Josefina Constantino

Sister
Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus and Mary
Born
Josefina D. Constantino

(1920-03-28)28 March 1920
Died19 July 2024(2024-07-19) (aged 104)
Occupation(s)Religious sister, literary critic

Josefina D. Constantino (28 March 1920 – 19 July 2024) was a Filipino essayist, literary critic and poet. A prominent faculty member of the University of the Philippines, she later took vows as a member of Carmelite order in 1979. Latterly a cloistered nun, she was known as Sister Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus and Mary.[1]

Biography

Early life and education

Constantino was born on 28 March 1920.[2] She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of the Philippines, and her Masters in English and comparative literature at Columbia University.[1] She likewise enrolled in special studies at the University of Michigan and University of Edinburgh. She joined the faculty of the College of Arts and Letters of the University of the Philippines, where she taught humanities and contemporary literature for several years. She also held a faculty fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.[1]

Work

Constantino became known for her published critical literary reviews of such authors as Nick Joaquin.[1] She was likewise a popular professor at the University of the Philippines lauded for her patience and erudition.[3]

In the 1970s, she joined the Development Bank of the Philippines as a special assistant.[1] She resigned her government position and from the University of the Philippines faculty upon joining the Discalced Carmelites.

Later life and death

Constantino lived at the Discalced Carmelite convent in New Manila, Quezon City. She turned 100 in March 2020,[4] and died on 19 July 2024, at the age of 104.[5][6]

Controversies

Trial of Ricardo Pascual

In 1961, having resigned her faculty position a year prior,[2] Constantino served as a "feature witness" in the trial of former colleague University of the Philippines philosophy professor Ricardo Pascual. Pascual, then Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, was brought before the House Committee on Anti-Filipino Activities (CAFA) under charges of communist affiliation.[7]

Following public backlash against the anomalous line of questioning taken by prosecutors, and an overall lack of evidence suggesting communist affiliation, the probe was ultimately terminated and Pascual exonerated.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Florentino B. Valeros; Estrellita V. Gruenberg (1999). Filipino Writers in English. Quezon City: New Day Publishers. pp. 59–60. ISBN 971-10-0286-8.
  2. ^ a b Doyo, Ceres P. "Columnist-turned-cloistered nun continues 'life as prayer and prayer as life'". Inquirer Lifestyle. Archived from the original on 7 November 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  3. ^ Francisco Nemenzo. "Letter from the President: My Student Days". University of the Philippines. Archived from the original on 2010-12-01. Retrieved 2008-03-16.
  4. ^ Prof, writer, contemplative nun turns 100
  5. ^ Carmel of St. Therese of the Child Jesus - Gilmore, Quezon City. "Dear Friends and Family of Carmel, Pax Christi! It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear Sr. Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus & Mary, OCD (Ms Josefina Dionisio Constantino). She joined her Creator this morning at around 4:00am. Thank you for your prayers. God bless us! Further details to be announced later. ______ Eternal rest grant unto our dear Sr Teresa Joseph Patrick of Jesus and Mary, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace! Amen". Facebook. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  6. ^ "Sr. Josefina Dionisio Constantino (March 28, 1920 – July 19, 2024)". University of the Philippines College of Education. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  7. ^ a b De Joya, Preciosa (2016). "Exorcising Communist Specters and Witch Philosophers: The Struggle for Academic Freedom of 1961". Kritika Kultura. 26: 4–32. S2CID 147943834.