60 YEARS OF OUR MISSION IN PERÚ THE LEGACY FUND A WORLD OF MINISTRIES
THE VILLAGE AT INCARNATE WORD
By: Terri Landez
TABOUT
THE COVER
he cover of this issue showcases the main entrance of the Motherhouse Convent of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. This sacred building, completed in 1900, has since served as the spiritual and administrative heart of the Congregation. The Motherhouse now houses congregational offices and spaces dedicated to the Sisters’ formation and community life. More than a physical structure, it represents the legacy, mission, and Incarnate love that guides the Congregation.
Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word
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.
AMOR MEUS Magazine
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.
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 three 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.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP TEAM
Congregational Leader
S. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI
General Councilors
S. Margaret Bonnot, CCVI
S. Emilia Gracia, CCVI
S. Leticia de Jesus Rodriguez, CCVI
S. Cecilia Zavala, CCVI
CONTACT US
communications @ amormeus.org
Give to CCVI
www.amormeus.org/en/donate
As we enter this new season of hope, it is my pleasure to present to you the AMOR MEUS MAGAZINE. In these pages, we invite you to journey with us through stories that illuminate the enduring spirit of our mission, celebrate milestones of faith and service, and share the evolving ways our ministries continue to meet the needs of today’s world.
We begin with a tribute to a remarkable chapter in our Congregation’s history: 60 years of presence and ministry in Peru. What began as a faithful response to a call in 1965 has grown into a lasting commitment to the people and communities of Peru. Through education, healthcare, and pastoral accompaniment, our Sisters have brought the compassionate presence of the Incarnate Word to those most in need planting seeds that continue to bear fruit today.
We also turn our attention to The Village at Incarnate Word, a living expression of our mission in San Antonio. What started as a vision to care for the aging with dignity has blossomed into a vibrant community rooted in faith, compassion, and holistic care. Through its ever-expanding services including Sisters Care and independent living The Village remains a place where love and service flourish daily.
This issue also honors the Congregation’s Generalate Building and the reopening of the Motherhouse Convent’s original doors. This issue also reflects on the evolving story of our Motherhouse Convent. First established in 1900 on land purchased by Mother Madeleine Chollet, it served as a hub for community life and administration. In a meaningful return to our roots, the Congregation has now relocated its offices to a newly renovated space adjacent to the original Motherhouse site, honoring our heritage while meeting today’s needs.
In all these stories, we see how the legacy of our Sisters is being carried forward by lay collaborators, caregivers, and faithful partners like you. Your prayers, generosity, and friendship sustain us and inspire us as we continue to walk in the footsteps of the Incarnate Word.
May this issue fill you with encouragement and renewed purpose. Thank you for being a cherished part of the CCVI Family. Together, let us continue to nurture life, faith, and hope wherever we are called to serve.
Praised be the Incarnate Word!
S. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI Congregational Leader
02
60 YEARS OF MISSIONARY PRESENCE IN PERU
By: Srs. Mirella & Pilar Neira
On December 19, 1964, six Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) left the Motherhouse in San Antonio, Texas, to establish the Congregation’s first mission in Chimbote, Peru. It’s been six decades since that day, and we gathered to celebrate and give thanks for our continued presence in Peru. In the spirit of Vatican II and the needs of the Church in Latin America, the Sisters followed the call of our founder, Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis (1817-1895): ”Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands.”
The response to this initial call has led several generations of Sisters to minister to God’s people in Chimbote, Cambio Puente, the
“Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in a multitude of sick and destitute of all kinds, awaits relief from your hands.”
Ancash Region, Huancané and Puno; and in Comás, San Juan de Lurigancho and Los Olivos in the metropolitan area of Lima.
PERUVIAN CCVI
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION:
The 60th anniversary celebration began with the Eucharist on March 17, 2024 and was shared by the Sisters in Chimbote and Lima, our Associates, SURGE, friends, and Monsignor Guillermo Elías, who served in Comás-Lima for 21 years. The Associate communities renewed their commitment.
The Sisters took time for retreat and a trip to Arequipa from September 25 to 29. We enjoyed strengthening our relationships, walking together to the Eucharist, visiting the iconic places in Arequipa, and sharing our vision for the future of our mission, our commitment, and our challenges.
CELEBRATING THE CHIMBOTE MISSION:
We closed our anniversary celebrations with the Eucharist on December 19 in Chimbote, where we reaped the fruits of what our Sisters who shared life in this mission had sown.
We were blessed to be accompanied in our celebrations by Sisters Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez and Cecilia Zavala from the General Leadership Team, and our Sisters from Mexico, Sisters María de la Luz Cardona, Sandra Mayela Morales and Maria Rosa Vega. We are grateful for the presence of parishioners from the San Francisco de Asis Church.
We also thank Bishop Jorge Izagurre from the Diocese of Chosica, Bishop Angel Zapata, from Chimbote, and several priest friends. The Associates of the Jeanne de Matel Community, Chimbote also renewed their commitment.
We faithfully continue to follow Jesus, the Incarnate Word, through a deep commitment to the marginalized.
OUR HEALTH MINISTRY:
On March 19, 2025 Santa Clara Specialized Health Center celebrated 60 years of accompanying the people of Chimbote in caring for their health. In the community, we are known as a warm and inviting medical center that provides quality healthcare that respects people’s lives.
We began this ministry to provide health services to the disadvantaged, opening the Santa Clara Health Clinic on February 1, 1965. Since January 2, 2015, we are part of the Incarnate Word Health System. We are thankful that we continue to have the support of a staff of excellent professionals and CCVI collaborators. We are grateful to Sister Yolanda Tarango, the Congregation’s General Leader, and Sister Margaret Bonnot, General Councilor, for their presence with us for this celebration.
Our work in Social Ministry:
Youth, University, and Vocation Ministry
From forming Parish Communities to our Commitment to Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC):
THE VILLAGE AT INCARNATE WORD 03
By: Terri Landez
Walking through the halls at The Village at Incarnate Word Senior Living Community, you can feel the stories, history, and love that the walls hold, stories and history not only of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word – but of thousands of retired Sisters and lay people who have called The Village home over the years. Every resident who lives at The Village holds decades of stories, a lifetime of experiences, and their own personal connection to the Incarnate Word. From all different backgrounds, they have been called to join as one loving community: The Village at Incarnate Word.
A sponsored ministry of The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, The Village
was founded on September 8, 1988. However, the story of care for the aging by the Sisters began much earlier. In 1869, Sisters Madeleine Chollet, Pierre Cinquin, and Agnes Buisson arrived in San Antonio at the decision of their founder, Bishop Claude Dubuis, who saw a need as our city suffered a cholera epidemic. These three Sisters answered God’s call and established the city’s first hospital, the Santa Rosa Infirmary, which began a loving ministry of service and care which continues to serve our community more than 155 years later.
Among the patients treated at the Santa Rosa Infirmary were many elderly poor San Antonians, ensuring that all older persons received the care, dignity, and respect they deserved. To further this mission, in 1895 the
Sisters opened their first elder care facility in San Antonio: St. Francis Home for the Aged, located at 2017 South Flores Street. Charges at the home were a mere $25 a month, but still many residents could contribute little or nothing to their care. To sustain the home, the Sisters raised funds, accepting charitable gifts of clothing and furnishings, and even helped the residents plant their own vegetables on the property and raise animals for their sustenance.
As the population of St. Francis Home and the needs of aging San Antonians grew, in 1903 the Sisters decided to begin work on a larger building to accommodate retired Sisters and lay people. In 1906 the new St. Francis Home opened its doors, jokingly called “The Fancy Home” by the Sisters who were astounded by its modern conveniences such as electric lights and hot water heating systems. It housed 58 residents including retired Sisters and lay people of all faiths. In the 1920s, as the population of retired Sisters continued to grow, the difficult decision was made to limit admission to St. Francis Home to Sisters only. Eventually that number grew to such an extent that St. Francis Home became overcrowded and additional space was provided in the Motherhouse, which was also fully occupied.
The Sisters knew that a new retirement center was needed and worked diligently to raise the funds to build one. At last, in 1954 it was announced that a new home for the retired Sisters, St. Joseph’s Convent, would be built on the Motherhouse property near what is now the intersection of Hildebrand Ave. and US Hwy 281. The building was dedicated in the summer of 1955 and retired Sisters ranging in age from 59 to 94 came from St. Francis Home and the Motherhouse in wheelchairs, walkers, ambulances, automobiles, and even the Incarnate Word High School bus, to move into their new home.
As time marched on and our city continued to grow, so too did the needs of the retired CCVI Sisters and rapidly growing aging population in San Antonio. In 1986, the difficult and brave decision was made by the Congregation to raze the original Motherhouse structure to make way for a new retirement community, which would become The Village at Incarnate Word. Originally constructed in 1900, the original Motherhouse structure had become badly deteriorated. Though it pained the Sisters to see it torn down, they knew that rebuilding was the best way to continue their mission and meet their needs and those of older lay people in San Antonio who were seeking a spiritually enriched community to live out their retired years.
They broke ground for the new building, now known as The Village at Incarnate Word, on October 15, 1986; exactly eighty-seven years after the cornerstone for the original Motherhouse was blessed. The only remaining original structure was the stone entrance, which was taken apart piece by piece and reassembled as part of the new structure. Everything else was completely new, with careful attention to detail to resemble the original Motherhouse and adjacent Brackenridge Villa.
The Village opened its doors on September 8, 1988, with the completion of several buildings, including DeMatel House, a 62bed licensed nursing facility, Alphonse House, and Madeleine House, which offered 73 independent living apartments. In 1990, construction was completed, adding 60 independent living apartments in Pierre and Ignatius Houses. That same year, Alphonse House was approved to transition from independent living to assisted living, providing support for residents who needed help with activities of daily living.
On The Village’s construction, Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery wrote in her book Promises to Keep, “What was most distinctive about the Motherhouse and Retirement Center was the makeup of the community. Sisters who had always lived secluded lives in their private convents, where lay persons rarely even visited, were now situated in apartments side by side with lay men and women, sharing the same common areas of dining room, chapels, and parlors, and discovering friendly neighbors who were delighted to become members of the Incarnate Word community.”
From the very beginning, The Village has been a welcoming and holy place rich in tradition, devoted to care, and together in community. The mission of The Village at Incarnate Word is to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to all those we serve. Since its founding over 36 years ago, The Village has expanded its mission to serve more older adults in need.
In 2001, Angelique House was constructed, adding memory care services on the first floor and additional assisted living apartments on the second. With this addition, The Village could now serve more families in need, notably those caring for their loved ones who were living with dementia. In 2007, the new Dubuis House opened a 7 story building with independent living apartments, a wellness center, and Bistro dining area. In 2018, the newly renovated Linda and Sid Williams III Aquatic Center opened on The Village’s 30th anniversary. The center features an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, and a locker room. With these amenities and buildings added, The Village was now a fully realized senior living community, with capacity for 271 residents,
and ample amenities to keep everyone happy and healthy.
Beyond its residential living community, The Village also serves the greater San Antonio area through Sisters Care In-Home Care. Founded in 1992 by Sisters Anne Birmingham, Margo Kelly and Brigida Smiley, Sisters Care was created to provide care for older San Antonians in their own homes, ensuring that all elders in our city can live comfortably, safely, and as independently as possible. Sisters Care employs a network of caregivers who work one-on-one with older or disabled clients across San Antonio, assisting them with meals, personal care, housekeeping, transportation, and more. Clients who cannot afford these essential services may receive them at little or no cost through Project Elder Help, a charitable ministry of The Village.
The Village at Incarnate Word is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with charitable ministries including Project Elder Help, and Spiritual Life. Project Elder Help provides Sisters Care In-Home Care services on a sliding scale to
low-income older adults living throughout Bexar County and The Village. In 2024, Project Elder Help provided over 5,000 hours of care to families in need, ensuring that every older San Antonian can age with dignity and receive the quality care that they deserve.
The heart of The Village remains with spiritual life. There are four worship spaces in the community: St. Joseph’s Chapel, the Adoration Chapel, the DeMatel Chapel, and a prayer chapel in Angelique House. Donations to spiritual life help provide daily Mass, Adoration, weekly Bible study, and other spiritually enriching programs for all residents. These ministries highlight The Village’s commitment to caring for its residents and extending outreach to the growing aging population in San Antonio, continuing the mission that the Sisters began many years ago.
In 1897, the Sisters wrote, “One of the grandest works of charity recommended by our constitutions is the care of the aged. The Sisters devoted to this mission of mercy shall bestow on their charges a devoted and tender solicitude, ministering with indefatigable
patience and sweetness to their every want, often made unreasonable by the eccentricities of age.”
This mission continues today. The staff and numerous volunteers working at The Village remain committed to the mission and are dedicated to the care, health, and happiness of all residents and Sisters Care clients.
The Village is a thriving hub of faith, care, and community which offers every level of care including independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing & rehabilitation, and memory care. Residents enjoy a full calendar of activities, health and wellness opportunities, social events, and peace of mind that comes with 24/7 support from caring staff. The Village is an award-winning community, voted by San Antonio Express News readers as the “Best Senior Living” in San Antonio for the past three years. DeMatel House maintains a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and was listed in U.S. News as a 2025 “Best Nursing Home”. The Village has also been recognized as a Great Place to Work™ and has received the Pinnacle Customer Experience Award.
As The Village prepares for the future, its leadership has set high goals for upholding
the values of compassion, dignity, integrity, stewardship, and collaboration. The Village aims to ensure that future generations of older adults have access to a safe, loving, and spiritually enriching environment. By 2030, all members of the Baby Boomer generation will be 65 or older, making the demand for senior care services the highest it has ever been. Older adults will comprise an astounding 21% of the country’s population, and The Village will be ready to serve this population with dignity, compassion, and love.
Since its inception, The Village has not only provided care for thousands of older adults, but has become a cherished place of faith, love, and community. Its journey from humble beginnings to its current state is a testament to the power and resilience of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. The community remains steadfast in its mission to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to all those we serve.
For those who wish to support The Village, we invite you to learn more about The Village’s annual campaign at bit.ly/ItTakesAVillageCampaign.
04
RETURNING TO THE MOTHERHOUSE
By: Sr. Mary Henry
In 1897 when Mother Madeleine Chollet purchased almost 300 acres from Colonel George Brackenridge, she immediately put into motion the planning and construction of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
So, what is a Motherhouse?
A motherhouse or mother house is the principal house or community for a Catholic religious community. A motherhouse functions as the congregation’s headquarters and would normally be where the residence and offices of the religious superior of the community would be located.
Before 1897, the Motherhouse of the Incarnate Word Sisters was Santa Rosa (Hospital), designated such to satisfy Rome to facilitate the approval of the constitutions of the growing foundation. (Before then, Santa Rosa had been referred to as “the Principal House.”) Santa Rosa served as the location of the general administration – the Motherhouse - until the Sisters moved into the Brackenridge Villa at which time it began to serve as the Motherhouse.
The purchase of the Brackenridge property was a significant one. Sister Alphonse Brollier wrote to the foundation in Lyons to tell them about the important step that had been taken:
“We have just acquired a magnificent piece of property for the establishment of our Motherhouse. It is about 40 minutes from town. It is truly an overindulgence by Divine Providence, although
the property is very expensive. We have about 283 acres of land, 90,000 gallons of water per day and a magnificent river which passes through our land.”
The Motherhouse was to house the administrative offices of the Congregation, the novitiate, and be the convent home of those Sisters who served in any administrative capacity, the novices, domestic Sisters, and even students. The Motherhouse was completed and occupied in 1900.
By the 1960’s, the congregation had grown significantly and with it came consequent burgeoning occupancy of the Motherhouse. Sisters entering the congregation was reaching its apex; also, many of our retired Sisters were by now living in the Motherhouse. The general administration made plans to build a separate novitiate combined with generalate offices. Plans were not approved (by Rome); the novitiate remained in the Motherhouse while a new building the Generalate was erected in 1966 to house administrative offices and living space (convent) for the General Superior and her council.
In 1986, it was determined that the Motherhouse would have to be either completely restored or replaced. Since its construction, the building critically deteriorated: walls were badly cracked; plumbing and electrical systems were inadequate; heating and cooling the building were a continual challenge; windows leaked out cool air and allowed summer heat to penetrate the structure. While the Motherhouse was built and was used for administrative offices, the novitiate and even the College and Academy, its primary occupants were by the 80’s retired and semi-retired Sisters who needed more comfortable accommodations.
The difficult decision was made to raze the Motherhouse and replace it with a new structure that would become what is now known as the Village at Incarnate Word an all-level retirement facility for our Sisters and our lay neighbors. The Generalate building, holding our administrative offices
became our Motherhouse, although it has never been referred to as our Motherhouse; but, in reality it was, since by definition, “a motherhouse functions as the congregation’s headquarters and would normally be where the residence and offices of the religious superior of the community would be located.”
Blessing of the Generalate, 1968
As all structures on our campus are vulnerable (as most recently demonstrated by the extreme shifting of the foundation of the Chapel of the Incarnate Word), the Generalate building has had its own issues with failing systems and inadequate services for our current realities. Our Sisters are aging at the same time, and the fact that the Generalate does not have an elevator has made its use and service falling short.
The 2022 General Chapter of the Congregation gave the mandate to the newly elected leadership that alternatives be examined. The idea percolated that the area adjacent to the second floor of the Heritage Center and encompassing the original entrance to the Incarnate Word Convent (Motherhouse) could be a possibility for the Congregation’s offices. (The Village at Incarnate Word sits on the footprint of the original Motherhouse, built in 1900.) It was an opportunity for the Sisters to “reclaim” the Motherhouse, in some ways, while providing new offices that could better serve our current reality.
Conversations took place between the congregation’s leadership and that of the Village. In mid-2024, renovation of living spaces into office spaces began. The new area, occupied in January 2025, includes offices of the Congregational Leader, her Council, and the offices that support them in the governing of the Congregation. Also, some of the small efficiency apartments close to the new offices are being used for hospitality.
A wonderful marriage has evolved between what was in the past, and what has been created for current and future needs. Stateof-the-art technology is connecting offices that occupy an area that was once home to one of our foundresses, Mother Madeleine, and many other women who shepherded our congregation through years of growth, loss, decline, and hope in what will come.
Buildings become significant because of the stories they hold. New stories will make this new space part of the whole story of the life of the congregation, and all those who have been part of this even-now evolving story.
RELIGIOUS LIFE IS A CALLING
Every young person has a dream—but what if yours is from God? God has a purpose for you, and we are here to walk with you as you discern your call to religious life.
If you’re between 18 and 45 years old, take a step with us and discover the life, mission, and community of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
IS GOD CALLING YOU?
Discerning a vocation takes time, prayer, and openness. If you feel a deep inner call to serve God and experience peace when you think about religious life, this may be your path. Speaking with a sister, joining a vocational retreat, and setting aside time for prayer can help you recognize where God is leading you.
CONNECT WITH US!
Follow us on social media: @vocations.ccvi Vocations at Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio
CONTACT US
United States: Sr. Kathleen Reynolds, CCVI kathleen.reynolds@amormeus.org
- Migrants, Immigrants, and Refugees Network (MIRN)
- Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC)
HEALTHCARE
- CHRISTUS Health (Over 50 locations throughout US, Mexico, Colombia, Chile)
- The Village at Incarnate Word
- Sistema de Salud Verbo Encarnado
- Clinica Santa Clara
SOCIAL SERVICES
- El Puente Hispanic Ministry
- Incarnate Word Foundation
- St. Elizabeth’s Adult Day Care Center
- Visitation House Ministries
- Centro Mujeres Tonantzin
- Cooperativa de Café Tiemelonla Nich Klum
- Ministerio de Mujeres Artesanas
PERU
COLOMBIA
CHILE
OUR PRESENCE WORLDWIDE
From education, to faith, to healthcare services, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word respond to the needs of people, bringing the healing presence of Christ to those in most need.
UNITED STATES
DISCOVER OUR MISSION IN A NEW WAY
Our newly designed website is here! Explore the heart of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word with a fresh, modern look and easy navigation.
CHAPTER HAS BEGUN
On March 25, 2025, the convocation of our General Chapter took place, marking the official beginning of our sacred and transformative journey toward General Chapter 2026. The General Chapter occurs once every four years and is a deeply significant time for our Congregation.
It 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.
THE LEGACY FUND
The Legacy Fund is to support the preservation and restoration of The Chapel of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, The Brackenridge Villa and our two cemeteries in San Antonio, Texas and St. Louis, Missouri. Our Chapel is more than a physical structure. It is a place of community prayer; it is a place of celebration, solace and solidarity. We hold shared memories, marking moments of joy, sorrow and faith. Currently the physical structure presents us with a major challenge. The impact of the relentless Texas drought and associated soil displacement have made a significant impact on the Chapel’s foundation evident in the visible cracks in both the exterior and interior. Construction has begun with all phases estimated to be complete December 2025. We are confident that this endeavor will stabilize the structure, ensuring future generations the opportunity to gather, worship and pray in The Chapel of the Incarnate Word which is one of the city’s breathtaking landmarks.
