“…in the Crescent City and home of the Haydens…God had carefully prepared a young woman named Viola to heed the urgings of the Holy Spirit. In 1947, Viola received the name Xavier of Jesus Crucified. Xavier started out teaching God’s little ones.” Her assignments brought her to many locations on the east and west coasts throughout the years. “Open to new challenges Xavier studies library science and served as librarian for Cabrini High School, New Orleans. In 1978, she took a leap of faith and tried a totally new venture - serving as receptionist at Columbus Hospital in Chicago. With her gentle ways and great generosity, Xavier continued her ministry, even in retirement, visiting residents in the Esplanade Apartments and endearing herself to those who are in need of a little company and encouragement.”

-excerpts from Sr. Catherine Garry’s remarks

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Stories of the Heart: The Missionary Sisters are as diverse as the ministries in which we work. We are educators, nurses, social workers, campus ministers, pastoral care workers, spiritual directors, and administrators. We invite you to share in our stories.