Maria Beatriz del Rosario Arroyo

María Beatriz del Rosario Arroyo y Pidal, religious name María Rosario of the Visitation, February 17, 1884 – June 14, 1957) was a Filipino nun and the founder of the Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines (Dominican Sisters of Molo).

Early life and education

Arroyo was born on Feb. 17, 1884, in Molo,

Arroyo first attended classes at the Colegio de Santa Ana, a private school in Molo. In preparation for her first communion, she was transferred to Colegio de San José administered by the Daughters of Charity. She stayed at the Colegio until she finished her elementary education.

Career and death

The young Arroyo joined the religious life in the Beaterio de Sta. Catalina in Manila and made her profession on January 3, 1914.

With the help of two other Dominican nuns, Arroyo would eventually found the Beaterio de Molo, presently known as Dominican Sisters of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines, a Filipino congregation, on February 18, 1927. Elected the First Superioress General of the Congregation at the Congregation's First General Chapter of January 3–6, 1953, she had 32 years of service.

Madre Sayong or Madre Maestra, as Arroyo was known, died on June 14, 1957.

Legacy With a present membership of over 250, Arroyo's congregation runs multiple schools, colleges and retreat houses.

Beatification process

Arroyo is currently in consideration for sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church with several miracles being investigated purportedly attributed to her.

On June 11, 2019, the decree of heroic virtue was promulgated, giving her the title venerable.