Her fellow missionary sisters, relatives, and friends celebrate a Filipina nun's life as she passed on June 3 to the loving embrace of God.
“With grateful and prayerful hearts, we honor the life and legacy of Sr. Ancille (Salome) B. Elvena, SSpS, fondly known in Tayum as Sr. Saly,” said a post from SSpSA Abra.
Born on June 29, 1941 (she will be 84 years old) to parents Eustaquio and Esperanza, “Sr. Ancie,” as she was known to many, was remembered by the people of Tayum as a “devout and gentle child—simple, soft-spoken, bright, and deeply religious even from a young age.”
She graduated from the Holy Ghost School—from elementary in 1953—and was valedictorian of the high school class of 1957.
Service-oriented and inclined to healing, she pursued and completed nursing at the University of Santo Tomas in 1961.
She professed her final vows on May 1, 1973, as a Missionary Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit (SSpS).
In 1979, she finished graduate studies at the East Asian Pastoral Institute for the deepening of her pastoral mission.
“Sr. Ancie served faithfully in many ministries and roles, most notably as the National Coordinator of the SSpSA, where she was known for her tender voice, warm presence, and inspiring words,” said SSpSA Abra.
It added, “To us here in Tayum, she was not just a sister in name, but a true sister at heart—always asking how we were, always lifting our spirits with her thoughtful messages.”
According to a post by the Conference of Major Superiors (CMSP) in the Philippines, “Sr. Ancie was not only a spiritual guide but also a leader whose contributions lasted a lifetime. As vice chairperson of the Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (AMRSP) from 1992 to 1995 and later as a board member from 1998 to 2001, she helped shape the mission and direction of religious life in the country with integrity and grace.”
She became the provincial supervisor of the SSpS Congregation in 1998.
“Her warmth, humility, and steadfast faith inspired countless lives. Whether through her leadership, ministry, or simply her presence, Sr. Ancie lived the Gospel fully and faithfully. She was a woman of prayer and peace who reflected the love of Christ in her words and deeds.
As we celebrate her life, we also mourn her passing—but not without hope. For Sr. Ancie now rests in the loving embrace of the God she served so joyfully,” said CMSP.
The funeral ceremony will be on June 6 at 9 a.m. at the Convent of the Holy Spirit in Quezon City.
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