Embedded Files
S. MARIA DOROTHEA ROM ARANJUEZ, RVM
(March 9, 1935 – August 13, 2021)
Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 3:16) It can be said that S. Maria Dorothea’s life was lived with this question from St. Paul, and she gave all that she can to acknowledge the presence of God in every being.
S. Maria Dorothea or Dulce Rom Aranjuez who was born on March 09, 1935 at Latuan, Basilan Province was the eldest child of seven (3 girls and 4 boys) of Rufo Aranjuez from Dao, Dawis, Bohol and Ana Rom of Danao, Cebu. Both migrated to Isabela, Basilan. Her father used to sell goods (peddler) while her mother was a very dedicated housewife and a loveable mother. She learned from them the values of love, understanding and awareness of God’s presence in others.
She was baptized on March 19, 1935 at Latuan, Basilan with the name Maria Dulce, which was changed to Maria Dorothea before her temporary profession of vows. She received her first communion in 1947 at Our Lady of Pilar chapel.
S. Maria Dorothea claimed that she grew up in a poor and simple but happy family. She and her siblings were brought up in a religious environment where the Holy Rosary was prayed daily and devotion to the Saints was practiced. Her father taught her the Cartilla. She was also taught how to work responsibly and being the eldest in the family, she took care of her siblings. On top of it all, she lived in a family who acknowledged that God dwells in each person. One of her treasured memories was her experience of sharing food to their neighbors during the war. They lived far from them, yet her parents still shared their food and other resources.
When S. Maria Dorothea started schooling, she stayed with her grandparents so she did not have to walk 7 to 8 kilometers everyday to reach school. It was during this period when her vocation to religious life started. She was still in grade six when the seed sprouted, and it grew stronger after her graduation in high school. She nourished it by joining the daily Masses, praying the Holy Rosary, offering flowers to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and participating actively in religious organizations. She was also deeply inspired by the lives of the Saints which her parents used to share to her and her siblings at night time.
While continuing her search for life’s meaning, she worked at a doctor’s clinic in Basilan. After two years, she decided to finish her college education. She learned that Pilar College was run by the Sisters. She took the courage to apply as a working student. She was accepted and as a working student, she experienced the kindness and concern of the Sisters. With their help, she finished Secretarial Science and pursued some units in Education. Her Religion teacher in college, M. Maria Josefina Yamzon, journeyed with her in the process of her discernment.
Her aspirancy stage was not a bed of roses, but she embraced her difficulties with endurance. With the grace of God, she took the courage to apply for postulancy and was accepted on July 31, 1963. After a year, on February 01, 1964 she proceeded to noviceship. She took her temporary vows on February 02, 1966. She made her perpetual profession of vows on March 25, 1974. She gratefully celebrated her silver jubilee on February 01, 1991 and golden jubilee on February 02, 2016.
She served the Church and the Congregation as a Christian Living teacher and local econome. She was actively involved in the Prison Ministry, Social Ministry and with the Community Extension Services of some RVM schools. She found fulfillment in her mission to the poor especially in CAPRI, Novaliches. She felt deep communion with Jesus and Mary in the presence of the poor, the sick, and the children. In the simplicity of life and poverty in community, she experienced peace and solitude.
S. Maria Dorothy was a Sister with positive disposition. True to her childhood training on awareness of God’s presence in others, she always considered her companions in community as source and worthy of support, respect, charity, understanding and concern. She was very appreciative of Sisters whose lives were edifying. Whenever confronted with conflict and difficult situations in community, she would always find means for forgiveness and reconciliation. Her batchmate in religious life attested that S. Maria Dorothea did not know how to harbor ill feelings towards her fellow Sisters who inflicted pain on her. She was described as kind-hearted, forgiving, generous of her time, lover of the poor, cheerful and patient. She exemplified simplicity, humility, prayerfulness and concern for others.
In 2015, she was transferred to St. Joseph Home because of her health condition. She lived her life there in prayer and silence as she took her pains with patience and endurance.
On August 13, 2021 at 2:25 in the afternoon, she peacefully joined His loving Creator as she succumbed to acute myocardial infarction.
Thank you, S. Maria Dorothea, for the beautiful life you lived for eighty-six (86) years and fifty-five (55) years of which as Religious of the Virgin Mary.
May Jesus, Mary, the Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Joseph, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo and all the Saints joyfully welcome you in God’s heavenly dwelling. May God fill your heart and soul with everlasting peace and joy.
Our prayer goes with you. Please pray for us, as well, as we traverse present life challenges. Thank you for the gift of your person. Farewell, our dear S. Dorothy. We love you.
Eternal rest grant unto S. Maria Dorothea, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.
Report abuse