Franciscan Missionaries of Mary USA Province Volume 38 No.3 Fall 2008
Dear Sisters, Moved by the Spirit and guided by the Lord’s Word, go then, among the men and women of today, proclaim the Good News to them, by your life and word. …
May Mary, the first evangelizer, and because of that the teacher of every missionary, accompany you … in your mission.
Fr. José Carballo, OFM Minister General (from the Homily for the Eucharist Opening the General Chapter, ‘08)
Editors’ Notes
Thanks to modern technology, we have received daily news and photos of our General Chapter 2008 from our www.fmm.org website. Every Sister in the USA who has Email possibility has been accessing, reading and appreciating this means of being united with our Chapter members. In addition, we have printed out this news for communities so that everyone is able to read the Chapter proceedings.
Prior to this General Chapter we were all involved in it through responses given to working documents. Now, we continue to be involved not only through our prayers but daily updating of its proceedings.
This issue of Sharings will give you a glimpse of this summer’s activities. Our summer was far from the once de- scribed “lazy, hazy days.” Like our global world, we experienced drastic weather changes that caused consider- able damage in certain areas. They pale by comparison to other places in the world.
Thank you for your articles and photos for Sharings. Our next issue will be in the winter.
Anne Turbini, fmm, Rosemarie Higgins, fmm and Maryann Alukonis, fmm
Contents
Our Deceased & Sick Channel of Your Peace …………………………. 12 Eulogy: Kathleen Eilinger Excerpts: Provincial News ………………… 3 Open Letter to a Friend………………………….. 13 And So It Happened Fence: El Paso …………………………….. 5 Poems Summer at Fruit Hill …………………………….. 14 Shifting Gears From Georgia ……………………………… 6 Sabbatical ‘08 ……………………………………15
Pre-Novitiate News ………………………. .. 7 Sisters of Temporary Vows ………………………18
Joint Venture Sr. Rosie ……………………………………. 8
Rotary: Ethiopia …………………………….. 9 Sharings is published at: Provincial Communications Office 399 Fruit Hill Ave- North Providence, RI 02911 Tel: (401) 353-5804 Ext: 130 Fax (401) 353-8755 Roslyn Please send articles either to Mary Anne Williamson …………………….. 10 [email protected] or [email protected]
To think about: Your Christmas greetings NEXT ISSUE: WINTER to be sent via Sharings. 2 Details to come! Our Deceased Sister & Relatives
Kathleen F. Eilinger, fmm Eulogy for (M. Raymond of Pennafort) Kathleen F. Eilinger, fmm
In one of her Meditations, Mary of the Passion wrote: “At the Born to Eternal Life: very moment that such glories were promised to her, Mary August 28, 2008 was thinking of only one thing: the accomplishment of her duty, fidelity to her Love. As soon as she knew the good pleasure of her God, she was ready and did not stop to con- sider the consequences of her submissive words: ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord.’ She excluded nothing, whatever God Ann Duchaney, sister-in-law of Emilie Duchaney, fmm wished, she wished. She did not ask to know the results, what would be the joys, or what would be the crosses. Her Antoinette, sister of Roseda Mendes, fmm love was more simple than that; it asked only union with her Heavenly Father, according to the recommendation which, Patricia, sister of Elfriede Jackson, fmm later on, Jesus Himself was to give; ‘Be ye one as my Heav- enly Father and I are one’.”
Boi Van Nguyen, uncle of Phi Uong, fmm Throughout her life Sr. Kathleen was faithful to her God. In her ministries with the Navajos in Arizona and the peoples of Tom Riordan, brother of Helen Mary Riordan, fmm Liberia and Kenya, Kathleen continued to live her life as a handmaid of her God never knowing where or how she Our Sick Sisters & Relatives would meet her joys or her crosses. She experienced many of each but always remained in God’s love. The God of her life has now brought her to her final mission in His heavenly Anne Richards, fmm who is critically ill Kingdom. May she rest in peace.
Mary Ann Loughlin, fmm who is not well Lois Pereira, fmm
Virginia Daly, fmm who is not well
Alma Dufault, fmm has had a good recovery from knee replacement surgery; Excerpts from Provincial News
Claire Napoleon, fmm recovering from knee replace- Tragic Accident ment surgery. A bus chartered by members of two Houston churches Patricia Willoughby, sister of Rosemary Freda, fmm, who traveling to Carthage, Mo., the site of an annual gather- is critically ill. ing of Vietnamese Catholics known as Marian Days crashed. Sr. Phi Uong’s uncle, Bol Van Nguyen died Grandnephew of Roseda Mendes, fmm who is along with fourteen others. Phi’s brother, Phuong is in a seriously ill coma in ICU. Her sister Thoa is in ICU in another loca- tion. Phi Uong arrived back In the US on Sunday, Au- Aristo, brother and Teddy, nephew of gust 17, and travelled to Dallas to be closer to her Elfriede Jackson, fmm brother and sister.
Mary, sister of Anne Turbini, fmm recovering from knee If you wish to send a card to Phi and her family you can replacement surgery send it to: Sr. Phi Uong, FMM Phi Uong' brother, Phuong, in coma and sister Thoa 11503 Cheaney Ct. hospitalized Houston, TX 77066
Mrs Theresa Senecal, niece of Simone Decelles, fmm 3
Mission Sendings Whirlpool for Assisted Living Residence
My Hoa Nguyen, fmm has joined DeChappotin Commu- Many, many thanks to our sisters who were eligible nity. In June Hoa completed studies in Early Childhood and who participated in the Stimulus Payment from the at the Community College of Rhode Island . She will be US Government. Because of your participation in this working with young children. one time program the money received was used to purchase a much needed new whirlpool which re- Elizabeth Ann Conyers, fmm has been appointed Local cently replaced the old one on the third floor in the Coordinator of Holy Family Community. Elizabeth began main house in Fruit Hill. her service on September 15, 2008. Sabbatical Program Margaret Gargan, fmm has been missioned to Trinity Community. She joined the community on September 8, The Sabbatical month came to a close on August 9 2008. with a very meaningful liturgy celebrated by Fr. Richard Trezza who had guided the Sabbatical participants in Roseda Mendes, fmm from Canada arrived in the US their retreat. and will be a member of DeChappotin Community while she is having her Sabbatical Year of individual We say a big Thank You to Srs. Alma Dufault, Nzenzili studies. She will participate in the 2009 Sabbatical Mboma, Elizabeth Ann Conyers and Mary Petrosky for Month at Bethany. their input during the program. Thank you to Srs. Yvette Hubert, Emilia Palma and Cathy Tshitenge for Vocation Director their quiet presence in ensuring the smooth running of daily life during the program. During the Vocation Visioning Weekends, it was an- nounced that Alicia Alambra, fmm was named to re- I think it is safe to say the participants leave Bethany place Marie Cinotti, fmm as full time Vocation Director. and the Sabbatical Program with a much deeper un- Alicia has now joined DeChappotin Community and has derstanding of our charism and how they can live it to her office in the Red Cottage. This gives her access to the full as they return to their missions. As they have the Communication Office where she will work in col- renewed themselves on a personal level may they laboration with the staff there. The small bedroom in the also share their experience in their provinces. You’ll Red Cottage has become Alicia’s office. Once she has a still see Sr. Sonia Solis here at Fruit Hill for a few more phone line, computer access etc. you will receive this months as she continues to become more familiar information. Meanwhile she can be reached at De with nursing and medical terms in English. Chappotin Community. She will begin her ministry full time as Vocation Director shortly. She is still familiarizing After her family visit in Sri Lanka, Sr. Esmy Stockfs will herself with the US culture. return to the US to participate in the Berakah Program in NH from January to May. Sr. Annamma Mathew Mission Effectiveness: will also do the same program. In the meantime Franciscan Hospital for Children Anamma will return to stay with her priest-brother in CT. Gloria Carpinello, fmm has completed her ministry as Director of Pastoral Care at Maria Manor in Florida and Srs. Arulmary Durafraj and Mary Nirmala Bethala have has joined Our Lady of Hope community in Brighton. She returned to their missions in Bolivia-Chile. Sr. Agnes replaces Loan Nguyen , fmm at Franciscan Hospital for Begley has returned to Trinity community. Children and is working in Mission Effectiveness. Thank you, dear sisters, for enriching the United States General Chapter Communications Province with your presence!!!!
Rosemarie Higgins, fmm is disseminating news of the General Chapter as it is sent from Rome. New email address for Bethany
4 [email protected] And So It Happened At the apartment on the 12th floor, the door was open and joyful music could be heard. To our great amuse- A call came to Holy Name Parish requesting assis- ment the apartment tance and visitation to a “homebound” couple. I went was decorated with to the given address in one of the Projects in our blue and white bal- neighborhood. The couple lived on the 12th floor of loons, flowers, posters, their building. and about 24 people were present in a Upon my arrival, I was quite surprised when the door great atmosphere of was opened (after quite a delay) to be greeted by happiness. Fr. Hugh Edwin, who wheeled himself to the door in his wheel- with his Franciscan chair. Very graciously, he thanked me for coming and kindness and gentle- brought me to another room to meet his wife. The ness greeted each one wife, Naomi, was bedridden and I realized that she and soon the cere- was quite incapacitated. Edwin explained that their mony took place as Social Worker had called the Parish so that they could the couple held hands. After the last blessing they get some spiritual assistance, perhaps Holy Commun- kissed and the party began celebrating this occasion ion since both are Catholics. I had a difficult time to of both love and the sacramental expression of it. understand Naomi because she spoke with great diffi- culty and in a very low voice. When Father Hugh, Sister Nga and I went to take the elevator, it was out of order! We experienced real I quickly “was taken” by this couple who smiled so Franciscan joy as we descended the twelve floors of happily and contentedly. I saw Christ in their suffering steps, recalling how blessed we are to serve God’s bodies and heard the words of St. Paul: I makeup in people. my own body what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. (Col. 1:24) I felt quite humbled in their presence as I Maria Teresa de los Rios, fmm spoke to them of the gift of Eucharist before I gave them Holy Communion.
By then the “home attendant” of 12 years explained to The Fence Has Come to El Paso me that Edwin and Naomi had known each other since childhood because they attended the same Pro- grams for the Physically Disabled. As adults, they also You have all read of the proposed 670 mile long fence met up with one another in various places and for to be constructed along the U.S. Mexican Border. This various programs. During this time, they discovered controversial fence, costing close to 5 million dollars that they loved one another and decided to get mar- per mile, is now being constructed a few miles from ried. Each in his/her own wheelchair arrived at City our house in EL Paso and daily we are experiencing Hall and were married by a Justice of the Peace in a the repercussions. Many forums inviting public opinion civil ceremony. They later moved into their own apart- and debates with the Border Patrol have been held ment where they have been ever since. and national organizations such as Defenders of Wild- life and the Sierra Club have brought suits against this A couple of weeks after bringing Holy Communion to endeavor but to no avail. Many fear that the natural Edwin and Naomi their Social Worker asked me if they flora and fauna will be adversely affected. In Arizona, could get married in a religious ceremony in their own where a portion of the fence was completed, rain- apartment. The Pastor, Fr. Francis Gunn, OFM, said “of water runoff has backed up causing concern to the course”. Then Fr. Hugh Hines, OFM and I began a residents. search with marathon speed to get all the papers to- gether (not a small task). When this was completed, family and friends acted quickly and preparations made including a white dress and veil for Naomi, a suit for Edwin, etc.. The date was set and Fr. Hugh and Sr. Nga Le, equipped with a camera, and I arrived at their building. In the lobby waiting for the elevator were quite a number of people carrying trays of food, a wedding cake. All were in a festive mood for this 5 event. All of this has created a climate of anger and frustra- I am further encouraged, inspired and motivated tion among citizens here. There is, however, a minority when time and again; the CEO begins his talks and group that approves of the wall. They feel it will protect speeches with tremendous affirmation and apprecia- our city from the growing violence in Juarez, (the Mexi- tion “for the Sisters”. Enormous generosity is poured can City across the Rio Grande), which is racked by into the hospital coffers and more than one parish- serious crimes due to the drug cartels. ioner exclaimed: “it wouldn’t be so if it weren’t for the nuns who founded the hospital that pioneered in open Naturally all of this triggers an emotional response heart surgery.” from those who feel they belong to both the Mexican side as their former homeland and the U.S., their We do have a mission here and we are glad to be of adopted country. One elderly gentleman lamented to service. All of us in this community of 16 are involved in see the huge wall, 15 to 18 feet high erected. He said the hospital one way or another. Even if you are into “That wall is such a sad sight. Our relations will never your 80s, there is ‘something’ you can do to keep the again be the same.” flowers watered and the candles burning and our roots bearing much fruit. At this time, August 30th, a march is taking place in protest. It originated at Ft. Hancock, a three day walk It is almost a year now; I think I made a pretty good from El Paso, and will close tomorrow with a huge adjustment balancing the beatitudes with an attitude rally. This will provide another opportunity for local of gratitude. residents to join in solidarity with those who have made the March for Peace and Unity. Maureen Conway, fmm
Beatrice Costagliola.fmm
From Georgia (in the USA!) Shifting Gears It is five years since I set foot in Georgia. Not much has changed weather wise in that time. July and August BALANCE and ATTITUDE have a big part to play in our still hovers around ninety degrees and threats of hurri- happy, holy, healthy life. For the past 40 years that was canes and tornadoes are a daily occurrence. But, my ‘see-saw’ as I signed R.N. after my name. My within our mission some change has come about. ‘Martha and Mary’ faced another challenge when I went from the cor- We had seventy families in Christ the King “Mission” porate world to watering flowers Church when I arrived in ’03. We now have over two and lighting candles. At first, it was hundred families in the Christ the King “Parish” Church. like being on a long honeymoon It has been exciting watching the growth from a mis- with the Lord. My time was now sion to a parish. Because of this movement, change is spent as sacristan to the main hos- a constant - even our religious education program’s pital chapel. name has changed. It is now referred to as the “Faith Formation Program” which embodies every aspect of The hustle of NYC was replaced with a prayerful, struc- education within the Parish- the young, the youth and tured life and much more enclosed than my previous the adults. Classes for about fifty children in the pro- experiences. Well, the honeymoon doesn’t last, the gram have moved from being held in a Senior Center, well does run dry, and I did find myself asking myself: to a double-wide mobile home, to the bedrooms in a ‘is this all there is to it?’ regular house which we call the “Pastoral Center”. The Parish is planning to build classrooms on the It was at this time of my adjustment that St. Francis church property so we hope that change will happen Hospital opened up a new wing and the dedication again, and soon! ceremony opened my eyes to the historic role the FMMs play in St. Francis Hospital, THE HEART HOSPITAL When we lived in Hamilton, our Sisters helped to found and still number one on the best list. the ecumenical service group called FOCUS. We con- tinue to work with them – Sr. Anne is Secretary of the It was in the early 1900’s a wealthy Quaker couple do- group! However, as this group is based in Hamilton nated to the FMMs the land where the outstanding reputation6 of St. Francis Hospital now stands. The sis- ters have been involved ever since.
Father Madden, our Pastor, decided that we needed bringing the Communion to the elderly at the Assisted to have an Outreach Program running in Pine Moun- Living at Neville Place every Saturday. tain. This plan got underway in 2006. We met with our clients in the kitchen of the parish hall. Our ministry at FHC does not only allow us to learn Now, we meet them in the “Pastoral more about children with multiple disabilities, but it Center”. From a program that was gives each one of us an opportunity to develop a more open two days a week, we now are compassionate heart for the poorest among the poor, available five days a week. From a and bringing Communion to the elderly at the assisted program that serviced about thirty per- living place really gives us an opportunity to experi- sons a year, we now have over a hun- ence grace by bringing Jesus to those who are lonely. dred visits a year. Also by being a part of a busy and multi-cultural par- ish such as St. Columbkille, we are able to observe When Bishop Boland came to announce that we were and learn how a diverse parish in a metropolitan area a Parish, he informed us that the Parish included not serves God and his people in Church. only Harris County but also Talbot County. Talbot is one of the poorest counties in the State. There are only We also find ourselves very blessed to have opportuni- two families that are known to be Catholic. A great ties to study with our FMM sisters. Every Friday, we are number of students never complete their education instructed by Sr. Lucia Kim on the Scriptures and we and drugs are known to be prevalent there. We have have just completed the Prayer course with Sr. Joyce not found the correct method for offering assistance to Gardella on August 30. the poor people of Talbot, but that is our challenge – so we expect that there will be a change striking us We started the Prayer course with Sr. Joyce in May, again, as we move forward helping to build up our and as we reflect back after finishing the course, we own faith community and trying to help those, who are realize how much we have grown spiritually as our a part of us, but may not know that yet. eyes, minds, hearts and souls are now open to new gifts and graces through the new ways of praying we A happy consequence of being a Parish and having a learned through this course. Pastor is that daily Mass is now possible. In the past, we were fortunate to have a priest visit one day a During the course, we learned what is and how to week - plus Saturday night and Sunday. Of course, pray through using mind, heart, contemplation, body this means we are busier now as Lectors and as Eu- as well as the Lectio Divina, a whole new way of pray- charistic Ministers. ing the “Our Father”, Icons, Franciscan and Ignatian way of praying, journaling and dreams, just to name Mildred Morrissey, fmm the few.
We recall our past, to strengthen our present and With the resources that Sr. Joyce provided, each of us bring hope to our future. was able to find different ways of communicating with God, to deepen our relationship with Him, and we were also able to learn and understand more about
ourselves as God’s beloved. We are very grateful to God for this opportunity as well as thankful to Sr. Joyce Dear Sisters, for the time, efforts, sharing and love she had put into the class. We, Kyong and Thuy, would like to share with you some thoughts and Also, during the month of July, we had an intensive updates on what has been happen- introduction course to Moral Theology, given by Fr. ing with us in the Pre-Novitate Pro- Donald Willard, C.SS.R. This course brought us gram. to a closer look at the foundation of Christian Moral Theology through God’s loving rela- First and above all we are very thankful to the tionship with us, the Scripture, the writings gracious Lord for many of the blessings we both of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, have received in this past five months. It has the virtue tradition, and the basics of mak- been a grace to each one of us doing ministry at ing a moral decision. In the short but fruitful the Franciscan Hospital for Children (FHC) and St. time of a week with us, Fr. Donald generously Columbkille Parish on every Tuesday and Thursday, shared his gifts with us and we felt very fortunate 7 to have such an opportunity to receive a fine introduction on the subject and on the foundation of how to live our The morning session of the workshop included "The lives morally. Theology of Proclaiming the Word." Scott remarked,"I learned that when it comes to lectoring, the measure As we wrapped up our first summer in the Pre-Novitiate of good proclamation is the extent to which it causes Program, we had an we had an opportunity to be with faith to grow. The workshop introduced us to the the- the Ein Karim Community and our FMM sisters at St. An- ology of proclaiming the Word. But, in order to convey toine for a week. It was a blessing to spend time, to get this, in order to proclaim a 'living and dynamic Word' to know the sisters at the Ein Karim Community and be we were also taught the techniques of public speaking in the presence of our sisters at St. Antoine. In many and oral delivery. During the next segment Gary of- ways this experience really touched us deeply within. fered drills and exercises in the use of the body and voice in proclaiming the Word. Just before lunch, Gary In the fall, our Pre-Novitiate Program continues with led the group through an exercise in proclaiming a weekly Scripture class with Sr. Lucia and we have al- psalm together. ready begun to have classes and workshops with the OFM Postulants which will continue throughout the fall. Over an enjoyable lunch of soup, pizza, and salad, the In the third week of September, we will be having a postulants interacted and shared stories. Scott added, week long course on the Third Order Rule with Sr. Alma "During lunch we were able to share our experiences Dufault and we will also have various courses taught to of first year formation and discuss our faith journeys." us by FMM sisters throughout the remainder of the year. After lunch, Gary invited everyone to the friars' chapel where each of the formation students had the oppor- We both are looking forward to all of the up-coming tunity to proclaim a reading and receive some con- classes to learn and grow more in the FMM’s way of life structive feedback. It was a very successful and enjoy- and especially to grow more deeply in love with Christ able workshop and the five formation students and Jesus each day. two directors left enriched. This was the first in a num- ber of shared classes and workshops throughout the In Christ’s Love, year. Just before leaving Kyong said, "This was a great introduction on how to minister as a lector to Kyong-Ha Yim & Thuy Nguyen, Prenovices God's people." Thuy added, "It was wonderful for both the women and men in initial formation to Franciscan life to share and learn from one another."
John Maganzini, OFM
Joint Venture in Initial Formation Sister Rosie Reports from Ethiopia
Surprise greetings from Ethiopia! It has taken me quite a while to read- just to Bushulo / Ethiopia. When I After it was learned that the Holy Name Province's pos- arrived back we were in a tulancy program was being located at Saint Anthony drought ... but just as soon as the Shrine in Boston, Loan and John Maganzini met to plan land could be plowed and seeded some joint classes and workshops for the OFM and the rains were exceedingly heavy FMM pre-Novices. and severe flooding has killed 111 ...
(with ten people killed by crocodiles On Saturday morning, September 6, Loan and the two when the rivers flood their banks.) The food situation pre-Novices, Kyong and Thuy, arrived at Saint Anthony will be coming to a peak in the next month. We are Shrine for an all day workshop on "Oral Proclamation" already getting increasing numbers of malnourished presented by Bro.Gary Maciag. Before the workshop children. The prices of food from the markets are soar- began,OFM postulants Scott, Michael, and Gerald had ing. People are unable to buy even the basics. We are the opportunity to meet Kyong, Thuy, and Loan. It was trying to plan how we can respond in our own area. a real 8Franciscan welcome!
ROTARY CLUBS RESPOND TO The project was lengthy – at times communications A NEED IN ETHIOPIA from Ethiopia came to a standstill. But, finally in March 2008, the Entoto Club was able to deliver 64 wheel- chairs to hospitals and clinics in the Arsi and Sidamo regions of Ethiopia. Although details of the transporta- (Betty Thurst was Executive Assistant to Fred Apers for tion process were sparse, it seems it could not have 20 years and is now Development Coordinator at Car- been easy as roads are not paved. dinal Hayes.) At the end of March, Sister Connie writes to Rotarians In 2002, Mission Coordinator Sr. Anne Turbini, fmm at in Addis Ababa and in Millbrook, “It is a wonderful Cardinal Hayes Home in Millbrook, NY presented an thing that you have done, and I am sure that you have opportunity for staff to contribute to a “mission beyond seen for yourselves that the wheelchairs will really be Cardinal Hayes…” A total of $800 was donated by put to good use for those who have great need.” CHH administration and staff. Letters and pictures from Sr. Mary Ann Williamson, fmm and Sr. Madonna, This humanitarian project was rewarding for both Ro- fmm (Kenya and Ethiopia), thanked Cardinal Hayes for tary clubs. The Entoto Club is relatively new – this was the contribution and wrote that “we decided to spend the first such project they had become engaged in. In for the polio children.” the final report to The Rotary Foundation, the Entoto Club acknowledges that, “Our club’s awareness of the The letters from these two sisters told a story of the dif- needs in our community has increased.” For both ficult lives of the “polio children.” This information clubs, it reinforced the motto for all Rotarians, Service found its way to the local Millbrook Rotary Club, and above Self. an international Rotary project was born! Since Rotary International has played a major role in efforts to And all this came about through the Franciscan Mis- eradicate polio throughout the world, this project tied sionaries of Mary. in nicely with Rotary’s dedication to this cause. Betty Thurst A Rotary requirement for international projects is hav- ing a partner Rotary club in the country in which the project will take place. A Rotary club in Addis Ababa was located, and Sister Connie Dandy, fmm in Ethiopia became a vital link to this club. It is doubtful the project would have gotten off the ground without Sr. Connie’s assistance.
Sr. Connie provided Millbrook Rotary with information about four health care centers and polio rehab facili- ties that had a critical need for wheelchairs. Sr. Connie attended a meeting of the Entoto Rotary Club in Addis Ababa to explain the need and the desire of Millbrook Rotary to reach across the miles to make life a bit eas- ier for people in Ethiopia with disabilities. That club agreed to partner with Millbrook Rotary.
Initially, the idea was to collect used wheelchairs here, recondition them and ship them to Ethiopia. It became apparent that it would be more practical to purchase the wheelchairs in Ethiopia as shipping costs are pro- hibitive and clearing customs often difficult. The Entoto Club did the research, and Millbrook Rotary was re- sponsible for completing the grant application that would be submitted to District 7210 (Mid-Hudson Val- ley) and The Rotary Foundation in order to receive matching funds. The entire cost of the project was $12,742. 9
ROSLYN: A Work in Progress The founders of St. Francis Hospital were women of great faith, hard-working and deeply committed to the care of The Administration of St. Francis Hospital plans to create a the children confided to them from the earliest days of memorial commemorating the beginnings of SFH by the their work. The example these early religious set has FM.M.s A 30 foot wall already exists on the south side of come down to us in our day as a legacy of caring and the campus, to the right of the Grotto of Our Lady. Some of something to be treasured. our sisters are involved in the planning stages. When we had the Dedication of the new DeMatteis Pavilion At the entrance of the Hospital at Port Washington Blvd, many of the guests said, “Now that we have this new wing, there are two lovely red-brick curved walls. The inscription let’s just hope that as the Hospital grows, it won’t lose its in large cream colored letters reads: wonderful spirit!” That, indeed is the legacy about which ST. FRANCIS HOSPITAL - A MEMBER OF CATHOLIC HEALTH Lois wrote! It reminds me of the saying, “We stand on the SERVICES OF LONG ISLAND shoulders of those who have gone before us!”
The new Wall near the Grotto is constructed of the same The planning of this wall continues. Until then, let us be materials but as yet has no printing or graphics. Our group united in prayer and anticipation regarding this wonderful would like the same printing to be used on the Wall to en- project. sure unity and give a cohesive whole as people drive past the Wall en route to the new parking garage. We would Carol Flaherty, fmm also like the FMM symbol to be included with our name: Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. *For those of you who might be interested, Lois’ article was written for publication in a book entitled Long Island Sisters suggested using modern technology century to illus- Women: Activists and Innovators edited by Natalie A Naylor trate the history of the founding of the Hospital by the fmm’s. and Maureen O. Murphy , 1998 Empire State Books, Interla- It would be done as in museums having 5 or 6 stations ken, N.Y. In her article, Lois also included the story of Mary where viewers could press a button to view the history elec- of the Passion. tronically. There already exists a wonderful video of St. Fran- cis Hospital, archival pictures, photos and a wonderful booklet produced by Lois Ann Van Delft entitled “St. Francis Mother of Mercy Hospital Hospital: A Legacy, 1903-2003”* in which she cites the early Gidel, Nuba Mountains history of the fmm’s and collaboration with lay people. We Central Sudan also have an excellent internal history produced by Sheila Patenaude, fmm, which captures the struggles and deci- July 30, 2008 sions of the early FMM as the Hospital developed. All are excellent resources. Dear Sisters, family and friends,
The wall committee agreed that two paragraphs from Lois’ work capture the spirit of SFH (past and present) and need to All my love from here in middle be included in whatever form the Wall takes. Sudan, where I arrived four days ago. Please forgive the common letter, but I am afraid The “spirit” of St. Francis Hospital is a dynamic, authentic that otherwise I may not get to send a note to all of you energy that is all-pervasive and inclusive; it is the fruit of who have been so supportive in so many ways. I have love, self sacrifice, compassion, caring and vision that has been thinking of you all along the way and hoping that had it roots in its poor beginning and is bequeathed as a all is going well in your different places in God’s Kin- “legacy” to all who have worked and seen St. Francis dom *where we are all kin. evolve over the years. 10 The past weeks have been somehow busy and espe- cially meaningful. I left the wonderful time of renewal at Berakah Centre, Pittsfield, New Hampshire, went on shows a lot of potential, but are untrained, usually with to visit my sister Jane in Maine for a few days and then only primary education. This only points out the need to spend the remaining time in the US with the FMMs for our future Solidarity Project in Wau to train Suda- in Rhode Island and New York, seeing the last of the nese nurses and midwives. family along the way. This is a place of surprises and contradictions. It was My few weeks in England were a wonderful reunion a great surprise to join the priests for supper (I am bil- with FMMs and missionary friends there, sharing leted in their compound, as the Comboni Sisters’ about our work in East Africa and learning of the im- house is full for the moment) and to find them watch- portant ministries in the UK. ing BBCnews by satellite television. The TV is a new addition thanks to solar connections. On the other It was good to arrive back in Nairobi, to meet Evelyn hand, I have a broom at the top of my shopping list. and the Sisters there again, and to have a month to Life is pretty simple here and some basics are still to organize the various permits and arrangements for be organized. The electrical water pump has broken Sudan. Finally, after a beautiful missioning Eucharist down so I am joining the other women in using the on July 22, together with Sr. Ligie who is missioned to hand pump for my daily bucketful. Kakuma, I was off to Sudan on January 24. My first day in the hospital almost included the night as The ALS plane with about 12 passengers left Wilson well. There is a laggar (dry river bed) between the mis- Airport and we stopped in Lokichoggio to refuel. I met sion compound and the hospital. We had prayed for an MSF doctor from Ohio on his way to Jonglei area of rain and then at 4 PM it began-a torrential downpour. Sudan, also the medical coordinator for another hospi- The river was a raging torrent too dangerous to cross. tal in Sudan-all good contacts for the future and a help Fortunately by sunset, the waters were calmer and I to me to understand the experience of others in the could wade across with the help of Fr. Tom. inscrutable Sudan. Daily schedules are balanced, beginning with the My first stop was in Rumbek, where I met Sr. Cathy morning prayer and Eucharist with the parish commu- Arata , coordinator for the Solidarity with Southern Su- nity (Apostles of Jesus, Maryknoll priest, Comboni Sis- dan Project. Although we have been communicating ters) and Dr. Tom. In the hospital, rounds are made, for about a year by e-mail, this was our first time to with some surgery and outpatient consultation. I meet. We had a day together to discuss the Solidarity share evening prayer with the Comboni Sisters in their programme and my time to help in the Gidel Hospital. small chapel. What a surprise when Bishop Mazzolari invited us for supper at a Lebanese restaurant in Rumbek. I don’t You might wonder what our diet is like. We have know how many stars it might have in London or New variations of pasta, rice and beans, meaning, beans, York, but for southern Sudan it was truly remarkable. rice and pasta, then rice, pasta and beans. Fortu- nately, it is rainy season and there are some greens The flight to Kauda from Rumbek was on an even occasionally. I have to admit I really miss having fruit, smaller plane-2 young Kenyan pilots, 6 passengers which I haven’t seen since that last orange in Nairobi. and a motorcyle which was strapped into the last pas- senger section. The two-hour flight at low altitude re- I think that is all for now. My first week of orientation is vealed a green land with just one or two roads going ending tomorrow with a trip to the market. More to through it, no towns, no obvious villages. Then- the follow about that in the next letter. Thank you to all of Nuba Mountains were rising up from the plains, not you for your love and support. Please keep on your really mountains but hills at an altitude of 600 metres. prayers for our mission here. The Nuba people (a mix Our airstrip in Kauda is a level marram field. I was met of ethnic groups and languages) have been a ne- by Stefano, project director, and helping in the hospital glected and oppressed people, often taken as slaves in administration. The road to Gidel was not a real and ignored except for the work they can do. They road, just a path through fields, down embankments have a lot of possibility if given the chance and are through dry river beds. open and friendly, as I can see.
This hospital is a real surprise. The buildings are of It is great to have e-mail and to know that you are stone and cement, 75 beds, a theatre space under never far away in cyberspace. All my love and development, with a well functioning laboratory and a prayers, good pharmacy. The trained staff are all from else- 11 where- US surgeon and in-charge, Ugandan and Mary Anne Williamson, fmm Kenyan nurses and professional staff. The local staff Make me a channel of your peace The call of Francis in San Damiano was not just an his- torical fact of 800 years ago. This invitation voice came After hearing Fr. Tod S. Laverty, OFM to me at the present time. Look! This is my house. The speak about “Exploring with the Fran- finger pointed to me and said, God’s house is broken. ciscan Family” during the recent Fran- “Repair my House”. ciscan Federation meeting in Denver, CO. I was moved to write down my Yes, now? I’m too old to do it. I also understood that reflection. I wish to share this with this was not the construction of a church but perhaps everyone. the re-construction of myself .What do I have to do? I am looking for others to help me but reflecting on this in a quiet moment, I realize I have to do it myself. I like the words and the melody of this song. Every time when I sing this song, somehow, there is a shadow or At the same time, the speaker said,” Go out from your disconnection inside of me. This shadow reflects the comfort zone.” I realized that I really did have a com- impossibility of things that are beyond my reach. While fort zone, the womb of my own community where at the same time this disconnection also prevents me structure provided the security and politeness pre- from reaching the beautiful flower on the high moun- vented challenge and holiness was the web that held tain. this all together. I saw Francis, naked, no shoes, no money, no friend or family. Yet Francis started to re- I understand what these words mean, Be a Channel of build his Father’s House by picking up the first stone. Peace. However, I do not know what I am supposed to do in my daily life. . For a short period of time, my en- I am a Franciscan and Franciscans were surrounding thusiasm burns brightly like a firecracker but it has me. Go out? Where? Up to now, I have belonged to the never been rooted in my life. constitutional concept of Francis. Perhaps now, I need to look with new eyes on Francis. I can think and talk about this concept to the people, but there is no connection to the deeper part of my This space and the hierarchical Franciscan order is being. For example, if there is fighting we should bring very safe. Always, some one is looking out for me and peace. That’s true. But what I do is to get angry when I protecting me. I am surrounded by community, nice see fighting or someone being judgmental. I become friends, brothers and sisters, and if I lose the way, they confused with these feelings and do not know what to call me, “let’s go together”. They are holding my hand. do with my anger. I cannot get lost.
If there is hatred, bring love. It is impossible for me. On the other hand I am also intimidated by this envi- After 50 years in religious life, I am still struggling as to ronment. Even though I want to move from the comfort what to do. zone, inside of myself this is rejected. Everything of my lifestyle contributes to the comfort zone. If I want to Two months ago, I heard that I was going to receive sleep comfortably, this is available, if I am hungry, food the Franciscan Peacemaker’s award. I got confused. is there. How to connect this award to my daily life? Now, in San Damiano, there are totally different voices I felt a disconnect, as if someone had given me a dia- talking to me. Jesus said, “I am not bringing peace on mond ring which I put on my finger that was soiled earth. I came to bring fire”. This fire will kindle the with dirt from the garden. I did not know where we earth. All of a sudden I felt that I was looking for peace were going or what we would do. Even to think of it in the wrong places. Peace could be very different than made no sense to me. Only I knew that whatever I had the concepts that I was use to. to do, I would do. And wherever I had to go, I would go. In the past how different the hierarchical concept of religious life. It was stable and safe- such a contrast to Finally I came to the place of Pilgrim and Stranger, the reality and Jesus’ reality. theme of the Franciscan Federation. The speaker was saying,” Keep your eye fixed on Christ”. I felt that I was I tried to step out of this comfort zone, without knowing still sitting12 in a dark place. However, gradually I began where to go or what to do. Suddenly I felt very vulner- to see the beginning of dawn. able being myself. One poem came into my mind. This was written by a Japanese Zen monk. He had started on a pilgrimage which led him to a deep mountain. The sun was setting and darkness was falling. He then wrote this poem. Open Letter to a Friend
“This road with no one walking on it Autumn darkness falls As I walk along the Campus of Fruit Hill community, I Such a depth of stillness, wonder at the nature, the greenery is a real feast to This is a stillness in which I am grounded!” my eyes. I look at the tall well grown trees and they inspire me. The tree is strong and deeply rooted, so Again, I felt very vulnerable but I fixed my eye on Christ much so even if the wind and I picked up a dead branch and made a violin. I blows heavy and storms tried to put a melody on this poem. The melody did not strike hard, it will never fall come. because it is deeply rooted. Nobody waters them, the Silence!! roots go down deeper in search of the water beneath Gradually, I heard the beat of a huge drum beating the soil. The trees always from the depths of the earth. Very softly, gently, the grow tall looking up to the melody came out in the beat. This melody sprung up heavens. While its branches from my violin. This music expanded. It came not only reach out to its surroundings from within me but from the environment surrounding so that it may give shelter to me. Technology, society, politics, plants, animals eve- many birds and squirrels, its rything. People! People! People! Sisters and brothers, fruits and flowers may be the music played on. What joy in the beat. Perhaps this useful to others, opening its arms welcoming all who is what made Francis cry out, “My God and my all.” need rest. The autumn comes, the leaves fall down, the winter hits them but, they stand still, always with Meanwhile, in this process I saw a statue of St Francis the hope that soon the spring will bring new life to talking to the wolf. The seraphic wings were holding them. his wounded hands. Such a wonderful transformation of both. I would like you to be like this tree, growing tall and strong always looking up to the heaven where your Dawn is coming. Throughout this process I felt great Creator is, and deeply rooted, nurturing from the HOLY gratitude for all of my life and the surrounding world. ONE that abides deep within you. As the roots go This is the reality of life. Day by day, minute by minute deep down, you need to go deeper in search of that all of this life is integrated bringing greater harmony life giving sap. The trials may come, the wind may and this harmony brings a new life. What I am sup- blow strong, and the storm may shake you hard, but posed to do is not what happens tomorrow or 10 years you may always remain strong, straight and firm if you from now. New life is starting this moment. are deeply rooted. May you grow stretching out your arms, embracing the whole humanity without distinc- Make me an instrument of your peace. tion, giving rest and comfort to all who come near you or come in contact with you. The autumn and winter But my being will fit into the role of the dynamism of may come, life may seem to be tasteless at time, the orchestra of creation. Whether it be the violin, the empty and withered but do not become distressed, drum or simply the triangle. Somehow, I can contribute keep alive your hope in the Lord in whom you are to the constant melody of creation energy. Creation is rooted, because soon the spring will bring you new love and love is energy and peace. life.
Jeanne Mera, fmm Today I wish and pray that you may be a strong deep rooted ever growing tree like this. Thanks for all that you have been.
Avulmary Durairaj, fmm
13 These poems were written by a dear friend of Anne Richards. Phyllis Meserlian writes weekly to Anne. She gave permission to publish these poems.
THE HEALER
The Healer came among us once And taught us how to pray, To learn the lessons of His love, Summer Celebrations Fruit Hill His life, the Truth, the Way.
But those who followed Him were slow There have been cookouts in the newly renovated To understand and trust “Hogan”, various outings and the most recent “LuLu His message that included all: Day”. A special Hawaiian dinner was prepared, leis Be merciful and just. for everyone and dancing.
To rescue them He walked dry shod The waves of Galilee, Their courage failed, their faith was small, They feared that raging Sea.
God grant that we who follow Him In footsteps of His grace Mary Bayer steps Can find in each imperfect soul lively to the music. The image of His face.
The Healer walks among us still; Remember how He prayed — Through waterfalls of time and space He speaks: Be not afraid!
The Latter Days
Transition! - once again for me,
as oft throughout my checkered past. But this time, puzzling its mystery, I’ve come to some clear light at last.
A time of aches and pains and limits, mem’ries, 9 to 5 job—loss Rosalie managed And hanging on to independence, to swing fearing what its lack might cost. and sway.
In others’ hands I might end up, their caring skills to learn to trust, Waiting, - endless waits, my cup! my pride, my body, bow they must.
For now, with every passing day, I’ll live life to completeness. And if loss come, whatever way,- God’s grace will be its witness 14 Phyllis Iva Meserlian
For me it was a long awaited Sabbatical from 2002. It
Sabbatical 2008 was also uncertain for one to think about its how and
in what form it would take place. But God always
“You and I Lord began our journey so very long ago brings surprises to the open Together we have endured through the years. hearted. It is all about the FMM We’ve come so far and yet we’ve just begun.” charism which I lived in a different level over the years. Reflecting on (Words of the opening hymn of Sabbatical ’08) the past it has made me realize that at every pace in the life of an With these words we began our Sabbatical, the re- FMM it is essential to re-read and newal of our charism. It was indeed relive one’s “charism” in order to a journey into the depths of our be- deepen and fulfill one’s vocation. ing to renew and to learn from one God is not asking me to succeed another to live as an authentic FMM. but to surrender all to Him, to bal- Sister Mary Petrosky had us look at ance my doing and being, to continue to deepen my the Signs of the Times in our own awareness of having been called and chosen by God ministry (mission), and then Sister for a mission in the world today and tomorrow. Elizabeth Ann focused on our Eucha- My special thanks and admiration goes to each of the ristic life, truly Bread for the journey. “Resource Sisters”. You are indeed the living charism Sister Nzenzili brought Mary, Francis and Clare alive as well as the sisters who catered for our material and encouraging us as Gospel women to be a “mirror of physical needs. The example of our older sisters Christ”, and who could better sum up on how to be touched me very much, they are joyful, work hard in Evangelizing communities than our own Sister Alma! their own capacity and keep themselves young for Je- For me it was a journey of faith and hope. Faith in one sus. I am very grateful to Sr. Christiane and the coun- another and hope for the future. As we return to our cil, the leadership team of Ghana-Liberia province for respective communities, my thought as I move on is: giving me this unique opportunity. Finally, the Leader- “Until now I have done nothing let me begin” today. ship team of the receiving province of the USA, you have done so well. Agnes Begley, fmm Wit heartfelt gratitude and prayers
The” Sabbatical Month“ had been a time of grace for Sister Annamma Mathew, fmm me, where I could renew myself, my commitment to God through the deepening of various elements of our Charism. And it was a time for me to re-read my mis- I am Esmy from Sri Lanka, and I belong to the province sionary life experience and see of Paraguay. Thank God for the wonderful meeting how wonderful it is to believe in a with the sisters in this Sabbati- God to whom all things are possi- cal 2008 at Bethany. It was an ble, and how marvelous are His enriching experience of sharing ways in my life journey. Also this our charism with the sisters time helped me to reaffirm my whom the Lord gave me. And I call to belong to an International came to realize more and more and intercultural Institute, and it is the precious gift of my vocation. a blessing “to be sent” by God to I love and I am convinced of my fulfill a specific mission across the seas. Thanks to Srs. vocation and I thank Mary of Alma and Nzenzili, for their inspiring presence, and for the Passion for sharing this gift Sr. Cathy for her cheerful giving during this period. with us. This Sabbatical program helped me to pre- Thanks to Sr. Mary P. for her simplicity in presenting pare myself for the journey ahead; I am nourished the signs of the times, for Sr. Elizabeth Ann for her body and spirit and ready to continue my mission and deep insights on our Eucharistic vocation, for Srs. live out our charism in an evangelizing community. Yvette and Emilia for their hidden service, finally thanks I also take the opportunity to thank all the sisters who to Sr. Lois Pereira for being the force behind the screen had helped us in this program and in our stay in Beth- so that our sabbatical may be fruitful. Thanks to one any. May the good Lord bless all of us in our journey! and all especially for my companions for this enriching experience. 15 Sister Esmy. fmm
Sr. Arulmary Durairaj fmm
For me Sabbatical is a grace of God; the Lord is always very generous with me. This time of grace helped me to deepen my spiritual life as an FMM. I I am Nirmala Bethala, from India; my mission has think it will help me in preparing for been to the province of Bolivia- Chile for the past 14 my new mission in Ethiopia. I give years. By profession I am a social worker; I worked in thanks to God for the welcome of the the non governmental organization for the street chil- Sisters, for sharing with me their mis- dren in Bolivia and I have been on the novitiate team sionary experiences and for listening and did pastoral ministry At present I am in Chile as to me too. I pray for each one of the the provincial bursar. I am grateful to Sr. Alma Dufault Sisters and I only desire what will and Nzenzili Mboma, for their invi- make them to continue being happy in their mission. tation to participate in this course and all those who have organized Sister Sonia, fmm this program. Thank you Sr Lois Ann Pereira and the council and Sr. Noreen, who accepted us in this province and made it possible our stay here. Thanks to Sr. Yvette and Sr. Emilia for their hospitality, they appeared and disappeared, seeing Babette’s Feast all our needs. A special thanks to our young religious, Sr. Cathy, who helped us in many ways: organizing One of the highlights of the Sabbatical was Babette’s liturgy, outings, food etc. She was very loving and self feast, a celebratory dinner, which followed the presen- giving. The prayers were well prepared with appropri- tation of the Eucharist. ate songs, psalms according to the themes of the day. My objective in coming here was to deepen the ele- ments of our charism. To become true Disciples of Each Sister received a Christ, I felt that there should be some resemblance lei upon her entrance between the master and His followers. Love, Self offer- to Peace Barn, the ing and kenosis are the important themes that follows venue for the feast. throughout the 5 elements our charism. As Christ says “If you want to be my disciples take up your daily cross L-R: Emilia Palma, fmm, and follow me”. Without love and self offering, there is Alma Dufault, fmm, no obedience to the will of the father in our daily life Cathy Tshitenge, fmm. which comes in different ways. There is no Ecce, Fiat of the Marian element. There is no minority as St. Francis speaks of it. In the mission, to accept the new culture and to live in the International and Intercultural evangelizing communities, one should live the kenosis Sisters sang and of Christ. May the Lord help me and help all of us who danced as they said “YES” to our vocation that we received, and cour- circled the festively age to live according to the demands of the Master decorated dinner with love and generosity. It has been an enriching ex- table. perience of sharing with our sisters who came from different countries and different mission experiences. Seated are Alma Dufault, fmm and Elizabeth Ann Con- Thanking you one and all. yers, fmm. Dancers are Agnes Begley, fmm, Nzenzili Mboma, fmm, Esmey Stocks, fmm and Sonia Solis, fmm. Nirmala Bethala fmm
16
Thoughts from the writings of Sister Maura O’Connor on Mary shared by Sister Agnes Begley:
E Encounter Mary had with the Angel C Commitment Mary made to the Lord C Concern Mary had for Elizabeth E Example Mary gave us by her life
F Faith Mary’s was a journey of faith I Intimate Mary was intimately united with the sufferings of Jesus and equally united with Him in the Joy of the Resurrection A Attitude Mary’s attitude of submission to God’s plan T Total Dedication Mary’s total dedication to the mission of Jesus.
17 Sisters of Temporary Vows Participate in on love based on Jesus’ teaching, Whoever welcomes Eucharistic Congress, Quebec a child welcomes me and welcomes the Father.” Vanier also pointed out that we should love those who Amid the celebration of 400th anniversary of the found- are hurt and those who are different from us. ing of Quebec City, the oldest city in Canada, the 49th series of the International Eucharistic Congress was June 17, 2008 – Catechesis on the Memorial of the held simultaneously. As Quebec City was founded, so Paschal Mystery by His Eminence Philippe Cardinal was the Catholic faith sown in the lands of North Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyon, and Primate of the America. From June 15th to 22nd, the extensive complex Gauls, France. He stated that our failures and limita- of Expocite, a venue in Quebec City for events such as tions do not limit us from our faithfulness to The One fairs, conventions and hockey games, turned into a who delivers and to The One who forgives. As Jesus pilgrim place and became known as the “Eucharistic forgives us so we must forgive others. Fr. Nicolas But- City”. Catholic pilgrims from all over the world con- tet, Founder of the Eucharitein Fraternity shared his ex- verged to this site to deepen their understanding of the periences with people who found salvation through Eucharist. This year’s theme was “The Eucharist; For the Eucharist. In one of his stories, one girl who was the Life of the World.” Upon the invitation of the Cana- contemplating suicide was advised to go for adoration. dian province, the temporary professed sisters, Hoa, She spent 9 nights in adoration and when she felt she ToAnh and Annie together with Pauline Gilmore, was at the bottom of the pit, there she found Jesus. joined our counterparts in Canada for the week-long gathering. June 18, 2008 – Catechesis on “The Eucharist Builds Up the Church, the Sacrament of Salvation” by His Emi- Highlights for each day are as follows: (Morning nence Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, S.J., Archbishop Prayer, catechesis, witnessing and Mass were all held of Buenos Aires and Primate of Argentina. With Mary at Pepsi Colisee, a stadium used mostly for hockey as our role model, we, too should be faithful to God games) especially when we feel abandoned and we should be ready to accompany those who are abandoned. We June 15, 2008 – Opening of the 49th International Eu- must remain hopeful as Jesus Christ fulfilled His prom- charistic Congress. The opening ceremony began with ise through His resurrection. The Divine Liturgy a pageantry of big puppets repre- (Eucharistic Celebration) according to the Byzantine rite senting the saints from Que- was celebrated by the Most Reverend Lawrence Hucu- bec starting with the first lak, OSBM, Ukranian Catholic Archeparch of Winni- bishop, Blessed François peg and Metropolitan For Ukraninians Cathlolics Montmorency de La- in Canada. The liturgy was sung all throughout. val. A Mass followed celebrated by the June 19, 2008 – Catechesis on “The Eucha- conference’s papal rist, the Life of Christ in Our Lives” by the legate Cardinal Most Reverend Luis Antonio G. Tagle, Jozef Tomko from Bishop of Imus, Philippines. Church must Slovakia. be oriented towards others. As Jesus ex- emplified to us how his sacrifice became June 16, 2008 – an act of worship so must we be self- Catechesis on The sacrificing in order to give life to others. Eucharist, Gift of God Bishop Tagle shared his experience about a Par Excellance by the woman who was wrapping up for the day Most Reverend Donald selling vegetables. He came up to her and William Wuerl, Archbishop of asked her, “How come you are packing up al- Washington, D.C., USA. In the ready? It is too early; you can sell more if you stay Jewish history, the Jews remembered longer.” The woman looked up to him and said, “I have their deliverance from Egypt and their sharing of the to go to church since it is Sunday.” God has already meal was a symbol of their continued deliverance and blessed me and it is time for me to thank Him. You thanksgiving. So, too are we called to remember what should be the one who should tell me to go to church, Jesus endured and what He accomplished in His Res- Bishop?” With this experience he realized that some- urrection. As Christians, we are also challenged to times we act like God or think we are God. A witness- participate in the work of redemption. Mr. Jean Vanier, ing was followed by Mrs. Elizabeth Nguyen Thi Thu 18 Founder of L’Arche Communities gave his witness Hong, a teacher and the youngest sister of the late Cardinal Francois-Xavier Nguyen Van Thuan. She has been telling the story of his late brother whose life in Finally, the success of the Congress was witnessed prison was full of suffering and of hope at the same with the stream of people who guided themselves to time. Her brother’s cause for beatification started in two sites for adoration and also another recognizable September 2007. In the evening, several FMMs joined cue that the Spirit was alive were the long lines for rec- the procession through the streets of Quebec City. onciliation. Refreshed and reenergized the FMM dele- Some finished more than half way while other sisters gates to the Eucharistic Congress moved on with de- completed the 5K stretch. sire to be truly Eucharistic people.
As we departed from the International Eucharistic Con- gress, we, the young religious from US and Canada together with our respective coordinators Pauline Gil- more and Marianna Jung, gathered for another week this time in one of our houses in Montreal, Can- ada. We were also joined by Maria Nguyen, originally from Vietnam and now studying French in Canada and Ana Kim, who was on home visit and shared with us her experience in Ethiopia. With Sisters Patricia Saint - Cyr and Simone Bastien, fmm as our animators, we dissected and digested together what we have The Ark containing prayer requests and petitions. learned from our experience in the Eucharistic Con- gress and together we sought how we can live out our June 21, 2008 – Conference on Witness to the Eucharist experience in our FMM life. in the Midst of the World by His Eminence Christian Wiy- ghan Cardinal Tumi, Archbishop of Doula, Cameroon. The week was broken down into different themes all “To be true to our mission, we should not keep Christ to based on the Eucharist with a focus on the Emmaus ourselves. Christ is shareable. Loving becomes danger- journey. ous for those who can love even those who are hard to love. A person of Eucharist shakes everybody and gives 1st day - Re-reading of the Emmaus journey and of others a bad conscience to know bad from good.” Ms. what we heard during the Eucharistic Congress in the Marguerite Barankitse, founder of NGO Maison Shalom light of our FMM spirituality. The same as the two disci- described herself as timid but once she spoke her ples who walked with their faces downcast on the words pierced our hearts with her firm belief that she is road to Emmaus, we also walked in pairs and realized first and foremost a Christian before her ethnicity. She that after such great experience with God and parting helps any child victim of war regardless of their ethnicity from that experience we again were left feeling some as she sees everyone as a child of God. sense of loss. Loss in terms of our limitations on how we can carry on what we have seen and heard from The faithful pilgrims gathered on the final day at the the Eucharistic Congress. This was the day that we Plains of Abraham, a park which became the site for mourned our losses. the "Statio Orbis," It refers to the global nature of the gathering for the papal closing Mass of each Congress. 2nd day - After identifying our losses, we continued The Papal Legate His Eminence Jozef Cardinal Tomko reading part the gospel on the Emmaus walk. We real- celebrated the Eucharist while Pope Benedict XVI gave ized that despite our losses, we found our hope as we his homily live from Rome. The final day did not end recognized Jesus' presence with us. The afternoon uneventful for the rain poured during Holy Communion was free to celebrate the national feast of Quebec: St. and left all drenched to the bones but still filled with the John the Baptist. hope and the Holy Spirit. Aside from the spiritual food that inspired us all, there were also some things that Karen, To Anh, needed to be shared such as the “greening” of the Pauline, Annie, Congress. Biodegradable products like water bottles Arlene & and utensils (made of starch) were used for the rest of the week and onwards too. Backpacks which were Marianna taking stuffed with a pen (also made of starch), poncho, pro- a tour at Old gram guide, missal, reflection booklet and a clock/ Montreal during radio which served also site grounds. the feast of St. John the Baptist. 19
3rd day - Recognizing Jesus' presence and hearing 5th day - In the context of our FMM charism of mission, His Words, we also became filled joy, gratitude and Sun-Ah Park, a young religious from Canada and Ana strength to share the Good News. We become then Kim, a professed sister sent to Ethiopia, shared their Eucharist when we speak words of Life. Knowing that reflections on their experience of being sent. Sun-Ah Jesus is with us, we became aware that our deepest went to Geneva, Switzerland to participate in a one desire is to love and be loved. week meeting with the Franciscans International to- gether with other FMM sisters. Ana Kim shared with This became apparent as we gathered for recreation. us how we should be open to God’s will especially The sisters came down to watch us sing and dance living in a new country with a different culture than and they even joined us in singing some French songs. ours. We had time in the evening for mass at the Ora- Our efforts were received with their resounding ap- tory of St. Joseph. plause. We wrapped up our session with a half day of relaxa- 4th day – Fr. Gilles Bordeau, OFM, guided us in reflect- tion in an island resort where our sisters have a rest ing our relationship with God and how to be a servant house. With only a few hours to spare, we took ad- to one another. His collection of poems became our vantage of the mild weather swimming in the lake and basis for reflection. He celebrated Mass afterwards. ate an appetizing meal afterwards.
After supper, Marianna took us, sisters from the US, to We carried back home the words of Henri Nouwen, the infirmary to visit our elderly sisters. They expressed founder of L'Arch, reminding us of our being Eucharis- their appreciation of our visit through their smiles or tic people, "Life lived Eucharistically is always a life of tears. We too were touched by their prayerful support mission." during our sessions. Annie L.Nebres,fmm
Mass celebrated at Pepsi Cilisee. Approximately 10,000 pilgrims from all over the world gathered.
Maria Nguyen from Vietnam, Liliane Rancourt from Canada and Annie Nebres from USA at exhibit done by Liliane and her team.
FMM Pilgrims welcomed by our Sisters in rue Dieppe, Quebec.
From Blessed Mary of the Passion ...
… let every day of your life be a day of conversion from good to still better. Our Lord wants it like this, He is always knocking at 20 our door to receive something more than we have already given. (1899)