Active Religious Missionary, Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator, and Local Superior
Born in Orion, Bataan, Sr. Ma. Lourdes R. Salamat, MCST has devoted her religious vocation to catechesis, education, youth formation, pastoral ministry, and missionary service. Inspired as a child by the story of a bamboo tree that became a channel of life-giving water, she offered herself to God as a bridge of faith, hope, and joy for the communities entrusted to her care.
Early Life and Orion Roots
Sr. Ma. Lourdes R. Salamat was born in Orion, Bataan, on April 22, 1960, to Rosario Cruz Roxas and Serafin Javier Salamat.
She grew up in a family where prayer and religious devotion were deeply valued. Through the example of her parents, she learned that faith was not limited to words or church attendance. It was expressed through daily prayer, love for others, and faithful participation in the life of the community.
Her devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was strengthened by the traditional May devotions celebrated each year. These experiences helped form her spiritual life and prepared her heart for the vocation she would later embrace.
Education and Formation in Faith
Lourdes began her education at Orion Elementary School. She continued her secondary studies at Bataan School of Fisheries and Arellano Memorial High School.
Her desire to understand and teach the Catholic faith eventually led her to the Institute of Catechetics at Sta. Isabel College. There, she received the academic and pastoral preparation needed to share the teachings of the Church with children, young people, families, and parish communities.
Her education provided her with more than knowledge. It strengthened her ability to accompany others in their journey of faith and prepared her for a lifetime devoted to catechesis and missionary service.
The Story That Inspired Her Vocation
One of the most meaningful moments in Sr. Lourdes’ childhood occurred when she was in Grade 3. At the Ultreya House, also known as the Cursillo House, she watched a short film presented by religious sisters entitled The Life-Giving Tree.
The film told the story of a tall and beautiful bamboo tree. Proud of its appearance, the bamboo initially refused when a farmer asked permission to cut it down. The farmer explained that the bamboo was needed to become a channel through which water could flow toward fields suffering from drought.
Becoming a channel meant that the bamboo’s beautiful trunk had to be cut open. After resisting, it finally allowed the farmer to use it. Through its sacrifice, water reached the dry fields and restored life to the people and their crops.
The story left a lasting impression on young Lourdes. She learned that a meaningful life is not measured only by beauty, achievement, or recognition, but by one’s willingness to become a source of life, joy, and peace for others.
That childhood lesson remained with her. Like the bamboo tree, she began to desire a life that could become a bridge through which God’s grace might reach people in need.
Answering God’s Call
On November 30, 1983, Lourdes entered the Missionary Catechists of St. Thérèse of the Infant Jesus.
Her entrance into the congregation began a deeper period of prayer, discernment, formation, and community life. She prepared herself for an active missionary vocation centered on catechesis, pastoral ministry, education, and service to the local Church.
On May 27, 1986, she made her First Religious Profession, publicly committing herself to God through the evangelical counsels and the mission of her congregation.
After further years of formation and apostolic experience, she made her Perpetual Profession on October 5, 1993. Through this definitive commitment, she offered her entire life to God and to the service of His people.
Early Missionary Assignments
Sr. Lourdes’ missionary journey brought her to communities in different parts of the Philippines.
During her novitiate exposure, she served for one year as a parish pastoral worker in Candelaria, Quezon. This assignment introduced her to the daily realities of parish ministry and allowed her to work closely with families and local faith communities.
As a junior professed sister, she was assigned to Daraga, Albay, where she served for three years as a parish pastoral worker. She later became Catechists’ Coordinator in the Diocese of Malolos, Bulacan.
She also served as a pastoral worker in Cabagan, Isabela. Through these early assignments, she learned to adjust to different communities and respond to their particular spiritual and pastoral needs.
Ministry in Catechesis and Youth Formation
In the Diocese of San Pablo, Sr. Lourdes served for six years as Coordinator of Religion Teachers in the diocesan Liceo schools. She also served as Diocesan Youth Ministry Coordinator.
Through these responsibilities, she helped guide religion teachers in their mission of forming students in the Catholic faith. She also accompanied young people as they discovered their place within the Church and learned to use their gifts in service to others.
Her ministry reflected her conviction that catechesis involves more than teaching doctrines. It requires patience, personal accompaniment, and a willingness to help people encounter Christ in ways they can understand and live.
Service in the Diocese of Balanga
Sr. Lourdes eventually returned to Bataan to serve in the Diocese of Balanga. For five years, she worked as Diocesan Catechetical Ministry Coordinator and Local Superior.
Her assignment allowed her to contribute directly to the faith formation of catechists and parish communities within her home province. She helped organize catechetical programs, supported those teaching the faith, and accompanied her fellow religious sisters in their shared mission.
For Orion, her service in the Diocese of Balanga held special meaning. The faith first nurtured in her family and hometown had now become a gift she could share with the wider Church of Bataan.
A Mission Across Dioceses
Sr. Lourdes later served in the Diocese of Alaminos in Pangasinan as Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator and Local Superior.
Her mission then brought her to the Prelature of Infanta, where she worked as a parish pastoral worker in Casiguran, Aurora. For three years, she accompanied the local community through faith formation and pastoral service.
In the Diocese of Lucena, she served for six years at Our Lady of Sorrows Academy in Dolores, Quezon. As a Christian Living teacher and guidance counselor, she combined religious education with personal accompaniment, helping students face academic, family, emotional, and spiritual concerns.
She later returned to the Diocese of San Pablo and served for two years as a District Catechists’ Coordinator.
Years of Service in Isabela and Pangasinan
Sr. Lourdes was subsequently assigned to the Diocese of Ilagan in Isabela, where she served for eight years as Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator. For six of those years, she also carried the responsibility of Local Superior.
Her work required her to support catechists across the diocese, strengthen formation programs, and help ensure that Catholic teaching reached children, families, and communities.
She later returned to the Diocese of Alaminos and was assigned to Sual, Pangasinan. For six years, she served as Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator and Local Superior.
Through every assignment, she brought the same missionary spirit: a readiness to go where she was needed and a willingness to serve people with patience, faith, and compassion.
Present Ministry in Cabanatuan
Sr. Lourdes presently serves in the Diocese of Cabanatuan as Diocesan Catechetical Coordinator and Local Superior. She has also served as a Vicariate Catechists’ Coordinator.
Drawing from decades of missionary experience, she continues to guide catechists, strengthen faith-formation programs, and support the religious life and apostolic mission of her community.
Her present ministry reflects the vocation she first embraced as a young woman: to help others know Christ, understand the Catholic faith, and discover the joy of belonging to the Church.
A Life-Giving Witness
The image of the bamboo tree continues to offer a fitting description of Sr. Lourdes’ vocation.
Just as the bamboo surrendered itself so that water could reach a dry field, Sr. Lourdes has allowed her life to become a channel through which faith, hope, and encouragement can reach others.
Her journey has brought her from Orion to communities in Quezon, Albay, Bulacan, Isabela, Bataan, Pangasinan, Aurora, and Nueva Ecija. In every place, she has served through catechesis, education, pastoral ministry, youth formation, counseling, and religious leadership.
Her vocation shows that missionary life is not defined only by traveling to distant places. It is also found in the daily willingness to listen, teach, accompany, encourage, and serve.
For Orion, the life of Sr. Ma. Lourdes R. Salamat, MCST forms a meaningful part of the town’s heritage of religious vocations. Her story reminds young people that God’s call may begin through a simple childhood experience, a family devotion, or a quiet desire to bring joy and hope to others.
Like the life-giving bamboo tree that inspired her, Sr. Lourdes continues to be a bridge of faith and service—a life generously offered so that others may encounter the grace and love of God.
Key Milestones
