Formation is the Initial Ministry of Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo

In a lecture conducted by Sr. Ma. Rita C. Ferraris, RVM, she pointed out, among other things, the involvement of Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo in the formation ministry. As a historian and archivist by profession, it needs a person of her caliber to delve deeper into the life of Mother Ignacia something of great significance that has to stand out.

From the early stages of her foundation that has now become the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary, the work of its foundress showed the tenacious effort she had put into it. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, as those who are familiar with the life history of this adventurous woman of the 17 th century very well know, this Servant of God launched into the deep through prayer and sacrifice to respond to God's call. She offered herself to the service of the Divine Majesty as her life commitment after going into the process of discernment. So great was her love that it exuded in her day-to-day living which attracted other women to join her in the pursuit of holiness.

With a small group of three and later became nine, then fifteen until the last count before she died the number reached fifty, the beatas lived in community with Mother

Ignacia as their leader. Leadership, for Mother Ignacia, was setting an example not by words only but by deeds. It was through such leadership that formation of the whole group took place. They underwent a formation that aligned the minds and hearts of the members with one goal that was foremost in their desire to serve God.

Mother Ignacia was an epitome of all that the members aspired for. Unquestionable was her example to her beatas. While she did not spare herself from doing rigorous penances, she cautioned them to be prudent lest they would become sick if they overdid what was to be accomplished in moderation.

No written rules were provided for the members to follow at the start. With the guidance of their spiritual director, the beatas moved on in their community life as the Holy Spirit prompted them. Mother Ignacia led their formation with firm and yet gentle persuasion.

The RVM Rules of 1726 were affirmation of what were being observed and practiced in the community. Love for God and for one another was underscored in most of the sections appearing in the rule book. This was the basis of the formation ministry where Mother Ignacia was deeply involved.

With their formation duly fortified by grace and action, the other ministries surfaced, namely : giving retreat or recollection to women, doing catechetical work for the young and needy, teaching the young girls in the rudiments of reading and writing, providing accommodation in the convent to women for safety purposes including the Spanish matrons when their husbands were out for some travel outside the country, teaching young girls to work on handicraft that eventually may help them in their livelihood and other household works and the like.

Gauged from what were observed of Mother Ignacia and her beatas, it was evident that the formation undergone by the members of the community was solid, sound and healthy. It was a formation anchored on prayer and discernment. Observers saw in them the holiness which can be manifested only by those who are truly steeped in love of God and love of neighbor.