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July 9, 2025
"To be your spouse, oh Jesus, to be a Carmelite, to be a mother of souls through my union with you, should be enough ... But it's not ... Certainly, these three privileges are the essence
of my vocation: Carmelite, Spouse and Mother." - Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus
“Here I am, Lord, to do your holy will.” With these words June 27 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Norman, Sister Viviana de la Inmaculada López de Loera professed her perpetual vows of chastity, poverty and obedience, committing herself to live her baptismal consecration following Jesus Christ.
She becomes the first Hispanic nun in Oklahoma belonging to the Congregation of Carmelite Missionaries of Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus.
The profession took place during the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with the Mass celebrated by Archbishop Paul Coakley. Sister Viviana prostrated herself at the feet of the Lord in recognition of the greatness of the Father. She received the blessing and delivery of the ring sealing the alliance, presence, fidelity and love to Jesus.
In his homily, Archbishop Coakley assured that Sister Viviana's heart has been touched by God's love.
"She has responded in the same measure of love she has received from the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This is a great mystery that should be lifted, and today, we are happy and joyful. With the perpetual profession of her vows, we see God's love made reality,” he said.
Said Sister Viviana: "This is a great commitment to God and his people. I see God's grace in me, and I recognize that he loved me first. I haven't persevered through my own strength, but through the help of many people's prayers and the company of the communion of saints.
"I ask God for the grace of final perseverance and wisdom to know how to fulfill God's will."
Sister Viviana, born in Colorado, spent her early childhood years in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and grew up in Norman. With the support of her parents, José López and María de Loera, she rose through the discernment process that began during her high school studies, when she asked God about her mission on earth. Participating in the Youth Promotion Encounter in 2015 drew her closer with growing enthusiasm to the Catholic youth group and activities at Saint Joseph, where she even participated as a catechist.
"I felt a great desire to know God, and since then, sharing him with others has become my great passion," Sister Viviana said.
Her journey led her to join the Carmelite Missionaries, and she lived her formation stages in convents located in Puebla, Mexico, and Arizona. She made her temporary vows in 2019 in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was assigned to the Saint Anne parish in Gilbert, Arizona, until 2023 when she was sent to Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Cruz Azul, Hidalgo, Mexico. Her mission will continue in Arizona.
For Sister Viviana, the message for young people discerning their vocation or seeking a deeper connection with their faith is clear: be pilgrims of hope.
"I encourage you to be authentic, to be sincere with yourselves, and not let fear clip your wings. God calls us and gives us the strength to respond. I can assure you that God won't be outdone in generosity,” Sister Viviana said.
Saint Teresa of Jesus said, "The more holy, the more conversable."
According to Sister María del Socorro Pineda, this description fits Sister Viviana perfectly.
"She is very contemplative and prayerful, very sensitive to the needs of others, welcoming everyone without distinction, and providing help to those in need in the simplest ways,” Sister Maria said. “Her treatment is very close and humanitarian. She carries an angel within her that makes her appear happy on the path she has chosen as a consecrated person, and that contagious to everyone wherever she goes."
Archbishop Coakley celebrated Mass for the Profession of Perpetual Vows for Sr. Viviana de la Inmaculada López de Loera on June 27 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Norman. Photos Chris Porter/Sooner Catholic.
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