The Wise Friar

In the vibrant yet rigid society of the 17th century colonial Manila, where race and class often determined one's destiny, emerged a woman whose faith and perseverance would ignite a movement that still burns brightly today.  Madre Ignacia del Espiritu Santo (1663 - 1748), a Filipina of Chinese descent, chose the narrow, thorny path of offering her self to God - at a time when native women were excluded from entering religious life.  Her life, though quietly lived, remains a profound witness to the enduring power of faith, courage and indigenous leadership. Madre Ignacia can be considered an exemplary Filipina because of her dedication and service to God and others and for paving the way for other Filipinas who wanted to pursue religious life by establishing the Beaterio de la Compania de Jesus, the origin of the congregation of Filipino sisters currently known as the Religious of the Virgin Mary, Although the then beatas and the present day RVM sisters had made a great impa...