Sr. Helen Guerrieri, C.S.JB.

Sr. Helen Honored in Ovalle, Chile

Sr. Helen Guerrieri with some of her first students from the Colegio Amalia Errazuriz, Ovalle, Chile (circa 1947)

Little did Sr Helen know when she arrived in Chile in 1944 that she was about to begin a 60 year love affair with the country and its people. Although Sister opened two schools in Santiago, most of her missionary service was lovingly given to the people and city of Ovalle, Chile.  This past summer the city of Ovalle paid tribute to one of its  "Most Illustrious Persons".  

         Sr Helen's first surprise was the unexpected gift of a trip to her beloved Chile for the summer of 2004. Her next surprise was the opportunity of  traveling with Mother John Marie, Superior General of the Congregation who like Sr Helen served many years as a missionary in Chile. But these were only the beginning.  Other surprises were to follow.

         Upon her arrival in Chile Sr Helen was greeted warmly by the Sisters as well as by many of her former students. While Sister was visiting at the house of  one of her former teachers, Laura, who had served 3 terms as Mayor of Ovalle, the doorbell rang. A distinguished looking gentleman entered holding a bouquet of roses. Sister asked: "for Laura...?". But he responded: "No, these are for Sr Helen. I am the mayor of Ovalle and I have come to invite you to the Municipal Conference Hall  next Tuesday at 11:00 am for a special Awards Ceremony."

         It was only when she arrived for the ceremony that Sister learned it was she who was being honored by the Mayor and the City Council. Ovalle was the city in which Sr Helen began her many years of loving service to the education of Chilean youth. In his remarks Mayor Gallardo noted that Sister's remarkable contributions live on in the students of the Colegio Amalia Errazuriz. Sr. Helen taught and served as principal of the Colegio for many years and was instrumental in its growth and development.  In tribute to her vocation of service, Mayor Gallardo presented Sr. Helen with a plaque and with a pin. The latter replicates the shield of the city of Ovalle and is the highest honor that the city can bestow. It is presented to those who by their exemplary life and deeds have made major contributions to the city of Ovalle.

         As a final honor the Mayor announced that the Council had voted unanimously to name one of the streets in Villa Charlesbourg, the newest housing region : "Sr. Helen Guerrieri." 

         An emotional Sr. Helen responded: "I only did what God inspired me to do. I gave you my heart.  I love you all and even in heaven I shall continue loving and praying for all of you and for all of Chile
As eight of her former students proudly looked on, Mayor Alberto Gallardo presented Sr. Helen with a plaque given:
"In recognition of Sr. Helen Guerrieri's  extraordinary talents as an educator in Chile and in the United States and for the fruitful years that she dedicated in Ovalle to the formation of our youth in the Colegio Amalia Errazuriz.

Presented:  July 20, 2004
 Ovalle, Chile"

Sr. Helen with Sr. Aquilina who was one 
of the first Baptistine Sisters to arrive in Chile.