From 1927 to 1980, the first glimpse of Theresian learning at St. Theresa’s College Manila came from a sprightly loving kind figure, Mother Redempta (or later, Sister Redempta Biltereyst).
As mentor for kindergarten pupils, Mother Redempta introduced STCM’s little girls and boys to the fun of learning. School easily became one’s second home, with her colorful chalk, large counting beads, songs, plays, high energy level and loving attention. In later years, that learning would assume a more somber serious intense tone that would mark a Theresian for life.
While it was a girls’ school, St. Theresa’s welcomed boys for kindergarten. And it is perhaps more for her boys than for her little girls that Mother Redempta will be remembered. Her company of kinder-knights include Fr. Jaime Bulatao, SJ, Father Jose Cruz, SJ, Roman Cruz, Jr., Gary Valenciano, Johnny Litton, Ricky Davao, and other countless men who proudly claim to have been a Mother Redempta boy.
And so, in 1996, as a fitting tribute to their beloved mentor and mother hen, her boys established the Mother Redempta Fund. MRF acts as the service arm of STAA.
Among the Fund’s continuing charities is the Philippine Orthopedic Hospital where Mother Redempta herself directed her energy since the closing of STCM in 1980. The Fund also supports the old ICM nuns staying at various residences within the STCQC compound. Some of their residents are STCM alumnae. They are:
At De Meester Residence:
- Lourdes Dulay, College ’56
- Helen Rivera, College ’63
- Consuelo Varela, though not an STCM alumna, she served as its Directress 1982-84
At Camarin Residence:
- Emelina Villegas, HS ’55, College ’59
At Queen of Peace Residence:
- Perla M. Ramirez, HS ’47, College ’51
- Iluminada Torres, College ’51, who served as Treasurer of STCM for 15 years
Other current Fund beneficiaries are calamity victims (whether Theresian or not), and alumnae and teachers in need of medical assistance. In the past, STAA Manila extended help to Heart of Mary Villa (a center for abandoned babies and unwed mothers) and Kuya Center (a half-way home for street boys).
If you wish to continue Mother Redempta’s legacy of kindness, please donate to Mother Redempta Fund and send the form shown here.