

In the early 1900s, Incarnate Word Sisters opened three new schools opened in Mexico: Colegio Guadalupano, Chihuahua; Colegio del Verbo Encarnado, Tampico; and Colegio del Verbo Encarnado, Oaxaca. In 2012, the school in Chihuahua (Instituto América) celebrated its 110th anniversary of service to the city and surrounding rural area. Pictured is Sr. María de la Luz Cardona.


Sr. María Loyola Barba (1921–2013) managed the building of schools from the ground up in Chihuahua and Mexico City. But more than bricks and mortar, she also shaped the education of the schools’ teachers. Sr. María introduced innovations that improved the education of teachers and students alike and led to the excellent reputation of Incarnate Word schools in Mexico.


Mother Columkille Colbert (1914–1997) earned a Ph.D. from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., becoming the first Catholic sister in Texas to hold that degree. She was immediately appointed President of the Incarnate Word College, serving in that capacity until 1960. She was a person of vision, strength of will, and constant activity. She had the determination to succeed, developing Incarnate Word College into an outstanding institution of higher learning.


Mother Columkille made it possible for hundreds of young women to attend “The College” by accepting everything from produce and livestock to work study for tuition payments. She also opened the College during the summer to members of other religious congregations so they could receive the education they needed to teach.


In the early 20th century, the Mexican government closed many of the Congregation’s schools in Mexico and confiscated their property. The sisters taught in private homes or sought refuge in San Antonio.
Colegio San José in Monterrey did not suffer any disruption of classes or confiscation of property, however, and became a refuge for Sisters fleeing more troubled areas.
Colegio San José in Monterrey did not suffer any disruption of classes or confiscation of property, however, and became a refuge for Sisters fleeing more troubled areas.


Sisters Marceline O’Connell and Imelda Moriarty were the last two Sisters at St. Catherine of Siena in New Orleans, teaching there 34 and 46 years, respectively. They were much loved by students, parents, and faculty. Pictured are Sr. Imelda (center) and Sr. Marceline with former students of the school, bidding them farewell in 2013.


Recognized as a gifted teacher, Mother Peter Nolasco received her master’s degree from Catholic University of America when she was 27. In 1932, as superior of the St. Louis Province, she and seven other sisters opened Incarnate Word Academy to 40 students; Mother Peter served as the first principal. Despite the struggle to stay afloat financially, the new school was academically successful from the very beginning, due in large part to Mother Peter’s leadership, fueled by faith and determination.


Mother Peter Nolasco stood at the front window of the convent, looking down the long road that led up to the building from the city bus line, watching and hoping each day to see a few more students. Mother Peter’s faith continues to be a source of inspiration to faculty and students alike. Still in its original location, the Academy continues to educate young women in academics, service, and sports, preparing them to lead as Mother Peter did, with faith and courage.


Sr. María Gabriela Virgen (1894–1983) believed in the power of teachers. As a young teacher in the 1920s, she struggled to educate her students in spite of the Mexican government’s intolerance of religious learning. She persisted and co-founded the Instituto Hispano Inglés in San Luis Potosí in 1937 and became director of schools of the Incarnate Word Sisters in Chihuahua, Monterrey, and Mexico City. She believed passionately that teachers should be well educated and founded the teachers college at the Instituto Miguel Ángel in 1950.


Sr. María Gabriela founded the Instituto Hispano Inglés, where girls received an education in the arts and sciences in addition to religious studies. Sr. María Gabriela encouraged Incarnate Word Sisters to pursue professional education and development in teaching. She founded the Normal (Teachers College) del Instituto Miguel Ángel in 1950.


Sr. Margaret Patrice Slattery served as President of Incarnate Word College from 1972 to 1985. After her academic career, Sr. Margaret Patrice wrote the history of the Congregation, Promises to Keep, highlighting the growth of the hospital systems and schools in Mexico and the United States.
Sr. Margaret Patrice with Henry B. Gonzales.
Sr. Margaret Patrice with Henry B. Gonzales.


Sr. Rosa María Icaza has earned many degrees, held many teaching positions, and translated many books, articles, and rituals. What distinguishes her, however, is her deep faith, her kindness, and the sharing of her love of teaching and learning. She is truly a daughter of the Incarnate Word, making real and tangible the love of Jesus Christ in the world.