At age 18, during her last year in college, Martha was praying to know God’s will for her life. She prayed that she would be able to find a job where she could openly speak of her faith, and for a boyfriend who loved God as much as she did, or even more. The Lord Jesus was preparing her to say, ”yes” to His proposal.
Martha Susana Tamez was born in Monterrey, Mexico, the oldest of three children. She grew up in a devout Catholic family, and was influenced by her grandmother’s love for singing at Mass, and her grandfather’s leading the rosary. Her parents were very involved in the parish, and this taught Martha to want to participate in her parish.
Martha had a deep love for God, which was nourished in her family life. Her faith and love grew as she entered her teenage years and got involved in the youth choir and the youth group. These groups gave her a chance to express the faith and love for Jesus that was so dear to her. The sacrifice of walking eight blocks to Church began her journey of belonging more and more to the Lord. As a child, Martha did not consider the religious life, but rather thought that married life was her calling. Her parish strongly emphasized the role of the laity after Vatican II, and she wanted to follow this state with her life.
Martha started University studies in Industrial Engineering and Systems at ITESM in Monterrey as a sixteen year old. Her desire to love and serve God led her to become a member of Shalom covenant community through the influence of a friend. She was a member of the choir and participated in liturgies, retreats, and park and street evangelization.
After college graduation in 1989, Martha cared for her mom, who had a hurt back. Shalom members led a retreat for families, and Martha was deeply touched by the Lord while serving on this retreat. She was praying more fervently to know God’s will for her life. During the closing mass, the Lord spoke to her through the Scripture in John 11, ‘Jesus loved Martha . . .’ He filled her heart to overflow with His love, and Martha knew that Jesus was calling her to the religious life. She got in contact with the Disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ through their mission house in Monterrey.
Martha entered the Disciples in 1990, and the Lord provided for her family’s financial needs and her mom’s health needs as a sign of His providence. She received the name Sr. Damiana as a novice, professing her first vows in 1992 and her final vows in 1998. A Scripture that expresses her life is Psalm 108: 3-5, which says, ”I will give thanks to you among the peoples, O Lord; I will chant your praise among the nations.” Sr. Damiana is a witness that the love and truth of God sustain her, and she has given her life to proclaim this to the nations.
