The Wise Friar

Laureana "Ka Luring" Franco: The Holy Catechist of Manila Ka Luring Franco (1936 - 2011) God indeed reveals Himself to the humble in the lowliest of disguises. And Ka Luring was sensitive to that fact - she found God and recognized Him revealing Himself in the faces of the the little children she so loved catechizing and the poor she so selflessly helped and served; that she herself became a reflection of that God she found among God's poor, which she so perfectly radiated with stunning simplicity and overflowing joy. Laureana Franco gave up her job in a government office in order to pursue her true calling and first love, the teaching of catechism to children. From then on, Ka Luring spent the rest of her years pursuing in what for her, was her real vocation and mission in life – that of being a catechist.  She has earned the title, "The Legendary Catechist of the Archdiocese of Manila” because of her commitment to the ministry of catechizing children. She knew so ...

In the heart of 17th century colonial Philippines, where societal structures and norms often limited the roles of indigenous people, especially women, a remarkable figure emerged - Madre Sebastiana de Jesus Salcedo.  Born in 1652 in Pasig, she defied the constraints of her time, becoming a beacon of spiritual depth and resilience. Early Life and Spiritual Awakening Sor Sebastiana de Jesus Salcedo Sebastiana's journey into religious life began amidst the rigid hierarchies of Spanish colonial society.   Indigenous women, referred to as yndias, faced significant barriers in accessing religious vocations.  She left her home town Pasig because the Augustinians Friars would barely accept native women to join their third order. Despite this, Sebastiana's profound spirituality caught the attention of Madre Francisca del Espiritu Santo and her sister-in-law, Madre Antonia de Jesus Esguerra.  These Dominican Tertiaries recognized Sebastiana's deep spirituality and invite...