Sister Brenda Hernández Valdes has become a pivotal leader in her home country of Mexico.
She graduated from Catholic Extension Society’s U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program five years ago. This program invites Catholic sisters from religious congregations founded and based in Latin America to pursue a university degree as they create new ministries in Extension dioceses among the poor.
A member of the Daughters of Mary Immaculate of Guadalupe, she was put in charge of teaching novice sisters using what she learned in the program.
She said that before she entered the program, she did not feel that she was offering the sisters much. But afterward, Sister Brenda (left, below) was confident in what she could teach.
“When I returned after five years with Catholic Extension Society, I felt very confident in what I could give and offer to the trainees. I have used tools learned in the different training workshops that you offered, and I can say that I have more dynamism in what I do.”
She had served in North Dakota with two sisters in her congregation. When they arrived, they found that Hispanic families who had come to work in the oil industry were scattered and isolated.
The sisters went out to find them: knocking on doors and even walking the aisles of Walmart. Mass attendance increased dramatically, and the sisters established ministries for liturgy and sacramental preparation. Below, Sister Brenda (pictured middle), and her fellow sisters lead children in song as part of their faith formation.
Sister Brenda also earned a master’s degree in applied leadership studies from Boston College. Today, she is working toward another master’s degree in psychology!
Health needs for sisters in Mexico
In a recent message to Catholic Extension Society, Sister Brenda wrote, “I want to thank you once again for everything you have done for us, especially for me during [the five years in the program]. They were experiences that continue to mark my life.”
She continued,
A tremendous horizon opened for me in the apostolic, community, religious, human and work areas. My words fall very short compared to all the good I received from you.”
As if she didn’t already have her hands full, two years after graduating from the program, Sister Brenda began work on a new initiative that promotes the comprehensive health of sisters in Mexico.
The initiative offers guidance to religious congregations to address growing concerns related to ill and aging sisters, including medical training for caregivers and prevention practices for young and elderly sisters alike to improve long-term health.
Sister Brenda works with Father Thomas Gaunt, the president of Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA), to research these health issues, which pose serious challenges to orders of religious sisters—especially smaller orders that have few resources. Sister Brenda has traveled to the U.S. to present her findings and continues research with CARA in other areas relating to the needs of women religious.
“Without health you cannot go on the mission.” she said.
This story first appeared in the summer 2024 issue of Extension magazine. The U.S.-Latin American Sisters Exchange Program is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. Please consider supporting our mission!
