IN MEMORIAM

S. MARIA RITA CERVANTES FERRARIS, RVM

(June 23, 1931 – January 23, 2019)

Today’s obituary will digress from the usual use of the third person pronoun. S. Maria Rita Ferraris being a historian and skilled story teller prepared her obituary. She described her life as a Song. This is her beautiful life-song as she submitted it on November 10, 2016 as an offshoot of the November 2016 recollection.

Life is a Song . . .

My mother told me that she used to spend the entire day listening to the songs sang by the Spanish singer Ramon Moreche when she was conceiving me. The placa was played from the old gramophone which one had to wind up periodically to make it go. Small wonder that I find music in the very core of my existence!

My mother, Concepcion Cervantes was born in Davao, on December 8, 1891, of the ALZATE-BUSTAMANTE-SUAZO-BANGOY CLAN that constituted the original Christian families that Governor Oyanguren settled in the land he wrested from the Muslim tribe of Datu Bago, and which became the Davao of today. Mama was the first to trace a connection with the Madres del Beaterio when they first established a mission in Davao in 1905, and she was one of the girls who went to catechism class, together with her numerous cousins. She recalled that when she received the sacrament of Confirmation, Sor Baltazara Parrucho was her sponsor!

My father, Ireneo Ferraris, was one of the early batch of young men from the Visayas and Luzon whom the American colonial government encouraged to migrate to the “Land of Promise” which was Davao, on mission as teachers in the American-initiated public school system.

The family home I remember was the one in Hacienda Hibong in Negros Occidental, the house where I was born, surrounded by fruit trees, with the sugarcane fields beyond the immediate garden. Papa’s day as an haciendero began with coffee, and then a tour of the hacienda on horseback. Breakfast was later in the morning when he came home.

Growing up in the hacienda was idyllic. Except when the sugarcane flowered and I had my allergies. During the summer rains, specially the first one in May, all of us children took a bath under the rain, believed to be good for the health. Summer was specially fun because my older siblings were home from school, and I got my share of spoiling from my oldest brother. Fruit trees around the house were plentiful, and we had so much fun having the run of the land. The main means to go to town was to use the railways that crisscrossed the haciendas to carry the sugarcane to the mills. Our family vehicle was a little wagon running on the rails and pulled by a cow. That was how I went to school during kindergarten and first grade.

My older brother and two sisters went to school in Bacolod, and their high school at Central Philippine College in Iloilo. My second brother and I went to basic education in the Ma-ao Central School. (Ma-ao was the location of the sugar central to which the hacienda and neighboring haciendas had the sugarcane milled.) Papa’s business often took him to Bacolod and Iloilo, and Mama and the two younger children often made the trip with him, including a visit the three older children in Iloilo. We always stayed at the Central Hotel.

Since we lived distant from the town, regular church-going was not part of our routine, but Mama taught me the basic prayers in Spanish as she had learned them from the Madres in Davao. I could mouth the Padre Nuestro, etc. without comprehending the prayer. When the family moved to Davao, we went regularly to Sunday Mass; my catechism was learned with my cousins, and when my brother Ben became a Knight of the Sacred Heart in the organization instituted for young men by Bishop del Rosario’s secretary, Fr. Alfredo E. I. Paguia, S.J., he encouraged me to join the sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary. (In His own time, the Lord would manifest His ways for me.) When Immaculate Conception Institute reopened I moved from the public school and entered my sophomore year in ICI (later to become ICC, and now UIC).

It was music that involved me in the parish and I joined the parish choir with my friends. Daily Masses at San Pedro were all sung, sponsored by benefactors of the PME missionaries, and a regular choir usually sang for three Masses every day. I did the first (most of the time starting alone) and second Masses so that I would be free to catch my classes, It was there that I was exposed initially to the intricacies and beauty of the Gregorian chants because every Mass was cantada; we used polyphonic pieces only for fiestas and solemnities. The choir member also took turns going with the priests for fiestas in the barrios. And, of course, there was the school choir for College celebrations.

When the Lord started knocking at my heart with the invitation to “Follow Me,” the celestial chanting of the Carmelite nuns drew me to trudge up the hill of Bankerohan every Saturday morning to be on time for the singing of Lauds before Mass.

Through the rest of my high school years, I allowed the Divine Music Master to lead me where He willed, and after graduation, I was certain that the road to follow Him was the Religious of the Virgin Mary, a conviction ascertained when my application was approved by Rev. M. Maria Andrea Montejo, superior general, early in 1950, and I came to Manila to become a postulant in May.

Life in formation was regulated by “time signatures” and the changes in the “keys” of our daily routine of study, work and prayer. Some activities are in the “major key” while the personal transformation going on within me was sometimes written in the haunting tones in the “minor keys.” Discordant notes caused shadows in my life, but the regimen of fraternal correction and the Chapter class always set my footsteps back on the right path. The discordant notes will continue to crop up throughout my life, and in time I have learned to make that discordant note the beginning of a new melody.

From novitiate period throughout most of my life following, music became a very vibrant element: I was choir director from second year novice, again into tertianship, and guesting from nearby assignment during profession and investiture ceremonies. As novice and as tertian, I developed further my facility for Gregorian chant, with Mons. Alfredo Polidirini, Fr. Quintin C. Terrenal, SVD, and Fr. Julien F. Ghyselinck, S.J., appreciating the various schools of chant that my mentors each espoused.

Mission assignments following profession took me to Notre Dame Girls’ Department in Cotabato City, and before tertianship to St. Mary’s College in Q.C. After perpetual vows, I was back in SMCQC where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Education: English/History, then to Ilocos Norte, St. Joseph High School in Laoag. The summer terms were to pursue graduate studies in Ateneo de Manila University, and upon completion of a Master’s Degree in History, off to Lourdes College, Cagayan de Oro City as Dean of College. This last was a short stint because in 1966 I was sent to be with the pioneering community to St. Viator Parish School in Las Vegas, as principal. It was within this period that I became part of the special Chapter for Aggiornamento in the congregation: 1969-1970.

Even through graduate school, another movement was developing in my horizon. With mentors such as the Very Rev. Horacio de la Costa, S.J., and Dr. Domingo Abella of the National Archives, awakened an interest for research and a fascination with the memories of the past. At the end of my term at St. Viator School, my superiors, in all probability, upon the promptings of the Holy Spirit, opened the way for the emergence of the underlying movement: I was assigned to organize the archives of the Congregation, and for preparation, allowed me to take the introductory courses for Archival Administration at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. And in 1970, I began the process of setting up the RVM archives. In time I also assumed the reorganization of the archives of the Archdiocese of Manila. In 1976 I was permitted to pursue post graduate studies at the University of Hawaii, going there first to substitute for Sr. Edilberta who came home for renewal, and then, upon her return, to enroll for doctoral studies. In 1978, while still in the doctoral program, I accompanied the new community at St. Augustine School in Waikiki, until the closure of the same in 1980. In 1981, without completing the degree, I came home for the General Chapter, the result of which, I became part of the “Penguin Corporate community” when elected to the RVM General Council for the first time.

In the next ten-year period I also served as servant leader of the RVM Mother House, then San Ildefonso College in Tanay, and then pioneered the RVM acceptance of Malate Catholic School from the Columban Sisters administration. The General Chapter of 1986 was my second term in the general council, and newly-elected Superior General, Rev. M. Maria Assumpta David created the office for Overseas Mission, and appointed me the first Chair. The next five-year period (1991-1996) had me as regional superior for Luzon. Already the “strings” of the instrument were getting taut, and I sought permission for a study leave at the completion of my term as regional superior. Out-going superior general, M. Assumpta, granted me leave to pursue an updating of my archival profession and I was admitted to the University of Texas at Austin. The year of study did not suffice to “reset the metronome” as it were. I had to find the means on how to render the “discordant note” in me the beginning of a new/renewed melody. I asked for a three-year leave from community, during which time I gradually experienced the emergence of a new song of my life. During this time away from community, I clung faithfully to daily prayer and Mass and the rosary.

My contacts in the archival field opened to me opportunities for furthering my professional competence. I had an on-the-job training at the Archdiocesan archives of Texas, the Episcopalian Central Archives in Austin, Texas, an archival-research project with the Rockland County in New York, an opportunity as project archivist for the State of Nevada Archives, and the organization of the diocesan archives for the diocese of Reno. In all these I honed my skills in archival management, enhanced my skills with the computer, and benefited professionally with my association in the Society of American Archivists as well as the Association of Diocesan Archivists in the United States. I was not sure, though, how the melody began would end: Da capo al fin? There were several offers for archival position from some dioceses as well as religious communities. I waited for the signal from the Music Master.

The visit of Rev. M. Ma. Clarita Balleque, then superior general, while I was in Sacramento, and the proposal for the organization of the provincial missionary archives of the Fathers of the Sacred Hearts in Hawaii were providentially the clues from the Music Master, and the new melody is concluded. The 18th Ordinary General Chapter in 2006 placed me once more with the “Penguins Incorporated” being elected as second consultor in the General Council at almost 75 years of age! And back to the chair of the Overseas Mission. The 19th Ordinary General chapter finally brought relief in terms of governance, and I take my place in the ranks with an enormous sense of freedom.

I see now my mission as the singer of the memories of the Congregation, drilling the phrases into the hearts and minds of the RVM Sisters, specially those just coming into the Congregation, hoping to transmit the wealth of these precious memories for generations to come. I need to address the song of the Congregation’s memories, as well, to the Sisters of my generation who did not have any formal studies on the history and the spirituality of the Congregation in our time of formation, so that in the many voices can be formed a chorale of the humble servanthood as lived by Mother Ignacia and the foundational community. It does not matter that the gift of my physical singing voice has been curtailed by ageing… the Lord had given, the Lord has taken away. The frustration of not being able to vocalize the familiar melodies is part of the sume at suscipe that is asked of me. I cannot join the voices raised in song, but my heart sings out the wonders of the Lord. My life is still a song!

The preceding years were marked by natural calamities and social unrest, and the RVM Sisters in mission felt their faith tested to great heights. And their steadfast faith in the providence of the Father was unwavering and true. For me, personally, the call to service by the Divine Majesty took a new turn in the year 2014. After a series of hospital admission of varying seriousness, the persistent bouts of shortness of breath was diagnosed as not simply pulmonary in nature, but pointed to cardiac-related disorder. Cardiologist, nephrologist and pulmonologist agreed to address the issue by suggesting an angiogram. The possible implication to other health problems made me reluctant to agree to the procedure: the introduction a dye into the blood vessels to discover any blockage could result in kidney failure. The medical experts however maintained that the procedure will aim to save the heart, while the resulting effect on the kidneys could be addressed.

A week before Christmas I agreed to undergo the procedure, and was admitted to Cardinal Santos Medical Center on December 17, 2014. The procedure revealed four blocked blood vessels and the doctor suggested to proceed to angioplasty. The RVM resident physician, Sr. Ma. Melvie Malubay, in consultation with the St. Joseph Home administrator, after hearing the explanation of attending physician, Dr. Regidor Encabo, agreed, and after a complicated effort that challenged the skill of the catheter specialist and his staff, three stents were inserted into three of the blocked vessels. The procedure must have been really a remarkable feat that brought a spontaneous applause from the surgical staff when successfully completed. With the fervent invocation of the intercession of the Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo by physician and Sisters present.

But this was just the beginning of the Lord’s manifestation of how He wished to be served by me henceforth. Surrendering to the gradual deterioration of physical capabilities was just the start to the “way of the cross”. Physical pain became my constant companion, in varying degrees and ways: catheter insert for dialysis that continued to bleed for several days more, the numberless search of a viable intravenous maneuver; the cardiac rehabilitation, phases one through three, and the regular schedule of dialysis three times a week… the latter with accompanying needles for various reasons; insertion of graft to replace the catheter.

But slowly I feel strength building up, although I have come to terms with the physical constraints I am under. I am able to resume some of my activities: teach spirituality modules, write… thanking the Lord that He has allowed me continued use of my mind and memory. Activities now have to be scheduled to fit between days of dialysis; travel is likewise under necessary constraints.

The bottom line remains the “greater service of God: how He wished to be served!” S. Maria Rita closed her story with the Prayer for generosity

“Lord, Teach me, to be generous:

Teach me to serve You as You deserve:

to give and not to count the cost,

to fight and not to heed the wounds,

to toil and not to seek for rest,

to labour and not to ask for reward,

save that of knowing that I do

Your most holy Will.”

S. Maria Rita breathed her last in the quiet morning of January 23, 2019 because of cardiac failure due to arrythmia. With no one else present in the room but the Music Master and the singer herself, she allowed her song to echo to the heavens for the choir of angels to sing it for eternity.

We sincerely thank you, S. Rita, for the precious gift of your person to the Congregation. Your passion, commitment, service and great love for the Congregation are indeed remarkable. Your love for music is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your noble work as an ARCHIVIST. You have left countless legacies which we and the future generations will continue to cherish. Know that your publications entitled:

• A Star is Born

• Under the Noonday Sun

• From Beaterio to Congregation

• Three (3) volumes of Beaterio Papers

• ... And the Woman’s Name is IGNACIA

• Digitus Dei Est Hic

• Two volumes of “In Memoriam”

• Landmarks in the R.V.M.

• Venturing. . . to Mission beyond Borders

• In the Service of His Majesty

• By the Sweat of Her Brow (Con el Sudor de Su Rostro)

• A Preliminary Inventory of the Holdings of the Archives of the Archdiocese of Manila

are forever intoned by the Congregation and the Church, and that your beautiful song shall be sung in ages to come. True to her musical gifts, last January 9 2019, she visited M. Maria Corazon and sang from memory with all her heart “O Holy City” a religious Victorian ballad dating from 1892.

Our dear, S. Rita, thank you for having lived a meaningful and fruitful life for eighty seven years and sixty six of which as Religious of the Virgin Mary. Certainly, Jesus Christ, your Music Master, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Rita de Cacsia and Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo will bring you to the heavenly abode. The Choirs of Angels welcome you with glorious songs of praise. The loving embrace of the Father whom you have served and loved all your days enfold you. Farewell, our dear S. Maria Rita. We truly thank God for you!

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

and let perpetual light shine upon her.

May she rest in peace. 

Amen.