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SSC President, Sr. Angelica Leviste, OSB celebrates her Feast Day

Posted: Friday September 25, 2009 08:40 AM

SR. ANGELICA ERFE-MEJIA LEVISTE, OSB
The 16th President of St. Scholastica's College, Manila

Sister Angelica Leviste Erfe-Mejia Leviste, OSB, is a full-blooded Scholastican and has exercised leadership since her grade school years at St. Scholastica's College, Manila (Grade School '50; High School '54 and AB-BSE major in History '58).

A STUDENT LEADER

The Personality Profiles published in THE SCHOLASTICAN, the school paper of St. Scholastica's College, 1951 and 1957 issues gave a portrait of Sister Angelica (then Erlinda Leviste):

"Linda has always been one of the most popular girls on the campus ... Serving as class president since the fifth grade, she later on assumed the position of President of the Student Council, Prefect of the Sodality, Secretary of the Manila Federation of Sodalities, Head Catechist and Editor-in-Chief of the Scholastican ..."

ERLINDA IN THE WORLD OF ARTS

As a young student, she won prizes in oratorical contests.  An event that received national publicity was her participation in the Jaycees-sponsored contest, "I SPEAK FOR DEMOCRACY."  After having gone through regional elimination rounds, she landed the national finals and won second place. 

Another event that brought glory to St. Scholastica's College was the presentation of the mission play, "The Bamboo Cross."  Under the able direction of the famed Mrs. Daisy Hontiveros-Avellana, Linda played the role of Mark Chu, a servant of the missionaries.  The play elicited a great deal of admiration and publicity.  Erlinda's performance on stage, be it for oratory or drama, was a faint reflection of what was deep down in her heart: a passion for what is noble and true, a love for what is beautiful and a compassionate understanding of people in the real drama of life.

Erlinda's student days at St. Scholastica's College came to a climax when, during the commencement exercises, she went up the stage to receive her diploma AB-BSE major in History, the entire graduating class arose to give her a long standing ovation. 

On May 2, 1958, she left her parents and family and all the material wealth and wealth of friends to follow God in the convent.  In 1960, she was given the religious name of Sister Maria Angelica, OSB and on May 2, 1964, she gave herself totally to God in the final profession of vows.

SERVICE OF LEADERSHIP AS A BENEDICTINE SISTER

Soon after her perpetual vows, Sister Angelica's leadership qualities were honed for the service of communities of Sisters and their various ministries.  In the mid-sixties, she served as the Dean of Student Affairs at SSC.  She was sent to study at De La Salle University for a degree of MA in Education, with specialization in Guidance and Counseling.  The following year, she was made high school principal at Holy Family Academy, Angeles City.  After a year, she served as Superior and Directress of the Benedictine Sisters at St. Peter's College, Ormoc City. 

Possessed with St. Benedict's profound understanding of human beings and the human condition, she was assigned to positions of service in authority, one after the other.  In 1972, she was appointed sub-prioress and later, Priory Councilor.  Simultaneously, she was given the beautiful but delicate task of formation of young members of the Congregation.  In 1976, she was elected General Councilor of the Congregation for a term of six years. 

At the end of her term as General Councilor, she returned to the Philippines.  In the 6th Priory Chapter, she was elected Prioress of the Missionary Benedictine Sisters in the Philippines for a term of five years, 1983-1988.  In the next Priory Chapter, she was re-elected to an allowable term of 3 years, 1988-1991.

A tested leader, a leader after the mind and heart of St. Benedict, Sister Angelica was again elected Prioress, 1996-2001.  Again, in 2001, she was re-elected for another term of three years, 2001-2004.  Thus, Sister Angelica served the entire Priory as Prioress for a total number of 16 years.  In the intervening years, she served as the President of St. Scholastica's College from 1992-1996 and 2005 to present.