Skip to main content »
Igorotage

Sister Fidelis Atienza: Nun behind Good Shepherd Ube Jam Dies at 102

Sister Fidelis Q. Atienza, the original mastermind behind Good Shepherd's famous ube jam in Baguio died at the age of 102.

Sister Fidelis Atienza, the Good Shepherd nun behind Baguio's famous ube jam died at the age of 102. Religious of the Good Shepherd

Sr. M. Fidelis Q. Atienza, the Good Shepherd nun attributed as the original mastermind behind Baguio City's famous pasalubong ube jam died at the age of 102 on Saturday, March 20.

The Religious of the Good Shepherd (RGS), in a Facebook post, said Sister Fidelis died peacefully at the Good Shepherd Community in Quezon City after 66 years of religious life.

In 1951, Sr. Fides, a BatangueƱa, left for the novitiate in Los Angeles, made her First Profession in 1954, and her Final Profession in 1957.

Her various ministries included dozens of community apostolates in Cebu, Quezon City, Manila, Hong Kong, France, Rome, Baguio, and Tagaytay.

In the 1960s, she started the Marian Bakery and creatively made use of host cuttings for the delicious "crispies", the forerunner of the angel cookies of today. It was during her assignment in Baguio when they started the now-famous ube jam (purple yam).

She was the original mastermind behind the ube jam and instrumental in enabling Good Sheperd to send thousands of youths to school.

During her long life, she spent most in Maryridge in Tagaytay, accompanying in prayer and counseling the thousands of people who come to the retreat house.

In 2019, after her 100th birthday, she was transferred to the Good Shepherd Community in Quezon City, dedicating each moment of her day praying for the needs of the Church and the Congregation.

She would ask her caregivers to bring her to the oratory every day, spending most of her hours in quiet communion with the Good Shepherd whom she adored all her life. The children in the compound were very fond of their oldest playmate; she was a delight and a source of joy to everyone whom she met.

According to the post, Sister Fidelis never considered herself ill or infirmed. Her hands were never weary, as she was still helping turn plastics into eco-bricks until her shoulders ached from too much pushing of plastic into the plastic bottles.

One time she was asked about her beauty secret. She happily answered, "For the soul, lots of prayers. And for my skin, only Cetaphil."

Her remains will be at the chapel of Good Shepherd Convent, 1043 Aurora Boulevard. Wake and services are in private.

Inurnment will be at Good Shepherd Columbary in Quezon City, to be announced on a later date.

Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Sr. M. Fidelis Q. Atienza and the whole Good Shepherd Community, especially in the city of Baguio. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Seen in Good Shepherd Baguio bananapeel001


Sharing is caring, kailian!

We do hope you find something great in this story. If you find this helpful, please do share it with the people you care about.


Igorotage is a platform for people to share their thoughts and ideas. The views expressed on Igorotage are the opinions of the individual users, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Igorotage.

Comments (1)

Sign in to share your thoughts. No account yet?

What to learn next?

You might also like to read more related articles filed under People — or jump to a random article!

People Surprise me

Elderly Man Short on Bus Fare to Baguio: What the Conductor Did Next is Heartwarming

Elderly man bound for Baguio City falls short on fare. Witness the heartwarming tale of what the bus conductor did next.

Sun at 08:08pm · 4 min read

CordilleRUN and Fun Bike for a Cause and Peace in Baguio City Raises Support for Charity Works

CordilleRUN and Fun Bike event in Baguio City raises funds for special needs children, promoting unity and collaboration for positive change.

Sun at 01:41pm · 2 min read

Cordilleran Athletes Win Three Gold Medals in International Muay Thai Championship

Cordilleran athletes from Baguio City secure three gold medals in the International Muay Thai Championship, held in Thailand.

Rob in Sports
Mar 20 · 2 min read

Baguio City: The Wealthiest City Outside Metro Manila

Baguio was the wealthiest city outside Metro Manila, per PSA data. Discover what it means for residents and its impact on the local community.

Mar 18 · 4 min read

Mark Sangiao and the Legacy of Team Lakay

Mark Sangiao leads Team Lakay to prominence in Baguio City's MMA community and beyond in Asia. Explore their legacy and impact on martial arts.

Mar 17 · 6 min read

Baguio JKrayonz Dance Crew: Philippines' Representatives at United Dance Organization-Asia Pacific

Baguio JKrayonz Dance Crew to represent the Philippines at United Dance Organization-Asia Pacific in Thailand.

Mar 10 · 3 min read

Army Soldier Shoots Wife's Alleged Lover in Baguio City

A Philippine Army soldier shoots a security guard trespassing their Baguio City apartment, unaware it was his cheating wife's alleged lover.

Mar 7 · 2 min read

Petra Lukingan: From Prison Bars to Triumph - An Igorot Centenarian's Story of Resilience

Discover the inspiring journey of Igorot centenarian Petra Lukingan, Mandaluyong's oldest inmate, triumphing over adversity with resilience.

Mar 7 · 4 min read

Baguio's Unsung Heroes: Human Rights Advocates and Pandemic Frontliners Honored

Join us in recognizing Baguio's human rights champions and COVID-19 frontline heroes lauded by the Commission on Human Rights.

Mar 2 · 3 min read

Panagbenga Sucks: Everything Wrong with the Baguio Flower Festival

Panagbenga sucks! Here are everything wrong with the Baguio Flower Festival from a local's perspective. A comprehensive analysis.

Feb 24 · 12 min read