Nelly Bauzá was born to Antonio and Rosita Correa Bauzá in Colon, Panama on April 14, 1936. She was the oldest of their four daughters, and her family’s strong Catholic faith nurtured in her a deep desire to devote her life to serving Jesus as a missionary sister.
She knew the Missionary Servants through a college friend, and she had long wanted to apply, but delayed her wishes in order to help care for her ill father. She finally did enter at age 29, bringing a college degree and work experience. She took the name Sister Rosita Bauzá del Sagrada Corazón. Her various evaluations during formation all mention her maturity and quiet ways, and she certainly stood out among her much younger classmates. Her letter requesting to profess first vows was an expression of love for Jesus that needed an outlet in service. Throughout her life, Sister Rosita lived out this love for Jesus though her own compassionate heart, which reflected the mystery she chose, the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Sister Rosita was initially assigned to teach in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, but learned that teaching was not a good fit for her. She was missioned to Ponce to work with Sr. Isolina a year later. This was about the time that the Centros was evolving and becoming a significant power for good in La Playa. This work was more than a good fit for her. The ministry and Rosita both blossomed together. After one year of serving there, she wrote “I’m getting involved with the whole community of La Playa, its problems and anxieties. This kind of work is what the people really need today. It is the Gospel in action.”
Over the years, Sister Rosita and the Centros both continued to grow. The name eventually changed to Centros Sor Isolina Ferré, and Sr. Rosita’s role changed from assistant to Director. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Administration while still working full time. She grew into the role of leadership, especially as Sr. Isolina’s health became a concern. At the death of Sr. Isolina, Sister Rosita lost a dear friend, mentor, and confidant. Sr. Rosita described herself as “very shy to talk in big meetings” even after years of leadership. Yet, she was more than capable of assuming full responsibility as Director.
Sister Rosita’s life as a Missionary Servant was different from most other MSBT because, except for her first year, she served her entire life at one mission. Although she did not change locations, the world, and the Centros, continued to change around her. Change is always hard, and she struggled and at times deeply suffered through it. Yet Rosita embraced change as a challenge, and recognized her call to respond. In a reflection she wrote in 2020, she said, “I try to understand and accept this changing world. This is a new era and new times, and we have to pray for adaptation. It is not easy to adapt, but with prayers and patience and sharing, we can overcome. I understand transformation as a reality, and I try to develop emotional intelligence and positive attitudes with others.”
In Council notes over the years, Sister Rosita was consistently described as quiet, competent, dedicated, and a very hard worker. Perhaps she found it easier to express what was in her heart by writing more than speaking. Her own letters and reports to the Council, just as consistently, reveal a deep compassion underneath that competent dedication. After experiencing some aggressive behavior at a very painful meeting, she wrote afterwards, “I wanted to run away from the whole thing. I’m praying very hard to the Holy Spirit and to Father Judge that I may understand many things and have the gratitude to hear them. I want to dedicate my life to serve the deprived and poor ones, but sometimes things are very hard to accept. Please accept my note as one who cares about others’ feelings and wants to heal the wounds.”
That is who Sister Rosita Bauzá was. She did not run away. She suffered along with those who suffered. She persevered. She loved the charism and spirit of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity, and she found a perfect fit for it in her lifetime of selfless service at Centros Sor Isolina Ferré.
When the time came to move to Hogar Santa Marta, she did so with an open spirit towards her new way of life. She arrived at Santa Marta on May 22, 2024. There she continued her mission of presence and listening to the residents, as well as to the employees and families of the residents.
Her friends and employees from the Centros frequently visited her and let her know how grateful they were for everything she had done and continued to do for them. The sisters at Santa Marta found her to be a source of support in the various tasks in which she participated. “I am happy here,” she would say.
Let us close with her own words in her letter requesting first vows. “I am willing to take my cross and follow Christ. Because God is a God of love and mercy. Because God is so good and lovable, I want to do something for Him and help other souls to come back to Him and love Him. The harvest is so big and the laborers are so few, that I feel the need of missionary and apostolic activity. I feel the desire for a dedicated life for the greater honor and glory of the Triune God.” Sister Rosita María del Sagrada Corazón lived this life. May she rest in peace.