Sister Judith Guevara (formerly Sister Mary Luke)

Sister Judith's entrance date was July 2, 1946, followed by reception on January 5, 1947 and profession of vows on August 16, 1949. The seed of her vocation was planted on a wintry, blustery morning in her third grade. During recess, her teacher, Sister Mary Luke, SNJM, asked her if she wanted to belong completely to God. That question stayed with her over the years. In time, Judith Guevara was to become Sister Mary Luke, PBVM.

Sister Judith with her family

The Holy Names Sisters were her educators in Oakland, California. After graduating from the University of San Francisco, she obtained a masters degree in history from Loyola University, Los Angeles. Eventually, she also obtained a masters in scripture studies from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. This solid education has enabled her to help many and has given her much fulfillment in her ministry.

After a decade of teaching in elementary schools in the Los Angeles area, she began to teach at Our Lady of Loretto and Bishop Conaty high schools. Eventually Sister Judith spent eleven years at Presentation High School, San Jose, with a couple of one-year assignments at Presentation High School, San Francisco. There were also one-year teaching opportunities in Maryland, Iowa, and Carmichael, California. Her last academic connection was six years at Central Catholic High School, Modesto, California.  Usually Sister Judith taught history, religion and Spanish classes.

Sister Judith at the baptism of her goddaughter

After high school teaching, faith formation in the RCIA program became her focus. It was her privilege to begin this program in three different cities: Modesto, San Jose and San Francisco.

After her retirement Sister continued doing faith formation in two less affluent, predominately Hispanic parishes: Saint Peter and Mission Dolores in San Francisco.  At Saint Peter she worked with the liturgical ministers. At Mission Dolores she was a resource person for both the English and Spanish RCIA and worked with the parents of students in the Hispanic catechetical program.

In addition to Sister Judith's education, two other factors have contributed to the person she is today. Her parents, Ignacio and Eva Guevara, came to San Francisco in the 1920s. Her mother and her mother's family fled the revolution in Mexico; her father came to better his station in life.  There were to be five children, of whom Judith was the eldest. She was born in San Francisco, May 4, 1928 and baptized at Sacred Heart Church.  The family moved to Oakland shortly after. Their first language was Spanish. After attending kindergarten taught by the Holy Family Sisters, they were ready for English in the first grade with the Holy Names Sisters.

The most important influence at home was her father, who loved his family but loved God first. Theirs was a faith-filled home with daily Mass often and many evening rosaries. God was always  a part of her life. It was this aspect of her heritage that sustained her spirituality in the changes after Vatican II.

There are several women who had a major part in her growth as a religious and as a person.  Sister Mary Luke, SNJM, (Maria Luisa Wolfskill) became a friend and mentor. In later years, Sister Judith loved to call her "my wisdom lady”. Sister Mary Amabilis Meehan, her second principal, gave her the support to become secure in her teaching skills. Sister Agnes Perpetua Power, her first high school principal, also gave her the support she needed to teach successfully. Sister Agnes was a gifted story teller with a wonderful sense of humor. The Sisters who were spiritual companions to Sister Judith were Sisters Mary De Lourdes Mannion, PBVM and Teresita Durkin, RSM of Auburn, Michigan. Sister De Lourdes enriched Sister Judith with her love of poetry and the scriptures.  Sister Teresita helped her with her practical insights into prayer and religious life.

These have been the high points of Sister's life. There is still one for which Sister is most grateful. She could not have accomplished much of this without the wonderful education she received, thanks to her congregation.

Motherhouse, January 2000	Golden Jubilee of Vows, June 2000

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