Sr. Marilyn Grace Springs Professes Final Vows

Sr. Marilyn Grace Springs professed final vows in the congregation of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament at the Motherhouse Chapel, Incarnate Word Convent, on Saturday, June 23, 2001.

She professed her vows before the congregation and the written document was signed by her and Sister Maria Irma Gonzalez, Superior General. Sister Marilyn Grace began her formation program in June, 1992, with time in discernment, postulancy, novitiate, and temporary vows.

A graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas, she earned a degree in Elementary Education and Fine Arts. After teaching two years in public schools, she taught in the San Antonio Catholic Schools. At Sr. Ann's Catholic School, she met Sister Patrice Floyd, who encouraged her to make a vocation retreat with the Incarnate Word Sisters. Though Sister Marilyn Grace was the first African American to enter the order, she felt quite comfortable with the group. "It's a very diverse order, a real melting pot of nationalities," she said. She especially was attracted to the community's balance of contemplation and service.

Born in Buffalo, New York, Sister Marilyn Grace became fascinated with art at an early age. She was drawing and painting by the age of six. "I was in competition with my oldest brother, who was also an artist. I would watch him draw and then try to top it," she chuckled. When her brother moved to San Antonio, she followed after her high school graduation, and enrolled at Our Lady of the Lake University.

Her artwork has been displayed many times at congregational and comminty events. She was the featured guest artist for "A Tapestry of Black Culture," exhibited at the Galvan House to celebrate Black History Month. During the Jubilee Year Day for Artists, her works were exhibited and she co-chaired the special Jubilee exhibition of religious art at St. Joseph's Hall, Corpus Christi Cathedral. She also created special banners for barious jubilee celebrations of the Order. Presently, she teaches art classes at Incarnate Word Academy to middle level and secondary students.

"My dream for my community," Sr. Marilyn Grace stated, "is that someday I will able to attract not only African American women to this congregation, but to serve as a role model for any young woman who is striving to answer her call to religious life as a viable life-giving choice."