Sister Eva Silva, OP

Jubilarian 2025 – 60 Years a Sister

Prayer Ministry

Pray for families in conflict.

60th Jubilee Reflection

 

How wonderful are your works O Lord!

As a child I would sit for hours on my grandparents’ large stone steps in the backyard. Awed by the immense horizon and sky, I wondered what was behind and beyond. I was drawn to all that I could not see, filled with a deep longing. Years later as an 8th grader, unbeknownst to my parents, I wrote to Mother Victor asking to be accepted as an aspirant to which she replied that I was too young.  A year later and another request I received a positive response. Leaving home was the “giant step” that led me to the present. In the blink of an eye, the child whose only nickname was “cabrita”, “little goat”, is now celebrating her 60th jubilee. Love and grace have carried me through a multitude of living situations and ministries. My beloved Dominican Sisters, high school students, Holy Rosary parishioners, and clients I worked with as a psychotherapist the last 23 years of active ministry, have stretched and graced me beyond anything I could have imagined as the child on the stone steps. A family of deep faith and unconditional love grounded me.  The support and love of friends and colleagues animated and blessed me, then and now. I swim in the ocean of gratitude.

Sister Eva

Sister Eva

Sr. Eva cantors and invites the church to join in the Responsorial Psalm.

Sr. Eva cantors and invites the church to join in the Responsorial Psalm.

Sister Eva and Sister Dolores Abeyta at Dominican Days 2014 at Marywood. “God’s mercy endures forever” has taken residence in the inner walls of my heart. And in the generous spaces of quiet given us, it was not then and is not now, possible to deny that “I don’t know spit,” either. It is a disturbing place to be. It is a humbling recognition of weakness. It is a comforting place to be. “Weakness changes our focus from what we can do to what God can do.”

Sister Eva and Sister Dolores Abeyta at Dominican Days 2014 at Marywood. “God’s mercy endures forever” has taken residence in the inner walls of my heart. And in the generous spaces of quiet given us, it was not then and is not now, possible to deny that “I don’t know spit,” either. It is a disturbing place to be. It is a humbling recognition of weakness. It is a comforting place to be. “Weakness changes our focus from what we can do to what God can do.”

In 1978 Mr. Eduardo Silva and his wife Rafaelita Silva joined Sisters Bernice Garcia, Eileen Jaramillo, Charlotte Mondragon and Eva Silva in a serenade of Spanish music during the Dominican Gathering dinner. It was a joyful moment of sharing and creating an experience of “Nuevo Mejico.” (6) - From: Tapestry in Time A History of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, Michigan 1966-2012

In 1978 Mr. Eduardo Silva and his wife Rafaelita Silva joined Sisters Bernice Garcia, Eileen Jaramillo, Charlotte Mondragon and Eva Silva in a serenade of Spanish music during the Dominican Gathering dinner. It was a joyful moment of sharing and creating an experience of “Nuevo Mejico.” (6) - From: Tapestry in Time A History of the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, Michigan 1966-2012

A Reflection

 

“Gratitude!”

Wondering what one word would be the net large enough to describe more than 50 years as a Dominican Sister I have chosen GRATITUDE; for parents loving me into life, my vocation, “my” HS students, women discerning their call to vowed Dominican life, the Community of Holy Rosary Parish where I served and continue currently, gratitude for the privilege of witnessing those who come seeking healing and wholeness in their lives. I am filled with gratitude too, for friends and family, my Dominican sisters and my Silva sisters, who bless my life with their goodness and love.

I am from Caleruega, land of castles, Moors,
mosques and aqueducts,
Birth too of my father Dominic.

I am from Sienna, cobbled stoned streets,
Home of my mother Catherine,
Echoing still her challenge to power.
I am from Ratisbon, house of prayer
And pioneering women of courage,
Called to leave all that was home.

I am from Michigan, land of stunning autumns,
Winter wonderland seasons and
Resurrection springs of life abundant.

I am from Nuevo Mejico, Land of Enchantment,
Hot sun, immense skies that fill your soul,
Mountains, bosques and the Rio Grande.

I am from Belen, Bethlehem,
Town and people without fame.
Here… It is here, I first delighted in Incarnation,
God with us.