Spring 2015 Journey page 1

Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA Vol. 33, No. 1 Spring 2015

IHM Chapter Direction 2014 - 2018 We, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, rooted in God and the Gospel, long to serve a world crying out for justice and hungering for meaning. Joyfully, we steep ourselves in prayer and contemplation, embrace a life of

, radicaland foster imagination,interdependence creativity, and fresh thinking.

Conscious of both our fragility and our strength, we search for new and deeper ways to live our vowed life and invite others to join us in bringing about God’s dream for this beautiful, yet wounded world. page 2 Journey Spring 2015

The Mysteryby ofSister OurEllen Maroney, Interrelatedness IHM We, Sisters, Servants of the dialogue together about our life and be the anchor for our prayer, reflec- Immaculate Heart of Mary, the life of our world. The contem- tion, and conversations as we strive rooted in God and the Gospel, plative context of our prayer and to look beyond ourselves and use long to serve a world crying out for sharing allows for the letting go of our collective “imagination, creativ- justice and hungering for meaning. individual preconceptions or agen- ity, and fresh thinking” to discern Joyfully, we steep ourselves in das in order for the sacred “new” how and where God’s dream is call- prayer and contemplation, to emerge from our collective deep ing us anew in this time. embrace a life of radical listening and sharing. An ancient The articles in this issue fo- our understanding of radical inter- interdependence, and foster story reflects this process: “Once cus on the theme of “radical in- dependence and our Direction State- imagination, creativity, upon a time, the master had a visitor terdependence”, a phrase from ment, we will be led deeper into the and fresh thinking. who came to inquire about Zen. our Direction Statement that has mystery of our interrelatedness and Conscious of both our fragility and But instead of listening, the visitor rich meaning for our understand- our role in helping to bring about our strength, we search for new and kept talking about his own concerns ing of our relationship with God, “God’s dream for this beautiful, yet deeper ways to live our vowed life and giving his own thoughts. After one another and the people of our wounded world.” and invite others to join us in a while, the master served tea. He world. I recently came across a bringing about God’s dream poured tea into his visitor’s cup rather intriguing illustration of this I have a small grain of hope— for this beautiful, until it was full and then he kept on phrase. The giant redwood trees of one small crystal that gleams yet wounded world. pouring. Finally the visitor could California, as most of us know, are clear colors out of transparency. not bear it any longer. ‘Don’t you extremely tall. Some of them stand IHM Chapter Direction Statement see that my cup is full?’ he said. over 300 feet high and are over I need more. 2014-2018 ‘It’s not possible to get any more tea 2500 years old. We might think I break off a fragment in.’ ‘Just so,’ said the master, stop- that such large trees have a massive aving recently returned from to send you. ping at last. ‘And like this cup, you root system extending hundreds a trip to Peru for a wonder- H are filled with your own ideas. How of feet underground. In fact, the ful celebration marking the fiftieth Please take can you expect me to give you Zen redwoods have a very shallow root year of our IHM presence in that this grain of a grain of hope unless you first empty your cup?’” system, but all the roots intertwine country, I found myself reflecting so that mine won’t shrink. Last spring, at our Chapter 2014, under the surface of the earth; they on the many kinds of journeys we we reaffirmed our deep desire to be are locked to each other. So when Please share your fragment make during our lifetime. Some rooted in God and the gospel for storms come, they are not alone, for so that yours will grow. are part of our ordinary routines: the life of our world and committed all the trees support and hold each our commute to work each day, the Only so, by division, ourselves to continuing our con- other up. Each tree is important regular trip to the grocery store, etc. will hope increase, templative stance as we move into to all the other trees in the group. But some, like my Peru trip, or a our future. Our Chapter Direction What a wonderful image of how our like a clump of irises, which will change in /ministry, or a detour, Statement calls us to pray, reflect interconnections, our relations with cease to flower or even our annual Lenten journey, and imagine how we might engage each other and our world bind us unless you distribute take us to a new place. These kinds with others to be prophetic witness- to one another so that what affects the clustered roots, unlikely source– of journeys are often full of sur- es to God’s love and compassion in one also affects us all. At the same clumsy and earth-covered– prises, unexpected turns, and new a world “crying out for justice and time, this image also calls us to a of grace. understandings of self and others, hungering for meaning.” This con- deeper understanding of radical though they can also be challenging, templative journey challenges us to interdependence in terms of our re- “For the New Year, 1981” frustrating, and even frightening. embrace uncertainty, surprise, and sponsibility to and for one another. by Denise Levertov Every four years, we IHMs em- risk as we “empty our cups” in or- Our interconnectivity implies that bark on a collective journey to dis- der to consider together the complex we are responsible to others (not in cern what God intends for us. In the realities of our own lives, the life the sense of hierarchical power, but Sister Ellen serves as president of months prior to our formal Chapter of our congregation, and that of the from the stance of reciprocity); we the Congregation of the Sisters, gathering, we engage in personal world today. For the next four years are not autonomous. Servants of the Immaculate Heart of and communal prayer, contempla- at least our Direction Statement will As we continue to break open Mary, Scranton, PA. tion, reflection, and meaningful

Editor: Sister Fran Fasolka, IHM Copy editor: Sister Chris Koellhoffer, IHM Proofreader: Sister Mary Ann , IHM

Advisory Board: Sister Jean Louise Bachetti, IHM Sister Nancy Hawkins, IHM Sister Suzanne Delaney, IHM Chris Koellhoffer, IHM Sister Ann Barbara DeSiano, IHM Dr. Erin Sadlack

Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Journey is published by the IHM Congregation for its members, friends, donors, sponsored institutions and supporters of the IHM Sisters and their ministries. Opinions expressed by authors Our mission as Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton, published in Journey do not necessarily reflect those of the IHM Congregation. Written portions Pennsylvania, is to follow Jesus as a community of disciples, aware that we are contained herein may not be reproduced without the permission of the IHM Congregation. sent to be a clear and understandable prophetic witness to the presence of God in Correspondence should be addressed to the Journey editor at: IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509. E-mail: [email protected] the world. - from the IHM Mission Statement Journey is online at: www.sistersofihm.org/what-we-do/publications-library/ihm-journey-online-publication.html Spring 2015 Journey page 3

Breathing into Deeper Partnership by Sister Chris Koellhoffer, IHM

n the heart of forests in Japan of their own breath- in both the pain and weeks afterwards, often trudging lies a wonderful example of ing in and out, and the courage of her up to twenty miles. Rosa’s initial Ithe profound interconnec- using that rhythm to neighbors impelled act, Raymond’s encouragement, the tion between the human world and deepen the aware- her to stay on as community’s determination to stand the natural world. I confess I first ness of all that they war raged and vio- together through the hardships of heard about this while watching an are breathing into lence edged closer the boycott and the consequent legal episode of “Treehouse Masters” their lives and all to her. She wrote action modeled the collective power on Animal Planet. Pete Nelson, a they are breathing to a friend, “Sev- of radical interdependence. visionary designer and builder of out in blessing to eral times I have In 1976, when mothers in Ar- whimsical, functional, and artistic our world. decided to leave El gentina whose children had been treehouses, spends his life, as he So the theme Salvador. I almost “disappeared”—raped, tortured, puts it, “in the arms of trees” as a of radical interde- could except for the kidnapped, murdered—searched tree whisperer of sorts. When he pendence invites children, the poor, for their loved ones, they started prepares for a design, he asks the reflection on the bruised victims of to notice the same faces, the same trees on the designated property to ways we have been this insanity. Who voices, protesting at government talk to him and to lead him to the bathing in the wit- The theme of radical would care for offices, police stations, prisons. The optimal spot on which to build. ness of all the holy them? Whose heart presence of other women mad with What does a forest have to do ones over time and interdependence could be so staunch the same grief and loss emboldened with radical interdependence? space as well as as to favor the them, and they came together as the Simply everything! In Japan, this breathing in their invites reflection on reasonable thing in Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. Jan type of profound relationship is struggle for peace a sea of their tears L. Richardson observes that, “In called Shinrin-Yoku, which loosely and justice, not the ways we have and loneliness? Not their demand for aparacion con vida translates as “forest bathing” or alone but always mine, dear friend, [reappearance with life], the moth- “forest breathing”. First introduced in partnership with been bathing in not mine.” ers knew that not all the children in Japan by the Forest Ministry in others. This sense When Rosa would be returned alive. Indeed, 1982, Shinrin-Yoku is the act of of interdependence the witness of all Parks refused to for many of the mothers the search walking in a forest and actively and greets visitors to the give up her seat ended with the discovery of a body mindfully breathing the air. People Hospice St. the holy ones over on a segregated in a mass grave. Yet the life they enter a forest in hopes of relaxing in Port-au-Prince, bus, her act of demanded was not only for their and being renewed or with the hope Haiti, in the words time and space as civil disobedience children; it was for a resurrection of of discovering their place in the cre- of a plaque: “If you was strengthened life itself, of freedom, of hope.” ated world. While in the company have come here to well as breathing and supported by As we breathe in the power of of their tree relatives, people breathe help me, you are many, including her this great cloud of witnesses, may in phytoncides, the essential oils of wasting your time. in their struggle for husband, Raymond. we grow in our understanding that wood. This exposure to nature, this But if you have peace and justice, As a consequence the suffering of one is the concern taking in and breathing in our tree come because your of being connected of all; that the well-being of one is relatives, creates calming effects salvation is bound not alone but always to Rosa and of the wholeness of all; that the human through changes in the nervous up with mine, then speaking about family must bathe in and breathe in system. Trees take in the carbon di- come, let us walk in partnership with her action, he was deeper relationship so that we might oxide we exhale, and we breathe in together.” fired from his own join our solitudes in the communion the oxygen they offer. Shinrin-Yoku Just how is our others. job as she also lost of struggle. has helped to reduce anger, anxiety, “salvation”, our hers. The Parks’ stress, and sleeplessness in people. effort to create a refusal to surrender Sister Chris serves as coordinator It involves both bathing and breath- more just, inclusive to injustice then led of mobile spirituality ministry and ing: bathing, by letting the presence world, bound up to the Montgomery also as editorial consultant for the of trees wash over us, and breath- with and radically bus boycott. The Sisters of IHM, Scranton. ing, by inhaling healing phytoncides interdependent on boycott, which from our tree friends. In return, others? continued for sev- we, their human relatives, respect, When Jean eral months, left the protect, and nurture the trees as we Donovan served city’s buses largely enjoy their silent company. as a missionary in empty. Most of the Often when I lead prayer for El Salvador, she thousands of Afri- a retreat experience, I initiate a breathed in the can American com- similar kind of breathing. I invite suffering of the muters living in the those present into the practice of a Salvadoran people. city walked to work simple breathprayer, being mindful This daily bathing that first day and for page 4 Journey Spring 2015

It won’t happen without it! by Sister Mary Ellen Merrick, IHM

adical Interdependence— death when it was small but only There are people who stop the just how does anyone try took what she needed for nourish- substance or the behavior of choice and explain this rather ment. They honored the monkey but do little else to continue the simpleR idea? And what could it who only swung on strong branches work, the deep interior work, that possibly have to do with recovering and never harmed more delicate real sobriety can bring. For those from an addictive illness? Well, let’s ones still growing. They honored who are fortunate enough to do see where exploring this a bit might the elephant who sheltered others in the hard, day-by-day work, they take us. A story is usually a good the storm, replacing his bluster with move into the area where they want place to begin. deep compassion, replacing a claim to serve others, they have lost the of possession with an ethic of shar- sense of shame and stigma that an There was a tree in the middle ing, competition with cooperation. ignorant society too quickly be- of a meadow with ripe, beautiful, stows, and have integrated a painful succulent red apples just waiting The story, in many ways, helps portion of their lives into a broader for someone to take them and enjoy explain the path of recovery from whole. their flavor. A few animals began to any type of addictive illness. If So, the four animals in the story gather at the base of the tree. The addiction accomplishes anything, it were not looking at what could first was an elephant who was loud isolates people and alienates them be shared and or what they had in and strong and trumpeted his sense from becoming part of a “We” and common until the storm hit. It was of power to all. “This tree is mine!” “Us” and renders them to an “I” and the needed catalyst that compelled he declared. Then a monkey scam- “Me”. Many good people become them to look more deeply into what pered down the tree and said the their own and everyone else’s worst could benefit all of them. The same tree was his because he had discov- nightmare. With the grace of God, happened with the founding of Al- ered it years ago. Along came a shy some compassionate and deter- coholics Anonymous in 1935. Two rabbit who whispered that the tree mined people, and a program of strong, proud, stubborn men found was hers because she had been nib- healing and recovery followed in a each other and discovered a way to bling at its leaves before there were radical, interdependent way, some- protect one another and hundreds of apples on it. Finally, down swooped thing wonderful happens. thousands around the world since AA many years ago a bird who proclaimed that she had AA many years ago started then have followed their example. dropped the seed that grew into the to use a symbol of an equilateral The animals are symbolic as is the started to use a symbol tree, so it was hers. Tension and re- triangle encompassed by a circle. tree and its fruit. They present us of an equilateral triangle sentment grew and the four plotted The three sides of the triangle with a safe way to examine how ways each could outlast, outwit and stand for TRUST, SERVICE, and interdependent we are in living our encompassed by a circle. The outmuscle the other three. While RECOVERY. This represents lives. Do we realize how hard we this was happening the clouds what is needed to address a three need to work on ourselves before three sides of the triangle turned dark, the winds picked up, part disease--physical, mental, and we demand someone else changes and a heavy rain began to batter spiritual. The circle suggests the for us? Do we acknowledge how stand for TRUST, SERVICE, them and then the rain turned to daily working of the 12 Steps which our life contributes to or takes and RECOVERY. This piercing hail. It tortured the ele- can be summarized by saying it is from someone else’s? Do we re- phant’s trunk, it stung the monkey’s critical to CLEAN HOUSE, TRUST ally understand that we are a part represents what is needed sensitive hands, it hurt the rabbit’s GOD, and HELP OTHERS. The of something much more than just soft ears, and it tried to shred the parts can’t work in isolation from ourselves? These questions are only to address a three part bird’s wispy wings. They huddled one another. suggestions to consider; there are closer to the tree and to each other. Another way of looking at these many more. disease--physical, mental, The elephant wrapped his trunk concepts is that the triangle is a and spiritual. The circle around the monkey who put an arm stable physical position and the Sister Mary Ellen is the executive around the rabbit who shielded the circle, representing the mind, is ever director of the Women’s Program at suggests the daily working bird’s wings beneath her belly. The evolving and moving toward whole- Guest House located in Lake Orion, bird told the elephant the cover was ness. It also can suggest serenity MI. of the 12 Steps which can be better on the other side of the tree so and unlimited potential. they all moved together so he could If a person needs to recover from summarized by saying it is have more shelter. some form of addictive illness, s/ critical to CLEAN HOUSE, After the storm had passed and he needs to do so with the intent of they knew they were safe, they entering into genuine and radical TRUST GOD, and HELP honored each other for what they interdependence with mind, body, knew. They honored the bird who and spirit. This is necessary if the OTHERS. The parts can’t had planted the seed that grew into individual hopes to come to a true work in isolation the tree. They honored the rabbit sense of peace and right relationship who could have eaten the tree to with self, others, and God. It won’t from one another. happen without it! Spring 2015 Journey page 5 At the heart of radical interdependence and of our vowed life together

by Sister Rachel Terry, IHM

s a child, I got a kick out of Simplicity of lifestyle, spiritual commands, but listening; listening Alooking at my reflection in a poverty, the poverty of time, and to God, to the gospels, to tradition, spoon and seeing my face flipped the poverty of self-emptying are to one’s own conscience, and listen- upside down. The curved mirror of familiar experiences of the vow of ing gently and kindly to individu- a spoon bends the light causing the poverty. When I reflect on these als and the collective wisdom of a eyes to perceive things differently. manifestations of the vow I see that group. Reflecting on the topic of radical in- they allude to something I give, give Shining the light of interdepen- terdependence in the vowed life was up, or lack. Interdependence calls dence on this vow turns me from the a bit like looking at my reflection in me to focus not just on what I give one who listens into the one who is a spoon. The tool bent the light just but also what I receive. Interdepen- listened to. It is not in my nature enough for me to see the vows, in dent poverty might be renamed the to readily express what I think or a way, flipped over. I began to ask vow of gratitude. If poverty asks feel or offer my opinion or ideas. I myself not what must I do to live me to give generously, I must also sometimes do it, but it is not easy these vows, but what must I have be open to receiving gratefully. for me. Much like receiving the done unto me in order to live them? When I think of interdependence love of others, it is not always easy in the vow of poverty I think of my to receive attentiveness from others. Chastity total and utter dependence on God Expressing myself leaves me for everything. Whatever I can con- vulnerable. A piece of me has been You shall love the Lord your God tribute to the good of the whole was handed over to you—an individual, with all your heart, with all your not created or earned by me, but are an organization, a family, a commu- soul, with all your mind, and with blessings entrusted to me by God. nity. I don’t have to expect all of the all your strength. You shall love My contribution is a little piece of above to agree with or embrace that your neighbor as yourself. There is wisdom about the nature of God. piece of me, but I do have to allow no other commandment When I share my gifts, talents and myself to be listened to and trust greater than these. resources I am not just being useful that my piece will be regarded gen- Mark 12:30-31 in a particular situation; I am shar- tly and kindly. Requiring this qual- ing my bit of God’s self-revelation ity of attentiveness to one another Next time you look Jesus tells us that the greatest with those to whom I give. is the challenge of living the vow of commandment is twofold: love When I allow myself to receive obedience interdependently. at a spoon, notice from others, I am not just accepting the Lord and love your neighbor your upside down as yourself. For me, this is at the help, but am encountering the divine Conclusion heart of the vow of chastity. Living through the gifts God has bestowed reflection and be upon them. God has given us many Next time you look at a spoon, this vow interdependently sheds a challenged not slightly different light on the famil- good gifts freely and without reser- notice your upside down reflection iar passage. Not only am I asked vation. God also depends on us to and be challenged not just to give, just to give, but to choose to share these gifts intention- but to receive; not just to love, but to love, I am asked to allow myself receive; not just to to be loved by God and to be open ally and receive them gratefully. be loved; not just to listen, but to enough to allow my neighbor to be listened to. These attitudes and love, but be loved; practices are at the heart of radical love me. Obedience not just to listen, It is sometimes much easier to interdependence and of our vowed take the active role in giving love Will you let me be your servant, let life together. but to be listened than the passive role of receiving me be as Christ to you? to. These attitudes it. Paradoxical as it sounds, it is Pray that I may have the grace to let Sister Rachel is a music teacher at difficult to accept the love of God you be my servant, too. Little Flower School in Bethesda, and practices are at Maryland. and neighbor. That is what the vow “The Servant Song” the heart of radical of chastity asks of me—to be open to love’s many manifestations, both I have had the chance to take interdependence given and received. many courses about the vow of and of our vowed life obedience and each presenter had a Poverty different insight into the vow. The together. one thing that was almost univer- All good giving and every perfect sally mentioned was that obedience gift is from above, coming down comes from the Latin word for “to from the Creator of lights. listen”. The heart of the vow of James 1:17 obedience is not stoically obeying page 6 Journey Spring 2015 Radical Pluralism in a Radically Interdependent World by Sondra Myers

adical is a cunningly versatile Jewish people. What defines the way we of reasons—one of which is that Rword, most relevant in its vari- did it solve anyway? act as creatures who we are a nation of immigrants. At ous iterations to the subject at hand: History has many exist in a radically our best we appreciate the value of radical interdependence. Its most examples of people interdependent envi- diversity and the role that it plays literal definition is fundamental, who believed that radi- ronment. Our actions in our greatness as a nation. But deriving from the Latin word radix, cal interdependence is need to be radically radical pluralism doesn’t start there meaning root. Interdependence is our fundamental condi- pluralistic—respectful or stop there. Not only is it a choice at the root of existence or perhaps tion and requires us to of difference—even but one that must be practiced and more clearly put—existence is at its respect that reality and rejoicing in the French carefully taught, particularly as the very root interdependent. Interde- behave accordingly. saying, “Vive la differ- world continues to become closer to pendence applies to everyone and Even our passion for ence!” Radical plural- us, entering our living rooms each every thing—it is an ecological and independence, rightly ism is a choice. And day on our television screens and ontological phenomenon. In short, understood, exists we are empowered, as our hand-held devices. Learning to interdependence just is. It is not an in the context of our citizens, to make that live together becomes increasingly ideal—it is a reality—the defining connection to others— We must choice. It was a choice important when we have the world characteristic of our universe. Our the community of made by our founding in our lives every day—for better challenge is to acknowledge it as human beings—along learn to be fathers and there were and for worse. such and reflect on how that deter- with the animals and examples of it even The current conflicts and the rise mines our intellectual understanding plants that comprise more radically before we became of terrorism in the world have given of the world and our moral respon- the vast system that is a nation in 1787. In me a deeper appreciation of our na- sibility to it. our universe. We are pluralistic— the 1670s the Dutch tion’s ideal of pluralistic democracy. Irving Greenberg, a distin- here among others and founded New Am- In the post-communist, would-be guished rabbi and scholar speak- responsible for each determined to sterdam, which had post-authoritarian world we need ing at a conference on rescuers other. We are here in a the same spirit and a radical pluralism to guide us. We of Jews during the Holocaust that physical environment improve our culture culture of diversity are no longer in two blocs—Soviet was held at the State Department for which we are also that we see in New and Western; we are in a sense free- in 1984, tried to parse the amazing responsible. These and York to this very day. floating in a globalized world. Un- bravery that such acts required. He are moral issues and And William Penn, less we develop or refine our modus explained it this way: “It depends ultimately pragmatic expunge rejudice governor of the colony operandi, we will lose our bearings, on whom you include in your moral ones as well; our self- that was to become the retreat from the communities around universe. The rescuers felt a connec- interest and our public in our state of Pennsylvania, us and rely on the social media to tion to the endangered Jews; hence interest our inextrica- invited non-English connect us with others. The social they believed that they were in their bly connected. democracy— speakers—many of media are a valuable asset—but not moral universe.” The rescuers them- In terms of human them German—to mi- a substitute for embracing people selves were a diverse group from behavior, then, we are particularly when grate to Penn’s Woods of different backgrounds in our different nations; they were not a here for others and from its very begin- communities and including them in group of activists or dissidents— others are here for it is acted out nings. our moral universe. The pluralism they were simply individuals who us. I would call that lethally. Radical pluralism that is our American legacy must cared. Some were religious, some radical pluralism— is most prevalent in be preserved and extended as our not; some educated, some not; some it determines and the US for any number communications and information old and some young. They were not technologies make us citizens of the only holding views that were differ- world. We are a nation of immi- ent from those of their neighbors; grants; a place where others came, they were risking their lives to act often from more closed societies, upon those views. to live “without fear” and to chart On the other hand, General their own destinies and the destiny George S. Patton, who oversaw the of their society. A denial of that plu- operations for displaced persons’ ralistic mindset by Americans is the camps where many survivors of enemy within—far more destruc- concentration camps as well as Na- tive to us, to our identity and to our zis were placed, perhaps seduced by culture than outside attackers. the rhetoric of the Nazis described While our interdependence is Jews as “lower than animals” and radical in one sense of the word— decidedly not within his moral at root, fundamental—pluralism universe. I hasten to add that Patton is radical in the active sense of the was an anomaly. Most Americans word, dynamic and transformative. were horrified by the Nazis’ “final Sondra with Dr. Matt Meyer, associate professor of Philosophy, The Radical pluralism is our reality only solution”, the extermination of the University of Scranton and Dr. Aziz Rana, associate professor of law, Cornell Law School continued on p. 7 Spring 2015 Journey page 7 Radical Interdependence: a Moving Experience by Sister Margaret Gannon, IHM

e thought we were a very • What will we our efforts according • What water and power econo- Winterdependent community. take with us, and to our capacities. mies we all needed to make, We had been living together for what will we leave John Michele (South- • How to help our beloved dog, years—three of the five of us for behind? (We had wick), Fran and Car- Moss, to get used to his new twenty years—and had shared joys been offered what- rie did all the work home. and griefs, challenges and achieve- ever furniture we that required strong ments throughout the years. But last needed to move to and comparatively Lots of weariness, lots of laughs, winter we had to move our home, our new home). young muscles: hours lots of personal accommodations, and in the process, we learned in a • What do we need of lifting, carrying, millions of “thank yous” and a fresh way the true meaning of radi- to buy? loading and unload- deepened appreciation and affec- cal interdependence! • Shall we have an ing, beyond the tion for one another. That was our On a Tuesday after supper, we open house? When? point of exhaustion. experience. got the news that we had to move; • How shall we Dorothy (Haney) and We imagine that all our sisters by Friday before supper, thanks to express our gratitude for our I, who are well beyond our heavy who have moved their homes can Fran (Fasolka), we had our new very generous landlord/lady, who lifting days, packed and unpacked, attest that the moving experience, place! Fran knew both our landlord happen also to be our next door washed dishes, lined shelves, and difficult though it may be, is an and landlady, and had learned they neighbors? stocked them. authentic exercise in radical inter- had a house for rent. Fran became • How shall we accommodate the In addition, John Michele had two dependence. It comes with rich and our faithful contact in all our nego- sisters’ needs in selecting bed- other very helpful gifts: the secret of unexpected graces. tiations with them, a very likely role rooms, including converting the where to find strong, clean boxes— for our IHM Director of Commu- dining room to a bedroom? how important was that!—and the Sister Margaret retired from nications. Fran, our contact person, affection of Marywood staff mem- Marywood University in May 2014. was also the organizer of our move, When it came to telephone, TV bers who volunteered to help us on Presently, she teaches an orientation using her gifts of coordination and and computer hookups, we de- their own time. course to newly-arrived refugees in her eye for detail and beauty to lead pended on Carrie (Flood), our local Once we moved on January 7, the area, and devotes time and effort us in planning and executing our expert on such matters. What a we had to learn how to live together to several organizations, including move. relief for the rest of us to know she in our new home: ASEC (African Sisters Education There were all kinds of decisions would handle these mysteries with • How to control the heat for Collaborative) and United to be made, opportunities to grow customary competence! everyone’s comfort, Neighborhood Centers. in sensitivity to one another’s needs In the major tasks of packing and • How noise travels from room to and preferences: unpacking, we practiced interdepen- room through the house, • What will be our moving date? dence as never before, coordinating

Sondra Myers, continued from p. 6

if we actively engage in making it pluralistic—determined to improve Finally, on a lighter note, the so. Non-pluralistic democracy can our culture and expunge prejudice dictionary gives us the slang defini- be as dangerous as autocracy or in our democracy—particularly tion of radical. It is excellent— totalitarianism if it excludes ethnic when it is acted out lethally. wonderful! As the French would and racial minorities and immi- Pluralistic democracy is our na- say slangily, Formidable! grants from its moral universe. Even tional legacy and our legacy to the our pluralistic democracy is vulner- world. It is radically important to Sondra Myers is the Senior Fellow able to intolerance—played out in our future. So in the name of radi- for International, Civic and Cul- behaviors ranging from disrespect cal interdependence we need to be tural Projects and director of the to hate crimes. Our vigilance and radically pluralistic. If we believe Schemel Forum at the University of constant rededication are necessary. that “all men are created equal” and Scranton. A frequent speaker and While I have been working for that we stand for “liberty and justice writer in the arts, humanities and the past twenty years in advanc- for all”, the definition of “all” must civil society, Myers focuses on two ing the idea of the central role that continue to grow in its inclusive- major themes: the integration of citizens play in making democracy ness. We live in a free society and culture into public policy in the US work, I have been shaken by recent keeping it free is dependent on our and the strengthening of democracy happenings—in Paris and Yemen due diligence in expanding our and the culture of interdependence and ISIS (wherever it is) and, yes, horizons and our definition of what worldwide. in Boston and Ferguson and Chapel is radically possible. It is perhaps Sondra with Bill Strickland Hill—and painfully reminded that our most challenging and our most (president and CEO of Manchester we are not immune to intolerance. noble project. Bidwell Corporation, social We must learn to be more radically architect, community leader and visionary) page 8 Journey Spring 2015 The NativityMiguel School - A Model of Radical Interdependence

by Bob Angeloni

ways that reduce educational oppor- educational opportunities includ- Hesed Synagogue’ s lower level—a tunities to those who need it most. ing high school and college. Today, most unique relationship. Public education faces critical issues sixty Catholic elementary schools Today, NativityMiguel School due to eroding tax bases. As a result, in this private network are located of Scranton/Wilkes-Barre moves the individual educational needs of across the and Cana- rapidly toward the acceptance of our students from low income families da. The NativityMiguel School of initial class of 5th grade girls and are viewed on the basis of parity Scranton has adopted the guidelines boys. The all-scholarship, Catholic with other students and programs to of the Nativity school model, which school will serve the economi- serve their unique needs. include: cally disadvantaged who possess Catholic dioceses and schools educational promise. The school face the same funding difficulties l Being faith-based will stress core subject learning as found in public school systems. l Serving the economically poor Multiple models have been created and marginalized and implemented in the past, includ- l Is holistic in education scope ing consortiums and partnerships, l Is reliant upon family involve- but one of the more unique models ment is the NativityMiguel or San Miguel l Is extended day and year round education model. l Offers commitment beyond In 1971, members of the Society graduation of Jesus saw the need to assist chil- l Has an administrative structure dren from poor families living on l Undergoes ongoing assessment ur children’s education the Lower East Side of New York and inquiry has experienced profound City. This early model, a middle l Interacts with the private net- changes over the past quarter school, not only proved to be suc- work century.O Schools at the elementary cessful at that location but proved to and secondary levels, both public be a replicable, transportable model In 2012, the Sisters, Servants and private, have faced serious program. This tuition-free, extended of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sister Josephine Cioffi, IHM will issues principally related to the day, year round educational model undertook the effort to introduce a serve as the principal of the new increase in the costs of operating focused on poor and underserved NativityMiguel middle school to NativityMiguel School of Scranton. schools. That significant issue, com- children whose educational needs the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre com- pounded by the continued increase were not being met. This model munity. After a feasibility study and proficiency, and will utilize the in the number of poor and needy allowed children of all faiths the found the school would be viable services of volunteers and aides students, has forced school systems opportunity to access first-rate in this area, the IHM Sisters came who can provide instruction in the to cut services, close schools within educational programs and services, together with the Sisters of Chris- arts, music, life sciences and other inner city communities, and adapt in and it created a pathway to higher tian Charity, Eastern Region, to areas. The school will add grades 6 serve as founding congrega- through 8 in successive years and be tions. Both congregations fully operational by 2018-19. In re- have served as teachers and cent weeks, Sister Josephine Cioffi administrators in regional IHM had joined as our principal. Catholic schools for many Sister Maria Angeline Weiss, SCC decades. NativityMiguel is a will serve as our 5th grade teacher. continuation of their com- The staff also consists of Luciana C. mitment to religious educa- Musto, director of advancement and tion. With support received Carmela Smith, manager of opera- from the Sisters of Mercy tions. and a significant num- The collaboration among all ber of regional academic the sponsoring institutions as well institutions, supporters, and as the benefactors of the Nativi- friends, the NativityMiguel tyMiguel School is surely evidence School idea is now a reality. of a radical interdependence, a Operational activities began coming together of many who are in August 2014 where the helping to make this dream a reality school began to take shape. today. A location for the middle school program was secured Bob serves as the president of the in February in the Temple NativityMiguel School of Scranton. Bob Angeloni and several board members visit a classroom at the new NativityMiguel School of Scranton. Spring 2015 Journey page 9 The Mother Maria Kaupas Center “lives strung together on a common thread” by Sister Regina Dubickas, SSC

that this once prosperous coal- from her little village in As I looked around at the group, I mining region now faced environ- to Scranton for her spiritual forma- could not help but think how proud mental dangers, weak employment tion with the IHM Sisters and to Mt. Mother Maria would be and how opportunities, and disintegrating Carmel, her first mission, reflect the right it is that we are together for a infrastructure, but that it also had a tremendous faith and courage that great purpose, a great love. How treasure of good community rela- sustained her in all the circumstanc- good and right it is that Mother tionships and of holy people who es of her life. Her story will encour- Maria, her spirit and mission, once had been part of the region and who age those who come to know her to again returns to Mt. Carmel in such could now continue to be a source discover God’s presence and call in a new and inspiring way. of inspiration. He wondered if there their own lives. We are especially As the number of Sisters in our was a way to bring together the pleased that the Center will be so religious community decreases, our need for revitalization and the need welcoming to young people who mission does not diminish. It is the for undergirding it with a strong are searching for something deeper opposite that happens. The circle spiritual foundation. and more lasting upon which to continues to expand. People are n one of her writings Venerable The seed was planted. IMaria Kaupas, foundress of the Father Marty presented his Sisters of St. Casimir, expressed vision of a Mother Maria how God accomplishes great things Kaupas Center to the Sisters through people who come into our of St. Casimir, the people lives and join with us in a lasting of his parish, professors at common endeavor. Such is the Bucknell University, and story of the Sisters of St. Casimir Bishop Ronald Gainer of and such is the story of the begin- Harrisburg. Everyone was ning of the Mother Maria Kaupas interested and supportive Center in Mt. Carmel, PA—one of of this new endeavor. The the wonderful surprises in our life. convent of Divine Redeemer One day we received a call from parish has already been re- Father Marty Moran asking to talk stored to serve as the Center with us about an idea that he had of and can house about twelve bringing together an opportunity for people. community service and spirituality Several professors of in a place dedicated to a holy person Bucknell University are of the region—our Mother Maria. looking into establishing a Holy Cross Parish in Mt. Car- field station in Mt. Carmel mel was the first mission of the and hope to implement the Sisters of St. Casimir. Mother first Coal Region Summer Maria recounts that as she and her Research Institute during companions, guided by the Sisters, the summer of 2015. They Father Martin Moran at the site of the Mother Maria Kaupas Center in Mt. Carmel, PA Servants of the Immaculate Heart of have secured funds to sup- Mary of Scranton PA, walked into port three faculty/student applied build their lives. We are grateful to attracted to the vision of a world in what would be their new home, they research projects to be housed in Father Marty Moran not only for his which God is at the center and we knelt before the statue of the Sacred the field station and to conduct enthusiasm in making the Mother are all sisters and brothers. What Heart to pray for blessings on this work to contribute toward a more Maria Kaupas Center a reality but Mother Maria said is as true today new beginning. She writes that it sustainable future for the region. for his passion and commitment to as it was then. She and her compan- was as if she could hear Jesus say, The Mother Maria Kaupas Center creating new ways of deepening ions knelt before the statue of the “My love has gathered you here.” will serve not only as housing for faith and openness to a life of ser- Sacred Heart with a bold vision in Today, Holy Cross parish is part of those involved in the projects but vice for God’s glory and the good of their hearts. Today we stand with the consolidation of five parishes as a place where people can come our sisters and brothers. more than a few companions with that form Divine Redeemer parish. to know and be inspired by the life A few weeks ago, we took part that same bold vision in our hearts. And God continues to say, “My love and ministry of Mother Maria. The in a board retreat for the Maria God’s love continues to bring us has gathered you here.” Mother Maria Kaupas Center will Kaupas Center in , a center together and great things continue Previous to his assignment to also be available in other ways, such that was founded two years ago as to happen. “…and this circle just Mt. Carmel, Father Marty, of as programs of spirituality, retreats, a gathering space for young people goes on and on…it began before us, Divine Redeemer parish, had been and parish group meetings. as well as adults in the community it will be here when we’ve gone… serving as chaplain at Bucknell The establishment of the Mother surrounding the motherhouse of the our lives are strung together on a University. Like all of us when we Maria Kaupas Center will be a Sisters of St. Casimir. At the end of common thread.” come to a new place, Father Marty blessing to many. Mother Maria’s the retreat, we stood in a circle that wanted to know something of the inspiring story, the journey of fulfill- included the sarcophagus of Mother Sister Regina serves as the general parish and its people. He realized ing her call from God that led her Maria and sang the song, “Circle.” superior of the Sisters of St. Casimir page 10 Journey Spring 2015 Radical Interdependence in the Library:

What Are Learning Commons For? by Sister Gail Cabral, IHM

hat does one that would be student-centered, W“radical informal, and flexible. interdepen- A Bold Vision, an article in dence” have the Marywood Magazine (Winter to do with 2013-2014), reported several com- libraries or ments Sister Patricia made about Learning Marywood’s planned Learning Commons? Commons. She was quoted as de- The answer is scribing her passion for the concept “A lot.” of the Learning Commons, and As a child I loved public librar- commenting that student engage- ies. They were a source of great ment is one of the hallmarks of reading adventures. They flew me to quality education. Even over the last new places, to exciting stories. The eight years, the library has changed books they provided were a private to become a more flexible, inclusive retreat, an individual refuge. So, space, with comfortable chairs, eas- interdependence. ily accessed computers, and Study All libraries connect us, even Grounds, a small coffee shop. The those we use for escapist fiction. result is a more welcoming arena for They connect us to other people and Sister Patricia Ann Matthews, IHM, poses alongside a portrait that was study, searching, writing, and dis- other worlds. Now consider aca- commissioned and dedicated at the Learning Resources Center at Marywood cussion, as well as group production demic libraries. For the student and University in 2006. The portrait will grace a new student study lounge to be of videos and other student projects. the scholar, the connection to the named in her honor in the Learning Commons. The addition of these amenities led work of other scientists and thinkers within a very short time to a 50% is crucial. If one is isolated, one is technology services in one setting arship, gathering space would also increase in the number of visits to in danger of inventing what others in a way that was cutting edge for be needed, as students worked on the library. already know, of believing what has its time. Around the year 2000, my projects together. Student projects The new Learning Commons already been disproved, and of as- friend Sister Patricia Ann Matthews, would often involve the production will include more open gathering suming one’s ideas are correct with- IHM, began to read about new ideas of presentations, videos, and other spaces with wireless accessibil- out the critique of scholarly peers. in academic library use. Sister was media-rich end-products. Meeting ity for group work and the free Now that we’ve established that joined in the earliest planning by spaces would be needed in a variety exchange of knowledge. Flexible the scholarship of academe requires Cathy Schappert , Director of the of sizes and technology would need walls will accommodate the grow- shared knowledge and ideas, what Marywood Learning Resources to be available in a variety of forms. ing practice of group learning. is this about a “learning commons?” Center, and Dr. Mirabito, Sister Patricia’s efforts at learn- According to Dr. Michael Mirabito, And how does it fit especially well professor of the Communication ing about the cutting edge concept the design will incorporate both the with the idea of interdependence? Arts Department, as Marywood of the “Learning Commons” led to collaborative and the contemplative. My first awareness of this term began to plan for future uses of the growth in her knowledge and that Because of the flexibility already “Learning Commons” came about library. of library staff and faculty consul- mentioned, the building will be able when Marywood began to consider The latest thinking about uni- tants. Visits to other universities to meet the needs of today’s stu- changes to the current Learning Re- versity libraries involved ideas and consultants from other institu- dents and tomorrow’s. The structure sources Center. The current build- regarding interactions in learning. tions increased Sister Patricia’s of the building is designed to allow ing, which opened in 1968, com- Although quiet space would always enthusiasm for the idea that the new continued on page 18 bined books, media resources, and be part of what is needed for schol- library would be a hospitable place,

The Learning Commons at Marywood University (rear view) Spring 2015 Journey page 11 Radical Interdependence and the Integrity of Creation by Sister Donna Korba, IHM n the be- humans saw planet Earth with new ginning, eyes. “We set out to explore space IGod created and we discovered Earth,” noted the heavens John McConnell, the founder of and the earth, Earth Day and author of the book, the moon and Earth Day: Vision for Peace, Justice the stars, the and Earth Care. That image gave sun and the human beings an opportunity to see planets, the the unity in diversity and to recog- flowers and nize the profound but often forgot- the trees, the birds and the beasts, ten truth that we are of Earth and and human beings. When it was not just on Earth. This perspective completed, God saw that it was must have been similar to looking at good. (Genesis, Chapter 1) an Impressionist painting. Up close, Human beings instinctively all one can see is a stroke of color, know the goodness that is in them the little picture; then gradually as and in all created things. They know one steps backwards, the stroke dis- and yet they become numbed to appears into the immensity of all the that goodness, what one might call other colored strokes and the entire “godness”, that dwells deep within painted image emerges. the souls of human beings and Earth That “big picture” consciousness herself. “Godness” calls to birth the requires a human heart large enough entire cosmos and sets the rhythm of to hold the mystery and profound the universe and the pulse of planet enough to respond with deep love Earth, of which all known creatures to both people and planet. That including human beings are a part. big picture consciousness invites Anyone who has ever seen a humanity to see itself as a part of sunset, sipped water from a roll- rather than apart from this complex ing stream, observed a bee or an system of creation, created by life ant colony, been warmed by a ray itself. Elizabeth Johnson beautifully of sunshine, tasted a snowflake, Francis strongly urges Christians and all peoples demonstrates this connection when planted a seed, bitten into the fruit she says, “Woven into our lives is of that seed, gazed into the star- of Earth to respect the integrity of God’s creation the very fire from the stars and the studded night sky, watched a garden genes from the sea creatures, and grow, breathed the cool, crisp air of and to be healers of broken relationships, saying everyone is kin in the radiant tapes- autumn, marveled at the brilliance try of being.” In a more traditional of a field of wild flowers, been -at “You are called to care for creation not only as responsible Christian image of relationship, tentive to each of the four seasons Leonardo Boff refers to the universe or felt the rhythm of one’s own citizens but as followers of Christ.” as “a reproduction of the Trinitarian heartbeat in unison with the pulse diversity and union.” of all creation, is wrapped in the of life has always existed among the live upon her are in turn sacred and Pope Paul VI said, “If you want mystery of contemplation, in that indigenous peoples of the Americas. deserve reverence because of the peace work for justice.” In his first profound experience of relationship Recently, others have begun to see spark of the Divine Creator inside. Earth Day proclamation in 1970, between Creator and creation, that not only the wisdom but the neces- It seems that humanity has lost John McConnell stated, “You can’t mystery of communion that inspires sity of such a vision. “Buen vivir” some of that innate sense of interde- have peace without justice, and a lifelong commitment to the mis- or “living well” is a phrase ad- pendence and oneness with all. That justice requires care of Earth.” His sion of living a life which reverenc- opted from the lifestyles of various disconnect leads to an interpretation vision over forty years ago interfac- es the original integrity (sacredness) indigenous peoples from South and of life that is linear; where some es with present day Catholic Social of that interdependence. Central America who see a vision parts of creation are deemed impor- Teaching where reverence for the In recent years, the term “integ- of life that puts ecological health, tant while other parts are dismissed dignity of life is the fountain from rity of creation” has been added human dignity and social justice or exploited. The value of Integrity which all other values flow. Care for to the justice and peace agenda. before economic objectives. The of Creation beckons us to return to Earth is a part of that relationship. Sometimes referred to as ecologi- relationship between people and a former consciousness of interde- The broken relationship between cal justice, ecological integrity, or planet echoes the dignity inherent pendence where we begin to see humans and Earth correlates with simply the integrity of creation, in all life with the deepest respect ourselves as “a strand within the the issues of poverty, immigration, the language embraces the inter- for the harmony that exists in the web of life.” (Chief Seattle) trafficking, peace and all other jus- connection and interdependence natural world. Several decades ago, the astro- tice or peace issues of today. It is a of all beings and recognizes the From a Christian perspective, nauts of Apollo 8 landed on the well known fact that Earth’s domi- human responsibility to co-exist in ecological justice or the integrity moon and sent to us an image of nant economic, social and political harmony for the well-being of the of creation is based on the belief Earth from the moon’s surface, a entire Earth community. This vision that Earth is sacred and all who global view. Through their eyes, continued on page 14 page 12 Journey Spring 2015

We Depend on Each Other by Sister Ancilla Maloney, IHM s I begin journaling tonight, of the patient. Into our home they home, where the five boys entered into a rocky, dirt passageway to see prompted by the week`s experi- all trooped, noses running, wrecked the shower, stripped off their clothes Rufina in pain, kneeling on a sponge Aences, I`m not 100% sure or even shoes flopping. Forget socks! Then and shrieked as they showered, mattress on the bare wood floor. A 90% sure of what “radical inter- Eileen sent the two oldest back to since there was no shower or tub in box for a table with a cooking pot in dependence” means. But I believe the house to get their clothes, which their home. After the shower, with the middle. No furniture. Upstairs, that by the time I finish praying and were all over the floor and dirty. slicked-down hair and new clothes, the same disaster—a mattress on journaling, I will have come to a No furniture in the house. And of they were all smiles, especially the floor, clothes, blankets, but no deeper grasp of the meaning of radi- course, no washing machine. No and . Then began furniture. cal interdependence. one in the neighborhood has a wash- the washing machine—hang up the “Where’s the baby’s body?” This week began like all ing machine except us. clothes, take them down because Eileen asked, as the father had said weeks—looking forward to wor- Then began four days like no of the rainy season, hang them up he was going to bury the little one shipping with the community in the other in my life—changing the again all over everywhere. Six they had named . They had Church of Señor de Pampacucho, diapers of two children who had loads, two days. Buttons off, ripped no money to pay for the coffin. “In getting projects ready for the arts diarrhea, wiping noses, preparing seams. Scrubbing and chloroxing the kitchen,” an adobe hut out back, and crafts program in the library, meals the children had never had needed. Watching TV in a room was the answer. That’s why the hoping the man who was supposed before—spaghetti, salads, pancakes, with chairs, a tiled floor, and a rug. cooking pot was in the room with to paint the library during February, egg salad, watching huge smiles, Running on the paved walk after the mother. Eileen subsequently while we were in Lima, but didn`t, and eating the usual apples, bread, balloons and a ball—and to the gave the father money for a coffin will show up, and then receiving and mayonnaise. bathroom. and the burial. word that Rufina`s baby had died in Flash back to our home—garden, her womb at seven months and that Day 1: Day 2: Same—Ancilla and Eileen flowers, curtains, grass, showers, Rufina was in the hospital awaiting School opened the following Mon- exhausted. stove, beds. Clean! surgery to remove the baby. Our day, so to the outdoor market and Day 3: Same—Ancilla and Eileen Many emotions—remembering immediate concern was for the care stalls for second-hand US clothes exhausted playing Jenga with Abraham, age of her six other children, ages one we all went. The proprietors were Day 4: Same—until Mom came four, perched on the table, his smile (a girl), and boys, ages three, four, intrigued. “Who is she?” they asked home after lunch. exploding when out came a wooden eight, ten, and twelve. Ishmael, the oldest boy, about Ei- square. “Mi torno!” Concentration Sister Eileen went up to the leen. “Our grandmother,” he said. Eileen and Ancilla could just on next choice; delight. house to get the children because “Really?” They asked another child. about put one foot in front of the Adolfo, running up and down the their father had to be in the hospital “Our grandmother,” said. other. walk and shrieking with joy after to take care of Rufina, because in New or used shoes for all. Weaving Clothes patched, sown, buttoned, a balloon—not mud, water-filled Peru, the family members have the through the market, the little ones pressed, packed in Xerox boxes holes. Clean, soft bed for a nap, responsibility to care for the needs were dumbfounded. We trooped each labeled with the owner`s name medicine for his cold, special rice and loaded into the car and carrot juice for his diarrhea. to take to their home. Radical interdependence: What I could hardly breathe does it mean now that I’m at the end but the children jumped of the week`s experience? across a ditch, excited to We gringas, because of many get their box. We came continued on p. 18

p Eileen and L-R: Isaac, Moses (crouching) Abraham, Adolpho in diaper and Ishmael holding Margaret Lucia Sister Ancilla shopping with Adolfo and Abraham u Spring 2015 Journey page 13 Let Us Build the City of God! by Sister Mary Schoberg, IHM

the mind and heart of Christ. Steep- a vision of unity-in-multiplicity. work of reconciliation, the attune- The age of nations has passed. ing ourselves in scripture, particu- “It reflects ‘a desert spirituality, a ment of conflicting opposites, with Now, unless we wish to perish, larly in the gospels, coming to know place of wide-open spaces, exo- others. we must shake off our old preju- the mind and heart of Christ and dus from our captivity to the ego, Secondly, by our baptism we attempting to live as Christ would self-emptying. Its goal is harmo- are also called into ministry with dices and build the earth. live were he in our situation, enable ny. Its way is friction.’ It ‘de- Christ. We as a society have been Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, S.J. us to grow into being one with God. mands effort, integrity, struggle, given the task by our Creator to tend The more each one of us grows in sacrifice. It is incompatible with the garden and all the creatures in ho has not heard a three- or that manner, the more society grows the complacent security’ most of it: “The Lord God then took the four-year-old vehemently into Christ. us mistake for ‘peace.’ Indeed, man and settled him in the garden Winsist, “I can do it myself!” or As I look at our world, I say, [this] disarming wisdom… is not of Eden, to cultivate and care for watched the silent machinations of “Wow! We’ve a long way to go.” far, suggests Merton, ‘from the it.” (Genesis 2:15) Here is where a teen who doesn’t want anyone to Wars in various regions of our spiritual and intellectual climate the work of radical interdependence know what she is up to; or a young world, terrorism, racism, poverty, of the New Testament’ where ‘the really comes into play. adult who sings, “I did it my way”; family breakdown, man’s inhuman- Word that enlightens every [one] Each one of us human beings has or an adult who believes, “If you ity to man, ecological devastation, coming into the world is made been given various gifts. Each one want something done right, do it and much more mar the beauty and flesh, enters the darkness which of us is limited in our abilities. This yourself”; or an elder who “doesn’t goodness of our world. Then I re- receives Him not; where one must necessitates that we come together want to be a bother to anyone in call that this is God’s world, God’s be born again without re-entering to tend the garden with the vision of the family”—all signs of desired universe, and God has reconciled the womb; where the Spirit is the the Creator of all goodness as our independence. all things in Christ in the fullness wind, blowing where it pleas- guide. That vision comes into focus We are born into dependence of time. And, furthermore, God has es.’…The ‘supreme manifestation through: and, whether we realize it or not, we passed on that work of reconcilia- of wisdom and of the attunement • theological reflection on the are totally dependent on God all the tion to us (2 Corinthians 5:18). So, of conflicting opposites’ is real- task at hand, i.e., gathering infor- days of our life: “Without me you how do we participate in the work ized not only by the incarnation, mation and pondering the mind of can do nothing” (John 15:5). We of reconciliation? says Merton, but ultimately by Christ; were taught in psychology class that The Christian vocation is, first of our participation in it.” • contemplation, being in union we progress as human beings from all, a call to put on Christ, to be one with God; dependence through independence with all the members of the Body One way of participating in the • and communal discernment, to interdependence. So what is radi- of Christ. In Sophia: The Hidden incarnation is by becoming more pooling our thoughts under the cal interdependence? Christ of Thomas Merton, Christo- aware of the Divine Presence in all inspiration of the Holy Spirit to The belief of Teilhard de Char- pher Pramuk notes, persons and things, including our- discern the will of the God who din, paleontologist, mystic and poet, selves, and by allowing ourselves desires the happiness of all be- that the human being is the end of “There is nothing facile or san- to be reconciled with that Presence. ings. the evolutionary process as an indi- guine”, insists Thomas Merton, in Then we are enabled to carry on the vidual phylum, and that what must As co-creators with the Father now occur is the evolution of human and co-reconcilers with the Son beings as a society, requires radical under the inspiration of the Holy interdependence. This means that Spirit, we labor and pray; “may Thy all of us are asked to contribute our kingdom come!” gifts, to work collegially with one another under the inspiration of the References Holy Spirit to build the kingdom King, Ursula, Spirit of Fire: The of God here on earth, a kingdom of Life and Vision of Teilhard de love, justice and peace, according Chardin. to the will of God who desires the Pramuk, Christopher, Sophia: The happiness of all beings. In other Hidden Christ of Thomas Merton. words, we as a society must “put on the mind and heart of Christ” Sister Mary serves as a pastoral (Philippians 2:5) in order to build associate at St. the city of God. This is the work Parish in Rocky Point, New York. of radical interdependence, a work demanding unconditional surrender of our individualism which we as a society so greatly prize. So where do we start? Participants in the RCIA program: Seated, Sister Mary Schoberg, We have already started if, as in- Coordinator of RCIA, Megan Lang and Rebecca Ruiz, Elect; Standing, dividuals, we are striving to put on Sal and Lydia Vella, godparents. page 14 Journey Spring 2015 Radical Interdependence: We can’t do it alone by Sister Ann Berendes, IHM

n 2009, for the second time, I evening. However, in we can help pay for it. for 2014-2018 has committed us to found myself jobless. It is tough the “office” we keep a We have over forty enliven: “We Sisters, Servants of the Iwhen you find yourself over sev- supply of non-perishable volunteers who come Immaculate Heart of Mary, rooted enty years old, yet healthy enough food for those who find twice a week to work in in God and the gospel, long to serve to work, but at what? “Interdepen- themselves either unable some phase of the thrift a world crying out for justice and dence” came to my rescue through to get to the pantry or shop, ten who work in hungering for meaning. Joyfully, one of our sisters. There was soon to who find themselves the office (at least two we steep ourselves in prayer and be a vacancy in the parish where she without food when the per day), two different contemplation, embrace a life of was the school principal. The va- pantry is not open. We groups (usually six to radical interdependence, and foster cancy was as coordinator of the out- also have gift cards to a eight per shift). One imagination, creativity, and fresh reach program. What did I know of local food store where man oversees the pan- thinking.” This year we decided to “outreach”? My ministry as a parish food, personal items, and try since it is in a build- dig deeper into our collective under- bereavement facilitator was far from paper products can be ing a block away. He standing of this phrase. what I thought would be the skills purchased if they are not available purchases or picks up and delivers When I first began my work here necessary for outreach; then again, in the pantry or office. We also pro- food to the pantry when necessary. at St. John’s, I had to start afresh. what relationship did that have to vide gas vouchers to enable people We cooperate with several of the The program had been in growing the field of teaching from which I who cannot get a ride to a doctor or local Protestant churches by sharing stages for about twenty-five to thirty had just resigned? Somehow, God to other important appointments. excess food and give them addi- years. When it was inaugurated, steps in and through the people God The thrift store has three large tional help if they are short-handed the volunteers were concerned with sends to us, we learn how to apply clothes containers that need to be at any given time. We compare our serving the poor but the records the gifts we have. emptied during the week, espe- list of people who come to us at were sketchy. As the programs in Little did I realize that my years cially on Mondays and Wednesdays. Thanksgiving and Christmas with many parishes began to grow, Cath- of teaching and facilitating in the There are two sorting rooms where these churches and other organiza- olic Charities, at the request of the phases of loss would be such a the clothing is separated and sent to tions to avoid some people receiv- bishop, wanted to know exactly how tremendous asset in this new chal- the rooms where the cost is minimal ing more than they may need and things were being handled, who was lenge. I have come to understand or can be procured with a voucher others having the possibility of not being served, and the demographics myself better and I understand now from the office. Some soiled or receiving enough. of the population. Now it was the that I am a people-person, a gift that unwearable clothing is bagged and Through the gift of another of job of the coordinators to accurately I had not recognized in myself. Both held in a St. Vincent de Paul con- our volunteers we have been able collect data and forward it to them. of the who hired me must tainer where it is picked up by truck to develop a computer program All I can say is that there is no way have seen something in me that I and brought to the SVP headquar- equivalent to what is required by this could be handled by one person. had not seen in myself because both ters. the Diocesan Office of Catholic I depend on others, and try to be hired me on the spot. The coordinator and several of Charities. This enables us to send, open to suggestions. We share ideas Our outreach, better known as the volunteers have been trained to electronically, all the information together and then see what is best Parish Social Ministry or PSM, in- greet, interview, listen intently, ask concerning the people we serve. As for all concerned. cludes a pantry, thrift store, Eucha- appropriate questions, and assess of this writing, we are now training rist to the homebound, and financial the way(s) in which the individu- our pantry staff to collect their in- Sister Ann serves as the coordinator assistance. Under this umbrella, the als or families can best be assisted. formation in the same format so that of outreach in St. John the Evange- coordinator holds the handle. She/he Sometimes just a phone call to a by June we should all be collect- list Parish, Center Moriches, New oversees each area and sees that vol- company will help to alleviate the ing the necessary information and York. unteers are recruited as needed. The termination of a utility or a post- sending all information to Catholic coordinator also attends appropriate ponement of an eviction. Occasion- Charities in one correct transcript. meetings to keep abreast of what ally, the coordinator has to accom- What does all this information will help the people to be served. pany a client to court to advocate have to do with the topic, radical Our pantry is open two days for him/her. Also, we consult with interdependence: “We can’t do it a week, one afternoon and one the pastor concerning a bill to see if alone”? Our IHM Chapter Direction

Donna Korba, continued from p. 11 al South, who are least responsible relationships, saying “You are called in the beginning, may it be once systems have favored people of for it. Conscious of the privilege we to care for creation not only as again when humanity reclaims the global North. This dominance hold as people of the global North, responsible citizens but as followers the integrity of creation and re- has led to the depletion of Earth’s what becomes our responsibility to of Christ.” turns to see everything as good. ecological diversity, pollution of those more vulnerable populations As we “steep ourselves in Amen.” soil, air, sea, and sky and to destruc- of the global South? prayer and contemplation and tive changes in Earth’s climate. The Pope Francis strongly urges embrace a life of radical interde- Sister Donna serves as the director damage continues to be felt most Christians and all peoples of Earth pendence,” let us pray: “Glory to of justice, peace and the integrity of profoundly by populations of the to respect the integrity of God’s you, Source of All Being, Eternal creation for the IHM Congregation less developed countries in the glob- creation and to be healers of broken Word and Holy Spirit. As it was in Scranton. Spring 2015 Journey page 15 Friends of God In Memoriam and lovers of the dream

thirty-five years. we met again. Sister Ann and I had back and enjoying everything she To conclude, it would be impera- many interesting experiences. We read. Sister Ann enjoyed the comics, tive to speak of her deep prayer life, had made an agreement: she would and because she was from Scranton, her uncomplaining acceptance of waive privacy, we would write a she especially liked to read about illness and family tragedies, and the book, and I would illustrate our people she knew. love she engendered in those she adventures. We often reminisced Sister Ann enjoyed beautiful taught and mentored. She was truly about those trips in her household clothes. She would wear flower blessed among women. dining room at breakfast or lunch. prints and a variety of colors and al- First, she would ask how I was do- ways noticed people and what they ing, how my brother was and how wore. She loved butterflies, the sign we didn’t see each other as often as of the resurrection. She had pictures when I was a companion. of them in her room and wore but- Sister Gilmary Speirs, IHM One trip we took was to Moses terflies on her suit or dress. February 7, 1931 Taylor Hospital. We ended up across Sister Ann Lucille loved people. September 27, 2014 the street by mistake. I inquired As a pastoral minister, she listened by Sister M. Alphonsa Concilio, IHM in one of the offices about getting to people and prayed for them. She over to the hospital, explaining that ministered to sick people, listening How can one best describe Sister Sister Ann was in a wheelchair. The to them with a healing touch and a Gilmary? A Renaissance woman, a receptionist said, “Go out, cross the loving heart. woman with a whole-hearted love parking lot and go down the hill She was always gracious when and across the street.” I told Sister anyone met her. She would always of Marywood University, a true Sister Ann Lucille Bohn, IHM Ann I was going to check this out. say “thank you” for what the person daughter of Ireland, a deeply de- June 18, 1927 The street and sidewalk beside the did for her, even if it was a small voted and loyal IHM sister, a loyal October 12, 2014 building went straight down for thing. friend, a person with strong convic- by Sisters Johnice Grand, IHM three blocks. What was the recep- Sister Ann always had time for tions, a master at her life’s work as and Patricia Hauser, IHM a librarian and media specialist. To tionist thinking? I told Sister Ann others. She would welcome visitors not to worry, and I walked over to who came in to share stories with write a full description about Sister Sister Ann Lucille and I lived the hospital downhill and a trans- her. One day she called me by name Gilmary would be a much longer together for one year at St. Mary’s port person came back with me and to come and visit her. She talked document than is possible for this in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She showed me a short cut. Later I told about the past and held my hand publication. taught intermediate and I taught Sister Ann about the hill we didn’t all the time she spoke. A few days I have known Sister Gilmary primary. I know we talked about her go down. after our wonderful visit, God called since the but real ac- work especially when she was hired Another time, another hospital. Sister Ann home. quaintance stems from my time at at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver We had been told beforehand to go - Sister Patricia Hauser, IHM Marywood and the IHM Center. Spring, Maryland. She was con- directly to the second floor. It was For about fifteen years I vacationed cerned about reaching the people to seven o’clock, not a person on the yearly with Gil and four or five whom she would be ministering. I floor, gift shop closed, no one to ask other sisters. Since Sister Gilmary knew the hospital would be blessed and no place in the hall for Sister was a voracious reader, she was to have her as minister and I encour- Ann to sit while I looked for some- constantly trying to pass on wonder- aged her to do it. one to help us. We felt like we were ful books or magazine articles to In 1979-80 Sister Ann was a in the twilight zone. We never were others who may or may not have ministry student; 1982-1991, a able to write or illustrate the book been eager for the suggestion. One pastoral associate (Takoma Park, but we had many great laughs over sister’s remark which rang true with Maryland); 1991-1998, pastoral our misadventures. me was, “Gil makes me so mad, for minister in Syracuse, New York; I will miss her company, our whenever I read what she suggests I 2001-2004, pastoral visitor in Car- storytelling, and especially her won- always like it.” bondale, Pennsylvania. She brought derful laugh. In thinking back over her years to her ministry a loving heart and - Sister Johnice Grand, IHM at the university, forty plus I be- a genuine caring and concern for Sister Cecilia Marie Tippen, IHM lieve, there are many other aspects everyone. May 20, 1939 Sister Ann Lucille Bohn was a to mention. Sister Gilmary was She herself had serious health October 15, 2014 fun-loving and joyful Sister of IHM truly kind to older sisters and the problems in her life which she by Sister Patricia Tippen, IHM who enjoyed telling stories and elderly relatives of our sisters and turned into a positive outlook when listening to stories. She had a great Marywood retirees. Nothing was dealing with people. In 2006, after My Sister, My Friend sense of humor. ever too much to do for them. Ev- many years of teaching and hos- I got to know Sister Ann first Cecilia Marie, aka, Ceil, aka, eryone I think is also aware of her pital/pastoral ministry, Sister Ann when I was in Oyster Bay, New Peggy (to her family), grew up love for life in all stages, evidenced came to the Marian Convent. York, doing my student teaching. as the oldest of three children to by her yearly participation in the There was a time when I was a I was only there six weeks, but I Edward and Winona Tippen in Ma- Right to Life March in February. companion for the Marian Convent will always remember Sister Ann sontown, Pennsylvania. This small Weather was never a consideration and Our Lady of Peace Residence. Lucille’s beautiful smile. coal-mining town, home to her fam- for her and she was recognized I accompanied the sisters to doc- One of her activities was reading for being among the marchers for tors’ appointments and this is how continued on p. 16 the daily newspaper from front to page 16 Journey Spring 2015

Inspire us In Memoriam with lives of meaning ily, bustling with the “coal industry” What a treasure Ceil was! Our West Scranton Middle School. As a in her youth, was host to the Sisters Ceil is certainly missed by many of result of this, he was mainstreamed of IHM as teachers and principal us. Yet now we celebrate that she is into regular classes and went on to of the elementary and high school, among our communion of “friends earn a Bachelor of Science degree in in All ’ parish. Here was the of God and lovers of the dream.” Computer Science from Marywood fertile ground for Peggy’s character, University. Sister Mary K accom- personality and vocation as a Sister, panied Bobby and his mother on Servant of the Immaculate Heart of job interviews. Bobby now works Mary. as a Systems Support Specialist for Our parents were faith-filled, Lackawanna County. He remained simple, caring and fun-loving. And an inspiration to Sister Mary K so was she! Simply faith-filled, her through her own years of challeng- caring and loving ways showed ing physical decline. Sister M. Elissa Meehan, IHM up in the many surprises she loved Mary K was also an educa- May 20, 1912 doing for the Sisters and staff at the tor. While at Bishop Hannon High October 24, 2014 Marian Convent and later at Our School in Scranton, she took great by Sisters Johnice Grand, IHM Lady of Peace Residence where she pride in providing expert speakers and Patricia Hauser, IHM worked for the last twenty years of from a variety of disciplines for her her life. students. I first met Sister Elissa my fresh- As a baseball fan from her youth, Sister Mary Kathryn Dwyer, IHM Mary K’s friends remember their man year at listening to the Pirates on the radio May 24, 1948 trips with her to Auntie’s in Hamp- High School (I.C.) in my hometown with our Dad on the back porch, October 15, 2014 ton Bays, Long Island. Many vaca- of Lock Haven, PA. I would be her she nurtured her life-long interest by Sisters Mary Ellen James, IHM, tions were spent there with lots of student for three years of math—Al- in sports. Ceil was the one looking Mary Schmidling, IHM, laughter, good friends, food, Mass gebra 1, 2 and Geometry. I remem- for a commentary about the latest and Jane Frances Dunnigan, IHM with Father Jack and Father Tom, ber Sister Elissa offering to tutor scores and listings from many, espe- and the peace that comes with being those who needed help after school. cially the maintenance staff. We thank God for our dear near the water. I.C. was a small high school and we As a true daughter of Irish- friend, Sister Mary K. She was a Mary K’s nearly thirty years of didn’t have many extracurricular English parents, she was faith-filled, blessing in our lives and we thank illness and pain brought her closer activities, but the sisters provided us stubborn like them, even tenacious, you, God, for the happiness we have to Our Lady. She had a special with bowling, reading and news- and very caring and loving in quiet, in sharing so many memories of our compassion for those who were paper club. Sister Elissa offered simple ways. These qualities made dear friend. handicapped and those who were her assistance to the book club. We her a strong, kind, good teacher and Perhaps the greatest love of discriminated against because of would read the books and share the principal, and endeared her to so Mary K’s life was her service of their handicaps. stories with the group. The time the many students. These also made her seventeen years at St. Joseph’s In that long and tempted hour of sisters gave to us I now realize was a wonderful sister and friend to so Center. It was at St. Joseph’s Center suffering, you persevered, Mary K, a great sacrifice on their part. many, and most especially to me. that Mary K met Mark, who would supported and upheld by God and I entered the IHM Congregation My joy now is remembering with a later become her brother when his Blessed Mother, your communi- after high school and saw Sister smile her many loving surprises and he was officially adopted by her ty, family, friends—and Seamus and Elissa on and off over the years. She signs of caring for me, our brother parents. Mary K met Mark when Buddy. Until we all meet again, may was always interested in what I was Eddie and his family, and many he was two years old and in the care you keep safe in the gentle, loving doing. Sister Elissa was in her 80’s others. of St. Joseph’s Center. She took arms of your God. when she volunteered to help in the What was the inside story with him to her family home for visits, IHM Art Studio at the Marian Con- her? Her deep prayer life was where he spent time with Mary K’s vent and I had the pleasure of being nurtured by her love of scripture, parents and her nine siblings. The there to welcome her. Thomas Merton’s writings and family fell in love with Mark and While working at Our Lady of journals and Macrina Wiederkehr’s soon made plans for adoption. Mark Peace I would often stop in to wish meditations and reflections, and became a new “Irish” member of her good morning and she would her love of retreat time, especially the Dwyer family. reply “Oh, you!” and laugh. I will in the hermitage. These were her Mary K’s love extended to all miss seeing, talking and laughing “sources”, her connection to God the clients in her care at St. Jo- with her. in Jesus and her lifeline in stoking seph’s Center but in a special way - Sister Johnice Grand, IHM her creativity and caring ways. Her to Bobby Walsh. Bobby, who has love of community life and times cerebral palsy, won her heart. Sister Obituaries for Sister Elissa Meehan was a stirred her into action in planning Mary K recognized in him a deep IHM Sisters fun-loving sister who lived in prayer as well as parties, decorating household 1C at Our Lady of Peace gift for working with computers and may be found on the and, of course, showing up for the encouraged him to use his talents. Residence. She loved to sing. Some Sisters of IHM web page community gatherings and meet- Bobby started school in a sixth- of her favorite songs were “My ings, always with great interest and grade physically handicapped and Merry Oldsmobile”, “You Are My care. learning disabled class. He accom- www.sistersofihm.org Sunshine”, and “Yankee Doodle”. plished six years in one year at the continued on page 17 Spring 2015 Journey page 17

Faithful ones delighting in God’s love In Memoriam We carry on your light, we call upon your name

She sang with great enthusiasm and had the good fortune to experience admiration that the children had for life. When Sister Elissa sang, she the love and wonderful education her. encouraged everyone present to sing of the Sisters of the Immaculate Liz O’Brien, who worked at the along with her with great gusto. Heart of Mary. After graduation Marian Convent, was a great friend We often shared a song and a good from high school, she entered the of Sister Betty’s. She noted, “I laugh. She had a great sense of hu- novitiate. Following her years of invited Sister Elizabeth to my wed- mor and seemed to enjoy calling her formation, she was sent on mission ding but she was not able to attend caregivers “Mother” or “Baby”. to teach. She taught in the states for health reasons so she asked that When the nursing cart would come of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New I come to visit her on that day and into the household, Sister Elissa York, Maryland, and in Washington, show her my gown. So the entire would respond by saying “Ping, DC. Sister Betty spent her teaching wedding party visited Sister Eliza- Pong”, imitating the noise of the days as a primary teacher. She had beth and she was delighted to see cart. Her laughter was contagious, second grade most of her teaching all of us. We had our picture taken Sister Marylyn Harding, IHM and when she laughed, everyone career and she enjoyed every minute with her that day and I treasure that November 30, 1915 would laugh. of it. She especially enjoyed prepar- picture in my wedding album.” December 13, 2014 Sister Elissa had a great devotion ing her students for the sacraments Sister Jeanne Albrittain ministers by Sister Anselm McShea, IHM to our Blessed Mother under the of Penance and Eucharist. If you at Our Lady of Peace in the house- title, “Our Lady of Perpetual Help”. saw her memorial card you would hold where Sister Betty was a resi- Sister Marylyn’s life among us Many times during the day, she note that the prayer on the back was dent. When Sister Betty was invited was an ever-present reminder of would raise her eyes to the ceiling, the prayer to our Guardian Angel. to her sister Ruth’s 100th birthday, God’s gentle and unconditional smiling as if she saw our Blessed Sister Betty also had many she didn’t know how she would love for us. Her kindness toward Mother or angels flying above and talents and gifts. She taught sum- make it to that celebration but she all and her joyful, welcoming smile around her. The sisters and staff in mer vacation school in Martins- did not want to miss the great occa- and spirit were the hallmarks of her 1C will surely miss her. ville, Virginia. Being artistic, she sion for her dear sister Ruth. Sister life spent in service of her God, her - Sister Patricia Hauser, IHM designed banners for the church. Jean arranged to take her in her family and everyone she met. The pastor, Father John Munley, wheelchair and be her companion Marylyn was the first of seven was very appreciative of her artistic for the special event. Both enjoyed children born to Ellen and John work. The little ones enjoyed her a glorious family gathering and all Harding in West Pittston, PA. They kindness, love, and patience every were delighted that their dear Sister were hard-working, very loving day. Most of all she taught them her Betty was there to celebrate. parents who nurtured their children own beautiful love of God and his Sister Betty did enjoy fun times. through the uncertainties of the Blessed Mother. We had a great trip to Ireland in depression, mine layoffs and World When Sister Betty came to 1975. She was enthralled with kiss- War II. From them she learned the IHM Center she belonged to ing the Blarney Stone. resilience, resourcefulness and the the Sacred Heart Community and I must not forget to say that she gentleness, graciousness and self- began ministry in the Education loved bingo, lottery tickets, and emptying service they modeled in Enrichment Institute program. She raffles at the picnics. Of course, it their daily lives. enjoyed teaching reading and math was always for charity, you know, Marylyn was eternally grateful Sister Elizabeth Grace, IHM to the younger children. Due to but the truth is Sister Betty loved to for the gift of life and especially her July 15, 1917 health problems, she had to move win. life in community. Those fortunate November 25, 2014 to the Marian Convent and then to Thank you, Sister Betty, for your enough to live and work with her by Sister Annellen Kelley, IHM Our Lady of Peace Residence. She ninety-seven years of life. May all knew the depth of her support and participated in the Life Geisinger those whose hearts you touched generosity. Her capacity to love Sister Elizabeth Grace was born program and loved going to the pray with you now: others was rooted in love of God in Pittston, Pennsylvania. Her activities there. “Angel of God, my guardian and she shared that love tirelessly parents were blessed with seven I asked a few friends who had dear, to whom God’s love commits and faithfully even in her illness. children, three girls and four boys. been touched by Sister Betty’s life me here, ever this day, be at my side Marylyn was a gifted teacher: If you ever met any of them, you to share a memory in this reflec- to light and guard, to rule and guide. her learning and authenticity won would know they had a loving tion. Sister Kathleen Hassett was Amen.” her students’ respect as did her upbringing in the Catholic faith. I taught by Sister Elizabeth in second kindness and sincerity. Teachers never lived with Betty but traveled grade at Most Holy Rosary School who served with her experienced with her from Silver Spring and in Syracuse. When she would visit her untiring dedication and loving dropped her off at her family home Sister Betty at Our Lady of Peace patience with them and her students. on William Street. Believe me, Residence, they sometimes walked As a nursing assistant at the Marian there was much joy and excitement down memory lane and recalled Convent and also as a volunteer at when she was home for her holiday some of the happy times in that the IHM Center, Marylyn went out visits. second grade classroom. Sister of her way to be of service to all. Sister Betty attended school at Kathleen especially remembers Her loving care, intelligence and St. Elementary Sister Elizabeth’s kind, gentle man- gentle perserverance were special and High School. This is where she ner with each child and the love and gifts to all. continued on page 18 page 18 Journey Spring 2015

Walk closely by our side In Memoriam until that day when we shall meet again

We thank God for her presence Sister Marguerite Green was to St. Alphonsus Commercial High In 2014, the IHM Chapter Direc- among us these many years. As we born December 13, 1932, in Pem- School in New York City where tion Statement included a reminder treasure our memories of her beauti- berton County, New Jersey. Her sharing community life with Sister to be “conscious of both our fragil- ful smile, her prayerfulness and parents, Charles and Margaret Marguerite was a special experi- ity and our strength.” Due to health well-lived life, we ask our loving Martin Green, were owners of a ence. New York City seemed the conditions, Marguerite lived this God to reward her with the fullness dairy farm where two sons, Charles ideal setting for her energy, generos- reality in a semi-retired status at of everlasting life. and Robert, helped in the family ity, and diversity of interests. While the IHM Center. With a gradual business. Marguerite often related she enjoyed roaming Canal Street loss of mobility, she moved about that her inclination for study, espe- for bargains, there was also easy ac- in a wheel chair. Now with feet cially math, was well tolerated at cess to Manhattan’s arts and enter- shod in boot-like shoes, Marguerite home. Much later in life, however, tainment centers. Hospitality at St. “walked” her way to community it became evident that growing up Al’s included assisting visitors with events and to young students in she also learned home-style cooking their plans to enjoy the city. need of tutoring in mathematics. and farm-style tilling of the soil. The emergence of computer At Our Lady of Peace Residence, Then as a four-year resident stu- science in schools was a compel- before frailty overtook her strength, dent at Marywood College majoring ling invitation for Marguerite to every morning Marguerite went in mathematics and now well ac- update her ministry in education. directly to chapel. There in a deep quainted with the IHM Sisters, Mar- For several years at St. Mark High and motionless presence, she simply guerite entered the Congregation in School in Delaware, she designed entrusted herself to the Presence of 1955. After her profession of final and then implemented programs for God. On January 13, 2015, Margue- vows in 1963, Marguerite, known high school records. In addition, she rite peacefully released her life to Sister Marguerite Green, IHM in religion as Sister St. , assisted with the community’s meal an invitation worded by the psalmist December 13, 1932 was assigned to teaching in high planning, cooked for special events, long ago. January 13, 2015 school math programs. Eventually and also planted a large vegetable “Cry out with joy to the Lord... by Sister Eleanor Desaulniers, IHM at Fordham University, she earned a garden. She worked avidly, even if Enter his gates with thanksgiving... master’s degree in mathematics. sometimes sporadically, for projects Give thanks to him and bless his In 1966, this writer was assigned deemed worthy of her best efforts. name.” -Psalm 100

Gail Cabral, continued from page 10 convention of the Comparative and deeper than we can easily know. Marywood’s new Learning International Education Society This type of interdependence reso- Commons is growing daily and will for different arrangements as needs used a uniquely South African idea nates with Marywood University’s be dedicated on September 8th. Its change, as knowledge about effec- as the theme of the conference. The mission and history: to seek lasting planning, design, and construction tive teaching and learning develops word for this idea is “Ubuntu.” It global human connection. All hu- have involved, and will continue over the next decades. means humanity, but not as just a man scholarship participates in this to require, collaboration and inter- One of the interesting things I general term for all humankind. It goal. dependence. Sister Patricia’s role learned many years ago as a gradu- means humanity understood as the I am typing this article by my- in planning Marywood’s Learning ate student was that dependence relationship of each person to each self. However, it is the product of Commons and her thirty-seven and independence are not polar other person. “I am because you are; many people’s ideas and actions. years of service to Marywood will opposites, as they appear to be in you are because I am.” When I finish, I will share it with be recognized by a student study our language and in our everyday Interdependence is not simply a others before it goes to the pages lounge in her name. To find out concepts. That makes the idea of middle term between dependence of Journey. Such is the interde- more about this effort, please visit interdependence more central than and independence. It is the unend- pendence of scholarship. You may 100.marywood.edu we might think. We cannot exist ing interaction of humans with each have opportunity to think about, or alone. Nor can we find our true other, with their culture, and with to forward these ideas. Such is the Sister Gail serves on the faculty at selves by ourselves, nor by merging the environment. The interdepen- collaboration which the Marywood Marywood University in Scranton. with others. We are uniquely made dence we are called to is “radical” Learning Commons is designed to to be both one and with. A recent because it is about connections foster.

Ancilla Maloney, continued from p. 14 meaning of “poor”, to appreciate six year-old IHM sisters who are Sister Ancilla serves as a pastoral the power of the God-given human blessed to be involved in the lives of minister at Parroquia de San Felipe donations and hearts filled with love spirit of a little child who is always the truly marginalized. in Sicuani, Peru. and spirits with energy, have much smiling, to appreciate the struggles How simple: we depend on them to give and share—muchisimo! of a poor, beleaguered mother and and they depend upon us for the But we drink in their joy, delight father. They provide the opportunity basics—love, care, sharing, joy, in every school day, in bread and for self-emptying, patience, a loving delight and necessities. cheese, yogurt, Sunday showers, look into the big, shining brown Amen. big hugs, heartfelt “Gracias, Her- eyes, and gratitude for two seventy- mana!” We learn compassion, the Spring 2015 Journey page 19

IHM Heartworks Online Store The IHM Heartworks Online Store is your destination for downloadable artwork, graphics, and photography created by IHM Sisters! This downloadable artwork can be used for publications, program covers, bulletins, flyers, and posters. These high resolution files can be printed and framed to enhance home, office and ministry site. All artwork is Gifts of the Spirit Celebrating the Spirit reasonably priced and immediately Code: 6000 Code: 10027 Price: $.99 Price: $.99 usable. Make a purchase from our store today: http://store.ihmheartworks.org

Longing for the Endless Immensity Reflection and Prayer for Living a Life That Matters by Chris Koellhoffer, IHM

ithin our hearts is a profound longing to live a life of significance, to make meaning out of our Winner experience in ways that will enrich and influence our world. Longing for the Endless Immensity speaks to this collective desire and invites us to enter every moment of our lives as an arena for living contemplatively, for doing justice, for moving forward with intention. This book underscores the wisdom that no aspect of our everyday living is without impact on our evolving universe. Each section begins and closes with breathprayer, offers a thought-provoking reflection, invites time for stillness and personal prayer, and suggests questions for journaling or group conversation and sharing. Longing for the Endless Immensity is recommended for parish groups, religious communities, adult faith formation, faith-based gatherings, peace and justice groups, and anyone hoping to leave a graced footprint on this earth by living a life that matters.

Amazon: www.amazon.com Barnes & Noble: www.barnesandnoble.com Create Space: www.createspace.com/4850792 Heartworks: 570-963-2491 or 570-346-5404

Lessons from Life Audio Book Now Available!

Interested in writing a review for our audio book? Contact Sister Fran Fasolka: [email protected] for a free download of Lessons from Life.

The Sisters of IHM have just released Lessons from Life in audio book format. Recorded by Tiffany Williams, a professional narrator, all 206 short stories by IHM sisters, associates, and friends, come to life. The audio book is nearly six hours of listening to a wide variety of personal stories that will touch the hearts and inspire the imaginations of listeners. Each purchase of the Lessons from Life audio book supports the IHM retired sisters. Please share this link to purchase the book and also to listen to sample stories by Sisters Annmarie Sanders and Kathy Kurdziel: http://tinyurl.com/p4p6ujt page 20 Journey Spring 2015

,

for this beautiful, yet wounded world. wounded yet this beautiful, for and foster imagination, creativity, and fresh thinking. and fresh imagination, creativity, and foster IHM Chapter Direction 2014 - 2018 2014 Direction IHM Chapter long to serve a world crying out for justice and hungering for meaning. for justice and hungering crying out world for a serve long to Joyfully, we steep ourselves in prayer and contemplation, embrace a life of a life embrace and contemplation, in prayer ourselves steep we Joyfully, radical interdependence radical to live our vowed life and invite others to join us in bringing about God’s dream dream others to join us in bringing about God’s and invite life vowed our live to Conscious of both our fragility and our strength, we search for new and deeper ways ways new for and deeper we search strength, and our Conscious offragility both our We, Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, rooted in God and the Gospel, and the Gospel, in God rooted of Heart ofSisters, Servants the Immaculate Mary, We, Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, Pennsylvania of the Sisters, Servants Immaculate Heart Mary, Congregation

PAID Non-Profit U.S. Postage Scranton, PA Organization Permit No. 39

To learn more about our summer service program: To http://www.sistersofihm.org/what-you-can-do/service-trips/ Journey IHM Center Avenue Adams 2300 18509-1598 Scranton, PA cultural groups. The mural promotes the beauty, strength and harmony that The mural promotes the beauty, cultural groups. happen when people weave their lives together in peace and mutual respect. Out 2014 focused on poverty in the inner-city and served a sprawling multicultural Out 2014 focused on poverty in the inner-city Each summer, the IHMs gather women volunteers for a special week of service. Reach Each summer, neighborhood surrounding the Aquinas Center in South Philadelphia. Above, volunteers Aquinas Center in South Philadelphia. neighborhood surrounding the Reaching out in service with the Sisters of IHM work side by preparing a mural representing the colorful fabrics of five neighborhood