Playful Pioneer Called to Eternal Life

PASAY CITY, Philippines – Daughter of St Paul Sr Virginia Maria Guevarra was called to eternal life on 10 May 2026 here.  She was 96.

Born in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija, Northern Philippines, she entered the Daughters of St Paul in 1950. She made her first profession in 1955 and took her final vows five years later. Straightforward yet responsible and hardworking, she was always ready to brighten community life with her playful humour, singing games and participation in recreational activities.

A year after her perpetual profession in 1960, she was sent to Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) where the Pauline presence had been initiated a year earlier.  She spread the Gospel and books on human and Christian formation together with the other sisters there.    They courageously overcome the many difficulties encountered, especially in the villages, due to local languages and the scarcity of transportation and means of communication.  With bags full of books, they visited the different parts of Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.  Periodically, they went to remote villages, visiting Christians and non-Christians alike.

In 1964, she returned to the Philippines to take charge of the book centres in Vigan, Naga, Lipa and Pasay City.  Everywhere she went, she devoted herself to proclaiming the Word with love, using not only books but also 16mm films, visiting parishes in the evenings to screen them and inspire catechetical reflection.

For several years, she collaborated on the production of radio programmes and worked in the promotion and advertising office.  With great dedication, she helped prepare the music cassettes that were distributed throughout the region.

In later years, she suffered from serious illnesses, including bronchial asthmas, osteoarthritis, and dementia, and was bedridden.  On 9 May 2026, her condition suddenly worsened.  After a brief improvement, she lost consciousness during the community Mass the next day and passed away shortly after that. – Ay,fsp