Sister Marina
of Our Lady of Fatima (Esparza), O.C.D.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Wilmington, California just four blocks away from Holy Family School, the first school sponsored by our community which opened in 1950 when I was just four years old.

Words of Gratitude

I am deeply grateful for the gift of my consecrated life. It’s hardly possible to imagine 50 years have passed since my entrance into Carmel and it’s even more impossible to adequately express the gratitude that fills my heart as I reflect back on those years. The graces and blessings have been innumerable. One of the greatest blessings was the privilege to have entered the community while many of the sisters who had been personally formed by Mother Luisita or were of the first generation after her death were still very active in our apostolates. It was a joy to witness first-hand their dedication, humility, simplicity, and trust in Divine Providence, as well as their childlike obedience in their daily lives. I can think of no better way to have been imbued with the charism and spirit of Mother Luisita in my formative years.

What drew you to Carmel?

Although the Carmelite Sisters’ first school was in my home parish of Holy Family and it was opened when I was four years old, I never knew any of the sisters personally. I would see them at Mass and was edified by their quiet demeanor and attracted to their serenity, but it wasn’t until 1971 that I actually was introduced to a sister.

My best friend began teaching at Holy Family and I was helping her set up her classroom. As I was introduced to each of the sisters assigned to the school that year, I was struck by the joy and unity that was quite obvious. There was such an evident family spirit and love for one another. I immediately became attracted to the atmosphere and wanted somehow to be a part of it. I didn’t think I was called to consecrated life because I thought at 25, I was too old, but it was great just to be around the sisters. I began to volunteer and became a “pious lady” driving the sisters to appointments and running errands for them. I was even part of their basketball team for the Faculty vs. Eighth Grade game at the end of the year.

It wasn’t at all a difficult decision to make in 1972 when sister offered me the position to teach First Grade. During my two years at Holy Family School, by the sisters’ influence, I was drawn deeper into a prayer life and into a deeper relationship with Our Lord. One day I was wearing a green skirt and blazer when one of the sisters complimented me. She said, “You look nice in green, but you’d look better in brown.” I knew right then what my next step would be. When in 1974, I informed the sister who was principal that I would not be signing the contract to teach the following year because I was entering the convent, she didn’t even have to ask what congregation that might be.

What are some blessings you have received from your religious life?

Where does one begin to recount the abundant blessings which have been undeservedly showered upon me over these 50 years? The most precious gift, of course, is living under the same roof as the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist and being able to make a visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament throughout the day. I thank God, also, for the evident guidance of the Holy Spirit of our community during the turbulent times in religious life through the guidance and wisdom of our leadership from Mother Luisita to this very day. To have had the privilege to have lived and worked side-by side with many of our “pioneer” sisters and to have witnessed their final and faithful fidelity has been a great grace for me. Having had the privilege of working in all areas of our apostolates – education, healthcare, retreat work and vocation ministry – has enabled me to acquire skills and gifts that I might never have developed if I were in only one area of ministry.