“I know where my heart is… it is with the Lord Jesus.”

(Annual Retreat, 6th Day – August 22, 2023)

Sister Maria Evangelina Negrosa, fondly known as S. Vangie, was born on January 12, 1958, in Palo, Leyte, to Domingo Negrosa and Mercedes Morano.  She was baptized on February 8, 1958, and received the sacrament of confirmation on February 7, 1960. She was the youngest of five children, with a family life deeply rooted in faith. Her parents, both public school teachers, instilled in their children a commitment to prayer and parish service. S. Vangie’s adopted sister went on to become a contemplative nun, and her only brother entered the priesthood. Her early involvement in the Legion of Mary and other church activities shaped her path toward religious life, a calling she felt from her elementary school days.

Her education began at Naga-Naga Elementary School and continued through St. Mary’s Academy of Palo for high school. She completed her Religious Studies at Stella Maris College, Quezon City, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from Divine Word University of Tacloban City. After graduation, she returned to teach at her alma mater, SMA-Palo. Soon, her childhood dream of becoming a nun was realized. Alongside Sister Maria Filomena Pelina, she entered the Congregation, becoming a postulant on July 31, 1982, and made her First Profession on February 2, 1985. Her Final Profession followed on January 18, 1991, and she celebrated her Silver Jubilee on February 2, 2010.

Over the years, S. Vangie served in numerous mission assignments within the Congregation. In the Philippines, she ministered at St. Mary’s College in Meycauayan and Notre Dame of Lebak as a Christian Living and Campus Ministry Coordinator. After her perpetual profession, she accepted a calling to the overseas mission in Ghana, West Africa, where she spent 23 years. There, she served as Head Mistress, Local Econome, and Local and District Superior, helping establish the Mother Ignacia School. In 2015, she returned to the Philippines, serving in St. Mary’s Academy in Palo, Leyte, Holy Cross Academy in Oras, and St. Mary’s Academy in Oslob. In November 2022, she joined Saint Joseph Home.

Her life journey was a testament of her love for God and service to His people. She was full of life despite her illness. Her spirit of volunteerism and thoughtfulness were evident in her willingness and readiness to help, be it making juice for a sick sister, bringing snacks to those who cannot make it to the refectory or cheering up those who are in pain with her funny stories. She has touched many lives, especially in her mission in Ghana, West Africa.

In a tribute from her Ghanaian Sisters, they wrote: “Dear S. Maria Evangelina, our first RVM headmistress and former district superior, we salute you. You were a powerful woman who exemplified Mother Ignacia. You taught us to be brave, focused, and diligent in all that we do. You worked hard and supported us to greater heights. You corrected us with Sisterly love when we did wrong, defended us when someone spoke ill of us, trusted us, fought our battles, and showed us true love. Thank you for your selfless love, for taking the risk to start Mother Ignacia School which we can boast of today. Rest well, our hero, our legendary missionary. We love you but God loves you more.  Forever grateful to you for fighting the good fight. Rest in God’s perfect peace.”

In a recollection dated March 16, 2024, S. Vangie scribbled these words: “Thank you, Lord, for the gift of life, for the happy and not-so-happy moments that help me grow. I entrust my being to Your loving embrace, and whatever is Your will, let it be done to me.”

She peacefully passed away in the loving embrace of Jesus Christ at 7:07 in the evening of October 12, 2024, on the Memorial of Our Lady of the Pillar, due to fatal arrhythmia, acute kidney injury.

Farewell S. Vangie and thank you for the beautiful footprints of what love is: “to be in the heart of Jesus.”