My Giving Voice Farewell as a Core Team Member

In January of 2008, when I participated in my first Giving Voice retreat in Florida, I never imagined where that journey would take me/us. At that time, I was a candidate preparing to enter the novitiate with my heart full of love for God, and also feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety for the new journey. I believe my call was strong  yet with moments of feeling homesick and lonely. The energy I experienced on that first retreat was so lively that since then I committed myself to being a faithful participant of the movement. Eight years later, I was invited to consider to serve in the leadership team as Core Team member. I did not hesitate to say “yes” and in the summer of 2017, I joined the team. It has been an honor and joy to serve our participants with a group of wonderful smart wise young and committed Sisters with unique gifts, talents, and cultural backgrounds. During the past three years, I had the opportunity to learn and to grow on how to be an inclusive servant leader. Making sure that we all have a voice at the table. What started as a grassroots movement more than 25 years ago is now consolidated thanks to the many visionary and dedicated women. The present and future is ours and I am looking forward to all that Giving Voice will contribute to continue to keep alive our sacred calls.

Sr. Xiomara Méndez Hernández OP