The Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) pays tribute to the life and spiritual journey of S. Maria Loreto Jagape Abregana, RVM, a woman of profound transparency, intellectual excellence, and unwavering commitment to the mission of Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.
Throughout her 62 years of religious life, Sister Loreto, affectionately known as "Lolita" to her family, served as a bridge between rigor of administration and the tenderness of a deeply maternal heart
Roots in the Island of Fire: Camiguin
Born on February 23, 1940, in Barrio Mainit, Catarman, Camiguin, Lolita was the daughter of Fructuoso Elago Abregana, a dedicated public school teacher, and Lorenza Jagape. Growing up in a large, blended family of twelve children, she learned early the values of adjustment, generosity, and consideration.
Her childhood was deeply influenced by her maternal grandparents, Vicente and Saturnina Jagape. She fondly recalled rising at 4:00 AM for the Trisagion prayers, sharing thick (malapot) chocolate at breakfast, and witnessing her grandfather - then Barrio Captain - open their home to priests and government officials. It was in this atmosphere of generosity that she first internalized the family motto: “The more you give, the more you have.”
Academic Excellence and the "Mysterious Force"
A naturally gifted student, Lolita was often accelerated in school, completing elementary education at the age of ten. Though initially hesitant to pursue higher studies, she eventually became a working student at Lourdes College in Cagayan de Oro, earning her Associate of Arts degree.
She later moved to Quezon City and graduated from St. Mary’s College with a Bachelor of Science in Education, majoring in Library Science and History. From 1960 to 1964, she served as Assistant Registrar of St. Mary’s College, while faithfully supporting the education of her younger siblings. Only after fulfilling her responsibilities to her family did she respond to what she described as a “mysterious force” calling her to religious life. Despite her parents' initial objections, she entered the RVM Postulancy on February 1, 1964, resolutely declaring, “I can wait no longer. God’s appointed time is now.”
The Formation of a "Symbolic Human Heart"
Sister Loreto was disarmingly honest about her personality, describing herself as "brutally frank, rough, and straightforward." She acknowledged that these traits sometimes "clogged the pathways" of her relationships within the community.
However, her initial formation years beginning with her Novitiate in 1964 and culminating in her First Profession in 1966 became a time of profound transformation. Under the guidance of S. Maria Angelina Fernando and M. Maria Remedios Enriquez, she learned that the Lord works most powerfully through recognized weakness. She gradually moved from self-assuredness embracing a path of inner emptying and authenticity. She celebrated her Perpetual Profession on March 25, 1974, Silver Jubilee on February 1, 1991, and her Golden Jubilee in 2016, always expressing gratitude for the “others,” - her Sisters - who challenged and helped her grow.
A Life of Dedicated Stewardship
Sister Loreto’s ministry was marked by precision, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility. Her keen intellect and administrative gifts were generously placed at the service of the Congregation:
She served as the Registrar and House Mother of the Sister Formation Institute (SFI) and later as the Registrar of Pilar College in Zamboanga City.
For thirteen years (1974–1987), she served as the Private Secretary to Superiors General M. Maria Josefina Yamzon and M. Maria Assumpta David. Her work in the Secretariat was a "painful but fruitful growth," where she learned to balance her straightforwardness with maternal care.
She contributed to the Mindanao-Sulu Pastoral Council (MSPC), collaborating with clergy and bishops, deepening her appreciation of the universal Church
She also served in the overseas mission at the Apostolic Nunciature of Papua, New Guinea.
Later Years and Spiritual Legacy
In her later years, particularly her time at the Betania Retreat House in Tagaytay, Sister Loreto focused on the "theology of being." She wrote, “I am what I am... no pretense.” She found peace in giving her time to others, viewing "Time" as the fullest expression of generosity. She remained a prayer warrior for her siblings, nieces, and nephews, while facing her own physical limitations with the same transparency she applied to her work, always concluding with a joyful, “Thank you, God, for the gift of ME!”
A Letter to the Mother Foundress
On September 6, 1983, Sister Loreto penned a prayerful letter in her autobiography, addressed to the Venerable Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo:
"My dear Mother Ignacia,
Please accept my profound gratitude for the constant guidance and inspiration you have given me, expressed so clearly through your 1726 Rules.
Thank you for the 'Beatas of the 20th Century' under the leadership of your most loyal daughter, M. Maria Josefina C. Yamzon. God is so good to us! You have never failed us; you constantly support and inspire us to do the Father’s will in all things. Thank you, too, for bringing us closer to Mary, our Mother and model in every aspect of our lives.
I particularly thank you, dear Mother Ignacia, for the influence of Mother Josefina in my life. She has always been there through my joys and sorrows to instill in me your Marian spirit and virtues. She has been there to constantly admonish me in my weaknesses and failures, always concerned for my growth in the love of God and neighbor. She is indeed a gift to the Congregation, the Church, and to me personally. Dear Mother Ignacia, continue to pray for her, for me, and for us all."
A Living Archive of Faith and Fidelity
Sister Loreto’s legacy lives on most vividly in the hearts of those who journeyed with her. She was not only a meticulous administrator but also a “living archive” - a faithful guardian of the Congregation’s shared history and a paragon of sacred confidentiality.
M. Maria Corazon D. Agda, RVM, offers a poignant reflection on this unique gift:
"S. Maria Loreto was one of the unforgettable guardians of the Congregation's memories. Working with her while still a novice, a Junior Sister, and a Newly Perpetually Professed Sister (NPPS), I heard about some of the untold stories of the Congregation. I wish she had written them down. I have - in my heart. She was a fine listener. She maintained her deep sense of confidentiality all these years. As Private Secretary to two Superiors General, she lived up to her role of keeping confidentiality to an unparalleled extent, whether as secretary, spiritual director, or friend. The statement, 'Thank you for your benevolent guidance and counseling' is attributed to her. Thank you, S. Lolay. You were a guide, model, and inspiration. Your ways may not have pleased all, but your fidelity and love for what you do were beyond all telling."
This sentiment of profound gratitude is echoed by many others, including Most Rev. Jose A. Cabantan, DD, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro. Across countless online tributes and personal messages, a single, powerful theme emerges: a collective 'thank you' for a woman whose unyielding fidelity to her calling was matched only by the quiet, benevolent guidance she offered to all who sought her counsel. As Teresita Rosario Billones so beautifully concluded: 'Your fidelity and love for what you do were beyond all telling.
Conclusion
S. Maria Loreto Jagape Abregana, RVM, was a religious who never concealed her humanity behind her habit. She was real, courageous, and deeply dedicated, teaching us that holiness is not found in perfection, but in being transparent before God.
Having lived a life of total surrender, she now returns to the heart of the One who first called her. Her loving siblings, her many relatives, and her RVM family, will long cherish her frank wisdom and her dedicated heart.
As she enters into the eternal Joy of her Master, we echo her own final reflections: "I have nothing more to ask God at this point, but a big Maraming salamat po!"
May the Lord, who began this good work in her, now bring it to fulfillment in the radiance of His face. Rest in peace, Sister Maria Loreto.