Sr. Mary
Assumption Ocampo RGS, the first Filipina Good Shepherd Sister, was laid to
rest December 13 at the convent graveyard in
Federico Escaler SJ.
Assumption passed away on December
10 at the age of 102 in
years. Her remains were cremated and the ashes brought to
nephew Bishop Escaler, and Good Shepherd Sisters from
Guadalupe Bautista, local leader of the Good Shepherd Sisters in
Assumption. Sunday’s tribute was a
continuation of the previous night’s sharing of memories of Sr. Mary Assumption by family and sisters, several of
them her former students. The tribute focused on Sr.
Assumptions’s generosity, simplicity, compassionate heart and creativity in the
accomplishment of her mission.
Sr. Mary Assumption was a beautiful gift from God to the Good Shepherd Congregation which has launched recently its preparation for the celebration of 100th year of presence in the Philippines this 2012.
Guadalupe also read from the vocation story that Sr. Mary Assumption shared
when she was interviewed in 2002 when she was already 95. Sr. Guadalupe quoted
from Sr. Mary Assumption sharing that demonstrated her spirituality,
simplicity, generosity and compassionate heart towards the poor.
Received in Baptism
Patricia Perez, RGS, member of the apostolic council of the Province Leadership
Team, led the Rite symbolizing light and life received in Baptism. Quoting a
poet, “Death is not the extinguishing of
light. It is the blowing out of a candle because the dawn has come,.” Sr.
Patricia continued that “Sr. Mary Assumption now enjoys the dawn that will
never have a sunset. Our hope, our
certainty is rooted in our belief that Jesus died, rose gain and lives forever.
During the rite, the “Paschal Candle which speaks of Jesus Resurrection” was lighted by Sr. Cecilia
Torres RGS, province leader. The urn
with Sr. Mary Assumption’s ashes was draped with white cloth which was a symbol
of her baptism, by two of her nieces. Sr. Teresita Feliciano RGS, another
niece, placed beside the urn a crucifix and congregational cross as a symbol of
Sr. Mary Assumption’s life as a Good Shepherd Sister.
gathered were united in celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection and the fulfillment
of the great promise, God’s promise of
everlasting life.
homily during the Sunday Mass, also celebrated in the whole Church as Laetare Sunday, the third Sunday of
Advent, a joyful occasion of expectation as we approach Christmas, Bishop
Escaler said, “If I have my choice, this Mass should be a Mass of the Resurrection, thanksgiving."
He recalled that "when one looks at the life of Sr. Mary Assumption it was a
mixture of joy, sorrow, pain, and accomplishments."
Escaler, reminded those present that if we they look back at the life of Sr.
Mary Assumption, “we pray not with sadness but with joy and look at her life of
dedication, service, love in community, and also for the poor. With those, I
think she lived a full life, so as we celebrate this Mass, this is one of
thanksgiving, for the wonderful gift that God has given us and allowing her to
come to our lives.”
Gratitude is the memory of the heart
The
French proverb, “Gratitude is the memory of the heart,” often mentioned by St.
Mary Euphrasias, foundress of the Good Shepherd congregation, was the theme
that ran through the messages of Ms.
Pilar Fernandez who spoke on behalf
of Sr. Mary Assumption’s family and Sr.
Cecilia Torres, province leader of Good Shepherd Sisters in the Philippines.
Mass celebrated at the Good Shepherd Chapel, those present processed towards
the graveyard of the convent where the urn with Sr. Mary Assumption’s ashes was
laid to rest.
my blood will have life everlasting and I will raise you up on the Last Day.”