Ursulines of the Eastern Province SPRING 2011

BylinesIn March 2010, I spent Carrying On: time in the English Province Archives World War II and outside London, reading the later diaries the Ursulines in Rome of Mother Magdalen Martha Counihan, osu who had been born in 1891, an Anglican in India. She converted uring World War II, like many other to Catholicism as a Roman institutions and convents, the young woman, was

DUrsuline community at the Generalate a suffragette, then Ilford Archives, Photo courtesy English Province in Rome provided sanctuary to hunted Jews and worked in British Mother Magdalen Bellasis, OSU political dissidents. I spent a fall sabbatical from Intelligence during my ministry as Archivist and Special Collections WWI (for which she Librarian at the College of New Rochelle in received the prestigious award of Member of the British research on this topic. Empire), and entered the Ursulines at the age of 28. My interest had begun when I read the typescript Magdalen was a gifted person. Soon after profession in of the English Ursuline, Mother Magdalen Bellasis, 1922, she was sent to Oxford where she received both a who was the prioress of the community in Rome BA and an MA. She served as a school headmistress and from 1935-1945. The general government was in then novice mistress in England before going to Rome exile in the U.S.; few letters could be sent, and for tertianship in 1934. A year later she was appointed fewer arrived. The nuns were cut off from one prioress of the generalate community. Her diary during another. An inveterate diarist, Mother Magdalen’s the war years documents the daily challenges of the diary of the war years in Rome whetted my interest war: bombing, demands from the police for possible and curiosity. requisition of the huge building, robbers breaking into In 2007, I had attended a presentation by Mrs. the farm land and stealing crops and animals, the phone Jetta Hendlin Gordon, who, as an 18-year- old being tapped, and many requests for refuge. Then the Croatian Jewish girl, had sought and found shelter vagaries of weather, no water for days, no fuel, rationing with her young sister in the Generalate during of bread, less and less food for 50 people, rumors of the months when the Nazis took over the city of Continued on p. 3 Rome in autumn 1943. Jetta’s dramatic story of desperation was a story that needed to be told. In this issue Carrying On: World War II...... p . 1, 3 Bylines has covered the account in 2002 of the and the Ursulines in Rome Award of the Righteous from the State of Israel As I See It...... p . 2 given to one Ursuline, Mother Marie Xavier Celebration of 475th Anniversary...... p . 3, 4 Marteau, who befriended and helped an Italian Serviam Gardens Update ...... p . 4 Jewish family to hide in the Generalate. At the time Upper Room ...... p . 5 of the award, Mother Colette Lignon stated that the News & Notes ...... p . 5, 7 award rightly included the entire community who Obituaries...... p. . 6, 7 Solo Voices...... p. . 8 participated in concealing a number of “guests” who knocked at their gate seeking refuge. community and among the people. We shared wonderful meals and conversations, visited homes, schools, persons with AIDS, church communities and programs that immersed us in the multifaceted life of the Ursuline community. The beautiful flora that blossomed everywhere, the animals that populated homes, yards, and roadsides, and wiggled under one’s feet, spoke of the people’s loving connection to creation. Though the Ursulines are fewer now, he road in was unremarkable. An oft-traveled the mission continues through Sisters Zora from path opened out on a simple house, chapel, Slovenia and Liz and Frances from Australia, and T and gathering spaces of the Ursuline sisters their lay collaborators. Their compassion and active of Botswana. Just a stone’s throw from the parish involvement in the church, the otherwise dry desert area was resplendent issues affecting the with extraordinary flora, reflective of the beauty of the lives of the people are people and the place. admirable. Only a few days after our wonderful 475th celebra- As I reflected tion at Beckwith Pointe, I was in South Africa and on the time in Botswana for a meeting of Ursuline provincials from Botswana, I was around the world. The theme was “Ursulines in the struck by some of the Service of Reconciliation, Justice, and Peace.” Prior similarities between to the meeting, each of the provincials had a two- this experience week immersion experience in one of seven different and our process countries of Africa. I chose Botswana, a place that of reconfiguration

had been for many years home for some of our of four provinces Johnson, OSU Photos: Margaret Eastern Province sisters. into one. The latter We met Ursulines of different Ursuline presence in Botswana began after Vatican immersion will take congregations serving in Af- II. The Province of South Africa wanted to extend much longer and rica: Standing: Pamela (Kenya), its presence into other African countries. At the time calls for a sustained Mkhensani (South Africa), Chris- openness to new tine (Senegal) Seated: Rosella Botswana was one of the poorest of countries and had (Burkina Faso), Edilburga (Tan- just gained political independence. In 1970 the South cultures with a zania), Esperance (Congo), Anna African province opened a community in Serowe, willingness to look (Mozambique) with two sisters from the Eastern Province, Sisters at life from another Gregory Horgan and Patricia Knight. The foundation perspective for the sake of our mission. The big was a new impetus in the Institute and sisters were events that will signal more change for us are the recruited from many provinces around the world. election of our Inaugural Team which will take place More sisters from the East responded: Anne Marie in St. Louis, July 9-14, and the beginning date of the Kelleher, Christina Pratt, Ann Alicia Smith, Theresa one United States Province on October 21, 2011. Falls, and Fran Lyle. The scope of this column does Most of us in the present Eastern Province will not permit a description During our visit in Botswana we were invited to a continue to live, work and of the depth and breadth dinner with this bush family. have our connections here as of the influence of these we strengthen the broader sisters. To this day their connections with places like presence and initiatives Botswana and the rest of the in education have made U.S. Through these efforts to a lasting contribution, come together and to move still remembered by the forward, we continue to hear people who continue to the invitation of Angela to benefit from what they recognize the importance began. of union and concord, to Soon after our arrival in pursue it, embrace it and Serowe we felt very much hold onto it with all our at home in our Ursuline strength. (Last Counsel) www.osueast.org 2 Carrying On Continued from p. 1 CELEBRATION OF raids by the fascists, and, later, the Germans, and 475th ANNIVERSARY blackouts. Bridget Puzon, OSU In her diary she mentions the arrival of Jetta Hendlin and her sister and other “guests.” One year of celebration for Ursulines who trace their gets the impression that Magdalen could “carry origins to St. Angela Merici began on November on” calmly as war and worry surrounded her 25, 2009. Ursulines around the world held a special and her companions. A Vespers service on that day, so that within a 24-hour period, The Generalate property was under the as the sun was setting in each place, the evening prayer protection of the Vatican, but when the Germans of the Church was said in many languages. The 475th replaced the fascists in September 1943 (and anniversary of the Founding of the Company of St. Ursula in the manhunt for Jews began in earnest), some the city of Brescia, Italy, had opened. convents and seminaries were raided by the Around the Province Center, Nazis. Although the Villino on the property was banners for the anniversary hung briefly occupied by Nazis, the large convent from the lampposts; they featured fortunately was never raided. Rome was laurel leaves as the logo for the liberated in June of 1944, and the diary describes year, recalling the anagram Ursula the rationing and privations that continued–and Laurus, the tree featured on the the relief that liberation brought. worldwide Ursuline shield. After the war, Magdalen returned to England October 4, 2010, brought together and was named Provincial. In 1949, she visited Ursulines, alumnae and friends for the Eastern Province, accompanying some Photo: Maria Rosa Deiso, OSU a celebration brunch at Beckwith Guyanese Sisters. From 1952 to 1966, she was Laurel banners at the Pointe overlooking Long Island back in Rome where she served in Ursuline Province Center Sound. The ritual that opened the general government and as first Dean of the new event highlighted in song and prayer the international Pontifical Institute for women, Regina Mundi. nature of the Ursulines. Her post-war diaries pick up in 1966 when she The guests proceeded to the dining area, beautifully finally returned to England to live in Westgate; decorated around the laurel theme. Speakers addressed she died there in 1980. How she welcomed all the meaning of the anniversary both historically and in the changes of Vatican II–liturgy and office in the current experience. Dr. Mary Erina Driscoll, alumna of The vernacular, changes in religious and community Ursuline School and currently a professor at New York life, even her first colorful habit! University, in her keynote address, brought insight and In the Generalate Archives in Rome I read affection to her analysis of the Ursuline impact on students correspondence, reports, and the daily Chronicle and countless others to whom they have ministered. She of the community, as well as the personal file emphasized characteristics of transformation, of belief in of each Ursuline, choir or lay sister, who was a women’s capabilities and imagination in “ministries that member of the Generalate Community during encompass the needs of the war years. Of great interest to me was the individuals across the life fact that the community was composed of cycle, promoting social justice Ursulines whose nations were enemies of one in a multitude of forms.” another–Italians and Austrians, representing The warmth of the Axis countries, and many others from the Allies: interaction among those France, England, Poland, USA, Netherlands, and joining in this celebration Belgium. expressed a joyful Together, the nuns did the work of Christ in community among friends communion with so many who saw a desperate of the Ursulines. Take- need and responded. The diaries and Chronicles,

John Vecchiolla Photography Vecchiolla John home favors of small desk and Mrs. Gordon’s reminiscences tell an calendars with pictures inspiring story of courage and survival. PHOTO: of Ursuline activities and Archbishop Timothy Dolan, places convey the message of Celebrant, 475th Anniversary Mass Continued on p. 4 3 www.osueast. Highlights of Activities at Serviam Gardens- Serviam Towers

onstruction of Serviam Towers, Phase Two of a 243-unit senior housing complex on the grounds of Bedford Park Convent in the

C Photo: Caitlin Grath Bronx, was completed in the summer of 2010. Sr. Alice Marie Giordano and Sr. Patricia Russell presented a Each Tower houses 80 single bedroom PowerPoint on the “475th Anniversary of the Founding of the apartments, many overlooking a roof-top garden Ursulines” to tenants in early January. which in spring will provide a gracious space for gathering and for exercising one’s green thumb. Some 3,400 applicants entered the lottery for 160 available apartments in Serviam Towers. Those selected in the lottery spent the fall inspecting apartments, signing leases and moving in. The photo gallery offers a glimpse of some of the activities in which tenants participated in the fall and winter months. For additional information and snapshots of Serviam residents, www .fordham-bedford .org go to: . Photo: Melissa Spahr

Tenants enjoying a December Holiday Party. Left: Let it snow! Shot taken from interior of campus on February 21 when 4 inches were added to the 56 which had fallen since December 27.

Watch your mail in April for the “May Bouquet” . . . a fun way to contribute to Ursulines in Retirement! 475th Celebration Continued from p. 3 Ursuline accomplishment and ongoing dedication. Editor: DougBylines Hearle Editorial Board: On November 20, 2010, a Mass of Thanksgiving in Holy Martha Counihan, Bridget Puzon, Martha Reddington, Roxanne Zimmer, Family Chapel at the College of New Rochelle formally Production: TE Graphics expressed the founding achievement. The celebrant was New Uncredited photos by T. Eppridge York’s Archbishop Timothy Dolan. He brought good cheer Bylines is published periodically by the Development Office and outgoing engagement with the people gathered in the of the Ursulines of the Eastern Province chapel and later at a reception in Maura Hall. The reception of the United States. rounded out the year memorializing the Founding of the Michele Foran, Director of Development Ursuline Provincialate1338 North Avenue Ursulines. The wide circle of friends of the Ursulines enjoyed New Rochelle, NY 10804 the opportunity to rejoice in 475 years of service. 914-712-0068 E-mail: [email protected] www.osueast.org 4

THE Komonchak, whose work on the The Upper Room continues, UPPER ROOM history of Vatican II made him an led by Sr. Alice Gallin and a appropriate choice to open the 2011 committee of men and women Bridget Puzon, O.S.U. series “Celebrating the Upcoming who plan the events since the 50th Anniversary of Vatican Council death of Sr. Dorothy Ann Kelly “Those things that concern the II.” in 2009. Meetings in spring 2011 good of the church” are, according will be held on Thursday, March to the Constitution on the Church In place of a membership organization, The Upper Room 31, at 7:30 p.m., with John Carr of the Second Vatican Council, speaking on “The Church in the the concern of lay people as well consists of those who sign on to be part of a mailing list that by 2010 Modern World: Challenges and as of religious and priests. In the Responses,” and on Thursday, aftermath of the clerical abuse included 180 names. They meet in early evening in the spacious May 5, with John Borelli, on “The revelations in 2002, a group of Council’s Promotion of Ecumenical dedicated men and women joined social hall at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in New Rochelle, and Interfaith Dialogue and together under the leadership Activities.” All are welcome! of Sister Dorothy Ann Kelly, to with an attendance of between 75 express their concern and make and 120 people. sense of their role as laypeople in that time of crisis. After open discussions, those who continued to look for a News and Notes way to respond as committed Catholics sought to be effective Sr. Beth Dowd received “The volunteers for the labor, the Project and informed about larger is- Unsung Hero Award” at New has rebuilt more than 350 homes sues and a broad vision of the Rochelle City Hall on November 16, left uninhabitable by the flooding American Catholic Church today. 2010. It was given in memory of after Hurricane Katrina. Since that initial gathering in 2002, Josh Sumner, from New Rochelle, The photos and information at the group created a program of who did a great deal for the youth www.stbernardproject.org tell why presentations and discussions held of New Rochelle. One of the some of the sisters are already approximately three or four times Songcatchers parents made the planning to go again in November a year and featuring a speaker presentation, along with a high 2011. Come right along down! whose specialization is an aspect of school volunteer in the After School the contemporary church. Music Program, who serves on the Youth Council board and made the Ursuline sisters Teresa Byrne, Marie- Such is the formal outcome recommendation. The plaque reads, Celine Miranda, Phyllis Kemper, a of their concern, for which they Cleveland Ursuline, Terry Eppridge, “For making a vital contribution took the name The Upper Room. Carole Marie Keaney, Dee Yanshak, improving the quality of life of our Informal actions and conversations and Regina Marie Fronmuller of New City’s youth without seeking praise, Orleans, all decked out for work. enable participants to reach beyond recognition or reward.” those gatherings to other contacts in a focused and informed way. Notable speakers have included In November 2010, such experts as theologian Paul Sisters Teresa Byrne, Lakeland, on the role of the laity Terry Eppridge, in the church; Peter Steinfels, co- Carole Marie director of the Center on Religion Keaney, Marie- and Culture at Fordham University Celine Miranda and and author of The Church Adrift; Dee Yanshak spent a Elizabeth Johnson, theologian week in New Orleans, and author most recently of participating in The Quest for God; E.J. Dionne NunsBuild, sponsored on the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ by the St. Bernard pastoral, “Faithful Citizenship”; Project. With donations and theologian Reverend Joseph for building materials and

5 www.osueast.org OBITUARIES elementary school teacher, she served in Bronx parish schools. She also taught at the Academy of Mount Sr . Joan Marie Clarke died at St. Ursula. Her keen business sense served well Andrus on Hudson on September in assisting in the treasurer’s office of the Bedford 15, 2010, six months after her 100th Park community. Sr. Patrick is remembered for her birthday. She had made her first kindness and her correspondence. profession of vows in 1931. An alumna of the Academy of Mount St. Ursula, she graduated from Sr . Joan Mc Iver, formerly Fordham University. Sr. Joan Marie known as Mother Emmanuel, died taught at St. Philip Neri School and on February 15, 2011, at Andrus at St. Jerome’s School; at her alma mater, the Academy the age of 84. She made her final of Mount St. Ursula; at the Ursuline Academy vows in 1951. in Springfield, MA, where she also served as Sr. Joan was a theologian by superior, and also at Ursuline Academy in Bethesda, profession, teaching at the College MD. After retirement, she was archivist for her of New Rochelle, beginning in community of Bedford Park; she was a dependable 1958 to 1969; later she taught resource for community and Bronx history. She also there in 1972-73, and 1976-79. visited the sick and tutored, and she was a faithful She also taught briefly at Seton Hall University. She correspondent with family and former students. began her teaching career at The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, 1950-51 and 1953-55, and in 1951-53 On August 11, 2010, Sr . Marie at St. Jerome’s School in the Bronx. Over the years Paul Denesha, Pauline, died she was director of the Ursuline House of Studies peacefully at Andrus on Hudson. in New Rochelle and later in Washington, DC. She Born on February 8, 1918, she was was superior of the St. Teresa’s community in New one of three Denesha sisters who Rochelle 1978-84. became Ursulines: Marie Thérèse She graduated from The College of New Rochelle predeceased her, and she is sur- in 1951, earned a Magister in Sacris Scientis degree at vived by Christine who lives at Regina Mundi in Rome in the 1950s, and a master’s Andrus. On January 25, 1938, Marie from St. Mary’s Notre Dame. She held a doctorate Paul made her vows as an Ursuline. from Fordham University. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy in Malone, NY, she held bachelor’s and master’s degrees; she Sr . Elizabeth O’Brien, also was certified as a Montessori teacher. For forty formerly known as Mother St. years she taught in Ursuline schools in Bethesda, John, died on February 8, 2011, Wilmington, New Rochelle, the Bronx, and Malone. at Andrus; she was 97 years old. She was part of community service activities in the She held leadership positions Malone area such as the Homebound Pastoral Team. in her long career, notably as Her calligraphy in house blessings, memorial cards, President of the College of New and a banner in Notre Dame Chapel is cherished by Rochelle from 1961 to 1963. She friends and parishioners. was an alumna of The Ursuline School (1930) and of the College Sr . Mary Patrick Levis, born of New Rochelle (1934). After she made her vows Anna, died peacefully at Andrus in the Ursulines in 1941, she taught at both schools. on October 17, 2010, at the age of In the Order she held positions of responsibility as 89. She graduated from Cathedral novice mistress, mistress of juniors, superior of the High School in New York and St. Teresa’s community, held office as part of the the Assisium Institute. She was a provincial leadership team, co-director of education graduate of the College of New at the generalate in Rome, and superior of the Rochelle and Fordham University. community at the retreat center in Frontenac, Minn. Sr. Patrick made her first Later she engaged in spiritual direction and directing profession of vows in 1945. An retreats. www.osueast.org 6 Sr . Philip Touhey, born Grace known for their joyful spirit. She is survived by one Catherine, died unexpectedly brother, Henry. in Wilmington, Delaware on Sr. Mary Thomas entered the Ursulines in 1937 and February 8, 2011, three weeks th made her first vows in 1940. She earned a bachelor’s before her 89 birthday. An degree in English from Fordham in 1943, and in 1961 alumna of the Ursuline Academy a B.S. in elementary education, also from Fordham. in Wilmington, she graduated She taught in a variety of schools in the province, from the College of New Rochelle beginning with St. Philip Neri School and later at St. and earned a master’s degree Jerome’s and St. Angela’s, all in the Bronx. In 1974 she Photo courtesy Ursuline Community, Wilm. DE Wilm. Photo courtesy Ursuline Community, at The Catholic University of returned to Malone, where she had graduated from St. America. She entered the Ursulines in 1938, was Joseph’s Academy, and served at various schools and professed in 1941, and taught at Ursuline Academy parishes there as teacher or pastoral assistant. In her and other schools of the province. For 12 years retirement she lived in Wilmington, DE, from 2000, she served in Caracas and Maracaibo, Venezuela, until moving to Andrus in 2007. returning in 1970, when she began a career in library work. Besides staffing libraries at Ursuline Academy, she also served at St. Anthony of Padua School and at continued the William C. Lewis School. Philip was archivist for News and Notes her Ursuline community until the time of her death. In a forthcoming memoir, Wind in the Buffalo Grass, Sr . Jean Baptiste Nicholson Sr. Marian Bohen, O.S.U. recounts transforming experiences in Indonesia over 25 years as she learned died on March 23, 2011at the age the customs and language and adapted to the cultures of 75. She entered the Ursulines of the people, particularly in service to Christians, in a in 1954 and made her first vows predominantly Muslim country. Photographs illustrate in 1957. the people and places she encountered in her mission- She served as Principal of driven experiences. The title of the book is taken from The Ursuline School from 1974 a North American Ojibwe proverb. Publication date in to 2005 when she was named 2011. If you would like to be notified about availability, President. In 2009 she was given Photo courtesy Joanne Safian e-mail the Development Office [email protected]. the title President Emerita. Better known as JB, presented a paper at the Texas A & Jean Baptiste was an innovative leader, continuing Sr. Maryellen Keefe M Maritime Education Summit In Galveston, TX, March the Ursuline tradition: enriching the school with 13-15. The topic was “Roping in the Reluctant Reader: increased and diverse enrollment, strengthening Strategies for Tethering Maritime Undergraduates to Safe the academic, art, and athletic programs, improving Ports within the Humanities Curriculum.” facilities, and enhancing faculty development. During those years, one of her great pleasures was teaching Sojourners’ Place, founded and directed by Sr. Jeanne Greek and Latin at 7:30 a.m. for students electing to Cashman, celebrated its 20th Anniversary with the Light study those languages. up the Night Awards Dinner on March 10, 2011. For more information visit: www.sojournersplace.org Before coming to The Ursuline School, Jean Baptiste taught at the Ursuline Academy in Bethesda and St. After five years of service as superior of the Ursuline Joseph’s Academy in Malone, where she also was Community at Andrus on Hudson, Sr. Kathleen Mary Principal. A graduate of Mount St. Ursula, she held Donohue completed her term. Kathleen Mary brought a B.A in classics from the College of New Rochelle, years of experience as director at the former Marian and an M.A. in Greek and Latin from The Catholic Residence as well as her personal upbeat spirit and University of America. devoted care for the infirm. The province is grateful for her service to our sisters. She is now taking a period of Sr . Mary Thomas Maloney, renewal. born Mary June, died peacefully On March 3rd, at The Adult Learning Center’s 14th at Andrus on Hudson on March Annual Angela Awards Dinner at Beckwith Point in New 24, 2011. She was 92 years old. Rochelle, Sr. Eileen Fane, Director, presented the awards. One of 13 children, she had two The honorees were: Sr. Alice Gallin, OSU; Richard sisters, Priscilla and Veronica, Pisano, M.D. and Kathy Pisano, R.N.; Luis Quiros, who also were Ursulines and M.P.A., M.S.W. and Martha Quiros, C.P.A. predeceased her. All three were 7 www.osueast.org Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage paid Permit No. 5198 White Plains, NY

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IN the upcoming publication of her latest book, Solo Voices: A Novel of Forgiveness, A Mission of Service. A Vision for Change Sister Irene Mahoney narrates the stories of three women within a complex family. Ursulines “I have tried,” Irene writes, ”to capture their tangled relationships and their search for understanding. But PROVINCE MISSION STATEMENT even more Solo Voices explores the struggle to free We, Ursulines of the Eastern Province of the United oneself from a God of law and constraint to find the States, are women religious in an international God of compassion and forgiveness.” community, united by the vision and spirit of our foundress, St. Angela Merici. Please join us for a reception and book signing Impelled by deep personal love for Jesus Christ, Angela for Solo Voices in the College of New Rochelle sought in a life of prayer and action to bring people from all segments of society to a deeper love of God Castle Parlors on Sunday, May 15, 12:00-3:00. and one another. We follow Angela in the service of this twofold love. “Irene Mahoney has once again created a gallery of unfor- While we continue to proclaim the Gospel in our gettable women. Their clearly heard solo voices rise, fall and traditional work of education, we welcome the call of the Spirit to new ministries. rise again in a serenade to the surprises of love and loss and In response to the needs of our times, we commit rediscovery–and so they sing not only of their own lives, but ourselves, in both our life and our work, to solidarity about yours too, and mine.” Donald Spoto, Author with the poor; to the pursuit of justice for all, especially women; and to collaboration with the laity. As a community that values both tradition and progress, we move into the future with courage and with trust in God. Visit the Ursuline Web Site: www.osueast.org