Sister Judith celebrates 60 years of religious profession in 2020.
Sister Judith Hilbing (Sister Francis Irene) has given her 60 years of religious profession to the education of youth and the promotion of a more just world.
After 18 years teaching elementary school students in the United States, she answered the call to what would become 18 years of ministry in Peru, in part during the tumultuous days of the ascendency of the violent rebel faction Sendero Luminoso.
In between those years, she also served in elected leadership for the congregation and provided social and pastoral service to the Spanish-speaking community in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood.
She recently completed two terms as prioress at Sacred Heart Convent. When pressed to say what was the most important of her ministerial assignments Sister Judith chose Peru because “It was there that education, justice, leadership, and solidarity merged,” she said.
A native of Quincy, Ill., Sister Judith and her sister, Springfield Dominican Sister Judine Hilbing, who lives in Chicago, Ill., were baptized at St. Boniface parish, as were their siblings, Mary Eling of Quincy, Ill., and Jack, who is deceased. Their parents, Francis and Irene Hilbing are also deceased.
Read a powerful story from Sister Judith about how a dying Peruvian child forever transformed her understanding of her own vocation.
Sister Judith Hilbing’s Ministry Assignments
1960-1965 Holy Angels, Aurora, Ill., Grade 1
1965-1969 Sacred Heart, Pana, Ill., Grades 1-2
1969-1970 St Vincent DePaul, Peoria, Ill., Grade 1
1971 St. Walter, Chicago, Grade 1
1971-1978 St. Lawrence O’Toole, Matteson, Ill. , Grades 1-3, individual guided education
1978-1984 San Borja, Lima Peru, Vice principal
1984-1985 Mission Center, LaOroya, Peru, Pastoral work
1985-1986 San Borja, Lima, Peru, Grades 1-6, Rel. Ed.
1986-1993 Fey y Alegría #32, St Juan Pablo II, Lima, Peru, Founding principal
1993-2001 Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, Ill., Congregational leadership
2001-2006 St Martin De Porres, Chicago, Ill., Dominican Alliance, N. American justice promoter
2008-2009 Casa Maria, Lima Peru, Pastoral care
2009-2014 St. Agnes, Springfield. Ill., Spanish teacher
2014-2020 Sacred Heart Convent, Springfield, Ill., SHC Prioress
You gave my three older children a very good first grade experience. Thank you so much. Judy Lange
Sister Judith , I was one of your students in Peru at SAN Francisco de Borja!
I remember you and your Religious Class, thank you for what you give to us, your knowledge your patience your love!
Good bless you!
Hilda Guardamino