Graced By God

sister ADELINA GARCIA’S WORK HELPS
TO FULFILL A COMMON HUNGER FOR FAITH

Sister Adelina Garcia has learned firsthand that, no matter how diverse their heritage, economics or circumstances, people remain united by their common search for faith. In the Office of Evangelization & Catechesis in the Diocese of San Angelo, Texas., she and Sister Hilda Marotta coordinate adult faith formation, lead retreats and teach theology and spirituality — oftentimes in bilingual format.

“Meeting people who are seeking the holy and want meaning in their lives excites me,” Sister Adelina says. “I accompany the marginalized and grow in my faith as I witness their faith. Together, we form the Body of Christ.”

In addition to leading workshops and retreats nationally, Sister Adelina has been involved in such national initiatives as Journeying Together, which ministers to refugees, migrants, seafarers and even circus travelers.

“Sometimes my work takes me outside of the Catholic community. Sometimes it takes me beyond the diocese and beyond Texas,” Sister says. “But, always, I am amazed by people’s openness and hunger for God.”

Sisters Adelina and Hilda also run our Franciscan Resource Center in San Antonio, coordinating bilingual classes, spiritual direction and mornings of reflection. The Center has finally reopened after a year lost to the pandemic, just in time to mark the Feast of St. Francis earlier this fall.

Eighteen years into her ministry, Sister continues to grow and says she gets just as much as she gives. “I recognize God in those I encounter. My relationships with those I serve help me to grow in my faith. I feel truly blessed and graced by God.”

Sisters Hilda Marotta and Adelina Garcia in the Franciscan Resource Center in San Angelo.

A recent event reunited Sisters Hilda and Adelina with their former colleagues, all retired diocesan directors from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. 

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All of our Extending Our Hearts & Hands stories were featured in the Winter 2021-2022 issue of Echoes Across the Horizons.

extending our hearts & hands

If you’d like to support our Sisters’ good works in the world, there is still time to respond to our 2021-2022 annual appeal. Click below to donate online with your credit card.