"The Unearthing of the Symbolic Bust of Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo"
by M. Ma. Evelyn C. Aguilar, RVM

Out of the ordinary…a massive bust was found last July 7, 2006. This was seen facing down the ground, between the fence and the water tank by the swimming pool, partly hidden by two manhole covers and a heap of dry leaves. This was unearthed by five men because of its heavy weight. Without delay, the new - found treasure was cleaned and fixed. At once, the distorted face was recognized closely resembling that of Mother Ignacia

The news spread out fast that we have found Mother Ignacia, “with open eyes”! Several Sisters came to have a closer look. All were amazed and surprised! All were one to claim: “It is Mother Ignacia!”. However, they asked similar questions: Where did it come from? Where was it originally placed? Who made it? Why was it dumped in that hidden place? When did this happen? Why was it found just now? To these questions, the answers were varied and uncertain. Offhand interviews with our elderly Sisters in the compound did not generate a consensus of historically-based answers. No one can really tell its story…

What is it, then? A gift? A treasure? Perhaps…another one of the hundred-million blessings that have happened to our century-old Congregation! Indeed, Mother Ignacia reveals herself in so many little surprises, events, people, and most often, out of the ordinary!

For those who come from a closer distance, with a word or two, or a touch, or just a look in silence, have varied thoughts to share: “Mother Ignacia looks real.” “I could feel her presence.” “She is smiling.” “She looks sad.” “She is telling me something.” “She made me cry.” “She looks far, as if dreaming more for our Congregation.” and many more …

Many also wondered: Why at this time would we find her through a symbolic bust---when we are intensely praying and ardently hoping for her speedy beatification? Is she telling us that it will be soon? Why at this time, when we are celebrating the Centenary Year of the Canonical Erection of our Congregation? Is she telling us to ”remain in the service of His majesty, with greater vigor” for another hundred and thousand years, for God’s greater glory?

Today, we gather to unveil and bless this symbolic bust of Mother Ignacia to remind us of a memory of a Mother who like the boulders of stones was strong, with solid faith in the TRIUNE GOD; like the Sampaguita, she was a sweet and beautiful Filipina, yet courageous to face the challenges of her time; and like the bamboos, she was for us a model and witness of humble servanthood.

For us, the RVMs of today, let this symbolic bust be our MEMORIAL OF LOVE for Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, our revered Foundress, our model and inspiration. Let this gathering of her daughters, on the occasion of her 258 TH Death Anniversary, continuously enkindle in us, like the butterflies, NEW LIFE with RENEWED HOPE. Let this be a LEGACY of her LIFE and SPIRIT for our Church, our country, and the world.

Unveiling and Blessing of the Symbolic Bust of Mother Foundress on her
258 TH Death Anniversary, September 10, 2006 at the RVM Ossuary Garden,
RVM Generalate, 214 N. Domingo, Quezon City

click to view photogallery