Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo was a Filipina nun and founder of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). She was born on January 23, 1848 in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines and was given the name Ignacia at baptism.
As a young girl, Ignacia was known for her deep faith and dedication to the Catholic Church. She attended the Colegio de Santa Rosa, a school for girls founded by the Augustinian nuns, where she received a strong education in both academic subjects and Catholic doctrine. After completing her studies at the Colegio, Ignacia decided to enter the convent and become a nun.
In 1871, Ignacia took her vows and became Sister Ignacia del Espiritu Santo. She was soon sent to Cebu, a city in the central Philippines, to help establish a convent there. Sister Ignacia's work in Cebu was characterized by her tireless efforts to spread the gospel and serve the poor. She founded schools, orphanages, and hospitals, and worked tirelessly to provide education and healthcare to those in need.
In 1885, Sister Ignacia was given permission to establish a new religious order, the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM). The RVM was dedicated to the education and spiritual formation of young girls, and Sister Ignacia became the first Mother Superior of the order.
Under Mother Ignacia's leadership, the RVM grew quickly and established convents and schools throughout the Philippines. Mother Ignacia was known for her strong devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and for her dedication to the education and spiritual formation of young girls.
Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo's work had a profound impact on the Philippines and the wider Catholic Church. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2000, and her cause for sainthood is currently being considered by the Vatican. Mother Ignacia is remembered as a tireless servant of the poor and a devoted follower of Christ.
