Sister Adelina (standing) leads a bilingual scripture class in San Angelo, Texas.
Graced By God
Sister's ministry 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.”
