Starting in 1936, the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM), founded by Mother Mary Francis Clark, have strived to provide a Catholic education for the youth of Phoenix. This order of sisters has grown and evolved from St. Francis Xavier Middle School to Xavier College Preparatory.
Since Xavier’s start, the religious ideals and spiritual values of the BVM have been at the forefront of the school, shepherding the curriculum, mission statement and administration.
As time passes, those in charge find it of the utmost importance to carry on the name and legacy of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and are doing so through BVM associates.
Xavier’s interim principal Brittany Ecker describes the BVM associates as “lay people who appreciate and have grown a love for the mission of the BVMs. So we love what they stand for, their history, their traditions, their core values and their charisms so much that we want to instill that in our own lives and work.”
Ecker is the first lay administrator to work at Xavier. All those before her had been sisters of the BVM.
Along with Ecker, Spanish teacher Noemi Santaella is also in the process of becoming an associate of the BVM.
“Becoming an associate of the BVM Sisters involves a meaningful and thoughtful discernment process that allows me to deepen my connection with the community and its mission. Throughout this process, the emphasis is on deepening my spiritual life, fostering community and aligning with the core values of the BVM sisters,” said Santaella.
Santaella finds meaning in the process deeper than the continuation of a legacy. She views the experience as another way to strengthen her faith and discover more about her relationship with the Lord.
Both women are striving to keep the entire atmosphere at Xavier centered upon their foundresses, and in doing so, have entered into a time-consuming process requiring purpose and dedication.
Those looking to become BVM associates must go through a 10-12 month long process. They meet monthly with an associate of the BVM, and occasionally a guest speaker such as a BVM sister. During these meetings, participants follow a prayer, a form of history lesson and then something to learn about the BVMs.
This process is entirely voluntary, meaning participants can choose to withdraw at any point. This creates a necessity for purposeful intent and a genuine desire to become an associate member.
Ecker wishes to expand the opportunity for faculty and staff members to become BVM associates. She sees the connection between the school and order as her highest priority. Anyone, regardless of religion, gender or profession can become an associate of the BVM, as inclusion is important to the order.
Sister Kathleen Sinclair, a BVM sister, notes the importance of Xavier students learning about the congregation in order to keep its ideals at the heart of Xavier.
“Becoming a BVM associate is a small glimmer of what it is like to be a professed Sister in the congregation. Even getting a deeper sense of BVM spirituality will be a blessing for Mrs. Ecker and Mrs. Santaella and a blessing to the Xavier community,” said Sinclair.
