Sister Noreen Begley

Sister Noreen Begley was born in London and reared in Ireland. The niece of a former Incarnate Word superior, Mother Antoinette Begley, Sister Noreen recalled her aunt's first visit home to Ireland in 1922. She was touched by her gentle spirit and her kindly attitude toward all. Seven years later she followed her aunt to Texas to become a Sister of the Incarnate Word.

She earned a bachelor's degree in English at Incarnate Word, San Antonio, and a master's degree in English at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

"In my vocation I have been given a special invitation by God to holiness and to a total dedication of my work and talents for the good of others and the glory of God," Sister Noreen stated.

Her work and talents given so generously over the years have included over 50 years of teaching at elementary and secondary levels. she taught all subjects in the elementary schools and English, French, U.S. history, government, and journalism at the junior high and senior high school levels. Some of her students remember her as Sister Aquinas, her nem in religion before the choice was given to Sisters to return to their baptismal names.

As a faithful coach in the Caller Times Spelling Bee, Sister Noreen sent six students to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. The long hours of study and practice spent with her spelling champions were comparable to the long hours of study and translation fo the works of the foundress of the congregation, Venerable Jeanne de Matel. Since the spiritual works of the foundress were written in the old French, they needed modern French adaptation before English translation. She has also compiled a collection of the traditional prayers of the congregation.

Her artistic talents boast many beautifully crocheted afgans for Incarnate Word Academy's silent auctions and special gifts to friends and benefactors. Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez, during his term as Bishop of Corpus Christi, received an Advent gift of an afgan in her Jacob's Ladder pattern. Her pictures, articles of dress and accessories have often graced the Arts and Crafts shelf, but not for long before being purchased.