The century-long development of the Missionary Sisters of St. Columban resembles that of a carefully cultivated mosaic – brightly illuminated by the growth of its constituent parts. Each tile added has left its own unique imprint on the character of the Congregation.
The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban has had many Filipina Sisters – including the present Congregational Leader, Sr. Anne Carbon. Her accession serves as a poignant reminder of the trailblazing spirit embodied by the Congregation’s first Filipina Sister, whose legacy continues to guide the Congregation towards the fulfilment of its abiding objectives.
Casimira Mercado, the daughter of a livestock inspector, was born on the 4th March 1914, in Tondo, Manila. During her formative years, Casimira’s parents instilled a strong emphasis on education. After graduating from Torres High School, she progressed to the Philippine Normal School, qualifying as a teacher in 1935. Initially she worked at Balagtas Elementary School, and balanced her career with ongoing studies at the University of Santo Tomas, where she earned her BSE by 1941.
Amidst the trials and tribulations of the Japanese invasion during World War II, Casimira’s faith and patriotism were shaped profoundly by the resilience of her people. After the war, she wanted to assist her newly-independent nation in the propagation of the national language. Consequently, she obtained an MA while teaching Filipino at Jose Abad Santos High School. Promoted to the role of Filipino supervisor in 1948, she inspected educational facilities across North Mindanao.
During the course of her work, she encountered several religious congregations involved in education. She admired their commitment and vocation. A seminal meeting with the Columban Sisters in Immaculate Conception College, Ozamiz, left a lasting impression, and Casimira began contemplating religious life. After discovering that the Columban Sisters were seeking Filipina candidates for their new American novitiate in Hyde Park, Boston, Casimira decided to embrace her calling.
She arrived in the US in 1949 to commence her postulancy, and she made her First Profession on the 3rd July 1952 – taking the name Sr. Mary Consuelo. By 1953, she received an assignment to oversee St. Joseph’s School in Olongapo, Zambales, as school principal. She made her Final Profession in 1957.
Consuelo’s natural aptitude as a teacher took her across the length and breadth of the Philippines. Between 1959-66, she served in St. Michael’s, Tangub, before transferring to St. Columban’s, Labrador for 1967-71. Thereafter, Consuelo went on to San Isidro High School, Tudela between 1970-71, and in Malate Catholic School, Manila from 1971-76. Much loved by young people, one observer commented, “Sister is like the Pied Piper… youth are drawn to her!”
In the late 1970s, Consuelo returned to the US and paid a visit to Ireland for renewal. Due to declining health, in 1984 she moved away from teaching, and took up a pastoral assignment in Malasiqui. Drawing upon her vast experience as an educator, Consuelo seamlessly transitioned into providing spiritual counsel. Following the conclusion of the Malasiqui mission in 1986, she moved to the Sisters’ convent in San Juan, Manila. It was here where she passed away after a prolonged illness on 10 April 1991. During her lifetime, Consuelo radiated an indomitable reserve of warmth, understanding, and self-sacrifice. In every facet of her being, she embodied the core values of the Columban spirit.
