In this series, we’ve been discovering what the Final Probation is—that final stage before the definitive “yes”—and we met Magda Zhang, the instructor who guides us on this journey. Then we began to get to know the juniors; we introduced Inma, Crystal, and Celina, three of the seven juniors going through this 2026–2027 phase.
Today we continue to get to know Cecilia Cao Nu Bang Tam and Mary Mae Santorce, who are also part of the group that will journey along this profound path toward a definitive “yes.”
Cecilia Cao Nu Bang Tam
Country: Vietnam
Province of origin: East Asia
What are you bringing with you—from yourself, your community, and your current mission—to this time of UP? / Is there a person, place, or experience that is “traveling” with you to the Final Probation? The community in Vietnam has provided me with every opportunity to participate in this UP experience, allowing me to set aside my pastoral duties so that I can devote myself wholeheartedly to this journey. In my luggage, I carry the love and prayers of my sisters, my family, and my friends in Vietnam. Before beginning the UP, the Congregation gave me the opportunity to learn Spanish, and that has helped me greatly to connect with and open my heart to the sisters from other Provinces. I am now living in the community in Burgos (Europe-Africa Province). Here I receive so much love, care, and support from everyone. Their warm, family-like atmosphere ensures that I never feel alone, even though I’m in a distant country, and that gives me the strength to overcome the language barrier. Being able to share daily life, learn about the culture, and get to know the people here are invaluable experiences that I cherish in the “suitcase” of my heart as I begin this UP.
What do you hope will happen within you over the next few months? My deepest desire is to feel Mother Cándida’s presence more deeply, to love her and the Congregation more, and in this way to give greater glory to God.
What would you ask of the Madre Cándida Family? I ask the Mother Candida Family to pray for me.
A short phrase: What I wish for this time is… good health, a successful trip, and that everything may be pleasing to the Lord.
Mary Mae Santorce
Country: Philippines
Province of origin: Indian-Pacific
What are you bringing with you—from yourself, your community, and your current mission—to this UP time? / Is there a person, place, or experience that accompanies you on your journey to the Final Probation? In my suitcase, I carry the important and necessary things for the Final Probation. I carry with me the hope that Jesus is with me, along with the experiences and lessons that have shaped who I am today and brought me to where I am now. I also carry with me the prayers and support of my community and the province, as well as the intentions of those who ask me to pray for them.
What do you hope will happen within you over the next few months? To remain in Jesus’ love and share that love with my sisters in the Final Probation.
What would you ask of the Madre Cándida Family? I would ask the Cándida Mother Family that we continue to grow in living out our filial relationship, and that they accompany me with their prayers and support during this time of our preparation for our final probation.
A short sentence: What I hope for during this time is… to enjoyand appreciate every experience and opportunity that comes my way, and to trust in God’s grace.
Thank you, Cecilia and Mary Mae, for sharing a little bit of your journey with us.
In the coming days, we’ll get to know the rest of the junior sisters who are undergoing this Final Probation for 2026–2027. We invite you to stay tuned and to accompany them in prayer.
