To continue the apostolic and charitable works of their parents, the four daughters of Antonio and Gloria Esteban turned over the Deed of Usufruct for the use of their ancestral house in Bacolod City to the Centro Giovanni Paulo II Research Center last night.

One of the daughters, Zenia Esteban, said every nook and corner of the house has a story to tell and it was built on the foundation of love of their parents which they inherited and are now passing on to the Church through the center dedicated to the works of the blessed Pope John Paul II.

Her three other sisters are Amelia Esteban Rodriguez, Glorietta Esteban Javelosa, and Merly Esteban Villacorta.

“We are giving back, returning the blessing to God, to the Church through  blessed John Paull II. Papa and mommy had always placed God in the very center of their lives,” Zenia said.

Echoing the message of her sister, Glorietta said “it is with great pride and joy for them to have their ancestral home become a spiritual and administrative center dedicated to celebrate the life, work and spirituality of the blessed pope.

She also expressed her hope that the center will become a harmonizer of various groups of people from different sphere, especially the youth, to whom the Pope John Paul II reached out.

Thanking the Esteban heirs for their generosity, Msgr. Victorino Rivas, vicar general of the Diocese of Bacolod and director of the Pope John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Bacolod City, cited the support given by the late Gloria Esteban to the establishment of the Institute in the city.

When the Institute opened, he said it was Gloria Esteban who offered her home to be its venue, allowing the school in Bacolod City to comply with the requirements set by Rome.

Under the Deed of Usufruct, the heirs assign to Centro Giovanni Paulo II Research Center the use of the ancestral house and its facilities, to carry out effectively its programs.

The agreement is binding for 25 years, renewable upon the request of the center, in conformity and desire of the heirs.*NAB

back to top