Sister Tonia's students working in organic garden
What’s an IHM nun doing with a bunch of teens and preteens in an organic garden in Juarez, Mexico? Much more than growing vegetables! Besides working with young people on the daunting challenge of farming organically in the intense heat of Juarez, Sister Tonia is teaching them how to live Gospel ways of relating to peers and others. Many of these children have grown up surrounded by violence, particularly men’s disrespectful treatment of women. So even during break time the lessons continue. Sister and the students play a nonviolent form of football and Sister is the goalie!!
Sister Antonia is goalie for youth group football
As time for profession of vows neared it seemed most fitting that she would pronounce her vows of celibacy, poverty, and obedience on her native soil. So, her Profession Mass was celebrated in the parish where she had grown up, ministered and first felt the call to religious life. On February 5, 2006 Sr. Tonia professed her vows as an IHM sister with her family and friends in a joyous celebration in her church in Juarez. A week before, she had celebrated her commitment among all her new sisters at a Mass in the Motherhouse chapel where the feeling of pride and connection was palpable. This summer when she visited Monroe for the IHM community days she said that each time she visits she feels an even greater sense of belonging, as well as gratitude for being a member of this IHM community.
“Tune in” again to read about some other things Sr. Tonia is doing.
