On the Top of the Andes Mountains

In November of 2023, two catechists from Marcani, one of the six mountain communities for which the IHM parish of San Felipe is responsible, came to Sister Eileen to ask for help in repairing their chapel. Sister Ancilla wrote a grant asking for help from Our Lady of the Mountains parish in Jackson, Wyoming. With these donations and the invaluable help of Irene Espirilla, a catechist for the mountains and a former member of our Congregation who is now in charge of the IHM House of Studies, work began on the chapel in November 2024.  A new roof was put on, concrete covered outside adobe walls, new steps, a PA system, and the exterior painted blue which was the peoples’ choice. Sister Donna designed six murals depicting Gospel images for the chapel projects, and four of these were transferred and painted on the interior. When all was finished, Ancilla and Irene joined a joyful Marcani community for a Mass and dedication of their chapel, truly a sacred space. In her talk to the people, Ancilla emphasized that God was powerfully present to them all in their beautiful mountain surroundings, but she hoped that now they could also spend time with God in their new, beautiful, sacred space.