STUDYING THEOLOGY AT RAFAEL LANDÍVAR UNIVERSITY IN GUATEMALA

A Journey of Faith, Mission, and Hope

As a Dominican Missionary of the Rosary, I live out my vocation as a journey of continuous learning that invites me to deepen my relationship with God and prepare myself to serve the Church and humanity. Studying theology at Rafael Landívar University in Guatemala City was a foundational experience for my human, spiritual, intellectual, and intercultural formation. It opened up new horizons of knowledge and reflection for me. For me, theology is not simply about accumulating concepts, but rather a search for truth that transforms one’s life and heart. At the university, I found an enriching academic environment where dialogue, research, and service characterized every course. Through this, I discovered new perspectives on Sacred Scripture, Church history, Christian morality, spirituality, and social doctrine.

Inspired by the Dominican charism of preaching, I came to understand that my theological formation had to be grounded in contemplation and oriented toward serving the People of God, rather than seeking personal prestige. Each topic I studied led me to contemplate God’s love more deeply and to share it through both witness and the spoken word. Fraternal life alongside laypeople, religious, and sisters from diverse cultures and generations enriched my vision of the Church as a family called to walk in unity. I learned to listen respectfully, to value diversity of thought, and to recognize that sincere dialogue strengthens communion and fosters mutual growth.

This journey has not been without its challenges: I have experienced fatigue, academic demands, and the need to strike a balance between community life, apostolic mission, and university studies. Amidst these trials, I have experienced God’s faithfulness and transformed every effort into an opportunity to grow in discipline, responsibility, and trust in divine grace. I have also discovered the profound pastoral dimension of theology: what I learned in the classroom took on its full meaning through mission work, catechesis, communal prayer, and accompaniment. This has led me to understand that true knowledge of God always leads to love, service, and a commitment to justice—especially toward those most in need of hope and solidarity. Living in Guatemala City allowed me to discover a rich social and cultural reality, awakening in me a greater sensitivity to the Church’s mission in contexts marked by social, economic, and cultural challenges.

Today, I thank God and my Congregation for allowing me to experience this important period of study for my spiritual growth. This experience has left an indelible mark on my identity as a Dominican Missionary Sister of the Rosary and has fueled my desire to continue dedicating my life to the service of God and my brothers and sisters.

Today, I look to the future with hope and renewed enthusiasm. Everything I have learned will serve as a valuable tool for continuing to proclaim the Gospel in fidelity to the Dominican charism. I desire to continue growing in wisdom and holiness, so that my life may be a testament to the love of Christ and a living expression of the mission of the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Rosary.

Sister Antonieta, Juniorate of Guatemala