It is providential that the two dates marked for celebration by the religious family our Venerable Mother gave life to the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary are March 4, 1663, marking her entry into the mainstream of Christian life through baptism, and September 10, 1748 her entry into life everlasting. In the light of faith, we are certain that there is a profound significance to these two dates in the RVM legacy, highlighting Mother Ignacia’s impact to society and the Church: Her birth into the Christian family and her birth into the universal family of the redeemed in glory.

Today, as we remember with gratitude the circumstances of her final and consummate YES to the invitation to “remain forever in the service of the Divine Majesty,” I’d like to imagine that this final moment of acquiescence was no less fervent than the first that she uttered in 1684 during the course of her retreat, in response to the inspiration, the charism, bestowed on her by the Lord. At the time of her initial YES she had no clear idea of the entire impact of the invitation; at this final YES she had lived through all that her Lord had wanted of her. On September 10, 1748 the beaterio for yndias had been formed, members groomed in the spirituality of humble servanthood into discerning contemplatives-in-action, ministries in the service of the Church flourishing, and future fidelity to her legacy confirmed in a set of Rules and Constitutions.

Today let our hearts overflow with awe and gratitude for the gift of our revered Foundress to all of us, even as we mark another phase in our service to the Divine Majesty in the investiture of the first group of RVM Lay Associates. Truly, her “tribe has increased” for the greater service and glory of the Father. Amen!

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