During this month of saints and thinking more seriously of our own journey to eternal life, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serving at St. Peter Mission, Bapchule, Arizona share a favorite memory of Sister Juana Lucero and a favorite saint. Sister Juana died on November 6, 2020 after spending 40 of those years teaching beautiful Indian children! Sister Juana’s first mission was to the Menominee Nation at St. Anthony in Neopit, Wisconsin. Her teaching ministry then brought her to Oneida, Wisconsin and then to Arizona at Topawa, Covered Wells, Pisinemo, and St. John’s! St. Peter’s Mission, Bapchule, Arizona next became her home for 20 years.

Meeting ‘Mother Teresa’ was a HIGHLIGHT of Sister Juana’s life! This photo was taken on July 7, 1977 at ‘The Eucharistic Congress’ held that year in Philadelphia. Mother Teresa had requested a meeting with the Native American Sisters, so Sister Jan Villemure and Sister Juana happily attended. Notice how “young” both Mother Teresa and Sr. Juana are! We are thinking that now St. Teresa and Sister Juana are meeting again in Heaven!