My name is Sofía Laura Rangel Salazar. I am 62 years old and have dedicated 42 years to a consecrated life in the “Dominican Sisters of Mary” Institute. My profession is as a Teacher of Religion, and I have also completed studies in the Spirituality of Religious Life, Spiritual Accompaniment and Formation, Catechesis using the Montessori method, Diplomas as a caregiver in Orphanages, and various Leadership workshops in Mexico and other countries.
My apostolic experience in orphanages includes: 3 years at Casa Hogar Don Bosco Sto. Domingo (1997-2000), 9 years at Casa Hogar Santa Julia Don Bosco, and 1 year again at Casa Hogar Don Bosco Sto. Domingo. Additionally, for 12 years (2001-2013), I coordinated services in orphanages for both girls and boys, as requested by my Institute.
My interest and concern for children were something that God, the Lord of Life, placed in my heart, combined with my father’s story of his own difficult and sad experience of being an orphan. He gave us immense love and care, supporting us throughout all stages of our lives. When I learned that this Institute was dedicated to orphaned boys and girls, I did not hesitate to join.
Experience and Current Challenges
When I returned to the orphanage after 22 years, I encountered a different reality: less effort and dedication to schoolwork and duties in general. I believe that the COVID era, a sedentary lifestyle, and excessive use of cell phones influenced this. I came from a very structured organization governed by the Law for the Protection of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents, our Directives, and the Educational Philosophy of St. John Bosco. The girls and adolescents showed a natural resistance to the change in religious personnel because their bond was with the previous ones. Hope In Motion suggested that I receive help from a specialist (Coach), who has helped me gradually adjust by proposing firm and clear guidelines.
Current Major Challenges
Unifying formation criteria according to ecclesiastical and civil laws and the Salesian Philosophy.
Establishing systematic study in the forming community and among the girls and adolescents.
Helping the girls and adolescents redefine their history from a perspective of resilience rather than victimization.
Creating a collective sense of belonging and solidarity in the orphanage.
Promoting assertive communication.
Managing projects to create an infrastructure that covers maintenance costs and generates income.
Developing Life Projects for each girl and adolescent.
Obtaining Registration, Authorization, and Certification from the State and National DIF.
Maintaining Volunteer Programs to continue offering workshops and academic regularization.
Actions That Have Made a Difference
Conducting progressive psychological evaluations and articulating Life Projects for each resident.
Having a professional volunteer program.
Securing support to pay for a cook, carpenter, mason, and eventually a Licensed Social Worker.
Creating areas such as Reception, Social Work, Psychology Area, Medical Office, Library, and TV Room.
Making improvements in the house: electrical repairs, painting, bathrooms, dormitories, and various areas.
Receiving the first inspection from the State and National DIF, with approval of the Social Worker's management.
My Relationship with Comitán
What I like about Comitán: its History of Independence, its vast culture, its Art and Crafts, its Climate, and the warmth of its people.
What I Like About the Orphanage
The heritage we have: each girl is an invaluable treasure where we can positively influence, and they, in turn, make us more human, fuller women, closer to one another. The orphanage is an open space to receive educational and emotional benefits, with occasional visits from non-Catholic groups. The girls and adolescents enjoy prayer, and there is discipline in their schedules for various activities, rest, and recreation. They are willing to undergo learning processes to grow.
About the Life of a Religious Sister
What inspired me to become a religious sister was the Catholic formation I received and the discernment of my vocation through prayer, enjoying the beauty of life as a young woman. The decisive influence of Reverend Mother María Almaguer Soto, the founder of the Institute, led me to dedicate myself to the service of God and my fellow brothers and sisters.
A typical day and daily responsibilities: the axis of each day is Morning and Evening Prayer, encounters with the Divine Word and the Eucharist, mental prayer, and Lectio Divina. Study is fundamental. From this encounter with the Lord Jesus, I respond to daily activities: giving medicine to a sick baby, ensuring that the girls wake up on time, attend school, complete their homework, fulfill personal and household hygiene duties, attend workshops and meals at the appropriate times, supervise that my fellow religious sisters fulfill their responsibilities, check the cleanliness of physical areas, support in administration, receive visitors, and attend to DIF personnel and volunteers.
Valuable Aspects of Religious Life
Openness to providing apostolic service to those in need.
Community life in Fraternity with evangelical values.
A life of prayer as an espousal experience with Christ.
A life of ongoing study and formation.
Regular discipline.
What This Life Has Given Me
Knowledge of the merciful, infinite, and profound love of our Creator; the tools to discern and recognize God as the sole Lord of life; the growth and sustenance of my faith by seeing that every apostolic work is an initiative of God and we are His collaborators; recognizing that He inspires the hearts and wills of collaborators for each apostolic work.
Current Challenges
Rapid changes in the era, loss of values, and relativism in human life.
De-Christianization.
Loss of the sense of life.
The pursuit of Having, Doing, and Appearing rather than Being in authenticity.
Growing poverty and vulnerable sectors (migration and human trafficking) along with a lack of global solidarity.
Evolution of Spiritual Approach
The Church and the Dominican Order require us to study not only religious sciences but also various human sciences. We participate in studies that allow us to understand changes in human beings and society.
Methods and Strategies to Stay Relevant
Knowledge and study of research and analysis conducted by both Secular and Ecclesiastical entities.
Participation in national and international meetings to learn about and analyze social changes and propose actions.
Collaboration with professionals to respond to current needs.
Balancing Religious Commitment with Modern Life
We redefine our lives and see Christ in every human being, which leads us to give our time to those who need us. We adopt the Dominican motto: CONTEMPLATE AND SHARE THE FRUITS OF CONTEMPLATION, and we go out to meet people to serve them.
Opinion on the Role of Religious Sisters in Social Justice and Environmental Care
Religious life responds to injustice through Hospitals, Schools, Missions, Orphanages, work with Migrants, work in prisons, freeing people from brothels, providing psychological and emotional support, and participating in social movements. Regarding the environment, we care for and optimize the use of water and energy, recycle, promote the care of plants, etc.
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