My childhood memories will never vanish, the flashbacks when we strode down the old city as a young eleven-year. And there it stood, the servant of St. Mary. Originally the building was known as the hospital of the Immaculate Concepcion. Every Sunday after attending mass we'd walked down the narrow streets. And down i went as i carefully listened to the rich sound of the cobblestone. It was music to my ears and how fun it truly was. I admired the beautiful tall colorful buildings with the wooden balconies, the interior Patios that allowed the open breeze to circulate as we often played dodge ball as kids in old San Juan.
My Grandmother, a devoted catholic throughout her entire lifetime. So much passion in her life as i once remembered. A life that depended strongly with her commitment with attending daily masses
She had the highest regards and respect for the Nuns of El Convento de Las Siervas De Maria. As an eleven-year-old my curiosity sparked a feeling inside my soul, to learn about the lives behind these remarkable women, known as the Servants of St. Mary.
Since 1887, the Convent of the servants of St. Mary located on a stunning hilltop overlooking the harbor of Old San Juan. The picturesque view of the mountains, A place where my grandmother had cherished since her early childhood. She often shed stories on the lives of such incredible nuns. We all sat together and from our balcony and listened attentively to the stories, so eloquent as she carefully recited every word like a poet.
I could not take my eyes away on the most beautiful chapel ever seen. I wistfully watched over the images of the paintings, the altar so beautifully adorned with glass-stained windows, the most beautiful place I have ever seen. As we sat down on the old rustic wooden chair, she silently mentioned the name of the founder of the congregation, she pointed were Santa Soledad Acosta remained were kept hidden just below a small organ at the very top, today it continues to remain a sacred sanctuary.
From the next-door room voices could be heard of ailing women being cared by the nuns. It was a sign of joy and an uplifting moment in my young life to watch the smiling expressions on their faces. The devotion and care, but more importantly the commitment had gone just far beyond than being there present. Forty-five years have drifted so fast like the clouds of the skies whirling to the speed of light. The building still stands beautifully today as it did the moment I walked inside as a young child. always has rekindled my memories, my feelings incarnated as I peer through the window from beyond Yes, my grandmother so proudly watching from above with joy and happiness.