The public is invited to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Capuchin Sisters presence in the Diocese of Amarillo Saturday, Aug. 16 at the Monastery Garden, 4201 Northeast 18th Street, according to Mary Louise Vigil, president of the Capuchin Spiritual Alliance.
Mass will be celebrated at 6:30pm, with dinner served immediately after Mass. Cost of the dinner is $20.00 per person.
For the third year in a row, a raffle will take place in conjunction with the celebration, according to Vigil. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the Capuchin Spiritual Alliance.
Nine Claretian Capuchin Sisters arrived in the Diocese of Amarillo from Guadalajara, Mexico on Aug. 13, 1981, responding to an invitation to establish a contemplative house in the diocese, according to an article in the Aug. 9, 1981 edition of The West Texas Catholic. The nine moved into the home that formerly served as the Bishop’s home.
The Capuchin history in Mexico is one of survival, persevering through persecution and martyrdom. For 160 years, after their establishment in 1761, they enjoyed a quiet and peaceful existence. That came to an end in 1921 when the reform laws written under Benito Juarez were enforced during the regime of President Calles. The Sisters’ monastery in Guadalajara was taken over by the government and the Sisters were dispersed.
“We invite everyone to join us for this wonderful occasion and celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Capuchins in the Diocese of Amarillo,” said Vigil. “The Capuchin Sisters have been with us since 1981, praying for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, before the Blessed Sacrament for our needs and the needs of the diocese. They deserve our presence and we hope you will join us Aug. 16 and say thanks for their dedication to God and for all the prayers they offer for us.
“This is always a day of great enjoyment for them. Please come and celebrate with us.”
For more information, contact Vigil at 681-6992 or 359-0366.