Sister Carmen Holguin Leal, MCDP, went peacefully home to God on October 16, 2020, in San Antonio, TX at the age of 91 years.

Sister Carmen Leal was born to Clemente X. Leal and Trinidad Holguin, on January 27, 1929 in Pleasanton, TX, and baptized on August 24, 1929 at St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Jourdanton, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings, Beatriz L. Romero, Jose, Victoria L. Garcia, Juan, Trinidad L. Garcia, and Clemente. Sister Carmen is survived by her sister, Reducindad L. Castillo, and her brother Alfredo and his wife Emma, and numerous nephews and nieces. Pall bearers: Don Castillo, George Castillo, David Leal, Joe Leal, Clemente Leal, and Michael Lopez.

Sister Carmen entered religious life as a Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence (MCDP) in San Antonio, TX on June 6, 1958, and professed her first vows on August 6, 1961, and final vows on August 6, 1967 at Stella Maris Chapel, then taking the name of Sister Gregory Ann .  She received a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in Religious Studies at Our Lady of the Lake University, in San Antonio. As a dedicated Catechist, Sister Carmen served as Director of Religious Education in numerous parishes in towns/cities in Texas: Port Lavaca ('62,'76, '92), El Campo ('63) San Antonio ('61, '64, '87, '89) Sugarland ('66) Houston ('70) OLL University ('71-72,'77), Gonzales ('73,'93), Austin ('74), Kyle ('78), Martindale ('81), Castroville ('82—'85), (Rome, Italy–Sabbatical '86), Cotulla ('88, '94-95, 2000-03), (San Antonio & Wisconsin–Sabbatical '96-97), La Grange (2004-07), St. Andrew's Convent (2007-2020)  In all these places, however brief or long she served, she was always known for her beautiful smile, and her welcoming, gracious hospitality.  During her years in retirement, she was frequently remembered with greeting cards, and by visitors from these towns.

Sister Carmen was among the first MCDPs to play a guitar in the late 60's; she composed two hymns, Por La Señal and Dios ha Elegido . Her love for singing, whistling, and dance came from her family upbringing in Pleasanton. She enjoyed a wide range of music: German polkas, country music, rock-n-roll, Gospel, and charismatic hymns that gave praise to the Holy Spirit.

She was also an avid reader, always kept abreast of current events. Sister Carmen was exceptionally interested in her family history, dedicating considerable time in collecting and filing family photos, letters, newspaper clippings, etc., as her contribution to the younger generation in her family.  Sister Carmen was a generous contributor to the Benitia Humanitarian Award Gala in the year's past.

All the MCDP Sisters at St. Andrew Convent will miss her storytelling about her life on the farm, stories that made everyone laugh with her. One of her favorite celebrations was her birthday, an occasion to enjoy her guests. Her providers will remember how she always had a Christmas gift for them, ordered from one of the many catalogues she collected in the mail.

Sister Carmen will be deeply missed by her family, MCDP Sisters, and the people she served throughout her religious life.

In keeping with the safety regulations of COVID-19, all services will be private for

family members at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel at St.  Andrew's Convent

2318 Castroville Rd. – San Antonio, TX, 78237.  (210) 432-0113.

Tuesday, October 20 ^th

9:30 AM Rosary

10:00 AM Mass of Resurrection

Interment follows at San Fernando Cemetery#2,

at the corner of Castroville Rd. and Gen. McMullen

MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the

Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence .

Donations will go toward programs for the training of faith formation leaders

in the westside parishes of San Antonio.