All her life my mother worked in a school run by the Daughters of Charity and therefore my siblings and I always went to that school. I met many sisters there and I think each one of them marked part of my life in some way. In high school, a time of criticism and rebelliousness, one of them caught my attention… her name was Elsa. She was Uruguayan with thousands of health problems, especially in her legs. She was in charge of the girls who at that time lived in the school and of the candy sales during breaks. Sister Elsa had two characteristics, when she saw that you were not well, because of some exam or problem, she would call you and say: “Sobrino (nephew), what is wrong with you?” and with a piece of candy she would start the conversation and on the other hand, you would always, always see her smiling. Sitting in her armchair between the house and the chapel, Sister Elsa generated a little light in the school.
Until today I am still struck by the fact that so little is enough for a person to give so much, with a smile, to cause joy.
To be fair, I must say that Sister Elsa is not the only woman who marked my life.
I am witness to the courage of Maria, a young woman who, when she was crying while pregnant and with a boyfriend who gave her only one option, to undergo an abortion, took care of that child in the face of her family, her parish group and her own insecurity, staking everything on life.
I am a witness of the service of Antonia or Ruth who, leaving time with the family and even for the leisure, prepared bags of food and clothes for the poor or visited them in their homes to have a share in their poverty.
I am a witness of Andrea’s strength and how she has faced bureaucracy to get medicine for her quadriplegic son.
I am witness to the struggle of Miriam, Nora and others who despite being persecuted gained freedom for a village.
I am a witness of Norma’s mortification, when I heard her say “you eat, I am not hungry” or Stella, that woman who looked negligent in her appearance because the only thing she had she gave to her children.
I am a witness of Marta’s life who, being a grandmother, became a mother to her grandchildren. Or Roxana, a woman capable of looking with the eyes of a mother to the one who did not give birth.
I witness the mercy of Monica as she tearfully embraced her imprisoned son telling him that “no matter what you have done, whatever it is, I forgive you”.
I witness the faith of Josefina, a young mother who lost her one year old son and was able to stand with a broken heart but at the side of Jesus.
There are thousands of women like them who have given us back hope and joy. Thousands who have become the models of the way.
Today, thanks to one of them, we are witnesses of the resurrection, when we contemplate that woman who in the darkness of the night went to look for her Master, in spite of the sadness that was in her heart, who was able to recognize the voice of the Beloved even in pain, but above all, today we are witnesses of life thanks to the fact that, beyond her condition, she broke every social scheme to become the first missionary of the Risen One.
Many thanks to all the women who are part of our history and above all, many thanks to all those who pass on their faith in the Risen Christ to us.
Fr. Hugo Marcelo Vera, C.M.
