Sister Story Highlight - 'Anilu'

The cultural richness of the indigenous communities, she marveled at.  The precarious and many exclusive ways of life that the indigenous communities face challenged her.  Yes, in this edition we share with you the life of our sister Ana Luisa Prieto, CCVI who ministers to the most vulnerable in Chapantongo, Hidalgo (Mexico).

On August 15, 1967, Anilu – as she is lovingly called – consecrated her life to the service of God as a Sister of Charity of the Incarnate Word.  During her early years she worked as a teacher in various schools.  But her encounter with the indigenous communities led her to the paths that today she loves so much. 

‘The indigenous taught me to love the earth, to better value the community.  They showed me God present in a completely integral and inclusive way, and despite pain or suffering to maintain a spirit of gratitude and celebration which is contagious to everyone else,” shared Anilu. 

Her community in Hidalgo is a very simple house but with rich ecological features including: a reusable irrigation system for water, a solar stove, and a beautiful vegetable garden.  Without a doubt these features make it possible to live a dignified life without need to cause harm to our environment. 

Currently Sr. Anilu works in pastoral ministry to the indigenous communities in the Diocese of Tula, particularly with the community Nañu.  She also, along with Sr. Rosa Margarita, supports the refuge “Bojay,” which is a gathering and rest space for migrants coming from Central America.  This refuge is directed by the religious community of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary. 

“Rosa Margarita and I go to do whatever is needed: clean, serve meals, tend to injuries, etc… There is a lot of pain and at the same time there is much hope and joy.  It is really incredible to see how their faces change by encountering others.  There is a lot of gratitude.  There is hope to arrive at a dignified place,” shares Anilu. 

The Nañu, the migrants in Bojay, and the prisoners of CERESOS who are accompanied by Anilu with energy, kindness, and courage, have gifted her with experiences that sometimes include risks but more than anything are ‘tangible experiences of touching the face of God,’ as she shares in her own words. 

Thank you Anilu for your Yes every day.  Thank you for sowing seeds of justice, peace, and integrity of creation. 

Sr. Ana Luisa Prieto, CCVI is a member of the International JPIC Committee of our Congregation and is a professional anthropologist.