Sister Carmen Avila, MCDP, age 79, entered eternal rest on June 9, 2023, in San Antonio, TX. She was born on June 5. 1944, to Maximo Avila and Amalia Caro, in El Paso, TX., and baptized at Sacred Heart Church.  She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Ramon and Francisco Avila, brothers Salamon and Feliz Rivas, sisters, Carolina Gomez, Enriqueta Castello, and Carmen Villarreal.  She is survived by numerous nephews and nieces.

Prior to entering the Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence on August 1, 1992, Sister Carmen began her religious vocation with the Adoratrices Perpetuas del Santísimo Sacramento, Monasterio de Cristo Rey, El Paso, TX.  on January 7, 1986. She made first vows January 12, 1989, and her final vows January 31, 1972.   Sister Carmen professed her Triennal vows with the MCDPs on August 5, 1995 and celebrated her 50th Anniversary of consecrated life in 2019.

As a Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence, Sister Carmen's ministry began at the Pastoral Ctr. In the Diocese of Austin, Prison Ministry in Bastrop Federal Prison and Camp and Gatesville State Correctional for Women in 1993; in 1996, as Chaplain, Mercy Regional Medical Center, Laredo, TX.; 1997 Chaplain, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX,; 2002-14,  Chaplain, Christus Spohn Hospital, Alice, TX.

Sister Carmen leaves behind a legacy recognized by those with whom she lived, served, and performed collaborative ministries.   Their description and experience of her are summed up as a good spiritual director, friend, counselor, tireless worker, collaborator. She was known as a humble, soft spoken, warm, compassionate, and generous-hearted person. Sister Carmen lived her remaining years at McCullough Hall, a skilled nursing facility belonging to the Congregation of Divine Providence, where Staff and patients attribute to her the same qualities and virtues, up to the day she became bed confined. Sister Carmen will be greatly loved and missed, never forgotten.

Funeral Arrangements

Thursday, June 22, 2023

San Martin de Porres Catholic Church

1730 Dahlgreen Ave

San Antonio, TX 78237

9:00am    Visitation

10:00am   Rosary

10:30am   Mass

Interment will follow in San Fernando Cemetery #2

Reception in the San Martin de Porres Church Hall