Sr. Lillian Ocenar, an AdU alumna who graduated in 1979 with a degree in Chemical Engineering, was recently elected General Coordinator (formerly called Superior General) of her congregation, the Siervas de San Jose (SSJ). She assumed her post on June 6, 2011. Before being elected to the highest post in the congregation, she worked as Provincial Treasurer for six years, Provincial Superior for nine years and was a member of the General Team for six years as well.
Siervas de San Jose (Spanish for “Servants of St. Joseph”) is an international religious congregation of the Roman Catholic Church. It was founded on January 7, 1874 by Francisco Butinyà, S.J. and Bonifacia Rodríguez Castro, in Salamanca, Spain and approved by Leo XIII on July 1, 1901. The SSJ has communities in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Cuba, Congo, Spain, Italy, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Vietnam.
Sister Lillian did not have the chance to practice her profession as she joined the Siervas in 1979, right after graduation from college. In 2007, Sr. Lillian was recognized by her Alma Mater as one of 75 Outstanding Adamsonians during the Diamond Jubilee celebration.
University President Fr. Gregg L. Bañaga, Jr., C.M. congratulated her on her election. She in turn expressed her thanks, saying, “I really didn’t expect my election, although I was one of the nominees. I thought the congregation was not ready for a non-Spanish General Coordinator. I also had my doubts as to whether I am cut out for the position. Anyway, I trust in God’s help and presence and in every SSJ.” RDA
