Mother Rita and Mother Consuelo

Summary

In 1843, Inés Barcelo, known as Mother Rita, was born and later joined the contemplative community of the Viterio de Mantellatas de San Agustín in Barcelona. With her sister Joaquina, known as Mother Consuelo, they both arrived in Manila in 1883 to care for orphans affected by the cholera epidemic. Despite challenges like the Philippine Revolution and the Spanish-American War, they dedicated their lives to service, with Mother Rita passing away in 1904 and Mother Consuelo leading the congregation until her death in 1940. Their legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire.

Takeaways

• 🎉 Ines Pages Barcelo, also known as Mother Rita, was born on August 20, 1843, in Barcelona and later joined the contemplative community of the Viterio de Mantellatas de San Agustin in Barcelona.
• 🌍 On April 6, 1883, Mother Rita arrived in Manila as one of the four sisters volunteering to care for orphans affected by the cholera epidemic of 1882.
• 🏡 The sisters were given charge of the Mandaluyong orphanage, where they cared for children orphaned by the epidemic.
• 👭 Mother Rita's younger sister, Joaquina Mercedes Josefa Barcelo, known as Mother Consuelo, joined her in Manila and took the religious name Sor Consuelo.
• 📅 Mother Consuelo arrived in Manila on October 6, 1883, and was part of the second group of Spanish sisters to serve at the Mandaluyong orphanage.
• 🇵🇭 Both sisters were left to care for the orphans in 1888 when other Spanish sisters returned to Barcelona due to health issues and political unrest.
• 💔 The Philippine Revolution of 1896 and the Spanish-American War of 1898 led to the separation of Mother Rita and Mother Consuelo from their Filipino sisters, who were ordered to return to Spain.
• 🏥 Despite a longing to return to the Philippines, Mother Rita suffered a spinal injury from a fall and passed away in Barcelona on May 14, 1904.
• 🛫 Mother Consuelo returned to Manila in July 1904 and was elected superior general in 1915, serving for four terms over 25 years.
• 🌱 Under Mother Consuelo's leadership, the congregation grew and expanded its mission, demonstrating her virtues of love, faith, hope, humility, and service to the poor and sick.
• 🕊 Mother Consuelo passed away on August 4, 1940, at the age of 83, after a life of service and dedication to her spiritual and temporal community.

Q & A

Who were Consuelo and Rita Barcelo, and what is significant about their lives?

Consuelo and Rita Barcelo were sisters from Barcelona, Spain, who became nuns and dedicated their lives to caring for orphans in Manila, particularly those affected by the cholera epidemic of 1882.

When and where was Inés Pages Barcelo, also known as Mother Rita, born?

Inés Pages Barcelo, known as Mother Rita, was born on August 20, 1843, in Zarya Barcelona, Spain.

What religious community did Mother Rita join and what was her religious name?

Mother Rita joined the contemplative community of the Viterio de Mantellatas de San Agustín in Barcelona and was given the religious name Sor Rita.

When did Mother Rita arrive in Manila and what was her mission there?

Mother Rita arrived in Manila on April 6, 1883, as one of the four sisters who volunteered to care for the orphans of the 1882 cholera epidemic.

What was the role of Mother Rita and her fellow sisters at the Mandaluyong Orphanage?

Mother Rita and her fellow sisters were given charge of the Mandaluyong Orphanage to care for the orphans affected by the cholera epidemic.

Who was Joaquina Mercedes Josefa Barcelo, and how is she related to Mother Rita?

Joaquina Mercedes Josefa Barcelo, known as Mother Consuelo, was Mother Rita's younger blood sister who also joined the religious community and served at the Mandaluyong Orphanage.

When and where was Mother Consuelo born, and what was her religious name?

Mother Consuelo was born on July 24, 1857, in Saria Barcelona, Spain. Her religious name was Sor Consuelo.

Why did Mother Rita and Mother Consuelo have to leave the Philippines?

The Philippine Revolution of 1896 and the Spanish-American War of 1898 led to the separation of Mother Rita and Mother Consuelo from their Filipino sisters, and they were bound by obedience to return to Spain.

What happened to Mother Rita after she returned to Spain?

After returning to Spain, Mother Rita suffered from an accidental fall that caused a slip in her spinal cord. She experienced intense pain and suffering before passing away on May 14, 1904.

When did Mother Consuelo return to Manila and what was her role in the congregation?

Mother Consuelo returned to Manila in July 1904 and was elected Superior General in the first general chapter in 1915, serving for four terms over 25 years.

How did Mother Consuelo demonstrate her virtues and affections during her leadership?

Mother Consuelo showed outstanding virtues such as love of God, love of neighbor, faith, hope, human justice, humility, poverty, prudence, rebellions, and fortitude. She had a special affection for the poor, the sick, the miserable, and the unfortunate, attending to their spiritual and temporal needs.

How did Mother Consuelo pass away and where is she commemorated?

Mother Consuelo suffered two strong heart attacks on July 31, 1940, and was brought to the hospital. She died on August 4, 1940, at the age of 83. Her remains are in the chapel of Kalaheo de la Consulation, where people come to offer their last tribute of love and gratitude.