Current Ministry Location: Rome, Italy

Sister Abby (Aurea) was born in Tanauan, Batangas, Philippines, but later immigrated to the United States and settled in California with her family.  She worked as an engineer for six years when she realized she wanted to impact the world through mission and service.

Sister Abby searched the internet for “Catholic Mission,” and came across the Maryknoll Sisters website. Consequently, she became a Maryknoll Affiliate for two years, during which she met some of the Maryknoll Sisters and her passion grew.  After a period of discernment, Sister Abby entered the Congregation in 2006 and made her First Profession of Vows in August of 2008 at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, New York.

Sister Abby was then assigned to Japan, after completing language school, she helped out at Catholic parishes in Japan and was a welcoming presence there to migrant families from the Philippines.

After a reflection period of several months at the Maryknoll Sisters Center, Maryknoll, NY, Sister Abby professed her Final Vows in 2014.  Soon after that, she returned to Japan to continue her ministry.  Today, Sister Abby works with Talitha Kum Japan (Organization against human trafficking of the UISG).  In addition, she worked full time for seven years at a Parish Ministry – St Ignatius, an international community of at least 6,000 family members. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Church served 800 – 1000 people every Sunday for English mass.

Furthermore, her passion is continuously shown through her work as she continues to advocate for the healing of women and children who have been abused.