Ana Lucía “Anita” Sánchez Tello

Anita, 27, is a young missionary from Picota.  Her life changed profoundly at 23 when she heard the Lord calling her to deeper conversion and service. Leaving behind her old life became the heaviest cross she had to bear, but it was also the necessary step for the Lord to shape her character and heart according to His will.

Since that moment of her conversion, she has served in her parish Virgin of Perpetual Help. She has been blessed to assist in retreats and youth camps, be a catechist for young people and the elderly to prepare them for their sacraments, and guide those who seek to persevere in faith through the youth group "Las Alturas." In this work, she always keeps in mind Pope Francis' teaching: "Young people are the best evangelizers of other young people."

The pastoral reality for the people in this area is tough as the parish only has two priests to serve 124 villages.  Because of this, every Sunday, she and fellow missionaries travel to a village across the river to lead a Liturgy of the Word service, which fulfills the peoples’ Sunday obligation since the priests cannot get there for Mass more than once every few months. Anita also visits communities throughout the province, praying with the sick and offering material help where the need is great.

In November 2025, Anita joined the Francis Institute, a step that has brought greater formation, structure, and commitment to her missionary vocation. Inspired by Pope Francis’ encouragement to be “nonconformists” and to rise after every fall, she continues forward with trust in God’s mercy.

At the heart of her ministry is simple, faithful evangelization—sharing Christ through her testimony, intercession, missionary prayer, and accompaniment of the sick and the most vulnerable.