Mercedarian Sisters bid adieu after 66 years at Holy Family

After prayerful discernment, the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament have decided that it is for the best to withdraw from Holy Family School and Parish at the end of this school year.

“It is sad to leave Holy Family after 66 years of service, nevertheless, it is with satisfaction and joy that we celebrate the fruits and accomplishments of all these years, as well as all the memories of so many good and generous people of the parish and school with whom we have shared our life,” said Sister Maria del Rosario Vega-R, HMSS, regional superior, based in Cleveland, Ohio. “We are convinced that this decision is in favor of everyone since everything has occurred smoothly and timely as are many of the decisions that come from God.”

Bishop Wm. Michael Mulvey was saddened and taken aback by the departure of the Mercedarian Sisters after 66 years of service in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.

“However, I understand the sisters’ position. I have made sure that the sisters know that the door to the Diocese of Corpus Christi is and remains open should their situation change at any time,” Bishop Mulvey said.

The sisters initiated a discernment process on the permanence of their stay at the service of Holy Family in February. After taking some time to meditate, seek advice and pray about how this change would affect their lives and the lives of those they serve they thought it best to make this decision, Sister Maria del Rosario said.

The six sisters that are currently living at the convent on Frio Street have been reassigned to other Mercedarian convents in the United States. Sister Patricia Rodriguez, for example, will transfer to Cleveland.

Sister Maria del Rosario thanked Bishop Mulvey for his support and gratitude. “His Excellency has also left the doors open for the Mercedarian Sisters to return when we have the needed personnel to sufficiently respond to the apostolic needs of a school or parish in the Diocese of Corpus Christi,” she said.

“I want to thank each one of the sisters for their tremendous service in the diocese and let them know that they have a home to return to at anytime. I wish God’s blessing upon each and everyone of them and will continue to pray for an increase to vocations to the community,” Bishop Mulvey said.

“On behalf of all the Mercedarian Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament who have been at Holy Family throughout these years, I thank you for all the support and love that we have received from you at all times. You will always be in our hearts through our prayers. I entrust our community and myself to your prayers for an increase of vocations in our congregation,” Sister Maria del Rosario said.