Sr. Maria de la Cruz Aymes (1919–2009) was an influential Roman Catholic religious educator, author, and member of the Society of Helpers.

Born in Mexico, she ministered to marginalized and impoverished communities in Mexico City, managing free clinics and teaching catechism in unconventional settings like local cemeteries. These challenging experiences fundamentally shaped her approach to catechesis: teaching must deeply understand the learners' culture and help them experience the joy of faith.

Over 30 years, her textbooks—including On Our Way, New Life, Lord of Life, and God With Us—were published by W.H. Sadlier and translated into more than a dozen languages. Through her authorship of these series, she demonstrated a deep commitment to helping children encounter God's presence in their lives. She recognized that catechetical resources matter because they shape how young people come to know, love, and follow Jesus.

Yet Sr. Maria did not simply preserve what had always been done. When Vatican II invited the Church to renewed vision and practice, she worked to update catechetical materials in light of the Council's insights. She understood that authentic faith formation is always renewed by listening to the Holy Spirit at work in the Church.

In her later years, Sr. Maria became an advocate for pluralism and enculturation. She recognized that the Good News speaks to people of every culture, language, and life experience. As a member of the National Advisory Committee on Adult Religious Education (NACARE), she helped the Church appreciate the richness that diverse voices bring to the faith community. Through her witness, catechists learn the importance of listening deeply, welcoming differences, and helping people discover how God is already present and active within their own cultural experiences.

Reflections to Hold, Pray, and Live

• In what ways do I adapt my catechesis to meet people where they are rather than expecting them to come to where I am?

• Sr. Maria embraced the renewal called for by Vatican II. How open am I to new approaches, insights, and methods in catechesis?

Author:

Sister Janet Schaeffler, OP
Member, NCCL Board of Directors

Her book, SAINTS & MENTORS for Catechists: 41 Models of Faith to Support and Guide You, can be purchased from Twenty-Third Publications
[GET YOUR COPY HERE]

Learn more about Janet and her publications at https://www.janetschaeffler.com/