Pallottine Sisters

60th Final Profession

Sister Elizabeth Monsanto

Birth name: Irma Mercia Monsanto

Birthplace: Belize City, Belize

Entrance: 1957

First profession: 1960

Final profession: 1965

Education: Teaching diploma, St. John’s Teacher’s College 1957, Belize

Bachelor’s in speech and drama, Notre Dame College, 1972

Master’s in Christian spirituality, Creighton University, 2002

Service in the archdiocese: Director of teen retreats, Pallottine Renewal Center, Florissant, for 34 years

Superior of the local Pallottine Community for three terms

Days of Re-Creation for Senior Citizens

Service outside the archdiocese: Principal of grade school, Benque Viejo del Carman

Principal of St. Francis Xavier High School, Belize

About Sister Elizabeth Monsanto: I was born in Belize City, Belize, Central America. I entered the Pallottine novitiate in Belize 65 years ago. I was drawn to the Pallottine sisters because I was impressed by the sisters’ dedication to service to the poor. My most favorite part of religious life is dedicated to ministry: Ministry to students, ministry to senior citizens, ministry to my religious community. In ministering to students I taught all ages, both grade school and high school students. Most of my teaching career I was the principal of the high school and grade school. After 25 years of in the teaching ministry, all of which I did in my home country, Belize, I moved to the United States. My new home was the Pallottine Renewal Center in Florissant. In Florissant, my most rewarding ministry was the Teen Retreat Program Director. I ministered to students from many Catholic high schools in the St. Louis Archdiocese. In addition to the teen program, I was asked to work with our senior citizens. This was a ministry I enjoyed. Each month I looked forward to greeting some of the most cheerful, grateful and prayerful people. They made a long day very short. I was the local leader of the Florissant Pallottines for three terms. My ministry in Florissant lasted 34 years. Today, I spend my time praying and ministering to my local community; sharing my culinary talents.