Amor Meus, Spring Magazine 2026

CONTENTS 01 WELCOME

Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI

02 INCARNATE WORD FOUNDATION Bridget Flood

03 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO ABOUT THE COVER A sacred symbol of faith and healing has found a new home. The Celtic Cross, which once stood at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa-Medical Center, has been reverently installed on the Dubuis Building at The Village at Incarnate Word.

For decades, the cross was a visible reminder of the ministry of healing and compassion carried out at Medical Center.

Now, its presence at The Village extends that legacy. Positioned on the Dubuis Building, the cross not only recalls the prayers and lives once touched at Medical Center, but also connects to the enduring mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. It is especially meaningful that it now stands near the resting place of many Sisters who dedicated their lives to carrying the mission forward.

Today, the Celtic Cross serves as a visible bridge between the past and the present, honoring the Sisters’ legacy while standing as a reminder of faith, healing, and hope for all who see it.

Magdalena Minjárez Férez Yurani Treviño Villarreal María José Momox Cano María Elena Castillo García Beatriz Adriana Delgado Revuelta Yessika Lizbeth De León Flores María de Lourdes Fuentes Rojas Vértiz Diana Domínguez Gracia

04 JUBILARIANS 05 CHAPTER 2026

Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word

AMOR MEUS Magazine Winter 2025

We are an apostolic, international, intercultural Congregation founded by Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis in 1869.

The mystery of the Incarnation is the foundation of our lives and at the heart of our ministries. Dedicated to our mission “to make real and tangible the saving and healing love of Jesus, the Incarnate Word, by promoting human dignity”, we serve God’s people, especially those who are economically poor and vulnerable, through health care, education, pastoral and social services. In each ministry, we use our energy, expertise and resources to respond to urgent and evolving needs in society and we strive to promote human dignity, peace, justice and the integrity of creation. We currently serve in Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and the United States.

The AMOR MEUS Magazine serves the CCVI family by providing readers with insight and information about the Congregation’s plans and how the Sisters continue to live the Mission. The magazine is published three times a year.

General Leadership Team Congregational Leader Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI General Councilors Sr. Margaret Bonnot, CCVI Sr. Emilia Gracia, CCVI Sr. Leticia de Jesus Rodriguez, CCVI Sr. Cecilia Zavala, CCVI CONTACT US communications@amormeus.org GIVE TO CCVI www.amormeus.org/en/donate

The seal of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word is the Crown of thorns, pierced heart, cross and nails (at the top of the heart) which are symbols associated with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word. The name Jesus, shown in the first Greek letters of that name, IHS, symbolizes Jesus’ presence in the hearts of those who are His presence to others in the world. Amor Meus, the name of our magazine is Latin for My Love, and represents God’s love for us and ours for God. CCVI is derived from the Latin translation of our Congregation, Congregatio Caritatis a Verbo Incarnato (Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word). The CCVI initials are used as an abbreviation for our Congregation.

WELCOME

A

s we share this new edition of the AMOR MEUS MAGAZINE, it is my joy to welcome you into the stories of hope, transformation, and faith that define the mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. In these pages, we celebrate the enduring impact of our ministries, both near and far, and the ways in which the Incarnate Word continues to dwell among us.

This issue highlights our education ministry in Mexico, where for more than a century, eight CCVI schools have nurtured generations of students. From the historic halls of Centro Educativo Santa Catarina and Colegio Mexicano in Nuevo Leon to the vibrant classrooms of Instituto Miguel Ángel CDMX, our schools have cultivated minds, shaped hearts, and inspired young people to serve their communities.

Across Chihuahua, Puebla, Veracruz, San Luis Potosi, and Jalisco, these institutions continue to carry forward the legacy of faith4 WELCOME

filled education, preparing students to live lives of purpose, compassion, and leadership.

We also celebrate the work of Incarnate Word Foundation in St. Louis, Missouri. Since its founding in 1997, Incarnate Word Foundation has carried forward the Sisters’ healing mission through community-rooted philanthropy.

From supporting housing programs and youth employment programs to advancing racial equity and food justice, Incarnate Word Foundation walks alongside grassroots leaders to bring hope and transformation to those most in need. Programs like the St. Joseph Housing Initiative exemplify this mission, turning houses into homes, dreams into realities, and neighborhoods into thriving communities.

Closer to home, we honor a meaningful addition, a Celtic Cross, now installed on the Dubuis Building of The Village at Incarnate Word.

Once a visible symbol of healing at CHRISTUS Santa Rosa-Medical Center, the cross now stands as a bridge between past and present.

Positioned near the resting place of many Sisters, it is a sacred reminder of faith, compassion, and the enduring mission of the Incarnate Word.

Together, these stories, educating young minds in Mexico, transforming communities in St. Louis, and honoring the legacy of CHRISTUS Santa Rosa-Medical Center, reflect the enduring charism of the Sisters, to accompany, to serve, and to bring the love of the Incarnate Word into tangible, life-changing action.

May this edition inspire you with hope, gratitude, and renewed purpose. Thank you for journeying with us as we continue to nurture life, learning, and faith, one student, one family, and one community at a time.

Praised be the Incarnate Word!

Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI Congregational Leader

WELCOME 5

Incarnate Word Foundation and St. Joseph Housing Initiative: A Partnership Rooted in Faith and Justice By: Bridget Flood

T

he Incarnate Word Foundation (IWF) was born in 1997 out of a profound moment of transition and vision. When the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word sold Incarnate Word Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, they chose to reinvest the proceeds into a foundation that would continue their healing mission—not through hospitals, but through community-rooted philanthropy. Guided by the charism of the Sisters, IWF was established to make real the love of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, in the lives of those most vulnerable, especially in the St. Louis region.

From its inception, IWF has been more than a grant maker.

It is a spiritual and strategic companion to grassroots leaders, nonprofits, and faithbased initiatives. While it funds a wide range of issue areas—housing, education, food justice, immigrant support, youth employment, and racial equity—it also plays a catalytic role in designing innovative solutions to complex social challenges.

Whether convening unlikely partners, piloting new models, or amplifying community voices, IWF is known for its ability to listen deeply and respond creatively.

One hallmark of IWF’s approach is its commitment to trust-based philanthropy.

Rather than imposing rigid metrics or top-down agendas, the Foundation builds relationships rooted in mutual respect, shared mission, and spiritual discernment. It often supports organizations that are overlooked by traditional funders-those led by women, people of color, or faith communities—recognizing that transformation often begins at the margins.

6 INCARNATE WORD FOUNDATION

This spirit of innovation and accompaniment led IWF to help launch the St. Joseph Housing Initiative (SJHI) in 2017, in partnership with Archbishop Robert J. Carlson and other Catholic leaders.

What began as a bold idea to increase homeownership in South St. Louis has grown into a thriving nonprofit that embodies the Incarnational values at the heart of both organizations.

St. Joseph Housing Initiative: Building Homes, Building Hope Founded in 2018, SJHI emerged from a vision to stabilize neighborhoods and empower families through affordable homeownership. With a focus on South St. Louis, particularly the Dutchtown neighborhood, SJHI identifies vacant or distressed properties and undertakes full-scale renovations, turning blighted houses into beautiful, move-in-ready homes. These homes are then sold to first-time homebuyers—often working-class families, immigrants, and single parents— at affordable prices.

But SJHI’s mission goes far beyond bricks and mortar.

Its Homebuyer Readiness Program is a cornerstone of its holistic approach. This four-part series educates participants on budgeting, credit repair, mortgage readiness, and home maintenance. The goal is to equip families not only to purchase a home but to thrive in it—building equity, stability, and a legacy for future generations.

One of SJHI’s most compelling stories is that of Maria, a single mother of two who had spent years renting in south St. Louis. Her

apartment was cramped, the landlord unresponsive, and the rent steadily rising.

Maria worked full-time as a medical assistant and dreamed of owning a home where her children could have space to grow and thrive. But with limited savings and no family history of homeownership, the path seemed out of reach.

the responsibilities of homeownership.

With guidance from SJHI staff and a local lender, she qualified for a loan and was matched with a fully renovated two-bedroom home in Dutchtown.

Through a friend at her parish, Maria learned about SJHI’s Homebuyer Readiness Academy. She attended all four sessions, learning how to improve her credit score, budget for a mortgage, and understand INCARNATE WORD FOUNDATION 7

The transformation was profound. On the day of her home dedication, Maria stood on her new front porch with tears in her eyes as volunteers presented her with a St. Joseph statue and a handmade welcome sign. Her children ran through the house, choosing their bedrooms and marveling at the backyard. “This is ours,” Maria said quietly. “We’re finally home.”

Maria’s story is one of dozens that SJHI has helped write—stories of dignity restored, generational cycles broken, and neighborhoods renewed. Each home is a seed of stability, and each buyer becomes part of a growing community of support.

Incarnate Word Foundation: Investing in Healing and Justice The Incarnate Word Foundation continues preference for grassroots leadership. Their to walk alongside SJHI, offering not just investments span a wide range of issues— funding but spiritual accompaniment. from food justice and youth employment Their shared commitment to Catholic to immigrant support and housing equity. social teaching ensures that this work is They are known not only for their financial not transactional—it’s transformational. support but also for their role as conveners, IWF’s

grantmaking

is

characterized storytellers, and spiritual companions to

by trust, relationship-building, and a the organizations they fund.

A Shared Vision for Community Transformation The partnership between SJHI and IWF is a model of faith in action.

Together, these organizations embody a theology of accompaniment.

They walk alongside families, not as saviors, but as partners— honoring the resilience, dreams, and sacred worth of every person.

Their work is a testament to what is possible when philanthropy, faith, and community development converge.

In a city marked by racial and economic disparities, SJHI and IWF are planting seeds of hope—one home, one family, one neighborhood at a time.

8 INCARNATE WORD FOUNDATION

A Closing Reflection: Incarnational Spirituality in Action At the heart of this work lies a profound spiritual truth: that God became flesh and dwells among us—not in palaces or power, but in vulnerability, community, and love. The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word have long embodied this Incarnational spirituality, responding to suffering with presence, healing, and justice.

Their charism calls us to recognize the sacred in the everyday, to make real the love of the Incarnate Word in the lives of those most in need.

St. Joseph Housing Initiative and the Incarnate Word Foundation are living expressions of this theology. Every renovated home, every grant awarded, every prayer offered at a home dedication is a manifestation of God’s healing presence. These are not just acts of charity—they are acts of incarnation. They bring stability where there was chaos, dignity where there was despair, and community where there was isolation.

To walk alongside a family like Maria’s is to participate in the mystery of the Incarnation—to affirm that God is with us in our longing, our labor, and our hope.

It is to believe that a front porch can be holy ground, that a mortgage closing can be a sacrament of possibility, and that neighborhood renewal is a form of resurrection.

In this way, the work of SJHI and IWF is not only strategic— it is sacred. It invites us to see housing not just as shelter, but as a vessel of grace. And it reminds us that the Word continues to dwell among us, especially in the places we dare to love most tenderly.

INCARNATE WORD FOUNDATION 9

CCVI Schools in Mexico For more than a century, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word have nurtured a vibrant educational mission across Mexico. In this issue, we are delighted to highlight the enduring legacy, dedicated leadership, and transformative impact of our eight CCVI schools in Mexico, each uniquely woven into the fabric of its community.

From the historic halls of Centro Educativo Santa Catarina and Colegio Mexicano, both founded in 1887 in Nuevo Leon, to the bustling corridors of Instituto Miguel Ángel CDMX, serving more than 1,400 students in the heart of Mexico City, our schools continue to embody the mission of holistic formation and service to others.

In Chihuahua, Instituto América, established in 1902, stands as one of our largest educational ministries, guiding over 1,300 students with the support of a dedicated team of 158 staff members.

Meanwhile, in Puebla, Colegio Central, founded in 1924, remains a beacon of Incarnate Word education for hundreds of young learners.

Our mission reaches across Mexico, to Veracruz through Colegio Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, to San Luis Potosi through Instituto Hispano Inglés, and to Jalisco through Instituto Miguel Ángel de Occidente.

Each institution, whether serving 300 students or more than 1,000, shares the same foundational calling: to educate with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to service.

10 CCVI CCVI SCHOOLS SCHOOLSIN INMEXICO MEXICO

Together, these eight schools serve more than 6,000 students and employ over 1,000 dedicated staff members, all working to carry forward the Incarnate Word tradition of forming minds, shaping hearts, and inspiring lives of service.

Join us in this series of articles as we celebrate their stories, their people, and the mission that continues to flourish through them.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 11

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Instituto América: 123 Years of Legacy and Evolution By: Magdalena Minjárez Férez

T

he history of Instituto América (IA) is a testimony to resilience and commitment to education that has spanned more than a century. Founded initially as Colegio Guadalupe, the school was established at the beginning of the 20th century in a private home in Chihuahua, Mexico.

As an educational center, it has survived Mexico’s political and social crises, thanks to the unconditional support of the region’s families and the faith of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. Its key differentiator is the sum of all the typical courses of a Catholic school promoting CCVI values since its founding in 1902: honesty, simplicity, responsibility, service, solidarity, mercy, respect, and justice.

Prestige in the Heart of the City The Congregation’s work was consolidated and, adopting its current name, Instituto América, came into being in a magnificent building in front of the iconic Parque Lerdo.

It became a prestigious girls-only school that educated hundreds of women—now great grandmothers, grandmothers, and community leaders who have excelled in all sectors of Chihuahua society.

12 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

Known locally as “el América”, the campus evolved. With time, it became coeducational, increasing enrollment and leading the school to a new level. Urban growth and vehicular traffic required a change, so the Institute moved to its current location, an area of projected development, strengthening a renewed educational mission.

Innovation and Academic Tradition IA’s long history has been characterized by the constant official support of government institutions and their current programs.

Academically, the school has continued to evolve. It became a bilingual school, and with the adoption of cutting-edge technology and education programs, is now considered one of the best schools in the country.

Instituto América is recognized for its academic level and competitiveness. Its student honor guard stands out in civic events, and they excel in sports such as soccer, basketball, touch football, and volleyball.

Education in Principles and Social Engagement IA actively promotes family unity through gatherings celebrating national traditions, religious holidays, and social events, creating a festive and cohesive atmosphere for its community.

Faithful to the CCVI school system, the institution reinforces the practice of congregational values amongst students, teachers, staff and parents, offering support for vulnerable groups in Chihuahua. This is demonstrated through social engagement in orphanages, homes for elders, indigenous communities and evangelical missions, where young Junior High and High School students join the pastoral department in giving aid to rural communities.

With 123 years of professional development and the commitment to continue to make its mark on future generations of children and young people, Instituto América is a pillar of education and teaching values essential for Chihuahua society.

They also shine in

academic contests, singing and painting competitions,

and

successful

stage

productions in the city’s major theaters.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 13

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Colegio Mexicano:

138 Years Educating Hearts, Minds, and the Spirit By: Yurani Treviño Villarreal

A Story that Began in 1886 To speak of Colegio Mexicano is to open a living chapter of the history of Monterrey, Mexico. This history goes back to 1886, when the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, moved by the Gospel and love for others, founded a school with a clear ideal in mind: to educate with faith, academic excellence, and a profound humanitarian spirit.

Over time, what began as a simple work of service became a hallmark of education for generations of families in Monterrey.

Consolidation and Integration At the beginning of the 20th century, the school became a leading institution for educating girls and young women, integrating Christian values, social responsibility, and leadership. In 1934, it received official recognition from the Ministry of Public Education, fortifying its community growth and presence. Decades later, its commitment to the community led it

to evolve with society’s needs, opening new areas, educational programs, and academic levels.

A giant step toward the future came in 1994, when Colegio Mexicano began

14 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

its co-education program, embracing the education of girls and boys under the same calling: to build a more inclusive, just, and prepared community. The new campus, opened in subsequent years, was designed to provide a comprehensive education experience through modern classrooms, laboratories, a chapel, art studios, sports courts, spiritual education and socializing spaces.

Over time, the school became known not only for its academic level but also for its personal perspective.

Here, learning is never limited to books and tests; it also means developing character, discovering talents, serving others, and recognizing Christ in others. Programs in art, sports, extracurricular activities, languages,

technology, sciences, and religious education have made Colegio Mexicano a living community where each student can grow freely and responsibly.

138 Years of Legacy and Mission Today, with a 138-year history, Colegio Mexicano is not only a building or a name.

It is a legacy woven by generations of sisters, teachers, families, and students who have taken home the values learned within these walls: faith, perseverance, compassion, hard work, gratitude, and love. Many of them are leaders today in different sectors, engaged citizens, and, above all, people with soul.

As we look back, we are filled with gratitude. Looking forward, we are filled with hope. Colegio Mexicano continues in constant renovation, true to its original mission: to educate fulfilled persons capable of changing the world from the heart of Christ. Our story is not only of the past; it is about presence, vocation, and promise, because here, every day, we learn that education illuminates the soul.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 15

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Instituto Miguel Angel de Occidente: 25 Years of Faith,

Vision, and Commitment to Education By: María José Momox Cano

I

n the center of Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico is the Instituto Miguel Ángel de Occidente (IMAO), soon to celebrate its 25th.anniversary. It is the fruit of a profound faith, clear vision, and unshakeable commitment to the integral

education of Mexico’s youth.

The Seed of a Shared Vision IMAO dates back to the wish of a family from Jalisco, whose dream was a school that would unite academic excellence with sound Christian values. Inspired by the charism of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, they shared their vision with the Congregation, thus sowing the seed of what would become a hallmark of education.

Sister Marlena Flores, then General Treasurer, along with Sister Gloria Ortiz, Provincial Councilor, envisaged the possibility of establishing a school to respond to the local community’s needs.

With missionary spirit, they enthusiastically called upon Sister Elena de la Cruz Guzmán, Sister María Loyola Barba, and Sister Alejandra Luján, who arrived in Guadalajara on July 22, 2,000 with the mission of beginning this project.

16 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

The Beginning of the Educational Endeavor Construction began in December of that year. Beyond building walls, they sought to give life to a comprehensive education project: a solid academic model and a team of teachers committed to imparting the Congregational charism through the education of children and youth. This educational initiative and demand soon exceeded local families’ initial expectations.

The Instituto officially opened for the 2001-2002 school year with Preschool and Grade School, beginning with 540 students. From its onset, the school created a Board of Directors and the Parent-Teacher Association of committed lay people, both becoming basic pillars for developing and consolidating the educational community.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 17

18 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

Growth and Comprehensive Accompaniment Thanks to the excellent community response, the Junior High opened in 2004, and given the growing demand, the High School opened in 2008, thus consolidating a comprehensive educational offering. Later, a new administration building and chapel, the heart of the School, were built.

Over the last 25 years, IMAO has educated generations with a sound academic preparation and deeply instilled values. True to the Congregation’s Mission, each stage has been marked by the pursuit of educational excellence and an innovative approach to teaching.

IMAO celebrates its history and looks into the future with hope.

It remains steadfast in its commitment to offering a quality education inspired by humanistic and Christian principles, educating empathetic leaders committed to transforming the world around them.

This journey has been possible because we have kept alive our founder, Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis’ mission, which inspired the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word: to serve with love, educate with compassion, and respond to the needs of the present time.

The legacy of the congregational charism and of the Sisters, which led to this work, is present in every classroom, in every teacher, and in every family. IMAO not only remembers its history; it builds it day by day with love, service, and the never-ending hope to continue educating with the heart of the Incarnate Word.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 19

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Instituto Miguel Ángel:

120 Years of CCVI Legacy By: María Elena Castillo García

T

he Instituto Miguel Ángel (IMA) celebrates 120 years of professional development marked by the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word’s faith, vision, and commitment to education. Since its establishment, it has been a witness and the main initiator of significant changes, creating its present with the sound foundations of its past.

The history of IMA goes back to 1905, with the foundation of The English Academy of the Incarnate Word, dedicated to the Christian education of young women in Mexico City’s Santa María district. Fifteen years later, it evolved into the Academia Inglesa, consolidating agreements for official recognition for Preschool to Secretarial School. In 1940, the institution adopted the name that still identifies it today, seeking the protection of the Archangel Michael: Instituto Miguel Ángel. Four years later, the school’s vision for growth materialized in the iconic Colonia Del Valle district of Mexico City.

The Stamp of Consolidation Consolidation became evident in 1955 with the celebration of the school’s Golden Jubilee. A decade later, the first stone of the new campus in the Florida district was blessed, and the school opened its doors in 1967. Blessed by Cardinal Miguel Dario Miranda, this campus offered Preschool,

Grade School, Normal School, and Normal Teachers’ Training in response to the educational needs of the time.

An unforgettable milestone for the school happened in 1979: the visit of Pope John Paul II. His visit and blessing left a deep mark

20 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

on the heart of the entire community, reaffirming the IMA’s prestigious reputation.

To strengthen its goals, in 1998, the school implemented a bilingual system.

The Preschool and Grade School levels and the Preschool successfully became coeducational; this was later expanded to Grade School and Junior High in 2004. In 2005, the Institute celebrated its 100th anniversary with several jubilee and Eucharistic events and a visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Between 2009 and 2019, an in-depth remodeling process updated patio, gardens, the gym, the Chapel, and offices, including installing cuttingedge technology. In 2021, “Radio IMA” went live, producing podcasts created by the students to give a voice to new generations.

Looking to the Future with a Sound Foundation and Vision The last several years have demonstrated the school’s strong commitment to renewal.

In 2024, all buildings underwent structural reinforcement to comply with Mexico City’s new construction code. Remodeling work continues, including creating new classrooms, which was possible thanks to the generous donation of the house the CCVI Sisters currently occupy. In addition, in 2025, the emblematic uniform, which had existed for more than 100 years, gave way to a new one that unifies the identity of all CCVI sister schools.

The IMA is moving toward the future as a strong, innovative, international, and avant-garde institution. Through outreach projects, new international experiences, and an increase in cooperation agreements, the IMA guarantees the high performance of its graduates.

The IMA community is thankful for its past, celebrates its present, and foresees a future of excellence, prestige, and comprehensive education under the guidance of Jesus, the Incarnate Word and the extension of His Kingdom.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 21

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Instituto Hispano Inglés:

A Ministry in the Service of Education By: Beatriz Adriana Delgado Revuelta

O

ur school was founded in October 1937, under the name Academia Inglesa Welcome, in response to the vision of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word to establish an educational ministry in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This began the story of an educational institution based on the values of the Congregation, with the clear mission of contributing to the development of integrated, Catholic communities in times of social and political instability.

Months later, the name of the school was changed to Instituto Hispano Inglés, which still identifies the school today. For more than seven decades, it has participated in the education and strengthening of San Luis Potosi society.

In 1965, the school inaugurated its current facilities at Benigno Arriaga 805. These include two buildings that can accommodate 1,200 students, sports facilities, areas for recreation and socializing, and a Chapel.

22 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

educational approach by implementing

modern

philosophy and mission:

academic

systems

education

based

and

and

values.

Comprising

developing sports, cultural,

years after its founding,

over

graduates,

artistic, and recreational

Instituto Hispano Inglés

the school maintains its

areas.

remains up-to-date and

commitment to modernity

maintain the Congegation’s

true to the Congregation’s

and an avant-garde

vision and values.

Today,

more

than

80

5,000

on

strategies

It

continues

by

to

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 23

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Centro Educativo Santa Catarina: A Legacy of Faith

and Social Engagement By: Yessika Lizbeth De León Flores

T

he history of Santa Catarina Educational Center (CESC) cannot be told without harking back to its roots: the vision of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate World. CESC’s foundations are interwoven with those of Colegio Mexicano (founded in 1887 as the “Colegio San José”), whose purpose was to guarantee a free, quality Catholic education for lowincome boys and girls in the outlying areas of Monterrey, Mexico. This profound social vocation set the basis for today’s CESC.

The Birth of an Unshakeable Institution Thanks to the Sisters’ tenacious efforts and the support of great benefactors, the project became a reality in 1961 with the foundation of Centro Educativo Mexicano. The 1961-62 school year saw the birth of the new institution in the present-day municipality of Santa Catarina, Nuevo

Leon, under the leadership of Sister María Irene Martínez and with an initial enrollment of 270 grade school students.

The institution has grown steadily. By 1965, increasing enrollment led to the building of new classrooms and improved core services, the cost of which was

24 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

covered entirely by Colegio Mexicano.

Enrollment continued to increase, and when it surpassed 400 students in 1983-84, an additional expansion was required.

resilience

back even stronger after each challenge,

throughout its history. It has faced and

thanks to the Congregation’s, teachers’ and

overcome several threats of closing, coming

parents’ commitment to the institution.

CESC

has

demonstrated

In 1989, Centro Educativo Santa Catarina adopted its current name. The school’s modern era arrived in 1997 with the acquisition of the first computer equipment, followed in 2000 by the inauguration of the library and the highpriority project of roofing the playground area to protect students from inclement weather.

Independence and Expansion With its sights set on the youngest children, in 2002, the school finalized the purchase of the lot next door, a key element that drove the growth of the kindergarten, whose official incorporation into the Ministry of Public Education was successfully completed in 2003.

However, the actual turning

improvement of its services

point for the school was in

and facilities, thus assuring

2005,

its own, promising future.

in

which

CESC’s

maturity economic from

culminated institutional achieving

In August of 2005, CESC

independence

responded to its community’s

by

Colegio

Mexicano.

request

and

opened

its

This marked the beginning

Junior High School, ensuring

of a new and decisive stage

continuity of the Incarnate

for

the

Word’s

on

financial

and

school,

focused

outstanding

Anniversary

in

2027,

a

autonomy

education for its students.

testimony to its service, and

comprehensive

CESC will celebrate its 65th

commitment to education.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 25

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Colegio Central:

The Legacy of Educating with the Heart By: María de Lourdes Fuentes Rojas Vértiz

F

ounded in 1925, Colegio Central is committed to promoting congregational values, aiding those most in need, and fostering academic excellence.

Located in the city of Puebla, Mexico, the school currently offers five levels of education—Nursery School, Preschool, Grade School, Junior High, and High School—and is part of the CCVI School System present in Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Veracruz, Guadalajara, Chihuahua, and Mexico City. The goal of Colegio Central is clear: to reinforce the presence of the Incarnate Word in every educational action and to continue to be a hallmark of quality education and social engagement.

Origins and Consolidation Colegio Central’s history dates to 1925, when the Sisters of Charity the Incarnate Word, responding to Mother Marcelina Cantú’s request, assumed leadership of a new institution, The Incarnate Word Academy.

In the context of the religious persecution of that era, the school adopted the name Colegio Zaragoza to continue its educational work.

Despite the challenges of the times, the Sisters’ vocation shone forth in their steadfast dedication to education. In 1928, Canon Fernando Anaya asked Mother Loyola to lead a second school, the Academia Nazareth. Both institutions grew in student body and prestige, and in 1938, the Provincial Council decided to unite them under a single name, Colegio Central, as it is still known today.

26 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

Growth and Modernization Between the 1940s and 1970s, the school consolidated its reputation in Puebla as a prestigious girls’ school.

During that time, it acquired land and erected buildings that housed the school facilities, Sisters’ home and boarding school.

In the 1990s, Colegio Central took

Over the years, each school administration has contributed to

values inspired

improving school infrastructure, adapting it to the needs of the educational community. This commitment is still alive today, and in 2025, the school celebrated the roofing over its central patio, which is of significant value to all the members of the school community.

Colegio

an essential step by becoming a coeducational

institution.

This

decision marked a new chapter in its history, reaffirming its commitment to comprehensive education based on

ethical,

moral, by

and

spiritual

the charism of

the Incarnate Word Sisters. Today, an

Central

institutional

reinforcement,

is

experiencing

renovation

and

characterized

by

incorporating bilingual programs at all levels and a focused

on

teaching approach developing

critical

thinking and social responsibility.

True to the vision of its founder, Bishop Claude-Marie Dubuis, Colegio Central keeps alive its mission to be a compassionate presence for those most in need who seek “relief at your hands.”

With 100 years of experience, Colegio Central continues to educate with the heart, guided by faith, excellence, and the conviction that education transforms lives and builds a more just and supportive future.

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 27

CCVI Schools in Mexico

Colegio Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra:

Torrents of Faith: 63 Years of Mission By: Diana Domínguez Gracia

I

n the magical Los Tuxtlas region of Mexico, land of rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, and volcanoes, where nature coexists with deeply rooted ancient traditions and superstitions, a lighthouse of education and faith shines forth. The Miguel Cervantes de Saavedra School, known to locals as “El Cervantes”, is the only tropical CCVI school and has been a pillar of Catholic education in San Andrés Tuxtla for the past 63 years.

Sowing the Word The history of El Cervantes began in 1961, when the Bishop, Arturo Antonio Szymanski Ramírez, made that crucial call to the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

In February 1962, the Congregation assumed leadership of the school, transforming it into the city’s sole bastion of Catholic education.

While the region’s fields came alive with corn, tobacco, and sugarcane crops, the Sisters have dedicated their work to sowing the seeds of something more valuable: the Word. They have educated, evangelized, and collaborated in social projects, harvesting a profound love for Jesus, the Incarnate Word. The CCVI’s quality education and values that the school promotes with empathy, love, commitment, mercy, and torrents of faith have created an unshakeable bond of trust with community families.

28 CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO

Foundations of Altruism and Resilience The school has stood firmly for 63 years, weathering economic difficulties until reaching its current sustainability. The altruism shown by the local community has been crucial to its growth, as demonstrated by the first parents’ active support of the Sisters in acquiring the land and building the campus that today accommodates 300 Grade School and Junior High School students.

El Cervantes’ impact goes beyond its walls. The school has become a source of inspiration, pioneering work methodologies and organizational practices that have been adopted by other schools in San Andres Tuxtla.

This demonstrates that the CCVI’s Mission benefits all children in the region. It is not surprising that its alumni are successful professionals, some of whom have served as municipal mayors.

A Lighthouse of Faith in a Region of Traditions In a region known for the strength of its ancient beliefs, the work of a Catholic school such as Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra is vital. Besides imparting scientific and technological knowledge, it has the noble mission of instilling love for others, social engagement, values, and above all, faith in God. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra School daily reaffirms its commitment to its identity: We are children of the Incarnate Word!

CCVI SCHOOLS IN MEXICO 29

30 JUBILARIANS 2025

JUBILARIA

ANS 2025

JUBILARIANS 2025 31

CHAPTER 2026 Chapter is a sacred period that calls us together to listen attentively, reflect on our shared journey, and discern how the Spirit is inviting us to respond to the needs of the world today. With the theme Incarnating and Nurturing Prophetic Hope, this Chapter invites us to embody and cultivate hope in a world longing for healing, justice, and compassion. Chapter was convened on March 25, 2025 and will conclude with the election of a new leadership team on May 31, 2026. Please continue to pray with us.

32 CHAPTER 2026

A life for God and a heart for others.

CHAPEL EVENTS April 2, 2026: Holy Thursday - 6:00 pm April 3, 2026: Good Friday - 6:00 pm April 4, 2026: Easter Vigil Saturday - 6:00 pm April 5, 2026: Easter Sunday - 11:00 am

April 19, 2026: Dr. Seth Nelson and Kevin McCormick Sunday - 3:00 pm May 17, 2026: IlluMen Sunday - 4:00 pm