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S. MARIA LUZ BRABANTE BRITANICO, RVM
(June 08, 1928 – June 05, 2020)
Ninety-two years ago today, a child was born at the municipality of Baao, Camarines Sur named Luz Brabante Britanico. She is the second of twelve children of Faustino Britanico and Benigna Brabante. She received the sacrament of baptism on June 20, 1928 and the sacrament of confirmation on September 29, 1929. Out of the twelve children, seven (7) died in their infancy; five survived and grew up in a simple family nourished with love, peace and joy by her loving, industrious and religious parents. With her cheerful spirit, Luz was the center of affection in the family.
Luz’s first catechist was her mother who diligently taught her how to pray because she firmly believed that her children should not be sent for studies until they have mastered the ten commandments, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy, the fifteen mysteries of the rosary, the creed and the act of contrition. So, Luz grew up with this training which helped her grow in awareness of the Christian values and virtues. It also drew her closer to her mother, and among her cherished moments with her was her preparation for first confession and communion. These significant events in her life made her decide to be good and follow God’s commands at all times.
As young girl, Luz was a member of different Catholic organizations, Marian organizations, in particular, and this drew her closer to the Holy Eucharist. Her love and devotion to the Holy Eucharist planted the roots of her vocation until she met the Augustinian Sisters during the World War II. She assisted them in begging for their daily sustenance. She got the chance to observe the life of the Sisters. There was one particular Sister with remarkable kindness whom S. Luz looked up to as her inspiration in becoming kind and gentle herself.
After the liberation, S. Luz continued her studies in Naga Provincial High School, where she finished Elementary Teacher’s Certificate (ETC). She started taking seriously her vocation to religious life, which made her parents reluctant to send her to college if ever she would pursue her plan to enter religious life. Determined to follow her desire, she got work and supported herself until graduation. She taught at Sta. Monica Academy, Baao, Camarines Sur and enrolled in another school, Sta. Isabel College, Naga, Camarines Sur during summer to finish her education. Amidst her busy schedule, she spent more time in prayer for God’s guidance in her desire to follow Jesus more closely.
Her initial plan was to join the Carmelite nuns but her spiritual director, Fr. Naz, who was the chaplain of St. Mary’s Academy, Yakal then, introduced her to the Religious of the Virgin Mary. He was known for his love for the RVM congregation. With his encouragement, S. Maria Luz decided to enter the Religious of the Virgin Mary despite many trials that confronted her.
She was accepted to postulancy on February 01, 1955, and to noviceship on August 14, 1955. She pronounced her first vows on August 15, 1957 and made her perpetual profession on May 31, 1963. She celebrated her silver jubilee on August 15, 1982, golden jubilee on August 15, 2007 and diamond jubilee on August 14, 2017.
She devoted most of her time and missionary life in the education ministry as a teacher, administrator, local superior, econome, food service in-charge, community extension services in-charge and Mother Ignacia Movement coordinator. She spent “joyful thirty-eight years in Mindanao mission.” In all those years of evangelizing others especially the young ones, her cheerful disposition, enthusiasm and passion for the mission were her powerful weapons. Her companions in the community shared how she always wore a smile on her face, made friends easily, cracked jokes for a healthy laugh, and simply be an inspiration to others.
S. Luz was a woman with words of wisdom and people would go to her for guidance. She touched many lives in so many ways especially young people whom she was extraordinarily good at with. She never failed to go out of her way for them. This may be the reason why while other sisters of her age or even younger are having a hard time with smartphones and social media, she was happily engaging others on Facebook. She loved taking pictures. “It gives others whose lives she touched something to remember her light, joy and love.”
She was a disciplinarian -- strict but gentle and loving at the same time. Her tender presence and openness of heart taught others to remain strong in faith and believe in the power of prayer. She prayed for many vocations to priesthood and consecrated life and accompanied some in their journey. Amazingly, she had lists of priests with their dates of ordination, list of deceased friends and relatives with their anniversaries. Varied anniversaries of friends and relatives were listed for prayerful and joyful remembrance.
Here’s a poem composed by a friend of S. Maria Luz in affirmation of her life:
“She is a tiny Sister, but with a big and joyous heart.
Her house is full of laughter,
she’s fun from the very start.
Her high-pitched voice will echo
from the convent to classroom doors,
for all young ones to always do,
the right and never do wrong.
A generous woman, a helping hand
frank words remain sincere
A simple soul like her garden
real beauty lies within
She works from morn till evening
and she’s everybody’s friend
She is Christ, she is Mary, she is Ignacia, an RVM.
she guides me to my Creator
she is a gift, she is LOVE to all men.”
Her love for God and His mission certainly must have been her answers to her question, “What return shall I give to the Lord for all the things He has given me?”
S. Maria Luz was born on a Friday and she returned to His Creator on a Friday, first Friday of the month, June 05, 2020 at 1:05 in the afternoon because of acute myocardial infarction.
Thank you so much, S. Luz for the ninety-two (92) of fruitful earthly years and sixty-two (62) of which as Religious of the Virgin Mary. Thank you for being true to your name, for being someone who brought light to those whom you have encountered. Your joyful countenance, sense of humor, kindness and value-laden life had shed light to those burdened with life’s challenges. Ninety-two years ago, the same day as today, you came to this world bringing light and joy to your family and neighborhood. Ninety-two years after that day, you still shine with your light, leaving it with us as you journey to your eternal home.
Happy birthday, our dear S. Luz. May the light of the Risen Lord and the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus bring you to your eternal dwelling. May our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, all Saints and Angels be the shining light that welcome you. Farewell, S. Luz! We love you.
Eternal rest grant unto S. Maria Luz, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon her.
May she rest in peace.
Amen.
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