“Sr. Esther was a woman of great faith and was passionate when it came to issues concerning peace and justice. Her steady and gentle manner was a major contribution to Pax Christi USA,” stated Pax Christi USA Executive Director Sr. Patricia Chappell, SNDdeN. “I thank our good God for Sr. Esther and our world is a better place because of the compassion and tenderness which she shared with everyone whose lives she touched.”
Sr. Esther has been a member of Pax Christi USA’s National Council for the past 5 years, helping to guide Pax Christi USA through a time of transition. Bilingual and bicultural, of Mexican ancestry, Sr. Esther was a passionate advocate for undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Her last assignment was working in a position of advocacy and service to them in El Paso, Texas. She also started and led the Pax Christi local group in Salina, Kansas since 2008.
“Sr. Esther’s presence was always both calming and challenging. Her
commitment to working for justice sparked by her belief in the Gospel call to all of us to a life of non-violence,” said Sr. Josie Chrosniak, HM, National Chair of the Pax Christi USA National Council. “She will be missed not only by the Pax Christi community but by all whose lives she touched.”
“After hearing about Sr. Esther’s cancer, shocked, I wrote her on April 23: ‘You’re not alone, the Risen One walks beside you as shepherd.'”, stated National Council member Fr. John Rausch, glmy. “She guarded the flock against the wolves of violence and oppression. Now the Good Shepherd guards her. We were blessed to know one who understood, and lived, the imagery of John 10, looking out for the flock among us.”
Sister Esther was 74 years-old when she passed on May 6th. A vigil service is planned for 7 p.m. Sunday, May 10, in the Sacred Heart Chapel at the Nazareth Motherhouse in Concordia, Kansas. Her funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., also at the Motherhouse.
Read more about Sr. Esther by clicking here.
We invite you to leave notes and short stories of remembrance in the comments section below.