Sister-Mercia

Hermana Mercia Delgado, OSP

Hello, how are you? My name is Sister Mercia Delgado. I am an Oblate Sister of Providence. My story begins in Cuba, a country of language, culture and customs different from my American counterparts. But the common element we share is the abiding presence of the same God. I was gifted with all that I needed as I traveled along a journey of faith and a life of unbelievable favor. Let me tell you about it.

I was born in Havana, Cuba, a generation past the turn of the 19th century. Times were hard, but I was blessed with special talents. As early as 4 years old I knew that I had been gifted in art and had a pleasing voice. By 5th grade I had mastered calligraphy. Later I became fluent in language. These gifts of God would be very useful in future ministries where God chose to use me.

My first contact with the Oblate Sisters of Providence came at the age of seven, from accompanying my older sister to the Sisters’ sewing and typing classes. By age twenty, I was teaching art and penmanship at Our Lady of Charity, Havana, a school staffed by Oblate Sisters. Once, while reading, these words jumped out at me: “Dame tus veinte años (Give me your twenty years)”. It was to Sister Hortensia that I confided, “I want to be like you”. With the encouragement of the Sisters, I wrote to Mother William Hundley, Superior General of the Oblate Sisters of Providence in Baltimore MD, USA. Her response was simple. She wrote: “Come now”.

Now, after more than 50 years as an Oblate missionary, I know this is where God, from all eternity, willed me to be. He has used me on several missions in the States [Charleston, SC; Wilson, NC; New Orleans, LA; Baltimore, MD; Trenton, NJ; Kinloch, MO] as well as in Cuba. I am presently manager of the Altar Bread Department. It is a task that enhances m y own spiritual life as I package altar breads for different parishes. These breads I package and send out will be changed, by God’s grace, into Christ’s body and blood. I am blessed to live day by day in God’s loving grace and favor.

To young people today who may wonder about God’s will for their own lives, I would say first pray about it, trusting God to show the way. He will. It is often through the words of a trusted friend or within the words of a printed page. Most importantly, it is your responsibility to take positive action.

Alabados sean Jesus y Maria. Ahora y siempre.

Praised be Jesus and Mary. Now and forever.