11 Questions
What title was given to Catherine of Siena Fuentes on March 11, 2003?
Servant of God
What was established by Francisca del Espíritu Santo Fuentes for women?
A place of prayer and devotion
What was issued in 2011 to commemorate Catherine of Siena Fuentes' 300th death anniversary?
A stamp
What is the name of the order where many young girls native to the Philippines began joining under Catherine's guidance?
Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena
How many communities of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena existed in the Philippines and the United States as of 2019?
About 50
Where was Mother Francisca del Espíritu Santo Fuentes born?
Manila
Who was Francisca's husband?
A gentleman who died shortly after their wedding
What did Francisca dedicate her time to after her husband's death?
Prayer and social service
What was the name of the congregation established by Francisca and her companions?
Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena
In what year did Francisca become a Dominican tertiary?
1682
Who approved the request of Francisca and her companions to live together in a life of prayer and the practice of the virtues?
The Master General of the Order of Preachers
Study Notes
Mother Francisca del Espíritu Santo Fuentes: A Life of Faith and Service
Mother Francisca del Espíritu Santo Fuentes, born in Manila in 1647, was a Spanish Roman Catholic religious sister who became the first prioress of the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena in the Philippines. Her life was marked by faith, service, and a deep commitment to helping the poor and sick, which led her to establish the Beaterio de Santa Catalina de Siena in Manila.
Biography
Francisca Fuentes was born to Don Simón de Fuentes, a Spaniard, and Doña Ana María del Castillo y Tamayo, a Spanish mestiza from Manila. She grew up as a fine lady and was given in marriage to a gentleman who died shortly after their wedding, leaving her a childless widow. After her husband's death, Francisca dedicated her time to prayer and social service, helping many poor and sick in the city. In 1682, she became a Dominican tertiary, taking the name "Francisca del Espíritu Santo."
Legacy and Contributions
In 1686, Francisca, Antonia de Jesús Esquerra, María Ana de Fuentes (Francisca's blood-sister), Maria Ana de la Vega, and Sebastiana Salcedo requested permission to live together in a life of prayer and the practice of the virtues. Their request was eventually approved by the Master General of the Order of Preachers in Rome in January 1688. The Beaterio de Santa Catalina de Siena was established, and it still stands as the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena.
Fuentes was named a "Servant of God" on March 11, 2003, and Pope Francis declared her "Venerable" in 2019. In 2011, on the 300th anniversary of her death, the Postal Service of the Republic of the Philippines issued a stamp in her honor. There is also a historical marker regarding Mother Francisca on Muralla Street in Intramuros, Manila. As of 2019, there were about 50 communities of the Dominican Sisters of Saint Catherine of Siena in the Philippines and the United States.
Spirituality
Francisca del Espíritu Santo Fuentes was a woman of deep faith who dedicated her life to prayer and service. She saw her grief as an opportunity to grow closer to God and to help those in need. Her faith led her to establish the Beaterio de Santa Catalina de Siena, a place where women could live together in a life of prayer and devotion.
Quote
"Under her motherly watch, many young girls native to the Philippines began joining the order."
Explore the life and contributions of Mother Francisca del Espíritu Santo Fuentes, the first prioress of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena in the Philippines. Learn about her deep faith, service to the poor, and the establishment of the Beaterio de Santa Catalina de Siena.
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