The lives of the BVM sisters are often seen through their present roles; however it is their pasts that shaped the vocations and dedications they bring to the Xavier community today. Sister Isabel Conchos and Sister Kathleen Sinclair each followed unique paths of the sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM) influenced by childhood experiences, family traditions and years of discernment.
From a young age, both were surrounded by sisters in everyday life. “They were the happiest people I had ever known. They were just part of the family,” Sinclair said.
Conchos, meanwhile, was also drawn to quiet time in the chapel, where she felt peace in the presence of Jesus.
Faith was naturally central in both of their homes. Conchos remembers praying the rosary with her family after dinner, building a lifelong relationship with God. Sinclair grew up with the belief that “charity begins at home,” a value that shaped her view of service and vocation.
Conchos felt called to religious life as early as seven years old, recalling a childhood pilgrimage with her grandmother, where silence in the chapel deeply moved her. Sinclair’s journey was more gradual, describing vocation as “a lifelong decision, but you make the decision over and over.”
As both grew older, Conchos and Sinclair revisited their calling in different ways. Sinclair decided not to enter religious life but later returned to it after years of study and ministry. Conchos quietly held onto her calling from childhood, trusting the feeling that never left her.
Family reactions also played roles in their journeys. Conchos’ family encouraged her to become what God wanted her to be. Sinclair, however, had to navigate her mother’s sadness while still choosing the path she knew was right.
Though they belong to the same community, their personalities and daily lives are different. Conchos works in the attendance office and values silence, routine and reflection. Sinclair works in the athletics office and thrives in a fast-paced, active environment.
Conchos structures her day around prayer, treating her relationship with God like an appointment. Sinclair emphasizes balance, encouraging students to experience life fully and to build strong relationships. Approaches slightly differ, but both are rooted in faith.
“You need to ask a boy to a dance. You need interpersonal skills, ” Sinclair remarked, saying this is essential for understanding everyone you will serve. Conchos encourages students to pray daily, reminding them that, “if you feed the soul, everything falls into place.”
Both sisters encourage students to discover where they feel most alive. Sinclair advises, “Find out where you feel comfortable, alive. Where your gifts are put to good use.” Conchos guides students to turn inward through prayer and reflection.
The sisters, though, share the same mission at Xavier. The core values of the BVM- freedom, education, charity and justice- are visible in classrooms, school Masses, service opportunities and the compassion present throughout campus.
Alumna and teacher, Lexie Rinaldi ‘13, shared that the same values she felt years ago as a student at Xavier are still present today, shaping not only what students learn but how they grow as women of faith. She expressed gratitude for receiving an education grounded in the deep BVM tradition, noting that this foundation is one of the many reasons she chose to return to Xavier as a teacher.
It is difficult to imagine Xavier without the BVM sisters. Rinaldi shares that even if the future looks different, the connection between the school and the sisters will continue through shared mission, tradition and faith.
