Foundation: 16 July 1988 Parish/Diocese: St Joseph Parish Diocese of Laoag Address: Daughters of Divine Zeal Our Lady of Rogate Convent Diego Silang Street Brgy 28 St Joseph 2900 Laoag City PHILIPPINES Telephone: (0063 77) 770 4467 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Enlarge Image

The Daughters of Divine Zeal came to the northern part of the Philippines in the mid-1980s. Staying in this area made us aware of the many needs of the local church. The first Sisters worked for the acquisition of the house in front of the church of St Joseph Parish, Laoag City because of the apostolate that could be done - especially the pastoral work and also the education of the youth. In fact, at the beginning, we were engaged in the work of vocation promotion, catechesis in the public elementary schools, the liturgy animation in the parish and religious instruction in the diocesan high school. With the passing of years, many more needs presented themselves.

Enlarge Image

After a strong earthquake in 1990, the possibility of extending our service for the poor was realized. There were many children who were left without a home at the time and for the moment the house in Marikina was opened to welcome them. However, as they grew in number, there was also a growing concern for their wellbeing. The superiors at the time decided to transfer them to Laoag City at St Joseph because of the accessibility of the house: near the school and the church. It also had a home setup.

Today, the main apostolate of this house is for the human promotion of the abandoned, neglected, orphans and poor girls. Aside from providing them education, they are also trained for practical things in preparation for life and, above all, helping them to become better persons, good Christians, and responsible citizens according to the mind of Saint Annibale Maria Di Francia, the founder of the community.