The History of the Cause for the Beatification of Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, foundress of the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary (1663-1748) followed a long path from Manila to Rome. Between 1986 when the Cause was formally initiated by His Eminence Jaime L. Cardinal Sin, then Archbishop of Manila, and today, February 1, 2008, many people were involved in promoting it through the various stages designed by the Holy See through the Sacred Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

On January 16, 2001 the Sacred Congregation’s experts met to discuss historical questions surrounding the Servant of God, followed by discussions on her virtues. On February 23, 2007, the Congress of Theologians successfully held their assembly and accepted the POSITIO on the life and virtues of the Servant of God, Ignacia del Espiritu Santo.

On June 19, 2007 the Cardinals and Bishops of the Sacred Congregation met in a regular session. Having heard the report of the Most Rev. Pier Girolano de Nicolo, defender of the Cause, they acknowledged the theological and cardinal virtues which Mother Ignacia put into practice to a heroic degree. The result was then elevated to the Holy Father.

“Through an accurate report by the Cardinal Prefect of the Congregation (for the Causes of Saints) the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI was dutifully informed of the Cause (of the Servant of God, Mother Ignacia del Espiritu Santo). His Holiness accepting and ratifying the said report, declared on this day (July 6, 2007) that ‘Servant of God Ignacia del Espiritu Santo, foundress of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is found to posses to a heroic degree the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity toward God and neighbor, as well as the cardinal virtues of Prudence. Justice, Temperance and Fortitude.” (Excerpt from the Decree)

On December 24, 2007 Rev. Mother General received the original decree hand carried from Rome. It was a Christmas gift to the Religious of the Virgin Mary!

Upon consultation with His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales the promulgation of the decree was set for February 1, 2008 at the Binondo Church.

This is the day the Lord has made for us to rejoice and be glad.