Sr. Grace Rivera, RGS
Sr. Grace Rivera, RGS
Translated for the Church and Pope, this papal award was conferred on our Sr. Mary Grace Rivera on February 5, 2005 at the Eucharistic Celebration in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Malabon. Bishop Deogracias S. Iñiguez D.D. presided over the celebration.
The document, however, is dated August 11, 2004. Significantly, that was the day before Sr. Mary Grace went home to God, August 12, 2004 – as if to say: whether on earth or in heaven, she had no need of the honors.
The golden medal with the images of Sts. Peter and Paul on one side and the Papal tiara on the other symbolizes the appreciation of the Church of Sr. Mary Grace’s untiring efforts in the building up of the parish community, among them the construction of the church and the school.
The award was accepted posthumously by Sr. Carmelita Cruz, Provincial Coordinator and Dr. Antonio Rivera, a nephew of Sr. Mary Grace. In the ceremony were RGS from all over Metro Manila, the immediate family of Sr. Grace and the lay staff of Heart of Mary Villa where she was missioned for thirty one years.
TRIBUTE TO SR. GRACE
In her quiet way, Sr. Mary Grace spent her life ministering to individuals and groups
esp in the parish. She lived the Gospel teaching: " When you give alms, your left
hand must not know what your right hand is doing; your alms must be in secret,
and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you." (Mt 6:3-4)
Sr. Mary Natividad Banaag, RGS
"Though sickly and aged, I marveled at Sr. Mary Grace’ enthusiasm and energy in assisting me built the parish church and the Immaculate Heart of Mary School. In everything that concerned the parish growth and development, she never got tired.
She was always young at heart, open, zealous, optimistic, strong-willed and straight, yet so gentle and loving. I was deeply touched by the way she cared for me; her love and affection only a mother or a "lola" could give. I will always cherish this in my life.
In her simplicity of life, she manifested "par excelans", the qualities of a Good Shepherd. The intensity of religious life she lived is so inspiring – a life of total dedication to God, the Blessed Virgin and the people entrusted to her care, a life lived to the fullest. It was a fruitful, meaningful and beautiful life".
Fr. Dandi Bermejo
Parish Priest- Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
"Basic Bible Course, Mariology at Christology Seminars ang mga gawaing nagpapaala-ala sa aking buhay kay Sr. Mary Grace. Siya ay isang mabuting kaibigan, tagapayo at tagahubog. "
Lando Acedre
Special Minister of the Holy Eucharist
"Isa siyang masugid at matapat na tagapagtaguyod ng mga gawain sa simbahan. Kanyang adhikain ang makitang mapalago ang mga BEC sa ating parokya. Nadama ko sa kanya ang kagandahang-loob ng ating Panginoon."
Ric Bariso
Sp. Min. of the Holy Eucharist
"Wala siyang kasing bait na tao. Nakita ko sa kanya ang Presensya ng Diyos. Maunawain siya, mapagkalinga ngunit strikta at ito ang nakatulong sa akin upang magsumikap sa aking pag-aaral at mahubog ang aking pagkatao. Maraming salamat, Sr, Mary Grace, sa pagbibigay halimbawa sa amin kung paano magmahal sa Diyos at sa kapwa, lalung-lalo na sa mga batang malapit sa inyong puso."
Linda Barque
IHM Parish catechist