Maria Sibylla Merian
Maria Sibylla Merian (2 April 164713 January 1717) was a German-born naturalist and scientific illustrator, a descendant of the Frankfurt branch of the Swiss Merian family. Merian was one of the first naturalists to observe insects directly.
Religious of the Virgin Mary
The house where the beatas lived was called House of Retreat because they also offered retreats and days of recollection for women. Mother Ignacia's generosity and common sense-approach to things drew others to the congregation. In 1732, Archbishop of Manila Juan Ángel Rodríguez, OST, approved the policies and rules of the community and Mother Ignacia, now 69, resigned from her leadership role. By 1748 the group numbered fifty. They ran a school for forty-five girls – Filipinas, Spaniards, and "mestizas –" imparting lessons in Christian living along with training in reading, sewing, and embroidery. In July 1748 the Archbishop of Manila Pedro de la Santísima Trinidad Martínez de Arizala, OFM, formally petitioned King Ferdinand VI of Spain for "protección civil" for the Congregation. Mother Ignacia died two months later on 10 September 1748, at the age of 85. On 25 November 1755 the King granted to the Congregation civil protection.