The kickoff event, a Las Hermanas roundtable discussion, “Remembering the Past, Envisioning the Future,” included (pictured L-R) moderator Sr. Maria Eva Flores, CDP (OLLU); and speakers Sr. Sylvia Sedillo, SL; Teresita Basso; and Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI. Each of the three speakers contributed to the founding of Las Hermanas in 1971, and spoke about their early and subsequent experiences with the movement.
Sponsored by the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, Office of Mission & Ministry, and the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, the University of Incarnate Word (UIW) proudly hosted “Las Hermanas: The Struggle is One,” March 19-21, in the new Seddon Recital Hall. The symposium was among several events UIW hosted in recognition of Women’s History Month in March.
This interdisciplinary symposium honored the history, development and legacy of Las Hermanas, a grassroots Latina movement formed 40 years ago to challenge and change the church and its role in society. The conference included outstanding keynote speakers, academic papers, sharing of stories, celebration in the spirit of Las Hermanas and an opportunity for attendees to visit the new Heritage Center of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.
Featured speakers included Dr. Lara Medina, California State University, Northridge, author of “Las Hermanas: Chicana/Latina Religious-Political Activism in the U.S. Catholic Church”; Sr. Yolanda Tarango, CCVI, UIW Board of Trustees member, co-author of “Hispanic Women: Prophetic Voice in the Church”; Dr. Timothy Matovina, Notre Dame, author of “Latino Catholicism: Transformation in America’s Largest Church”; and Dr. Theresa Torres, University of Missouri-Kansas, author of “The Paradox of Latina Religious Leadership in the Catholic Church.”
