The Divine Partnership
“The finger of God is here." These words, which served as a constant echo throughout the life of S. Maria Jacinta de Belen, RVM - fondly known to many as “Sister Jackie” - reveal a journey that was less about personal achievement and more about a divine partnership. From the ruins of a fire-gutted school to the high-domed halls of institution, she moved as a humble instrument, recognizing that every miracle of restoration and every milestone of progress was a direct touch of the Creator’s hand.
Roots of Brilliance and the Sacred "Fiat"
A visionary educator, resilient leader, and devoted servant of the Divine Majesty, S. Maria Jacinta peacefully entered eternal life, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith, excellence, and service. Born Jacinta Reynata de Belen on January 26, 1943, in Cruz-na-Daan, San Rafael, Bulacan, she was the eldest child of Rufo de Belen and Regina Serrano. Even in her youth, she was a natural unifier; her siblings fondly remember her as the one who organized the first youth center for young professionals in their homeplace and later initiated the grand reunions of the De Belen clan. Despite her demanding mission, she maintained a strong, unbreakable connection with her family, ensuring that her roots remained as nourished as the institutions she led.
After graduating as salutatorian of St. Mary’s Academy of Baliuag, Bulacan and earning a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Santo Tomas, she answered her divine "fiat" in 1963. This marked the beginning of a 46-year journey in the education ministry that would touch countless lives across the Philippines and beyond.
An Architect of Resilience and Innovation
S. Maria Jacinta was renowned for finding possibilities in nothingness. She led the rebuilding of Holy Cross of Bansalan College from the ashes and bridged the gap between schools and communities in Tagum City through the Mother Ignacia Research and Development Center. In 1992, she took the helm as President of the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) in Davao City, establishing it as a pioneer of digital advancement in Mindanao. Even a harrowing plane crash in 1986, which left her immobile for ten months, could not still her spirit; from her hospital bed, she drafted the foundational Administrative Manual for the RVM Education Ministry.
The Grace of the Hidden Life
Beyond her administrative triumphs and global advocacy in Canada, Mexico, and the USA, S. Maria Jacinta remained a humble servant. In later chapters of her life, she transitioned with grace from the presidency back to the classroom, finding immense joy in teaching Theology to first-year students. Her final years were spent in the "paradise" of Betania Retreat House in Cagayan de Oro, where she embraced a life of solitude and communion with nature. Celebrating her Golden Jubilee in 2017, she reaffirmed her philosophy of "trust in people," living an unwavering "Amen" as a faithful daughter of Mary who turned every challenge into a masterpiece of God’s marvels.
Love for Mother Ignacia
S. Jackie was deeply zealous in promoting the Cause of Ignacia del Espíritu Santo. She never missed an opportunity to speak about Mother Ignacia, sharing her life and spirit with heartfelt conviction and joy.
Even during her stay at St. Joseph Home, her enthusiasm never waned. She remained actively interested in the Mother Ignacia Movement and made herself available whenever there were gatherings of the MIM in Dasmariñas. Whenever invited, she eagerly offered to speak about Mother Ignacia, inspiring others with her deep love and personal devotion.
Her missionary spirit bore fruit as well among the Lay Partners at St. Joseph Home, where she initiated and formed a Mother Ignacia Movement community. Through her zeal and dedication, many came to know and love Mother Ignacia more deeply.
A Tribute: The Heart of a Servant
To describe S. Maria Jacinta is to describe a woman who sees a desert and envisions a sanctuary. She possessed a legendary "zest for life" that refused to be dimmed by age or infirmity. For those she mentored, her wisdom became a guiding light for a lifetime. She often challenged her students and peers with the powerful reminder: “Huwag mong sabihin na hindi mo kaya kung hindi mo pa nagawa ang lahat.” (Do not say you cannot do it if you have not yet done everything you can.)
While many remember her as the Powerhouse of Excellence - the Chemist who brought the RVM ministry into the digital age - we also remember the RVM Sister who turned brokenness into strength. When her body was shattered in a plane crash, she used those ten months of stillness to write the manual that would guide the education ministry.
But there is another S. Maria Jacinta: the Servant of the Marginalized. She is the leader who walked into depressed barangays to start a cooperative with nothing but 1,500 pesos and a prayer. She is the celebrant who, instead of roses, asked for trucks of cement for her birthday so her students could have a gymnasium. Her life was a series of courageous "What Ifs." What if we trusted the poor? What if we dreamed beyond our budget? What if we said "Amen" to the Lord, no matter where He sends us?
A Tapestry of Gratitude: Voices of the Heritage
The legacy of "Sister Jackie" is most vibrantly seen in the digital and heart-bound tributes shared by those whose lives she touched. These voices paint a portrait of a religious Sister who was a mother, a mentor, and a sanctuary.
The Compassionate Dean and Superintendent: To her students at St. Mary’s College of Tagum and across the RVM schools in Northern Mindanao, she was the face of mercy. Many recall her as the "best teacher" who taught not just with her mind, but with a deeply accepting heart. One former student shared a memory that spoke for many: “It seems like just yesterday that you were signing my promissory notes every exam.”
A Sister of Simple Joys and Generosity: Members of St. Rita’s College of Balingasag (SRCB) family remember her as a "wonderful soul" who expressed love through hospitality. Whether she was cooking "Crispy Pata" for coworkers or generously offering her own plants to a pregnant colleague for a Block Rosary altar, she proved that no act of kindness was too small. Her words of encouragement gave those around her a "deeper sense of purpose" in their own work.
A Sanctuary of Acceptance: For those who felt misunderstood or marginalized, Sister Jackie’s wisdom was a lifeline. A former student shared how her radical acceptance provided life-changing strength that gave courage to the discouraged and made the unseen feel truly valued.
A Bridge of Wisdom and Friendship: Colleagues in the MINSAC leadership and those who shared the "good old days" in Borongan and the Regional House in Singalong remember a Sister of remarkable dedication and friendship. Sister Jackie served as a vital bridge to the past; from researchers tracing the history of Mother Ignacia and the Beaterio de la Compañia de Jesus to young aspirants finding their way during a Search-In, she was a constant source of profound wisdom and welcome. As one tribute beautifully summarized: “Thank You Lord for this wonderful soul... her kindness and good deeds will forever remain in our hearts.”
A Final Prayer of Homecoming
S. Maria Jacinta, as you return to the heart of the Creator, we find ourselves looking at the landscape of our lives and seeing your fingerprints everywhere. Thank you for teaching us that no fire is too devastating to rebuild from, and no budget is too small for a soul that trusts in God. While we will miss your brilliant mind and your quiet presence in the garden, we rejoice that your "Amen" is now whispered directly into the ear of the Divine Majesty.
May you find your eternal rest in the Master’s hidden garden, dear S. Maria Jacinta, where the chemistry of grace is finally complete and the Finger of God leads you into the peace of an everlasting "Amen."
Farewell, S. Jackie. We love you.