By Rita McInerney

Sister Olivia Cardenas, R.F.R., is an enthusiastic, energetic teacher and compassionate friend to many Hispanics in the archdiocese.

One of five sisters celebrating 25^th jubilees this year, she came here in August, 1985, with Sister Martha Herrera, O.S.F., to serve with the Hispanic apostolate.

The two are members of the Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady of Refuge, a Mexican congregation, and volunteered for the Atlanta mission when the order responded to an appeal from Father Raimundo M. Solano, O.F.M., a native of Mexico and parochial vicar at Sacred Heart Church.

Father Brent Bohan, then parochial vicar at Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, 2855 Briarcliff Road, was their friend and interpreter in the beginning. Sister Olivia joined the pastoral staff at IHM to serve the approximately 250 Hispanics registered in the parish. Many more attend the Sunday Liturgy at 1 p.m. “They pack the church,” Father Terence A. Kane, pastor, said.

One who has worked closely with her is Sister Pilar Dalmau, A.C.J., head of the Hispanic apostolate for the archdiocese. “Sister Olivia is very much appreciated,” she said. “She is very dedicated and takes a lot of personal interest. She is warm and understanding.”

Sister Olivia directs the catechetical programs, works with the parents in the baptismal preparation program, is present at the prayer group Wednesday nights and the Ultreya meetings Friday nights. She helps the children prepare readings and music, and ushering duties for the bimonthly Sunday Mass they are in charge of at IHM.

Children responded to her, according to Anna Maria Montero, a catechist who finds it “beautiful to work with her.” Mrs. Montero’s husband, Jose, coordinator for the Spanish Council, said she is learning to play a guitar they gave her. It will help her in her music apostolate with the young people.

Since last September she has been teaching an introduction to Spanish course to children in kindergarten through sixth grade at IHM School. The youngsters enjoy the class very much, Nellie Jo Hendricks, principal, said. “Some even learned to read and write” in Spanish. “They greet her in Spanish and are proud of what they know.”

Students in the seventh and eighth grades are instructed in Spanish by Hispanic teachers on the faculty, Ms. Hendricks added.

Her weekly schedule also includes visits to the elderly Hispanic residents at the Marian Apartments at Lindbergh Plaza where she teaches a Bible study group.

When she is not working at IHM she can often be found at the apartment in Grant Park that serves as “parish” for many Mexicans living in that complex. With Sister Martha, she carries on a religious education program and outreach to the low-income residents. She also collects and distributes food, clothes and other necessities to them.

Sister Olivia celebrates with the people she serves; her schedule doesn’t leave much time for socializing. On her day off she visits the sick in their homes and in hospitals.

Sister Olivia was born in Totapiche, Jalisco, Mexico, one of 11 children. Her parents are still living. Before coming to Atlanta she worked among poor Indians in Yucatan near the Mayan ruins of Cichen Itzo.

“She is a real Franciscan,” Mr. Montero said, “living a life dedicated to the poor. She is always smiling and happy.”