Biography

ICONS ATTRIBUTED TO VEN. MOTHER FRANCISCA

Photography came only in 1863 and therefore there are no original photos of the Servant of God from infancy until her death in 1711 can be found. The images of persons especially related to her were products of the artists’ inspiration. Importantly the images drawn or carved were based on the names that appear in various documents.

Some interested individuals and groups with a strong sense of history took notes on events and photos of places, civil and religious institutions and Churches that existed as early as the 17th century and still have traces of the original forms. These historical records are now utilized in various research studies. Thus, the photos exhibited are found in various history books, annals, periodicals, etc.

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2019 On the Occasion of Her Venerability

The portrait is an edited or restored copy of the photograph featured in the book written by Francisco Gainza, OP in 1859. The photo was originally a drawing or engraving of the Artist, Carlos Borromeo in1853.

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TESTIMONIES ON FAVORS GRANTED

NOTE: Any argument contrary to the fact becomes invalid. In intercession, however, once granted by an intercessor, it cannot be an argument to the fact. The testimonies in these issues are languages of faith in the realities of miracles. As there may be contrariness in the judgment of the world, yet, in the level of faith, acts of intercession are acts of faith. They are acts of miracles. They can never be contrary to the facts. They are facts of faith. Venerable Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes' intercession are facts of faith and acts of miracle on those who invoke her assistance.

Ms. Myrna F. Caño
Siena College
Quezon City

Everything around us is a proof of God's existence. But, is there really such a thing as miracle? Nobody can really prove there's really such a thing unless he experienced something unexplainable. And I can consider myself a lucky one because as an ordinary person and a sinner, experienced something unthinkable. Mother Francisca made the difference.

All these years I never knew that an ailment that can eventually end my life. It started when I was still in high school when I first experienced to cough fresh blood. No symptoms whatsoever if I'll have an attack except for a bubbling sound in my chest then blood follows through my mouth and nose with force so much so that I can mess up the bowl in our comfort room at home. I just thank God because its always at home that I experienced this and not anywhere else. My attack usually occurs during early mornings. Everybody. At home were frightened and their first reaction was to rush me to the nearest hospital. My parents even thought I have tuberculosis. At the hospital I had chest x-ray, ECG and blood tests. Thank God 1 have all these medical examinations had normal results. We didn't stop since that first consultation. I had consulted other doctors for their opinions but the same process of medication was given to me. So every time I had an attack, all I do was to take Hemostan capsule to stop my bleeding, put ice chips in my mouth and rest. I was able to survive the succeeding attacks by following such "first aid". This ailment is so traumatic because I can't say when, where and how will be the next attack. So all these years I just consider my ailment a part of my system and its not that serious. -

Till one morning, October 2, 1.994, Sunday, I had an attack at home when I was still sleeping.. As usual I took my medicine and rested for a while. The next day, I Monday, I decided to go to our family doctor, Dr. Irene T. Ubungen, in St. Lukes Medical Center for check-up. Unfortunately, she didn't allow me to go home anymore but be confined in that hospital to finally undergo a series of medical examinations needed to know what causes my bleeding. Then the doctor who did my Bronchoscopy saw my right arterial vein lobe malfunctioning. So other examinations followed like chest x-rays, gastroscopy, C. T. Scanning and others. On the final analysis, the doctors told me that I really have to undergo surgery to remove this malfunctioning vein above my right lung.

Upon hearing this, I cried so much because its just like a heart by-pass operation, a major operation. When Miss Prechie Faraon visited me in the hospital, she told me to make a devotion to Mother Francisca because her father was saved from an eye operation through a devotion to Mother Francisca. She even told me "magiging Santo na siya kaya malakas ang healing power niya." So that's what " I did including my parents. I prayed fervently to Mother Francisca to help me in my condition and I claimed that I will be just fine.

In the hospital I was already given the necessary orientation about the operation by the assistant doctor of our family doctor. In fact, when my father asked this doctor how much will it cost us for this kind of operation, the doctor said more or less P 150,000.00 for the operation alone. The doctor even told me that if I will not be operated on, my ailment could endanger my life and it could even be the cause of my death. So I asked him the question, "am I really that serious?" The doctor said yes, "kasi marami ka ng nailabas na dugo". While the doctor was telling all these things, 1 had a visitor, Mrs. Tanty Arrogante, who heard everything. So, she herself said to just pray and if the operation will be the answer, go on with it.. I cried a thousand times, can't sleep and feel troubled. I even asked God why?

So when I was already advised to undergo Andiogram, the last left of the series of medical exams before the operation, I was crying and telling Mother Francisca that this is it, my turning point. Begging for her " intercession through our heavenly Father, to be on my side on that. very moment, my guiding force. True to her words that she is the mother of the sick, the poor and the youth, after the Andiogram, I was awakened by my doctor to tell me that I'm just doing fine, nothing is wrong with me and how do I feel? When I heard that my heart shouted "My God, you did it thank you very, very much, thank you Mother Francisca, you're really here in our midst. Since I was under sedation, I know I was crying so hard inside. All the doctors who took care of me were surprised! Our family doctor even presented my case ,at the Medical Board

Inquiry of St. Lukes for final analysis. So to finally end their doubt, I was advised again for another C.T. Scanning. So I prayed again to Mother Francisca and asked her to help me; While waiting for my turn at the scanning room, I was praying that short but meaningful prayer of Mother Francisca. The result of the C. r. Scanning was far more surprising because not even a trace or mark was seen compared to my previous scanning, and the same doctor did the analysis.

So our family doctor was happy because I was able to survive the crisis but felt challenged in my case since it is a rare kind of ailment and congenital at that. There are so many questions that cannot be answered and there's no need to ask why because its only HIM who knows everything, our doctor continued. Jokingly, she said, "0, ano, nadaan sa dasal ano?"

So medically speaking, our doctor said, my ailment can just be considered a case of Bronhiactesis or internal bleeding but there's no need for surgery. The bleeding will occur when something is aggravated in my internal organs so I was advised to refrain from too much fatigue, stress, lifting of heavy things, severe cough and any work that may cause chest and back pains.

With what happened to me, those painful medical examinations, sleepless moments, emotionally troubled not only me but my parents as well and having spent P55,OOO.OO for a 10-day stay in the hospital were all compensated with that miraculous hea!ing touch of Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo. Thank you Mother Francisca.

All these wonderful things are a proof of God's existence and presence. Our Lord is a living God, full of love. The stronger the faith we have in HIM, the more we can feel His existence within us.

Mrs Margarita M. Viajar

Kaya po ako sumulat sa inyo ay upang ipabatid sa inyo na natupad po ang isa sapinakahihiling ko kay Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo. simula po ng mapasa- kamay ko ang mga panalangin kay Mother Francisca na ipinamigay ninyo noon sa simbahan ng San Jose ay inaraw- araw ko na halos ang pananalangin sa kanya. Ako po ay may 2 mabigat na problema na iniluhog sa kanya. Idinalangin ko sa kanya na ipamagitan ako sa Amang nasa langit doon nga sa mga problema ko. Ang una ay ang tulong na pinansiyal para matubos ko ang lupa ng mga magulang ko na nakasangla at pangalawa ay tungkol sa aking health problems. If I remember right, mga 1986 pa lang ay nagpa-uJtrasound ako dahil may nararamdaman akong masakit dito sa aking kanang bahagi ng tiyan. At doon nga ay may nakitang ovarian cyst na sinlaki ng 50 centavo coin. sabi naman ngdoctor noon ay hindi dapat tanggalin dahil maliit pa. Kapag lumaki daw at saka na lang tatanggalin. Binale walako na ito. Hindi na ako nagpa-ul.trasound dahil sa takot na baka nga lumaki ito. Pero dumating itong April 1997. Iba na ang .sakit at tumitindi hindi lang sa kaliwang bahagi kundi. pati na sa gitna. Hindi ko na ito natiis. at napilitan .lkong magpatingin sa OB-Gynecologist ko. Bago pa man ito sumakit ulit ng matindi ay nananalangin na ako kay Mother tFrancisca na sana ay hindi lumaki ang bukol ko sa ovary. Abut-abot ang dasal ko sa kanya at sa iba ko pang mga patron. Bukod doon ay nagpa-pray over ako sa mga leaders namin sa prayer group na kasapi ako. At thanks God pagkatapos ng series of tests at laboratory exams ay nakitang nawala ang cyst ko sa ovary. Ang nakita ay napakaliit na myoma na hindi namandapat na ikabahala dahil baka raw hindi na ito lumaki pa dahil 47 yrs. old na ako at malapit ng mag-menopause. At nalaman ding mayroon akong cervicitis na magagamot naman sa pamamagitan ng colposcopy at cryotherapy.. Nagpapasalamat ako ng malaki kay Mother Francisca dahil tinugon niya ang aking pakiusap sa kanya na ipamagitan ako sa ating Panginoon. Thank you Mother for the great help you made,. Lahat ng worries ko tungkol sa aking health problem ay nabura na. lsa na lamang ang ipinakikiusap kosa kanya at ito ay ang aking financial problem na alam kong tutulungan din ako ni Mother Francisca. At nagpapasalamat din ako sa kanya dahil kahit paano ay kumikita ako sa aking pagtitinda. Pakiramdam ko ay magaan ang pagpasok sa akin ng pera para matugunan ko ang marami ko pang pangangailangan simula ng manalangin ako kay Mother Francisca. Malaking tulong sa akin si Mother Francisca at pinatutunayan kong ako'y napaghimalaan at paghihimalaan pa. Sana po ay mapabilang siya sa magiging santo.

Yours in Christ,
Mrs. Margarita M. Viajar

September 28, 2018

My name is Lorizel Baxa Mendoza, married to Albert Ramento Mendoza. Our son is Jake B. Mendoza (D.O.B.: 2-2-2003). Address: 3379 Likini St. Honolulu, HI 96818. Our son Jake was born only 4 lbs. Our family did not attend church until we were encouraged to go to church by our neighbor, Rosita N. Figueroa. Jake was baptized in May, 2003, age 3 months by Father Owen Mullen (Holy Family Church in Honolulu, Hawaii). Jake received Holy Communion on 4/29/2010 via Fr. Sebastian Chacko. Jake attended catechism class. Our family became church-goers. Father Sebastian Chacko was the presiding priest at Holy Family. Father Sebastian always talked to Jake every Saturday afternoon at mass. Rosita Figueroa assisted in baptizing and teaching catechism class.

At a young age, Jake had seizures and was prescribed medication. His skin was yellowish. He was taken to the hospital for blood tests. He had a liver problem: Biliary Atrisia. He had a biopsy. He was taken to Kapiolani Hospital in Hawaii. Dr. Ken Nagamori was his doctor. When Jake was only 3 months, he had liver surgery at Kaiser Moanalua for 8 hours. However, it was not successful. A liver transplant was necessary. Kaiser Hospital recommended a liver Specialist at Kapiolani Hospital. The doctor at Kapiolani Hospital recommended doctors from a transplant team that comes every six months from California to Hawaii. The transplant team checked and evaluated Jake needed to go to Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford in California. Jake needed a transplant, but Jake was only 1 year old. It was decided at that time that the surgery will not take place right away. Every month, Jake had a checkup and blood test. Jake’s bones were very weak. At 3 years old, he had a fracture on the left leg. He was taken by ambulance. The doctors in Hawaii decided to get Jake’s name on the transplant waiting list. On November 27, 2007 there was a liver transplant donor. The family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for 2 months in the hospital. In 2009, Jake was 6 years old. Jake’s body was rejecting the liver that was transplanted in him. Another liver transplant was necessary. His veins had obstruction, and Jake’s complexion turned yellow again. At Stanford, his vein was fixed and his complexion went back to normal. In October 2012, Jake’s stomach was filled with water, and then he was taken to Kapiolani Hospital. (he stayed there for 3 weeks). The doctors panicked and decided that Jake should go back to California. Jake had difficulty breathing and couldn’t afford to wait for the transplant team that comes every 6 months. So Jake, the doctor and nurse flew to California for surgery in December 2012.

Each night over the phone I, Lorizel Baxa Mendoza and my friend Rosita N. Figueroa prayed to Mother Francisca and Novena to the Divine Mercy. I cried and prayed for my son, the doctors and nurses. On the 8th day of the novena, the 2 veins were unblocked and the water was drained. All the tubes were taken off. On the 9th day, the doctor at Stanford decided to send Jake home. I was scared. The doctor asked me to take Jake home to recover. Jake was discharged from the hospital in December 2012.

Rosita N. Figueroa’s nun sister, sister Aurelia Navarro traveled from Philippines, to Hawaii, Las Vegas, Arizona, and visited our family in those trips. From 2013 (April 16 to May 16) and December 2014 to January 2, 2015, sister Aurelia Navarro went to Hawaii to visit Jake and prayed for him. I took Sister Aurelia Navarro to attend mass at St. Philomena and Holy Family in Honolulu, Hawaii in her visits. She and I asked and prayed to Mother Francisca Del Espiritu Santo for her intervention in Jake’s health. We prayed Mother Francisca’s novena, the Divine Mercy, and the rosary. Since then as of late (2018), Jake has been in good health! Jake graduated 8th grade at Aliamanu Intermediate school in Honolulu, Hawaii. Thank you Mother Francisca Del Espiritu Santo for your intervention!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 1(808) 541-7821 (United States).

Mailing Address:

Lorizel B. Mendoza

3379 Likini St.

Honolulu, HI 96818

Sincerely,

Lorizel B. Mendoza

Mary Anne G. Camero
5696 Lumangbayan
Plaridel, Bulacan

Dear Sisters of Sta. Catalina Convent,

I wrote to tell you how Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo touched our lives recently. It was only last July 27, 1996 when Sr. Rose and company of St. James Academy came to our chapel to introduce Mother Francisca. They encouraged everyone to call on her for our intentions and if answered, these will contribute to her becoming a saint. And now, I want to be a part of this campaign.

My youngest child, Michelle, who will turn 2 years old on August 16, got sick last July 30. She has a slight fever, up to 37.6 degre celsius only, and had sores in her mouth and tongue. Subsequently, she lost her appetite for any food, even her milk. We took her to the doctor and treated her sores, since, according to him, this is a reason of her fever. The following day, she still has the slight fever. We even called a " manghihilot " to see if she has a twisted muscle or" pilay" somewhere and she did. For the rest of the day, her temperature lowered, so the next day. I went back to work, thinking she would be fine.

At about 11 ;00 a.m., my sister called me up at the office asking me to come home because Michelle got a fever again that rose up to 39 degree celcius. My mother brought her to her pediatrician and had her tested for H-fever. The tourniquet test gave out a very positive result that she has H-fever. I was crying already because I can't imagine why this should happen to my daughter and to think that a number of kids did not survive from it. I grabbed my things, called my husband, then went home. I was crying when I suddenly remembered Mother Francisca. I prayed the rosary and between the mysteries, I called Mama Mary and Mother Francisca to perform a miracl.e, that Michelle's blood and urine tests would show negative results.

When we got home, my prayers were answered. Her blood and urine showed no signs of H-fever. Even her doctor was surprised because she can't see anything wrong with her except for the fever. So to be sure, Michelle was confined for three days for observation. Her fever dropped and her appetite went back. She recuperated fast as if nothing happened.

We went home from the hospital, and recalled the ordeal that we overcome. And you know what? It was only then that I found out that my father, mother, sister and I were asking help from the same holy per- son, Mother Francisca. We looked at each other in great amazement. Mother Francisca has made herself felt in our lives. She has given us a miracle and we're all very grateful for it.

We hope that more people would come to her to experience this wonderful feeling that we have now. She truly deserves to be a saint.

Your friend in Christ,

Mary Anne G. Camero

MS LYDIA S. VILA
Holy Trinity College Puerto Princesa City
Palawan

Enero 23, 2000, kaming mga delegado ng Bikaryato Apostoliko ng Palawan ay sumakay sa WG&A papuntang Maynila upang dumalo sa Marian Festival on the Holy Trinity sa PICC. Masayang-nasaya at enjoy na enjoy ang aking mga kasama habang kami ay nasa barko, samantalang ako naman ay nahihilo at suka nang suka. Hindi ako nakakain hanggang sa dumating kami sa pier.

Nang dumating kami sa Maynila naging mabuti-buti na rin ang aking pakiramdam. Nakapagpahinga kami ng dalawang araw bago nagsimula ang seminar. Madaling araw ng ika- 27 ng Enero, ay nagisnan ko na lang na masakit na masakit ang tiyan ko. Nahiya akong gisingin ang mga kasama ko dahil maagang-maaga pa. Nagdasal na lang ako kay Mother Francisca na pagalingin ako dahil gusto kong makadalo ng seminar namin kinabukasan. Nang may ika-apat na ng umaga, hindi ko na matiis ang tindi ng sakit na aking nadarama, kaya lumipat ako sa kabilang bahay lahat na paraan ay ginawa nila para malunasan ang sakit. Nang medyo nagbawas-bawas ang sakit sumama ako sa PICC dahil medyo okey na rin ang pakiramdam ko. Habang lulan kami ng taxi ay naramdaman ko muli na masakit ang tiyan ko. Dumating kami sa PICC, at habang nagpapatala ang aking mga kasama ako naman ay nasa isang tabi at namimilipit sa sakit. Halos mawalan ako ng malay sa tindi ng sakit. Hiniling ko sa aking kapwa guro na dalhin ako sa malapit na ospital. Isinugod nila ako sa Manila Doctor’s Hospital.

Ayon sa pagsusuri ng doctor ulcer ang sakit ko at pinaimom ako ng Maalox liquid at pinahiga sa loob ng tatlongpong minuto kaya nabawasan na naman ang sakit. Bumalik kami sa PICC kahit hindi pa lubusang naalis ang sakit. Sinunod ko ang pag-inom ng gamot apat na beses sa loob ng isang araw ayon sa resita ng doctor, kaya medyo bumuti-buti na rin ang pakiramdam ko. Natapos ko rin ang tatlong araw naming seminar sa awa ng Diyos. Kinabukasan ay nakatakda na kaming bumalik sa Palawan. Habang nasa eroplano kami kunwari natutulog ako pero hindi nila nahalata ang nararamdaman ko. Mag ika-11:00 ng tanghali ng lumapag kami sa Palawan at hinatid ako ni Ate Lina sa bahay. Magmula alas onse at kalahati ng umaga hanggang ika-apat ng hapon tiniis ko ang matinding sakit ng aking tiyan, kasabay ng pagsusuka. Halos ika-lima na ng hapon ng hindi ko na matiis ang sakit, dinala ako sa doktor. Subalit tinanggihan ako at inirekomenda ako na dalhin sa ospital, dahil hindi niya ako kaya. Pinasok ako sa Palawan Adventist Hospital mga alas sais ng gabi at maraming pagsusuri ang ginawa ng doktor. Na x-ray ako, ultra sound, at ECG para malaman kung ano talaga ang sakit ko. Mag-iika sampu ng gabi na ng malaman na kailangan akong operahan dahil puputok na ang appendicitis ko. Ipinasok ako sa “operating room” sa ganap na ika-sampu at kalahati ng gabi. Sa ganong kalagayan hindi ko pa rin makalimutan na humingi ng tulong kay Mother Francisca at panay ang dasal ko sa kanya na huwag niya akong pabayaan. Nang nabuksan na ang aking tiyan, tatlo ang nakita, una pumutok na ang aking mayoma, may bukol ang kaliwang oveary at puputok na ang aking appendicitis. Natapos ang operasyon ng ganap na alas dose ng hating gabi.

Naging matagumpay din sa awa ng Diyos at sa tulong ni Mother Francisca ang una kong pagpapaopera. Tatlong araw ang nakalipas matapos ang matagumpay na pag-oopera, ay sumakit na namang muli ang aking tiyan. Nabahala ang aking mga kapatid at doktor dahil katatapos ko lang maoperahan. May lumalabas sa NGT na galing sa tiyan ko na kulay green. Ini X-ray na naman ako ng maraming beses pero hindi makita kong ano and dahilan. Nagdesisyon ang doktor na operahan ako muli. Sa kalagayan kong ito hindi pa rin ako nawawalan ng pag-asa. Linakasan ko naman ang aking loob at muli akong humingi ng tulong kay kay Mother Francisca. Alam ko na talagang naroon siya sa mga oras na iyon. Ang pangalawang pagsubok sa aking buhay noong Pebrero 5, 2000 ay lalong nagpatibay sa aking pananalig sa kanya. Infected na ang tiyan ko ng sampung araw sabi ng doktor ng pangalawang operasyon ko.

Ginawa ng doktor ang lahat ng kanyang makakaya para mailigtas lamang ang buhay ko at mapagaling. Sino ang mag-aakala na sa kalagayan kong iyon ay malampasan ko ang pangalawang pagsubok sa aking buay. Sa oras na yaon ay alalang-alala ang lahat lalo na aking mga kapatid at mga pamangkin. Marami ang nag-aalay ng dasal para sa aking kaligtasan/ Kaya ang lahat na aking hiniling kay Mother Francisca ay natupad. Ipinangangako ko sa aking sarili na ang nalalabi kong buhay ay iaalay ko unang-una kay Mother Francisca sa aking mga kapwa dahil naniniwala ako na kung hindi sa tulong niya at kung hindi sa taos puso kong pagdadasal at paghingi ng tulong sa Panginoon sa pamamagitan niya ay hindi ako gumaling, kahit gaano man kagaling ang doktor na nag-opera sa akin. Ngayon ay magaling na ako at nakabalik sa aking pagtuturo. Parang isang masamang panaginip lang ang nangyari sa akin.

Maraming, maraming salamat sa bagong buhay na ipinagkaloob mo muli sa akin Panginoon sa pamamagitan ni Mother Frnacisca del Espiritu Santo.

Ms. Elenita Cabañero
St. Gabriel Academy, Caloocan City

I am Nitz Cabañero, presently teaching at St. Gabriel Academy, Caloocan City.

This testimony of how my father was cured of his cancer through the intercession of Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo.

My father, primitivo Cabañero Sr., is a widower. He is 81 years old. He wae confined at Dr.Jose C. Locsin Memorial Hospital, Silay City, Negros Occidental last January 15, 1995 - January 18, 1995 for abdominal pain. The doctors thought that it was an acute appendicitis but when they opened his stomach they found out that it was cancer of the pancreas. They said that he had only six months or a maximum of one year to live. The only remedy to relieve his pain was to take morphine. My brothers didn't want it because he will be addicted to it. All we had to do was to pray to God.

My sister received a long distance call about my father's condition. Upon hearing from her, I was so upset and could hot accept it. I could not sleep the whole night thinking of him. I prayed to God for his recovery. I could remember the homily of Cardinal Sin to Lectors and Commentators during our renewal at the Arzobispado de Manila. "Prayer is the weakness of God and the strength of man" .With that I asked the help of my pupils (Grade IV pupils last year) to pray for my father. I said to them: Let us storm heaven by means of prayer. If faith could move mountains, then prayer could move God. We did this during our Christian Living class for the whole year.

One day, while I was in my room, I saw a stampita on the floor with the Prayer for Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo. I made a deal with her in my prayer: "Mother Francisca, if you can only cure my father from his cancer, I will submit his name to the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of st. Catherine of siena so that I could send them home. She gave me some and sent them to Negros. I told my eldest sister to pray it every night after the rosary. During the nightly rosary, my father used to place the Prayer stamp ita of Mother Francisca on the wound on the abdomen that was left open by the doctor. My sister Cristina, who is a security guard at st. James Academy, asked special prayers from the Dominican Sisters ofst. James Academy. They prayed for him, too.

Last Apri11995, I went home together with my sister. My father was so thin, weak, and in deep agony. He was just waiting for the Lord to take him. "Offer your sufferings to the Lord. Have faith in Him and asked His help. At least, God has given you time to repent for your sins."

He didn't want to eat solid food, he just drank milk instead because his stomach couldn't receive it for it was so painful. Because of that, he was not able to walk for several months. I said to him: "You have to eat and be able to walk before I go back to Manila. You must strengthen your faith in God so that you will be back to normal health again. If it is His will that you will be cured, you will be healed from it."

After several months his stomach got swollen. One day my sister forgot to place a bandage on his open wound. It was a blessing in disguise his t-shirt stuck to the wound and immediately pus (nana) went out. It had a foul odor and it continued to flow. After that, my father was completely cured. Now, he can travel to the town plaza alone to join his fellow Senior Citizens. He even cooked our food when I went home for summer vacation last April 14-May 10, 1996. Last May 8, 1996, my sister accompanied him for a check-up. Dr. Abastillas, his attending physician, was surprised to diagnose him as clinically cured of his pancreatic carcinoma. He said it was a miracle. Even my father's friends were surprised, too.

Thanks be to God that He cured my father through the intercession of Mother Francisca. Thanks also to Mother Francisca, all the Dominican Sisters of St. James Academy and the Couples for Christ, the Charismatics in our place and my pupils, who helped us in praying for the recovery of my father.

God bless us all!

Mrs. Vilma S. Dominguez
Sta. Catalina College
Legarda, Manila

Note: This Testimony was read on the 300th Anniversary of the formal Foundation of the Congregation on July 26,1996 at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Intramuros, Manila.

Read by Ms. Editha Conception Canlas-

The word is metanoia, a total change of heart and mind. That is what exactly happened to my husband after I asked the Intercession of Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo.

Before, my husband is one among those who are called Catholic. in name only, He does not believe in the priest, in confession and does not attend in any religious practice, and activities. A happy go lucky guy I may say who satisfies himself with vices because he believes that we work for self-satisfaction. I don't know what to do to change his lifestyle.

When I received the prayer. to Mother Francisca during the first launching of Pagpupugay Fair on July 26, 1994, I prayed it. This is exactly what I asked her, "Mother Francisca, once you became a housewife also. You knew and experienced how to be a wife, please help me bring my husband closer to God.

After a month, I noticed a significant change, with my husband. First - One Sunday, after reading the Sunday Inquirer Magazine my husband told me that he was struck with the reflection of the Sunday Gospel by Fr. Ben Villote. I was surprised because ever since we subscribe that newspaper and it was the first time I heard him talk about the "Word of God."

He said that according to statistics the average life span of Filipinos today is 60 years. If you are 55 years old now, you have only 5 years to make your life more meaningful and worthwhile. If you are 40 years old you have 20 years more to do good deeds to others. He said that he reflected on this and he wanted to share it to his co-teachers and students since he is. teaching in a non-.sectarian school. He said he wanted his naughty students to change and become serious in their studies.

Second, it was December before Christmas when my husband asked me to accompany him to a grocery store. 1 was puzzled and asked him why, we have enough for two weeks before the payday comes but he said that when he read that the "Center for Migrant Youth" is in need of goods, he promised himself to earn extra money to buy those things. I told him we don't know the place and he said we will look for It. So we looked for the place in Banawe, Quezon City and we found out that it is a place for the street children, disabled, child prostitutes and the abandoned children. We handed the good, and the person who welcomed us asked to sign his name on the log book but my husband said, "There's no need! God knows it.

Third –My husband started to join us in attending the Mass. One Sunday, he accidentally heard the sermon of Fr. Larry Faraon, O.P., a Dominican priest during a Sunday Mass at SM Centerpoint when we came early before the opening of the mall. From then on, we go to Mass every Sunday as a family. Whatever he heard on the sermon he shared with his friends, co-teachers and students. He started reading the Daily Gospel from the Daily Gospel Diary that we received as a gift. He always speaks of the name of the Lord when he talks. That's why many of his friend. and relative are asking if he is a born again Christian but he said "No, I am a renewed Catholic.

I firmly believe that Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo helped me bring my husband closer to God.

Edbryan Cayme

Scholarship obtained through the intercession of Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo

Greetings in Christ!

1 am Bryan from Cebu City, I'm 17 years of age and turning 18, this coming July 4. You know I am a member of the CFC Youth for Christ, however, I feel I'm not fully committed to my covenant but I lifted them up to the Lord knowing that He will gradually transform me and always be there to help me.

The reason why I wrote is that I have an answered prayer obtained from the " Prayer to Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo ". Every night when I have my prayer time, I always pray to God for Him to help me. You know I came from an average family. I have two brothers, one a fourth year college student and the other, a grade four student and being the second son, I am going to be a freshman college student and with this I have to avail of a scholarship grant for my financial support because my parents don't have a large income to support all our financial needs. My mama is a secretary of an institution here in Cebu and my father, a contractual worker. Before he was an employee of San Miguel Corporation, and was earning big but last 1990, he was paid as one of the early retirees due to technical advancement of the company. However, that same year, even though so depressed, he became closer to God as my parents joined the Christian Life Program of Couples for Christ and now we all belong to this family ministry.

Last May 1997, I applied for a scholarship program being sponsored by the SM Foundation Inc. and fortunately I got an application form and was given a schedule for an interview which will be on the last week of May and I had two weeks at least to prepare myself. I was so nervous at that time that I went praying for God's guidance and my mama advised me to pray to Mother Francisca del Espiritu Santo for more prayers and guidance.

Then came May 27, 1997. There were 26 applicants all in all. I kept on praying because I was so nervous at that time especially during the interview and examination part. I felt so nervous and even fainting. But I believe God is within me. Thanks to my mom, for singing to me a Holy Spirit song which calmed me and gave me confidence that God's presence is there with me. Indeed I became one of the five chosen applicants out of 26. I was so happy at that time and went home praising God. For me it is the greatest gift and blessing God has given me and to my family. I would like to praise and thank God for everything and also I would like to thank Mother Francisca. I know she prayed for me too and all the saints I asked to pray for me. Please pray for me in my studies...

God bless you all and thank you!

For INQUIRIES, PETITIONS and/or FAVOR/S granted through the intercession of Venerable Mother Francisca, MESSAGE US!

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Mother Francisca of the Holy Spirit

Foundress of the Beaterio de Santa Catalina

Father Francisco Gainza, O.P. (1859)

The illustrious Mother, Mother Francisca of the Holy Spirit, foundress of the Beaterio de Sta. Catalina of the City of Manila, Philippines Islands, was an exact portrait of the valiant woman, so eagerly sought after by the wise King Solomon; and whose virtues, so admirably portrayed in her, were described in the minutest detail and perfection. "In the blamelessness of her conduct (says the history of my Province, Part 4, Chapter 35, making a fine comparison) and in the face of tribulations, she could find a colorful mixture of simplicity and frankness in her pleasing friendliness and great prudence; in the government of the Beaterio, she could discover the merciful discretion mingled with prudence, economy in the management of her family; in her mercy for the poor and compassion for the needy, she could find that extensive heroic generosity, a quality which Solomon so much admired; and finally, in the choice of her religious profession and foundation of the Beaterio, she could observe the right circumspection in the buying of the field and eagerness in the establishment of the vineyard."

Our Mother Francisca was born in the City of Manila. From early childhood, it had already been known what could have been expected of her on reaching maturity, for even when she was still very young, she had already displayed a precocious modesty, an edifying composure, a sort of prudence superior to young age, a tender devotion to God, and a vivid desire not to offend Him Whom she loved even before she got acquainted with earthly vanities. Although she embraced the married state while still very young, certainly it was not to respond to the call of the flesh, nor to engross her heart in the management of her household; on the contrary, though, a model wife devoted to her husband, she gave due preference to the love of God and strove always to set a good example to others by living in retirement and seclusion, "so that it was not without much edification that her choicest virtues were perceived though hidden beneath the appearance of secular pomp, the imitation of Blessed Joanna, Princess of Portugal, who concealed the grave austerity and mortification of her life with a royal ostentation."

However, as she was not meant for the world, the Lord came to her assistance in order to relieve her of the yoke of matrimony and to imposservant. upon her the burden of the cross. Shortly after her marriage her husband died and seeing herself without heirs, she conceived the idea of consecrating herself to God. She lived in such a way that her abode did not resemble the dwelling of seculars "but the house of the most recollected religious because her seclusion and practice of the spiritual exercises of vocal and mental prayer gave it rather the appearance of an oratory, than that of the residence of persons living in the world. " It was then that she dedicated herself entirely to the service of the poor and the sick, especially of those in San Juan de Dios Hospital. She faithfully observed this practice until she enclosed herself in the Beaterio influencing the ladies of the city by her good example. As she grew in charity for her neighbor, she also grew in the desire to surrender herself intimately to her celestial Spouse. For a long time she wavered in the choice of the state which she ought to take. She had inspiration to confine herself in the monastery of St. Claire, the only formal convent in the city. On the other hand, she wanted to don the habit of St. Dominic, for whom she professed a very special predilection. But at that time the Beaterio was not yet existing and there were only some Tertiaries who lived in their houses. Not knowing what resolution to take, she doubled her pious exercises, pleaded earnestly with the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary "and the Lady", says the History of my Province, "condescending to the repeated supplication of this devotee, extricated her from her perplexity in the following manner: "One night while she was praying, the two Patriarchs, Francis and Dominic, appeared to her, each one calling her to himself in the same way it had happened to St. Rose of St. Mary. Both embraced her, both invited her sweetly, and on that occasion by an interior inspiration she prostrated herself at the feet of our Father, St. Dominic, surrendering herself to his service and offering herself to him as his child. Then the vision disappeared.

She, therefore, took the habit of the Third Order about the year 1682 and in this new state she devoted herself anew to the exercises of piety and religion, observing with minute exactitude even the least of the rules of the Order and practicing an obedience so blindly rendered, that she seemed to have lost her own will even on the most innocent and simple things. But since Our Lord had destined her to serve as the bedrock of the Beaterio de Santa Catalina, she was not contented with her voluntary confinement in her house. Neither did it suffice for her to live an angelical life in the house of her companion, Mother Antonia Esguerra, together with Mother Sebastiana de Santa Maria and others. This house served as the base for the future foundation. She appealed to the Prelates of the Order, to the various archbishops and governors, and she moved heaven and earth in order to carry out her splendid idea which kept the holy women busy.

But only Francisca had the pleasure of seeing it realized. The Lord reigned to grant the requests of His servants. The prelates, who had opposed her idea, were now encouraging it. The difficulties disappeared in a manner which was miraculous to a certain degree. The edifice was made ready with everything that was needful, and on the feast of St. Anne of the year 1696, all the Beatas made their profession in the hands of the Father Provincial. Mother Francisca was elected Prioress and discharged her office for fifteen years, "for a lifetime because her exemplary life, her zeal for the regular observance, her mortification, and other virtues shone in her guaranteed prudence of her government and established immense hope for abundant fruits in that new vineyard of which she was the custodian. It is easy to understand the life which our Francisca could lead once she was enclosed in the Beaterio, the center of her most ardent vows. In religious observance she was excellent. She was austere with herself, kind to others, and charitable to all. She was an indefatigable worker and an inexorable promoter of regular observance. Such virtues could not be perfect without the crucible of tribulations, nor could the devil regard such a foundation with indifference. So he aged a pitiless war against her.

Therefore, the Lord permitted that the Beaterio and its Prioress to undergo the most terrible trials before they achieved a certain kind of security. There was one who, tired of the religious life and urged by the enemy of Peace, lamented to the archbishop the excessive rigidity of the Prioress against whom she related a thousand and one calumnies. This and other problems resulting from the control of the Beaterio, as well as other causes which are improper to mention brought about the closing of the edifice and the dispersion of the Beatas who were confined in the College of Santa Isabel, and whose habits had been removed amidst copious tears capable of moving the most hard-hearted. The gnawing bitterness experienced by our Sister under these painful circumstances could only be imagined, for it cannot in any way be explained. She saw the Demon triumphant, what with the spiritual edifice which was raised at the cost of so many protracted sacrifices destroyed, some of her ewes led astray, and others deprived of their beloved solitude. Nevertheless, she did not weaken in such a difficult situation, neither did she lose tranquility of soul, nor presence of mind, nor did she slacken in the regular observance of her duties. The two long years of her stay in Sta. Isabel presented the most potent proof of the great virtues and eminent gifts of Francisca. Finally, the Lord heard the incessant prayers of His servant. The difficulties having been overcome, Francisca, by common consent of the Prelates, returned to reopen the Beaterio and became better known and admired after many days of bitterness and aft1iction. Re-established at the Beaterio, the Venerable Francisca devoted herself immediately to all the wishes of her fervent heart -the practice of the most sublime virtues -humility, silence, and the most ardent charity, mortifications were practiced jointly with her virtues and prayer, and the presence of God - seasoned all the actions of her laborious life. Finally, weighed down by so much work as the soul of the new Beaterio, after having triumphed over all the oppositions of Satan and with inexpressible joy of leaving this nursery of virtues solidly secure, she died at the age of sixty three years on August 24, 1711, after a tormenting illness during which she gave the most excellent signs of patience, resignation, and abnegation.

Great were the eulogies made by the Chapter of the intermediate Congregation celebrated on April 16, 1712, in its acts on the Venerable Mother Francisca. Moreover, since it would not be possible to translate them completely because of their excessive length, for the sake of this Book .1 am going to translate some parts. "Having been brought to the Beaterio so that she might yield abundant fruits of virtue and serve as an example to others, she realized her hopes abundantly by constant practice and works of mercy. .Indeed, complying with her duties with exactitude and diligence, by dint of constant toil in the practice of virtues, she succeeded in establishing a form of religious life and proved herself a model of good deeds. Observing the Rule of the Third Order to the letter, not only did she subdue her body by fast, prayers, mortifications, and abnegation of her own will, but she also raised her indefatigable soul to the pinnacle of perfection.

" Finally, on August 24, 1711, the fame of her sanctity being great, in age well advanced as well as in grace and virtue (according to the words of the Holy Spirit), and already matured for heaven and strengthened by the Holy Sacraments, her soul now freed from its vessel of clay, passed on to its eternal reward unto the blessed company of her departed Sisters.

Reference: Militia de Jesucristo: Manual de los Hermanos de la Tercera Orden
de la Penitencia de Santo Domingo. (Manila: Tipog. del Colegio de Santo Tomas)

As she grew in charity for her neighbor, she also grew in the desire to surrender herself intimately to her celestial Spouse.

Mother Francisca of the Holy Spirit Foundress of the Beaterio de Santa Catalina Father Francisco Gainza, O.P. (1859) The illustrious Mother, Mother Francisca of the Holy Spirit, foundress of the Beaterio de Sta. Catalina of the City of Manila, Philippines Islands, was an exact portrait of the valiant woman, so eagerly sought after by the wise King Solomon; and whose virtues, so admirably portrayed in her, were described in the minutest detail and perfection. "In the blamelessness of her conduct (says the history of my Province, Part 4, Chapter 35, making a fine comparison) and in the face of tribulations, she could find a colorful mixture of simplicity and frankness in her pleasing friendliness and great prudence; in the government of the Beaterio, she could discover the merciful discretion mingled with prudence, economy in the management of her family; in her mercy for the poor and compassion for the needy, she could find that extensive heroic generosity, a quality which Solomon so much admired; and finally, in the choice of her religious profession and foundation of the Beaterio, she could observe the right circumspection in the buying of the field and eagerness in the establishment of the vineyard." Our Mother Francisca was born in the City of Manila. From early childhood, it had already been known what could have been expected of her on reaching maturity, for even when she was still very young, she had already displayed a precocious modesty, an edifying composure, a sort of prudence superior to young age, a tender devotion to God, and a vivid desire not to offend Him Whom she loved even before she got acquainted with earthly vanities. Although she embraced the married state while still very young, certainly it was not to respond to the call of the flesh, nor to engross her heart in the management of her household; on the contrary, though, a model wife devoted to her husband, she gave due preference to the love of God and strove always to set a good example to others by living in retirement and seclusion, "so that it was not without much edification that her choicest virtues were perceived though hidden beneath the appearance of secular pomp, the imitation of Blessed Joanna, Princess of Portugal, who concealed the grave austerity and mortification of her life with a royal ostentation." However, as she was not meant for the world, the Lord came to her assistance in order to relieve her of the yoke of matrimony and to imposservant. upon her the burden of the cross. Shortly after her marriage her husband died and seeing herself without heirs, she conceived the idea of consecrating herself to God. She lived in such a way that her abode did not resemble the dwelling of seculars "but the house of the most recollected religious because her seclusion and practice of the spiritual exercises of vocal and mental prayer gave it rather the appearance of an oratory, than that of the residence of persons living in the world. " It was then that she dedicated herself entirely to the service of the poor and the sick, especially of those in San Juan de Dios Hospital. She faithfully observed this practice until she enclosed herself in the Beaterio influencing the ladies of the city by her good example. As she grew in charity for her neighbor, she also grew in the desire to surrender herself intimately to her celestial Spouse. For a long time she wavered in the choice of the state which she ought to take. She had inspiration to confine herself in the monastery of St. Claire, the only formal convent in the city. On the other hand, she wanted to don the habit of St. Dominic, for whom she professed a very special predilection. But at that time the Beaterio was not yet existing and there were only some Tertiaries who lived in their houses. Not knowing what resolution to take, she doubled her pious exercises, pleaded earnestly with the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary "and the Lady", says the History of my Province, "condescending to the repeated supplication of this devotee, extricated her from her perplexity in the following manner: "One night while she was praying, the two Patriarchs, Francis and Dominic, appeared to her, each one calling her to himself in the same way it had happened to St. Rose of St. Mary. Both embraced her, both invited her sweetly, and on that occasion by an interior inspiration she prostrated herself at the feet of our Father, St. Dominic, surrendering herself to his service and offering herself to him as his child. Then the vision disappeared. She, therefore, took the habit of the Third Order about the year 1682 and in this new state she devoted herself anew to the exercises of piety and religion, observing with minute exactitude even the least of the rules of the Order and practicing an obedience so blindly rendered, that she seemed to have lost her own will even on the most innocent and simple things. But since Our Lord had destined her to serve as the bedrock of the Beaterio de Santa Catalina, she was not contented with her voluntary confinement in her house. Neither did it suffice for her to live an angelical life in the house of her companion, Mother Antonia Esguerra, together with Mother Sebastiana de Santa Maria and others. This house served as the base for the future foundation. She appealed to the Prelates of the Order, to the various archbishops and governors, and she moved heaven and earth in order to carry out her splendid idea which kept the holy women busy. But only Francisca had the pleasure of seeing it realized. The Lord reigned to grant the requests of His servants. The prelates, who had opposed her idea, were now encouraging it. The difficulties disappeared in a manner which was miraculous to a certain degree. The edifice was made ready with everything that was needful, and on the feast of St. Anne of the year 1696, all the Beatas made their profession in the hands of the Father Provincial. Mother Francisca was elected Prioress and discharged her office for fifteen years, "for a lifetime because her exemplary life, her zeal for the regular observance, her mortification, and other virtues shone in her guaranteed prudence of her government and established immense hope for abundant fruits in that new vineyard of which she was the custodian. Mother Francisca and Her Companion Beatas It is easy to understand the life which our Francisca could lead once she was enclosed in the Beaterio, the center of her most ardent vows. In religious observance she was excellent. She was austere with herself, kind to others, and charitable to all. She was an indefatigable worker and an inexorable promoter of regular observance. Such virtues could not be perfect without the crucible of tribulations, nor could the devil regard such a foundation with indifference. So he aged a pitiless war against her. Therefore, the Lord permitted that the Beaterio and its Prioress to undergo the most terrible trials before they achieved a certain kind of security. There was one who, tired of the religious life and urged by the enemy of Peace, lamented to the archbishop the excessive rigidity of the Prioress against whom she related a thousand and one calumnies. This and other problems resulting from the control of the Beaterio, as well as other causes which are improper to mention brought about the closing of the edifice and the dispersion of the Beatas who were confined in the College of Santa Isabel, and whose habits had been removed amidst copious tears capable of moving the most hard-hearted. The gnawing bitterness experienced by our Sister under these painful circumstances could only be imagined, for it cannot in any way be explained. She saw the Demon triumphant, what with the spiritual edifice which was raised at the cost of so many protracted sacrifices destroyed, some of her ewes led astray, and others deprived of their beloved solitude. Nevertheless, she did not weaken in such a difficult situation, neither did she lose tranquility of soul, nor presence of mind, nor did she slacken in the regular observance of her duties. The two long years of her stay in Sta. Isabel presented the most potent proof of the great virtues and eminent gifts of Francisca. Finally, the Lord heard the incessant prayers of His servant. The difficulties having been overcome, Francisca, by common consent of the Prelates, returned to reopen the Beaterio and became better known and admired after many days of bitterness and aft1iction. Re-established at the Beaterio, the Venerable Francisca devoted herself immediately to all the wishes of her fervent heart -the practice of the most sublime virtues -humility, silence, and the most ardent charity, mortifications were practiced jointly with her virtues and prayer, and the presence of God - seasoned all the actions of her laborious life. Finally, weighed down by so much work as the soul of the new Beaterio, after having triumphed over all the oppositions of Satan and with inexpressible joy of leaving this nursery of virtues solidly secure, she died at the age of sixty three years on August 24, 1711, after a tormenting illness during which she gave the most excellent signs of patience, resignation, and abnegation. Great were the eulogies made by the Chapter of the intermediate Congregation celebrated on April 16, 1712, in its acts on the Venerable Mother Francisca. Moreover, since it would not be possible to translate them completely because of their excessive length, for the sake of this Book .1 am going to translate some parts. "Having been brought to the Beaterio so that she might yield abundant fruits of virtue and serve as an example to others, she realized her hopes abundantly by constant practice and works of mercy. .Indeed, complying with her duties with exactitude and diligence, by dint of constant toil in the practice of virtues, she succeeded in establishing a form of religious life and proved herself a model of good deeds. Observing the Rule of the Third Order to the letter, not only did she subdue her body by fast, prayers, mortifications, and abnegation of her own will, but she also raised her indefatigable soul to the pinnacle of perfection. " Finally, on August 24, 1711, the fame of her sanctity being great, in age well advanced as well as in grace and virtue (according to the words of the Holy Spirit), and already matured for heaven and strengthened by the Holy Sacraments, her soul now freed from its vessel of clay, passed on to its eternal reward unto the blessed company of her departed Sisters. Reference: Militia de Jesucristo: Manual de los Hermanos de la Tercera Orden de la Penitencia de Santo Domingo. (Manila: Tipog. del Colegio de Santo Tomas) As she grew in charity for her neighbor, she also grew in the desire to surrender herself intimately to her celestial Spouse. Francisco Gainza, OP