The life of S. Maria Obdulia is indeed a testament to the idea that divine timing transcends our earthly circumstances. Her journey, marked by dedication and service, reflects the profound truth that when God deems us ready, our circumstances matter less than our willingness to follow His plan.
S. Maria Obdulia’s story begins in Brgy. Luntad, Palo, Leyte, where she was born on January 14, 1926, as the first-born child of Pedro Adre, Sr. and Vicenta Palami Adre. Her family was deeply connected to faith, with two of her siblings, Estrella and Virginia, becoming nuns of the Congregation of the Oblates of Notre Dame (OND), and her youngest sibling, Antonio, becoming an ordained priest. Remarkably, out of the eight siblings, four chose religious and clerical vocations.
Her educational journey took her from Palo Elementary School to Leyte Central Academy, and eventually to St. Mary’s College in Quezon City. Although her high school graduation isn’t explicitly mentioned in her writings, it is presumed that she completed high school before formally entering the Congregation on November 16, 1947, as a postulant. Interestingly, even before her formal entrance, she was already engaged in teaching—a sign of her deep commitment to education and service.
S. Lilia, as she was affectionately known, spent 74 years of her earthly life as an RVM (Religious of the Virgin Mary). For 35 of those years, she served in mission places in Samar-Leyte, taking on various roles such as administrator, Local Superior, Local Econome, teacher, and canteen in-charge. There were times when she juggled multiple responsibilities simultaneously. When the weight of these responsibilities took its toll, she humbly submitted to the decisions of higher superiors, recognizing them as God’s will.
The following were her mission assignments: St. Ignatius Academy, Sulat, Samar; Holy Cross Academy, Eastern Samar; St. Mary’s Academy, Pasay City; OLFA, Gen. MacArthur, Eastern Samar; Annunciation Academy, Guiuan, Eastern Samar; Immaculate Conception Ladies’ Home, Urgello, Cebu City; St. Anne’s Academy, Sta. Ana, Manila; St. Rita’s Academy, Balingasag; St. John the Baptist High School, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental; St. Mary’s Academy, Baliuag, Bulacan, Holy Cross Academy, Digos, Davao del Sur; Maryknoll High School, Maniki, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, St. Anthony’s Academy, Llorente Eastern Samar, St. Anne’s Academy, Hagonoy, Bulacan, Sacred Heart Seminary, Palo, Leyte; St. Mary’s Academy, Palo, Leyte; Sacred Heart Academy, Guagua, Pampanga; Seminario de Jesus Nazareno, Borongan, Eastern Samar; Motherhouse, Quezon City; Sacred Heart College, Catbalogan, Western Samar; Christ the King College, Gingoog City; Notre Dame of Cotabato City; Immaculate Conception Ladies’ Home, España, Manila; Betania Retreat House, Tagaytay City, St. Mary’s Academy, Sto. Niño, Meycauayan, Bulacan and M. Ignacia Healing Center, Bagumbong. In 2013, when she was already 87 years old, she was assigned back to the Motherhouse, where she remained until her passing.
S. Maria Obdulia’s life was a testament to unwavering dedication, compassion, generosity, and resilience. In her early years serving in mission areas, she traveled tirelessly to procure essential supplies for the community and canteen, all while handling crucial school matters in the city. Seeking permissions and diligently reporting to higher-ups were integral aspects of her role as a devoted religious, often expressed through written requests.
She remained a strong woman until the very end, outliving six of her siblings and both parents. She is survived by her younger sister, Fidela.
Despite her stern demeanor, S. Maria Obdulia possessed a deep well of love, care, and thoughtfulness. Her heart particularly went out to the poor, especially those struggling to pay tuition fees. She actively solicited scholarship funds for those poor students and also for the improvements of school facilities, ensuring that education remained accessible.
As a community Superior, she nurtured unity and kindness among her fellow members. Lay partners and workers were welcomed during mealtime, fostering a sense of community. Her commitment extended to participating conscientiously in the community horarium and maintaining a faithful prayer life.
In one of her letters, Mrs. Felicitas Edles Platino, an OLFA alumna and President of the General MacArthur United States Residents Organization (GMUSRO) based in California, USA, attested to S. Maria Obdulia’s pivotal role in preserving their faith. She wrote: “Many say she is “an Iron Lady” with lots of tender, loving care. She has a way of getting through her mission one way or another. Personally, I think S. Maria Obdulia is the key instrument that kept our religion alive and well in my town by inviting students to enroll in a Catholic school… the scholarship project brought more students to the school, hence deterring its closure.” This was when OLFA, MacArthur was facing its closure.
Despite occasional misunderstandings, S. Maria Obdulia actively sought to mend conflicts. She embraced her share of pain and suffering as part of her redemptive journey in the company of Jesus.
Her love for sewing church linens and priests’ vestments endured even as her major responsibilities shifted. In her journal, she expressed profound gratitude for the Congregation’s unwavering support, likening it to a life-giving wellspring.
On July 22, 2024, at 6:48 in the evening, S. Maria Obdulia peacefully passed on to the next life due to brain herniation syndrome. Farewell, dear Sister. Your love and faithful service will forever be remembered. May you now experience abundant life in heaven, eternally embraced by the loving presence of your beloved spouse and King.