Who am I?: Sister Leonor Hilda López Mendoza
Where am I engaged?: Chad (Chad Group)
My favorite quote from the Constitutions of our congregation: “I have no other security than the generosity of God’s love” (article 21). This truly reflects a part of my journey as a daughter of God and a Helper.
Love has roots: Coming from a family of 10 children, my family roots shaped me. My father had immigrated to the United States to work for several months, while I stayed behind with my mother and siblings. My mother cared for each of us with love. From her, I inherited the love of caring for others.
Later, we all immigrated to the United States to join my father and work there. As a family, we attended mass every Sunday, and I accompanied my nieces and nephews to catechism classes.
One day, I was invited to attend a retreat, and that’s where it all began. I had a profound experience with God, Love Himself, who desired that I pass on the love I had received, which filled my heart, to my family and friends. I felt an internal and external joy, and I sensed that Christ had given His life out of love for me.
A small voice inside me said, “I want you to live among the people.” A year later, I felt the Lord calling me to give myself fully, and that’s when I decided to return to Mexico, much to the surprise of my family.
How did you discover the Helpers?
In Mexico, I met Father Ramon Martinez, who encouraged me to become a catechist and invited me to join the parish’s vocation group. At the end of the year, during a vocational discernment retreat, I felt called to serve the poorest. Father Ramon then introduced me to the Helper Sisters, with whom I began my journey.
During a mission with families of sugarcane cutters, I experienced an inner confirmation: “This is how I want you to serve me.”
My formation with the Helpers began while continuing this mission. When I learned about the life of Mary of Providence, I felt connected to her—a woman with deep emotions, strength, and a desire to dedicate herself to God by serving the most vulnerable.
My key texts: Two passages have inspired me and continue to accompany me in my call to mission:
“Where are you staying? Come and see… they stayed with him” (John 1:35-39).
“The Good News received must be shared” (Articles 21 and 25 of our Constitutions).
Celebrating life through the proclamation of God’s Word, especially through catechesis.
After my time in Mexico, I was sent on mission to Colombia, in a place marked by violence where life was at risk every moment. There, I witnessed a people full of hope and pain.
Later, I went to Cameroon, where I worked in a health centre. It was an introduction to a completely different world, immersed in a new and distinct culture. Later, I was invited to come to Chad.
Community life is central here, alongside the mission and its unpredictability. The challenges I’ve encountered throughout my 30 years of missionary life have helped me grow.
I am happy to live out our charism among the most vulnerable, alongside the brothers and sisters to whom I am sent. I find joy when our neighbours and friends generously share some of their harvest with us.