Associate Lupita Vital

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico was the birthplace of Maria Guadalupe Vital, who is known as Lupita. She was the eighth of nine children born into a very Catholic, traditional family. She grew up surrounded by the love of the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As a very young child she felt called to share and educate others in the faith. By the time she was 14 years old, she was involved in her parish, El Calvario in Guadalajara, as a catechist. She participated in parish and youth groups, as well as charismatic groups. Lupita says, “The leadership came from my mom and dad. They influenced me to make catechesis part of my life since I was little.” This has remained one of her life’s ministries.

Lupita Vital enjoying the outdoors.

She felt God calling her to religious life. She entered the Hermanas de Jesus Crucificado and spent nine years in the convent. Her ministries were visiting the sick, preparing quincineras, catechizing, and holding retreats for parents. She very much loved community. She remarks, “I loved praying, playing, enjoying meals, and laughing in community. We even played volleyball and basketball.” Her first community was her family, and then the Sisters. In Mexico she received diplomas in catechesis and Sacred Scripture. Education remained an important part of her life.

In 1988 Lupita came to the United States. Realizing that her English skills were not strong enough, she spent four years at De Anza College in Cupertino where she studied ESL. From there she attained many degrees and certificates from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California; the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana and Loyola University in New Orleans, Louisiana. One of her goals was to earn a Master’s Degree in Catechetics. In 2005 she was conferred the degree of Master of Arts and Theology and Catechetics with an emphasis on Catechetical Leadership Development from Santa Clara University. She attributes her success to the support of Father Mateo Sheedy and of Sister Gloria Loya and the PBVM community. Here began a life-long affiliation and love for the Presentation Sisters.

Lupita Vital (right) with a friend.

Also during this time she became a United States citizen. She fondly remembers Sister Rosina Conrotto organizing a citizenship party for her at Presentation Center in Los Gatos.

“In the late 1990's Sister Gloria Loya invited me to become a PBVM Associate. We found we had the same love for Nano Nagle and her charism. The Sisters in Mexico had a similar love and respect as well as support for the poor and vulnerable.” Lupita saw that being a PBVM Associate fit her love for the faith and for the Virgin Mary. “Vive la Virgen de Guadalupe!” Her ministry of sharing the faith through catechesis and education was a perfect match. Her love for Jesus – “Vive Cristo Rey!” – carried her through many opportunities and challenges: coming to the United States, studying at many universities, becoming a U.S. citizen, finding meaningful ministries to share her faith with others.

Lupita is the author of nine books. She has been a workshop and conference speaker for Oregon Press and the Archdioceses of San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as doing radio presentations in Texas and San Jose. In addition, she has held many positions of leadership, especially in and for the Hispanic community. Her strengths are in excellent leadership skills, communication and organizational skills, fluency in written and spoken Spanish.

Lupita Vital receives the Pro-Ecclesia Papal Award.

Lupita was also given two prestigious awards:

One was from the Instituto Hispano from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University: The Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ Award for outstanding contribution to Hispanic Theology and Ministerial Leadership.

The other was the Pro-Ecclesia Papal Award conferred by the Holy See for distinguished service to the Catholic Church by lay people and clergy.

How has she accomplished all this? She attributes this to her strong faith begun in childhood, a strong Catholic family with love from her mom and dad, her love for Mary, the positive experiences in her Mexican Religious Community, the support and friendship of the Presentation Sisters and Associates, continuous support by Bishop P.J. McGrath, wonderful co-workers in her ministries, and her opportunities to share the faith through ministry and writing and speaking. “My strength is in Jesus crucified.”

Lupita is loved for her positive attitude, outgoing spirit, fun-loving personality, and deep faith and prayer life. She is officially retired, but continues to mentor catechists, to write, to speak at conferences and retreats. She is taking care of her brother and sister-in-law who are both ill. She sees this time in her life as needing patience, but she is filled with HOPE. She has been a PBVM Associate for 25 years and has so much more to give. She carries the lantern light within her and around her.

Ministries