2008 SJSAA '57 Featured Guest for this blogsite

Sister Mary Lucia Daluz
Then and Now
Answering THE CALL

By

Marita Daluz-Webster’57 (her loving little sister)

One early morning, in the middle of January 1956, a young, vibrant, and brave lady was filled with enthusiasm, determination, and perseverance, was preparing in running the race that lies before her in pursue of her dream. Without a doubt, she realized that this will change her life completely.

She was leaving behind her loving parents, brothers and sisters, relatives who were close to her heart, caring friends, but most of all - her devoted students. Everyone was surprised by her decision to join the Franciscan sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, traveled so many miles away from her hometown. But everyone also realized that there was nothing that anyone could do to get her to change her mind. She was following her heart’s desire to serve God in a very unique way.

Many, many years went by quietly for her. She became very devoted and dedicated to her work. She had taught many children in Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois, new Mexico, and Texas. Wherever she was assigned to teach, she became an inspiration to her students, along with their parents. In reality, She was almost like an adopted member of their own families. They nicknamed her as “The Flying Nun” because of her closeness and involvement with their lives. Whenever they were faced with some pleasant and unpleasant difficulty, she would find some way or another to “fly” and comfort them. This was one of her missions, to be able to help others when they were in need.

All through the years as an educator, she had many known and marvelous accomplishments, but something else was missing in her life. She continued her education her education and completed her Masters Degree in Administration and became a principal in other schools. Later on, she became the superintendent of the Catholic Schools in El Paso, Texas.

Her dedication as an administrator brought her to Arizona and Wyoming. She was busier than ever doing what she loved to do - helping others. She wasn’t prepared to make another tough decision in her life. After a long consultation with her physicians and also her superiors, she would need to resign and retire from her work. She retired from her work in 2007 but she will always be there for her family and her many friends. In June 2008, she celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a dedicated nun. She was surrounded by her devoted friends who responded and attended this wonderful celebration. They came to honor her and showed her how much she meant to them. It was a blessed and joyous celebration of life. What comes ahead will remain to be seen and life goes on for Sister Mary Lucia Daluz.

She did follow her dream.
She did answer THE CALL.