Some paths in life start with a single, unexpected moment — for Sister Barbara Arceneaux, FMOL, that moment happened in a Catechism class.
Inspired by Sister Mary Cabrini’s presentation about the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, young Barbara felt a pull toward something greater. That pull led her on a transformative journey from her childhood in Rayne, Louisiana, to a life of service that’s taken her around the world.
A Calling That Endured
Sr. Barbara’s decision to pursue religious life wasn’t without challenges. After her first visit to learn more about the Sisters in Monroe, Louisiana, she began her training alongside her lifelong friend, Sister Linda Constantin. The 30-month journey of self-discovery wasn’t easy — Sr. Barbara admits she even ran away at one point. But her heart brought her back.
“I remember feeling the urge to learn more about FMOL and their mission,” Sr. Barbara recalls. “It wasn’t an easy time, but I knew I was where I was meant to be.”
A Life of Unexpected Adventures
Perhaps one of the most pivotal moments of Sr. Barbara’s life came from an invitation she couldn’t predict. Thanks to her fluency in French, she was asked to help translate documents for the General Council in Paris.
What was meant to be a two-week trip turned into 12 years of global service. She became one of the youngest Sisters in history to serve on the FMOL General Council and spent six years as Assistant Superior General.
“I traveled to Mozambique, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Brazil, Argentina — places I never imagined I would see,” she says. “Each community, each person, left an imprint on my heart.”
A Heart for the Elderly
When Sr. Barbara returned to Louisiana in 1994, her heart found a new calling: caring for the elderly. She fell in love with the residents of Ollie Steele Burden Manor in Baton Rouge, where she served for nearly eight years as assistant administrator.
“Serving the elderly makes my heart glow,” Sr. Barbara shares. “They have so much wisdom and grace. It’s a gift to be part of their lives.”
Faith Over Accomplishments
Sr. Barbara remains humble about her life’s work. When asked about her proudest achievements, she reflects on the bigger picture.
“I prefer to focus on the work that’s left, the problems still to solve,” she says. “Any success I’ve had, I consider a gift from God. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish with faith.”
Her message to healthcare team members echoes this belief: “Healthcare is a vocation. Caring for the sick and vulnerable is the core of our mission. You are our hands and feet — caring for both the physical and spiritual well-being of those we serve.”
Rooted in Family and Tradition
Despite her worldly travels, Sr. Barbara remains grounded in her Louisiana roots. She fondly recalls childhood Christmases on her grandparents’ farm in Rayne, surrounded by family members — and, memorably, her grandmother’s homemade chicken gumbo.
And every Easter? “We’d head to the rice fields to catch crawfish, then come home and boil them before going to Mass,” she reminisces. “It’s a tradition I still keep on my birthday every April 28.”
Celebrating Women’s History Month
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have shaped the world around us. Sr. Barbara’s story is just one example of how women have been foundational to our health system, leading with compassion, wisdom and unshakable faith. Founded by women, for all those in need, our mission is carried forward by countless women who lead with heart.
From her early days as a nurse to her leadership roles, global service and devotion to the elderly, Sr. Barbara’s journey reflects the very heart of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady’s mission — to serve with compassion and faith.
“Healthcare is more than a job. It’s a calling,” she says. “Our team members carry that calling forward every day, and I’m forever grateful for the work they do.”
