A Life of Tenacity and Tenderness

Sr. Elena Hernandez, who died on November 23, had a tenacious spirit that was honed in her childhood. Born in San Gabriel, Mexico, she knew she wanted to be a religious sister at the age of 10. However, when her mother died a few years later, she had to set aside this dream and left school after 5th grade to work in a clothing factory to help support her family. Finally, at around age 30, an avenue to fulfill her vocation appeared in the form of Benedictine sisters from Alabama who gave a talk at the parish in her village. She told them of her desire to be a sister, and within two weeks, she found herself in formation. She made her first profession of vows in 1958, and as if to make up for those years when she deferred her dream to care for her family, she was given 63 years to live her vows, dying at age 101.

Sr. Elena was also tenacious in pursuing an education. After transferring to a Benedictine community in Oklahoma, she completed high school and found a way to earn a B.S. in secondary education. Instead of teaching in a school, however, she was offered a job as a pastoral associate at Our Lady of Guadalupe church in the small rural community of Hollis, Ok., which did not have a resident priest. Her catechetical skills and devotion to her faith were put to good use as she taught religious education classes, prepared children to receive the sacraments, and acted as a spiritual guide for her parishioners.

It is no wonder that Sr. Elena had a feisty, strong-willed exterior, given the challenges she faced throughout her life. However, God tapped into her tender side in an unexpected way when she was given some parakeets, who became her beloved companions. When Sr. Elena’s community was discerning about leaving Oklahoma to join Mount St. Scholastica in Kansas, Sr. Elena’s only question was whether she could bring her birds along. An aviary was set up in an unused elevator shaft, and she spent many happy hours there with her winged friends.

Sr. Elena modeled determination, a joyful spirit, and the ability to encounter God in the smallest of creatures. At her 100th birthday party, when she was asked for advice about how to live a good life, she said, “Listen to God and follow your heart.” The best way we can honor her memory is by doing just that.