Sister Juana Mendez: Lifelong servant to the Latino immigrant community By Vicki Welsh, Associate
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he found herself a single parent. Life is many times more difficult when you must make all the decisions for you and your children alone. Words like “poor,” “uncertain,” “fear” can become a daily part of your life. She looks out across the wide expanse of water lifting her heart skyward remembering she must trust in God. Her womanhood, her children, the loneliness, the everpresent water, her God. If you were to guess what was to come next, you might say you were about to hear the story of Saint Elizabeth Seton (EAS). Very understandable! Saint Elizabeth was a single parent and bore many of the same burdens and fears. She cared for not only her five children, but could be found helping other mothers and their children. She often lived where she could look across the water. And to the core of her being, she trusted in God. But, no, this story is about our 2020 silver jubilarian, S. Juana Mendez. Her story reads a lot like our dear Saint Elizabeth. S. Juana has this to say of their similarities, “She (EAS) dedicated her life to the services of the community, devoted a great deal of time to work with the poor, and provided free education for girls. Her desire to grow in a deep relationship with Jesus was evident in her work and style of living.” S. Juana was one of four children born to her family in Puerto Rico. Times were hard. But she has beautiful memories of kneeling on the hard concrete floor, saying the rosary every morning as a family. While eating their breakfast of bread and coffee, S. Juana’s mother spoke to them about trusting in
S. Juana Mendez (second from left) was joined by her two brothers, sister and mother when she professed final vows 25 years ago.
God. Her mother raised them to build their hope on faith, never to stay in a place of fear. Saying the rosary was a daily reminder that God dwelled in and among them. When S. Juana was 8 years old, the family made the arduous move to Cleveland, Ohio in the San Juan Bautista parish. She attended St. Francis elementary and St. Peter’s High School. S. Juana recalls, “I loved to serve. As a young girl I knew I was being called to a religious life. However, I took the long road.” Part of that long road was marriage, motherhood and single parenthood. S. Juana recalls, “It was a struggle to raise my children as a single mother. With the help of my family, and with lots of prayers, my children attended Catholic
For 12 years S. Juana Mendez (back, second from right) served as the Hispanic minister for the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky, advocating for and providing services for the Hispanic/Latino community. 18
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