A Tribute To Sister Carmen

Sister Maria del Carmen Reyes Miranda passed away peacefully in the care of Sanatorio San Francisco, a facility run by Franciscan Sisters in Tijuana, Mexico on Monday, July 24, 2023 around 6 pm. Sister Elaine, a beloved friend and Servant of the Eleventh Hour, was with Sister Carmen when her soul left the Earth and joined her Lord and Mother Antonia. Sister Carmen received the Sacrament of the Sick from Padre Jose Maria. The morning prior, she was in good spirits and was heard singing “Digo Sí, Señor” (I Say Yes, Dear Lord).

After a diagnosis of stage four stomach cancer in early July, Sister Carmen’s last weeks were full of visitors, prayers, and special moments. Many of the Servants spent quality time with Sister Carmen as she neared the end of her life. An Associate Volunteer brought posters of Sister Carmen and the Servants to Scripps Hospital in Chula Vista, before Sr. Carmen was transferred to Tijuana, so that the nurses and hospital staff would know that she was a religious sister. Smiling faces, and hard work serving the poor were among the photos that hung on her walls and on her bedside table.

Sister/Hermana Carmen had been with Mother Antonia for over 25 years, even before the Association of the Servants of the Eleventh Hour was formed, much longer than many of the Servants who are actively serving out the mission today. Sister Carmen began her service as Directress of Casa Campos, the Motherhouse of the Association. She then moved on to the convent, where she served those who came to the door for help, kept the house in order, and served the women in the prison every Friday. She especially loved working with and helping the poor. In her last few years, the other Sisters always looked forward to coming home to her when they finished their work in the prison, as she was always smiling and would welcome them back. You could find Sister Carmen daily in the kitchen cleaning, talking on the phone with the women in the prison, or welcoming those in need with her words of wisdom and advice.

She was a beloved Sister and friend amongst the order because she loved all of her Sisters and showed it constantly by always being there for them when they had a problem or a need. She loved the mission and showed it by always speaking of Mother Antonia to anyone who was interested. Her knowledge of Mother Antonia and the history behind the Association was phenomenal.  Anything you might have a question about or needed to know, she had the answers.
 
“We are sad for ourselves, not for her. She is having a great time up there with Sister Olivia and Mother Antonia, and all those who have gone before us,” reflects Sister Anne Marie. The mission of the Eudist Servants lives on, and their work has not stopped. Sister Carmen now looks after the Eudist Servants in a special way from above.
 
Sister Carmen, pray for us. Mother Antonia, pray for us.