Sister Elena Hernandez
I came from Irapuato, Mexico and entered St. Joseph Convent, Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1956. In 1968, I joined some of the sisters in establishing a new Benedictine foundation know as Red Plains Monastery. I am the 'elder member' in my community.

I have a deep love for God's "little" creatures, and you will often find me sharing my joy and their energy with guests and retreatants. I also enjoy bringing injured wild birds back to health and then releasing them into their own environment.

The sisters say that I am an expert seamstress. I do enjoy sewing, and much of it is done by hand. I also have culinary talents and provide the community with authentic Mexican dishes, although my favorite food is "Chinese".

Before returning and retiring to the monastery in 1993, I ministered as pastoral minister at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Hollis, Oklahoma for 18 years, while the parish priests came and went. I was the primary catechist and evangelist: training parishioners to teach 'doctrina', preparing the children for the sacraments, making home visits, counseling families, teenagers, single parents and couples, reviving cultural rituals, visiting those in the hospital and the homebound. Most important of all, I was there to listen when someone needed to talk. I provided a consistent, daily presence for my people.

I have many nieces and nephews living in Mexico and I try to visit them yearly. We are always happy to see each other. Although I am not much of a 'letter writer,' I do try to stay in touch with my family between visits.