Sister Rocio Learns English While Volunteering at the Mount 

By Barbara Ann Mayer, OSB

Sister Rocio Garcia Villegas from Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico, resided at the Mount from February through April 2026. She assisted the community in various ways as a volunteer while working to improve her English skills. 

Sister Rocio connected with Sister Helga Leija at a 2025 gathering for religious communicators in Rome. Sister Helga invited Sister Rocio to spend some time at the Mount, where she would be immersed in an English-speaking environment. 

In reflecting on her time at the Mount, Sister Rocio said, “I enjoyed your Benedictine hospitality and love of learning. Also, your care of the earth is evident. I love your motto: ‘Listen with the ear of your heart.’” She continued, “Sister Delores Dolezal tutored me in reading English, and an oblate, John Hosler, worked with me on my conversation skills. All the sisters helped me speak English at meals, and I enjoyed chanting the psalms with you at prayers.”  

Sister Rocio has a bachelor’s degree in digital marketing and community management and a master’s degree in education innovation. Her new ministry will be to set up a communications office for her community, Hijas de Maria Immaculada de Guadalupe, as well as for other communities, in Mexico City. Before doing that, she is attending a three-month training program with Vatican News in Rome called the Pentecost Project. The purpose of this program is to teach women religious to communicate the stories of consecrated women around the world. 

“It has been a blessing to be at the Mount,” Sister Rocio said with a big smile. “Your community is helping my community and the Church in Mexico. 

I am very grateful.”