S. Yolanda Tarango
S. Mary Henry
S. Helena Monahan
S. Adriana Calzada 03 ORPHANS AND THE AGED
S. Brigid Marie Clarke
S. Kathleen Coughlin
Weare 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.
GENERAL LEADERSHIP TEAM Congregational Leader
S. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI
General Councilors
S. Margaret Bonnot, CCVI
S. Cecilia Zavala, CCVI
S. Emilia Gracia, CCVI
S. Leticia de Jesus Rodriguez, CCVI
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 four times a year; twice printed and all four times sent electronically. 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.
US communications @ amormeus.org Give to CCVI www.amormeus.org/en/donate
I write to you with joy and gratitude as we mark a significant milestone in our congregation’s journey— 155 years of living our Mission. This is not only a celebration of time passed but a testament to our unwavering commitment to our founding call: “Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands”.
As we reflect on our journey, it is remarkable to see how much we have grown and adapted over the years. From our humble beginnings in 1869 to the vibrant community we are today, each step forward has been guided by our shared values and dedication to making a positive difference in the world.
One of the most remarkable aspects of our congregation’s history is our ability to embrace change while staying true to our core beliefs and values. The world around us has evolved in countless ways since our inception, and yet our commitment to love,
service, and inclusivity remains steadfast. We have recognized the importance of adapting to the changing needs of our community and of society, and have continuously sought innovative ways to fulfill our Mission.
As we celebrate 155 years, we also look ahead with faith, optimism and determination. We acknowledge that the challenges we face may differ from those of the past, but our resolve to make a meaningful impact remains unchanged. Whether it is addressing an aging Sister community, or pressing social issues, or fostering a welcoming environment for all, we are committed to evolving with the times while staying rooted in our heritage and growing our legacy.
As we commemorate this milestone, we take a moment to express our gratitude to all those who have been our companions on the journey— past, present and future. It is through the dedication and passion of each Sister and each of you that we have been able to achieve so much and continue our Mission of spreading love and compassion.
I invite you to read the impactful stories in our Magazine about our various commitments throughout our 155 years. I also invite you to continue the journey with us as we remain steadfast in serving those most in need. In the spirit of celebration, let us come together to reaffirm our commitment to living our Mission each day.
Praised be the Incarnate Word.
S. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI Congregational LeaderWe invite you to delve into the remarkable story of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. From our humble beginnings with the foundation of the Congregation, our community is of devoted women who have embarked on a journey that spans generations and continents, leaving a profound impact on countless lives.
Since inception, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word have been at the forefront of compassionate service. The establishment of St. Joseph’s Orphanage stands as a testament to our commitment to care for the most vulnerable members of society. The construction and consecration of the Motherhouse Chapel not only symbolize a place of worship but also embodies the spiritual foundation upon which the Congregation stands.
As the years passed, we expanded our reach, establishing ministries in different parts of the world to extend the healing hand of Jesus Christ to those in need. Our dedication to education, healthcare, pastoral and social ministries has touched communities far and wide, spreading hope and healing wherever we go.
Today, as we reflect on our past achievements and ongoing endeavors of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, we invite you to join us in celebrating our legacy of love, compassion, and service. The journey continues, fueled by the same spirit of charity that has defined our remarkable Congregation for 155 years.
1869
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio, Texas
International Character Reflected in the Congregation
1871
The Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word was established in San Antonio. Opening Mass Celebrated at Santa Rosa Infirmary (December 03)
1872
San Antonio, Texas
St. Joseph’s Orphanage Established
1881 Congregation Granted Charter to Operate Schools and Hospitals in Texas
The Sisters secured a charter from the state authorizing them to operate schools as well as hospitals in Texas
San Antonio, Texas (July 15)
The word educate means “to lead out”, “to reveal”, “to expose”. For 155 years, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word have been leading each other and their students out of the prison of not knowing, revealing the meaning of truth and integrity, and exposing the incredible potential of this world and beyond.
In 1875, just six years after their foundation in San Antonio, the
Sisters began their ministry of education. Teaching followed naturally from their original mission to care for the victims of cholera and the children whose parents died from the dread disease. The children not only needed a safe home, they needed to learn.
Once the Sisters began to teach, the number of schools increased rapidly, both in the United States and in Mexico where they opened Colegio La Purisima in Saltillo in 1885 and Colegio de San Jose in Monterrey in 1887. While the rapid growth was a true gift, it was accompanied by requirements at both federal and state levels that teachers be certified by passing rigorous examinations.
Mother St. Pierre, who led the Congregation from 1869 to 1892, wisely realized that the Sisters themselves needed to be educated. She encouraged the Sister teachers to “study hard”, and asked the entire
Death of Mother St. Pierre Cinquin, co-foundress of the Congregation, (December 18)
Congregation to pray for their successful completion of all requirements. She inculcated a love of learning among the Sisters and those who would succeed her in leadership. As a result, the CCVIs in all ministries have been and are well educated in some of the finest colleges and universities available. This legacy of learning and teaching continues to the present.
Excellent teaching was not, however, the only requirement of the Congregation’s educational ministry. The Sisters focused their teaching and the choice of where they taught based on their mission and charism. The 2018 Directory, Article 15, explains:
[The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word] are called to promote human dignity and to educate for social justice, especially through healthcare, education, pastoral services, social work, the care of creation, and other forms of ministry in light of the Gospel and [the] charism. In the choices of ministries, [CCVIs] show a special preference for those who are poor and vulnerable and collaborate with others who share [their] values.
(Emphases added)
The current centers of education for the Congregation include the University of the Incarnate Word with campuses in San Antonio and Mexico, Incarnate Word High School and St. Anthony Catholic High School in San Antonio, Incarnate Word Academy
in St. Louis and the Incarnate Word School System in Mexico, comprised of eight schools throughout the country. If you peruse the Mission Statements of each of these educational entities, you will repeatedly find words like “communication of truth”, “innovation”,“diversity,” “service”,“ability to choose”,“positive impact”. This repetition is not coincidental. It stems from the rock-solid dedication of the founding Congregation. The guarantee that this dedication will continue rests heavily on the ability to hire lay collaborators who share these values and have passion to nurture them in others. The Sisters have worked closely with lay colleagues since the very beginning when they partnered with physicians and civic leaders in establishing Santa Rosa Infirmary in San Antonio. In 2024, all of the CCVI sponsored ministries are led by lay people. Many Sisters, however, serve on governing boards, exercising their
To establish a Motherhouse, the Sisters signed an agreement with Col. George W. Brackenridge
responsibility to ensure that the Mission is flourishing.
Another great strength of the educational ministry is a commitment to diversity. This is not tolerance; it is the realization that God is incarnated in every human being. Our differences contribute to our understanding of who God is. At Incarnate Word Academy in St. Louis, for example, students have the opportunity to participate in diversity training, a program which gives them insight into unconscious bias and helps them discover effective ways to address it. Again, this appreciation of diversity dates back to the Congregation’s origins. When Santa Rosa Infirmary was opened in 1869, it was praised
as an institution that would admit patients of all races and all denominations. It would receive within its “friendly walls . . . whites, blacks, and Mexicans”.
The Sisters have historically chosen to live and teach in some of the poorest areas or to remain in schools where changing demographics made them practically unaffordable to the surrounding families.
Examples of this include Blessed Sacrament School in St. Louis, Our Lady of Guadalupe School in San Antonio, and Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Ysleta, El Paso, Texas.
In Mexico, the Sisters actually opened separate schools for students unable to pay tuition.
Mother St. Pierre, however, made sure the quality of the educational program was not diminished. She wrote:
“All work is the work of the Incarnate Word, but the poor school is the dearest portion of His heart, as He came for the poor and wished the poor the blessings of the Gospel”
Mother St. Pierre’s words ring true in the present. The University of the Incarnate Word offered $212 million in financial assistance in 2022. It also offers a food pantry for students who might not be able to afford adequate nutrition. In more recent years, the secondary schools have found creative ways to assure that any family of a qualified student can afford to send its teenager to a CCVI school. I first learned of the Congregation’s education ministry from my father. His father died when he was very young, but his mother made sure his six brothers and one sister attended Blessed Sacrament School in St. Louis. Dad was unable to attend high school, but he was an educated man. He read constantly, loved music and poetry, and bequeathed a love of learning in his children and grandchildren. I attribute at least some of that to his time with the Sisters. We heard many stories of how strict the Sisters were and how unruly he and his brothers could be. But he obviously learned! He, like any child, could learn anything, because he was loved and properly taught.
Torreon, Mexico
The persons serving in our institutions continue to love, learn, and teach very well.
San Antonio, Texas San Antonio, Texas
Mother Alphonse Brollier proposed the establishment of a formation house in Europe Incarnate Word Academy Expanded to College Level
San Antonio, Texas
One of the most prominent “presences” of the Incarnate Word Sisters on our San Antonio campus is The Village at Incarnate Word, a “retirement community for people of all faiths”. It is also the place where our own Sisters live when they retire. In some ways, our Sisters have gone “full circle”. From the very beginning of our foundation, they have lived alongside elderly people and children.
When our first Sisters came to San Antonio in 1869, they came to establish an infirmary to care for its citizens who had already suffered through two cholera epidemics. When Sisters Madeleine, Pierre and Agnes arrived in the city, south Texas was subject to excessive rainfall, so much so that the Colorado River reached 51 feet above sea level.
The San Antonio River also overflowed its banks, leaving the city susceptible to typhus, typhoid fever, and dysentery. This kind of devastation left many homeless and destitute and our Sisters responded with open doors and loving hearts.
Santa Rosa Infirmary accepted elderly poor persons as charity patients, and many of them remained for long periods of time. In 1895, determined to provide the best care for
the aged, the Sisters purchased property on South Flores Street and built a two-story frame structure for this purpose. The home was named St. Francis Home for the Aged. Here, our retired Sisters lived alongside lay elderly. With the financial assistance of many persons in the San Antonio community, a new and larger building was constructed in 1906, providing a spacious and bright environment with a large and beautiful garden where residents could sit in the shade of large mulberry and pecan trees. In 1928, because of limited resources and the Congregation’s growing commitment
to schools and hospitals, the Sisters were no longer able to accept lay residents at St. Francis Home. Then, when the difficult decision was made in 1985 to raze the Motherhouse, a new ministry for the elderly was established, The Village at Incarnate Word, which would be home for retired Sisters and lay members of the community.
The Village at Incarnate Word is a welcoming community, built on property purchased by the Sisters from Colonel George Brackenridge in 1897. The description of St. Francis Home could easily describe The Village grounds: beautiful garden areas with many different kinds of trees, and spacious and bright buildings that house resident apartments.
For 35 years, the Sisters’ commitment to the aged has continued through the ministry of The Village at Incarnate Word. The Board, administration and staff oversee a multi-level retirement facility, rooted in the Catholic
Colegio San José reopened, and the sisters changed the name to Colegio Mexicana to avoid future problems
Colegio San José Reestablished and Renamed Colegio Mexicano
tradition, and open to persons of any religion, race, or creed, offering a spiritually-enriched home for all persons age 55 and older.
Our Sisters’ care for children began in 1872 when four small children were left one day “homeless and alone” at the Santa Rosa Infirmary. The Sisters made room for them, beginning a service which eventually led to the building of not one, but two orphanages. Initially living alongside the Sisters, as the number of children grew, it became increasingly difficult to accommodate them in the Infirmary.
Two years after the first orphans arrived, Mother St. Pierre purchased a piece of property on Houston Street, and began construction of a two-story stone building to be called St. Joseph’s Orphanage for Girls. It was completed and ready for occupancy in September 1874. The following year, it was decided that the location of the orphanage should be exchanged with that of the Infirmary.
Santa Rosa’s position on the very busy Military Plaza had become unsuitable for recovering patients. In the summer of 1875, the Sisters moved all the patients from Santa Rosa to the stone building that had been erected as the orphanage, and the Houston Street location became the permanent site of the hospital.
In 1890, Mother St. Pierre determined that a building of an orphanage for boys could no longer be delayed. The new home would be constructed on the site of Santa Rosa (now on the Houston Street property) “at the far end where the stables were”. Its proximity to the hospital meant the children could be fed from the same kitchen. Moreover it was close enough to the San Fernando School for Boys that the young children could easily and safely walk to school. When the 4-story St. John’s Orphanage opened in December 1890, the two upper floors were used for the novitiate of the growing Congregation; the orphans occupied the lower floors.
In 1912, a devastating fire consumed St. John’s, taking the lives of five Sisters and three boys. The entire city mourned their loss, and help poured in from all over the city. Tales of the heroic efforts of the Sisters to save the boys inspired people from everywhere, and plans were made immediately to rebuild. The decision was made that the Archdiocese of San
Antonio would take over the ownership and administration of the new orphanage, to be built on church property across from Mission Concepción. The Chamber of Commerce organized committees to help raise funds. Many responded, including businessman Peter Kuntz who had recently opened the Kuntz Lumber Company in San Antonio. The new building was occupied by the end of December 1913 and was named St. Peter’s, in honor of Mr. Kuntz.
In 1929, a new home for girls was constructed to replace St. Joseph’s, adjoining St. Peter’s Boys Orphanage. The two orphanages became known as St. Peter-St. Joseph Children’s Home, or St. PJ’s. Although the two new orphanages had been built with diocesan funds, the Sisters continued to serve on the staff as caregivers, teachers, and administrators until 1976.
Since those early days, the orphanages have transitioned to care for abused, neglected, abandoned, and homeless children. Future buildings were small residences with a more
Care for those abused and homeless has continued through Visitation House Ministries that serves women and children at the socioeconomic margins of San Antonio. Homeless mothers with young children are empowered through housing, education, employment and a caring community, as they become self-sufficient members of society. Participants are accepted into a two-year program that provides transitional housing while they attend school and learn both parenting and life skills that will enable them to live independently and provide a stable environment for their children. In addition, the ministry operates La Casita Learning Center, which empowers lowincome women from area neighborhoods through education. An afterschool children’s program works with youth to build selfconfidence and raise educational levels. The Sisters continue to respond to opportunities to
serve those who are most vulnerable, especially in collaboration with others. In 2018, the Congregation entered into an agreement with the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood. Their ministry of serving functionally challenged individuals in the St. Louis area was transferred to our Congregation. This ministry, St. Elizabeth Adult Day Care Center, was founded in 1981 and offers a structured, comprehensive program that provides a variety of health and social support services.
While we no longer staff these institutions, the Congregation has consistently called one another, our associates and collaborators to seek out those who are most vulnerable and act on their behalf, in response to our founding call:
“Our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands”.
S. Kathleen Coughlin
These two options were before me on a piece of paper, with a box next to each, and I was asked to check one. In case you think this was an easy or a low-stakes decision, consider this: whichever one I chose would become my life’s work. At 19, I knew about as much as the next young adult about either field, neither one interesting me a great deal. What’s more, I found myself in the convent as my friends joined the year before and encouraged me to follow suit. And so here I found myself, giving it all a try and forced to decide.
I’ll go ahead and spoil the story for you, jumping to the end. I chose nursing, which, as it turned out, was the most fulfilling life and ministry I could have ever imagined. I’ll get more to the middle of the story later, but I share the end result now to impart the biggest lesson I’ve learned so far: Let go and let God. You see, we all have an idea of how we think things should go and what they are made up of. I had my own ideas around nursing, but I checked that box, quite frankly, because at the time it involved less time in school and would
allow me to begin working full-time faster. What I didn’t know was how this field would allow me to touch more lives than I thought possible and to become a part of a ministry in CHRISTUS Health that will continue to touch more and more lives.
Now that you know the humble beginnings of my story, here is a bit more about our healthcare ministry. Responding to a request from Bishop Claude Marie Dubuis in 1869, imploring that “our Lord Jesus Christ, suffering in the
persons of a multitude of the sick and infirm of every kind, seeks relief at your hands”, three young women from Lyons, France came to San Antonio, Texas and established Santa Rosa infirmary to care for victims of a cholera and yellow fever epidemic, prevalent at that time. They were not trained nurses yet, so my 19-year-old self had at least that much in common with them! They were simply young women who wanted to care for the people of God. Upon their arrival, they faced many hardships in establishing the first hospital in San Antonio, most significant being when the
hospital prepared for them in which to live and work was burned to the ground. They partnered with the Ursuline Sisters, living with them until their new home was ready.
The new building, called Santa Rosa Infirmary in honor of America’s first canonized saint, included both the convent and hospital. It was a two-story adobe structure, consisting of a few wards and private rooms, a small chapel, and a few extremely poor apartments for the Sisters. The Sisters wasted no time announcing the opening of the hospital to serve all persons without distinction of nationality or creed or ability to pay. On December 3, 1869 the first Mass was celebrated there.
The Sisters and those that followed took many risks, which makes sense given their not-so-easy beginning and the city in which they found themselves. The San Antonio of
today, with the Riverwalk and the Mercado across from the Menger Hotel is a pale shade of the town it was then. The Sisters continued to care for those in their community, regardless of background, and moved into new cities, establishing additional hospitals and extending their ministry. They opened hospitals throughout Texas and beyond its borders reaching into Mexico in 1885. Our sisters in Mexico have played an important role in the National Institute of Cardiology since its founding, providing spiritual, emotional and practical support to patients, their families and the medical and administrative staff. As a result, many young
women responded to the Sisters’ example and the work they did in their various hospitals and clinics. Quite impressively for the time, Sisters served as the administrator of their hospitals, as well as the supervisor on the floor positions, remarkable roles of leadership for women during that time in history.
I’m honored to say, by checking that box I shared at the beginning of this story, that I have served in such leadership roles. I found that the beauty of our ministry is not only that we as Sisters serve in pastoral care, visiting with patients and their family members, but we also are afforded the opportunity
to guide the ministry, working with our lay collaborators to help them have a better understanding of our healthcare ministry and the direction in which God calls us. By serving as a hospital administrator and then as a member of the CHRISTUS board, I was able to do exactly that.
I’ve shared a lot of history in this article, both my own and that of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio. I add more of the CHRISTUS story here as I was there in 1999 when the Congregation decided to strengthen its healthcare ministry by joining with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word of Houston, forming CHRISTUS Health. In 2016 a third Sponsor was added, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.
Today, we are much more than the Santa Rosa Infirmary, as our healthcare ministry serves communities in Mexico, the United States, Chile and Colombia with 600 centers, 50,000 Associates and 15,000 physicians. We have come a long way from the time of those brave young pioneers, as today we touch more than 7 million lives. But it’s all possible, thanks to the hard work and dedication of women like myself, the countless number of Sisters over the years, and you, our collaborators, responding to our own call to further God’s work, and deciding we would let go and let God. Perhaps my story and that of the Sisters before me could serve as a call to you, too. Which box will you check?
San Antonio, Texas
IS. Brigid Marie Clarke
f you are reading this article, you are significantly connected with a group of women who profess an “incarnational spirituality and charism”! Those are big words and not part of too many everyday vocabularies! Neither are they the easiest words in the world to understand or define, much less to live by faithfully. This is true even for the women who make a public profession of fidelity to both. So let us take each word separately to reflect on it.
First, what is “spirituality”?
A very reputable theologian and writer, Fr. Ron Rolheiser, explains it this way:
“Spirituality is the attempt by an individual or a group to meet and undergo the presence of God, other persons, and the cosmic world so as to come into a community of life and celebration with them… It is a place where we can meet in a communion of faith that takes us (at least in that place and moment) beyond our different histories, our different denominations, our different religions, and our different notions of faith”
(The Holy Longing)
In other words, no matter our differences in non-essential matters, we can be united by our spirituality. There are many different approaches to how a spirituality is lived Ignatian, Franciscan, Carmelite, etc. In their lives and ministries the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word espouse an Incarnational
Spirituality, which was gifted to them in their early formation in Lyon, France by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.
Now let us consider what “incarnational” means?
In the context of faith, incarnational means the belief that the Word of God, the One Who was with God and Who was God from the beginning (Jn. 1:2), chose to come to this earth to share our experience of being human. God came to us as a flesh and bone, body and spirit, visible, human, God-with-skin-on person. We know this person as Jesus Christ, born of Mary! The amazing life, death and resurrection of that same Jesus Christ changed the course of all human history. By His coming amongst us and by the way He dealt with people, the Word of God showed us how to live our human reality with love and forgiveness and compassion.
Furthermore, because He lived as He did, died, rose from the dead and then commissioned us to continue His way of life, we are now the way in which He is present in this world.
As St. Teresa of Avila so beautifully said: “Christ has no body now but ours - no hands, no feet on earth but ours. Ours are the eyes through which He looks compassion on this world”. Imagine! Rejoice! We are His presence here today!
Another more modern woman theologian, Elizabeth Johnson, explained this powerfully, if less poetically, when she wrote:
“Instead of death silencing him, the Resurrection made Jesus present to the disciples in an entirely new way, enabling them to take the liberating message of the compassionate God to the ends of the Earth and to all of creation”.
(Creation and the Cross)
There is still more to understand about incarnation, as there will always be more to understand about anything that has relationship to an Infinite God!
So today theologians try to help us deepen and expand our understanding of Incarnation. We read about a call to a “deep” incarnation. Briefly, this is a call for us to allow our concept of
incarnation to expand, to include our oneness with all created things, to see all things created as revealing God just by their being.
This approach does not lessen in any way the importance of Jesus! In fact, His importance is magnified. He now becomes the pinnacle of all creation in a new way! He is THE Incarnation, He is THE fullest revelation to humankind of who and how God is!
The concept of “deep” incarnation calls us to be more aware that God has always and continues to reveal God’s self to us throughout all time in thousands of ways. Over centuries, many cultures and spiritualties have had such a broad approach to the Presence and revelation of God. Celtic spirituality saw everything created as having this potential to speak to us of God – as did Native American spirituality – to name just two.
One example of an ancient Celtic prayer:
“You are above me, O God; You are beneath; You are in air; You are in earth. You are beside me; You are within, O God of Heaven You have made your home on earth in the broken body of Creation. Kindle within me a love for you in all things”
(From the Carmina Gadelica)
Like many things that we tend to think “new” and “modern”, this awareness of God being visible to us through creation, is, literally, “as old as the hills”.
Nonetheless, it is perhaps more necessary than ever at this time of technology and AI. If it enlightens our awareness it will be a blessing for us all!
A Scriptural example: In Psalm 19:1-4, and elsewhere, we read that creation constantly reveals and proclaims God’s glory just by its existence:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; The skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; Night after night they reveal knowledge. Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard, their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world”.
Pope Francis obviously agrees. When he wrote his encyclical called “Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home” in 2015, he stated:
“Our insistence that each human being is an image of God should not make us overlook the fact that each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it
Now we explore what is meant by the charism of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. A charism is best defined as a special gift of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul reminds us that all gifts of the Spirit are given for the common good! (1 Cor. 12:7)
Our Constitutions state that our particular charism is a “call to make the love of God, as shown in the Incarnation, a real and tangible presence in the world today”. That call is a call shared with all with whom and for whom we minister. And it is one hundred fifty-five years of our shared incarnational spirituality and charism that we are now celebrating. Together we have made and continue to make God’s love visible and tangible!
Juárez, Chihuahua
Centro Mujeres Tonantzin Established Incarnate Word Foundation Established
Louis, Missouri
Without doubt, over the years, we CCVI Sisters have striven to make God’s love “a real and tangible presence in our world” in many diverse and life-giving ways. Equally without doubt we have never done this without the essential involvement of many other people, lay and religious, of many faiths and many cultures. There simply are no boundaries for a true spirituality. It is never confined to or “belonging” to anyone. If it is healthy and sound it is inclusive and expansive – way beyond the religious and cultural and socio-economic boundaries that can so easily oppress us.
This year we are celebrating one hundred fifty-five years since we were founded.
What is it that has made this one hundred and fifty-five years possible?
Obviously the personal and communal call and response of everyone who is part of or associated with the Congregation. Just as obviously, the blessing of a spirituality and a charism that have gifted us, motivated us and inspired us. But perhaps above all, our fidelity
has been possible because of our support of and companionship with each other and our common fidelity to the graces bestowed on us by the Word of God, Jesus Christ.
How can we nurture the journey’s continuance?
There have been enormous changes in our world and in our Church since our beginnings in 1869. In spite of these changes, our commitment to incarnational spirituality and to our beautiful charism have never faltered! We must trust that what has been given to us these many years will continue to be gifted to us, for as long as we live in a world that needs the “visible, tangible and loving presence” of the Word of God, Jesus Christ. We must remind each other that the need for that love and forgiveness and compassion continues to be enormous, and that we are the ones privileged and challenged to be the bearers of that love and compassion at this particular time in our history. We can do this because “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever . (Heb. 13:8)
Religious congregations of women, including our own, have played a fundamental role in education, health, and pastoral and social services for centuries, making a significant difference in the lives of many. Today, we take great satisfaction in seeing how our Sisters continue to be involved in profound processes of supporting vulnerable people, as well as in productive projects alongside our indigenous brothers and sisters. Whether in parishes or private practices, they continue to provide pastoral guidance, while our educational institutions expand and transform the lives of hundreds of young people and their families. The healing ministry of Jesus Christ continues to extend its presence and action. This legacy reflects the fruits of 155 years of dedication and admirable commitment
With great affection, we honor the history of brave and dedicated women who have contributed immensely to our Congregation. Many of them continue to sustain us through their ministry of prayer and intercession, whether on this earth or from where they now enjoy Love. However, we cannot ignore that we live in a world that is constantly evolving, with new options and approaches emerging, and where civil society is increasingly engaged in addressing the causes that we used to address exclusively.
The commitment to live the Incarnation and respond to the signs of the times challenges us to take a proactive stance in the face of these challenges. We can no longer respond only from large institutions, nor can we simply rely on past methods.
Now more than ever, we must be innovative and flexible in our response to emerging needs. New ministries are a great opportunity in this regard, allowing us to make a big impact with the limited resources available.
In collaboration with Catholic institutions and nonprofit organizations through our MIRN. We contributed handmade mask to help combat the pandemic
August
The search for collaborators is not only a practical response to our limitations of age and energy; it also reflects our Trinitarian understanding of the world. The Trinity itself is relationship. The Incarnation is God entering into relationship with creation.
March
2022 Catholic Sisters Inter-Congregational Network for migrants and the economic empowerment of youth and families project
Although financial resources are important, we must also recognize the value of other crucial sources, such as our human relationships. Over the years, we have built a network of connections and collaborations that allow us to access incredible resources and support. Many people seek to become more involved in living the mission, and we have a wide reach to families, patients, students, and collaborators. We have an international connectivity that allows us to mobilize benefactors and resources for projects and people that cross borders. 2023
St. Anthony Catholic High School and Incarnate Word High School provide laptops to young women in various countries through their Leadership Program
April
The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio Announces New Name to CHRISTUS Children’s
Sisters Supporting Women for a Better World 2022-2023 grant winners to serve economically poor women
Jesus spent His life in relationship. Therefore, working in collaboration is not only part of these 155 years of our history and our charism, but it also reflects our incarnational identity.
Collaboration thus becomes fundamental in the development of emerging ministries. By joining forces with other religious organizations, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, and community groups, we can more effectively address the needs of marginalized and vulnerable people. These partnerships allow us to share resources, knowledge, and experiences for mutual benefit and the common good, thereby expanding the reach and effectiveness of our mission.
For me, intercongregationality and collaboration are so ingrained that I cannot imagine another way of living my religious vocation today.
The experience of joining the Congregation without having a group, what we commonly call a “band”, led me to seek relationships of support and encounter outside of it, connecting with Sisters from other congregations.
This connection has provided me with a broad and enriching perspective, allowing me to participate actively in various intercongregational ministries. I have had the privilege of being involved since the beginning of three of these transformative ministries: working with mobile populations, accompanying young people, and strengthening projects led by religious women.
These experiences have been a source of continuous learning and personal growth, as I have witnessed how people from different backgrounds and ages, with diverse paths and perspectives, come together to address common challenges and work towards a more just and caring world. In these spaces, I have seen the strength and energy that arises when we collaborate beyond the boundaries of our congregations and individual projects.
The call to create emerging ministries and seek collaborations goes far beyond simply responding to the demands of the present world. It is an invitation to live our vocation in an authentic and coherent way with our Trinitarian and incarnational faith. By embracing this call, we not only ensure that we remain relevant and effective in our mission, but we also dive more deeply into the very heart of the Gospel: love, innovation, and service to others. There’s a whole world of possibilities!
