By Katie Vasquez
Three nuns from the Dominican Republic are getting a warm welcome at Transfiguration Parish in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. It’s now the first community that the sisters, called the “Hijas de la Altagracia,” have in the United States.
Bishop Robert Brennan of the Diocese of Brooklyn celebrated the first Mass they would attend in their new home parish on November 20, saying their presence will spiritually lift the parish.
“A lot of our institutions, much of our parish life, so many of our schools, have their foundations in the work of religious sisters,” Bishop Brennan told Currents News.
The convent las Hijas de la Altagracia will be occupying at the Williamsburg church has been vacant since 2019 when Sister Kathryn Margaret Walsh, known as “Sister Peggy,” passed away.
Her death left a void for parishioners, and especially for fraternities or groups that meet for deeper spirituality.
“Now we are looking for for the sisters, ‘Hijas de la Altagracia,’ to take care of that part,” said Transfiguration Parish’s pastor, Father Jeremias Castillo. “And also the youth ministry, and also we are asking them to help with the liturgy here.”
It’s work that the sisters did in their home country and are hoping to replicate for their new parish that is 95% Hispanic with many of parishioners hailing from the Caribbean.
There are “some differences I think but the mission is, that people love Jesus and Mary too,” Sister Yarelin Ventura of the Hijas de la Altagracia told Currents News.
The the move have come with some challenges, namely a language barrier and a shift in climate.
“I think the idioma (langauge), English, I need to learn,” said Sister Damaina Anglada.
“I need a coat,” said Sister Idelma Hernandez of Hijas de la Altagracia.
Priests and parishioners are excited to bring them into the flock.
“We are so excited, so happy to have them here. And we welcome them with open arms,” said parishioner Esterlina Alvarez.
“I’m sure that will be a really, really good, good add for us in the parish,” said Fr.Castillo.
The sisters will also work with Mary of Nazareth church in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.