Franciscan of Mary USA Province Volume 38 No. 1 Spring 2008

Gathered at Fruit Hill on March 9, 2008 FMMs, family and friends joined in a prayer of sending for our Gospel Women. We sang … “we’re standing together”; we prayed … “Let God be praised”; we listened to the words of Blessed Mary of the Passion … “we who are Mary’s missionaries … have been chosen to announce that Jesus has risen from the dead”.

Sr. Lois sent our Sisters, Thao and Martha, “ … may you bring your deep love of God to your new province, to your new community. May both of you discover in each one the gift of God’s presence in new and challenging ways.” We embraced our Sisters in affirma- tion and concluded in song … ‘We are marching, dancing, singing, praying in the light of God.”

Editors’ Notes Our Deceased Sisters, Relatives, Friends

We thank you for your contributions Since the last issue of Sharings, to this issue of Sharings the following have entered God’s Kingdom: telling of your ministries and some of the light-giving happenings in the province!

We wish you joy and peace Anastasia Wolffe, fmm during these 40 days (M. of St. ) of Easter celebrations … many alleluias! Born to Eternal Life: January 11, 2008

Rosemarie Higgins, fmm Maryann Alukonis, fmm Anne Turbini, fmm

Theresa Zavota, fmm (M. Palatius)

Born to Eternal Life: March 20, 2008

Contents

Eulogy for Anastasia Wolffe & Georgia, Roslyn ...... 3 Mary Catherine Docherty , fmm News from the Big Apple ...... 4 ( M. Marnoc)

Millbrook ...... 5 Born to Eternal Life: March 23, 2008

Myriam Community ...... 6

Web Sites, Congratulations & Fruit Hill Day Services ...... 7 Paul Dufault, brother of Alma Dufault, fmm El Paso ...... 8 Anthony Knoeber, brother-in-law of Savina D’Agostino, fmm St. Petersburg & Ecumenical Prayer Service ...... 9 Licerio Mijangos, brother-in-law of Conchy Zunzarren, fmm

World Day for Consecrated Life ...... 10 Cornelio Bautista Segora, father of Leticia Bautista, fmm

Music Therapy ...... 11 Louisa Alam, mother of Liliane Alam, fmm

Las Cruces & “Old” ...... 12 Gloria Konwerski, sister of Lois Van Delft, fmm

Thomas Callanan, brother of Frances Callanan, fmm

Sharings is published at: Lourdes Pfau, sister of Trini and Minda Castrillo Provincial Communications Office 399 Fruit Hill Ave- North Providence, RI 02911 Juliette Corneau, activities director at St. Antoine Residence Tel: (401) 353-5804 Ext: 130 Fax (401) 353-8755 Please send articles either to Charlie Bowie, husband of Lillian Bowie, one of our nurses [email protected] or [email protected]

2 Eulogy for Sr. Anastasia Wolffe, fmm Roslyn, NY

St. Francis Hospital Opens its In her February 8, 1903 conference entitled "The First First Sabbath Room Glance of Jesus Upon Our Souls and Our First Look Upon Jesus" Mary of the Passion wrote: "Consider the first glance of Jesus upon certain of his chosen souls. What must have been His expression as He looked on St. Francis, the stigmatized, so bereft of self, so full of love when he beheld for the first time his Divine Savior. How Jesus and Francis looked at each other with the wounds of Jesus in Francis and the wounds of Francis in Jesus! Surely this look of Jesus must have repaid Francis for all his labors, sacrifices and sufferings. Is there anyone among us who does not wish to merit a glance like that of Jesus upon Francis and that of Fran- cis as he looked at Jesus? All anxieties are over, for Jesus takes this soul to share the Heavenly bliss of His In order to better meet the needs of families of Ortho- angels and .” dox Jewish patients, St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center has unveiled a new Sabbath Room. The two- What did Jesus see with His first glance at Sr. Anasta- bedroom, one bath suite, is equipped with a fully sia's soul? I am sure He saw a soul filled with love for stocked kosher kitchen and will be available on a first and of Him. I believe that Anastasia heard Jesus say come, first served basis as a hospital courtesy. to her, "Come my dove, winter is passed. Come with me into Paradise." “This latest initiative springs from our mission to care for and respect patients and families of all faiths,” said Lois Pereira, fmm Alan D.Guerci, M.D., President and CEO. “We are pleased to be able to provide these additional over- night accommodations.”

“We do everything we can to make our patients and their families comfortable during a hospital stay,” said Akram Boutros, M.D., EVP and Chief Administrative Officer. “Now we will be able to offer additional hospi- Pine Mountain, Georgia tality to Orthodox Jewish families who are unable to travel on the Sabbath.” Sr. Mildred Morrissey, Pastoral Associate of Christ the King, Pine Tovah Brill, a pharmacist at Mercy Medical Center Mountain, GA whose husband was once a patient at St. Francis, was one of the came up with the idea. With help from Drs. Chaim recipients of and Meyer Abittan, two brothers who are not only St. the Gartland Francis physicians, but rabbis as well, an appropriate Service Award. space was found. Both doctors recognized the need for the room, after facing the recurring situation with Bishop J. Kevin patients’ families during the Sabbath. Boland con- ferred the “We hope this will give our patients’ families a peaceful Gartland Ser- place to sleep and pray during the Sabbath, that will vice Award on 73 members of the Savannah diocesan also give their loved one peace of mind knowing they family at Mass celebrated in the Cathedral of are close by,” said Chaim Abittan, M.D. on the Solemnity of Christ the King on November 25. Bishop Boland instituted the Bishop According to recent Hospital statistics, Jewish patients Francis X. Gartland Service Award, named after the are the second largest segment of the Hospital’s pa- first bishop of Savannah, during the diocese’s sesqui- tient base, after Roman Catholics. Kosher meals are centennial celebrations in 2000. The award recognizes always available to patients and their families, as well long-standing service to the in South as access to spiritual care. The Hospital is currently Georgia. Pastors may nominate up to two honorees 3 exploring the idea of installing kosher vending ma- each year. chines. years. She temporarily discontinued this (about 600 linens a week) for several months when she was hav- ing difficulty with her legs. She claims that she is now ready to take up the task again. Amalia also does the linens for Fordham University (Manhattan branch) which Chan Nguyen had begun when she was a stu- dent there. The biggest event for us this new year of 2008 was the election of a new Coordinator for our community of Eugenia Choi retired from the Chinese Immigration nine members (we have gradually declined in num- Services last year and was highly honored with several bers from the seventeen we began with when we th dinners and accolades in abundance. She continues moved to West 97 St. in 1993), and increased in ages! to follow up with some of her families, seeing them in So, we are all united in that phenomenon in today’s our small parlor, or else by phone. She faithfully visits religious life. her family, especially Assunta, her sister who resides

th with (her son), his wife and two teen-aged On the 25 February, Liliane Alam was “installed” as sons. Eugenia ministers to her sister by taking Eucha- our new Coordinator. Liliane joined us in November of rist each weekend to her. 2007, having finished her tremendous ministry with the Las Americas ministry to people on the border. She Maria Teresa de los Rios began part time employment was beginning to settle in here when the news came at the parish early this year and continues as our local of her mother’s serious illness and then death on the Treasurer. She had previously worked with the Span- 22 January. Liliane returned to Lebanon for the wake ish speaking parishioners and resumed that work condolences and the funeral. She returned to New again, visiting the ill in their homes or when hospital- York on the 22 February. We had begun the discern- ized. She arranges that Communion is taken to the ment and consultation before she left and finalized the home-bound, doing much of it herself. Maria Teresa election shortly after her departure for Lebanon. She has done the Spanish translations for the parish bulle- was warmly welcomed upon her return to NYC!!! tin, etc. during her years here.

Our community had been without a local coordinator Emmanuel Shen continues her pastoral ministry at since January 1, 2007 when, due to my beginning min- Transfiguration Parish in China Town. Each year her istry at St. Church in the new Francis- parish has the most RCIA members – in preparation can Spirituality Center as a Spiritual Director, my duties for baptism, Confirmation and/or First Communion. there prevented me from continuing on in leadership Emmanuel cooked for her annual LUNAR NEW YEAR at the convent. The community pulled together and celebration in February and a good time was had by we divided up duties as best we could, depending all. The friars from the parish always join us for this upon the generosity and availability of each one. We evening meal. experienced some gaps but generally all went well and we grew in collegiality as well as respect for each Theresa Conway is a Eucharistic minister at various one’s needs and appreciation for each one’s reaching hospitals and medical facilities in the city. She goes to out as needed. Hospital for Special Surgery, Mt. Sinai, Sloan-Kettering, and Mary Manning Walsh Home. She is excellent at It is amazing how much ministry is being done – out- her work and brings Jesus to so many both in Eucha- side the house as well as within. We continue to have rist and by her presence to each one. a steady flow of guests from all parts of the world. Each receives the same warm Franciscan welcome for Mary Griffin continues on at Holy Name Parish as the which the FMM’s are known throughout the world. Parish Secretary and Parish assistant. She is the face Certainly we hear words of appreciation from each of Holy Name to all those who come to the rectory five guest about the joy and happiness he or she experi- days a week. It is a very demanding work – answer- enced while staying with us. The world becomes ing phone, door, and responding to so many different smaller as we reach out and take time to listen to oth- requests. She does this with ease and grace. ers from whatever situation they come.

Nga Le is our student sister and brings expertise with Amalia Gandarillas, our senior sister, had continued to the computer and to the artistic use of this technology. do the altar linens for St. Francis of Assisi church in the What she does not know, Liliane Alam complements. convent, as she discontinued going down to the We have been updated in computers, printers, and Church to work where she had ministered for so many their upkeep! Aren’t we blessed? 4

During this Lent, most of us have been attending our We attended Mass each morning, complete with sing- Parish Lenten Tuesday nights. It consists of Vespers, ing. The meals were excellent. I remember the beauti- Soup and Salad, and then a talk. This year the talks ful bedspreads made by Sister seam stress. They were have focused on Risk – taking or refusing to take a risk. two toned and gathered in coordinating colors. After- The first week, a presentation (by Fr. Luke Sweeney – noon naps took place in hammocks in Happyland, a Diocesan Director of Vocations) was given on Pilate lovely little area where we spent much of the day. (1st Station), as a person who was too weak to take a There was a little building where furniture, games etc. risk. The second week we heard about Simon of were stored. Is Happyland still there? Cyrene, (by Fr. Brian Smail, OFM, Vocation Director for Holy Name Province) who was forced to take a risk. The surrounding woodlands were magnificent. It was This week Mary Petrosky spoke on Veronica (the sixth my first experience on the mountains. station) who dared to take a risk. Next week we will hear about MARY, the fourth station. Fr. Hugh Hines, I really could go on and on expounding on my great OFM will speak on Mary’s Yes which was a total risk. time in Millbrook. Back on Long Island I finished school. The 5th week we will have an evening with the oppor- In 1948 I entered the Sisters of Mercy at Dallas, PA. It tunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. will be sixty years this year and I can't believe it. I fin- ished school at College Misericordia and Fordham We wish you all a Blessed, joy-filled Easter. WE are a University then launched into a teaching career. This community who knows how to celebrate such events – ministery took me all over Long Island and Pennsyl- as all FMM’s seem to do. vania. As a hobby I authored a dozen published picto- rial history books. Mary Petrosky, fmm Just want you to know this one camper had a really great experience at Cardinal Hayes and always hap- pily remembers my six weeks with the Franciscan Mis- sionaries of Mary in Millbrook. We shall keep your work in our prayers!

Prayerfully Millbrook, NY Sr. Anne Frances Pulling, RSM

Recently we received the following letter from a former resident at Cardinal Hayes :

Dear Sister:

Sixty Four years ago I spent part of a summer at the then Cardinal Hayes Memorial Home. It was a delight- ful surprise to receive a letter from Millbrook today even if it is one of those sad story letters with a happy ending.

It was 1944 and I was just 14. My grandmother had gone to heaven where she joined my mother. During the war my father had to work overtime at our local hospital in Central Islip, L.I. I was sent off to Millbrook for six weeks and for some reason the sojourn in Mill- brook left a lasting impression. The letter brought back many happy memories.

"Mother Reynolds" was our guardian and "Miss An old picture from the files of Happyland. with Grace", a college student from downtown, was also a Sr. Olive Goody, fmm (1940s) guardian. She taught us many parodies to familiar songs which I often catch myself musing over.

5 ministries, she served for six months among a tribal group who had been displaced by a volcanic eruption.

Lucie Kristofik joined us in the spring. She assists in the provincial treasurer’s office, keeps an eye on supplies in the kitchen and dining room, and treats us to spe- cial desserts from time to time. It’s hard to keep track of her mission experience. After 6 years in Pakistan, Lucie has served across the USA in Millbrook and Ros- lyn, Florida, Navaho, and Georgia!

In her almost 60 years as an FMM, Mary Theresa Plante has moved from childcare worker to medical laboratory work to her laboratory work to her present service with Franciscan International at the UN. In her work with F.I., MT has traveled around the world and From our Province Directory you know our names! We spread the Franciscan message of peace and justice would like to tell you something about ourselves and in many areas. She keeps us informed of ‘hot- about what has happened in our lives in the last few buttoned issues” and world wide areas of concern. months. To begin, just a brief word about each one. Elizabeth Conyers, a with MT, has served in Lois Ann Pereira, who joined us in early November India and in Grottaferrata abroad, province-wide in the (and filled the emptiness we felt at the departure of USA and in New Mexico, NYC, Boston area, and now Mary Motte), surely needs no introduction to the prov- the Bronx. She joined us for service in the archives. ince! Since her arrival, she has been updating the necrology of the Institute in English. At the same time she has Cathy Tshitenge is our youngest member. She has been accompanying Cathy, and serving the province served in the Early Childhood program of the Immacu- with the sisters of first vows and in the Sabbatical pro- late Conception parish school from January to Decem- gram. ber of last year. From September to December she also taught Religion to 2 sections of Grade 4. Now she Local treasurers surely have had contact with Trinidad is a full time student at The College of New Rochelle Castrillo. Trini is from the Philippines. She serves in the where she has a combined Religion-Early Childhood provincial treasurer’s office. She has also taken care of program. Getting around the Bronx by car has been a several of the simple household tasks around the challenge for her! She has adjusted well to her “post- house. Trini came to our province after 20 years in ” experience of community. Indonesia as a teacher.

All surely know Noreen Murray through her service as Last but not least Jeanne Mera, Japanese, has been in provincial treasurer. You may not know that she is an Myriam community since the early 90’s. Trained in extraordinary “Jane of all trades” who does our shop- Montessori in Japan and serving there as teacher for ping, sees to repairs around the house, takes care of years, Jeanne came to the USA in 1979 and proceeded the cars, and responds to endless calls for help from to get a Masters degree in special education in Cam- each one of us. In addition to various services in the bridge. She served in Kennedy Memorial Hospital for USA, Noreen was missioned to South America and some time and then in a Cambridge Montessori. Her has given service as a Spanish to English translator in missions in the USA have taken her to Fall River, Tho- and in South America. reau, NM, and finally to the Bronx. Together with some other Montessori teachers, Jeanne founded Our Anyone who has called our community has had con- Children, Our Selves, Inc., an organization devoted to tact with Carmen Perez. In addition to her work as the physical, intellectual, social and spiritual develop- provincial secretary, she demonstrates exceptional ment of young children and of the adults who love and creativity in preparing liturgies and in wonderfully apt care for them. Participation in this, here and annually birthday cards, notices for our bedroom doors and our in Japan is Jeanne’s ministry. She also serves in an bulletin boards. Did you know that, missioned to Ko- Asian Catholic Mission and in a Japanese Catholic rea after her first profession, she served 29 years Mission in the metropolitan area. She is being en- there. For one year before her final profession she re- couraged to send her profile to Rosemarie Higgins so turned to her native Philippines where, among other as to share many more details of surprising events 6 along her journey. Several of us serve as lectors and as Eucharistic minis- returned to us at Thanksgiving and has now resumed ters in our multicultural parish of the Immaculate much of her work for International. Trini Conception administered by Capuchin Franciscans. was only able to return at the end of December. Start- The Sunday before Christmas, at Lois’ suggestion, we ing on March 2nd she will resume part time work in the invited the Friars and the religious sisters of the parish treasurer’s office. to an Open House. There are 4 other congregations of sisters serving in the parish. All the sisters and one Each one of us rejoices that we have the opportunity to friar came and had a first contact with Lois. A warm, participate in the wonderful mission of the Institute in joyous spirit marked this afternoon! our many little ways.

Nine sisters of 4 different nationalities, we are grateful As we wish one and all a Joyous and grace-filled to be living together as daughters of Mary of the Pas- Easter, we pray that we and you can gratefully recog- sion and sharing the challenges of our country and nize our little burdens - colds and coughs, decreasing our world. Like so many of our communities in our energy, disappointments and contradictions and big- internationality, we believe that this alone is probably ger ‘sufferings’ (operations, severe and sometimes the greatest witness to the spirit of the gospels that we crippling pain, etc) - for what they are, a share in can give. Christ’s Kenosis and an assurance of our share in the joys of His resurrection! Both MT and Trini had to go to St. Francis Hospital in Roslyn in the Fall for open heart surgery. Mary Theresa

Recommended web sites

Sheila Patenaude recommends the following web sites:

There is a wonderful new book being used by SFO's all over the country for their ongoing formation. In it the Yapp is now a licensed Nursing following website is mentioned, and I thought what is Assistant (CNA) and a certified Medical Tech- in it might be of interest. nician. she continues her ministry in the FMM Assisted Living Residence. Below is some information from their home page: www.carlmccolman.com , (Spiritual formation online), which leads into www.anamchara.com. from their home page …

THE WEBSITE OF UNKNOWING is devoted to Christian mysticism, interfaith spirituality, Celtic wisdom, emer- gent theology, and assorted other topics.

What others say… North Providence Mayor Charles A Lombardi delivers "www.anamchara.com is a beautiful site that lists a check for $6000.00 to Sister Aline Giroux, executive books and web sites introducing all aspects of Chris- director of Fruit Hill Day Services for the Elderly. The tian mysticism." funds came from the proceeds of the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Party. Breeze photo by Albert Tavakalov

7 El Paso, Texas

I would like to share with you a few stories of my min- istry as a chaplain here in El Paso of some people who Here in El Paso, Texas, I have a double ministry. From have greatly inspired me. There are two men who are Monday to Friday I am the assistant chaplain in a large paraplegics whom I visit. One man is always smiling. detention center where the Federal marshals and Bor- He lost his legs to diabetes. (Diabetes is very prevalent der Patrol agents bring persons from all over the U.S. here). I told him one day that in spite of his condition, into custody. I work under the Jesuit Refugee Service he always has a smile. He replied, “Well, Sister, I have which in turn has chaplaincy no legs to use, so I use my face.” contracts with Homeland Se- curity. The detainees are from Another man lost his legs due to Elephantitis which he many different countries and developed while in the Peace Corps. He is in the hos- the majority are deported pital now with an infection. I told him he was like back to their homelands. Christ on the Cross, helpless, but saving souls. His eyes filled up with tears as he said, “I hope so.” An- Twice a month, usually, on other day he said to me, “When I think of the Lord, I Saturdays, I am a volunteer picture my head on His shoulder. You know, Sister, He for STARS which stands for has big shoulders for big problems.” What a beautiful Sexual Trauma and Assault image! Whenever I complain, I think of these two men Response Services. I am on and feel so small! call from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and have to report to Sierra Medical center when Another man, after I had given him the Eucharist, the Crisis Line informs me that there is a victim of sex- started to cry. When I asked him why he was crying, ual abuse in the emergency room. he replied, “Sister, can you see what just hap- Most of the victims are females although I was once pened? God Himself called for an eight year old boy. My role is to provide came to visit me! If I emotional support and explain our counseling services received all the gold in and legal aid. Each case is different depending on the the world, it would not circumstances and the amount of emotional trauma. compare to this gift.” When I speak with a teenager who had some drug What a lesson he taught slipped into a drink at a birthday party, I try help her me! And just this morn- understand that she has suffered an injustice but re- ing, I was praying with tains her personal integrity. I sometime say, “You are the family of a man who like a beautiful flower that has been trampled on, but was dying. We were you are still beautiful and you can hold your head high awaiting the priest to come to give the Sacrament of because this was not your fault.” the Sick. I ended the prayers for the dying with the Hail Mary. As soon as we finished “Holy Mary, Mother of It is a very humbling experience for me to be an instru- God, pray for Javier now and at the hour of his death,” ment of God’s compassion both to the detainees and the man died. It was a blessed moment not only for to the survivors of sexual abuse. I bring each and me but also for all those gathered around him. every one to my prayer asking our Lord to give them healing and strength. These daily encounters also re- My work at the parish offers a happy balance to my mind me to count my blessings and to thank God for hospital ministry. A few weeks ago we had 17 couples allowing me to minister to these, my suffering sisters who were previously living together (without the bless- and brothers. ing of the Sacrament), join in a Church marriage cere- mony. They received several weeks of instruction by Beatrice Costagliola, FMM our deacon and were people of all ages. One even came down the aisle with his cane. The parish gave them a reception in our hall as an expression of their joy upon receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony. How happy they were to receive the Eucharist again!

Marie Cinotti, fmm 8

St. Petersburg, Florida and hope for our times. I will attend it and display some of my paintings which also speak of Francis' Lute and Harp Strings, Voices and Splashes of Color message as relevant to the 21st century. With the same four that were displayed at the Province Chapter

“There are numerous strings in your lute. '07, I'm taking "Francis and the Wolf,” a new one de- picting the two playing together. The full series called Let me add my own among them.” "Who Do You Say I Am?" will be on display for the first

time near the end of the year. I am planning a presen- These words of the poet Tagore and the tation session to go with it which will also include an beautiful melody of Chris Coelho, OFM art experience. Virginia Falk agreed to enrich this ses- could be heard one February morning sion with beautiful music on the 'numerous strings of coming from Sacred Heart parish hall in Tampa, Florida. A Saturday workshop in her harp' and to sing the "Canticle of the Sun.” This will be promoted beforehand in the Tampa Bay public Art and Spirituality was sponsored by

the women's organization and so the community.

voices that rose on the wings of song were feminine, with the exception of Brother Juan de la The programs I present always end with time for par- ticipants to share their artwork or experience of the Cruz, OFM. He joined us, attracted by the art experience, day. This is the part when I am privileged to be on the "Path of the Heart," that was to be part of it. The whole receiving end and I have been truly inspired by the morning we explored ways of praying through the arts: expressions that have come up from deep within the music; movement; poetry; acting and the visual arts. human heart and spirit. In these few moments all the Since January this program and one on art-as-healing, 'sweat, blood, and tears' of designing, promoting and soon to be presented at the Franciscan Retreat Center, have been in preparation stages. pulling-off these sessions can seem so little and so, so worthwhile.

The Franciscan Gathering at the Center this year is about Frances Falk, fmm our Franciscan tradition offering a message of healing

Ecumenical Prayer Service at Fruit Hill for the unity that is already ours and continue to pray The Ecumenical Prayer Service held in Holy Family Chapel, together that it will become even more complete. was well attended by Thank you for coming and may our gathering be a clergy from several witness that we are indeed one in Christ.” denominations in Rhode Island. Al- Readings were proclaimed though the chapel by the clergy from the vari- was not packed, ous denominations. We many attended de- were especially privileged to spite the inclement hear The Rt. Rev. Peter weather. Weaver, Bishop of the New England Conference of the Sr. Lois Pereira, pro- United Methodist Church . vincial superior, welcomed all. “In the name of the Fran- He preached an impas- ciscan Missionaries of Mary I welcome each one today to sioned presentation of what our Prayer of Christian Unity. Since 1968 the World Council it means to pray without of Churches and the Pontifical Council for Promoting ceasing, the theme of this Christian Unity have collaborated each year to select a year’s Ecumenical prayer. common scriptural theme which for this year is “Pray He shared his first hand ex- without Ceasing.” We have come together today to cele- perience in Kenya and brate our oneness in Jesus’ name. Let us give thanks Angola, which were heart- wrenching. 9 He used a picture brought from Africa to illustrate pur- Passion: Our very beings are called to respond poseful, praying hands. Hands were the symbols on to our God, the creator of heaven and earth. "A desire the stole he wore. At different times he led those pre- to kneel down pulses through my body as if my body sent singing “We will overcome” and “God is with us had been made for the act of kneeling. " Every day we now” set to the same melody. The Holy Name Parish wake to total surrender of God to us and we to God. Gospel Choir, Providence sang for the Prayer Service. Presence: All is presence; simply the possibility of being. Jesus Christ is present to us and we to him, especially in Eucharist. We wait on his word and his will.

Protest: Adoration is our greatest protest. Un- ion with Jesus Christ is our life's goal. Mysticism is our reality, day in and day out. When we abide in God's heart, we stand for the truth, without judgment or fear.

At the conclusion of the Prayer Service, Sr. Alma Sr. Mary Rose Dhaveedhu, FSAG and Sr. Yvette Dufault, fmm, member of Faith and Order Commission Hubert, FMM led the music and sang a Tamil hymn for invited all present for refreshments and fellowship in the Arathi. Members of the Council for Religious Lourdes Hall. planned the prayer service and did all of the readings and related tasks.

Bishop Ernest B. Boland, presided at the Solemn Vespers. In conclusion, he thanked and af- firmed all the religious Mysticism: It’s Our Life Blood present and gave the final blessing. Franciscan Missionaries of Mary in N. Providence, RI hosted this year’s World Day of Consecrated Life. It be- gan with socialization amongst the more than 100 reli- gious sisters, brothers and priest in attendance. This was followed by a celebratory dinner.

Sr. Jacqueline Dickey, SSCh, Director of the Office for Religious, welcomed all.

Sister Patricia McCarthy, a sister of the Congregation of Notre Dame, was the main speaker. She is noted for her work in Peace Education and spirituality of Christian nonvio- lence. She is the author of several books on that subject. Currently, she is serving as the assistant pro- vincial superior of the Congregation of Notre Dame in the Diocese of Hartford, in Wilton ,CT.

The theme of her talk was “Mysticism: It’s Our Life Blood.” In clear and lucid language, she de- veloped three points:

10

In daily life, more or less, individuals have all sorts of Music Therapy with the Geriatric Population personal experience with music. As people listen to music they find themselves calmed by music, excited Before the time of preparation for my final vows in or relaxed, comforted or mystified by music. All these 2007, I had the opportunity to work with the elderly at feelings can demonstrate that music can lift us out of the Adult Daycare Center at Fruit Hill, North Providence, some moment of depression or can move us to tears. Rhode Island where our convent is. Music has a tremendous influence in our lives de- pending on how we use music. Everyday I came with these eld- With fire, people can have light and can warm up erly people from themselves. They can use fire for many good things if 8:30am to 3:30 they use it at the right place for the right thing. It is the pm and worked same with music. Music begins in the mind of its 5 days a week. I creator and ends in the hearts of the listeners. Its presented music power lies in the ability of a single musical piece to be therapy to them different things to different people. Music Therapy dis- because music covers that music provides a powerful unique service had been con- in human life. The power is strong as well as verbal sidered as a great support for the geriatric population, communication spiritually, physically, and emotionally. especially those who were with Alzheimer or in stages In other word, music can talk to people and motivate of Dementia. Each day, I had four to five sessions with people to respond to it through their emotional feel- different groups of the elderly. ings and actions. Therefore, music becomes useful in the medical field and psychological field. Music not only provides relaxation, but it also reduces pain, anxi- The role of the music therapy in this setting is to ety, and enhances the functioning of the immune sys- help the participants maintain their well being, tem. In the medical field, there are some hospitals that their social skills, also reduce anxiety and in - have started using music for supporting premature crease their self esteem. In other word, music babies in the intensive care unit. Music and sounds therapy provides emotional and spiritual sup- can communicate more than words. Now, Music Ther- port. It also promotes physical movement to apy is defined as an established health care profes- respond to activities on the basic level of daily sion that use music to address physical, emotions, life. The participants at Adult Daycare Center at cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. I Fruit Hill appeared to be very happy with and believe that with a little musical gift that I offered, the responsive to music. elderly at Fruit Hill Daycare Center found more happi- ness in their being and so kept coming, moving along with peace and joy. The length of each session was about 30 -45 minutes. The sessions can be arranged in many ways by using Martha Vu, FMM. different musical elements such as melody, singing, and rhythm, dynamic of sound, harmony, song writ- ing, or instrumental improvisation to respond to the participants’ needs with different therapeutic pur- poses. For example, to enhance their memories I used the popular songs that participants are familiar with; to Email Address Changes: improve social skills I used instrument playing within a group of 3 or 4 people and used different clinical tech- niques to conduct them to play; to support physical Agnes Begley [email protected] movement, I used the different rhythms on the instru- ments . Alma Dufault [email protected]

The Center had a talent show for them once a month. Rosemary Freda [email protected] The elderly showed interest in playing the instruments and singing the old songs of their childhood. Many of Margaret Gargan [email protected] them seemed to be more confident in their shows [email protected] when I accompanied them by guitar or piano, or giv- ing them musical cue to begin their songs that they chose. 11 Las Cruces, New Mexico

Soles to Souls Old

This Lent St. Albert's A seed becomes a tree Newman Parish has a feeding from the abundance of nature, project to help the growing, roots deepening, poor and the home- branches spreading,

less. We have had in receiving, welcoming, the past, a drive for enduring storms and winds the homeless shelter and drought of personal products imprinted in her wrinkled bark. such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, etc. and the people of the parish have been very generous. So is growing old The people had responded so well that the shelters with dignified marks who benefited from the drive were overwhelmed of wear and tear with the amount of items that had been collected. of mission life, drawing

power and strength This year with the help of our Newman students, our from Christ. parishioners are asked to donate new shoes for people in need. People are asked to pick up a pair Old is grace of cutout shoes from a box. One shoe is placed on and wisdom a path pictured on a large board labeled Soles to and beauty. Souls. The other is taken home to purchase a pair of good shoes that will meet the individual need Emilia Palma, fmm described on the cutout shoe. We are asked to re- turn the pair of shoes to the appropriate labeled box and to take time to write and attach a note, photo or prayer for the recipient of the shoes. This will serve as a reminder to both the donor and re- cipient, of the common dignity and worth inherent in each of us as humans regardless of external cir- cumstances. Two organizations will benefit from this drive. One is Mesilla Valley Community of Hope that ministers to the homeless or near homeless of the area. The other is the Jardin de los Ninos that provides child care for children from 6 weeks to 10 years old who are homeless or near homeless. If some parishioners cannot afford shoes it is sug- gested that they can donate socks if they wish. They have already had close to 200 cutouts on the path.

St. Albert's Newman Parish’s members include peo- ple from all areas of the world and the United

States. Their generosity is shown to everyone time after time. I am truly blessed to be part of this com- munity. NEXT ISSUE: SUMMER Nancy Cabral, fmm

From Blessed Mary of the Passion ...

We, by the wonderful love of God, have been called to the missionary life. (MD 598) 12