VENERABLE MOTHER IGNACIA DEL ESPIRITU SANTO: A LAMP TO OUR PATH

"You are the light of the world. A city that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

As such, on January 2018, the Mother Ignacia Movement of the USA came up with an illustration that depicts Mother Ignacia holding a lamp illuminating the world darkened by division and afflicted by discrimination during her time and inviting the citizens of the world to come in to that light. In the 17th century Philippines, native Filipinos were not given rights and were discriminated against by the colonial masters of Spaniards. Religious life then was reserved only for Spanish people. In 1621, the Monastery of Sta. Clara founded by Mother Geronima was established for Spanish women. In 1684, at the age of 21, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo succeeded in founding the BEATERIO DE LA COMPANIA DE JESUS the very first indigenous religious community for the natives and mestizas as well. In 1696, twelve years after the foundation of Mother Ignacia, the Beaterio de Sta. Catalina de Sena was established by Fr. Juan de Sto. Domingo for 15 Spanish women. Venerable Mother Ignacia paved the way for native Filipinas and opened her convent door to those who were seeking to serve God as religious who had no place in Spanish institutions.

"The lamp Mother Ignacia lit to guide the path of native women aspiring to the religious life and to the maturity of faith continues to shine. It remains undimmed. The life of this lowly India and the fruits of her spirituality proclaim the immense goodness of God, whose generosity is unbounded. Mother Ignacia trusted in the loving providence of God and she was never disappointed."