Honoring UIW’s Founders and Growing Community: UIW Celebrates Incarnate Word Day 2026

In 1869, three courageous Sisters journeyed from France to Galveston and then San Antonio, Texas to administer aid to those suffering during a cholera epidemic. Through strength, compassion and ambition, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word (CCVI) established San Antonio's first hospital, Santa Rosa Infirmary. Through their continued efforts rooted in service, the CCVI congregation eventually established Incarnate Word College in 1957, which was recognized as our beloved University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) in 1996.

On Wednesday, March 25, UIW celebrated Incarnate Word Day in conjunction with the Feast of the Annunciation, a major feast of the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word as well as of the University.

"Incarnate Word Day celebrates the Feast of the Annunciation, Mary's "Yes" to God's call. At the Annunciation, an angel sent by God brought the message to Mary that God was asking her to be the Mother of Jesus, the Son of God. When Mary accepted God's offer, the Word (God) became one of us. God became "incarnate," with a body like ours; hence the name Incarnate Word. Because of His resurrection, the Incarnate Word continues to dwell among us" (uiw.edu).

In celebration, UIW Mission and Ministry hosted its annual Incarnate Word Day Mass in Our Lady's Chapel. Members of the UIW community gathered to prayerfully show gratitude to UIW and those continue to carry on its legacy.

"The will of God is to love you and to love our brothers and sisters," shared Fr. Hector Kalaluka, OMI, UIW's lead Catholic Chaplain. "Today, as we celebrate this particular feast day of our University, we are reminded of our role as faculty, staff and students, that the call for us is to make sure that we carry Christ within ourselves and bring him to others."

As prayers were shared and songs were sung, the Incarnate Word family was collectively encouraged to open to God's words and say, "may it be done unto me according to your will" - as they are reflections of the Word in the world.

That same day, the faculty and student award recipients of the 2026 CCVI Spirit Award were announced, celebrating these remarkable individuals who exemplified - in service to the University and/or to the broader civic community - the spirit of UIW's founders, the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word.

Leticia Vargas, MD, MBA, associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine, was honored as this year's faculty CCVI Faculty Spirit Award recipient. Vargas was noted by UIW's Mission and Ministry as someone who "profoundly embodies UIW's Mission and values through her compassionate approach to medical education, clinical service and mentoring. Her leadership in Mission-centered mentorship initiatives reflects an unwavering commitment to truth, integrity and compassionate service. This commitment is further demonstrated through her role in developing curricula such as the Women's Health Interest Group and Geriatrics Program at the Village of the Incarnate Word."

Additionally, Ms. Abigail (Abby) M. Allen-Barria received the 2026 CCVI Student Spirit Award. Mission and Ministry wrote "Ms. Allen-Barria exemplifies the Mission through her steadfast commitment to servant leadership and community engagement. Her service to the University includes meaningful leadership roles within the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership, the Student Government Association Executive Council and as coordinator of the campuswide Golden Harvest Food Drive. In each of these capacities, she has demonstrated a profound dedication to social responsibility, inclusive leadership and advocacy for those most in need."

Join Mission and Ministry in celebrating this year's winners at the 2026 Incarnate Word Day CCVI Awards Presentation at 3 p.m., Monday, March 30, in the Luella Bennack Music Center (Seddon Hall | Room 107).

Praise be the Incarnate Word!