2008 Jubilarians

Mary Rosalind Santos, SSND
Professed in 1958

Sister Mary Rosalind Santos celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame. She has ministered as a teacher, pastoral minister and caregiver. She is retired and serves through her prayers and presence.

A meaningful time in my ministry…
Missionary work on the Micronesian Islands of Yap, Chuuk, Ebeye, Rota, Tinian and Saipan from 1965 to 1970 was a high point for me with the opportunity to proclaim the Lord and our mission in word and action. I taught CCD, did parish visitation and census taking, and brought the Eucharist to the sick and dying. From 1997 to 2004, I served as caregiver for my mom, Mrs. Rosario A. Santos. I worked in the Employment Development Worker Three Office from 1985 to 1995 with the poor - high school drop outs, single parents, prisoners and welfare/food stamp recipients. I gave job training classes, helped them find jobs and did their evaluations.

What drew you to the SSND Community?
The spiritual life and example of my parents were a big factor in my being attracted to religious and then their full support. I was attracted to the mission and spirit of the first seven pioneer sisters who came to Guam in 1949.

What has it meant to you to be a sister through the years?
For me it has meant a total devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and special devotion to our Lady through the rosary.

What would you like people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
We are a group of sisters who proclaim the Lord most especially through our lives and love for the poor.

What words of encouragement or wisdom would you offer to a woman exploring the possibility of a vocation as a woman religious?
First of all I would promise her my prayers to listen and follow the call of the Lord. I would invite her to come and be with our community for prayer and to experience our way of life and ministry.

What is your current ministry?
I serve through prayers and presence here at Notre Dame Center with our sisters companions.

Is there anything else that you would like to share with people about your life?
I have great desire to begin or join a prayer group and invite others to share the Lord. I also would like to be remembered as a true Notre Dame and daughter of Mother Theresa.

The 1973 black & white photo is of fifth grade students and Sister Rosalind at St. Mary School on Yap.
The color photo from 2004 is of Sister Rosalind with two members of the Yap Mother Theresa Club.

Sister’s missions:
Student, Notre Dame of the Lake, Mequon, WI, 1958-1959
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam, 1959-1961
Mount Carmel, Agat, Guam, 1961-1969
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam, 1969-1970
St. Francis, Yona, Guam, 1971-1973
St. Mary, Yap, Caroline, 1973-1976
St. Francis, Yona, Guam, 1976-1982
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Saipan, Caroline, 1982-1983
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam, 1983-1984
St. Francis, Yona, Guam, 1984-1985
AHRD:Employment Development, 1985-1995
Notre Dame Regional House, Talofofo, Guam, 1995-1997
Caregiver, Yona, Guam, 1997-2004
St. Mary, Yap, Caroline, 2004-2006
Retired, Notre Dame Regional House, Talofofo, Guam, 2006-Present