Sr Mary Pilar Lahoz Verzosa RGS (24 September 1944 - 9 September 2012)
Sister Pilar died yesterday morning. She suffered an aneurysm last Thursday afternoon while giving a seminar at De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, Cavite. She was the founder of Pro-Life Philippines. May she rest in peace. Please remember her in your prayers.
Sister Mary Pilar L. Verzosa RGS was one of the great Filipinos of our time. She founded Pro-Life Philippines and was tireless in her work for women and girls who found themselves in difficult situations. The Religious of the Good Shepherd for many years in the Philippines have provided home for unmarried women who find themselves pregnant. You can get a good idea of what Sister Pilar committed her life to here.
Last February Sister Pilar was one of the recipients of the Mystery of Life Award from the Archdiocese of Seoul.
I met her a number of times and, on occasion, exchanged emails with her. I went to see her in Manila a couple of months ago to talk with her about Rachel's Vineyard. She was involved in a number of ministries for women who had abortions. Despite her very busy schedule she gave me her full attention and encouragement for an hour or so.
Here is a clip from a rally in the Philippines where Sister Pilar leads the participants in The Angelus, in Tagalog. After the prayer she leads all in signing Happy Birthday in thanksgiving for the birth of each.
The name 'Pilar', quite common in the Philippines, is from the Spanish Nuestra Señora del Pilar, Our Lady of the Pillar. Under that title Mary is Patroness of Hispanics and also of Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.
Please remember Sister Pilar in your prayers.
Shrine of La Virgen del Pilar, Zamboanga City
Here is the death notice from the website of the Religious of the Good Shepherd, Philippines.
+ Sr. M. Pilar L. Verzosa RGS
“And she shall live in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalm 23
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SR. MARY PILAR L. VERZOSA RGS(Pilar Lahoz Verzosa) of Vigan, Ilocos Sur
September 24, 1944 – September 9, 2012
On September 9, 2012, our dear Sister Mary Pilar peacefully joined Jesus,
the Good Shepherd, after 45 years in religious life.
the Good Shepherd, after 45 years in religious life.
her bereaved family and relatives
are grateful for your prayerful remembrances.
Quezon City.
Masses at 8 p.m. on September 9, 10, 11, 2012
The Mass of the Resurrection is on Wednesday, September 12 at 3:00 p.m.
Inurnment follows at the Good Shepherd Columbary.