In Touch Spring 2016

Sisters of St. Basil the Great Spring 2016 Volume 26, Issue II In Touch Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla Opens Holy Door of Mercy at the Shrine

Inside this issue:

Door of Mercy Open at 1 the Shrine

A Message from Sister 2 Ruth

Corporate Reflection 3 Days - A Time to Discuss and Share

Basilian Sisters 3 Commission Meet

Sisters to Celebrate 82nd 4 Annual Pilgrimage

Sisters of St. Basil Invite 5 Volunteers to Pilgrimage

Obituaries 6-7

Part of my Journey… 8-9

Sr. Josifa Visits Mount St. 10 Macrina

Mount Macrina Manor 11 Renovations On Saturday, March 19, at 10 a.m., Metropolitan Archbishop William C. Skurla opened the Holy Door of Mercy at the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in the House of Prayer at Mount St. Macrina. Many Sisters and guests were present. A reception followed in the dining room.

The Year of Mercy ends on November 20, 2016. Day pilgrimages to the Shrine may be arranged throughout the year, by contacting the House of Prayer at 724.438.7149. Volume 26, Issue II

Page 2 A Message from Sister Ruth

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!

Dear Friends, As we look around us every day, we see the miracle of new life everywhere. There are blossoms where, only a short time ago, there were twigs. There are fresh green leaves against a lovely blue sky where, only a short time ago, there were seemingly lifeless branches against a gray horizon. Each time we look closely at the little surprises of joy around us, we celebrate Easter and Resurrection. Each time we share these joys with others, we are like the angels at the empty tomb announcing the Resurrection of Jesus. No wonder our Church provides us with 40 days to contemplate and breathe in this tremendous outpouring of love – just a taste of what we can expect in eternity!!! As we venture outdoors here at the Mount, we also turn our attention to the many areas that need repair and improvement. This year we are looking to repairing the roof at Trinity Center since every windy day brings another shower of falling shingles. Likewise, we are looking to replace our old faithful light lunch stand. This structure has been the center of our food service for decades – and old age is really showing with sagging beams and worn out counters. (Sounds like us as we age!!!) As always, we appreciate any assistance you can give us to complete these projects. Throughout the years your support and kindness has touched us deeply enabling Mount St. Macrina to be the blessed and special place it is for all of us. In return we assure you that every day we bring you and your intentions to Our Lord. If you have any special needs or intentions for which you need our prayers, never hesitate to call or e-mail them to us.

With our prayers and gratitude,

In Touch A biannual publication of the Sister Ruth Plante, OSBM Sisters of St. Basil Provincial

Editor: Susan McCarthy Contributors to this issue: Sr. Margaret Ann Andrako Sr. Margaret Kapusnak Sr. Barbara Jean Mihalchick Sr. Seraphim Olsafksy Mary Over

Spring 2016

Volume 26 No. II Plans for this year’s Annual Appeal include rebuilding the light lunch stand and repairing the roof on the Trinity Center. Thank you for your continued support. Volume 26, Issue II In Touch Page 3 Corporate Reflection Days - A Time to Discuss and Share

Sisters came from the east, west, north and south to be at the monastery on Friday evening, April 8, to officially welcome Sister Dia, our General Superior, who came to visit the Sisters in our Province.

According to the Constitutions of our Order, the General Superior is required to visit every Province of the Order at least once during her term of office. This serves as a vehicle for becoming familiar with every member, fostering a sense of mission, unity and understanding among all the Sisters.

The next day and a half, the Sisters met together for Corporate Reflection Days. These occur twice a year to enable the Sisters to discuss important issues that impact their lives. Small lively group discussions led to a reaffirmation of the “Why” of our existence, that is, to continue to be “a praying, healing and life-giving presence.” Every Sister has the privilege and possibility of living out this “Why” according to her talents and capabilities.

Another significant topic of these days was to begin discussion of possibilities for the best usage of empty buildings on the Mount. Building on past studies and research, the Sisters are committed to moving forward in faith to the challenges which lie ahead. Some time on Sunday morning was spent addressing concerns about the lack of vocations and vocation ministry. Sisters brainstormed ideas for publicity and focus. At the conclusion of the days, Sr. Ruth, provincial, Sr. Dia, General Superior thanked the Sisters for their enthusiastic participation during the Sisters of St. Basil the Great weekend.

The photo on the left shows the Sisters at work during the weekend. Pictured from left are: Sr. Petronilla Puhak, Sr. Regina Adams, Sr. Barbara Swindells, Sr. Salome Yanochko, Sr. Joanne Lickvar, Sr. Rita Keshock and Sr. Susan Harvey. In Touch Volume 26, Issue II Page 4

Sisters to Celebrate 82nd Annual Pilgrimage

The 82nd Annual Pilgrimage in celebrated on Monday honor of Our Lady of Perpetual morning, September 5 for Help will be held at Mount St. those who stay on Sunday Macrina, September 3 & 4, 2016. evening. This year’s theme is Theotokos: An New this year will be a Festal Inexhaustible Fountain of Mercy. Icon Walk around the Mount. “During this year’s Pilgrimage we Also, Healing Services will be will honor Pope Francis’ held on Saturday and Sunday declaration of an extraordinary afternoons, which is different Holy Year of Mercy, as we are from previous years. honored to have a Holy Door of Other plans for the weekend Mercy here at Mount St. Macrina,” include many opportunities for said Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial. participation in the Divine Sister was referring to the door of Liturgy of the Byzantine the Shrine of Our Lady of Catholic Church. Also Perpetual Help. scheduled are Matins, Vespers, Throughout the year, the Sisters sacrament of reconciliation, are in continuous preparation for activities for teens and the Pilgrimage. As in previous children, and other services in years, the Sisters will welcome all Theotokos: honor of the Mother of God. those Pilgrims who come from all The Pilgrimage holds the over the country and beyond. An Inexhaustible Fountain of Mercy distinction of being the oldest They will continue to welcome and the largest Byzantine those who come early and camp on Catholic Pilgrimage in the country. the race track or stay on the Friday evening. Liturgical prayers Mount. Light fare will be available will be held at the Shrine Altar on at the Lunch Stand starting on Friday evening for those arriving early and Divine Liturgy will be

Those attending the 82nd Pilgrimage will have an opportunity to participate in the first Festal Icon Walk. Volume 26, Issue II In Touch Page 5

Sisters of St. Basil Invite Volunteers to Pilgrimage Preparations

the Sisters of Saint Basil join Bring lawn tools (including together for a common brooms, rakes, weed

cause—to prepare the whackers, etc.) for outside grounds for the Annual work. Bring brooms, mops, Pilgrimage. Volunteers will dust pans, etc., for any indoor clear floral gardens, shrines, cleaning. urns and other planting Lunch will be served. areas throughout the grounds, and then plant To register or for additional annuals. Other work centers information, please call Sister

will be the pavilions, which Joanne at 724-439-4940 or For those who wish to of young people and will be cleared of a winter’s GCU at 1-800-722-4428. volunteer in Pilgrimage adults to produce worth of leaves and other Later in the summer, on preparations, there are meaningful results for the debris. preparation of the 82nd Saturday, August 20, there two opportunities this The GCU is pleased to Annual Pilgrimage which will be another organized summer. partner with the Sisters of will be held, September 3 preparation day. (The rain St. Basil the Great and The first opportunity is & 4. date will be Saturday, August Helping Hands Day, interested youth and adults 27). Volunteers are asked to which is sponsored by On this day, at Mount for Helping Hands Day. If meet at the Trinity Center at the Greek Catholic Saint Macrina, the youth you are able to participate, 9:30 a.m. Please bring Union of the U.S.A. and faithful of the here are a few notes: brooms, weed whackers, Byzantine Catholic blowers, weeding tools, rakes Helping Hands Day The group will meet in the Archeparchy of and clippers. Lunch will be efforts will take place at Trinity Center for coffee Pittsburgh, the GCU (a provided. Mount Saint Macrina and donuts at 9:30 a.m. A fraternal benefit society this year on Sat., June 4. brief prayer service will serving Byzantine For further information, follow, and work will begin The annual observance Catholics since 1892), please call Sister Joanne at at 10:00 a.m. combines the strengths and the many friends of 724-439-4940. In Touch Volume 26, Issue II Page 6 Three Basilian Sisters Called Home to the Lord

the Byzantine Catholic brothers Daniel and John peacefully, she fell asleep in Seminary, at St. Basil’s Jr., and her sister Patricia the Lord to whom she Home for Women and at Hassar. In addition to her devoted almost 80 years as the monastery in Sisters in community, she is a Sister of St. Basil the Uniontown. Her interest in survived by her nieces, Great. the culinary arts led her to cousins and their families. participate in Galand’s The Parastas Service was The daughter of the late John and Eva (Kranack) World – A Chef’s celebrated by Rev. Michael Dzura, Sr. Martha was born Perspective to Cooking, as Huszti, Monastery chaplain. in Lambert, Pa. She entered part of the Continuing The Funeral Divine Liturgy the Sisters of St. Basil from Education offered by the was celebrated by Nativity of the Blessed Penn State University for Archbishop William C. Virgin Mary Church in Sr. Eleanor Mary Horvath three consecutive years. Skurla on Sat., Dec. 12, in the Monastery Chapel with Pittsburgh on July 15, 1937. Sr. Eleanor Mary’s ministry She pronounced her First Sr. Eleanor Mary (former Rev. Michael Huszti as underwent a change in Vows on Sept. 4, 1939, and Sr. Vincentia) fell asleep concelebrant and Deacon 1986 when she became a made her Solemn Perpetual peacefully in the Lord on Raymond Zadzilko familiar and pleasant figure Profession on Aug. 28, Dec. 8, 2015. assisting. Interment in the Card and Prayer followed in the Dormition 1945, in the presence of The daughter of the late Department at the Section of Mount Macrina the late Monsignor John John J. and Mary (Petro) monastery. As an Cemetery. Powell. Horvath, Sr. Eleanor Mary “extracurricular” activity, Over a half century of her was born in Pottstown, Pa. Sister accompanied Sr. religious life was dedicated She entered the Sisters of Dolores Ann to the regular to teaching in the many St. Basil from St. John the meetings of the Multiple parish schools served by Baptist Byzantine Catholic Sclerosis Social Club of the Sisters, also serving as Church, Pottstown, Pa., on Fayette County. She principal at the same time. June 20, 1948. She offered her services in During the span of her pronounced her First Vows sending greeting cards for teaching career, Sr. Martha on Aug. 15, 1950, and various occasions to the was sometimes assigned to made her Perpetual members, and she was so a previous school mission, Profession on Jan. 1, 1956, cheerful in doing this that and in this way, often in the presence of the late she was named an taught three generations of Very Rev. George honorary member and the the same family. Bonchonsky. “Sunshine Lady” of the Sr. Martha Dzura club. She continued her Upon her retirement from For many of the 67 years participation even while the teaching ministry, Sister of her religious life, Sister she was at Mount Macrina Having reached the returned to the monastery served in culinary arts for Manor where the meetings venerable age of 101 this in Uniontown, where she the community in the were held for some years. past November, Sr. Martha helped in the Vestment missions in New York, (Mary) Dzura completed Department as well as New Jersey, Indiana, Sister was preceded in her earthly journey on Fri., Illinois, and Pennsylvania; at death by her parents, her Mar. 4, 2016. Very (Continued on the next page) In Touch Volume 26, Issue II Page 7

Three Basilian Sisters (Continued) assisting office personnel Huszti as concelebrant. Ohio. She entered the Among the things she with answering the phone. Interment followed in the Sisters of St. Basil from St. enjoyed were trips to the Sr. Martha’s life of active Dormition Section of Gregory Church, shore, visiting her late ministry came to an end in Mount Macrina Cemetery. Lakewood, Ohio, on Oct. sister, good food, and even March 2004, when she 27, 1930. She pronounced cooking it. took up residence at Mt. her First Vows on Aug. Sister spent the last nine Macrina Manor. In her 30, 1932, and made her years of her life as a personal wishes stating Solemn Perpetual resident at Mount Macrina how she wanted to be Profession on Aug. 21, Manor. When visiting her, remembered, Sister made 1938, in the presence of she could often be found note of her love of Bishop Basil Takach of fingering her rosary beads, teaching, her deep faith blessed memory. but she was always ready and her spirit of trust. She further stated, “I am In her vocation story, for a chat. Over the years, she became well-known to deeply grateful to the which was published a few many of the caregivers and Sisters for their prayers, years ago, Sister stated quite a few of them stopped support, kindness and that teaching became her by her room for a final patience offered to me lifelong work. In fact, at during my illness.” Surely, the time of her retirement farewell. from active ministry, Sister would have Sr. Vitalia Tomcho She was preceded in death Sister had the distinction extended this same by her parents, brothers of offering the longest gratitude to all those who Sr. Vitalia would have Michael and Stephen, and active service of any of were her caregivers at Mt. celebrated her 107th sister Mary Hausman. In the Sisters in community. Macrina Manor. birthday in early June. addition to her Sisters in Her teaching ministry Instead, she celebrated the community, she is She was preceded in death spanned 67 years, most of her patronal Feast Day by survived by her devoted by her parents and these as a full-time entering into the Heavenly niece Barbara Akins. The brothers John and Michael. teacher and/or principal. Kingdom on Friday Parastas Service was In addition to her Sisters in Only the last few years morning, Apr. 22, 2016. celebrated on Friday community, she is survived were spent in tutoring on Sister entered the evening, Apr. 29. The by her nephews Jack and a part time basis. community in Elmhurst, Funeral Divine Liturgy was Michael and their families. Although Sister liked all Pa., in 1930, when the offered on Sat., Apr. 30 by The Parastas Service was the places where she was community was only in the Very Rev. Andrew concelebrated on Sun., sent, her favorite time and existence nine years, so Deskevich, Protosyncellus Mar. 6, by Rev. Michael place was teaching the she was one of the first of the Archeparchy of Huszti and Rev. Stephen sciences and math at vocations to answer the Pittsburgh, with Rev. Wahal. Very Rev. Mount St. Macrina call to the Sisters of St. Michael Huszti as Archpriest John G. Petro Academy in the 1950’s. It Basil. concelebrant. Interment was in attendance. The was a great joy for her followed in the Dormition Funeral Divine Liturgy was when the Alumnae The daughter of the late Section of Mount Macrina celebrated on Mon., Mar. returned to the Mount for Stephen and Anna (Belley) Cemetery. 7, by Archbishop William Tomcho, Sr. Vitalia was their reunions and took Skurla with Rev. Michael born in Walhonding, the time to visit with her. In Touch Volume 26, Issue II Page 8 Part of my Journey… By Sister Seraphim Olsafsky, OSBM

Each of us carries many hopes and dreams over our life’s journey. My deepest dream from childhood was to become a Sister and I am grateful that I never let go of that dream. I was blessed to be taught by Sisters and Priests for most of my early education. Several of these strong and faithful women still stand bright in my memory. I can recall the words of one who taught us to “think about whom we would like to be when we become old”. She even asked us to think about what we might like written on our tombstone! I admit that was a little drastic for fourth graders, but over the years her words, now and then, helped keep me out of some trouble.

My love for art developed in senior year of high school where a gentle and beautiful soul, Sr. Alice Marie OSU, instilled in me an appreciation of beauty. That year I won a city award for designing a Youngstown Symphony poster. At graduation I was awarded an Art Scholarship to a Cleveland Catholic College. Because my call to become a Sister was so deep, I did not accept the scholarship (to the chagrin of my father). In that era, we were taught to allow nothing to stand in the way of a vocation, or this precious gift might be taken away.

(Continued on the following page) Volume 26, Issue II In Touch Page 9

Part of my Journey… (Continued)

Many years have passed and numerous ministries and responsibilities have filled the hours and the days of this sacred call to religious life. Toward the later part of my ministry of administration, I attended a Fayette County charity banquet and bid on an oil painting course at Touchstone Center for the Arts in Farmington PA. After winning it and then attending, I was initiated into the process of oil painting through a very encouraging teacher, Harold Frontz. Thanks to his patience and very encouraging words, I began the work of unfolding my second dream.

I am grateful to our Community that following leadership ministry, I’ve had sabbatical time to follow this creative pursuit through additional workshops and continuing practice. To dip a brush into God’s lush and glorious colors moves one to another place where time and concerns disappear. It is so rewarding that even if a work is never seen one would still keep doing it. One learns techniques and practices, but remains humbled and awed that occasionally a work of art comes into existence. Always at play is inspiration and a good bit of mystery. The quest for beauty is purely a graced privilege. Some of my paintings are available at the Religious Gift Shop at Mt. St. Macrina.

Basilian Sisters Commission Meet The members of the Basilian Sisters' Governance Commission met in Uniontown in early March to continue their work. The Commission's project is to review the present structure of the Sisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great and make suggestions for further development for the delegates to consider at the next General Chapter. The Sisters serve in over 12 countries; delegates meet at a General Chapter every six years.

Pictured are: Sr. Dorothy Ann Busowski, Provincial, Fox Chase Province, Sr. Barbara Jean Mihalchick, Sr. Josifa Simova (Presov, Slovakia), Sr. Susan Sisko, Sr. Vasylia Strutynska (Ukraine) and Sr. Dia Stasiuk, General Superior. In Touch Volume 26, Issue II Page 10 Sr. Josifa Visits Mount St. Macrina

On January 15, Sr. Josifa once she met some Basilian Helena Šimová, OSBM Sisters. arrived at Mount St. “I began to live a closer life Macrina. From Sorrowful Mother of God Province of with Jesus and this led me to the Sisters of the Order of thinking about entering a St. Basil the Great Prešov, monastery. At that time Slovakia, Sr. Josifa will be Slovakia was under visiting the Sisters of St. Basil communist regime and there until June 28. was no monastery allowed in our country. Sisters lived During her visit, she plans to in apartments, usually two make the best of her time to or three together,” improve her English and use explained Sr. Josifa. the time to readjust to her new role in religious life When she entered 29 years after spending so many years ago, Sister began to work in administration. In with the Sisters in a social addition, she helps the care institute for mentally ill Sisters at Mount St. Macrina boys in Bardejov. Four years in whatever way is needed. later, when the political situation in Slovakia changed, Sr. Josifa came from a the new Provincial Superior devout Byzantine Catholic took Sr. Josifa to Prešov. sabbatical year and the and community where family. She lived the usual life There she worked in a Sisters at Mount St. Macrina people speak English, you of a teenager, started to residence for girls as a are so pleased that she can learn it more naturally. I think about her spiritual life prefect. She also taught chose to spend half of it stayed here for a year. From catechism and organized here in Uniontown. that time on, I have been here several times for summer camps for Although she doesn’t like children. meetings. Each time I say being so far away from “goodbye”, it is very sad, but Slovakia, she likes visiting Later, Sr. Josifa became I have learned that after here because it is like the local Superior in each goodbye, comes a new coming home. Prešov, and then a “hello”, said Sister. member of a the Council. “I enjoy being with the In 2001, Sister became a When asked if she had any Sisters and Mount St. member of the General additional comments, Sr. Macrina is such a beautiful Council in Rome. Last Josifa added, “I would like to place. I have not done much year, she completed her thank all those who made it traveling across the USA, second term as Provincial possible for me to be here. I but I believe it would be Superior. Those last 10 also want to thank Sister lovely to see more of this years were so busy that Ruth and all the Sisters here beautiful country. The first when a new Provincial who have helped to make time I was here it was 23 Superior was elected, my stay here far from home years ago. I wanted to learn Sister asked for a a blessed and marvelous English. Being in a country experience.” In Touch Volume 26, Issue II Page 11 Mount Macrina Manor Renovations

Phase I

It has been just a year that the Sisters of St. Basil of St. Basil and the board and staff of Mount St. Macrina Manor celebrated the ground-breaking of the new addition and renovations of the facility.

Both Phase I and Phase II of the project have been completed. At the time of this printing, Phase III had also been completed and all three phases passed the Life Safety inspections.

Phase II In Touch Sisters of St. Basil the Great 500 West Main Street P.O. Box 878 Uniontown, PA 15401 (724) 438-8644

www.sistersofstbasil.org

www.sistersofstbasil.org www.sistersofstbasil.org

please call 724.438.7149 724.438.7149 call please

-4428. -4428. 722 - 800

GCU at 1- at GCU

or 4940 - 439 - 724 at Joanne information, further For

information, please call Sister Sister call please information, Helping Hands Day

All Christian denominations welcome welcome denominations Christian All Young Adult Retreatadditional for or register To