“Each of us is born to fulfill a unique purpose on our journey through life.

 Mine, I believe, is to be with God."

These treasured words, penned in her autobiography, capture the essence of  S. Maria Carlita Siega, RVM, lovingly known as S. Charlette or S. Cha.  On June 1, 2025—the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension—she peacefully returned to her Creator. It was as though, in that moment of Christ’s glorious rising, God reached down and gently lifted her soul home.

A Life Rooted in Faith and Family

Born on May 26, 1967, in Mayacabac, Dauis, Bohol, S. Carlita was the eldest of six children of Antonio Terante Siega and Josefina Bulawin Siega. She spoke of the deep care and love her parents gave her, which shaped her strong sense of responsibility. As the eldest, she helped raise her siblings (3 brothers and 2 sisters) and supported their education when she began to work, rejoicing in the milestone when they became professionals.

From her early days at Mayacabac Elementary School, she was recognized not only for academic achievement but for character—always helpful, punctual, and neat. In high school, she studied at Divine Word College and later at Bohol National High School. While her childhood dream was to become a doctor, financial constraints led her to pursue education. Following her mother’s advice, she earned her Bachelor in Elementary Education from Divine Word College in Tagbilaran City.

The Quiet Stirring of a Vocation

S. Cha’s spiritual life was nurtured from infancy—baptized after a week, confirmed at eight months, and receiving her First Communion at age seven. An aunt served as her catechist, and from early on she was deeply engaged in school and parish activities, forming friendships through her honesty, humor, and straightforwardness.

After graduation, she worked as a salesclerk in a department store in Tagbilaran City to help support her family and fund her own graduate studies. Life presented many challenges—failures in board exams, job struggles—but these she embraced as invitations to trust more deeply in God. Her perseverance led her to supervisory roles and recognition, including being named Employee of the Month and receiving training that honed her leadership and interpersonal skills.

Her childhood sense of vocation reawakened in her working years. A friend introduced her to an RVM sister, and soon after she began attending vocation search-ins. She took the RVM battery of tests in December 1992 and was finally accepted in 1994. Her timeline in religious life reflects a heart steadily drawn toward God:

Postulancy: April 23, 1994

Novitiate: February 1, 1995

First Profession: February 2, 1997

Perpetual Profession: February 2, 2002

Silver Jubilee: February 2, 2022

A Missionary Heart, A Joyful Soul

S. Cha gave herself fully to her vocation. She was a beacon of joy, beloved for her cheerful spirit, sense of humor, and boundless generosity. Whether in the community or in ministry, she was devoted, available, and hardworking. Leadership came naturally to her, and she served wherever she was needed—with deep faith and open hands.

Her apostolic journey was largely dedicated to overseas missions, where she gave 19 of her 28 religious years. After initial assignments at Pilar College (Zamboanga) and Holy Cross Academy (Davao del Sur), she served in Rome, Italy: at Pontificio Oratorio (6 years), Sentro Pilipino Chaplaincy (5 years), and Casa per Esercizi Spirituali in Cuneo (2 years). In 2018, she was appointed District Superior of Italy. It was during the Congregational Chapter Assembly in 2022 that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She continued her courageous journey at St. Joseph Home for treatment, where she remained until her peaceful passing.

A Legacy of Faith, Courage, and Compassion

In October 2023, during her renewal program, she wrote: “Your love, O Lord, and your grace are enough for me. My life’s journey is moving from womb to tomb, and life will end any day, any time, any place. I am open for a miracle to happen and for whatever the Lord will give me. Thank you, Lord.”

Her life Inspired Many

S. Tessamy and S. Carmen Yu shared the following lines:

·   “S. Cha dedicated her life to serving ‘people on the move,’ especially Filipino overseas workers in Rome. She offered pastoral care, friendship, and tireless service through the Sentro Pilipino Chaplaincy.”

“As a Religious in the Youth and Migrant Ministry (RYM), she was among those who offered solidarity, compassion, and encouragement to migrants, refugees, and Filipina women in Rome—whom Pope Francis called ‘smugglers of faith,’ for their quiet witness and contagious spirituality.”

“S. Cha was courageous and selfless. Even in her last days, though in pain, she shared smiles and laughter. Her straightforwardness was always tempered with thoughtfulness.” – S. Tessamy & S. Carmen Yu

·   Her memory is lovingly preserved in the hearts of many. Tributes from friends include:

Ø “Isa kayo sa mga RVM Sisters na hindi ko malilimutan.” – Nora Carpio

Ø “Thank you for being part of my spiritual journey. You were always cheerful, a bit ‘kalog,’ and full of life.” – Thelma Gaa

Ø “You were more than a Sister—you were a guide, a listener, and a quiet light in darkness. The dorm is quieter now, but heaven rejoices. If only I had known our last talk was truly the last…I am blessed that your spirit remains woven into my life.” –Jasmin Daday

Home at Last

Thank you, S. Cha, for the profound richness of a life generously shared, and for guiding countless souls on this earthly pilgrimage. Though your journey with us has drawn to a close, it has blossomed anew, eternally entwined with the Love you vowed to cherish, with our everlasting King. Farewell.