You cannot give yourself to others if you do not own yourself, 

and you can truly own yourself when you have been fully received in an unconditional love.  

— Henri Nouwen (The Inner Voice of Love)

From the quotation, we can surmise that love was at the very core of S. Maria Corazon’s life. She was truly a "heart person," living up to her name, *Corazon,* which means "heart."   

S. Maria Corazon, born in Guinobatan, Albay, entered this world on July 4, 1941, at early dawn, as the faithful made their way to First Friday Mass.   Baptized on July 18, 1941, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, she was named in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a devotion cherished by her parents. She received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 8, 1948. 

Her deep connection to First Friday devotion was beautifully reflected in the milestones of her life. Born on a First Friday, she also made her First Profession on February 2, 1962, and her Final Profession on February 2, 1968—both of which were First Fridays, affirming her divine calling. 

S. Maria Corazon was the third of six children—two boys and four girls—born to parents who were dedicated public school teachers. Her family life was rich with values of honesty, respect, discipline, and industriousness. Among her siblings, one sister, S. Maria Rosario Ricafrente, also answered the call to religious life as an RVM sister.   She had many happy memories of her family who shared the simple joys of life that revolved around home, church, school, and community.

She enrolled her primary/ intermediate school at Guinobatan Primary and Elementary School. Three months after her graduation, she was brought to Manila to the National Orthopedic Hospital and had surgery on her hips which made her limped even in her advanced years. She stayed in the hospital for a year.

Despite a challenging period following hip surgery at the National Orthopedic Hospital, S. Maria Corazon excelled academically, graduating at the top of her high school class at Republic Academy, Guinobatan. 

Even in her youth, she felt a deep calling to religious life. She wrote in her autobiography: "I felt so much love inside and wanted to serve God—whatever that meant. God was somebody who loved me and whom I loved, and life was just as happy the way I felt.” Her devotion to daily Mass, Wednesdays and First Friday benedictions, and the Blessed Mother foreshadowed her path. She was an active sodalist and legionary. 

At 18, she entered the Religious of the Virgin Mary, drawn by its distinctly Filipino character, believing Our Lady had guided her there. She completed her college degree as a young professed sister, later earning Master’s and Doctoral degrees at Loyola School of Theology, and pursued further studies on retreat and spiritual direction in Milford, Ohio, USA. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee on February 11, 1987, and her Golden Jubilee on February 2, 2012. 

From 1962 to 1991, she served in the Education Ministry as a teacher, registrar, college dean, and university president, as well as local superior. In 1991, responding to an inner call for “apostolic creativity,” she transitioned to retreat ministry. For over three decades, she dedicated herself as a retreat directress, trainer, and spiritual guide at different Betania Retreat Houses in Quezon City, Pansol, Laguna, Cebu, Malasag, Cagayan de Oro and St. Joseph Home.  She started a program for retreat directors, the Retreat and Recollection Facilitating Seminar (RFS).  

Her compassionate approach made her a beloved companion in spiritual journeys.   Her co-directors affirmed her as one who has come to recognize and appreciate her individuality more fully. She described herself that she has become more feeling, alive … more human.

She was perceptive, wise, and insightful person—characteristics that made her a very active participant in General Chapters and in redefining the Spirituality, Vision, and Mission of the Congregation. 

Despite facing health challenges in her later years, including bilateral total knee replacement surgery in October 2024, she continued to radiate faith and grace. Readmitted to The Medical City for respiratory difficulties, a combination of viral pneumonia and bacterial superinfection, she passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024, at 7:23 PM, at the age of 83, after 62 years of devoted service to the Lord. 

Farewell, S. Maria Corazon! Thank you for the lessons you taught us.

As you journey to eternal life, may you be embraced by the Father, greeted with the words, “Welcome home, my beloved daughter.” May you enjoy the inexpressible beauty of heaven, a reward for your faithful and loving service. 

We love you and we miss you.