Sister Lourdes García Castillo, CDP
February 11, 1941 – August 21, 2019
Sister Lourdes García Castillo, CDP, entered eternal life on August 21, 2019 at the age of 78. She was one of four children born to Domingo and Inés (Castillo) García. Sister Lourdes was born on the feast day of St. Lourdes, February 11, 1941 in the silver mining town, Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí in México. She began the Novitiate to become a Sister of Divine Providence on March 24, 1961 and professed first vows on March 25, 1962.
Sister Lourdes is one of the original five young women invited by their parish priest, Father Pedro Moctezuma, to come to San Antonio, Texas to be prepared as catechists. At the time Sister Lourdes was 12 years of age, ready to answer the call, and serve her community in San Luis Potosi. Many plans changed and events delayed their initial formation but as always Providence prevailed and provided. (For details read AN HOUR OF PROVIDENCE – SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE MEXICO by Sister Rose Marie Gallatin, CDP and/or PILGRIMS IN PROVIDENCE – A HISTORY OF THE TEXAS CONGREGATION OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE IN MEXICO by Sister Mary Christine Morkovsky, CDP)
For a total of 38 years Sister Lourdes served in pastoral ministry in numerous parishes located in the states of Querétaro, Oaxaca, Coahuila and Mexico City. She was part of the formation team at the motherhouse in Querétaro, Querétaro for five years. In 1991, she studied at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas for two years and returned to Querétaro to work as an English Teacher at the Instituto Kennedy.
While maintaining her pastoral ministry at the parish, Sister Lourdes took on various ministries. She served on the Leadership Team as Regional Councilor (2001 – 2007), English teacher and care giver for her mother (2007 – 2010) then added the ministry of Coordinator of the motherhouse, Casa Moye, (2010 – 2014.) Her final ministry was in the parish in Mexico City and as a leader of the CDP Associates in Casas Alemán.
Sister Lourdes’ life-long commitment to the service of God’s people was evident in the quiet and peaceful way she carried out her tasks and ministries. In her spare time, she created tatting, embroidery and crochet handiwork that was donated to good causes. Her service with a smile and gentle spirit will be missed.
She is survived by siblings Mario, and Guadalupe García, and all her Sisters of Divine Providence. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents Domingo and Inés García and her brother Gilberto García.
The Wake and Rosary were held on August 21, 2019. A Mass of Resurrection and burial took place on August 22, 2019 – all in Querétaro, Querétaro, México. A memorial Mass was celebrated on Friday August 23, 2019 at Annunciation Chapel at Our Lady of the Lake Convent in San Antonio, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, you may wish to make a memorial contribution to the Sisters of Divine Providence, 515 S.W. 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207-4619.
Obituary (pdf)