [“Pork barrel: the use of government funds for projects designed to please voters or legislators and win votes,” Oxford Languages]. As the name says, we are involved in the abolition of the tradition of pork barrel allocations to members of the legislative and executive branches of the government. Whistleblowers revealed how the funds were used for patronage politics as well as private interests, bribery, investments, all in sums of millions of pesos. The Alliance is ecumenical in composition. Susequently, the Supreme Court declared the Pork Barrel unconstitutional.
Mission accomplished.”
Fil-Com, 2014 Christmas Edition –
Whenever I need to introduce myself in the various group advocacies I’m involved in, I say ‘I’m TRYING to retire.’
Sr. Nenita is still in mission in the Philippines and, as the last newsletter entry in our journey with her indicates, attempting to retire but always a missioner at heart.
