By Natalia Valenzuela
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, a gathering celebrating the history of worship, music, and art of the Mission took place at Mission Concepcion.
This event was organized by a dedicated Sister at the University of Incarnate Word, Sister Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI. Kirk’s goal was to invite the community of San Antonio to build artistic bridges through song, drama, art, and dance. The theme of this event focused on world heritage and community. “We are embracing people of all cultures”, said Sister Martha.
The ceremony began with drumming and dancing by the male descendants of the indigenous people. Their passionate ritual grasped the attention of many. Next, José Rubén de Léon shared A Gospel of Hope, “The Daughter of Jairus and the Women with Hemorrhage”, a parable from the Gospel of Mark. As the event continued the community sang “All Are Welcome, All Belong”. “It was a beautiful, wholesome feeling of community”, said UIW senior, Aaron Rios.
Later, Sister Martha shares a story. In 1912, a fire arose in an orphanage. Eighty-nine boys were saved, but five Sisters burned inside looking for three boys. During this Jubilee year of the universal Church and the Archdiocese of San Antonio, a few of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word are remembered for their bravery.
As the event comes to a closing, there was a renewal of religious vows, a blessing by Deacon Ray Jimenez, chants to God, singing, and dancing takes place. The Mission Concepcion Parish is grateful to the OCP for a Parish grant that partially supported the event.
