Administration is part of Sister Agnes Marie’s legacy

She believes that making the Incarnation better known by daily witness and perpetuating Catholic education and other ministries are unique contributions to which the congregation is committed. She trusts that this devotion to Jesus, the Incarnate Word, will continue to make a difference.

Sister Agnes Marie, born Margaret Christine, is the daughter of August John Tengler and Agnes Cecilia Whelan Tengler. She was born in Corpus Christi and she, her parents and her brother Alvin were active members of Cathedral Parish.

Sister received her formal education at Incarnate Word Academy, being taught by Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. After graduation, she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word on Feb. 2, 1944. Sister Agnes Marie, who will celebrate her 70th anniversary of profession of vows this year, made her first profession Aug. 6, 1945, and perpetual profession on Aug. 6, 1948.

Sister Agnes Marie earned a bachelor’s degree from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, a master’s from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, which she proudly claims as her Alma Mater. Her postgraduate work took place at the University of Texas in Austin.

She served as principal of Incarnate Word Academy from 1962-1968, and registrar from 1976-1984. In the fall of 1984, sister was once again assigned to the office of principal of Incarnate Word Academy and served in that capacity for eight additional years.

“Sister and I share a long history, beginning with my first years in the priesthood and our serving on the Diocesan School Board,” Msgr. Richard Shirley said. “In those days our schools were seeking accreditation by the state, something that required a common approach to any number of areas that had been loosely adopted by individual boards.

“Her experience in education enabled her to lead the way in the adoption of what would later turn out to be a strong foundation for all of our Catholic schools, and opened the door to our schools being accredited.”

Sister Agnes Marie also served as Superior General of her order from 1968-1976 and then as Assistant General from 1976-1984. During the years 1992-2000, she held the office of treasurer general, then served as secretary general from the year 2000-2008.

As Superior General, Sister Agnes Marie took an active part in the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, holding the office of secretary-treasurer for Region XII in the 1970s. She was appointed Bishop’s Representative for Religious in the Diocese of Corpus Christi in 1976, and as Chairperson of the Diocesan Development Commission. Sister was a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Center Commission and of the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

In 1984, Sister Agnes Marie was honored for outstanding service to the Church, receiving the Papal medal, Pro-Ecclesia Et Pontifice.

During her term as principal of Incarnate Word Academy, the school received recognition as one of 64 private schools in the nation to win the Excellence in Education Award from the United States Department of Education. Sister Agnes Marie received an award from the National Catholic Education Association in 1989 for her contribution to Catholic secondary education.

In addition to ministry in Catholic schools, sister dedicated her time and talent to CCD ministry in various locations in the diocese. She coordinated religious education programs and taught at Our Lady of Refuge Parish, St. Paul the Apostle Parish and Holy Cross Parish.

Her past involvement in civic and diocesan organizations includes membership on the Board of Directors to the Coastal Bend Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Red Cross Advisory Council, the Educational Development Office and Governance Task Force, Mission 2000. Sister Agnes Marie was president of the Council of Religious in the Corpus Christi diocese and served on the Incarnate Word School board of directors in Corpus Christi, the Incarnate Word Academy advisory council in Brownsville, Region XII Conference of religious treasurers, the Texas Coalition for Responsible Investment and Villa Maria Senior citizen community board.

Listening to music, reading, caring for plants, playing cards in the evening and visiting with friends are activities, which Sister Agnes Marie enjoys for relaxation. An avid supporter and unofficial “cheerleader” of The Fighting Irish, Notre Dame’s football team, sister watches them on television when her schedule and time allow.

“It was always a welcome experience to watch this quiet and elderly nun work her way through marshmallow problems to matters of futuristic concerns and still remain determined to let the light of the Incarnate Word overcome the darkness that still lurks in too many places,” Msgr. Shirley said.

“I shall always be grateful to God for calling me to serve him and his people in the consecrated life, a life of love, happiness, and fulfillment,” Sister Agnes Marie said.