IN MEMORIAM

S.  MARIA GLORIA OROPESA BERMUDEZ, RVM

(April 17, 1954 – June 9, 2021)

S. Maria Gloria Oropesa Bermudez was born in Majayjay, Laguna on April 17, 1954 to Constante and Rosario. She was the fourth child of eleven children (six girls and five boys). Her parents named her Gloria because she was born on a “Sabado de Gloria”. She received the sacraments of baptism and confirmation on March 12, 1955 with her baptismal name Glorimeta.

Her father was an Ilocano and her mother was a Bicolana. Her father was a lieutenant whom S. Maria Gloria described as soft spoken but firm. Her mother was an enterprising housewife who was understanding and hardworking. Due to the nature of her father’s work, the family transferred from one place to another depending on his assignment. This was the reason why S. Maria Gloria and her siblings were born in different places, but her last three siblings were born in Davao City. All siblings were brought up in a loving, hard-working and conservative environment. Love for work and respect for authorities were instilled in their young minds, while conservatism in the family contributed to S. Maria Goria’s shyness.

She spent her primary years at Guadalupe Nuevo Elementary School in Guadalupe, Makati, Metro Manila. When her father was assigned to Davao City, she continued her studies at Bago Oshiro Elementary School, Davao City and at Holy Cross of Mintal, Davao City for her high school education. She finished her Bachelor of Science in Education major in Catechetics at Stella Maris College, Quezon City.

Before her college education, S. Maria Gloria worked for four years in a big grocery in Davao City as sales lady and cashier to support her younger sisters. This experience taught her about the basics of business ventures. After four years, she went to Zamboanga and stayed with her brother who gave her an opportunity to study. She enrolled at Ateneo de Zamboanga with a course in Commerce. At the time of her studies, she gained more interest in religion rather than in accounting. She had the chance to teach catechism in one of the public schools and did prison ministry through S. Pilar Go, a Mercedarian Sister who happened to be her theology teacher. Her exposure to these ministries opened her awareness to service which she found fulfilling and meaningful.

Through S. Pilar, she met Fr. Leoncio Nitural who learned about her desire to be a religion teacher. The priest recommended her to the Franciscan Missionaries who managed the Lumen Christi Catechetical Center of Stella Maris College in Cubao, Quezon City. She discontinued her studies at Ateneo de Zamboanga and transferred to Stella Maris College where she enjoyed a scholarship grant.

After her graduation, she went back to Zamboanga and applied for a teaching job at Pilar College. She was accepted and she taught Christian Living classes and handled the Mother Ignacia Club and other religious activities. Her vocation which started when she was in fourth year high school, after having attended a search-in with the Presentation of Mary Sisters, was awakened during her time in Pilar College. After five (5) years of teaching and having been able to finance the studies of her sisters, she decided to leave the school where she had good memories to answer the call of God which she nurtured in her heart for a long time. She recalled that she was inspired by the lives of the RVM Sisters, especially of the holy life of S. Maria Agrifina Taguiam.

She entered postulancy on February 01, 1985 at Pilar College, Zamboanga City without the consent of her family. She was with her fellow teacher then, S. Maria Lorina Jumawan. S. Maria Gloria did not ask permission from her parents, fearing that she will not be given a blessing since two of her siblings who expressed their desire to enter contemplative life and the priesthood were not permitted. Both of those siblings eventually died at a young age. Fortunately for S. Maria Gloria, her parents conceded to her decision when she went home and sought their blessing on April 01, 1985. She also has a brother priest serving in the Archdiocese of Davao City.

She was invested as a Novice on August 14, 1985. She made her first vows on August 15, 1987 and perpetual vows on March 25, 1994. She celebrated her silver jubilee on August 15, 2012. She served the Church and the Congregation as CL / Theology Teacher, Bishop’s Secretary in Kidapawan, High School Principal, Campus Minister, Director of Christian Formation, Treasurer and Local Econome.

Those who know S. Gloria, would often describe her as a simple religious who had the right values towards things. She was hardworking, responsible and dependable. She was always conscientious, systematic, organized and creative in her work. She worked with excellence. She was straightforward in expressing herself, but never without discipline. She was also known for being courageous in facing trials and failures in life.

Her batchmates testified on her leadership qualities which included foresight and focus. Her being soft-spoken, her sense of humor and smile made others at ease to work with her. To some, she was strong and serious but she was actually soft and kind-hearted. She was a journey companion in moments of crisis.

Ultimately, she was known for her self-giving, for having a heart for the poor, and for her passion for evangelization. Her being prayerful and reflective must have given her the strength and direction she needed. It was her prayer that she would be guided to be more generous and zealous in her self-offering. Her dependence on the grace of God was evident in her life’s journey.

S. Maria Gloria humbly surrendered to the loving and merciful arms of the Father on June 09, 2021 at 3:45 in the morning after battling courageously with covid-19.

Thank you so much, S. Gloria, for sixty-seven years of life here on earth and thirty-three years of which as Religious of the Virgin Mary. We believe that with your life, amidst its success and failures you gave glory to God.

May the Risen Lord welcome you in the Father’s heavenly abode. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, all the Saints in Heaven envelop you with eternal bliss and peace.

We thank you for the beautiful gift of your person. Rest assured of our prayers for the repose of your soul. Please pray for us, too. Farewell, our dear S. Glo! We love you.

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

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. 

Amen.