The Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus (Northern Province) have announced Sister Gabriela Hilke is now the local Superior of the Wauwatosa Convent (Wisconsin), a role she assumed on Aug. 15, 2022, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
As Superior, Sister Gabriela will lead the convent in administrative and religious activities. Sisters typically serve about three years as a Superior. In this role, Sister Gabriela will continue some oversight responsibilities for St. Ann’s Home – which is one of the Carmelite DCJ’s Northern Province Congregations. Sister Gabriela succeeds Sister Mary Immaculata who entered eternal life on July 19, 2022.
Sister Gabriela asks friends, family and staff of St. Ann’s to pray for her, as she learns and adapts to new responsibilities. Anyone who may want to send a message or card is asked to leave it with the St. Ann’s receptionist; they will collect and pass them along.
Sister M. Annunciata, who is serving as head of the Convent at St. Ann’s has started a transition into the role of assistant director.
Dana Prince, Ph.D., executive director, and Advisory Board Chairman Dan LaVille said that while they are elated to see the Order acknowledge Sister’s leadership skills, her move to Wisconsin is also bittersweet. “Sister is an inspirational leader, and we will miss her immediate presence, though she will be with us from time to time, and always in spirit,” said Prince.
St. Ann’s leaders will track Sister’s schedule and – if possible and appropriate – alert staff and friends for any opportunity to spend time with her here.
To read more about Sister Gabriela and her ministry as a spiritual caregiver and nurse in FAITH Grand Rapids magazine, click here. (November 2019)
St. Ann’s was founded by the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. They are licensed by the State of MI as a Home for the Aged and a Nursing facility. St. Ann’s provides Rehab, Assisted Living, Nursing and Alzheimer’s care on a scenic 23-acre campus on Grand Rapids near West Side.
