She can't promise them money, but she can give them words.

Known as Yankton's "unofficial" Spanish translator, Sister Consuelo has aided hundreds of Yankton Hispanics through the years.

Both English-speaking and non-English-speaking people rely on her expertise. Local Hispanics ask her to help talk to lawyers, teachers, doctors, bankers, law enforcement officers and merchants, and vice versa.

"Think of anything you do -- go to the bank, the grocery store, buy dishes or beds. That's everything that these Mexican families need to do, too," Sister Consuelo said.

Everyday tasks become more difficult with a language barrier, and that's where Sister Consuelo fits in.

She always knew she'd grow up to be a nun, but she didn't know that her purpose in life would stem from her Spanish heritage.

"There weren't any sisters at home when I was little, but my mother always spoke so lovingly of them," she said. "For as long as I can remember, I wanted to grow up and be a nun."

She was born and raised in Southern Colorado, where her Spanish ancestors have lived since the 1500s. Speaking both Spanish and English came naturally to her.

After attending a Kansas college, Sister Consuelo followed a friend to Mount Marty College in 1941 to finish her education. She then taught at various elementary schools in South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Colorado before going to Guatemala as a missionary for eight years. When she came back to the United States, she earned her master's degree in Spanish from Mount Marty and starting teaching the language at the college.

"The first Mexicans came to Yankton in 1990, just a couple of families," she said. "Since then, there's been many more. They would come to (Mount Marty College) asking for help."

Sometimes, Sister Consuelo had even canceled or rescheduled her classes to help non-English-speaking Hispanics.

"At first, people in Yankton were leery of the Mexican families. They thought they came here to live off America. But they come here to work. Most work at Cimpls," Sister Consuelo said. "They're good workers and send most of their money to Mexico. They'll even sacrifice their health, food and living conditions to send money to their families."

In 1997, she asked to retire as a professor and become a full-time missionary for Yankton's Hispanic population. Now, "everyone knows my name," she said. Whenever a new Hispanic family moves into Yankton, "Sister Consuelo" is on everyone's lips.

When a Mexican family first arrives in Yankton, no one knows a word of English, she said. Sister Consuelo helps the families get settled in the community, until someone learns the English language. Hispanic families can take English lessons free of charge at Southeast Job Link, Yankton.

"Once someone in the family knows English, they don't need me anymore except for specialized language, such as medical or law vocabulary," she said. "However, many times, the one English-speaking family member is a child, and they can't be expected to understand or know how to translate all the words they hear. Most adults don't even know how to translate what they hear from a lawyer or doctor."

So, Sister Consuelo keeps in touch.

"I'm like a grandmother to them, I love them all," she said. "But, I can also talk to them like a grandmother: tell them what they should do, shouldn't do, what would help them out."

On Monday morning, for instance, she may have saved a man's life by helping him talk to a doctor in time for emergency surgery. A few days ago, she helped a woman get a job.

She said there are many situations in which, if she hadn't been available, the Hispanics involved may not have been treated fairly.

"I go to the jail a lot," Sister Consuelo said. "I should own part of it by now."

Not only are Hispanic families unfamiliar with American laws, but they also deal with citizenship issues. Many times, a family member is deported back to Mexico and has to say goodbye to his or her spouse and children. The rest of the family stays, because it's either a better life here than in Mexico or they can work to provide for family members still in their home country.

It's heart-breaking, Sister Consuelo said. "I understand with my head, but my heart doesn't understand."

While Hispanic families are often sad and perplexed at their deportation, they're rarely angry.

"I have never heard them say an unkind or disrespectful thing to me. They are very kind, generous people," Sister Consuelo said. "They'll help anyone. You can walk right off the street, and they'll take you in. You can admire something they have, but don't say anything about it. I've had to learn how to compliment them. I can say, ŒYou look nice today,' but I can't say, ŒI like your coat,' or I'll get it."

Sister Consuelo said she lives to help the Hispanic population.

"I love everything about it," she said. "I really like it when I can help a family that is very poor, not only in money but also language and street smarts."

She also enjoys working with expecting mothers.

"Many times, I follow them throughout their pregnancy, from the time when they think they might be pregnant, going back and forth to the doctor, getting ultrasounds and finally when they're giving birth," Sister Consuelo said. "I think the first time I ever saw an ultrasound, I just about flew. Seeing a birth is so special to me."

What seems to tickle Sister Consuelo most is that the Yankton Hispanic community sees her as a good friend and a family member, and the non-Hispanic population sees her as a good resource.

"I get nervous when someone doesn't call me for a day," she said. "I like to be needed."

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If you are interested in giving assistance to the Hispanic community, donations can be dropped off at the Sacred Heart Monastery.