For
Martha and her family most of their activities revolved around the church,
and they also had close connections with the sisters. "I decided
I would like to teach, and I liked the sisters." So she came to
join the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville after graduating from high school
in 1955. Her first teaching assignments were in Louisville, Ky., and
Columbia, S. C.
In 1964, Sister Martha was sent to Lima, Peru. She taught in the barrio
among the poorest families. Her first two years were hard. She struggled
with the language, and her shyness didn't help. Peru itself was in an
upheaval following a coup, which resulted in the overthrow of a democratic
government. Sister Martha's immersion in the struggles of this different
culture resulted in a deep interior conversion, and it was here that
she really awakened to her vocation.
At
an institute in pastoral studies and leadership skills in Ecuador, Sister
Martha learned to "fight" for the people and to advocate on
their behalf. She also spent time in lengthy isolation as a result of
hepatitis. "These experiences and what I went through gave me an
insight into helping others in their struggles."
After
14 years in Peru, Sister Martha returned to the United States and sought
to continue ministry among Hispanics. "I didn't want to lose what
I had gained and what had given me life." For the past 18 years
she has served as pastoral minister to Hispanics at St. Agnes Parish
in West Chester, Pa. In 10 years, the Mexican population there has grown
from one person to more than 3,000.
Sister
Martha's office is literally in her car. Her ministry takes her to homes,
schools, medical clinics and places of employment to serve as translator
and advocate. She has assisted at 135 births and has photos of each
baby.
She
believes Saint Angela Merici's words that "the streets are your
cloister." What matters for Sister Martha is that the families
she serves feel safe and secure. "I go where they are and try to
help them stay connected with church and God."
