On Friday, May 4, 2012, a private party was held at the chancery to honor Sister Digna Vela, IWBS. The reception began with a Mass celebrated by the Most Reverend David E. Fellhauer and the Reverend Gary Janak. Guests included family members and chancery staff. Another reception was held for Sister Digna on Tuesday, May 8, at the chancery. Over 100 people from throughout the diocese came to reminisce and celebrate the times they had with Sister through many of the programs, meetings, conferences, and trainings that she provided during 22 years as director of the office of catechetical ministry.

     Before leaving on sabbatical, Sister Digna will teach a six-week course on the Gospel of John and the Book of Revelation for the Pastoral Institute beginning Tuesday, August 28, 2012. The course will be offered at the chancery in Victoria and also at Holy Cross, East Bernard, and St. Ann in Point Comfort through distance learning.

She will be attending two separate sabbatical programs. The first will be a ten-week program at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona. The second will be at the St. Joseph Retreat Center near Boston, Massachusetts.

Sister Digna will also be available to offer spiritual direction and directed retreats at the Amor Meus Spirituality Center at Incarnate Word Convent in Victoria.

     When asked what she will do next, Sister Digna replies, “I am open to whatever God wants for me.” Although this might sound a little unnerving, she continues, “I tell God that I can’t wait to see what surprises he has in-store for me.” Smiling and full of joy, Sister continues, “We have such a good God!”

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