The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word elected new leadership during a once-every-four-years gathering and relocated sacred relics tied to 2 founding leaders.
SAN ANTONIO — A centuries-old tradition of prayer, discernment and faith took center stage in San Antonio as the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word elected a new leadership team and honored the legacy of two women who helped shape the congregation’s history.
The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word recently concluded its Chapter of Elections, a sacred process held only once every four years. Delegates representing Sisters from the United States, Mexico and Peru gathered in prayerful discernment to elect a new General Leadership Team to guide the congregation for the next four years.
Much like a papal election, delegates cast paper ballots behind closed doors, relying on prayer, reflection, silence and dialogue rather than campaigning or politics.
The newly elected leadership team will help guide ministries across three countries, including the University of the Incarnate Word, Incarnate Word High School, healthcare ministries, schools, social service organizations and international mission programs.
The Chapter of Elections formally concluded Sunday, May 31, with a closing liturgy and first blessing of the new leadership team at 3 p.m. inside the Chapel of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio.
Following the blessing, the congregation held a solemn procession to relocate sacred relics containing the preserved hearts of foundress Mother St. Pierre Cinquin and former General Superior Reverend Mother Ignatius Saar.
The tradition of preserving hearts as relics dates back centuries in the Catholic Church. Mother St. Pierre’s heart was brought to Texas from Lyons, France, after her death and became one of the congregation’s most treasured relics. Reverend Mother Ignatius Saar’s heart was preserved following her death in 1894.
Since the demolition of the original Motherhouse and Sisters’ chapel in 1985, the relics have been housed in the congregation’s archives and museum. They have now been moved to a newly established place of prayer and veneration in the chapel at Brackenridge Villa.
The new General Leadership Team officially begins its four-year term following the conclusion of the Chapter of Elections, with a formal installation ceremony scheduled for July 2026.