Sister Angelina Gonzales, OP

Jubilarian 2025 – 70 Years a Sister

Prayer Ministry

Pray for children and youth.

70th Jubilee Reflection

“I give You thanks, O Lord with all my heart.”  ~ Psalm 111

As I look back, I remember like it was yesterday, the day I left New Mexico, “the Land of Enchantment”, to enter the convent. I did not know what to expect. I was very scared and nervous; it was my first adventure travelling by train. I arrived at Marywood and was overwhelmed by the huge building and so many sisters. That was 70 years ago. So much has happened since that day.

I was so blessed to minister in New Mexico: at two hospitals in the business office; as Director of Religious Education up North in Chama, Tierra Amarilla and Los Ojos; and finally, as Director of Religious Education at Santa Cruz for 40 years. Then I left Santa Cruz for Marywood.

I have been so blessed all my life, and I thank God for all the blessings. I enjoyed all the people I have served and have learned much from all of them.

Now, here at Marywood, I help with the activities such as making dolls and stuffing animals for children at Bethany Christian Services. I also help wherever needed.

I thank my dear parents, siblings and my Dominican Community for their love and support.

I love music and I close with the words of the song You are Special. “Just live each day and trust in Me, for you are special and I love you.”

Sister Angelina instructs Mary and Josephy on what they need to do at Los Posadas.

Sister Angelina instructs Mary and Josephy on what they need to do at Los Posadas.

Sister Angelina Gonzales and Sister Rena Ruddy caroling with with and Father Christmas.

Sister Angelina Gonzales and Sister Rena Ruddy caroling with with and Father Christmas.

Sr. Angie enjoys helping to create dolls, animals, and bears to bring comfort and happiness to the children at Bethany Christian Services.

Sr. Angie enjoys helping to create dolls, animals, and bears to bring comfort and happiness to the children at Bethany Christian Services.

Biographical Reflection

“I will praise God all my life, sing to God all my days.”  ~ Psalm 146

I am grateful and thank God for my Dominican Vocation, my loving and supportive parents, my Dominican Sisters and all those whose lives I have touched and who have touched my life during these wonderful and challenging 60 years. As I continue my journey, I thank God for the many blessings I have received.

I was born on March 29, 1934, to Sabino and Maria Gonzales in Glorieta, NM, the fifth of ten children. I thank God for my loving parents.

I did not have the privilege of attending Catholic Schools and had never met Sisters, but I had a strong desire to serve God in some way. After graduation from Santa Fe High School, I somehow came across Nazareth Hospital in Albuquerque, NM where I met the Dominican Sisters and I knew this was where I belonged. I loved working with the Sisters and after two years, they helped me see that I had a Vocation and guided me to the Dominican Community in Grand Rapids.

My ministries took me to Hospitals at Nazareth and Santa Rosa where I was the Business Manager. I also had a great desire to minister to children and moved onto Religious Education. I ministered at three parishes in northern NM. I treasure memories of my ministry at Holy Cross Parish in Santa Cruz where I was Religious Education Director and where I continued to consult with the new DRE and coordinate parish activities including our annual 9-day Novena of Prayer “LAS POSADAS”.