Humorous Sister Called to Eternal Life

PASAY CITY, Philippines – Daughter of St Paul Sister Santiaga Valentina Carrido was called to eternal life on 29 October 2025 here.  She was 80.

Born in Caibiran Leyte, Philippines, she entered the Daughters of St Paul in 1967. She made her first profession in 1974 and took her final vows five years later. She was the eighth child in a large, deeply religious family where she learned responsibility, a strong work ethic and a joyful spirit.  She possessed a delightful sense of humour that could make everyone laugh and bring comfort in any situation.  She also knew how to be playfully “comical,” lifting the sisters’ spirits and fostering a joyful, peaceful atmosphere in the life of the community.

Throughout her life she was an enthusiastic diffuser of the Gospel in the many places where she was assigned: Pasay, Lipa, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Baguio, Manila, Zamboanga, Tuguegarao, Bacolod, Legazpi and in Selangor, West Malaysia (1981-1982).

She was willing to make any sacrifice to ensure that the Word of God could reach every heart.  Her spontaneity and warmth enable her to build relationships with benefactors and secure resources for the community.  Undeterred by fatigue or sacrifice she was always available and radiated a contagious joy.

Despite facing health challenges in later years: acute kidney disease, hypertensive heart disease and diabetes, she bore them with serenity.  A few days ago, she was hospitalised after a serious fall that caused an intracranial hemorrhage, which proved to be the immediate cause of her death.

A deeply convinced Pauline, she wrote the following at the time of her final profession in 1979: I am fully convinced that the Pauline religious life is made just for me, that is, it guides me toward the realisation of my life’s ideal.  I make this choice in freedom and with much joy.  My choice is Christ, and I wish to say my ‘yes’ forever with love… – Sr Anna Yap fsp