- June 18, 2020
Get to know more about Tony Cantu who celebrates 25 years as a CSJ Associate. Tony made his initial commitment on February 28, 1994, and his ongoing commitment on February 22, 1997. He resides in Brownsville, Texas.
Why did you decide to become an associate?
I became an associate because of my two dear friends, Sisters Mary Ann Potts and Helen Rottier, both of whom have now gone to God. They explained the history of the sisters and the process of association. I truly believed that I was being called to enter into this commitment. I bought into the charism of the sisters: "love of the dear neighbor." I loved the inclusivity and the concept of "without distinction."
How does it feel to be celebrating your 25th jubilee?
It is wonderful. It is an honor, and it reminds me to not forget that I am a part of the CSJ family. It does come to mind fairly often, though, because I work at Saint Joseph Academy (SJA). It is an institution owned and operated by the Marist Brothers of the Schools. Our founder, Saint Marcellin Champagnat, had an aunt who was a Sister of St. Joseph. She educated him so that he could enter the seminary. So, there is a connection between the Marists and the CSJs. Plus, some of our brothers have worked with and know many of the Carondelet sisters.
What is it about the CSJs, their mission and their charism that you love so much?
What I love most is the inclusivity, the openness to embrace different viewpoints, and the different expressions of prayer and spirituality. I love the mission to enter into any type of ministry. I love how progressive and ahead of the times the sisters are.
I remember a Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph event in St. Louis in the early 2000s. I was at a table discussion with different sisters, and an older sister (probably in her 80s) was talking about how the church was failing her as it did not acknowledge the role of women. This woman was amazing … so progressive but honest and real and loved the Church. That was/is inspiring.
At the same event, during a prayer, another sister gave a monologue based on The Woman at the Well. At the end of the script, she invited everyone to come to the well to be cleansed. It was beautiful and moving. She sent me a copy of the script. To this day, I remember that prayer and have used it in her honor/memory. There are many instances like that, that keep me connected to the sisters.
I also remember going to Perú. I traveled around to the different ministries the sisters were/are involved in. I worked with them; they accepted me and threw me into the work. I loved living and working with them, hearing their stories and entering into their life.
Trust me when I say this, and say it proudly, I learned the meaning of "learning to walk with people" because of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Tell us about your ministry.
I am in my 38th year at SJA and am also an alum. I am the campus minister (CM), but have done a little bit of everything. I have been the CM off and on—more on than off—a religious studies teacher, the mission coordinator, cheer coach (20+ years and I do consider it ministry) and various other jobs. One of the "jobs" I did and absolutely loved was writing the curriculum for our junior year Social Justice class. The class is an entire year and I taught it for many years. I also teach a ministry class for seniors that is part of the Campus Ministry program. I train them to organize and implement Masses, grade level retreats, prayer services, a small bit of adult formation for teachers and board members, and some retreats for other Catholic schools (elementary and middle school).
Our mission program was started and ran by S. Mary Ann Potts and a parent couple, Victoria and Jaime Guerrero. They ran the program for 3 years. When S. Mary Ann left to teach in the public school system, I took it over. I really didn't know what I was doing, but 23 years later, it's still going. We went into small mountain villages during Holy Week to minister. Once it got too dangerous, we started working in the United States. It is a true blessing to be involved with this ministry.
I also did a short stint of mission work in Guatemala at the end of their civil war. And I worked in Liberia, West Africa, with the Marist Brothers in between Liberia's civil wars.
Are you involved in any other work?
Most of my work is through the school, which keeps me very busy. Our school is responsible for feeding the homeless population once a month through a house of hospitality, Good Neighbor Settlement House. Many organizations take care of the other days; we fill in when someone can't. We work with the refugees. It's harder now with the current government policies, but we do what we can. I also do some work with the Marist Province.
How do you live out the CSJ charism in your daily life and work?
Every day is a challenge to live the charism out. I am mindful of it because of the nature of my work. Taking care of the dear neighbor is every day. Bro. Michael Williams, FMS, who I share an office complex, laughs at me almost daily. I arrive at work about 7:45 a.m.; the bell rings at 8:10 a.m. It usually takes that long from the time I arrive until I get to my office because people are stopping me to talk. He says it's part of ministry. Again, the inclusion of stopping and talking to people along the way is CSJ charism (and Marist). I'm not going to tell people I'm busy if they come in to talk. That's how I live out my CSJ charism. I wouldn't have it any other way!
Are you a part of an associate community?
I am the only member of the CSJ community left in Texas. My community is the SJA community—current/past faculty and administration—we’re tight. But I always bring up the fact that I am an associate. They keep me faithful to my commitment. I keep the sisters and their ministry in my thoughts and prayers.
What are your hobbies?
I love travelling and live theatre. I get to New York City at least once a year and definitely see two shows. I collect street art from my travels and other treasures. I also love to read, especially historical fiction. My home looks like a cross between an art gallery and Barnes & Noble.