Long time ago, when I was still in my pre-school age, I never thought that the school where I grew up and the good lady who put it up will become known from the different parts of the Philippines.
My school is Sacred Heart College. It is known to be the oldest Catholic School here in Lucena City and in the entire Southern Tagalog, founded by the 26-year-old Hermana Fausta Labrador on April 27, 1884 with the help of a wealthy citizen of Lucena named Don Gregorio Merchan.
Fausta was the daughter of Policarpio Labrador and Nemesia Zarzadias. She was born on December 15, 1858. Better known as Uta, she sow seeds of Christian values and gave love to the less privileged.
On Aug. 14, 1937, Sacred Heart College was turned over to the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and until now, the school is still pursuing the good work that Hermana Fausta has started.
September 13, 1941, Sunday, at the age of 84, Hermana Uta died.
The life of Hermana Uta was already written in a book titled "The Good Woman of Lucena" by Mrs. Monina Allarey Mercado. This year (2009) as Sacred Heart College celebrates its 125th year, her life will be relived in a film portrayed by actress Perla Bautista with actor Tommy Abuel as Fernando Amorsolo.
Also, her antique portrait was said to be Fernando Amorsolo's commissioned obra, an oil portrait on canvas. The portrait has been authenticated by the experts of the National Historical Institute (NHI) and Materials Conservation Center, identified Amorsolo's signature and distinctive wooden frame.
In the article from the Philippine Star, it says:
Seated on a regal chair of massive wood, the silver-haired Hermana Fausta bears a pious mien. She is robed in deep blue-green garment, on the left side of which is pinned the medal Condecoracion Papal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. The Catholic Church bestowed the award on her in 1936.
Amorsolo presents Hermana Fausta’s virtuous persona in a new light. Kind and simple. Humble and noble — deserving of honor and emulation. Hence, he has exalted her to a venerable seat.
The movie Fausta is set to be shown in public on:
February 21-22, 2009
SM City Lucena, Cinema 2
Another thing to learn about our dear foundress, aside from being known as the Good Woman of Lucena and foundress of Sacred Heart College, she is one of the many Filipinos who have pending causes for beatification. We are hoping that soon, she will be one of our Filipino Saints like San Lorenzo Ruiz and Pedro Calungsod.
Read more about Hermana Fausta Labrador's life HERE
For Sacred Heart College site, please click HERE
