by Amber Aldaco, Kingsville Record and Bishop News
See more photos below By the grace of God, we are finally here,” Sister Maxie Cruz said, surveying the large crowd of people assembled in the courtyard between the Mother Julia Navarrete Chapel and museum. “Thank God we got it done.”
On Saturday, Nov. 19, a Jubilee Celebration for the Venerable Mother Julia Navarette took place during the Ranch Hand Festival to commemorate her influence in the Kingsville area.
Mother Julia, who came to the United States from Mexico and is the foundress of the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary convent, traveled to Kingsville in 1916 with other nuns to minister in Texas. With the help of St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Mother Julia and the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary founded the first Catholic school in Kingsville within days of their arrival. The school housed 75 students and offered instruction in both English and Spanish.
“The school was not just a place to learn, but it was a place where children could be safe and stay out of trouble,” Sister Maxie said in a recent interview. “Mother Julia was such a big part of so many children’s and families lives before she was called home to be with our Lord. “
The schoolroom where Mother Julia taught is still in use, 100 years later. It now serves as the Mother Julia Museum.
“The wooden floor is still the same flooring from a hundred years ago. The school was moved for several years, but is now back at its original place,” Sister Maxie said. “It holds a very special meaning for the history of this area.”
Sister Maxie, who was with Mother Julia when she died, made a promise that she would continue to do Mother Julia’s work and do what she could to see that Mother Julia could become a saint, which has not always been an easy task.
“I’ve been told before that it can’t be done,” Sister Maxie said. “But I knew that it could.”
After years of buying the property back, setting up the museum and creating a chapel, and months of planning a Jubilee Celebration, the event came to fruition. The celebration kicked off with a Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, followed with opening ceremonies at the museum and chapel. Over 100 guests filled the courtyard for the ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration, including guests from all over the country and Mexico.
Vicar General Sister Maria de los Angeles Sarrato, of the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary, traveled from Aguascalientes, Mexico, for the special event. A vicar general is a bishop’s representative in matters of jurisdiction or administration.
In the past several years, the Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary has expanded their ministry from Texas to Washington and New Jersey.
“It is a privilege for us to be part of this history in the United States,” Sister Maria said on Saturday. “We want to proclaim 100 years of our service in this part of North America.”
Sister Agatha Durazo thanked all those in the community who helped plan and organize the event, as well as those who supported the jubilee. A special committee has worked on the details of the celebration since May, Sister Agatha added.
“The community has been so wonderful to support this occasion for Mother Julia,” Sister Agatha said.
Diana Zavala, with the St. Gertrude Altar and Rosary Society, said she was pleased with the turnout of the celebration, which included performances by Mariachi Azul y Oro and the Youth Ballet Folklorico, both of the Ricardo Independent School District.
“We are so pleased with the community support and for those who came out to show the convent (Missionary Daughters of the Most Pure Virgin Mary) how special they are and the work Mother Julia has done in this community,” Zavala said. “It’s so wonderful to have so many people here from all over to celebrate this occasion. It is awesome.”
Sister Maxie said she thanked all who have helped and supported the convent in both their ministry and Mother Julia. Sister Maxie asks the community to continue to pray for Mother Julia, who has at the halfway point to becoming canonized as a saint.
“I have no words to explain my joy and pride in our blessed Lord, who has guided me to do all that He has wanted me to do,” Sister Maxie said.