IN MEMORIAM

S. MARIA GLORIA ABRIGO BUITRE, RVM

(December 02,1926 – November 02, 2021)

S. Maria Gloria Abrigo Buitre who hailed from Daraga, Albay was the fourth of nine children (7 boys and 2 girls) of Nicolas Buitre and Leona Abrigo. The first cry of the newborn Gloria was heard as the last bell for the 6:00 p.m. Angelus faded away on December 02, 1926. She received the sacrament of baptism at the Parish Church on December 18, 1927 and was confirmed on October 14, 1929. She was raised by her parents who were very practical Catholics. They had special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. They were also devoted to St. Joseph and St. Anthony de Padua.

Gloria, the first girl after three consecutive sons, was a miracle asked by her mother through St. Anthony de Padua. Her life continued to be a miracle when at infancy she recovered from serious illness that she had to receive emergency baptism two weeks after she was born. She described her infanthood as a constant struggle for existence as she also got sick of infantile paralysis before she was two years old. It was considered a hopeless case, but a miracle happened again. Through St. Anthony de Padua, God granted her complete healing.

She spent her primary and elementary education at Daraga Elementary School and finished her secondary education at Albay High School, Legaspi. She graduated from her college education with a degree in Elementary Teacher Education at Albay Normal College, Legaspi. She taught grades one and two pupils for nine years at the Bureau of Public Schools- Division of Albay, Daraga District. While doing her duties, she was also an active member of the Legion of Mary and was greatly involved in apostolic activities, spiritual readings, spiritual guidance, and prayers which contributed much in her decision to embrace religious life.

The young Gloria had two friends who, like her, felt the call to religious life. They planned to enter the same congregation at the same time. However, when they asked permission from their respective parents, all of them were against their decision. Her two friends were brave enough to leave and fulfill their desire to follow Jesus through the Sisters of St. Paul. Gloria’s mother told her she can only join them after her death. The young Gloria had to contain her desire, but she continued to be dedicated to her teaching profession and her duties as a faithful legionary.

At the right time, Gloria learned that one of her fellow legionaries, who was older than her, was accepted to religious life. She became hopeful that there was still a chance to be a Sister even at her age. She then started to inquire from her friends and told them of her intention and her apprehension about age qualification. The Mistress of Novices of the Sisters of St. Paul advised her to try the RVM, La Consolacion, and the Sisters of St. Vincent the Paul. She took the advice seriously and her first impulse was to take the first in the list which was the Religious of the Virgin Mary.

Fortunately, her letter was given light by the Rev. M. Maria Ignacia Magdalena, the Superior General then, and was followed up by M. Maria Elisa Solano, Secretary General. She was overjoyed by their favorable reply which rekindled her vocation. She remained steadfast in her decision to be an RVM despite the invitation of the Carmelite Contemplative Sisters and others’ encouragement to try the Augustinian Recollect or the Sta. Rita Sisters which was just nearby their parish church.

Finally, on February 01, 1961, she was accepted to postulancy and was invested to noviceship on August 14, 1961. She made her first profession of vows on August 15, 1963 and pronounced her final vows on June 29, 1969. With grateful heart, she celebrated her silver and golden jubilee on February 02, 1988 and August 15, 2013, respectively.

She served the congregation and the Church as a teacher, principal, and local econome. She also assisted in the dormitory and social ministries. She was in the Motherhouse from 1989 to 1991 and from 1995 to 2001. She transferred to St. Joseph Home in 1994 where she stayed for a year and returned to the same community in 2001 to 2021.

On November 02, 2021 at 11:45 in the morning, S. Maria Gloria humbly joined the bosom of God, our loving Creator, due to pneumonia and heart failure. She was ninety-three years old and fifty-eight years as Religious of the Virgin Mary.

Thank you so much, S. Maria Gloria, for blessing us with your person. Your sense of humor made others happier and more comfortable to be with you. Your prayerfulness, patience, self-sacrificing attitude, obedience, and humility were all examples to emulate. Your quiet demeanor, concern for others, good relationship with all types of people, and generosity were appreciated and always will be.

The day of your passing away was a time marked with fervent prayer for all the faithful departed. Today, we, too, ardently pray for the eternal repose of your soul. May God, in His mercy and compassion, welcome you in His abode. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Joseph, St. Anthony de Padua, all the Saints and angels in Heaven rejoice with you in their songs of praise for your entrance to God’s eternal home.

Farewell, S. Maria Gloria. Bring with you our love and prayers. Rest now in peace.

Eternal rest grant unto S. Maria Gloria, O Lord, 

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. 

Amen.