DR. MARIA ABELLO, DMD, a parishioner at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, once recalled former pastor, Fr. Tim Ramaekers, introducing her as, “This is Maria; Corpus Christi is her fulltime job; dentistry is her hobby.”
This introduction, said in jest, illustrates how committed Maria is to her beloved parish, having led various ministries along the way while working as a respected and accomplished dentist at her Aliso
Viejo practice.
Abello was born and raised in Bacolod, Philippines. She lived in her home country until the age of 23, coming to the U.S. after graduating from dental school. Abello was raised in a strong Catholic family with her three brothers and attended Catholic schools through college. She has fond memories of spending two of her early years living with her lola (maternal grandmother). This living arrangement was set up so that Abello could live in Bacolod to attend school.
“I would attend 6 a.m. Mass every weekday at the San Sebastian Cathedral with my Lola,” she shared.
MARIA ABELLO AT AGE 7, WITH HER LOLA (GRANDMOTHER), AT HER FIRST HOLY COMMUNION. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIA ABELLO
She would return home to her parents on weekends. Abello calls her Lola a mentor, because not only did she teach and reinforce the faith to her, but also taught her how to cook.
“Food and cooking are my love languages,” Abello said.
Upon graduating from dental school, Abello moved to Lynnwood, Washington, where she joined her parents and lived for several years. She married her husband Bing in Washington in 1987. All of this occurred while taking four parts of the dental licensure exams in California. As soon as Abello earned her licensure, the couple moved to Orange County on Oct. 1, 1991.
Abello began as an associate at a dental practice in Orange before opening her own private practice in Aliso Viejo 20 years ago. In her early days in Orange County, Abello attended various churches until Corpus Christi was founded. Corpus Christi started out as a pastoral outreach of St. Timothy Catholic Church in 1998. During these early years, Mass was held at local schools and finally at a nearby warehouse. It was in this warehouse location that Abello’s years of service began. She was asked to assist with the altar ministry. The ministry head left soon after, and, in Abello’s words, “my experience was ‘baptism under fire.’” She was head of this ministry for 10 years and is still involved. Since that time, Abello has been involved in many ministries, including the donut ministry, Loaves and Bread, and currently serves on the parish leadership team. She is also leading the events committee with the help of a team of parishioners. This group organizes and cooks for events such as a recent 500-person lunch for the installation of Fr. Brandon Dang.
“This ministry involves much work, sleepless nights and joy,” she said. “I have an amazing team to work with.”
Throughout her service journey at Corpus Christi, her husband, Bing, has been actively by her side.
“Bing is very supportive in all my efforts,” she shared.
Abello’s service does not go unnoticed by the clergy and staff at Corpus Christi.
“We often use the term ‘pillar’ for those who have been foundational to any sort of community or family,” said Fr. Brandon. “Maria has been that for our Corpus Christi parish. She also does it with so much heart and passion that it is inspirational, to say the least. Without her, we wouldn’t have the events and community that we have (especially the amazing food).”
He added, “In my two years of being here, she has been a huge confidant for me in my growth as a priest and pastor. She is incredible!”