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Charism
We, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, are women of the church who, in our communal living, seek to focus on the person of the Incarnate Word through adoration, witness, and the extension of the Eucharist by service to others in a spirit of charity and simplicity.
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OVISS Guiding Statement
We, Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, are called to be authentic, contemplative women and stewards of the earth, who bring a compassionate listening presence to our world by standing in solidarity with the voiceless, the vulnerable, those affected by violence, and those hungering for spiritual and moral witness.
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Mission Statement
Our Mission as Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament is to extend the Incarnation in today's world by living the gospel of love, proclaiming the good news and building the kingdom of God.
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OVISS-Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament
The Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament in Victoria recently joined other congregations worldwide to become an international order. Instead of the initials IWBS, they will now use the initials OVISS, representing the Latin words Ordo Verbi Incarnati et Sanctissimi Sacramenti. According to Sister Kathleen Goike, “We leave our identity as a ‘congregation’ with its limited relationships, and identify as an ‘order’ with its broader view originally designed by our foundress, Venerable Jeanne de Matel. We are currently referred to as the Victoria Delegation until January 2024 when we along with Corpus Christi, as well as Sisters in Chula Vista and El Centro, California, and Tijuana and Monterrey, Mexico will form a 'region' -- one of five in the Western Hemisphere.”
CLICK HERE: ORDER OF THE INCARNATE WORD AND BLESSED SACRAMENT FACEBOOK LINK
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January 2026
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Today's Readings / Lecturas Del Día
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OVISS ASSOCIATES
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History of the OVISS Associates
The Associates of the Incarnate Word of Victoria, Texas, traces its official provision to the recommendation of the Ninth General Chapter of the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament of Victoria in June 1988. The laity and diocesan clergy became closely associated with the Sisters.Sister M. Emiliana Grafe was appointed to serve as director of the Associates of the Incarnate Word; she served as director from June 1988 through December 2024.The current director is Sister Stephanie Marie Martinez, assisted by Sister Lois Marie Etzler and Sister Colette Kouba. Valerie Jurica, OVISS Associate Member, serves as the assistant.
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Formation of an OVISS Associate• Prospective Associates begin by attending monthly instruction, faith-sharing, and prayersessions to better understand the way of life of an OVISS Associate. They spend a full year in formation studying the life and legacy of Mother Jeanne de Matel, their foundress, and Incarnational spirituality, which she handed on to her followers.• A study of the long history of the Order of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament and its mission also facilitates an understanding of the charisma and spirit of Mother de Matel. The content of the presentations also focuses on the basic truths of the faith, Scripture, the Church, and its documents, which are incorporated in the yearly Formation Study.After the Prospective OVISS Associate completes their formation and has been accepted by the Community, they make an act of consecration for one year, to strive to live out the spiritual life of an OVISS Associate of the Incarnate Word. The consecration is renewed annually.
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What is an OVISS Associate?An OVISS ASSOCIATE is an individual who grows in the Incarnational Spirituality and extends the Incarnation of the Word:
- Is a peacemaker in a world wounded by conflicts, environmental destruction, violence against life and human dignity, and fundamentalist ideologies.
- It is a person who exercises the character that comes from Baptism, that is, giving hope, being hope.
- Is a person of synodality - listening to all, dialoguing with all, and discerning in the Holy Spirit what the mission is.
- Partners with the Sisters in ministry, praying with them, and assisting them with their needs.
An OVISS ASSOCIATES of the Incarnate Word, has the mission to EXTEND THE INCARNATION OF THE WORD, making the Kingdom of God present in the world. This is done by sharing joy and not by imposing obligations. Creative activities are born of love for the Word of God; creativity is born through prayer and discernment. And while personal creative action is good, communal creative action is better for the unity and strength of the Church.
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Become an OVISS Associate
Who can become Associates of the Incarnate Word?
Catholic Laypersons: men and women, married and single;
Diocesan priests and deacons.
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Safe Environment
If you witness, suspect, or know of child and/or vulnerable adult abuse, YOU MUST FILE A REPORT WITHIN 48 HOURS! In case of emergency, call 911!
REPORT ABUSE
Brenda Morales - IWBS Safe Environment Coordinator
You may contact her by phone at (361) 575.2266 or by e-mail at bmoralesiwc@gmail.com.
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