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Celebrating 100 years of service
Youth education, childcare remain hallmarks of ministry for Salesian Sisters
By Ambria Hammel, ahammel@catholicsun.org
December 18, 2008
GOODYEAR — After 100 years, the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco show no signs of slowing down, at least not by the looks of six sisters serving the diocese today.
Whether it’s enriching faith formation at St. John Vianney Parish, running the school, overseeing after-school care at a nearby community center or doing round-the-clock care for children transitioning into foster care, hundreds of local families know the sisters as a source of joy and spiritual growth.
“They’re always so positive and so happy,” Milinda Sinohul said of the Salesian sisters who are celebrating 100 years of ministry in the United States.
Sinohul, a parent of two St. John Vianney students, said the sisters’ charism forms the backbone of the school and helps students and parishioners become better Christians.
Holy Cross Father John Herman, pastor of the school and parish, agreed.
“They offer a tangible reminder of God’s love for the people and they do it by they way they give themselves to their ministries,” Fr. Herman said.
He noted that the sisters adopted the “preventive system” model of forming youth. It’s methods: religion, reason and loving kindness — a system developed by St. John Bosco, the order’s co-founder.
Fr. Herman said the sisters’ love for the kids is apparent and the students give it back.
“It’s never boring,” Sr. Ignacia Carrillo said of her role as principal of the school. “It’s a beautiful experience working with families and helping lead them to Jesus.”
Sr. Ignacia joined the order 14 years ago because of its commitment to educating youth.
“Before God was calling me to be a sister, I knew I wanted to teach,” Sr. Ignacia said. She taught children as young as preschool age up to seventh grade for 10 years as a sister before moving into administration.
Although only two of the sisters officially work on campus, the school’s 300 kids interact with all six. They know the religious women by name and often run to the habited sisters on the playground or in the classroom to give them a hug.
The ability to work with children also attracted Sr. Michelle Van, the school’s computer teacher, to the Salesian order. She made her final vows with the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians — the order’s formal name — four months ago.
“It’s a blessing that I can follow in his footsteps,” Sr. Michelle said of St. John Bosco, the order’s co-founder.
Thousands of others have too. At 15,000 strong, the Salesian sisters are the second largest religious community of women in the world.
Sisters Theresa Murillo and Teresita Delgado have each been a professed sister for more than 50 years. Sr. Theresa, the assistant director of religious education at St. John Vianney, said her family was formed by religious sisters and she attended their schools since second grade.
Sr. Theresa works with the parish’s 47 catechists and more than 1,200 elementary students who dedicate part of their Saturday to growing in the faith.
Although most of their parents are bilingual, Sr. Theresa said she specializes in helping the Spanish-speaking families — which is some 90 percent — understand what their children are learning. Two of the three class sessions are given in English.
She also teaches adult English classes twice a week. Sr. Teresita leads another group.
Rearing children
Sr. Teresita has spent most of her ministry in Texas and is no stranger to Salesian ways. She grew up across the street from a community of Salesians since age 9 where she informally studied their charism until entering the convent after high school.
“We were able to see and hear the joy and the laughter,” Sr. Teresita said of her neighbors. She saw how they functioned as a family and had a lot of fun.
That’s exactly what she and Sr. Vuong Do try to create for foster children in their care. The sisters operate Laura’s House, a transitional home for children who have been removed from their home and are entering the foster care system.
“It is a joy to receive them even though we know they come all broken up,” Sr. Teresita said. Their mission is to show them genuine love.
The sisters began limiting the children — generally ages 4 to 11 —to girls earlier this year. The children usually stay less than 90 days, but the one 13-year-old living with them now has been there for five years.
The Salesian sisters renewed their vows during a centennial Mass at St. John Vianney Parish last month.
Fr. Herman talked about the concept of service during his homily and showed how the sisters have touched many lives in the community through their tireless service.
The sisters were excited and humbled during the celebration.
“The choir even learned an Italian song for the occasion,” Sr. Ignacia said.
After Mass, several eighth-graders dedicated a liturgical dance to Mary in gratitude for the sisters. Some 380 parishioners, benefactors and friends enjoyed a slideshow that chronicled the Salesian sisters’ journey throughout the United States.
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