60 years of CND presence in Guatemala

May 27-29, 2025. It was a joy and an honor to be part of celebrating 60 years of CND presence in Guatemala, which began when Sisters Mary MacIsaac, Rita Rompre, Louise Driscoll and Celine Caulfield arrived from the United States in 1964. Many As-sociates joined us at Eucharistic celebrations followed by feasting in Guatemala City and La Esperanza near Quetzaltenango; three new Associates made their commit-ment at the first, and seven at the second.

A highlight was our time in San Francisco la Union, where the first four sisters began their Guatemalan ministry. We were greeted with balloons (later released!) and fireworks, a Eucharist, yet another feast and many expressions of thanks at the site where the sisters worked. At the school which grew out of Sr. Mary Mac’s initial efforts at providing basic education, students danced with one another, with us, and with fire (fortunately not at the same time). Lastly we unveiled a plaque in the school courtyard dedicated to Madre María MacIsaac, “founder of this institution, for her work in the development of our people: she will always live in our hearts.”