“Thy love conquers all…”

These words opened the autobiography that Sr. Maria Felisa wrote 72 years ago, perfectly capturing her journey as a religious and a beloved child of God.

S. Maria Felisa Distor Declaro was privileged to be the second child among the ten children of Gonzalo Declaro and Natividad Distor from Panitan, Capiz. She was born on July 18, 1932. Baptized within her first month and confirmed on July 19, 1936, she grew up surrounded by love, simplicity, and the joy of family. Six of her siblings passed in infancy, and she was survived by a brother and two sisters. Her close bond with her extended family, particularly her grandfather, provided a warm foundation of unity and faith.

She started her primary school at Capiz Elementary School, intermediate at Ma-ayon Elementary school, and high school at St. Mary’s Academy of Capiz. Her academic pursuits led her to Assumption College in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, where she earned her bachelor’s degree. She furthered her studies at UST, LST, and SAIDI in Antipolo.

She had so many happy memories especially her high school life at St. Mary’s Capiz. Reflecting on her time at St. Mary’s Capiz, S. Maria Felisa fondly recalled the inspiration she drew from the Marian environment, where her vocation began to blossom. Captivated by the example of the Sisters, she would sometimes wear a makeshift veil in her room, already feeling called to a life of service in God’s vineyard. She joined several religious organizations in the school such as Sodality of Mary. 

After her high school graduation, she sought admission to the Congregation. She was admitted as a postulant on August 14, 1951. She entered the Novitiate on February 2, 1954, and made her First Profession on February 2, 1960. She described vividly her first profession as a loving surrender. Filled with “inexpressible joy” she knelt and uttered, “Yes, Lord, Thy love conquered all.” This was the beginning of all other affirmations that love bears all things. She made her final profession on February 2, 1960, Silver Jubilee on February 2, 1979, and Golden Jubilee on February 1, 2004.

Throughout her years, S. Maria Felisa took on various responsibilities within the Congregation: registrar, teacher, econome, superior, principal, prefect of boarders, school president, Caritas, dormitory ministry national coordinator, MICS program coordinator, Special Ministry Coordinator, Liaison officer for Archdiocesan/Diocesan  Beatification activities, CES Coordinator and Regional  MIM Coordinator. She was assigned in Dalaguete, Guiuan, E. Samar, CKC Gingoog City, ICLH  Espana, SMA, Baliuag, Bulacan, SRLH Cebu City, Maria Assumpta Seminary, SMC Tagum, RVM Generalate, Mother Ignacia Healing Center, SMA Roxas City, ICLH Urgello and St. Mary’s College of Meycauayan.  In 2021, she was recalled to St. Joseph Home for medical care and closer monitoring.

S. Maria Felisa’s life embodied dedication, discipline, and a joyous spirit. Her students, friends, co-workers, and fellow Sisters attested to how she worked efficiently on every assignment given to her. They fondly recall her as strict yet loving, competent, and endlessly energetic. Her cheerful demeanor brightened every room, even during her years at St. Joseph Home.  

In a Chronicle written about her, the authors stated that the RVM Congregation of Sisters procured one more ordinary woman whose cheerfulness and smiles roused the joy of her fellow colleagues and also the children she also took care of. While at St. Joseph Home, she had always a ready smile. On the way to TMC for her medical check-up, she will be singing songs and praises. Such was a happy disposition despite the pain and challenges in her life. Such was the power of love that can overcome any difficulty, adversities and challenges in life.

In a journal entry dated January 2, 2022, she wrote, “Lord, you have designed and appointed me to embrace this ministry of loving in all aspects that I am capable of offering to you. Strengthen my resolve to be dynamic in my Ministry of Love towards my waning years. Lord, help me to live fully my Life of Gratitude as am nearing my earthly pilgrimage”.

S. Maria Felisa passed away on October 26, 2024, at 1:00 AM, at the age of 92, due to Acute Respiratory Failure. She devoted 70 years to the RVM Congregation.

Farewell, S. Felisa. Thank you for teaching us that the love of God triumphs over challenges and difficulties we encounter in life, be it in our ministry or relationship with one another.

This afternoon, the remains of S. Maria Felisa will be cremated at Arlington Crematory. Due to limitations at Loyola Memorial Park, burials are currently suspended and will resume on November 5.

Some family members, before arriving yesterday, expressed their wish to pay their final respects to S. Maria Felisa. As a result, we are left with the option to cremate her remains. Her ashes will be interred in our Ossuary tomorrow morning after the 6 o'clock morning Mass.