Her final statistics seemed rather ordinary, but it provided an accurate metaphor — both for her country and college.

The Aug. 9 passenger plane crash in the city of Vinhedo, Brazil killed all 62 on board, greatly touching different Catholic communities in the country.

Sister Marta Yach Cosme walked through of one the gardens of motherhouse of the Missionary Sisters of the Eucharist, touching the fronds of the ubiquitous plants and squeezing the herbs with the tips of her fingers, explaining...