From New Mexico:

Celebrating Decades of Love & Commitment

Nancy Braceland, CSJ

Santa Rose School opened in 1950, 75 years ago, when Mother Euphrasia said, “Yes” to staffing the newly constructed school.  On August 23, 2025, the feast day of Saint Rose of Lima, 17 Boston Sisters and Associates traveled to New Mexico to celebrate with parishioners these meaningful 75 years of continuous Boston commitment.

The festivities for the annual Rose of Lima Fiesta opened on Saturday evening with a 5:00 p.m. Mass and Vespers, followed by a procession to an ice cream social in the schoolyard.

Sunday morning’s Mass celebrated the 75^th Anniversary, followed by congratulatory remarks filled with gratitude.  At the conclusion of the Mass, Mary L. Murphy, CSJ, offered heartfelt words of appreciation for these years of partnership.

The procession to the Sisters of St. Joseph Prayer Garden was filled with expectation and storytelling. After Father Jacob Romero prayerfully blessed each section of the Garden, it was time for everyone to read the storyboards filled with history and to share memories of their own time at St. Rose School. 

From the Garden, we joined hundreds of parishioners in the schoolyard, already filled with music, varied food offering and games. Reunions of families and friends resounded with joyful gatherings. The bonds deepened as the Boston Associates lovingly mingled with the New Mexico Associates 

So much history to celebrate. Truly, it was good to be there.

Quotes from the 75th Anniversary

The Sisters brought Boston quality education to Santa Rosa.

– Yvette Griego, Santa Rosa Associate

The Sisters opened a pathway to the Sacraments as well as solid academics.

      – Carlos Cordova, Saint Rose school student

The Sisters introduced us to a wider world vision.

    – Mabel Flores, Santa Rosa Associate

Even the weather rejoiced in the festivities!!

      [Often expressed by participants]

The celebration was truly a happy, spiritual, God-filled experience

      – Angie Garcia, Clovis Associate

I felt a real oneness with my namesake, the historical CSJ Mother Euphrasia as I heard of her positive response to the New Mexico needs

– Euphrasia Romero, Mother of present pastor, Fr. Jacob Romero

I was so welcomed in my 2^nd return to the parish. But the Sisters did not need a welcome back they have always been here.

– Fr. Sotero Sena, past pastor of Santa Rosa parish