I am Consuelo Martín López. I am 96 years old. I am the oldest sister in the Spanish Province and I am living in the Mary Ward Etxea Residence in San Sebastián.
With my writing, I want to answer the question I was asked about “HOPE IN MY LIFE.”
Before entering the novitiate in Hernani (San Sebastián) in 1961, I worked as a teacher in small towns in Castilla. I was happy.
Wherever I have traveled and taught, I have maintained the hope of bringing out the best in my students, boys and girls, by making them believe in their own potential.
In 1970, the Spanish Province was created. I was appointed Provincial. This made me dream of leaving the school environment and embarking on a mission in the rural world in a town in Andalusia (Puerto Serrano). There, we ventured without really knowing what we were going to do specifically. And the seed planted grew, and the spirit of María Ward, as they say there, continues to bear fruit, even though we are not present.
I went to the community of Badalona, where I supported children from broken homes in the parish, in addition to teaching at the school. How difficult it was to maintain hope at times when facing such complex situations. But always with out eyes on the Lord, to see that with the small amount of support we could give, some children were able to move forward.
María Ward has influenced and continues to influence me with her life and her maxims, encouraging my prayer for “hopeful hope toward the Union” A.M.D.G.
May the Lord say AMEN.
