Flourishing Sisterhood Podcast: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Meeting People More Than Halfway: A Conversation with Sr. Celeste Larroque, SEC
Host/Author: Loyola Institute for Ministry
Release Date: February 15, 2025

Introduction

The Flourishing Sisterhood podcast, produced by the Loyola Institute for Ministry and supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation’s Catholic Sisters Initiative, delves into the lives and experiences of Catholic religious sisters from the Gulf Coast region of the United States. This episode features an insightful conversation with Sister Celeste Larroque, SEC, exploring her journey, ministry, and vision for a flourishing church.

Background of Sister Celeste Larroque

Sister Celeste Larroque is a member of the Sisters of the Eucharistic Covenant within the Diocese of Lafayette, Louisiana. Her path in religious life began early, influenced by her upbringing and educational experiences.

• Early Education and Influence:
  Sister Celeste was educated by the Sisters of Mercy during her childhood in a small Louisiana town. This education instilled in her the significance of religious women fulfilling their missions.

  “I bring my family. I bring my charism and my spirituality and my community.” [02:08]

• Formation of Her Congregation:
  In the early 1980s, after a period of discernment and discussions with their diocese, Sister Celeste and four other sisters founded their current congregation, emphasizing a strong Eucharistic charism that continues to shape their mission and spirituality.

Childhood and Formative Experiences

Sister Celeste's childhood laid a foundational spiritual base that influenced her vocation.

• Family Life:
  Raised in a devout Catholic family with seven children, Sister Celeste recounts the middle-of-the-road Catholic upbringing that balanced religious observance with everyday life.

  “We observed all the church holidays, feast days, but as far as we were just kind of middle of the road and didn't think a whole lot of it either here nor there.” [02:24]

• Influential Figures:
  Her uncle, a priest dedicated to canon law and administrative roles within the diocese, served as a pivotal figure in her early spiritual development, fostering a deep respect for ecclesiastical service.

• First Communion Experience:
  A profound moment during her first communion, guided by her mother, solidified her spiritual awareness and commitment.

  “If you go in a corner and just listen real quietly, you will know.” [04:02]

Vocation and Founding of Congregation

Sister Celeste's path to religious life was marked by introspection and discernment.

• Early Call to Vocation:
  From a young age, Sister Celeste felt a close connection to God, which intensified during her college years through retreats and interactions with vibrant, young sisters.

  “I felt I needed to explore it. Sure enough, I went and inquired about becoming a religious sister with them.” [06:06]

• Establishment of a New Community:
  Dissatisfied with the direction of her original community, Sister Celeste and her companions sought guidance from their bishop and ultimately established a new congregation in 1983, centered around the Eucharistic charism.

Ministry and Roles

Over her four-decade-long vocation, Sister Celeste has engaged in diverse ministries, reflecting her commitment to social justice and community service.

• Educational and Legal Services:
  Initially trained in teaching, she transitioned to working as a paralegal with Legal Aid, advocating for individuals denied social services.

  “I absolutely love that job. Those were five very good years that I worked there.” [11:40]

• Social Work and Mental Health:
  Pursuing a master’s in social work, Sister Celeste served as a hospice social worker, clinical social worker, and in psychiatric hospitals, dedicating 25 years to the state Department of Health and Hospitals in mental health and developmental disabilities.

• Current Role:
  As the Diocese of Lafayette's Delegate for Religious, she engages with national conferences and board activities, fostering relationships and leadership within the religious community.

  “I really do [love it].” [13:58]

Philosophy and Key Quotes

Central to Sister Celeste's ministry is the principle of "meeting people more than halfway," inspired by her father's compassionate actions.

• Core Values:
  She emphasizes the importance of love in personal and communal growth.

  “Do the things you love, because that's where you're going to grow.” [14:04]

• Inspirational Anecdote:
  Recalling her father's empathy in assisting an elderly customer, Sister Celeste illustrates her commitment to compassionate outreach.

  “Meeting him halfway. What a lesson, huh? So that's kind of been my philosophy of life.” [14:57]

• Application in Ministry:
  Her experiences in social work underscore her dedication to listening and being present, embodying the Eucharistic presence in her interactions.

  “I don't see any way around it. I'm a captive audience for Jesus.” [16:57]

Coping and Challenges

Sister Celeste navigates hardships with faith, resilience, and a profound sense of purpose.

• Faith as Sustenance:
  She draws strength from the continuity of God's creation and the enduring legacy of the Church, fostering a steadfast faith despite challenges.

  “We all have that faith. And if we give that up, there's hopelessness.” [17:47]

• Upbringing and Resilience:
  Her background in a family of educators and civil servants instilled a "stick-to-itness" that aids her in overcoming obstacles.

  “I come from a long line of educators and public civil servants and we always had this kind of stick to itness, see it through.” [19:16]

Advice for Those Discerning Religious Life

Offering guidance for individuals considering a religious vocation, Sister Celeste emphasizes openness and self-awareness.

• Exploration and Inclusivity:
  She advises against being swayed by superficial aspects of congregations and encourages exploring diverse communities to find a genuine fit.

  “Don't get caught up in the parochialism... be open to everything.” [19:41]

• Discernment Practices:
  Emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, spiritual direction, and a robust prayer life, Sister Celeste encourages prospective religious to engage deeply with their personal and spiritual journeys.

  “Bring it to prayer always, always, always.” [19:41]

Vision for a Flourishing Church

Sister Celeste articulates a hopeful vision for the Church, centered on inclusivity, diversity, and shared baptismal callings.

• Inclusivity and Forgiveness:
  She envisions a Church that prioritizes commonalities over differences, fostering connections even amidst diversity.

  “Let's find a way to connect to them. Let's connect to them. Let's meet them halfway.” [22:08]

• Embracing Diversity:
  Reflecting on the synod process, she underscores the richness that diverse perspectives bring to the Church's mission.

  “No one person is alike, no one culture is alike... we have to find a way to better respond to that.” [23:31]

• Ongoing Growth:
  Sister Celeste believes in the Church's continual evolution towards greater inclusivity and understanding, grounded in the sacraments and shared faith.

  “We just try... to model a perfect Jesus. And that ain't going to happen... take some comfort in that.” [26:00]

Conclusion

In this heartfelt conversation, Sister Celeste Larroque shares her unwavering commitment to her faith, community, and the principle of meeting others with compassion and understanding. Her life and ministry exemplify resilience, love, and a dedication to fostering a more inclusive and flourishing Church. Through her experiences and insights, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own paths to flourishing, whether within religious life or their personal journeys.

“We do a lot of that through prayer and just maintaining that contact with God and his spirit.” [26:00]

Notable Quotes:

• Sister Celeste Larroque:

  “Do the things you love, because that's where you're going to grow.” [14:04]

  “Meeting him halfway. What a lesson, huh? So that's kind of been my philosophy of life.” [14:57]

  “No one person is alike, no one culture is alike, no one's upbringing is alike.” [23:31]

  “We are imperfect, trying to model a perfect Jesus.” [26:00]

Final Thoughts

This episode of the Flourishing Sisterhood podcast offers a profound exploration of Sister Celeste Larroque's life and ministry. Her dedication to compassion, inclusivity, and faith serves as an inspiring model for both religious sisters and those seeking to understand what it means to flourish in religious life and beyond.