IN MEMORIAM

S. MARIA IRMINA CRUZ ROA, RVM

(June 3, 1932 – January 17, 2022)

S. Maria Irmina Cruz Roa, who hailed from Balingasag, Misamis Oriental, was the fourth of seven children (4 boys and 3 girls) of Prudencio and Felomina. She was baptized in June 1932 at Sta. Rita Parish Church and was given the Christian name Corazon. Two years after her birth, she received the sacrament of confirmation in February 1934 in the same parish, officiated by the Most Reverend James Hayes, SJ, DD. In 1939, she was in Grade II then, when she received her first holy communion. She fondly remembered her excitement to receive Jesus who would make her a “good girl” according to her mother and her Religion teacher. The young Irmina and her siblings were brought up by their very practical Catholic parents.

She took her primary and intermediate education at Balingasag Central School. For her high school education, she studied at St. Rita’s High School, a parochial school then, administered by a Jesuit priest, now owned and administered by the Religious of the Virgin Mary. She started her college education at Lourdes College, Cagayan de Oro City but when her mother knew that she was planning to enter the convent, she was advised to transfer to St. Peter’s College, a non-sectarian college in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. She finished her Bachelor’s degree in Education as a Junior Sister at St. Mary’s College, Quezon City. She took her graduate studies at Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City under the IDEA Program.

Her desire to be a religious Sister started when she was in grade six. To test the genuineness of her vocation, as a Senior in High School, she accepted being friends with somebody who took their friendship seriously. The seed of vocation grew even more when she was at Lourdes College. Her parents were against her plan which made them pull the young Corazon away from the influence of the Sisters. However, her parents’ decision did not discourage her but drew her closer to Jesus in prayer. There were times that she missed her classes because she joined the Holy Mass and the Benediction. When she was at the height of making her final decision, she was disturbed by these concerns: her boyfriend who was persistent for early marriage, her parents’ disapproval of her entrance to religious life and financial difficulty if she decides to leave. She confided all these concerns to their Parish Priest, Fr. John Pollock, S.J. who without delay helped her surpass the said challenges. Eventually, she left for Manila with M. Maria Esperanza Edralin. She recounted that her vocation and the vocation of her younger brother, Msgr. Rodolfo Roa, a diocesan clergy, were greatly influenced by the prayers and examples of their parents.

She was accepted to postulancy on August 14, 1953 and noviceship on February 01, 1954 when she changed her name to Maria Irmina. She made her first profession of vows on May 24, 1956 and pronounced her perpetual vows on May 24, 1962. She celebrated her 25 fruitful years as Religious on May 24, 1981 and her 50th grateful years on February 02, 2006.

Her apostolic involvement in the congregation and the Church included being a Teacher, Prefect of Discipline, Dean of College, Principal, Directress, Regional and Local Superiors, First and Third Consultor General and school President.

In 2007, she was transferred to St. Joseph Home for close monitoring of her health condition.

On January 17, 2022 at 11:10 in the evening, S. Maria Irmina joined the bosom of the Father. She succumbed to stage 5 renal disease at the age of eighty-nine (89) years old and sixty-five years of which as a Religious of the Virgin Mary.

In her life-time as religious, S. Maria Irmina acknowledged her lack of patience, and prudence. Oftentimes, she was caught up by her temper and in humility she would beg the Lord to temper her compulsion. She would always remind herself of these thoughts: a) to say a prayer before working in any place; b) to postpone meeting with others for confrontations when temper is high; c) to be always aware that she is meeting a child of God so as to be more understanding and forgiving; d) to consciously use gentle words so as not to hurt others with hard comments. Her mantra when confronted with pride was “I am nothing, I own nothing. All are gifts from God.”

Those who had close encounter with her greatly appreciated her person. Even her strictness cannot hide the person that she was: a sincere woman with a soft heart, self-discipline, industry, determination, utmost neatness and orderliness. Many appreciate with gratitude her heart for the poor especially the lay partners. She was known to always stand in defense of the poor. She listened with her heart. She showed love for God by her commitment to prayer and strong devotion to Mother Mary and the Saints.

Thank you, S. Maria Irmina, for the precious gift of life you have devotedly lived. We earnestly thank you for the commitment, love, care, and concern you manifested for the Sisters and the congregation. Your caring, thoughtful, generous, and compassionate heart speak most of your baptismal name “Corazon”.

In one of your prayers, you said “God, you are so good to me. May you find me a treasure.” For certain, as you face our loving Creator, He will joyfully welcome you, His lovely and cherished treasure. May His all-embracing love and mercy grant you eternal joy and peace. May you enjoy your fellowship with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, all the Saints and angels in heaven.

Farewell, “S. Corazon”, S. Maria Irmina, “S. Minay,” Our love and prayers go with you. Please pray for us too. We love you. May your soul rest in peace.

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

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. 

Amen.