As Catholic Charities marks its 90th anniversary, it notes that it began as a way to coordinate and sustain the many compassionate ministries begun by women religious in Oregon.
Starting in the late 19th century, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon ran orphanages in the area west of Portland and also taught at schools around the region. They also led summer religious education all over the state and later some women served in parishes.
The Sisters also are among the best volunteers at Catholic Charities of Oregon, offering lunches to homeless women, furniture to refugees and many other services.
To several of those categories belongs the indefatigable Sr. Juanita Villarreal, a sister for more than six decades.
A 3-year-old Juanita Villarreal, front and center, poses with some of her siblings.
She grew up one of 11 children of a father who moved from Texas to the St. Paul Oregon area each year to work the fields. The children would make the three-day ride in the back of a truck.
At 17, she decided to become a sister and once she visited the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, she knew they were the community for her.
A brick has been placed outside Visitation School in Verboort honoring Sr. Juanita.
She was a teacher and parish minister, often serving Spanish speakers as their most trusted ally. Most recently, she has been a mainstay at St. Alexander Parish in Cornelius.
Now, not far away in front of the new school building at Visitation Parish in Verboort, a brick bears her name: “Honoring Sr. Juanita Villarreal, SSMO. 60 years of dedicated religious life.”
“Most humbling,” Sister Juanita says of the honor. “May God be honored and may it encourage young women to give themselves to God’s service.”
Sr. Juanita Villarreal, SSMO