Sister Lucrecia Iracema Tigüilá Martínez, a dedicated Comboni missionary sister serving in Amakuriat mission, West Pokot, Kenya, reflects on her 12 years of faithful service to God’s people as she reminisces about her humble beginnings in the small town of San Cristóbal Totonicapán, where her vocational journey stared.
My name is Lucrecia Iracema Tigüilá Martínez, a Comboni Missionary Sister from San Cristóbal Totonicapán, Guatemala, Central America. I am the second-born in a family of four: three women and a man.
Nurturing faith beyond walls.
I attended María Auxiliadora School, managed by the Salesian sisters, for both my primary and secondary education. As a Catholic school, learning extended beyond the classroom walls. We engaged in extracurricular activities that allowed us to nurture our faith and develop a special connection with Mary, the mother of God. During this time, I became familiar with the spirituality of Don Bosco, an example to follow on my path to holiness.
My vocation traces back to my experiences during school days. One pivotal moment occurred during a drama presentation. As we prepared for the play, I was chosen to portray a religious sister. However, during rehearsals, a profound silence and uncertainty enveloped me, and within moments, the possibility of being a sister emerged. This unexpected revelation seemed to have sealed off other paths for me, leading me toward the consecrated life.
In high school, I attended a Jesuit school where my focus shifted to studies, sports, and friendships. Church attendance took a backseat during this time. Yet, God worked through my younger sister, Isabel, and my father’s car. Isabel invited me to participate in a youth group,
and my father offered his car as an incentive. I eagerly joined the Church youth group. During university, I continued my involvement in the youth group.
It was during one of our meetings that I encountered a Comboni Missionary priest in Fr Gabriel Perfetti. He celebrated the Eucharist with us, introducing me to Saint Daniel Comboni. Despite having no intention of becoming a missionary at that time, he gave me a brochure about the mission and vocational meetings. I kept it in my Bible, where it remained for a long time.
Opportunities unfolded during my time at university, work, with friends, and through travel. The prospect of starting a family was also on the horizon. Yet, despite these expected and planned experiences, I felt an inner emptiness—a yearning for something more profound. I sought meaning and a passion that would ignite my soul. As a member of the youth group, I participated in various gatherings and youth days. Through these encounters, I began to discover more the richness of the Catholic Church—the diverse members, their unique charisms, and the universal beauty found in the Eucharist. Attending Church once a week was no longer enough; I craved a deeper connection with the Lord.
God’s creative pursuit.
Hence, my journey toward listening to God’s voice intensified. I started attending daily Mass. It was during these moments that I realized it was not solely my pursuit—it was God seeking me, patiently and creatively. I asked Him what He wanted from me, opening my heart to the possibility of religious life as His call. Despite the challenges—leaving behind family and sacrificing comforts—I found peace and purpose in this pursuit. Seeking more information about religious life, I recalled a pamphlet given to me years earlier by a Missionary. Through him, I connected with the Comboni Missionary Sisters. Their commitment to the mission resonated with me deeply.
The vocational process led me to the postulancy in Guadalajara, Mexico, followed by the novitiate in Quito, Ecuador, and finally to Kenya, where I am serving at Amakuriat mission, West Pokot. Despite being far from my home country, the Eucharist, community, and the people sustain me. I have found joy and purpose, knowing that wherever I am, I have a family and a home.
On September 14th this year, I will celebrate 12 years of religious life. I am profoundly grateful to the Lord of my life for his promise to be with me every day. His sustaining hand has allowed me to live alongside my sisters and the people I have encountered. Although being far from my home country has presented challenges—socially, culturally, and ecclesiastically—I find solace in the Eucharist, community, and the people around me. They bring me peace and joy.
One biblical quote that continues to guide me is from the Gospel of Luke 5:5 “But at your word I will let down the nets.” Through his Word, I discover my path each day, finding confidence in his guidance and sustenance. I encourage everyone—whether young or old, married or single— to seek a personal relationship with our Creator. May our faith come alive through the Eucharist and communion with others.
Thank you for reading our article. Subscribe to our magazine, New People, to stay informed and updated.
By Sr. Lucrecia Iracema Tigüilá Martíne.
