Good morning faculty, staff, families, friends, and my fellow graduates.
God writes a unique story with each of our lives. Today we celebrate the pages already written and the chapters still to come.
God has brought all of us to the quiet hills of Saint Meinrad to be shaped by tradition. As we immersed ourselves in theological studies, we have all listened for the voice of the Divine Author. As we turned page after page of Scripture and sacred texts, we all learned from ancient teachers and contemporary voices. Yet we were reminded over and over that theology is not a subject to be mastered; it is a sacred journey of transformation, calling us to become more Christ-like. No easy task as you all know.
I don’t know who thought of me to give this speech, but whoever it was, thank you, I think! Just when I thought I was done writing papers and stressing over what to say, here I am again, praying for divine inspiration one last time!
When I was asked to give this speech, I was surprised, honored, yes, but unsure of what I could say that might truly matter to you. Then I remembered the stories that have impacted and inspired me, and that my story might speak to someone else, too. So please allow me to share a little bit about my story with you today.
I come from a humble and very small town—a rancho—in Jalisco, Mexico, where faith is felt and lived every day, and where dreams were often simpler, and to be honest higher education was only a distant privilege—meant for only a few. My parents only had the opportunity to attend up to fourth and sixth grade.
When I was 11 years old, I immigrated to California with my family. Suddenly, I found myself in a new country, and my world began to grow. I learned a new language, encountered new opportunities, and started to believe that maybe—just maybe—I could dream big and go to college. But that dream came crashing down when I discovered I didn’t have the appropriate documents to continue my education after high school. I had to give up on that dream. I watched others move forward—graduate and complete their degrees—while I stayed behind wondering if I’d ever get another chance.
I met my husband, Deacon Jorge, and we were blessed with two children. In 2010, God opened the doors for us to adjust our immigration status. The first thing I did was to enroll in an online university. But since my kids were small, I soon saw what a huge price they were paying for me to attend school. I had to put them first. It was not until 2016 when we moved to Evansville that I was able to enroll again and complete my undergrad degree in theology and pastoral studies from Brescia University. I became the first in my family to obtain a college degree, and now, by the grace of God, I stand before you today as a graduate with a master’s degree in theology. I could never have done it without the support of my loving husband, Deacon Jorge, and my children, Jonathan and Abby.
Never in a million years did I imagine this would be my path. For a long time, it felt like a dream I had to leave behind—something too big, too far, or too late. But here I am, not because the journey was easy, but—because God writes stories that go far beyond what we can imagine.
Each of us here has a unique story, because no two journeys have ever been the same. And each of our stories matters. Some of our chapters have been filled with joy. Others have been written in hardship, grief, sacrifice, and perseverance. The chapters that seemed hardest to endure often become the most transformative. The moments we thought were detours or setbacks may, in fact, be where God was doing His best work. Every part has a place. Every moment has meaning. God, in His wisdom, is the Author who writes not with ink, but with mercy, with hope, and with the power of our Triune God.
The world longs for authenticity and hope. As theologians, priests, deacons, church ministers, and disciples, our task is NOT to keep our stories to ourselves, but to share them—to proclaim them boldly, humbly, and faithfully. Because there is someone who will find courage in your honesty, hope in your resilience, and inspiration in your faith. Our stories are sacred because God has written them. And they are meant to be shared.
Saint Teresa of Ávila once said, “Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours.” These words remind us that we are not just students of theology—we are vessels of it. That we are not just readers of God’s story, but active participants in it. That we are not simply recipients of God’s grace—we are bearers of it in the world.
As we leave Saint Meinrad, let us not forget that this is not the end. It’s the turning of a page. And though we do not know what the next chapters will hold, we can walk forward with confidence because we know who the Author is.
Never doubt the power of your story. Let God continue to write in you and through you, and may your life be a witness of hope to others, that it is never too late, never too far, and you are never too broken for God to do something beautiful. If you ever wonder what God can do with humble beginnings, remember this: A little girl from Jalisco, who once gave up on her dreams, stood here today because God made a way.
Thank you to the staff, faculty, benefactors, and the Benedictine monks of Saint Meinrad for supporting us along the way. MUCHAS GRACIAS!!
Congratulations, Class of 2025. May your next chapter be written with faith, courage, and the confidence that comes from knowing who the True Author is ... and that he is not finished with us yet!