This year’s recommitment for us, San Antonio Incarnate Word Associates, was a very special moment – an experience of being “surprised” by the Holy Spirit, with our Associates’ recommitment preceded by the sisters’ renewal of religious vows during the 11:30 mass at the St. Joseph’s Chapel. It was an experience of a living spirituality that bonds and binds Incarnate Word sisters and Incarnate Word associates.

The warm gathering of sisters, associates, and friends at the Generalate was truly a celebration in many ways:

1. Although not many could come to make their recommitment with us, three out of the four associate communities were represented: Caritas Community represented by Pat Klar and Marina Reyes-Talmo; Holy Spirit Community by Saundra Watts, Enedina Martinez, Cynthia Carr, and Mary Alice Flores; and Clarion Community by Lorraine Ewers and Beth Swofford. The sisters who had been walking with our communities celebrated the moment with us; they were Sr. Feliz Mejia, Sr. Consuelo Urrutia, Sr. Margaret Mannion, and Sr. Elia Rosas.
2. Two ladies who had been coming to formation sessions with us were with us and are currently preparing to make their first commitment; they are Letty Esquivel and Linda Monk.
3. We had two guests, Farah Nadela-Bastillas and Rosie Cortez, who expressed their intention to join our communities as associates.
4. We were graced with two special moms, a mother of an associate and a mother of a CCVI, Mrs. Carr and Mrs. Mejia respectively.

The fellowship meal provided us the opportunity celebrate, welcome new would-be members, and share experiences and dreams for a more vibrant life in living incarnational spirituality together with all associate communities. What a beautiful day of celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation and the Feast of the CCVI’s!

By Marina Reyes-Talmo, Ph.D., Member, Caritas Community