Rev. Mother Gloria Castro Obt

Rev. Mother Gloria Castro, OBT

EAST FISHKILL - Rev. Mother Gloria Castro, OBT, 96, died peacefully on March 21, 2021 at her home at St. Aloysius Novitiate, surrounded by her loving sisters. She dedicated herself to religious life for more than 75 years, as well as to the Catholic education of children.

Born in El Salvador, she was the daughter of Tacio and Maria Silvia Castro. Mother Gloria studied at the Normal School for Teachers in San Salvador. She received a Bachelors Degree in Education from Fordham University and a Masters in School Administration from Columbia University.

In 1944, she entered the Congregation of Sisters Oblates to Divine Love in El Salvador. Four years later, she immigrated to the United States and was instrumental in opening the first parish school at St. Clare of Assisi Parish in the Bronx in 1951.

In 1960, Mother Gloria assisted in the acquisition of a property in Hopewell Junction that became St. Aloysius Novitiate. It is here where the future religious Sisters of the Order are formed. In 1972, the Sisters started an early childhood program: St. Aloysius Happy House Learning Center, which expanded to include nursery, pre-k and kindergarten classes throughout the years.

In 1966, Mother Gloria became the Provincial Superior of the Sacred Heart Province. She was elected as the Vicar General in 1969 and in 1974 became the Superior General. During this time, Mother Gloria lived in Via Marruvio in Rome. She returned to the United States in 1981 and continued her work at St. Clare School.

Under Mother Gloria's guidance, the Oblates to the Blessed Trinity were formed in 1987 in the Archdiocese of New York. In addition to St. Aloysius Novitiate, they also have Blessed Trinity Convent in the Bronx. Mother Gloria spent her "retirement" years at St. Aloysius where her untiring spirit, sustained by her deep spirituality and belief in God, continued to make her an example of true dedication in the service of the Church as an Oblate to the Blessed Trinity.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday from 1-5pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday at 11:30am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction followed by interment in St. Denis Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Oblates to the Blessed Trinity, St. Aloysius Novitiate, P.O. Box 98, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. Please visit Mother's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.