Rest in Peace Sr. Michaela Arevalo, OSB

Most of us do not think about death. I, for one, believe that death is in the far future. But when Sr. Michaela was struck with terminal illness, I was having mixed feelings: trust and faith to God that everything will be alright and fear that natural calling of death will happen.

I have known Sr. Michaela way back in 2006 when she was assigned in Sta. Ana Shrine Parish. My family knows her too – from my mother down to my nieces. After her assignment in our parish, our friendship blossomed. She was the one who would reach out to me. I guess I could say with all honesty that she was not intimidated of my person. When she was assigned in San Pedro cathedral, she was always texting me; she was always asking for assistance especially in providing seminars and formation to her catechists.

She joined me and my siblings in our Visita Iglesia before she went to Zamboanga for her new assignment. She invited me to accompany her in visiting her relatives in Pampanga in Luzon. We have traveled to Baguio City and Manila. She was a clingy nun to me which I find very positive and novel.

When she was diagnosed with a fatty liver, she would always request me to accompany her to Dr. Otero. When she was assigned in Zamboanga, the more lines/loads she burned because she was my constant phone-pal. Almost every day or every night she would call me to share her fears and concerns over her safety. I went to Zamboanga the first time to visit her there and see for myself her well-being.

When her father died, I was so sad because I was in Manila attending a training for one week. That was the only moment that I realized that Sr. Michaela was a brave and strong person because she was able to bury her father with less tears and less emotions because according to her death is the fulfillment of life. She was in a strong belief that her father is in the Good Hands.

Today, I wish to believe that I am also brave and strong amidst this grief and mourning. I know that Sr. Michaela is now in the Good Hands.

My last memory of her was on December 30, 2018 during the Family Day of the Benedictine Sisters. I did not actually join the fanfare and festivities, which was held in the grounds of the Benedictine Sisters, instead I was in the infirmary room keeping company of Sr. Michaela who was very, very frail and light-boned already. She requested me to hum her fave religious songs. That moment my migraine was very severe because I was trying to control my tears and my sadness. For more than three hours, it was only me and Sr. Michaela (the caregiver, Genalyn was also there) in the infirmary room. But then, I had to go home and left Sr. Michaela. I know then that it would be my last moment with her. I was crying while I was leaving her and the heavy afternoon downpour was echoing my tears.

Rest in peace now Sr. Michaela. As you have believed, you are now in Good Hands.