Nazareth SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF CONNECTIONS NAZARETH // VOL 13 // FAMILY IS THE HEART OF OUR MISSION // NO 2 // SUMMER 2019

Paths to discernment STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 4 MESSAGE FROM THE PROVINCIAL SUPERIOR

Invitations TO THE PERIPHERIES WHERE

Fr. Anthony Lechert, C.R., spiritual director to Mother Mary of FEW DARE TO TRAVEL Jesus the Good Shepherd (Frances Siedliska).

Dear Friends of Nazareth, Galveston, TX. At the same time, he hospitals beyond Galveston. also extended an invitation to three Several years after his arrival in Texas, Occasionally, we receive invitations priests to accompany him on the one of the priests, Father Vincent to attend social and family events, journey. However, since they were a Barzynski C.R., who had traveled meetings, and to experience new cloistered congregation, the sisters across the Atlantic Ocean with the opportunities. However, daily we were unable to fulfill Bishop Dubuis’ Sisters of the Incarnate Word and receive invitations from Jesus to follow request, but they introduced the Bishop Dubuis, left Texas to serve as Him. Daily, Jesus invites us to dine with Bishop to three women working as pastor at a Polish parish in Chicago. Him, pray with Him, follow Him, and nurses at the Hospital of Antiquaille As large numbers of Polish immigrants go forth sharing His Gospel. in Lyon. These courageous and brave were settling in Chicago, Father women accepted the invitation, and Barzynski extended an invitation to The short reflection that follows is began an intense and rigorous week- Father Anthony Lechert, C.R. to send not only a story about invitations, long formation experience before sisters to staff a school and orphanage but it is also one that challenges us setting sail to the U.S. and establishing in Chicago. The arrival of the Sisters to experience God in the simple and a new religious congregation, the of the Holy Family of Nazareth in ordinary events of our lives, in the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Chicago in 1885 marked the beginning simple yet profound invitations we Word. of their ministry of serving families in receive. education and health care throughout At the invitation of Bishop Dubuis, the the U.S. This story had its beginnings in the sisters began to extend the healing year 1866 when Bishop Claude ministry of Jesus Christ by serving the Dubuis extended an invitation to the poor, the sick, and the impoverished continued on page 5... Sisters of the Order of the Incarnate in Galveston. After residing in the Word and Blessed Sacrament in Lyon, U.S. only a short time, the sisters France for three sisters to journey recognized the critical need for health with him to the U.S. to the region of care in this country and began opening

HOW ARE YOU CALLED TO LOVE? We invite you to pray with us, to listen to God’s call with us and to love with us as we find God in ordinary experiences. Learn more about our community life, our ministries and our mission at nazarethcsfn.org/join-us. Or contact Sr. Emmanuela Le, CSFN, National Vocation Director, at 972-641-4496 x111 or [email protected].

2 4 VOLUME 13 // NUMBER 2 // SUMMER 2019

Nazareth Connections is published three times a year by the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in the USA. 10 Editor: Tammy Townsend Denny 16 Proofreaders: Sr. Clare Marie Kozicki Sr. Jude Carroll Sr. Lucille Madura

Editorial Board: Sr. Angela Szczawinska 19 Sr. Barbara Frances Samp Sr. Carol Szott Sr. Jude Carroll Sr. Kathleen Ann Stadler Contents Sr. Lucille Madura Sr. Marcelina Mikulska VOCATION IN MEMORIAM Sr. Marcella Louise Wallowicz 4 A new house of 12-15 Sr. M. Pancratia (Joan) Zuczek Sr. Mary Louise Swift discernment in Texas Sr. M. Sylvia Golubski Sr. Teresilla Kolodziejczyk Sr. M. Dominic (Irene) Ciuzycki Katherine Barth 6-7 A silent call Sr. M. Christiana (Dolores Georgianna) Metz Design/Print: REFLECTION Sr. M. Consilia (Florence Louise) McDaniels Marketing 8-9 So that in her Mackiewicz Questions, comments, suggestions? footsteps... we may live Sr. M. Geraldine (Patricia) da Silva Please contact: Communications Department JUBILARIANS DEVELOPMENT Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth 310 N. River Road, 10-11 Congratulations to 16 Our financial legacy of Des Plaines, IL 60016 our 2019 Jubilarians responsibility, just compensation, 847-298-6760, x144 and integrity [email protected] 19 Thank you from our development office nazarethcsfn.org facebook.com/csfn.usa twitter.com/csfn_usa instagram.com/csfn.usa ON THE COVER: Photo taken by Sr. Angela Szczawinska, CSFN, at Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, IL.

NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 3 VOCATION

“While the time line of three years may seem long,” said Sr. Kathleen Maciej, Provincial Superior, “the delays and obstacles are nothing short of God’s Divine intervention and blessings on this home directing us to a new venture.”

Bishop Edward Burns, bishop of the Diocese of Dallas, gave support for the new endeavor, noting this would be the first House of Discernment in the diocese. The Congregation’s General Administration also approved the venture.

Thanks to the generosity of St. Paul the Apostle parishioners and grants received by the pastor, all plumbing and electricity have been replaced in the old convent. Additionally, furniture was purchased and a new kitchen was installed. Renovations to the convent A new House are still ongoing. Please join with us in praying for this initiative to engage and support the of Discernment women who are discerning God’s call for their life at our new House of Discernment.

in Texas If you or someone you know is With God’s blessings, in mid- scheduled meetings with pastors exploring God’s call to religious life as September, our province will embrace and diocesan representatives, and a Catholic sister, contact our national the future with hope and new life as explored creative opportunities to vocation director, Sr. Emmauela Le at four affiliates and three sisters move solicit donations to support this 972-641-4496 x111 or vocations@ into our new House of Discernment endeavor. nazarethcsfn.org. Come & See Days at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in and Discernment Weekends are held Richardson, TX. Then, in May 2018, she met with Fr. throughout the year. John Szatkowski, pastor of St. Paul The long process for this initiative the Apostle Church in Richardson, began three years earlier when our TX. The parish had a vacant convent

vocation team first submitted a formerly used by sisters who Srs. Monika Brulinska, Emmanuela proposal to the provincial council to ministered in the parish. Fr. John, who Le, Marie Kim Thanh Tran, and establish a House of Discernment had served as the vocation director Josephine Garrett with discerners for women discerning religious life. for the Diocese of Dallas and was and Fr. John Szatkowski at St. Paul From March 2016 through April 2018, on the formation faculty at Holy the Apostle Church, Richardson, TX. Sr. Emmanuela Le, CSFN, national Trinity Seminary, was excited for the vocation director, visited many opportunity to foster vocations as a possible sites for the new house, pastor.

4 MESSAGE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2...

During the next 100 years, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word of Houston, and the Sisters of the Incarnate Word of San Antonio continued to extend the healing ministry of Jesus through the establishment of hospitals, expectations. The Lord strengthened orphanages, clinics and related Fast forwarding to the twenty-first the first three pioneer women who century, we find ourselves challenged left France and responded to their health care ministries throughout by similar invitations to go beyond invitation to use their nursing skills in the U.S. our comfort zone, to reach the Galveston. The Lord strengthened the peripheries where few dare to travel. Sisters of the Incarnate Word and the In 2016, faced with the challenges We ask: Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth to preserve Catholic health care, in the 1800’s, and He continues to the Sisters of the Incarnate Word WHERE AND TO WHOM IS THE strengthen religious life today. from San Antonio and Houston CHURCH INVITING ME (US) TO SERVE? extended an invitation to the Sisters In the Holy Family, of the Holy Family of Nazareth to HOW AM I (WE) RESPONDING TO THE become a co-sponsoring member INVITATION FOR OUTREACH OF THE POOR, THE IMMIGRANTS, AND THE Sister Kathleen Maciej of CHRISTUS HealthCare System, MARGINALIZED? which had been founded by the Sisters of the Incarnate Word. HOW HAVE I (WE) RESPONDED TO Sr. Kathleen Maciej (right) talking THE INVITATION TO SUPPORT AND with Ernie Sadau, president and CEO This story of invitation ADVOCATE FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE, of CHRISTUS Health, during a recent reached its climax when the HUMAN DIGNITY, AND RESPECT FOR visit to sites in France and Italy that three congregations gathered LIFE? are important in the heritage of the in Des Plaines, IL in 2016 to Sisters of the Incarnate Word and WHAT INVITATION CAN I (WE) GIVE the Sisters of the Holy Family of share the commonality and TO OTHERS? Nazareth. interconnectedness among the congregations. The result was WHAT IS IT THAT I (WE) ARE INVITING A 2016 photo from a meeting in nothing less than the work of Divine OTHERS TO? Des Plaines, IL of the Sisters of the Providence which had commenced Incarnate Word of Houston, Sisters of in 1885 with the arrival of Bishop Just as Bishop Dubuis and Father the Incarnate Word of San Antonio, Dubuis, Father Barzynski, and the Barzynski did more than a century and the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. Incarnate Word Sisters in America, ago, our invitations can initiate followed by the arrival of the Sisters missions that reach far beyond our of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 5 VOCATION

A silent call The very first time I felt the gentle invitation or urge to a life of serving God was when I was very young. I do not know whether I heard or whether I read it. It was something about virgins serving God. I felt that this was what I would like to do, to be a virgin in the temple. That was before I knew about the nuns, as we called them at that time.

This invitation became more apparent in the third or fourth grade. However, at the time it seemed that it would be such a long time until I would be old enough. As the days slowly crept into years, I didn’t give it another thought. It happened that near the end of my seventh grade year Dad moved to another farm nearer the little country town of South Heart [North Dakota]. The school that I went to for the next three months was a larger public school taught by our sisters, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. At that time, I did not get to know the sisters too well.

After finishing the eighth grade, I again returned to the public school taught by our sisters. Only this time I was a freshman in high school. The school After Sr. Christiana Metz passed away in April, our provincial secretary stumbled year seemed to pass by more quickly upon this vocation story, handwritten by Sr. Christiana in December 2003. In the with all its ups and downs. story, Sr. Christiana beautifully describes the journey from her family farm in North Dakota to religious life in Chicago, guided by the “silent call” of the Holy Spirit and It all began when I was a sophomore the encouragement of CSFNs, who served in North Dakota from approximately 1941 that I again felt this inner calling, until 1983, including as teachers in public schools. After stepping off the train in only now it was more keen. When in Chicago in 1946, Sr. Christiana continued to answer the silent call for 72 years as a school or at home chopping wood, Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

6 the money that I would need first, for Mom and Dad were not too well off. But Mother Superior and the sister thought it best not to wait. Thanks be to God.

When I broke the good news to Mom and Dad they were very happy. Mom was especially happy and told me that she too wanted to become a nun, but was not able to, being the eldest of a large family.

The good sisters arranged and made it possible for me to enter the convent. The date was set for March 4. It was then that Dad became very angry. “Just for that you are not going to go at all.” He couldn’t see that I should had to look up in the Bible was about travel that long distance by train from the harvest being abundant and the South Heart, ND to Chicago alone. laborers being few. At that time, I did He wanted me to wait until June then not understand the full meaning of go with the sisters. It did not take Dad these words. too long to get over his anger and give his consent. A few weeks later, the sisters had it so arranged that a priest would come On the memorable day of March the and speak to us about vocations in 4th 1946 I bid good-bye to my parents, general and then to the religious life two brothers, and eight sisters and or any other vocational calling. It was with the grace of God followed the here that I knew I wanted to be a nun. Divine Silent Calling. I didn’t mention it to anyone because I was afraid that they would laugh at A loving and grateful child of the Holy me. Family of Nazareth, taking out ashes, or doing other Sometime later when I was writing Sister M. Christiana, CSFN outdoor farm chores, it seemed to me my mid-term state examination for that there must be a higher reason for orientation, there was a question doing all these things. It always made asking us what we would like to do Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth me think about God. in the future and why, giving us a first and second choice. I did not know in North Dakota, circa 1941 what I should write. Inwardly, I wanted My mother used to tell me that I was Sr. Christiana (right) with Sr. Corona her best girl. I would always be the to be a nun and I couldn’t write Molenda in Grand Prairie, TX. Sr. first to answer, “I’ll do it, Ma!” anything else. So, I just wrote “nun” Corona passed away in October 2018 Speaking about school again, we and “nurse,” giving the reasons. would have religion courses for half an hour three times a week, taught When the sister, my teacher, found by our pastor. He was teaching us out she took me aside and began to the Bible and Church history. I loved tell me about religious life, giving me and respected him very much. It so pamphlets to read. I told her that I happened that one of the passages I would have to wait a year before I could enter because I wanted to earn

NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 7 REFLECTION how she must have looked and acted. As an adult, I now know the deeper significance of this act as she went beyond the prejudices of her day, especially as a woman, to approach the rugged sailors and invite them to friendship and faith. I am reminded of her fidelity to God in that present moment as he undoubtedly spoke to her heart through these wandering seafarers.

Looking further at this experience as I imagine it, I see Mother Mary standing on board with her group of 11 professed sisters and novices voyaging to a foreign land. She and they left all that was familiar and comfortable and “home” to follow Jesus who called So that in her from a distant and unknown shore. I pause for a moment and wonder. How did Mother Foundress ever get the footsteps... courage to take half of the community to this foreign land? How did she WE MAY LIVE ever grow to trust so deeply in God? How did she assuage the fears of the sisters, the separation anxiety from all by Sr. Geraldine Wodarczyk, CSFN Mother Mary of Jesus the Good that was familiar? Shepherd (Frances Siedliska) first Editor’s note: In 1985, in honor of heard a call from the Church that the 100th anniversary of the first Sisters help was needed in America. And in a WILLINGNESS TO of the Holy Family of Nazareth to arrive prayer-filled burst of holy foolishness, in the U.S., CSFNs throughout the U.S. Mother Mary took 11 congregational JOURNEY composed essays to reflect on and honor members, did some planning, boarded We wonder how our Mother the dedication and faithfulness of these a ship, and set sail for America. Foundress could take that step to take first sisters. The following is one of those half of the group to a foreign land. essays, edited for length and to update The event of our Congregation’s We can admire her for that, especially content, composed by Sr. Geraldine American founding may sometimes when we find, as we look at our Wodarczyk. Though written 34 years ago, seem remote to us within our contemporary situation, a hesitancy these words fortuitously and poignantly contemporary experience. Yet in many of us to journey toward the address today’s challenges in the Church, like a fairy-tale, the enchantment future that beckons to all of us. in religious life, and in the world around surrounding it invites us to look more us. closely and see what meaning is in it The foreign land that beckons to us for us. invites us to a wholehearted return Once upon a time in early 1885, to Gospel living and the spirit of when Nazareth was not even I remember Sr. Mary Caesar, my our foundress, always in dialogue 10 years old and there were no fourth grade teacher, recount the with today’s world. This foreign land development offices or retirement story. I recall her telling us of how challenges us to be counter culture, funds, provincialates or regions, Mother Mary spoke and prayed with while respecting and reverencing the and Nazareth was small with little the sailors on board the ship. As a cultural differences wherever we property, no institutions, and very child, I thought of that as an exciting serve. The foreign land of the future few sisters, an energetic foundress, part of the story and often pictured

8 requires that we be vehicles of peace Do we trust in God’s will as did our in war-threatened lands, and in, often, foundress, as revealed in the ordinary, JOURNEYING IN “war-torn” hearts. and sometimes extraordinary events COMMUNITY of life? How does one grow in trust? We live in a Church in turmoil as well. Psychology would tell us that trust is A final question emerges. How did And because our life is so integral to fundamental for the establishment of our foundress touch the hearts of the Church’s life it is impossible to any type of relationship. Trust requires the sisters who accompanied her on remain untouched by these struggles, a belief in the goodness of the other, this voyage? How did she assuage especially when religious life itself here the trusted one. Basically, Mother their fears? Did obedience give these in America is questioned. Mary believed in the goodness and pioneers the certainty and surety love of God. She writes, they needed to take such a risk? Were Our foundress’ love for the Church there no questions asked? Did they and her desire for Nazareth’s May this beloved Lord of ours be share in her love and vision for the identification with that Church with you always, guiding, instructing, future of the Church and of Nazareth? demand that we enamor ourselves enlightening, supporting, and Or were some fearful and unwilling with courage during these rocky days. strengthening you. Look to Him for on board that ship? Were some What message does our foundress, everything. As long as you will remain silently critical of Mother Foundress who was so willing to take a journey close to Him, fix your gaze upon Him, and came because they had to? Did to a foreign land, say to us who listen to His voice, believe in Him, hope some vacillate, one minute being embark on a journey to this “foreign in Him, love Him--nothing can harm you. caught up in the adventure, at another land” that she did not even imagine? (from Letter to Mother Joanne, Rome, being caught up in fears, anxiety, or Her words, spoken at the time of March 28, 1885, in Counsels from the worry? And are we sometimes in that coming to America, invite us to a Heart. Oshkosh, WI: Castle-Pierce Press, category? deeper life of faith, especially in such 1976) turbulent times: We are called to journey together, One’s relationship with God was even though many questions about This is a time of faith in practice, a time not meant to be solely a practice our journey may arise. We need the of boundless trust in our Lord, a time of of personal piety, however, but an wisdom and grace to learn to live love in action. Let not anxiety depress you; energizing force for the active service peacefully with such questions, many for is the power, the goodness, and the within the Church. of which may never be answered. love of Christ less on sea than on land, We are called to journey with one other in America than in Europe? Mother Foundress’ journey invites another--some as leaders, others (from Letter to Mother Joanne, Chicago, us to renew our trust in the Lord, to as followers--united in the ideals of July 12, 1885, as cited in Out of Nazareth, pause and to consider our personal building the Kingdom of God’s love. Sister M. DeChantal, CSFN. New York: relationship with him. She asks us to We need to listen to each other Exposition Press, 1974) look at how we trust God, how we tenderly as we share these ideals from trust each other, how we trust in the various vantage points of age, ministry, Perhaps we could also ask if the love giftedness that God has given us. She and life experience and be willing to and faithfulness of Christ is less at a sets before us the Holy Family. Are let go of our will so that God’s will time of transition, than in a time of we willing to look at their example of be done. Through the efforts of each social and communal stability; less at trust and imitate them in our everyday one of us, God’s Kingdom will come a time of upheaval in the Church, than life? Trusting in God includes utilizing and his will be done that we may live during peaceful and settled times. the best resources we can to plan happily now and everlastingly. ahead, then leaving the rest to the TRUSTING IN THE God who loves us. Some of the first CSFNs to come to LORD the U.S. Blessed Mary of Jesus the A second question emerges. How did Good Shepherd (Frances Siedliska) is our foundress ever grow in trusting seated in the center. so deeply in God and thus enabling her to take the risk of the journey?

NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 9 2019 JUBILARIANS Congratulations TO OUR 2019 JUBILARIANS SR. FLORENCE KLANIECKI DIAMOND JUBILEE – 75 YEARS Entered November 21, 1944

In a 2016 “Mission Moment” audio recording, Sr. Florence (formerly Sr. Eugene) credits the younger sisters in her community with helping her earn her PhD at the University of Pittsburgh. When ministry obligations would take her out-of- state, the younger sisters would sit in on her classes and get her assignments. In the 1970’s, Sr. Florence completed her degree with a thesis on “Developmental Growth Patterns of Young Children in Processing Syllables and Phonemes in Spoken Nonsense Words.” The paper reflects only a portion of the great love for education she has had throughout her religious life. With nearly a half- decade ministering in education, Sr. Florence has inspired countless students to be life-long learners, as she continually enriched her personal education with studies in languages, nature, science, and astronomy.

In addition to her time as a teacher, principal, director, and dean in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan, she also has served in leadership for the former St. Joseph Province in Pittsburgh and was the Pittsburgh diocesan educational consultant. Though she left education ministry in 1996, her kindness and compassion for others continued as a chaplain serving elderly residents at HCR ManorCare in Pittsburgh prior to her retirement in 2002.

SR. ANGELA CRESSWELL GOLDEN JUBILEE – 50 YEARS Entered September 8, 1969

Sr. Angela first sensed a call to religious life as a 12-year old when a Sister of Mercy suggested she should be a nun. But, it was Sr. Robert LaRochester, CSFN, several years later who was most instrumental in Sr. Angela’s decision to answer God’s call (Sr. Robert is now a Carmelite nun in Maryland, known as Sr. Barbara Jean, and remains a mentor to Sr. Angela). “She emphasized from the earliest days to place and keep Jesus as number one in my life,” Sr. Angela explains. “I entered Nazareth in 1969, a time of exodus for many religious, and [Sr. Robert] wanted me to come for the right reason.”

With a PhD in Second Language Acquisition/Instructional Technology, Sr. Angela serves as an assistant professor at Holy Family University (HFU) and as the director of HFU’s Family Center, both in Philadelphia. She is also a Spanish instructor at Nazareth Academy High School in Philadelphia.

“Reflecting on my relationship with our Lord over the past 50 years, I am aware and surprised at how it has changed,” she says. “I am conscious of a difference in how I listen and speak to him.”

10 SR. EVELYN MARITA FIGUEROA GOLDEN JUBILEE – 50 YEARS Entered September 8, 1969

Among the students at Alpha House in Philadelphia, she is known as Sr. Evy, an empathetic religious education and Spanish teacher with a contagious smile. For almost 25 years, Sr. Evy has inspired the school’s preschool and kindergarten students and their families to grow not only academically, but also spiritually.

“In educating the child, I have found that in many instances one must minister to the family, as well,” she says. “There have been occasions… especially in my present ministry, where parents have returned to the faith because of the discussions [they] had with their children [about] the daily religion classes.”

Originally from Puerto Rico, Sr. Evy was inspired to enter religious life by her teachers and by her mother who instilled in her the love of her faith. Though, when she announced she wanted to be a sister, her mother objected. Her principal Sr. Inez Jankowski, CSFN, and her teacher Sr. Rita Partyka, CSFN, helped ease her mother’s fears. Soon her parents were like family to the CSFNs serving in Puerto Rico, cooking meals for the sisters and helping them find their way around the island.

SR. CAROL MOCKUS GOLDEN JUBILEE – 50 YEARS Entered September 8, 1969

For Sr. Carol, the desire to develop a spiritual life through adoration of the Blessed Sacrament inspired her to enter religious life. But, it was the spirituality of simplicity and family life that drew her to the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth.

Religious life for her continues to be the story of a growing relationship with Jesus and spreading the kingdom of God’s love. Inspired by C.S. Lewis’ words, “Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses,” Sr. Carol finds joy in the ordinary experiences of her vocation in community with her sisters, in her ministries and in her growing spirituality.

“This commitment made 50 years ago is a continuous journey that invites me to keep on pressing on every day,” she says.

Over the last three decades, Sr. Carol has served in development, first for the Immaculate Conception Province, then later for the merged Holy Family Province. She currently ministers as the philanthropic gift advisor for the province’s development office where she uses her gifts to nurture long-term relationships with friends of Nazareth and relates to all God’s people.

NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 11 In Memoriam

Sr. M. Pancratia to John and Helen (Wadas) Zuczek. own quiet way, she was at peace (Joan) Zuczek She attended St. Adalbert School and in the midst of not knowing or May 3, 1930 – St. Ann High School in Chicago. understanding her life’s journey. February 19, 2019 Joan embarked on her religious life It was in such a quiet manner that At the time of in 1952. In1954, she made her first Sr. Pancratia passed away during the her death, Sr. profession of vows and soon after was early hours of February 19, 2019. Pancratia’s address transferred to St. Mary of Nazareth Her funeral liturgy was celebrated on book contained hundreds of names, Hospital in Chicago where she February 21. She was laid to rest at All addresses, and phone numbers of began training to become a medical Saints’ Cemetery. people whom she had encountered technician. She served in Texas and Sr. M. Sylvia over the years: employees, volunteers, New Mexico at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Golubski deacons, priests, CSFN associates, Holy Cross Hospital and Nazareth April 28. 1936 – former members of the Congregation, Hospital. February 19, 2019 and relatives. All of these people were important enough that Sr. Pancratia In 1970, Sr. Pancratia returned to Des A fun-loving person wanted to keep in touch with them, Plaines, IL to serve at Holy Family who enjoyed life, Sr. engaging in a quiet and meaningful Hospital and briefly at Holy Family Sylvia had a forgiving ministry in her own unassuming way. Health Center. In 1984, she began heart. With a compassion for the ministering in pastoral care at Holy unfortunate, she was always willing to One woman who was contacted Family Medical Center, also in Des lend a helping hand. regarding Sr. Pancratia’s death shared Plaines, where she spent the next 15 that when she was a small child, Sr. years. Born on the Near Northside Pancratia took care of her and her of Chicago on April 28, 1936 to siblings when their mother was ill. Sr. Pancratia became a resident at Lawrence and Frances (Czerak) Over the years, Sr. Pancratia had Nazarethville in 2005, where she Golubski, Sylvia was the third of six stayed in touch with her. was able to pursue a simple lifestyle, children, including two cousins her praying, reading and continuing parents adopted. She attended a Joan, as Sr. Pancratia was baptized, with her handiwork, though her public elementary school, then Holy came into the world on May 3, 1930, memory began to fade and she Family Academy in Chicago where the second of three daughters born slowly withdrew into herself. In her the seed of her religious vocation was 12 planted. Sr. Gemma, her math teacher, Sr. M. Dominic administrator. In January 2002, she asked if Sylvia had ever considered (Irene) Ciuzycki retired and was transferred to Holy becoming a sister. After four years October 24, 1928 Family Manor in Pittsburgh. of high school with the Sisters of – March 22, 2019 the Holy Family of Nazareth, Sylvia In October 2018, she was placed on decided to take up the challenge. As a positive person hospice and was kept comfortable, and a ready listener enjoying the last months of her She entered the Congregation in1954, with a reassuring life. She died at Holy Family Manor receiving the name Sister M. Irma and smile and kind words, Sr. Dominic on March 22, 2019. The Mass of later returning to her baptismal name. was helpful to many sisters, residents, Resurrection was celebrated on She pronounced temporary vows and staff at Holy Family Manor in March 24 at Holy Family Manor in 1957 and earned a Bachelor of Pittsburgh where she served as chapel. Sr. Dominic was laid to rest in Science in Education from De Lourdes receptionist for more than 10 years St. Joseph Cemetery in Ross Township, College in Des Plaines, IL. She served after her retirement. She was often PA. as an elementary school teacher and complemented for her beautiful receptionist in the Chicago area. She singing voice and was able to add Sr. M. Christiana also taught briefly in Florida. harmony to the songs in the Holy (Dolores Family Manor chapel and dining room. Georgianna) With a bright smile, she welcomed Metz young children who were adjusting to Irene was born in Detroit on October September 21, life at school without Mom and Dad. 24, 1928 to Dominic and Bernice 1930 – April 1, Strict, but caring, she did her best to Ciuzycki. Along with her six siblings, 2019 challenge each child to do his or her she attended St. Hyacinth School Known for her smile and appreciative, best. through eighth grade. In high school, loving nature, Sr. Christiana prayed she attended Mt. Nazareth Academy, for and blessed everyone, especially She enjoyed crocheting, making a Pittsburgh. priests, the world, and the souls in variety of craft items, and playing purgatory. At daily Mass and during computer games. She was also an avid At 16, Irene recognized the call the sisters’ community prayer, she fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago to religious life and entered the always mentioned these intentions Bears. Congregation of the Sisters of the as well as the gifts and fruits of the Holy Family of Nazareth, becoming Holy Spirit for those who did not have After retiring from teaching in 2006, a postulant on March 18, 1945. She them. Sr. Sylvia helped at the Provincialate’s professed her temporary vows in1949 front desk. She was transferred to and made perpetual vows in1955. Born September 21, 1930 to George Nazarethville a couple of years later. and Josephine (Krushensky) Metz Her greatest support during this time Sr. Dominic ministered for over 30 in South Heart, ND, Dolores was was her sister, Terry, who called her years as an elementary school teacher the eighth of eleven children. Her every evening to see how she was in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and earliest education was in a one-room doing and visited frequently, bringing Alabama. In addition, she served as schoolhouse with about twenty snacks Sr. Sylvia enjoyed. principal at St. Stanislaus School in students in grades one through Pittsburgh. eight, taught by one teacher. When On February 19, 2019, after a good the family moved to Dickinson, ND, night’s sleep – a first in many weeks Between 1981 and 1987, she lived in Dolores, now in her teens, became – a good breakfast and then some Rome, working in the archives and acquainted with the Sisters of the discomfort, Sr. Sylvia took her last translating Blessed Mary of Jesus the Holy Family of Nazareth. breath. She was heard repeating, Good Shepherd’s (Frances Siedliska) “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…” as her earthly letters. On one occasion, when her teacher, life ended. a sister, invited a priest to speak to Sr. Dominic returned from Rome the class about vocations, Dolores Sr. Sylvia’s funeral liturgy was in 1990 and served in St. Leonard’s experienced an inner calling to celebrated February 22 in the Home in Altoona, PA as assistant enter religious life. Her mother was Provincialate chapel. She was laid to rest at All Saints’ Cemetery. NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 13 especially happy but her dad did The fourth of seven children, she was In the afternoon of April 26, she not want her traveling from North born on August 23, 1923 in Chicago passed into the arms of her Beloved Dakota to Illinois alone. In time, he Heights, IL to Joseph and Micheline at Jesus the Good Shepherd Convent relented and gave his blessing. On (Drapash) Mackiewicz, Early in life, she in Grand Prairie, TX. Her Mass of March 4, 1946, she said good-bye to felt the attraction to become a sister, Resurrection was celebrated on May her family and with the grace of God, though her mother cautioned her to 1 at the convent chapel. followed the Divine calling. wait a few more years. “At a school event,” Sr. Consilia later explained, “I Sr. M. Geraldine She professed her temporary vows had a kind of conversion experience, (Patricia) da Silva in August 1949 and final vows in where I felt the need to speak again of February 23, 1929 August 1955. She earned a teaching my yearning to go to the convent. This – May 2, 2019 diploma and theology certificate from time I was successful.” DeLourdes College in Des Plaines, On February 23, IL in 1954. She served in education She entered the Sisters of the Holy 1929, in Hong ministry for 24 years in Chicago, Family of Nazareth in1941 and Kong, God blessed Florida, and, in North Dakota. professed her first vows in 1944. Reginaldo and Lindamira da Silva with another baby girl, the fifth child among After her teaching ministry, Sr. She completed her studies in seven sisters and three brothers. Christiana spent 13 years caring radiology in 1946 at St. Mary’s Together with her siblings, Geraldine for the sick at Nazarethville in Des School of Radiology in Chicago. She attended Maryknoll Convent School Plaines, IL. Eventually, she transferred also attended St. Paul University. in Hong Kong, except during the to Texas where she served as a From October 1946 to June 1955, Japanese occupation, December 1941 nurses’ aide in the convent’s infirmary. she served in hospital radiology to August 1945. As members of the Her love for the sick always found her departments in Texas and New British Reserves, her father and oldest praying with and for them, especially Mexico. brother were imprisoned during the assisting those who were in their final war. The family became refugees in stages of life. In June1955, she began ministering in Macau, a Portuguese colony. When the radiology department at Mother peace was declared, the family During her last week, though unable Frances Hospital in Tyler, TX (now returned to Hong Kong. to speak, Sr. Christiana was able to CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances mouth the word “Jesus.” She passed Health System). In March1981, she In 1959, Geraldine left Hong Kong away April 1 at Jesus the Good was appointed Director of Pastoral for a teaching position at one of the Shepherd Convent in Grand Prairie, Care at Mother Frances Hospital, a Maryknoll schools in the U.S. Due to TX. The Mass of Resurrection was position she held until her retirement unforeseen circumstances, she arrived celebrated April 4 at the convent’s in May 2003. While working in in Irving, TX and began teaching at chapel. pastoral care, Sr. Consilia said, “My St. Luke Parish School where the time in pastoral care fostered my Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth Sr. M. Consilia desire to grow in God’s love and served. While teaching at St. Luke’s (Florence Louise) through His love to support and School, Geraldine felt the hand of Mackiewicz inspire the patients I visit and counsel God leading her to religious life. After August 23, 1923 – daily.” much discernment, she entered the April 26, 2019 Congregation in 1960. She received In retirement, Sr. Consilia helped with the name Sr. Bernardine, but later On the occasion the CSFN archives in Grand Prairie, returned to her baptismal name. of Sr. Consilia’s TX. Later, she served as a volunteer at diamond jubilee, she shared: “When St. Rita’s Parish in Fort Worth, TX. In Sr. Geraldine spent 40 years as an my ‘cup’ runneth over with doubts, June 2015, Sr. Consilia was transferred educator in Texas. From 1992 until difficulties, sorrows, my ‘cup’ was back to Grand Prairie, TX. Even with 2006, Sr. Geraldine served in pastoral also filled with joys, happiness, faithful physical pain from treatments for care and as a member of the hospital friends and the determination to cancer, her spirit was upbeat. support staff at Bethania Hospital persevere in this way of life.” Health Care Center (now United Regional Health Care) in Wichita Falls, 14 TX. In 2006, she retired to Grand After Mass on May 2, 2019 at Jesus Donations in memory of a Prairie, TX but continued to teach the Good Shepherd Convent in Grand deceased sister may be mailed religious education classes once a Prairie, the priest visited Sr. Geraldine week at the Korean Martyrs Catholic to bestow on her the Sacrament of to Development Office, Sisters Church in Hurst, TX. Sr. Geraldine’s Anointing of the Sick. As he finished of the Holy Family of Nazareth, life-long interest in art remained a blessing her with the Sign of the Cross 310 N. River Rd., Des Plaines, part of her daily life. and those around her uttered “Amen,” IL 60016. Please include a she breathed her last breath. Her note with the name of the In 2012, she suffered a stroke which Mass of Resurrection was celebrated sister you are giving in memory paralyzed the right side of her body May 6 at the convent chapel in Grand of. Donations may also be and caused her to lose the ability to Prairie. made online at nazarethcsfn. speak properly. Yet, her glowing smile org/support-us/donate-now/. and her love of people remained.

NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 15 DEVELOPMENT

Our financial legacy of responsibility, just compensation, and integrity

by Sr. Marie Kielanowicz, CSFN funds which helped finance the beginnings of the Congregation. The Anyone familiar with the life and fact is, however, that for a variety virtues of Mother Mary of Jesus the of reasons, those means steadily Good Shepherd, the foundress of the declined over the years and, following Fathers and Brothers and was, Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the death of her parents, she did therefore, a uniquely capable advisor. will immediately be reminded of not receive an exceptionally large her love of God, her gentleness inheritance. Securing and maintaining Internally, in the early days, few sisters and compassion for others, and her sufficient funds for the new were competent in the specialized energetic dedication to furthering Congregation was always something area of financial administration, yet the reign of God’s love in the world. with which Mother Mary had to Mother Mary tried her best to place A lesser known quality of this gifted contend. skilled and efficient sisters in the person is her skill in overseeing the position of treasurers, instructing management of the financial resources them to act prudently and responsibly of the Congregation in the early STRUCTURES in the management of financial days of its existence. This important matters. Mother Mary was keenly responsibility is one to which our IN MANAGING aware that financial stability was foundress gave careful attention. RESOURCES essential as the sisters labored to When it came to financial matters, she Mother Mary managed the resources fulfill their mission of service to God’s was a prudent, astute, and effective of the Congregation in the beginning. people. To that end, she insisted that steward who insisted on integrity, In addition, recognizing the they keep meticulous records of clarity, and justice in the management importance of good financial advisers, income and expenses, and required of material affairs. she both relied on and benefitted that the superiors send quarterly from the financial savvy of trusted reports which she carefully reviewed. Mother Mary came from a noble, others – clergy and laity alike. Chief She required that the sisters maintain wealthy family and during her among those whom she consulted a moderate lifestyle in keeping with childhood and early adolescence they was Father Anthony Lechert, CR, the their vow of poverty. enjoyed the freedom from worry spiritual director of the Congregation. which prosperity brings. Given her A civil and canon lawyer, he also A General Council (or advisory family’s wealth, one might think that served as the treasurer of his own group) for the entire Congregation Mother Mary inherited considerable Congregation of the Resurrection was created in 1895. This was a major 16 organizational step forward and included a special position of Treasurer PRINCIPLES General. A new, unified system of WHICH GUIDED financial reporting and accountability was instituted. Concrete guidelines MOTHER MARY for individual houses were established IN FINANCIAL regarding the general fund. In addition, each local community was required to MATTERS contribute a specific amount of money A major, practical concern of the to the Provincial and General fund. foundress was that the sisters be This practice of sharing resources justly compensated so as to insure in common, like the first Christian that they could maintain themselves communities, was yet another way without relying on collections from to maintain financial stability in the the laity and to enable them to fulfill Congregation. their ministry well. Mother Mary very quickly learned the intricacies understood that adequate financial of doing business in America. She Continuing today, sisters submit resources were needed to care for plunged right in, consistently sorting their ministry income to support the the students and orphans in the things out by studying all the bills and financial needs of all sisters in the sisters’ charge. At the outset of their documents, seeking legal guidance, province and the larger international ministry in Chicago, therefore, Mother calculating risks, educating herself community. Such sharing also enables Mary, the Archbishop and pastors about government requirements, etc. the Congregation to continue its drew up a contract for a monthly Mother Mary would not rest until charitable mission to the poor, a stipend for the sisters’ services. she understood the financial details particular characteristic of Mother and had clarified the implications of Mary’s life and ministry. While Mother Mary believed she had business and legal affairs involving the no ‘head’ for business matters, she Congregation.

NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 17 furthering God’s reign of love in the world through generous service to those in need. Her contemplative spirit, however, was also rooted in a very practical ‘two feet on the ground’ awareness of the realities of human life. Consequently, she demanded justice for her sisters – adequate compensation, appropriate living accommodations, and respectful treatment of those who were giving their lives generously in service to their brothers and sisters.

Coupled with this, she required of the sisters a sense of shared responsibility and accountability for financial resources, gradually guiding and educating them to manage and use financial assets wisely and well. In practical financial situations, she She worked tirelessly to insure taught the sisters to be alert to new insisted on clarity, careful accounting, transparency in financial and legal sources of income (even sending them and documentation. And lastly, her matters, insisting that important on fundraising trips) and to decrease management of financial concerns, as transactions be documented and spending whenever possible. all other matters, was characterized not left to chance. When it became by honesty, forthrightness, integrity clear that only American citizens In dealings with others, Mother Mary and the prudent, wise discernment. could enter into legal transactions, was very vigilant about the issue of We follow our foundress’ example Mother Mary, unhesitatingly, initiated justice. As often happens, the sisters even today, ensuring that the Sisters the naturalization process for herself were charged with the finances of of the Holy Family of Nazareth will and some sisters so that they could various sodalities and associations. continue to spread the Kingdom of conduct corporate business promptly She insisted that careful accounts be God’s love well into the future. and efficiently in the Congregation’s kept, that the sisters acted with the own name. utmost integrity. As she wanted just Sr. Marie Kielanowicz entered the treatment of the sisters, she realized Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in Finding enough income to cover – with genuine sensitivity – that it is 1962. She currently serves as the Holy expenses was a continual concern also imperative to treat those outside Family Province resource for Nazareth for our foundress. At the beginning of the community justly. Always grateful spirituality. the Congregation, houses had to be for the kindness and support of purchased and funds were loaned to others, it was not right, she believed, them for the upkeep of the sisters. to unreasonably ‘expect favors’ from There were large expenses associated the goodness of the laity or to take Sr. Patricia Ann Koschalke, CSFN with rent, everyday maintenance for advantage of their generosity. (left), works with Provincial Treasurer, Sr. Irena Mika, CSFN the life of the sisters, high taxes, and (right) at the provincial offices in Des the necessity of paying lay teachers Plaines, IL for their work in schools. THE LASTING LEGACY Sr. Yvette Ortiz, CSFN, finance While she tried to use only interest and business manager at Nazareth As with everything in her life and on the capital, she often had to Academy Grade School, Philadelphia ministry, Mother Mary placed all the withdraw funds from the capital, but resources of the Congregation at Sr. Loretta Theresa Felici, CSFN, she knew that there had to be other the service of its mission – that of president and CEO of Mission and ways to insure sustainability. She Ministry, Inc

18 DEVELOPMENT Thank you from our Development Office

Thank you for the extraordinary generosity you showed our sisters throughout 2018. Because of you, we can support the needs of all our sisters, so they, in turn, may “further God’s kingdom by building communities of love and hope among ourselves and among the families of the world…”

Every time we asked you, our loving and faithful benefactors, for help, you came through for us. You never let us down. For example, your generosity helped us replace windows at our Grand Prairie, TX convent, replace a large hot water heater at Mt. Nazareth Convent in Philadelphia, PA, and purchase new recliners for our elder sisters living at our Des Plaines, IL convent.

Throughout the years, you have not only become a part of our history but a deep part of our lives. You are a gift to us – a blessing to us – and we are grateful! Please know that our sisters keep you in their daily prayers.

We would also like to offer many, many thanks to the wonderful individuals who have served on our committees and/or have been instrumental to the success of our fundraising events. There is truly no way to thank them enough for the time and talents they have shared with us.

Nazareth Retreat Center Committee, Southwest Area: Tim Moloney, Mary Jean Moloney, Bill Quinn, Polly Weidenkopf, Sr. Francesca Witkowska, CSFN, Sr. Mary Louise Swift, CSFN, Sr. Rita Fanning, CSFN, Sr. Marietta Osinska, CSFN

Holy Family Academy Alumnae Committee: Lydia Cabello, Margaret Gorder, Monica Hernandez, Adriana Jimenez, Jacqueline Hyzy, Cindy Perales, Jackie Pokorny, Mary Puente, and Sr. Clare Marie Kozicki, CSFN.

2019 CSFN Social Thanks to the hard work of our assistant development director, Heidi Scheuer, and volunteer, Barbara Gellman, the 2019 CSFN Social was a success. This year’s net income was over $77,000! Special thanks to John Turner (our emcee and auctioneer), the Connelly Family and, of course, our sisters for all their help. There is no way to adequately express how grateful we are for all the wonderful people who so generously love and support our Social and our sisters.

Sr. Susan Therese Rojek, CSFN, with Robb and Gloria Tuckey NAZARETH CONNECTIONS // SUMMER 2019 19 Non-profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid 310 N River Rd. Des Plaines, IL Des Plaines, IL 60016 Permit No. 340 www.nazarethcsfn.org

JOIN US FOR OKTOBERFEST

Mark your calendars for October 13 and join us at White Eagle Events & Convention Center in Niles, IL beginning at 11:00 a.m. for Oktoberfest 2019. This annual event features delicious German-style food, raffles, music and conversation with our sisters.

Tickets are $55 per person and must be purchased by September 30. Proceeds benefit the family outreach of the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. For more information, please call Sr. Clare Marie Kozicki, CSFN, at 847-298-6760 x. 237.

Thanks so much to Sr. Clare Marie and the Oktoberfest committee Elaine Beatovic, Irene Delgiudice, Margaret Gorder, Dan Gott, Michael Hoban, Jacqueline Hyzy, Jackie Pokorny, Mary Puente, Dennis Vaccaro, and Bob Neil.

We, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, are called to extend the Kingdom of God’s love among ourselves and others by living the spirit of Jesus, Mary and Joseph whose lives were centered in the love of God and one another. We witness to this love through dedicated service to the Church, especially in ministry to the family.