Jubilarian – 2010
M. Carmen Francis Siguenza, SSND
Professed in 1960
Sister M. Carmen Francis Siguenza celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. Inspiration has come from nature, from being among people living their faith, and from God, who answers our prayers.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
An especially meaningful time for me was my ministry at Saint Mary’s School, on Yap (one of the Caroline Islands in the western Pacific). I was a teacher and then worked in the library. I found the people to be very warm. They lived very simply and showed a deep respect for nature. Their faith was strong and vibrant. This experience reminded me of Guam before the war, where Church and family were central to people’s lives.
What drew me to the SSND Community…
My first encounter with SSND was through Sister Eucharita Luxem. I went to see her to inquire about attending Mount Mary College. She helped me fill out the forms. As I was leaving, she said to me, “Remedios, you are not too old to be a Sister.” I responded, “Just pray for me.”
While at Mount Mary, word went out that Sister Eucharita was dying. I felt she was praying for me. Not too long after that, I visited the old motherhouse in Milwaukee and felt the calling to be an SSND.
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
The Sisters are a very dedicated group of women who believe in the importance of education of the whole person. They are drawn to those most in need. Our spiritual life drives our desire to serve.
In my current ministry…
Prayer and presence are my present ministries. Sister Elizabeth Marie Hoell meets with several other Sisters and me each day for prayer, discussion and reflection. All of us are grateful to the SSND Provincial Council for sending Sister Liz to us and for her help in making our years of retirement enriching.
Looking back and looking ahead…
I have found that my retirement years are helping to deepen my spiritual life. I have more quality time for prayer, reflection and spiritual reading, as well as time for connecting with family and friends. It has been a time of grace for me after a very busy ministry as a teacher.
Sister Carmen Francis’ missions: 
St. Francis, Yona, Guam
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam
Mount Carmel, Agat, Guam
St. Mary, Yap, Caroline Islands
Notre Dame Regional House, Talofofo, Guam
Shalom Prayer Center, Mt. Angel, Ore.
Mother Theresa Community, Talofofo, Guam
Mount Carmel, Agat, Guam
Notre Dame Community, Talofofo, Guam
How to Reach Jubilarians
Cards and letters may be addressed to:
Sister's name c/o SSND Jubilarians, Provincial Offices, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291.
If you would like to honor sister with a tribute gift, please click HERE.