She came to the United States from Mexico as a simple professed religious in 1987 to join the first foundation of the Federación de Monjas Agustinas Recoletas de México and to live as a nun dedicated to the contemplative life. Sister Beatriz “Betty” Segura had made her simple vows in Mexico City in 1983 before Fr. Rafael Rivera, OAR, current Vicar for the Augustinian Recollects in Mexico. The year after her arrival at Immaculate Conception Convent, located at that time on the grounds of the Provincial Residence in West Orange, New Jersey, she professed perpetual vows before Fr. John Oldfield, OAR, Prior Provincial of St. Augustine Province. In the years that followed, Sr. Betty participated in the community life of the Recollect Sisters—a life dedicated to prayer and to the various activities undertaken to support them in their way of life, distinguishing herself most especially in the area of music.

On July 24, 2008 Sr. Betty and the Recollect Sisters marked the 25th anniversary of her profession with a special celebration that included a Liturgy of Thanksgiving in which she renewed her vows. The Mass was followed by a reception for some 50 guests, including her brother and other members of her family as well as the local Recollect friars and a number of diocesan priests associated with St. Leo’s Parish in Irvington, New Jersey, where the convent had relocated from West Orange. Fr. Juan Luis Calderón of St. Nicholas Province was the main celebrant of the bilingual Mass, accompanied by Fr. Charles Huse, Prior Provincial of St. Augustine Province, and a number of other concelebrating priests. Sr. Betty’s family assisted with the readings, the prayers of the faithful, and the presentation of the gifts at the Offertory. Fr. Juan Luis, who delivered the homily, expanded on the Gospel passage of Martha and Mary, reflecting on the complementary nature of the active and contemplative life and speaking movingly about that “sacred space” of stability and peace which cloistered nuns develop as a witness to an over-busy and constantly changing world. Sr. Betty shared her musical talent by singing the responsorial psalm “Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord.” After the Liturgy of the Word, Sister proclaimed her recommitment to her religious vows, bringing the document to the altar where it was signed and witnessed by Mother Maria del Rayo Garcia, superior of the convent.

Following the Mass a lunch was held in the parish hall. The Sisters did all the cooking, and, as usual, presented an outstanding meal with caldo, roasted chicken, beef mole, and barbecue along with the usual salad, rice, beans, and guacamole, and plenty of salsa and nachos accompanied by wine and soft drinks. For dessert there was fresh fruit and a beautifully decorated cake. A friend of the family who played the guitar filled the hall with serenatas while the guests conversed and ate their lunch. Sr. Betty graciously thanked her family and friends and all the Recollects present for the constant support she has received during her many years in religious life.

Fr. John Gruben, OAR