Nourished by hope, moved by courage: Diocesan presence at “Mujer Valiente"

By Sr. Gladys Echenique, OP

From June 4 to 7, five women from our Diocese of Tucson participated in the national Mujer Valiente program, an initiative of Catholic Extension Society that promotes the leadership of Latina Catholic women in mission dioceses. This gathering, held in Miami, Florida, offered intensive days of theological formation, prayer, dialogue, and missionary experiences. The participants, Karla Bracamonte, Diana García, Beatriz Carrillo, Xochitl Villanueva, and Elisa Calleros, joined other women from across the country in a transformative experience that will deeply shape their paths as leaders and servants in their parishes and communities.

Each of them experienced this journey in a unique way, and their testimonies reflect the fruits of this grace-filled experience:

• Beatriz Carrillo (Sacred Heart Parish, Tucson) shared that this encounter helped her embrace her personal story as an essential part of her spiritual growth and conversion process. Through introspection and the accompaniment offered, she was able to identify wounds still in need of healing and how these affected her way of serving. “I learned to see myself through God’s eyes. I want to create a life plan where I can discern which virtues I need to cultivate in order to serve with greater dedication.” Beatriz returns with a strong desire to accompany other women with compassion and a renewed vision of her parish mission.
• Diana García (Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Tucson) was deeply moved by the richness of the program, which combined psychological support, spiritual formation, and concrete missionary service. The experience of ministering vulnerable individuals on the streets of Miami left a lasting impression. “I learned that women are called to witness, to be a Church that goes forth. I hope to become a better servant and share with others the fruits of this formation.” For Diana, this retreat further ignited her vocation to serve with tenderness, attentiveness, and the courage of the Gospel.
• Elisa Calleros (Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Casa Grande) described her experience as “a box full of God’s gifts.” From prayer moments to the mission with people experiencing homelessness, every moment was an opportunity to receive and give love. She also shared a personal experience that she interpreted as a family miracle, which deepened her commitment to God's mercy. “Christ poured out His mercy on me. I feel called to be a bridge of inspiration for others.” Elisa returns strengthened, with a renewed spirit and a deep commitment to encourage and form other women in her parish.
• Karla Bracamonte (Our Lady of Grace Parish, Maricopa) found in this retreat a fertile space to renew her inner life and pastoral service. The moments of contemplation, the study of Christian virtues, and the reflection on commitment to the most vulnerable provided her with valuable tools to continue growing as a leader. “I understood the importance of cultivating temperance, humility, and generosity. This retreat encouraged me to keep learning and serving with more love.” Karla returns to her community convinced that true leadership is born from an intimate encounter with God and humble service to others.
• Xochitl Villanueva (Immaculate Conception Parish, Yuma) was deeply moved by the strength of the community spirit experienced during the retreat. The diversity of stories, charisms, and cultures present was, for her, a manifestation of the Holy Spirit that unites and strengthens the Church. “Each brave woman was there to contribute something to our community. I felt valued, and I understood that together we can do great things for God. There is always time to serve, to help, to learn, and to pray.” Xochitl returns with the desire to promote spaces where more women feel welcomed, supported, and encouraged to serve with their own gifts.

This initial gathering marks the beginning of an 18-month formation process. The participants will continue their development through online courses in Spanish, offered by Catholic universities such as the University of Dayton and the University of Dallas. This academic and pastoral accompaniment will help each woman grow as a catechetical leader and pastoral agent, strengthening their parish and diocesan communities.

We gratefully and joyfully celebrate the participation of these five courageous women. They have begun a journey of transformation that will enrich our entire diocese. Their witness is a living inspiration for all women who, grounded in faith, desire to serve with courage, generosity and hope.