Ignacia del Espíritu Santo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Venerable Ignacia del Espíritu Santo RVM
Born	(1663-02-01)February 1, 1663 Binondo, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines
Died	September 10, 1748(1748-09-10) (aged 85) Intramuros, Manila, Captaincy General of the Philippines

Ignacia del Espíritu Santo Yuco, often called "Mother Ignacia," was an important Filipino religious sister. She was born on February 1, 1663, and passed away on September 10, 1748. She was known for her deep faith and simple lifestyle.

Mother Ignacia founded the Religious of the Virgin Mary, which was the first group of Filipino religious women to be officially recognized by the Catholic Church. This group is still active today in the Republic of the Philippines. In 2007, Pope Benedict XVI declared her "venerable," which is a step towards becoming a saint.

Early Life and Calling

Ignacia was the only child of María Jerónima, a Filipina, and José Yuco, a Christian Chinese man from China. She was born on February 1, 1663, during the time when Spain ruled the Philippines. Her baptism was recorded on March 4, 1663.

When Ignacia was 21, her parents expected her to get married. However, she felt a strong desire to dedicate her life to God. She sought advice from Father Pablo Clain, a Jesuit priest. He guided her through special prayers and reflections called the Spiritual Exercises.

After this time of prayer, Ignacia decided to follow her religious calling. She wanted to "serve God" and "earn her living through hard work." It is said that she left her parents' home with only a needle and a pair of scissors, ready to start her new life.

Starting a New Religious Group

In Ignacia's time, there were very few religious homes for women in the Philippines. Also, these places usually only accepted women of Spanish background. Ignacia felt it was unfair that native Filipinos were not allowed to join religious life.

So, Ignacia began to live alone in a vacant house behind the Jesuit church in Manila. With help from Father Pablo Clain, she lived a life of prayer and work. Soon, other Filipino women who also wanted to serve God joined her.

Even though they were not officially recognized yet, they became known as the Beatas de la Virgen María (meaning "Religious of the Virgin Mary"). They lived together and used the old San Ignacio Church for their prayers. The Jesuit priests guided them spiritually.

This group, started in 1684, was the first religious community for Filipino women in the Philippines. They lived simply, often having to beg for food like rice and salt. They supported themselves by working with their hands and through donations. They also taught catechism to young girls. As their group grew, they needed clear rules for their daily lives.

Rules for the Congregation

After about 42 years of living a religious life, in 1726, Ignacia wrote a set of rules for her group. These rules were submitted to the Church leaders in Manila. In 1732, the Church officially approved these rules.

At 69 years old, Ignacia decided to step down as the leader, or "mother superior," of the group. She chose to live as an ordinary member until her death. She passed away at 85 on September 10, 1748. She died after receiving Holy Communion at the old Jesuit Church in Intramuros.

After her death, the Archbishop of Manila praised Ignacia's group. He wrote that they lived in a way that set a great example for the whole city. They wore simple black clothes and attended daily Mass. They supported themselves through their work and the kindness of others.

In 1768, the Jesuit priests, who had been their spiritual guides, were expelled from the Philippines. This was a difficult time for Ignacia's group, but they continued their mission.

Official Church Approval

Many years later, in 1906, the Archbishop of Manila helped Ignacia's congregation get official recognition from the Church. On March 17, 1907, Pope Pius X officially praised their rules and way of life.

Later, on March 24, 1931, Pope Pius XI gave them full approval, making them a "Congregation of Pontifical right." This meant they were directly under the authority of the Pope. On January 12, 1948, Pope Pius XII gave final approval to their rules. This was exactly 200 years after Mother Ignacia's death.

Becoming Venerable

On July 6, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI officially declared Mother Ignacia "venerable." This means that she lived a life of heroic virtue, showing great faith, hope, and love for God and others. She also showed great wisdom, fairness, self-control, and courage.

On February 1, 2008, a special ceremony was held in Manila. Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales officially announced that Ignacia had been given the title "venerable."

Legacy and Recognition

Mother Ignacia's legacy lives on in many ways.

Historical marker in Intramuros, Manila, remembering Mother Ignacia.

The main house of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) in Quezon City.

Mother Ignacia Avenue in Quezon City is home to the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center.

A street in Quezon City called Mother Ignacia Avenue is named after her. This street is where St. Mary's College, Quezon City, a school run by her congregation, is located. It is also where the ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, a major television network, has its headquarters.

The town of Santa Ignacia, Tarlac is also named in her honor.