SND Associate Betsy Potts reflected on Sr. Anncarla Costello and her impact in California for the National SND Associate newsletter. It is re-shared here with her permission.
To gain insight into Sr. Anncarla Costello SND, observing the artwork on her office wall will help.
There you will see a tapestry of Christ kneeling at his baptism and three paintings of Christ washing the feet of an apostle.
“My image of Jesus is Jesus, the washer of feet,” says Sr. Anncarla, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the largest in the United States. Third in command behind Archbishop Jose Gomez, Sister is protector of the legacy and records of the archdiocese—records that date back 250 years.
Sister sees her assignment not in lofty terms but in service and obedience. Her mission is to honor the legacy of the church and to prepare for its future. It is to create a working environment that makes people feel valued.
Her first major project has been to co-curate with Fr. Parker Sandoval “250 years of Mission” in California.
Preparing the project, Sister Anncarla and Fr. Sandoval researched the archives at the Archdiocese and at Mission San Gabriel and found a treasure trove of photos there and at the University of Southern California’s digital library. The exhibit, on display at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, chronicles the legacy of Fr. Serra and the arrival of the first eleven families, the priests, women religious, and dedicated laity who built the faith foundation of the Archdiocese. At that time, the Catholic population numbered 31,000 in all of California; today almost 4,500,000 live in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Sister was educated by the Sisters of Notre Dame in Thousand Oaks—grades 7-12—and entered the convent when she graduated from La Reina High School.
Once she took her vows, the larger world beckoned—but always brought her back to California.
Sister was sent to Rome where she received a master’s in religious studies. There, she saw a wider universe—culturally and spiritually. That global experience enlarged her outlook.
She returned, determined to bring that outlook to her assignments.
One of those assignments was Vicar of Sisters; her responsibilities included overseeing all of the Sisters in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Then the Sisters of Notre Dame appointed her the California Provincial. Full circle in a sense, but with a world of experience and wisdom and love to impart.
Today, as Chancellor, Sister has a job that seems overwhelming. But as in all her ventures, Sister creates an environment of love and listening and service to others.
Every night as she goes to sleep, Sister can see the homeless encampments from her window. Every night Sister prays for those men and women sleeping under the freeway bridge. She and Catholic Charities are collaborating “on a project to help our sidewalk sisters and brothers.”
Every night Sister prays for her own Sisters and the many associates who have brought the charism of the Sisters to the wider community. Always, Sister is appreciative of the work that others do.
Sister Anncarla Costello. Sister of Notre Dame. Humble servant. Preserver of the faith.