Sister Anncarla Costello, SND , Chancellor of Los Angeles Archdiocese of Los Angeles

We are blessed at the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women to be celebrating our 100th Anniversary, and at the same time to be under the "Spiritual Direction" of Sister M. Anncarla Costello, SND. God’s timing is truly perfect. Sister Anncarla currently serves as the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

During these difficult times, more women are needed to be the handmaids of the Lord, who better than our beautiful “Sister in Christ” to lead us by her loving example?

Sister Anncarla, a woman of great faith, describes her early education in Catholic schools (while living in Redondo Beach and then moving to Thousand Oaks), as one filled with great joy and service. Later in the early 60’s during the civil rights movement, she felt a nudge from God to “serve” and she thought she could “get Him off her back” by serving in the Peace Corps. However, shortly after, she accepted her calling and with the support of her mother she joined the Sisters of Notre Dame.  It was then that her active duty began as she has served in various roles from being the Vicar of Sisters (overseeing all of the Sisters in the Archdiocese of LA), to being appointed Provincial, and now serving as Chancellor behind Hon. Archbishop Jose H. Gomez.

Sister Anncarla shares her joy of working in an environment in which women’s leadership is valued and respected. She is conscious that she brings a different perspective to the table and is grateful to have the opportunity to make change happen. Most recently, she even organized the staff to celebrate Christmas in July. She knows those "little details" are what makes a big difference -in spreading the love of Christ. It’s her profound love for Jesus Christ that keeps her working hard and humble by following his example of service.

As the Spiritual Director of the LA ACCW, sister has already begun to masterfully integrate the Council at every opportunity she can within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. From having the installation of the Executive Board Members blessed during Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in March, honoring our Blessed Mother at the Crowning of Mary Mass in May, and now preparing for the 100th Anniversary Celebratory Mass which will be held on Sunday, November 5th, 2023, Sister has been very supportive. She shares her excitement in knowing that the Council is still growing strong, but also wants to challenge us to grow even more vital.

Sister hopes that the LA ACCW can continue to gather as regions while still gathering as ONE. As ONE to have the strength to pray together, celebrate together, and share together in that "sisterhood" that comes alive with the joy of serving one another; similar to her first witness of that sisterhood in the Sisters of Notre Dame. “The power of ONE” she states, “that is what God is calling us to be -one step at a time.” Then she goes on to say that “there are many opportunities in which the LA ACCW can be of support to many people, especially during times of crisis.” She is talking about the 10th bus of immigrants that recently arrived a week ago from Texas.

Sister remains hopeful and excited to keep moving forward in supporting all the women of the Council as she knows God is continuously calling us to be his hands and feet. Sister is a true model of love and perseverance. One cannot help but see how she is also modeling Our Most Blessed Mother with her “Yes” in obedience to whatever He says. She says the portrait of Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples that hangs on her office wall is the only visual she keeps her eyes on. It’s all about the service to others. She humbly asks that we keep her in prayer.