MarianiteWinter 2021 Marianite a messsage from our inside Congregational Message from our A Prayer for 2021 Congregational Leader 2 Decade of Days 3 School Daze 4 A Marianite Volunteer 5 from Sr. Ann In Memoriam 6 News from Yalgo, Burkina Faso 8 Our Main Purpose in Life 9 Remember that you are WATER MSC Associates 10 The Mustard Seed 11 Cry. Cleanse, Flow. Let Go. I Survived 2020! 12 Remember that you are FIRE On the Cover Sr. Joel Miller, known for Burn. Tame. Adapt. Ignite. her creative educational antics, demonstrates the art of bubble blowing. Remember that you are AIR Observe. Breath. Focus. Decide. The Marianite, a publication of the Marianites of Holy Cross, is published quarterly. For additional information Remember that you are EARTH please go online: www.marianites.org Ground. Give. Build. Heal. PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sr. Joan Comeaux Sr. Pauline Drouin Sr. Gretchen Dysart Remember that you are SPIRIT Sr. Judy Gomila Genny Kirkpatrick Sr. Joel Miller Connect. Listen. Know. Be Still. Shannon Murphy Bro. Nik Rodwald, SM – Munshira Althaf

2 a message from our founder

The Decade of Days (Recalling the anniversaries of death of Blessed Moreau - January 20, 1873 and that of Mother Mary of the Seven Dolors – January 29, 1900.) My dear friends, of possibility. It is a moment when affect your interactions in the This past year has been one full through the cracks and broken-ness, others. Then ask for the grace to of challenges for all of you. Some grace can blossom into newness. embrace the spiritual reality that of you have been faced with health However, God’s grace works in and the cracks and chips in the vessels issues, family issues, employment with our cooperation. God does not are a necessary part of all aspects issues, political issues, religious take away our free will. How do we of our growth. I learned this lesson issues or a combination of all of cooperate with the God moment in my own life when I was unjustly these. I have watched the days and the grace offered to us? accused of debt which others had unfold, and I have seen and heard caused; when colleagues and fellow your questions and concerns, religious plotted against me; your heart aches and your when I was cast out of the grief, and have kept you constantly close to my I had founded; when prayer-filled heart. I the buildings and write to you today possessions of the not to offer answers Congregations were and solutions but to auctioned to the lovingly raise questions highest bidder; when that, hopefully, will physical decline limited lead you to where the my vision and mobility. Lord is beckoning.... In the broken-ness of Most often when we those vessels, I realized that face challenges in our lives we I had all that I needed: a small pray for strength and courage and I offer a suggestion for some bed, a chair, my prayer books, a perseverance. We ask the Lord to lift moments of reflection at the roof over my head, the kindness our burdens and make things “right” beginning of this new year. I suggest of a few loving people; and, most again according to our agenda, what that each day for the next nine days, importantly, the Providence of God. we think is best for ourselves and you choose a vessel which has been I was literally freed from all the others. We are rarely comfortable formed in your life and critically and vessels that I had fought all my life embracing the cracks and crevices lovingly look at it and acknowledge to create. The flower had broken of our lives and yet the Scripture the cracks in it. Be courageous and through the concrete and now there reminds us: “...we hold this treasure steadfast in your reflections as you was no barrier between me and the in earthen vessels, that the all- honestly examine each one: “One who called and Who is always surpassing power may be of God and 1. Relations within the family faithful” (1 Cor 1:9). not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) 2. Relations with friends I continue to hold you close Earthen vessels are vulnerable; 3. Relations with an intimate to my heart and ask you to ponder they get cracked and broken. They significant other these questions: can be repaired or the pieces can 4. Relations with church - local and • At the end of your life, what be created into something new and worldwide will be the greatest gift you offer different. Have you noticed how tiny 5. Relations with country - local to God and others? plants and flowers break through and national • Will it be a beautiful concrete? They stand tall and 6. Relations with political systems unblemished work of art? resilient in what otherwise seems a 7. Relations with social networks • Will it be a cracked and barren and impenetrable landscape. and personal status in those damaged earthen vessel whose God’s grace is like these surprises networks treasure is the all-surpassing of nature. When we experience 8. Relations with employment or power of God? the cracks in the vessels of our ministry lives – vessels of family, religion, 9. Relations with the environment Sr. Mary Kay Kinberger “channels” Fr. government, economy, employment, On day 10, reflect on the Moreau during the Decade of Days. status in life – it is a God moment interconnectedness of these vessels and how your interactions in one 3 School Daze Sr. Joel Miller

Since first grade in 1953 at School, Lake Charles, Louisiana I have been involved in education. Now in January 2021, I am still in Catholic education at Our Mother of Peace School, Church Point, Louisiana! I grew up with the Marianite Sisters who were wonderful examples to me and still are. After high school, I entered the community and attended Our Lady of Holy Cross Tessa Himel, Principal of OMP, and Sr. Joel College (now UHC) in New Orleans. After receiving my Bachelor’s Degree in Education, I began my teaching career at St. Peter and Paul School and then moved on to St. Rita’s School. I loved teaching middle school and remained in that level for all of my teaching career. I moved on to St. John, Plaquemine, for five years and loved it so much. My Dad was not well so I moved home to Lake Charles for two years while teaching at St. Margaret’s and my alma mater, Immaculate Conception. My life took a new turn when I was asked to become principal in Franklin at St. John’s. Being a principal opened a new chapter in my life with multiple new experiences: hiring a secretary, teachers, staff, interfacing with pastors, etc. Actually, I didn’t even know where Franklin was until I started asking around! When one of my Marianite Sisters drove me to my new home I arrived wide-eye and willing. While principal in Franklin, I received my Master’s Degree from University of Louisiana, Lafayette. Those were five wonderful years and I learned so much…I even went alligator hunting and ate alligator! I spent a year in Oklahoma when my mother became ill. I then became principal in Port Allen, Louisiana at The annual 5th-grade vegetable garden project. School. I spent twenty-one years there with so many amazing people who became like family. I developed into a HUGE LSU fan, as many of you know! Back then, the bells in the church even played the Tiger Fight Song during football season. From 2007-2012, I served my MSC Congregation in Leadership. It was a privilege and an education; I grew in appreciation of our “sisterhood” and our blessings! Next, I became principal at St. Edmund High School in Eunice, Louisiana for three years. Then with a good dose of prayer, after twenty-nine years, I felt it was time to “let go” of the principalship so I took an eight-month sabbatical. A wonderful phone invitation came from the principal in Church Point at Our Mother of Peace School asking if I would be interested in coming to join the faculty. I went to “check it out” and fell in love with everyone there on the very the first day. I love being part of Catholic educators who love teaching in a religious atmosphere. National Catholic Schools Week, now entering its 47th anniversary, is a celebration of FAITH, EXCELLENCE, and SERVICE in the USA. A typical Seasonal Prayer Table Traditionally, it is observed during the last week in January. 4 volunteer spirit

Portrait of a Marianite Volunteer Sr. Joan Comeaux Although this has been a very very rewarding; she feels she is difficult year with COVID-19, contributing where it is most hurricanes, flooding, and the needed at the present time. nation divided along partisan The work has proven to be very political lines, there is still much interesting with people of every to be thankful for. Near the top age and ethnic background of the list are those groups and coming to the center. She says that individuals who have volunteered although she can’t speak Spanish to assist others who are in need. a smile goes a long way when Sr. Joan Comeaux is one of people are in need. She recalls those individuals. She spends the words of Gandhi quoted by four days each week volunteering Paul VI, “Live simply so that at ’ food others may simply live.” pantry. Located at the former She is also a member of the St. Lawrence the Martyr School St. Rita Council. She feels in Metairie, she is one of the “Live simply that she can provide a unique volunteers who prepares packages of perspective given her background. She food for distribution. She also uses her so that serves as a Eucharistic minister and lector computer skills for data entry. “There at Saturday Vigil Masses. To feed the body is always a steady stream of individuals others may and the soul … Sr. Joan Comeaux strives and families who come each day. No one to do both as she feeds the hungry, is denied access to the food supply”, she simply live.” administers communion and proclaims says. the Word of God. Joan states that she finds the work … And a Child Shall Lead Our nation’s quest for equality has lately undergone their tardiness. “They were at first reluctant to tell me,” dramatic advancements with the “Black Lives Matter” she says, “but finally I got it out of them. As they were movement and with record-breaking numbers of on their way to school a busload of very angry-looking minority people voting in our recent presidential women stopped and asked them for directions to Frantz election. We must not forget that these advancements School. They realized that the women were going to did not happen overnight. In New Orleans we are protest the school’s integration so … they sent them in familiar with Norman Rockwell’s painting of six-year- the opposite direction!” old Ruby Bridges, escorted by federal marshals, as she “I was so proud of them,” she says. “And it was a integrated the all-white William Frantz School in our great lesson for me: When you’re confronted by bigotry city sixty years ago. and hatred, send it packing in the opposite direction!” Recently, San Francisco artist Bria Goeller created the artwork pictured above. Goeller has stated that she wanted to illustrate that Vice President-elect Kamala Harris did not get to the White House alone. “Her path was carved over decades by those, like Bridges, who fought for civil rights. The design symbolizes two powerful women in history who overcame the odds and stood with strength against everyone who didn’t want to see them succeed,” Goeller stated. Sr. Clarita remembers that eventful day in 1960. She was teaching at Holy Angels Academy and a group of her sophomore students who walked each day from St. Mary of the Angels Parish to her class were late.

When they arrived, she asked for an explanation for Me”, Good Tubble © ”That Little Girl Was 5 In Memoriam

rest in peace rest We loved them in life; we revere them in their passing SR. MARIE LORETTE BERNIER celebrated on November 2 at the J. Garic Schoen 1921 – November 24, 2020 Funeral Home. Her burial took place at the Marianite Camille Bernier’s mother died when Mausoleum in New Orleans. Camille was nine years old. One of five children, her father placed the three SR. MARIA LUZ CERVANTES youngest in an orphanage. She suffered 1928 – November 28, 2020 greatly from the separation from her She had a very interesting early family. When she was sixteen years old, life. At twelve years of age, her parents Camille was employed by the Marianite sent her to the boarding school at Holy Clinic and felt a strong call to religious life. She entered Angels Academy. At that time, Maria the congregation in Precigne in 1940. She was given the Luz didn’t know a word English and name Marie Lorette. deeply missed her family and country. She was then named Supervisor at the preventorium However, in four months with her in Precigne. Until 1977 she remained with the children resilience, courage and the help of the Marianites, she either in Andouille or in Precigne, caring for them as an spoke English with her beautiful Guatemalan accent. older sister. In 1983 she began ministry at St. Marthe As she learned the language and grew to love her where she provided daycare for children and visited the new home at Holy Angels, she also grew in love and elderly in the parish. Upon her retirement she served as appreciation of the United States! a catechist, visited the homebound, and was a member Maria Luz entered the Marianites of Holy Cross of a music group which brought joy to the elderly in on November 2, 1947 and was given the name Sr. nursing homes. In 2005 Lorette joined the retirement Maria Paz. She received her college education at community at the Solitude. She continued to bring joy Holy Angels Academy and at Loyola University in New and peace to everyone. After suffering a stroke, she died Orleans. In 1972, she earned a Master’s Degree in peacefully in her sleep. Spanish from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas. She spent most of her teaching years at Holy SR. ENDA EILEEN BYRNE Angels. From 1986-2015 she ministered to Hispanic 1925 – October 27, 2020 communities in Manchester, New Hampshire and Born into a large Irish family in in New Orleans. Due to health issues, she became a Carona, New York, Sr. Enda Eileen resident of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home entered the Marianites and pronounced in 2016. She was buried at St. Landry cemetery in her final vows on August 11, 1946. Opelousas. Her life is the story of an educator par Sr. Maria Luz loved life and joyously shared that excellence. After receiving degrees in life with others. As sister, friend, relative, teacher – Education from Tulane and Southern she taught us the vast richness of various countries, Mississippi Universities, she taught in elementary and personalities, languages, life styles, and cultures. secondary schools staffed by the congregation. She received a Doctorate in Education from the University SR. AUDREY FONTENOT of Southern Mississippi and served as President of Our 1928 – February 29, 2020 Lady of Holy Cross College from 1972 to 1978. Sr. Audrey entered the Marianites In her later years of ministry, Sr. Enda Eileen in 1945. After completing her , taught Special Education classes in the public schools Sr. Mary James, as she was then known, of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana and English as a Second taught in elementary schools throughout Language. She also volunteered as a counselor in Louisiana. After obtaining a Bachelor’s a hospice program and was an active Minister of Degree in Education she continued Communion to those in nursing homes. Her students her studies and received a Master’s of all ages were quick to point out that she made Degree in Special Education from Cardinal Stritch learning not only challenging but also exciting and College in Wisconsin. After teaching Special Education that she was always eager to assist them not only classes in Houma, Louisiana she served as Assistant academically but also with any of life’s problems Superintendent of Special Education for the Diocese of which they may be experiencing. To celebrate her Lafayette, Louisiana. Her sisters in religion agreed that life, a visitation and Mass of Christian Burial were she was perfectly suited for this ministry. Her spirit of

6 kindness and compassion, her enthusiasm and joyous SR. CHERYL PORTE demeanor were the gifts so needed by these children 1950 – April 17, 2020 whom she loved dearly. Sr. Cheryl was born in New Orleans Sr. Audrey would later serve in pastoral care and on September 2, 1950. She died at in spiritual direction in three parishes and at Our the Team Gleason House, part of St. Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home. In 2010 she Margaret’s at Mercy Care Facility in became a resident of the nursing home and continued New Orleans. In her battle with ALS, to share her joyous spirit with everyone. Her Mass of she displayed the courage and faith that Resurrection was celebrated in the chapel at Our Lady of were characteristic of her life. Prompt Succor on Friday, March 6. She was buried in St. Blessed with a keen intellect and a thirst for Landry Cemetery in Opelousas. knowledge, she obtained degrees in Elementary Education from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, a SR. SHARON FRIEDRICH Masters in Adult Faith Formation; Sacred Scripture 1943 – April 25, 2020 from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas and Sr. Sharon, a native of New Orleans, completed her Doctoral Studies in Historical Theology spent her life’s ministry as an educator, from St. Louis University. Sr. Cheryl ministered as a teaching in elementary schools in junior high instructor, in adult education and religious Louisiana and in Mississippi. She served education at Our Lady of Holy Cross College and in as principal in three of the schools. She pastoral ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans. received a Bachelor of Arts degree from During her final years of ministry, she was a member Our Lady of Holy Cross College, New of the adjunct faculty of Theology at St. Louis and Orleans, in 1961 and a Master’s Degree in Education Maryville Universities in St. Louis, Missouri. from Our Lady of the Lake College, San Antonio, Her unwavering faith, her devotion to Our Lady in 1974. A popular teacher, many of her students Undoer of Knots and her generous spirit were evident remained in contact with her for years after graduation. during her last days with us here on earth. To celebrate During her years as principal, she often welcomed older her life, a private graveside service was held at the Marianites to join her in ministering in the schools as Marianite Mausoleum in New Orleans. their abilities and health permitted. In 2008 she was assigned to St. Rita School, New Orleans, where she SR. FATIMA ROBICHAUX became an assistant and served wherever her skills were 1930 – October 17, 2020 needed. A native of Houma, Louisiana, In 2012 she entered Our Lady of Wisdom Health Catherine Robichaux entered the Care Center. She participated in activities with great Marianites in 1948. enthusiasm ,especially when dancing was involved! She She received a Bachelor’s Degree was described by staff and residents as vivacious, always in Education, a License in Practical smiling, and generous. After a lengthy illness, she died Nursing, and a Master’s Degree in at age 77. To celebrate her life, a private graveside service Religious Education. Sr. Fatima was held at the Marianite Mausoleum in New Orleans was involved in elementary education at schools on April 29. staffed by the Marianites. She also served as a nurse in the congregation’s infirmary and as a member SR. REGINA LACROIX of the formation team at Our Lady of Holy Cross 1924 – October 29, 2020 provincial house in New Orleans, in parish ministry Born Marie Rachel LaCroix on and religious education in Gibson and Morgan City, June 21, 1924, Sr. Regina entered the Louisiana and on the pastoral care staff at Our Lady of Marianites of Holy Cross in January, Prompt Succor Nursing Home. Health issues caused 1949. She made her novitiate at Sr. Fatima to become a resident of the nursing home Princeton, New Jersey and perpetual in 2017. profession on September 26, 1953. Sr. Fatima was passionate in her ministry wherever Regina was known for her quick wit and willingness she served. A cheerful, upbeat person by nature she to serve. She was active in ministry at hospitals in Lac brought a caring presence to all whom she met. Even Mégantic and Mont Laurier. Upon her retirement she was after suffering a stroke which left her paralyzed on the active in parish life at St. Agnes Church. right side, she showed the faith, determination and In 2014 she moved with the Marianites to Village joyful spirit which characterized her whole life. Harmony and was surrounded by people with whom Her wake was held at Sibille Funeral Home in she had worked at the hospital and in the parish. Her Opelousas followed by a prayer service. She was radiant smile was a testimony to the goodness of God buried at St. Landry Cemetery in Opelousas. that she experienced in each person she met. 7 progress in Yalgo progress

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING IN Saw the doctor and going OUR “NECK OF THE WOODS!” home with medications News from Yalgo, Burkina Faso … Since our last update (December 2018) growth emergency. This will complete the full plan for the continues in Yalgo. Officially the name of the medical Center. center is “Centre Mèdico-Chirurgical St. Jean Paul We’ve had a good rainy season so crops were II” because we now perform surgeries at the Center plentiful, especially providing peanuts and sesame on a regular basis. Surgeons come for consultations used to prepare enriched flour for nourishing food for and operations as scheduled. A cardiologist and a infants. We also enjoyed fresh okra, corn and all kinds gynecologist also come weekly. of leaves used for local sauces! There has been an influx of displaced persons due Since the 2019 patronal feast of our parish, Holy to the terrorist attacks in surrounding areas. This has Family, we are now using the “new unfinished” church increased the number of patients we minister to daily. building. It is nice to have space inside for almost (Total number in 2018: 7,828; in 2019: 9,705; as of everyone on Sunday! The Marianites donated the October 2020: 11,038). There are no coronavirus cases crucifix for the church. Elementary School in Yalgo but this year’s malaria season reopened after being closed (August-October) brought 5,030 persons due to the coronavirus threat. to the Center for care. Malaria is the All the students returned and cause of many deaths, especially among welcomed thirty-nine new the very young who don’t realize they ones to first grade. With the are sick and don’t seek treatment soon retirement of Bishop Thomas enough. Grants have been approved Kaboré, who invited us to the and we await construction to begin Diocese, Bishop Théophile on buildings to expand services for maternity, pharmacy and The crucifix donated by the MSC’s in our unfinished church building. We live here in so many ways “with things unfinished” as said in our Constitutions.

First graders at Basil Moreau Guess Who? School. 8 growth and life continue

Naré was appointed for the Diocese of Kaya. We just completed a peaceful reelection of Burkina’s President, Roch Christian Kaboré. Continuing our spirit of hospitality we once again welcomed a Missionary Daughter of St. Rita to live with us for a few months and experience community and ministry in a rural village area. One of Waiting to register for the Echography exam our MSC Associates spent her vacation Pauline’s 75th birthday. All of the Medical Center’s staff with us and helped joined in the festive supper - and dancing, of course! in the pharmacy. Growth and life continue in Yalgo and so does Recently Pascaline our mission “to provide quality care for all without and Suellen visited exclusion, in a spirit of compassion and respect of the with Pascaline’s uniqueness and dignity of each person.” family and our Sent with love and gratitude for our Marianite Associates in Community and the many benefactors who help us to Koupela. We enjoyed carry on the mission! a great celebration of Your Sisters, Pascaline, Pauline, and Suellen Friends visiting

Our Main Purpose in Life Is to Melt into God … Sr. Rochelle Perrier, MSC My spiritual journey began teaching in elementary schools, serving over 70 years ago when I was a in Catholic parishes as a Director child. My parents were cradle of Religious Education and Pastoral Catholics and products of Catholic Associate, Marianite formation and schools. They wanted that for their leadership positions, Catholic hospital children. Thus, we were privileged ministry as a Vice President of Mission to have had religious sisters teach Integration and chaplain, and now as a us throughout our formative years. spiritual director, I have and continue to It was during those years that I deepen my relationship with God and learned about God’s love for all of us and how God strive (not there yet!) to bring God with wanted a relationship with me/ us. whom and to whom I minister. Throughout my elementary and high school Presently, I serve as a spiritual years, I always found myself looking for a quiet space director and member of the ministry where I could talk with God. (I grew up in “shotgun team at the Archdiocesan Retreat Center houses” where it was difficult to find a space to be (AKA the Cenacle). I continue to share alone.) I believed that during those times, both my spiritual journey with my spiritual happy and difficult ones, I began to long for my director who guides and challenges relationship with God. me in seeking God’s Will for me in my During my last years in elementary school everyday life. How blessed I am to be and throughout my high school ones, I began to loved by a God Who first loved me and consider becoming a sister. I was taught by the invites me into a relationship! Marianites from Grades 6 to 12. I witnessed their joy, Editor’s note: the “shotgun houses” to prayerfulness, playfulness and willingness to give of which Sr. Rochelle refers are very common themselves to others. I wanted that for myself and in New Orleans. Their floor plan is such hoped God did also. Thus I took the next step in my that you could shoot a gun through the front spiritual journey; I entered the Marianites of Holy door and it would exit the back door without Cross in 1964. hitting anything! There is, therefore, very Throughout my years in ministry that included little privacy. 9 associates msc associates students to the Solitude in LeMans. Rev. Tom Ellerman, SM Working with perceptive Sr. Kathleen McCarney on a proposed ‘rule of life’ for Marianite Associates. Interacting with sisters in the We Have Mary MSC administration. Laughing at lunchtime with those sisters eating in the refectory… so many names and faces come to mind.” Covered! After leaving OLHCC, Fr. Ellerman ministered in Marist priest, Father Tom Ellerman, now 80 and Formation work for the Marists in California for fifteen living in Atlanta, is one of our few official Marianite years. Currently he is a resident at the Marist School Associate clergyman. He served as chaplain and Rectory and serves on their Board of Trustees, involves professor at Our Lady of Holy Cross (now UHC) from himself with intermittent discussion clubs and prayer January 1977 until August 2001. But it was in 1968 groups. He keeps as active as possible, using a cane when he personally met Marianite Sisters as a young as needed. Recently he enjoyed acting as a travelling curate at Holy Name of Mary Parish in Algiers, Louisiana. As a history …my mind and heart can never be buff, Fr. Ellerman was quick to add, “The Marist Fathers assumed the absent from Fr. Moreau’s vision. administration of the parish in early June of companion for a road trip that included 1865. The Marianites New Orleans. followed the Sisters When asked to compare the Marists of the of (Society of Mary) and the Marianites Mt. Carmel as teachers of Holy Cross, Fr. Ellerman replies, and administrators of “We are named for our Blessed Mother. the school. The parish Although Marianites have a spirituality continued under Marist of the cross and pray the Seven Dolors administration until of Mary, I believe their spirituality is a June 1999, at which lived experience more than a devotional time it reverted back to one. Marianites are willing and able to the Archdiocese of New live like Mary in fidelity to her Son in Orleans.” his suffering and in humanity now.” “I was teaching at Fr. Ellerman paused, then Notre Dame Seminary, continued, “In our Marist Congregation New Orleans,” he says, we seek something similar, that is to live “and the request came like Mary as she was in Nazareth and at from the Provincial Pentecost. We propose to be Mary to the that I consider getting Church today as she was to the Church a doctorate degree and of the Apostles.” With that typical, then return to teach at Rev. Tom Ellerman, SM mischievous wink he says, “Between the the seminary. It just made two of us, we have Mary covered. Being no sense to me – the an MSC Associate and walking the path time, effort, money and I’d be doing the same thing. I – even when at a geographical distance – my mind and respectfully declined. I did spend many happy years on heart can never be absent from Fr. Moreau’s vision. I faculty there.” look at life as a hand woven cloth. So many Marianite It was inimitable Sr. Mary Carmel Murphy who threads have been woven into my life cloth that I can extended the invitation to Fr. Ellerman to teach at truly say that the cloth of the life of Tom Ellerman OLHCC. His eyes glaze over in recalling persons and would be significantly different if those Marianite events of those wonderful twenty-five years. “Daily threads were not in it. Without those threads I would student Masses in the chapel. Shared trips with not be the person I am. In my mind and heart we are the delightful Sr. Laura Melancon bringing French still together every day.” 10 “…the mustard seed

becomes a tree.” – Mt. 13:32 Faith development is a perennial reality; we are guidelines on social distancing. So guess what? Like constantly invited into an ever-deeper relationship so many other types of meetings, we went virtual and with God. For almost 20 years, the Marianite Associate posted Sr. Kathleen Stakelum’s presentations on the “O Steering Committee has Antiphons” and Mass arranged for Advent and with Fr. Joseph Moyer, Lenten Retreats for our CSC on YouTube. MSC Associates, sisters, In the Old and friends. Traditionally, Testament, the prophets we’ve moved the venues declared in the urgency to areas where there of the O Antiphons, are larger “branches” of the Messiah will come. Associates: Covington, We are aware of God’s Franklin, New Orleans, presence and saving Opelousas, Port Allen, action in our own lives etc. That way the same today. Times of retreat, women and men are not prayer, and reflection call always travelling. us to put our faith into 2020 presented a action on behalf of the challenge in light of marginalized. the important CDC

EDITOR’S NOTE: Don’t tell Mayor Cantrell but there will be a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans! With the help of Google, Clara designed the Krewe of Chateau de Notre Dame. As you can see, Judy and Clara got dressed for the parade watching on St. Charles Avenue. “Throw me sumpin, mista!” (Clara is having a very bad “hair day.” She’s been out on the parade route entirely too long!) Stay in touch at www.marianites.org Order Guild cards. • Keep up with Marianite activities. • See where Mass is said for you. Like us on Facebook! 11 Marianites of Holy Cross NON-PROFIT ORG 21388 Smith Road U. S. Postage PAID Covington, LA 70435 Permit No. 1074 New Orleans, LA

Is this person no longer at this address? If so, please email us at [email protected]. Well, I survived 2020! Charmaine Cretin nieces and great-nephews was gone. Visits with my and sister and their families was limited. Regular dinner I made it, but what a journey it’s gatherings with friends pretty much disappeared. Those been… social interactions that fed me, not only with food but with I’ll begin back in March, when I a sense of belonging, were scarce. I found myself hungry. I first heard the COVID-19 restrictions. missed the hugs and the laughter, and simply being with my I wondered how I would ever weather people. I valued that belonging like never before. such a storm. With my daily routine It was then that I rediscovered my belonging to pretty much shot, I was at a loss for how something that was even bigger – Life itself. Spring brought to fill my days. I looked to busy work, flowers , birds and butterflies. Evening breezes blew the tops like cleaning closets of tall trees. And I had all the time in the and getting rid of what I didn’t need. I world to sit in my backyard, gaze at the separated and discarded and uncluttered. It was then that clouds and tree tops, and soak it all in. I And I realized I had been holding onto so ate meals outside; I enjoyed reading books much that was unnecessary. In letting go I rediscovered outside; I just rocked in my rocking chair of the excess, I found a new appreciation and let my imagination take me on my for simplicity. Amazingly, my restrictions my belonging to own journeys. I sat in the peace of dusk had become wings. and listened to the sound of the cicadas Being motivated by my cleaning and something that at nightfall. It was during these evenings clearing, I then decided to tackle the that time disappeared and there was a real attic. I dug out boxes from my parents was even bigger sense of a oneness with all things. And in that I had stored and hadn’t touched that stillness I was touched by the Sacred. since their passing years ago. Digging – Life itself. 2020 is just a memory now. But through old envelopes revealed old when I look back on it, I realize that photos, many that I had never seen. I what time was offering me was really a spent hours reminiscing about the people that I loved so gift. I was reminded of the value of living more simply. My dearly. My parents were in photos from their dating days. appreciation for family and relationships, even old ones, My grandparents appeared as a young couple– a life I wasn’t grew immeasurably. And I reconnected with the peace and familiar with, but found fascinating. There were photos of oneness found in nature, and with the Source of all. my childhood with my siblings during holidays and family The new year 2021 beckons each of us, with the promise vacations. What treasures had been waiting for me! I finally of a mixed bag for a new journey. No matter what you face had the time to discover them. on your journey, take the time to look carefully in that bag . Being in touch with significant people from my past In the midst of it all, there are treasures to be found. made me more aware of how much I missed my family Happy New Year!!! Happy Journey! and friends in the present. The time that I spent with great- Charmaine is a Marianite Extended Member …