Mother Teresa, also known as, St. Teresa of Calcutta, once said that we sometimes forget we belong to one another . . . that we are connected because we are all the created and beloved children of God.
On December 8, more than a hundred people gathered at San Benito’s Community Center to celebrate La Posada Providencia’s 30th Anniversary with a dinner honoring many who have been and remain connected to its ministry of welcoming the stranger.
Some of the attendees shared La Posada’s long connectedness of 30 years, including Sister Hilary Hooks, a Sister of Divine Providence. She was the first Director of La Posada and is still with us in spirit.
Pastor Pereira, from Los Fresnos was another. He has been and still is at our disposal for support, especially when we need beans! Rounding out attendees representing La Posada’s 30-year span of connectedness was Kimi Jackson, the director of ProBAR, the South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Representation Project, located in Harlingen. They also recently celebrated their 30-year anniversary in November.
Other individuals attending and representing ministries and service who have been and remain connected with us along the way were Bill Reagan, Executive Director of Loaves and Fishes and Laura Martinez, Executive Director of Family Crisis Center, La Posada Board of Directors, both past and present, and many volunteers and
dedicated staff.
Truly, La Posada would not be here today without the support and dedication of all these partners. “Thank you” cannot adequately express the depth of our appreciation for your collaboration with us.
Local city and county officials honored us with their presence and we remain grateful for their support as well. We especially thank Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. for serving as our keynote speaker.
Last, but not least, we thank our sponsors and all helpers for making the wonderful evening possible. We especially thank Blanquita’s Mexican Restaurant #2, in San Benito; Nora Estrada / La Sierra Event Center, in Harlingen; Mary Queen of the Universe/St. Joseph Youth Group; Janie Corona; Magda Bolland; Sister Zita Telkamp; Carlos Cañas; Marlene McClain; Paula Olivarez; Gil Weyhaupt and Ana Schulz.
Cameron County Commissioner Gus Ruiz and County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. present the Proclamation from Cameron County marking La Posada Providencia’s 30 years of “welcoming the stranger” in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Sister Hilary Hooks, CDP, first director of La Posada, shares the early history of the ministry with guests.
Taking a momentary pause from their duties for the evening are Executive Director Magda Bolland, Board Member and Advancement Committee chairperson Paula Olivarez, and Lucy Reza-Morales, the evening’s emcee.
Staff members Magda Bolland, Colleen Price and Alejandra Zepeda enjoy the gathering joined by Alejandra’s son Santiago.
Program Director Sister Zita Telkamp CDP,, poses with a few of the dignitaries present for the evening, from left, Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Sister Zita, Bishop Emeritus Raymundo Peña, San Benito Mayor Ben Gomez, Cameron County Clerk Sylvia Garza-Perez and County Commissioner Gus Ruiz.