- 30 April, 2026
Manila, April 30, 2026: The Philippines mourns the passing of Sister Eva Fidela Maamo, a Catholic nun and surgeon fondly known as the “Healing Nun,” who dedicated her life to serving the poorest and most marginalized communities. She died on April 14 at the age of 85, at the Our Lady of Peace Hospital—a facility she helped establish to provide affordable healthcare to those in need.
Born on September 17, 1940, in Liloan, she pursued medicine at the Velez College of Medicine before briefly working in her family’s clinic. Despite initial resistance from her family, she followed a deeper calling and joined the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres in 1974, beginning a lifelong mission as a physician-nun.
Her early missionary work brought her to Lake Sebu, where she served Indigenous communities with little to no access to healthcare. It was here that her extraordinary dedication became widely known. In one remarkable instance in the 1970s, she performed life-saving surgery on a bamboo table, using coconut water as a substitute for medical fluids, as the nearest hospital was hours away across difficult terrain. Such acts defined her ministry—resourceful, fearless, and deeply compassionate.
Sister Eva firmly believed that healthcare is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. She extended her work beyond hospital walls, reaching remote villages, public hospitals, and underserved communities. Her approach to healing was holistic—she not only treated illness but also upheld human dignity, meeting patients in their own environments and understanding their daily struggles.
One of her most impactful initiatives was the training of “barefoot doctors”—community members equipped with basic medical knowledge to serve in isolated areas. Beginning with just 17 trainees in Lake Sebu, her program expanded nationwide, eventually empowering over 270 individuals from more than 100 Indigenous communities, including the T’boli, Aeta, and Manobo peoples. These efforts ensured sustainable healthcare access in places where doctors were scarce.
Following the devastating 1991 eruption of Mount Pinatubo, Sister Eva worked closely with displaced Aeta communities, helping resettle families and restore their livelihoods. Her mission extended beyond medicine—she became a pillar of hope, resilience, and spiritual care.
In 1984, alongside Fr. James Reuter S.J., she founded the Foundation of Our Lady of Peace Mission, which provided free clinics, shelter, and livelihood programs. This led to the establishment of Our Lady of Peace Hospital in 1992, a sanctuary for the poor seeking dignified and affordable healthcare.
Her extraordinary service earned her numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1997 and the Mother Teresa Award of the Philippines. Yet, those who knew her remember not her awards, but her humility and unwavering commitment. Colleagues described her as a “quiet giant” whose life embodied the Gospel through action.
Church leaders, including Bishop Precioso Cantillas, praised her as a witness to Christ’s love, noting that her life reflected “faith expressed through tireless service to humanity.” For many, she demonstrated that medicine is not only a science but also an act of love and mercy.
Though she has passed, her legacy endures in the countless lives she healed, the communities she uplifted, and the future healthcare workers she inspired. Her story remains a powerful reminder that true service lies in compassion, sacrifice, and a steadfast commitment to the dignity of every human person.
Courtesy EWTN News
Picture Courtesy : Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation
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