CONTENTS
01
WELCOME
02
RESPONDING TO THE CALL
Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI
04
JUBILARIANS
Anne Messbarger-Eguia Nuria Choy
03
GENERAL CHAPTER 2026
ABOUT THE COVER Featured on the front cover of this issue is a glimpse into sacred moments in the life of our Congregation. The images pictured capture meaningful experiences from our General Chapter and our International Gathering of Incarnate Word Lay Leaders, Responding to the Call. Together, they reflect the spirit of the Incarnate Word alive among us, a spirit of collaboration, shared mission, and hope.
Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word
AMOR MEUS Magazine Summer 2026
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
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.
Congregational Leader Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI General Councilors Sr. Margaret Bonnot, CCVI Sr. Emilia Gracia, CCVI Sr. Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez, 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.
WELCOME! As we share this new edition of the AMOR MEUS MAGAZINE, it is my joy to welcome you into stories that reflect the enduring spirit, faith, and hope that continue to guide the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. In these pages, we celebrate moments of discernment, collaboration, and renewal that reveal how God continues to call us forward in service to the Church and the world. This issue highlights a significant milestone in the life of our Congregation: General Chapter, centered on the theme Incarnating and Nurturing Prophetic Hope. Every four years, Sisters from across our Congregation gather in prayer, reflection, and discernment to establish the direction of the Congregation’s future. Through dialogue, prayer, and attentive listening to the movements of the Spirit, the Chapter affirmed our commitment to respond with Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI compassion, creativity, and faithfulness to the charism of the Congregational Coordinator Incarnate Word. We also celebrate the election of our new General Leadership Team, Sr. Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez Hernández, Sr. Elizabeth Mirella Neira Sandoval, Sr. Maricela Guadalupe Martínez Aguilar, Sr. Martha Laura Gaona Cervantes, and Sr. Adriana Calzada Vázquez Vela, whose service will guide the Congregation in the years ahead. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of them and hold them in prayer as they begin this sacred ministry of leadership. We also share the inspiring gathering of Lay Leaders, Associates, and Sisters who came together in San Antonio for Responding to the Call. Representing all our ministries across multiple countries and sectors, participants gathered to strengthen relationships, deepen their understanding of our shared mission and charism, and explore what it means to carry forward the legacy. Their conversations reflected a profound appreciation for the Congregation’s history and an equally strong commitment to its future. The gathering highlighted the essential role of lay leaders as partners in mission and demonstrated the remarkable potential that exists when our ministries collaborate across communities, cultures, and borders. Whether through the discernment of General Chapter or the commitment of lay leaders, we see the Holy Spirit at work, calling forth new possibilities for service, leadership, and hope. In a world often marked by uncertainty, these experiences remind us that the mission of the Incarnate Word continues to flourish through the faithful response of all who share in it. As we move forward together, we give thanks for the Sisters, Associates, lay leaders, benefactors, and friends who help sustain and strengthen our ministries. Your prayers, generosity, and partnership allow us to continue responding to the needs of our times with courage and compassion. May this edition inspire you with renewed hope and confidence in God’s abiding presence. Thank you for being part of the CCVI family as we continue to incarnate and nurture prophetic hope wherever we are called to serve.
Praised be the Incarnate Wor d ! 04 WELCOME
RESPONDING TO THE CALL 05
RESPONDING TO THE CALL: A GATHERING OF CCVI LAY LEADERS By: Anne Messbarger-Eguia, Director of Incarnate Word Ministries - United States
By: Dr. Nuria R. Choy Farré, Director of Education Ministries - Mexico
In January of 2026, over 130 lay leaders, 16 Associates, and several Sisters working in direct ministry gathered in San Antonio, Texas, for a conference entitled Responding to the Call. The gathering was hosted by the Ministry Councils of Mexico and the United States and was designed to achieve three goals: To honor and strengthen the role of the laity as Charism carriers and extenders of the Congregation. To foster greater awareness and stronger relationships among our family of ministries. To inspire our lay leaders to embrace their changing role and respond to the call to lead and continue the story and work of the Sisters. The attendees hailed from 5 countries and represented 27 ministries and Associate Communities and enthusiastically embraced this event as an opportunity to renew their commitment to the CCVI Mission and Charism. This gathering was designed to be highly inclusive and to create opportunities for all CCVI ministries to share their stories, their wisdom, and their commitment to our shared Mission and Charism. While this was a gathering of CCVI lay leaders, the Sisters were a palpable presence throughout the four-day event. Some 60 Sisters attended the opening and closing ceremonies at the Chapel of the Incarnate Word, two evening social gatherings, as well as two keynote presentations that were offered by Zoom. In addition, the history, legacy and indeed the voices of the Sisters were brought to life throughout the gathering through videos and photographic displays created specifically for this purpose as well as a lively game of “CCVI Loteria” facilitated by two of our Sisters. 06 RESPONDING TO THE CALL
Recognizing the tremendous changes facing congregations of women religious across the globe, this gathering was designed to ensure that the lay persons charged with leading the CCVI ministries understand the increasing importance and responsibility of their roles. As fewer sisters are available to lead and/ or serve in our ministries, it is important that the lay leaders understand their charge and are prepared and
committed to meeting the Congregation’s expectations. During the gathering, attendees heard from internal and external experts and participated in small and large group discussions to process the information shared and identify implications for our Mission and ministries. This process led to several valuable insights and recommendations for how to move forward as lay leaders
within the CCVI family of ministries while ensuring that our Mission and Charism remain at the forefront.
The agenda was intentionally designed to blend information, dialogue, processing and implications into a fluid series of keynote presentations, breakout sessions, panel discussions, and quiet contemplation. Two very full days of content and discussion were book-ended by two half-days of prayer and ceremony, a structure that was intended to balance the need for information as well as discernment. The first full day of the gathering focused on setting the context for our work for the rest of the event, specifically introducing the attendees to who we are as a body of ministries as well as the changing dynamics of the world in which we are called to serve. We began with a series of videos and interactive presentations designed to bring to life the rich history of the Congregation by narrating the founding of each of its ministries, stressing the Sisters’ commitment to reading and responding to the signs of the times.
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We heard from Fr. James Martin, SJ, who gave a beautiful talk entitled, The Sisters, Grace and You, in which he provided a global perspective on the sea change facing congregations of men and women religious throughout the world due
to the aging and decreasing numbers of their members. He used the story of Lazarus to challenge the laity to “trust the one who calls them,” to a new reality of service in ministry. His inspiring words called us to look for God in our work, in the people we serve, and above all, to trust that we are where God wants us to be.
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With a clearer understanding of our diverse and expansive family of ministries, we invited internal experts from our three ministry sectors, Health Care, Education and Social Services, to share their perspectives on the signs of the times that are reshaping the world in which we are called to serve. Our speakers, each of whom addressed very specific trends unique to their respective industries, were remarkably consistent in their call to ground our work in the Mission, to be intentional about all that we do, and to be ready and willing to change when the circumstances call for change. They also reminded us that change is not new to us nor is it new to the Congregation. We need to look no further than our Congregation for a model for how to see with clear eyes where the needs are and to act courageously to meet them.
We processed this rich body of information in small group discussions by sector and then in panel discussions in a plenary setting. Attendees considered the implications of all that was shared in terms of their ministries, their role within their ministries and those they are called to serve.
with tremendous potential to collaborate, support one another and unite under our shared Mission and Charism. To this end, the attendees called for more gatherings and events for ministry leaders to interact, virtually or in person, and strengthen our sense of family.
Borrowing from a quote from Pope Leo XIV, used in a presentation on Catholic Education, the attendees expressed an overarching excitement for the realization that we are all part of something much greater than any individual ministry; in fact, “we are part of a large and diverse constellation of ministries”
At the gathering, and in greater detail after its conclusion, attendees called
for the Sisters and/or the Ministry Councils to support them in very specific ways that would collectively strengthen and more consistently guide our family of ministries. The following is a list of the highest priorities in followup to the event:
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Develop an inspiring, thoughtful and professional body of materials and resources to support the orientation and ongoing formation of ministry leadership, staff and Board members. Work with ministry leaders to identify and facilitate opportunities for Ministry Collaboration within and across sectors and countries. Strengthen and facilitate communication among ministry leaders and board members, creating a strong sense of camaraderie and “One Us” within the ministry family. Finally, as ministries of the Catholic Church, our ministries are required to meet four basic expectations: To be mission based, to address a specific need, to offer high quality services and to be financially sustainable. To ensure compliance with these expectations and to ensure an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each ministry, we recommend the identification, collection and integration of key performance data into a consistent and comparable ministry profile, ensuring an informed understanding of our entire CCVI family of ministries as well as the Congregation’s compliance with its canonical responsibilities as sponsors of ministries of the Church.
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Since January, the Mexico and United States Ministries Boards have made progress in each of these recommendations, but there is much work to be done. We look forward to working with the incoming General Leadership Team to affirm this direction and ensure that together we support our lay leaders and strengthen our ministries and their ability to live the Mission and Charism in service to those most in need. As CCVI lay leaders, we were honored to design and host this remarkable gathering and to witness first-hand the passion and excitement for the Mission shared by our co-ministers. This experience left all who attended feeling inspired, energized and eager to put their learnings and insights into action. We are filled with hope for our future, buoyed by the palpable energy and excitement of the gathering, and inspired by the example and legacy of our Sisters.
Praised be the Incarnate Wor d ! RESPONDING TO THE CALL 11
TOGETHER IN MISSION The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were blessed to welcome our ministries to Responding to the Call.
GENERAL CHAPTER 2026 13
GENERAL CHAPTER 2026: INCARNATING AND NURTURING PROPHETIC HOPE Every four years, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word gather for one of the most important and sacred moments in the life of the Congregation: the General Chapter. More than an administrative gathering, the General Chapter is a spiritual event rooted in prayer, communal discernment, and a shared commitment to seeking God’s will for the future. It is a time when Sisters come together to reflect on the realities of the world, the needs of the Church, and the mission entrusted to the Congregation. Through listening, dialogue, prayer, and reflection, the Chapter becomes a sacred space where the Holy Spirit is invited to guide decisions that will shape the Congregation’s future.
The journey toward General Chapter 2026 began long before delegates arrived in San Antonio. Months of preparation, reflection, consultation, and prayer helped create the foundation for what would become a deeply meaningful experience for the Congregation. Guided by the theme Incarnating and Nurturing Prophetic Hope, Sisters across the Congregation were invited to consider how they are called to embody hope in a world yearning for healing, justice, compassion, and peace. 14 GENERAL CHAPTER 2026
At a time when many communities around the world face uncertainty, conflict, poverty, displacement, and social division, the Chapter theme carried special significance. Prophetic hope is more than optimism. It is a courageous trust in God’s presence and action in the world, even amid challenges and uncertainty. For the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, nurturing prophetic hope means remaining attentive to the needs of God’s people while responding with creativity, compassion, and faithfulness to the charism of the Incarnate Word.
Chapter of Affairs The formal Chapter process unfolded in two significant phases: the Chapter of Affairs in March and the Chapter of Elections in May. Together, these gatherings created an opportunity for the Congregation to reflect on its present reality, celebrate its ministries, discern future priorities, and elect leadership for the next four years. The Chapter of Affairs brought together 51 Sister Delegates representing the diverse communities and ministries of the Congregation. Coming from the United States, Mexico, and Peru, the delegates carried with them the voices, experiences, and hopes of Sisters serving in schools, universities, healthcare ministries, pastoral settings, social service organizations, and missionary outreach programs. Their gathering reflected the international character of the Congregation and the shared commitment to mission that unites Sisters across cultures and borders. The opening days of the Chapter were marked by a spirit of gratitude and joyful reunion. For many Sisters, the gathering provided an opportunity to reconnect with one another, renew relationships, and celebrate the bonds of community that have been formed through years of shared ministry and service. These moments of fellowship served as an important reminder that the Congregation’s mission is rooted not only in the work it carries out but also in the relationships that sustain and strengthen its life together. GENERAL CHAPTER 2026 15
Throughout the Chapter of Affairs, delegates engaged in presentations, reports, and discussions that offered a comprehensive look at the life of the Congregation. Reports from Congregational leadership and international networks highlighted both accomplishments and challenges. Together, the delegates reflected on the realities facing the Congregation and explored how God may be calling the Sisters to respond in the years ahead. Yet the heart of the Chapter was not found in reports or presentations alone. Rather, it emerged through the sacred process of communal discernment. Sisters entered into meaningful conversations, listened attentively to one another, and created space for the wisdom of the community to surface. Through prayer, silence, dialogue, and reflection, delegates sought to identify the movements of the Spirit and the priorities that would help guide the Congregation into the future. A particularly significant moment occurred during the celebration of the Feast of the Annunciation. For the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, this feast holds profound meaning because it reflects the mystery of God’s presence becoming incarnate in the world through Mary’s courageous “yes.” During the Chapter, Sisters reflected on Mary’s example of faith, trust, and openness to God’s call. Her response continues to inspire the Congregation’s response to the needs of today’s world. The presentation on the Spirituality of the Incarnation further deepened the
Chapter experience, inviting delegates to reflect on what it means to nurture prophetic hope in contemporary society. Sisters considered how they are called to embody God’s love in their ministries and relationships while remaining attentive to emerging needs and opportunities for service. The days of discernment were balanced by moments of joy and celebration. Shared meals, community gatherings, prayer services, and informal conversations fostered a spirit of communion that strengthened the bonds among delegates. In these moments, Sisters
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experienced once again the gift of belonging to a community united by faith, mission, and a shared commitment to serving God’s people.
could be heard clearly. Silence played an important role in the process, allowing Sisters to listen deeply to God, to themselves, and to one another. This spirit of prayerful discernment culminated in the election of a new General Leadership Team. On May 29, delegates elected Sister Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez Hernández, CCVI, as the Congregational Coordinator for the 2026–2030 term.
Chapter of Elections The second phase of the Chapter journey began in May with the Chapter of Elections. While the election of leadership is one of the most visible outcomes of a General Chapter, the process itself is deeply spiritual. Rooted in prayer and discernment, the election process invites delegates to seek God’s guidance rather than personal preference.
Sister Leticia brings a wealth of experience to this role. Throughout her religious life, she has served in ministries of education, administration, finance, missionary outreach, and congregational leadership. Her ministry has been characterized by faithful service, thoughtful leadership, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Congregation. Her international experience and collaborative leadership style uniquely position her to accompany the Congregation during the years ahead. Joining Sister Leticia on the General Leadership Team are Sister Elizabeth Mirella Neira Sandoval, Sister Maricela Guadalupe Martínez Aguilar, Sister Martha Laura Gaona Cervantes, and Sister Adriana Calzada Vázquez Vela, who will serve as General Councilors. Together, these women have accepted the call to guide the Congregation with wisdom, faith, and attentiveness to the needs of the times. The conclusion of Chapter 2026 included a moving liturgy that celebrated both continuity and renewal. During the closing ceremony, the newly elected leaders received their first blessing, symbolizing the support and prayers of the Congregation as they begin their ministry of leadership.
The days leading up to the elections were marked by contemplation, reflection, sacred conversations, and attentive listening. Through prayer services, retreats, nominee sessions, sacred circles, and communal dialogue, delegates sought to create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit GENERAL CHAPTER 2026 17
One of the most memorable moments of the closing celebrations was the solemn procession to relocate the sacred relics containing the preserved hearts of Mother St. Pierre Cinquin and Mother Ignatius Saar. These treasured relics serve as powerful reminders of the women whose faith, courage, and vision helped shape the Congregation’s history. Their relocation to a new place of prayer and veneration connects the Congregation’s rich heritage with its future mission. The General Chapter reminds us that the mission of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word is not confined to a single gathering or moment in time. It is a living mission that continues to unfold through the faithful response of women who seek to reveal God’s love in the world. Strengthened by prayer, inspired by their charism, and guided by prophetic hope, the Sisters move forward with confidence in God’s continued presence and providence. The newly elected General Leadership Team will officially begin its four-year term with the Installation Ceremony on July 25, 2026. As the Congregation gathers to mark this important transition, we give thanks for the leadership and service of those who have guided us thus far and entrust our new leaders to God’s care.
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GET TO KNOW THE GENERAL LEADERSHIP TEAM Sister Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez Hernández, CCVI Born in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, Sister Leticia de Jesús Rodríguez Hernández entered the Congregation on September 8, 1985. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1988, and her final vows on August 19, 1995. For decades, Sister Leticia has faithfully served the Congregation through ministries of education, parish work, administration, finance, missionary outreach, and congregational leadership. Her ministry has been distinguished by compassionate service, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to the mission of the Incarnate Word. Enriched by international missionary experience, academic preparation, and extensive leadership in financial stewardship, Sister Leticia brings wisdom, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to her continued service of the Congregation.
Sister Adriana Calzada Vázquez Vela, CCVI Born in Mexico City, Mexico, Sister Adriana Calzada entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word on August 26, 2007. She professed her first vows on January 2, 2011, and her final vows on August 20, 2016. Throughout her religious life, Sister Adriana has served the Congregation through ministries of education, evangelization, and young adult outreach. Her ministry experience includes serving at the University of Monterrey (UDEM) in Mexico and as Young Adult Minister at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. She also pursued theological studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois. Through her diverse experiences in ministry and education, Sister Adriana brings a spirit of service, faith, and collaboration to her leadership role.
Sister Martha Laura Gaona Cervantes, CCVI Born in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, Sister Martha Laura Gaona entered the Congregation on September 3, 1989. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1992, and her final vows on August 15, 1998. Throughout her religious life, Sister Martha Laura has devoted herself to the ministry of health care and compassionate service. She has served for many years at CHRISTUS Muguerza in Monterrey, Nuevo León, and has also ministered at Colegio La Paz in Torreón, Coahuila. Her dedication to promoting healing, dignity, and care for others reflects the charism of the Congregation and provides a strong foundation for her leadership and service.
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Sister Maricela Guadalupe Martínez Aguilar, CCVI Born in Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Sister Maricela Guadalupe Martínez Aguilar entered the Congregation on September 2, 1984. She professed her first vows on August 15, 1987, and her final vows on August 21, 1993. Sister Maricela has dedicated her religious life to education, catechetical formation, and pastoral ministry. She has served in a variety of educational institutions and ministries throughout Mexico and the United States, including several CCVI-sponsored schools, such as Instituto Miguel Ángel, Colegio Central, Claudio María Dubuis, Colegio La Paz, Colegio Santa Catarina, and Instituto América. She has also ministered at Centro Universitario Incarnate Word and served in Hispanic Ministry within the Diocese of Grand Rapids. In 2023, Sister Maricela founded the Diocesan Catechetical Institute. In September, she was appointed Diocesan Co-Director of Catechesis, continuing her commitment to faith formation and the Church’s catechetical mission. Her broad experience in education, leadership, catechesis, and pastoral outreach enriches her service and her commitment to the Congregation’s mission.
Sister Elizabeth Mirella Neira Sandoval, CCVI Born in Chimbote, Peru, Sister Mirella Neira entered the Congregation on March 25, 2004. She professed her first vows on December 19, 2006, and her final vows on April 13, 2013. Throughout her religious life, Sister Mirella has dedicated herself to ministry and formation in Peru. Her service has included extensive work accompanying women in formation, particularly novices preparing for religious life. She also served for several years with the Ministry of Health as the director of the Santiago Apostol Hospice and the Santa Clara Clinic. Through her commitment to spiritual accompaniment, healthcare ministry, community building, and missionary outreach, Sister Mirella brings valuable experience and a deep love for the Congregation’s mission to her role in leadership.
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JUBILARIANS
JUBILARIA
ANS 2026
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A life for God for ot
d and a heart thers
CHAPEL EVENTS Chapel Closure We regret to share that the Chapel will be closed throughout the month of July due to restoration and repair work. As a result, there will be no Second Sunday Mass in July. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming you back in August. August Events Second Sunday Mass – August 10 | 11:00 a.m. We are pleased to welcome the University Worshipping Community, along with Ministry and Music Ministers, as they join us for our Second Sunday Mass. Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – August 15 | 10:30 a.m. Join us in the Chapel for a special Mass celebrating the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During this liturgy, our Sisters will renew their vows together in thanksgiving for God’s faithful love and their continued commitment to religious life. September Events San Antonio Chamber Choir Concert - September 27 | 3:00 p.m. The San Antonio Chamber Choir will present A San Antonio Rose: Reflections on San Antonio Life and Times, a musical program celebrating the rich history, culture, and spirit of San Antonio. All are welcome to attend.