Marian Helper Fall 2015

22 M arian H elper • F all 2015 • marian.org H idden treasure T here is a humble white house on Eden Hill where wandering pilgrims, sensing the presence of the Lord within, often pause to genuflect. The house is fronted by a flower garden that thrives through drought, flood, or spring frost. Here reside th e Oblate Sisters of the Most Holy Eucharist, p resently five sisters who can be glimpsed on Eden Hill in pure white robes emblazoned with a Host and a dove symbolizing the Holy Spirit. Their habits are representative of the Eucharist and of their motto: “Through Christ, with Him and in Him.” On Eden Hill, they are at once prayer warriors, ser- vants of the Lord, and assistants to the Marians w ho administer the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. Described by Marian priests and brothers as well as by many pilgrims as “motherly,” “peaceful,” “happy,” and “holy,” the sisters are reluctant to talk about them- selves, unless it is to confidently profess their faith. Mother Superior Victoria, who took her perpetual vows in 1981, said she knew she wanted to devote her life to Christ when she was still in elementary school. Her family fervently opposed her decision. When she was 18 and living at a convent in Mexico, her brother was sent to force her to return home. “If a girl falls in love with a boy and the parents don’t allow them to marry, they get married any- way, so why can’t I do the same with my Jesus?” Sr. Victoria said with a smile. “I said, ‘No, brother, I’m happy and I want to stay.’” All five of the sisters are natives of Mexico — as is their Congregation, which was founded in Mexico City in 1945 by Reverend Mother Maria Auxilia de la Cruz, with the blessing and support of Archbishop Luis Maria Martinez. In 1967, upon the invitation of the Marians, members of the Congregation traveled to the United States. The two Congregations have maintained ties ever since. Today, the Oblates maintain their mother- house with four communities in Mexico City and also have a house in Washington, D.C. On Eden Hill, they have lived a life of constant obla- tion — of generous surrender to the Lord. Sister Martha, who professed her perpetual vows in 1968, tends to the garden in front of the convent, which provides flowers for the altar in the convent chapel. She said she did not find peace until she surren- dered her life to Christ. Growing up, she was plagued |by stomach illnesses. Her parents told her she would not make it to her vows because of her poor health, but she daily felt Jesus’ encouragement to continue. “Jesus’ call was much stronger for me than any- thing else in my life,” Sr. Martha said. “And once Jesus calls, he never stops calling.” Meet Eden Hill’s (nearly) F rom the N ational S hrine F elix C arroll By Breanne Reilly