Tita Jing

She was one of the two doctoras (lady doctors)in the Tria Tirona-Castro Clan; the other one is Tita Stella Castro, a dentist. Whenever we go home to Kawit, Cavite, we won't miss passing by their house since it lies on the calle real (main road). Her and Tita Stella's clinics are also located at their home. Maria Aurora "Tita Jing" Castro-Gines was an EENT (Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat) doctor.

The Castros are religious and have been actively involved in parish work. Lola Urs, their mom, used to be a lector/commentator. Lolo Tony, their dad, was a special minister of Holy Communion. Tita Jing, Tita Tel, and Tito Sancho all followed their mom's footsteps.

Attending Mass in Kawit, I have been touched by how that family prays together. I was inspired to attend more fervently the Mass due to their good example. On a number of occasions, I would witness Tita Jing proclaiming God's Word on the lectern. I have also seen her once in Santa Cruz Church attending Mass and worshipping the Blessed Sacrament during its Exposition. Tita Jing's witnessing to the Word enthused me to serve God as a lector/commentator - in Manila, first in my mother parish and then at the metropolitan cathedral, and now in the UK.

A day after I graduated from UST, I went to Kawit since it was Palm Sunday that day. As I made my way to an available seat in church, I saw Tita Jing (and the rest of the family proceeding to their seats) and shared with her the good news (of me graduating). She was happy for me and asked if I would proceed to medicine (which was my original plan). I told her that I had another plan though.

There have been a few rare occasions I would see her since then like All Saints' Day, Christmas, etc until I left for the UK. Quite glad that our God is in full control of technology and so in Facebook we once again met! We had a few chats catching up on how things are going. She even became one of our Facebook friends in Tanghalang Anluwage, Inc! When we sent an invite to all friends to join us for our annual online Seven Last Words last Holy Week, she told us that she can't make it, but would join us in spirit.

I was sad to hear that she was suffering from liver cancer and kept in touch with her siblings and nieces - Janine (my former classmate) and her Ate Didith. Her demise came as a surpise for me. I never though it was that worse when I had some chats with her in Facebook and was hoping we could be reunited when I visit the Philippines soon. Yet God has other plans I think.

I will surely miss Tita Jing. In her sickness, she put her trust in God and she was never failed by our faithful Lord. Her example and life prod us all to continue serving God and His people. May the Risen Christ bless her soul.

My heartfelt sympathies to Lola Urs, Tito Ewat, and family.