Sister Virginia Ona Hernandez

My birth name was Ocilia Oña Hernández. I am from Cuba. As a child I lived in Cárdenas with my uncle, godmother, two sisters and three cousins. My father and mother died when I was a small child. I attended public school until the 7th grade. At that time the Oblate Sisters of Providence had a private school in Cárdenas named St. Joseph. I attended this school for 7th and 8th grades. From there I went to public high school in Cárdenas. After I received my high school diploma I moved to Havana and attended the University of Havana for three years.

But in 1959 the government took over all the private schools and universities. Sister Josephita, an Oblate Sister and one of my teachers from St. Joseph, explained everything to Mother Teresa Shockley, OSP, Superior General at that time. In turn, I received a letter with permission to come to the convent. I flew from Cuba to Miami, and then from Miami to Baltimore. On September 8, 1962, I entered the Oblate Sisters of Providence as a postulant. Sister Josephita now became my novice mistress.

After my profession I was missioned in several cities: Washington, D.C.; Baltimore, MD; New Orleans, LA; Siquirres, Costa Rica. I moved back to the Motherhouse from Costa Rica about 5 years ago. This year I celebrate my 50th anniversary as an Oblate Sister of Providence. To God be the glory!