Summer 2017

Given to God, in Community, for the Service of Those who are Poor Inside This Issue: Dear friends in Christ, Dear friends, On the Cover: 4 4 A year or so ago, I attended a funeral It seems that it was only yesterday 4 Worldwide, Daughters Work of an 85 year old woman who had when I was writing my first Faith Afire Daughters of Charity from the 6 to6 End Human Trafficking; “made her mark in the world.” Not magazine letter. Today, I pen my last. Province of St. Louise joined Province of St. Louise Sisters only did she leave behind children, The leadership of the Province of St. 8 Increase8 Efforts grandchildren and dozens of great- Louise is transitioning as the Province with other St. Louisans to grandchildren, but she had also held nears its sixth anniversary. I have been 10 10 walk in solidarity with some of 6 Daughters of Charity Depart prestigious public positions in the blessed to serve as the first Provincial 12 12from Waco, Texas educational world not to mention of the Province. During the past six the most vulnerable persons— her widespread philanthropic years, we have withdrawn from some immigrants and refugees. The 814 Sisters14 Bid Farewell to involvement. Also seated there longtime missions where others now Binghamton, NY among the hundreds of mostly older carry forward the Catholic ministries; walk, sponsored by several 16 16 people in the church was a young and we’re on the brink of opening Archdiocesan Offices, four mother cradling her newborn infant. a new mission in Mississippi in 10 Sisters Say Goodbye to Our 18 18 collaboration with our Sisters in our Sisters of Charity Federation. You parishes, Saint Louis University, Lady of the Valley It was the contrast between the coffin holding the remains of this long may remember that we sponsor Rendu Services in Fayette County, and 16 communities of men 20 20 lived and widely accomplished woman, and the brand new bundle of PA with two congregations of Sisters of Charity. Our National Shrine 1221 201721 Jubilarians 22 22 tiny life in the arms of the mother that caught me. Here was an ending of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD has blossomed under and women religious, was and a beginning right there in the very same place and time. The ending the Seton Heritage Ministries Board, which includes members of the entitled, “Solidarity Walk and 2418 24A Glimpse into the Service was of a decades-long life of far flung accomplishments and hundreds of Federation and, soon, lay members. We have continued to collaborate ofthe Daughters during lives affected for the better. The beginning was of a life so small as to be with the Vincentian Family and rejoice with them as we celebrate this Mass With Our Immigrant 26 26World War I. hardly noticeable in that huge and packed space. 400th Anniversary of its founding when the Ladies of Charity began in Paris, France. Its theme of “Welcoming the Stranger” is quite timely! We Brothers and Sisters.” Held April 2028 In28 Memory A message came through. Past impact and length of years are to be have seen the appointment of the first American as Superioress General 8, the walkers began at Saint honored and acknowledged; but that first breaking out of new life of the worldwide Community of the Daughters of Charity (a member of Louis University and ended 22 Province News brings its own kind of balance. Death and birth nestled so close together our Province of St. Louise); and we have revisited the importance of care highlighted both the gratitude due the past, and also the hope, however for migrants and refugees, the trafficked, and those living on the edges at the Cathedral Basilica of St. small, held out for the future. of society. 24 Sister Meg Kymes Makes Louis for a Mass celebrated by Vows for the First Time This issue of Faith Afire features endings of long term works of the When St. Louise first began to work with St. Vincent, they hastened to Archbishop Robert J. Carlson. Daughters of Charity, and the beginning of a young woman’s life of the aid of the hungry, the homeless, and the sick. Four-hundred years service in those same Daughters. Not only is there a look back at the later, we witness daily, in person and through news reports, the very same ministry of the Daughters during the First World War, but the issue also concerns—hunger, homelessness, sickness, and a lack of basic education, contains the wintry news of departures from decades long apostolates especially for girls. in Binghamton, NY, Waco TX, and Gloverville, SC. But also there’s the springtime of the new promises (vows) recently made by Sister Meg As I bid you farewell, I ask for your continued prayers for our Provincial Kymes at the Seton Shrine in Emmitsburg, MD to carry the legacy of Councillors who finish their term with me: Sisters Rose Ann Aguilar, the Daughters into the next generation. For sure, the contributions of the Nora Gatto, Jean Rhoads, Joanne Vasa, Mary Walz, and Mary Catherine Sisters in all those places for all those years are cause for much thanks Warehime. I also ask for your prayers for our newly-elected Provincial, and praise. But doesn’t Sister Meg’s new beginning bring something of Sister Catherine Mary Norris, and our new Council and Provincial that elusive but promising balance to the scene? Director as they lead the Province into the future, always with a focus in ministry for those living in poverty. Endings and beginnings. Perhaps not of the same magnitude at the time, but how do you measure what’s been done against what might be.... Blessings, Graphic Designer: Katie Zeller; Advisors: Province Communications Committee. Gratefully in Vincent and Louise, Faith Afire is published by the Province of St. Louise. Comments, suggestions or address corrections may be directed to Nancy Katich, [email protected]: 314.561.4625; 4330 Olive Father Tom McKenna, C.M. Sister Louise Gallahue, D.C. Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63108. No part of Provincial Director Provincial this magazine may be reproduced without prior written permission.

2 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 3 Equally as important as the Daughters’ work is public Worldwide, Daughters awareness of human trafficking. Citizens can help fight against Work to End modern slavery by learning: Human Trafficking; Province of St. Louise how to identify a potential Sisters Increase Efforts trafficking victim;

reporting suspicions to law enforcement;

being a conscientious consumer;

hosting film screenings; Top photo: Sisters Irma Vargas, Patricia Connelly, Jean Thomas Dwyer, and Denise LaRock, all who live and serve in San Antonio, pose for a photo with some Creighton University students who served alongside Human trafficking is defined as “the recruitment, Data show that women and girls constitute eighty the Daughters during spring break 2017. Left: Sister Michelle Loisel harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of percent of victims trafficked across borders, about speaking at the 2017 Vincentian Family Gathering. Right: Sister Mary persons for the purpose of a commercial sex act, half of which are children. Approximately seventy Ann Azar, who lives and serves in El Paso, receiving an Outstanding writing or meeting with through force, fraud, or coercion; or for labor purposes, percent are used for commercial sexual exploitation, Volunteer Award from Las Americas Migrant Advocacy Center. government representatives; subjecting victims to involuntary servitude, peonage, beginning as early as twelve years old. Abject poverty, debt bondage, or slavery.” Although prostitution usually political instability and armed conflict are often forces Bishops, the Vincentian Family, and the UN allow us platforms to comes to mind when discussing human trafficking, behind human trafficking, pressing families to flee educate others on the plights of the migrants and the trafficked,” modern slavery comes in many forms. Victims can be across continents, hoping for a better life. However, explains Sister Michelle. targeted for pornography, street work, or strip clubs; if they reach their destination, lack of resources and volunteering; domestic servitude, agricultural or sweatshop labor; and complicated legalization processes still leave them Sister Denise LaRock ministers at Casa Raices in San Antonio, TX, even organ trafficking. vulnerable to traffickers. which serves hundreds of migrant families each month and helps protect them from falling into traffickers’ hands. They provide families This manifold industry operates on an enormous The Daughters of Charity in the Province of St. Louise recently released from immigration detention centers with shelter, global scale. According to the U.S. State Department, are working to protect trafficking victims and those food, and showers, giving them a chance to regroup and plan a journey fundraising; 600,000—800,000 people are trafficked across at risk and advocate for an end to the industry. Sister that dodges traffickers seeking to exploit them. Sister Denise recently international borders every year, making it the world’s Michelle Loisel serves as Coordinator of Provincial was the recipient of the Kelly Allen Service Award from the Interfaith third-largest crime industry, behind only the illegal drugs Response at the Office of Migrants and Modern Slavery Welcome Coalition in recognition of her service at Casa Raices. Sister and arms trades. It reaps a staggering $32 billion every in Baltimore, MD. The office provides resources for Mary Ann Azar serves migrants and refugees at Las Americas in El year, nearly half of which is made in “modernized” victims, lobbies for an end to human trafficking, and Paso, TX, where immigrant families can avail themselves of legal or supporting local countries—including the United States. promotes education and awareness. “Our connections representation; Las Americas also helps protect refugees from the harsh organizations that fight to end to organizations such as the US Conference of Catholic realities of trafficking along the US-Mexico border. modern slavery.

4 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 5 Daughters of Charity Depart from Waco, Texas

It was to care for the patients at bid farewell at a special Mass and Providence Sanitarium (Hospital) Reception celebrated in their honor. that the Daughters of Charity first Bishop Joe S. Vasquez of the Diocese arrived in Waco, Tx. On November of Austin officiated at the Mass 29, 1904, the first three Daughters held at St. Jerome Catholic Church. arrived from Emmitsburg, Md. They During his homily, Bishop Vásquez were Sister Mary Gabriel Murtagh, shared, “In today’s reading from the Local Superior; Sister Mary Otis; Acts of the Apostles we hear from and Sister Louis O’Brien. The Paul, a recent convert to Christianity. cornerstone for the hospital had There is another person that should been laid in 1903, and Providence be mentioned here – Barnabas – opened to patients in 1905. One- who is the one who reaches out hundred and twelve years later, 127 to Paul after his conversion. We Sisters had served in Waco and it was need more disciples like Barnabas time for the Daughters to bid the who reach out and welcome others residents goodbye. in the mission of the Church. It is interesting to note that in the first From 1904 forward, Daughters of part of the Book of Acts, Barnabas Charity have served at Providence, and Paul are mentioned as working its affiliates, and in many other together and Barnabas is always ministries in Waco. These include mentioned first. By the second half Reicher Catholic High School, the of Acts, Paul is mentioned first and Sister Natalie Marengo and Sister Jean Rhoads peer into one of the new displays Learning Club of Waco, St. Mary then Barnabas. It’s a sign of the at Providence Health in Waco. The Archives was dedicated at the time of the the Assumption Parish, St. Catherine importance of Paul’s position in the Daughters’ withdrawal from Waco. Sister Natalie served at Reicher High School Center, the Area Agency on Aging, Church. Dear Daughters, this is there for 30 years. Providence Park/The Village, and the exactly what you have done. Saints Veterans’ Administration Hospital. Vincent and Louise reached out to others to join them in the mission On May 11, the five Daughters of to serve the poor. You also have Charity who were still living and reached out to many others asking serving in Waco – along with many them to help you in the mission to have formed the succeeding laity in other Daughters of Charity -- were serve the poor. You have brought in the Vincentian charism. Sisters Cecile new partners that are now co-workers Matushek, Doris Brancato, Natalie Providence Hospital and collaborators in this good work. Marengo, Mary Rogers, and Jean Ann circa 1960, Sister The legacy which you now entrust to Wesselman knew their departure would Mary Vincent us has to continue calling others to be bittersweet. They will miss the Delaney and a serve with us in this mission. Years devoted and caring community in which staff nurse review patient charts. from now those that are here, and they have served. Waco has not seen the others, will mention your names as last of the Daughters of Charity, though. part of this great tradition which you Sister Joanne Vasa serves as Chair of leave for us to continue. We thank the Ascension Texas Board, and Sisters you for entrusting us with this good Marie Thérèse Sedgwick, Ellen LaCapria work.” and Mary Jo Stein are members of the Board at Providence Healthcare The Daughters are confident they Network. They, along with co-workers Daughters pose with Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of the Diocese of Waco and the other Farewell Mass celebrants on May 11 at St. can entrust their Waco ministries and collaborators in Waco, will continue Jerome Catholic Church as the residents of Waco bid them farewell. of the Church to others. In many the tradition of Vincentian charism and instances, the Daughters themselves oversight begun so very long ago.

6 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 7 Sisters Bid Farewell to Binghamton, NY

Daughters who attended the Farewell Mass held May 5 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Binghamton, NY, in their honor, pose for a photo with Bishop Robert J. Cunningham of the Diocese of Syracuse.

At the request of Bishop Daniel Curley of the Syracuse in Binghamton, the Mass was a true celebration of the Diocese, the Daughters arrived in Binghamton, NY, Daughters’ presence. Bishop Robert J. Cunningham in 1925 to establish a hospital at the former Corbett of the Diocese of Syracuse, celebrated the Mass. To Mansion. Bishop Curley wrote to Mother Paula Dunn, the congregation, the departing Sisters and all of the then the Visitatrix of the Emmitsburg Province, “I would Daughters present for the Mass, Bishop Cunningham be pleased and gratified, therefore, if you would be kind reminded them, “There are many lessons we can take enough to have the Daughters of Charity accept the from the account of Paul’s conversion…God has a responsibility of [the hospital’s] care and supervision… plan for each of us; occasionally, his plan may disrupt my admiration of their spiritual zeal and efficiency has what we have determined our plans are or should be. grown apace.” His plans may change the direction of our lives and ask something new from us; something different from The first Daughters to arrive—Sisters Martina Disney, which we are accustomed…Sometimes it requires Gertrude Eisele, Rosanna Hastings, and Louise us to embrace the Lord’s way with renewed faith…. McParland—quickly assumed management and a 25-bed Today is bittersweet; bitter because you, Dear Sisters, hospital was established as Lourdes Memorial Hospital are leaving…you have been a treasured gift…we will on Riverside Drive. As Binghamton and the surrounding miss you…Today is also a sweet moment, a gratifying region grew, so did the hospital. one, a rewarding one because an ending allows us to remember the many blessings we have received, to go During the next 92 years, 370 Daughters called the forward to something new, a place where God’s plan Southern Tier home. The Daughters not only worked takes us.” in the hospital, the Sisters also served in other ministries including St. Ambrose School in Endicott, Seton The four Daughters who most recently served Top left: Sister Paula Norton escorting a mother and her newborn home. Top middle: Late 1960s, unknown Daughter of Catholic High School in Endicott/Binghamton, and St. in Binghamton/Johnson City—Sisters Mary Rose Charity welcoming some young visitors. Top right: Sister Alphonsa McDermott teaching nursing students anatomy. James School in Johnson City. The Sisters were present DeDonato, Fredrica Dunn, Linda O’Rourke, and Ellen Middle upper left: Kathy Connerton, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital President & CEO, talks with Sister Helen Gertrude Carroll. in the boom times and through the years of shrinking Reilly—brought to an end the active day-to-day presence Middle right: Sister Ann Molesevich (seated) and Sister Diane Louttit (standing) take a minute to visit with Lourdes employee manufacturing and industry. of the Daughters in the Triple Cities. Their legacy, and Judy Wright at the Reception. Middle lower left: Sister Ann William Bradley with Lourdes physician, circa 1965. Bottom the legacy of all the Daughters who came before them, left: Sister Catherine Marie McGranary with a young Lourdes patient. Bottom right: Sisters serving and who had served at now is found in those who continue to carry on their Lourdes in a 1990’s photo. Back Row, left to right, Sisters Helen Kelley, Mary Alice Roach, Catherine Joseph McDonough, On May 11, residents of the Triple Cities area gathered Anna Marie Goodrich, Catherine Marie McGranary, Geraldine Coleman, Paula Slama, Ann Molesevich, Julie Lawrence and for a Mass of Thanksgiving and to bid the Daughters missions of caring, compassion, and education for the Marilyn Perkins. Front row, left to right, Sisters Kathleen Natwin, Mary Agnes O’Neil, Francis Michael Plantamura, Mary Farewell. Held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church residents in Binghamton, Endicott, and Johnson City. Matthew Mahar, and Catherine Cotter.

8 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 9 Sisters Say Goodbye to Our Lady of the Valley

The Daughters of Charity recently bid Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Center and Church and the wonderful residents of the Valley farewell. For the past 40 years, the Daughters have overseen the operations at the Our Lady of the Valley Center in Gloverville, SC. The Center provides a wide range of assistance to residents of the area--one of the poorest in the state of South Carolina. A food pantry, GED classes, and activities for seniors as well as assistance with utility bills and applications for benefit programs, have been in the Daughters’ hands for four decades. Originally begun as the Horse Creek Valley Handicraft and Welfare Center, the Center was the first social service agency in the area. Women religious, including the Sisters of Christian Doctrine and the Franciscans, assisted with the administration of the Center prior to the Daughters. The Valley has struggled economically since the Great Depression. The 18-mile Valley, once the home to many textile mills, has watched as they closed one by one until the last mill shuttered in 2006.

As the three Daughters who were most recently in service at the Center bid all goodbye, Catholic Charities Left photo: Sister Catherine Marie Lowe worked closely with Ernest of the Diocese of Charleston assumed the oversight and Settler, a Social Worker from Aiken, who volunteered at the Center. management of the Center. Sister Catherine Marie Lowe, Top photo: Our Lady of the Valley Church in Gloverville. Middle who had served as the Center Administrator, shared photo: Sisters Joan Ann Barrett and Sister Catherine Marie Lowe in her happiness in knowing that the Center will continue. front of their residence at Our Lady of the Valley. Lower photo: “We’ve seen the most increase in need for GED, and Sister Mary Shea at the Center in its early years of operation. we’ve served students of all ages. It has been wonderful Opposite page, top photo: Sisters Mary Sheehan, Mary Jean Doyle, to see the impact we have had. Many of the younger and Mary Helen Edelen began the Center. This photo was taken students gain different perspectives on the importance in 1977. Middle photo: Sister Patricia Nee assisting clients at the of education when they see how hard the older students Center’s emergency food pantry. Lower photo: In the 1970’s, Sister work. Education and so many other services continue to Frances McSherry helps some youngsters to watermelon on a hot be greatly needed.” summer’s day in South Carolina. Sister Catherine Marie, along with Sister Joan Ann Barrett and Sister Patricia Nee will miss the Valley. “It is time for us to go,” Sister Catherine Marie shares. “We are called to serve where the Holy Spirit leads.” Sister Catherine, “Education and so many other services continue to be will serve in Wilmington, Delaware. Sister Joan Ann has been missioned to Evansville, IN; Sister Patricia Nee to greatly needed.” Holbrook, MA.

- Sister Catherine Marie Lowe For more about Our Lady of the Valley Center, please visit: www.olvcenter.org

10 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 11 From left to right, top to bottom: Sister Virginia Metz, Sister Enda McArdle, Sister Victoria Nolan, Sister Michael Friebe, Sister Geraldine Simonds, Sister Celeste Donohue, Sister Mary Clare Hughes, Sister Ursula Cazalé, Sister Jane Marie Otterson, Sister Mary Virginia Clark Second Row: Sister Alexandrine Lazzari, Sister Bertha O’Neill, Sister Ann Paul Chenard, Sister DeSales Wisniewski, Sister Jo Ann Cuscurida, Sister Naomi Libiak, Sister Gilbert Martin, Sister Jean McGrory, Sister Rosella Molitor, Sister Virginia Pellowski Third Row: Sister Carmeli Proano, Sister Honora Remes, Sister Mary Rogers, Sister Carlene Welker, Sister Jean Ann Wesselman, Sister Mary Celeste Lehman, Sister Hermana Hoelscher, Sister Joann Lukefahr, Sister Catherine Madigan, Sister Laureana Perez Fourth Row: Sister Mary Ellen Seo, Sister Sherry Barrett, Sister Kathleen Marie Christopher, Sister Anne Marie Graham, Sister Mary Vincent Haggerty, Sister Margaret John Kelly, Sister Ellen McElroy, Sister Linda O’Rourke, Sister Mary Sheehan, Sister Dorothy Ann Pyle Fifth Row: Sister Patricia Bouza, Sister Louise Gallahue, Sister Maureen Houlihan, Sister Maureen McGuire, Sister Veronica Tinseth, Sister Patricia Bachman, Sister Julie Cutter, Sister Rosemary DeDentro, Sister Denise LaRock, Sister Catherine Marie Lowe 2017 Jubilarians 2017

12 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 13 serves in the Ministry of Prayer in Sister Jo Ann Cuscurida, D.C. as Visitatrix. Sister Margaret John Evansville, IN. June 4, 1957 ministered in Ohio, Maryland, New Province of St. Louise Sister Jo Ann has served as a Nurse York, Massachusetts, and Missouri. Celebrating 3,030 Years of Serving Christ in Those in Need Sister Jane Marie Otterson, D.C. and served on Boards in several Sister is working on the Vincentian August 2, 1947 Hospitals. Sister has served in Translation Project and serving in the Sister has served as an Elementary Wisconsin, Louisiana, Alabama, Ministry of Prayer in Emmitsburg, Teacher, Librarian, in Child Care, Michigan, Illinois, Tennessee, and MD. During 2017, 50 Daughters of Charity from the Province celebrate Jubilees. Parish Evangelization, and in Indiana. Currently, Sister Jo Ann is Visitation and Outreach Services. serving in the Ministry of Prayer in Sister Mary Celeste Lehman, D.C. 80 Years Vocation Sister Michael Friebe, D.C. Sister Ann Paul Chenard, D.C. She has ministered in Virginia, North Evansville, IN. August 12, 1957 Sister Enda McArdle, D.C. June 19, 1942 November 21, 1947 Carolina, New York, Washington, Sister Mary Celeste, an Educator of December 21, 1937 As a Nurse, Sister Michael has Sister ministered as an Educator and D.C., Maryland, and South Carolina. Sister Anne Marie Graham, D.C. Music, English, Art and Religion, An Educator, Sister Enda has served ministered in Illinois, Louisiana, as a Chaplain in Maryland, New York, Sister is serving in the Ministry of April 2, 1957 Librarian, and Seminary Sister in Washington, D.C., Virginia, California, Texas, and in Kansas. North Carolina, and Connecticut. Prayer in Emmitsburg, MD. Sister ministered as an Educator, Assistant, has ministered in Utah, Massachusetts, Maryland, and in New Sister Michael spent many years as Sister Ann Paul currently serves in the Director of Adult Education and Missouri, and Louisiana. Today, Sister York. Sister currently serves in the Head Nurse at the National Hansen’s Ministry of Prayer in Albany, NY. Sister De Sales Wisniewski, D.C. Social Service, Vocation Director and serves in the Ministry of Prayer in Ministry of Prayer in Albany, NY. Disease Center in Carville, LA. Sister December 10, 1947 Provincial Councillor. Sister Anne Evansville, IN. currently serves in the Ministry of Sister Mary Virginia Clark, D.C. An Educator and a Nurse, Sister Marie has served in Ohio, New York, Sister Virginia Metz, D.C. Prayer in Evansville, IN. September 25, 1947 De Sales has ministered as an Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Sister Sister Naomi Libiak, D.C. March 14, 1937 Sister Mary Virginia ministered as an Elementary Teacher, a Nurse and a currently serves as the Assistant to the June 4, 1957 A Medical Records Administrator, Sister Mary Clare Hughes, D.C. Elementary Teacher and Principal, Hospital Education Director. Sister Local Community Superior caring for Sister Naomi ministered in Social Assistant to the Treasurer, and December 14, 1942 a Spiritual Counselor, Managed began the We Care Program and St. the senior Daughters at St. Louise Ministry, Parish Ministry, Child Construction Supervisor, Sister Sister Mary Clare has served in a Homeless Shelter and was an Vincent’s Mobile Health Program House in Albany, NY. Care, and Pastoral Care. Sister Virginia has served in New York, Education, Nursing Education and Executive Director of a Women’s in Jacksonville, FL. Sister De Sales served in Missouri, Wisconsin, Maryland, Florida, Massachusetts, Service, Health Care Administration, Center. Sister has volunteered in served in Virginia, Washington, D.C., Sister Mary Vincent Haggerty, D.C. Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Connecticut, and Maine. Today, Sister Development, as a Provincial Social Ministry and with the Ladies Massachusetts, Maryland, and Florida. April 2, 1957 Mississippi, and Maryland. Sister is serving as the Local Community Councillor, Visitatrix, Pastoral Care of Charity. Sister Mary Virginia Sister is serving in the Ministry of Sister Mary Vincent has served in Naomi is currently serving as Pastoral Bookkeeper, and Assistant to the and in Seton Shrine Administration. has served in Louisiana, California, Prayer in Emmitsburg, MD. Health Care as a Nurse and an Care in Emmitsburg, MD. Regional Sister Support Specialist, in Sister has ministered in West Virginia, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Administrator. Sister ministered in Albany, NY. Maryland, Washington D.C., Florida, and in Texas. Sister is serving in the New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Sister Joann Lukefahr, D.C. Michigan, and New Jersey. Sister Ministry of Prayer in Evansville, IN. 60 Years Vocation Washington, D.C., Maryland, and January 25, 1957 Sister Victoria Nolan, D.C. Mary Clare is serving in the Ministry Sister Sherry Barrett, D.C. Florida. Sister Mary Vincent served in Sister served in Education, Counseling, December 21, 1937 of Prayer in Emmitsburg, MD. Sister Alexandrine Lazzari, D.C. April 2, 1957 Scotland, Ethiopia and Taiwan. She Health Ministry, and in Parish Sister Victoria served as an Educator, September 25, 1947 Sister Sherry is an Educator, Spanish currently ministers at Perry Family Ministry. Sister Joann ministered in in Nursing and in Pastoral Care. Sister Geraldine Simonds, D.C. Sister has ministered in Social Translator, and serves in Ministry with Health Center in Washington, D.C. California, Texas, Louisiana, and in Sister has ministered in Maryland, June 19, 1942 Ministry in Children’s Homes; Rural Refugees and Immigrants. Sister has Missouri. Sister is currently serving in New York, Washington, D.C., Sister has ministered in Education, Pastoral Ministry; and visiting in served as a missionary in Bolivia, Sister Hermana Hoelscher, D.C. Ministry of Prayer in Evansville, IN. Michigan, Florida, Pennsylvania and Health Ministry, Parish Ministry, and Children’s Homes, Nursing Homes, Mexico and in Guatemala. She has January 25, 1957 Connecticut. Sister Victoria currently Pastoral Care. Sister Geraldine has and in Hospitals. Sister Alexandrine also served in Illinois, New York, Sister Hermana is a Nurse and an Sister Catherine Madigan, D.C. serves in the Ministry of Prayer in served in Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, has served in Louisiana, California, Virginia, Michigan, Indiana, Arizona, Educator, she has served in Health January 25, 1957 Albany, NY. and Iowa. Today, Sister is serving in Alabama, and South Carolina. Sister and Mississippi. Sister Sherry is Care, Child Care, After School Sister Catherine has ministered as the Ministry of Prayer in Bridgeton, is currently serving in Mobile, AL, currently serving in Georgetown, SC. Education, in Parish Ministry, Home a Teacher, Provincial Councillor, MO. where she visits patients. Visits, and Hospitality House Ministry. Visitatrix, Director of Religious 75 Years Vocation Sister Kathleen Marie Christopher, D.C. Sister has ministered in Wisconsin, Education, and Foreign Missionary. Sister Celeste Donohue, D.C. Sister Bertha O’Neill, D.C. April 2, 1957 Louisiana, Texas, Missouri, New Sister has served in Louisiana, December 14, 1942 70 Years Vocation September 25, 1947 As a Nurse, Sister has served in Jersey, Maryland, and Arkansas. Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and for a As a Teacher and a Principal, Sister Sister Ursula Cazalé, D.C. Sister Bertha has served as a Washington, D.C., Maryland, New Today, Sister is serving in the Ministry decade in Kenya, East Africa. Sister Celeste has served in Massachusetts, January 31, 1947 Bookkeeper, High School Educator, York, Pennsylvania, and in Paris, of Prayer in Bridgeton, MO. Catherine is currently serving at the Connecticut, New York, Delaware, Sister Ursula has ministered as a Nurse Librarian, with Daughters of Charity France. Until recently, Sister Kathleen Rebuild Center in New Orleans, LA. Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, in Illinois, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana Support Services, as Docent at the had served in Taipei, Taiwan, as Sister Margaret John Kelly, D.C. and North Carolina. Sister now and Missouri. Today, Sister serves in Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine, and a Foreign Missionary for most of April 2, 1957 Sister Gilbert Martin, D.C. serves in the Ministry of Prayer in the Ministry of Prayer in Bridgeton, Volunteer. Sister has ministered her vocation. Sister soon will be Sister served as an Educator and June 4, 1957 Emmitsburg, MD. MO. in Wisconsin, Illinois, Texas, Utah, ministering in Niagara Falls, NY. College Administrator, with the Sister has served in the Health Care Louisiana, and Missouri. Sister now Catholic Health Association, and Ministry as a Nursing Supervisor,

14 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 15 Hospital Chaplain, Director of Sick/ Sister Virginia Pellowski, D.C. Sister Mary Ellen Seo, D.C. Sister Patricia Bouza, D.C. Sister Maureen Houlihan, D.C. Sister Veronica Tinseth, D.C. Homebound in Parish, Hospice June 4, 1957 January 25, 1957 April 15, 1967 April 15, 1967 April 15, 1967 Bereavement Coordinator and An Educator in Elementary and As an Educator and a Resource Sister Patricia has served as a High Sister has served as an Elementary As a Nurse, Sister Veronica has worked Assistant Care Coordinator. Sister Special Education, as well as Librarian Teacher for students with Learning School Teacher, Senior Housing Teacher, Pastoral Minister, Director in Hospitals, Home Care, Hospice, Gilbert has ministered in Missouri, and member of the Secretariat, Sister Disabilities, Sister Mary Ellen has Director, Provincial Treasurer and of Religious Education and in Social Long-Term Care and Pastoral Care California, Texas, Colorado, Virginia ministered in Missouri, Iowa, ministered in Iowa, California, Bookkeeper. Sister has ministered Outreach programs. Sister Maureen in Florida, Maryland, Washington, Louisiana, and in Indiana. Sister is Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Sister is Missouri, and Louisiana. Today, Sister in New York, New Jersey, and has ministered in Virginia, Maryland, D.C., Missouri, West Virginia, and currently serving in Ministry of Prayer currently serving in Bridgeton, MO, in is serving in Ministry of Prayer in New Pennsylvania. Today, Sister Patricia is Georgia, Washington, D.C., South Indiana. Today, Sister Veronica serves in Evansville, IN. the Ministry of Prayer. Orleans, LA. lives in Albany, NY. Carolina, New Mexico, Arizona, and in Ministry of Prayer in Evansville, IN. Indiana. Today, Sister Maureen serves Sister Ellen McElroy, D.C. Sister Laureana Perez, D.C. Sister Mary Sheehan, D.C. Sister Julie Cutter, D.C. at Seton Harvest in Evansville, IN. April 2, 1957 January 25, 1957 April 2, 1957 June 9, 1967 25 Years Vocation Sister Ellen’s ministry has been as Sister Laureana has ministered as Sister has ministered as a Teacher, An Educator, Pax Christi Coordinator, Sister Maureen McGuire, D.C. Sister Denise LaRock, D.C. a Teacher in Elementary and High an Educator, in Parish Ministry, as Principal, Director of Religious Missionary, Formation of Lay Leaders, April 15, 1967 August 9, 1992 School Art, and in Social Work. Sister Director of Religious Education, Education, Administrator in Health Community Organizer, Provincial Sister Maureen has ministered as a Sister Denise has ministered as has served in New York, Washington, in Diocesan Religious Education, Care, Social and Outreach Ministries. Counsellor and Executive Director High School Teacher, Social worker, a Teacher, After-School Program D.C., Pennsylvania, New Jersey, as Parish Administrator and as a She has served in New York, Maryland, of Sisters of Charity Federation, Sister Seminary Directress, and Vice Director for Hispanic Children, and Massachusetts. Sister Ellen is Hispanic Parish Minister. Sister served South Carolina, and Florida. Today, Julie has served in Missouri, Iowa, President of Mission Integration in Vocation Director, Spiritual Advisor, currently ministering at the Roarke in California, Puerto Rico, Nebraska, she serves in the Ministry of Prayer in Louisiana, Texas, and New York. Health Ministries. She has served and on the Vincentian Leadership Center in Troy, NY. Texas, and Indiana. Sister is currently Emmitsburg, MD. Sister has served on the Guatemalan in Philadelphia, Massachusetts, Commission. Sister has served in serving in the Ministry of Prayer in Refugee Project in Mexico and Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, Sister Jean McGrory, D.C. Evansville, IN. Sister Carlene Welker, D.C. Guatemala. Today, Sister Julie is Maryland, and in Missouri; she Georgia, Missouri, and Texas. Sister June 4, 1957 June 4, 1957 serving again as a Councillor for the currently ministers as Executive Denise currently assists refugees at La As a Teacher and Provincial Secretary, Sister Carmeli Proano, D.C. Sister Carlene, a Teacher, Principal, Province of St. Louise in St. Louis, Vice President, Mission Integration, Casa Raices and South Texan Family Sister Jean has served in Louisiana, June 4, 1957 and Parish Minister, has served in MO. Ascension in St. Louis, MO. Detention Center in San Antonio, Missouri and in Taiwan. Sister Jean’s Sister Carmeli, a Teacher, Parish Arizona, Utah, Missouri, Louisiana, TX. ministry has been in Taiwan for the Visitor, Docent and Teacher of Gifted and Iowa. Sister is currently serving Sister Rosemary DeDentro, D.C. Sister Dorothy Ann Pyle, D.C. past 45 years; there, she ministers in Students, has ministered in Missouri, in Parish Ministry at Our Lady of the June 9, 1967 March 22, 1956 Sister Catherine Marie Lowe, D.C. Taipei. Iowa, Maryland, and Texas. Sister Holy Cross Parish in St. Louis, MO. Sister Rosemary, an Educator, A Teacher, Child Care Provider, Social November 21, 1992 Carmeli will be serving as a Docent Director of a Day Care Program, Worker, and Parish Minister, Sister A Social Worker, Director of a Day Sister Rosella Molitor, D.C. in Emmitsburg, MD. Sister Jean Ann Wesselman, D.C. Executive Director of a Social Service Dorothy Ann served in Washington, Care Center, School Counselor, June 4, 1957 June 4, 1957 Center, an Administrator, and D.C., New York, Virginia, Maryland, and Director of Family Services, Sister Rosella has ministered in Sister Honora Remes, D.C. Sister Jean Ann has served as a Mission Effectiveness Director, Sister North Carolina, Missouri, and South Sister Catherine Marie has served Health Care, Parish Ministry, and June 4, 1957 Nurse and as a Chaplain. Sister has served in Louisiana, Missouri, and Carolina. Today, Sister is serving in in Illinois, Indiana, South Carolina, with Daughters of Charity Support A Teacher, Pastoral Administrator, and has ministered in California, Texas, Texas. Today, Sister Rosemary serves the Ministry of Prayer in Emmitsburg, and Delaware. Sister is currently Services. Sister has served in Visitatrix, Sister Honora has served in Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, and at Kingdom House in St. Louis, MO. MD. ministering at Saint Peter’s Outreach Missouri, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Mississippi, Minnesota. Sister Jean Ann lives in Center in Wilmington, DE. Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Michigan, and Indiana. She currently St. Louis, MO. Sister Louise Gallahue, D.C. Arkansas. Today, Sister serves in the serves in Social Ministry at St. Patrick’s April 15, 1967 Ministry of Prayer in Bridgeton, MO. Center, Clayton County Jail, and at 50 Years Vocation Sister Louise has ministered as a Room at the Inn in Saint Louis, MO. Sister Patricia Bachman, D.C. Hospital and Clinic Nurse in areas Sister Linda O’Rourke, D.C. June 9, 1967 including Obstetrics, Maternity/ April 2, 1957 Sister Mary Rogers, D.C. Sister has ministered in Child Care, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry. She has Sister Linda has ministered in June 4, 1957 Clinical Social Work, Parish Ministry, served in Governance on Hospital Education, Child Care and Social Sister Mary has served as a Teacher, Social Ministry to the Homeless, Boards, as a Provincial Councillor, Service Administration. Sister College Campus Minister, and in Public Housing Projects, as a FEMA and as Visitatrix. Sister has served in has served in Maryland, Virginia, Parish Ministry. Sister has ministered Case Manager, in Healthcare Mission Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and in Arizona, Missouri, Illinois, Integration, and as a Case Manager New York, and Missouri. Sister Louise Pennsylvania. Sister Linda lives in Mississippi, Wisconsin, Indiana, for Social Services. Sister Patricia has is completing her term as Visitatrix of Albany, NY. Arizona, and Texas. Sister Mary served in Louisiana, Texas, Nebraska, the Province of St. Louise and will be currently ministers as Assistant to Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Sister missioned to Niagara Falls, NY. the Local Community Superior and now serves in the Ministry of Prayer cares for the senior Sisters at Seton in Bridgeton, MO. Residence in Evansville, IN.

16 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 17 A Glimpse into the Service of the Daughters during World War I

Known to many as “The Great War,” World War I began in 1914. Three years passed before the United States entered the war in April 2017—a little more than 100 years ago. At Sister Angela Drendel wrote on November 4 1918 after hearing the Austrians had the request of Joseph Danna, M.D., surrendered on November 2: Daughters of Charity were missioned to serve on the Italian Front from “Went in a large truck to Monte Greco the hill on this side of Monte Grappa where the September 1918 through March 1919. hardest fighting was done on this front. We were heartily cheered by the French and The Daughters who made the journey Italian soldiers also by the civilians as we passed by. Saw many rear trenches and lookouts. Two of the lookouts were up in the high trees. On our way back, we passed Pictured with some of the Red Cross Nurses with whom they would serve at the ranged in age from 33 through 56. several thousand Austrian prisoners. They looked as though as if they were hardly able Italian Front are five of the Daughters of Charity who served in World War I. Their birth places included Ireland, England, Michigan, New Jersey, to walk…they looked so hungry, sick, and tired.” Sister Angela Drendel Louisiana, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Illinois. Accounts from the Sisters’ diaries provide a true perspective into the work they did—both medically and spiritually. In total, the 8 Daughters who served alongside the Allied Forces’ as Red Cross Nurses were estimated to have cared for 3,000 soldiers—not all American. Some were prisoners of war. The Daughters faced difficulties, too, Sister Catherine Coleman recorded the death of a young soldier who passed away in conditions were difficult; sources for heat were hard to find; and at least one Daughter of Charity contracted the October 1918 at Base Hospital 102 in Vicenza, Italy. Sister Catherine wrote: Spanish flu.

“An American boy from New York by the name of Holden died of Pneumonia. He leaves We pray for the repose of the souls of all who have died in defense of their homeland. The Province Archives his parents and a brother and sister in New York. He was baptized before his death. hosts a two-part video series entitled, “Over There.” You may view the videos online--Part 1: https://vimeo. When asked what message he would like to have sent to his people, he said that is a com/117666142 Part 2: https://vimeo.com/118021431 hard thing to have to talk about, and asked Sister what she would say. The subject was dropped for the present, and as he grew weaker, he was asked the second time and he said: Tell my people I have fought hard against death, but it must be. Tell them I am glad Sister Catherine Coleman to die for my country. He was a lovely boy, just 21 yrs. Old. While in New York he posed for the Arrow collar for three years. Many remembered having seen his picture in the papers wearing the Arrow Collar. His Regiment took charge of the body. He was taken from the hospital to the cemetery. Six of the Sisters and a number of Nurses attended his funeral. His body lies at the foot of the Alps on a little mound, a very beautiful spot. He was buried with Military Honors. One of his comrades read the burial services at the grave. Sister Chrysostom [Moynahan, Chief Nurse] wrote his mother…also pressed one of the flowers from his grave and sent it in the letter.”

Sister Florence Means wrote about her day in October 1918:

“On duty at 7:30 PM; new wards opened to admit 30 gas cases; they had worn their masks but the order to remove them came before it was razed in the trenches so it was an unfortunate accident and some are very badly burned.” Left photo: Daughters follow the march in formation as they depart Italy in 1919. Right photo: The 10 Daughters of Charity who served at Base Hospital 102.

Sister Florence Means 18 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 19 In Memory We remember the 15 Daughters of Charity who, in recent months, have gone to their Eternal Home.

Sister Claire Mulé Sister Frances McSherry Sister Patricia Coughlin May 28, 1930 January 10, 1922 March 17, 1929 February 16, 2017 February 22, 2017 March 1, 2017 “Remain faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 68 years vocation 76 years vocation 64 years vocation Educator, Librarian, Principal, Teacher, Child Care Provider, Elementary and Secondary Local Community Superior Pastoral and Social Minister Teacher who taught in China

Sister Margaret Mary Robins Sister Vincentia Goeb Sister Yvonne Thranow Sister Josephine Cusimano Sister Veronica Kuzma Sister Hilda Gleason August 4, 1921 September 14, 1931 August 16, 1927 May 22, 1918 March 7, 1923 November 27, 1914 November 24, 2016 November 29, 2016 December 5, 2016 March 15, 2017 March 19, 2017 March 28, 2017 78 years vocation 66 years vocation 70 years vocation 82 years vocation 71 years vocation 84 years vocation Housemother, Bookkeeper, Educator, Principal, Teacher, Social Worker, Nurse, Nursing Director, Nurse, Foreign Missionary Educator, Local Community Teacher, Principal, Provincial Councillor, Agency Director, Administrator, Patient Liaison in Bolivia Superior, Provincial Councillor, GED/ESL Instructor Local Community Superior Local Community Superior General Councillor in Paris, Regional Superior in Taiwan

Sister Maureen Delahunt Sister Edith Stricker Sister Ann Shea Sister Margaret Quinn Sister Mary Beard Sister Elizabeth Parham May 3, 1930 April 19, 1918 July 12, 1930 May 18, 1928 October 11, 1928 January 17, 1930 January 7, 2017 January 31, 2017 February 13, 2017 April 30, 2017 June 7, 2017 June 13, 2017 55 years vocation 80 years vocation 59 years vocation 71 years vocation 53 years vocation 64 years vocation Nurse, Nurse Supervisor, Teacher, Parish Minister, Director of Catholic Charities, Teacher, Social Worker, Case Worker, Administrator, Dietitian, Administrator, Local Community Superior, DRE Pastoral Associate, Provincial Councillor Provincial Councillor, Mission Director Pastoral Care Associate Local Community Superior Local Community Superior

20 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 21 foundation of Seton Healthcare works, recognizes and thanks in Austin, TX in 1902. Celia Barbara Gaver who has chosen Berry, artist of the “Tree” mosaic to honor her aunt, Sister Mary Province News explained Sister Joanne Vasa Carroll Eby, by establishing the helped her with inspiration and Sister Mary Carroll Eby Scholarship collaboration. Significant Heritage Endowment. Ms. Gaver initiated trees were saved during the the endowment with a matching construction of the hospital and gift of $200,000.00. Elizabeth the trees are a metaphor for the Seton High School raised $200,311 thriving health care community. in response to that challenge. The Chapel includes the wood Thus a total of $400,311.00 was from trees that were felled to allow endowed so that the fund will room for the new hospital. grow in size and provide yearly scholarship revenue for quite some time. The fund remains available for other contributions from those who know Sister Mary Carroll or the Daughters of Charity or from those who wish to provide assistance for young women to Sister Joan Pytlik received the Sister Carol Keehan received Sister Nora Sweeney was have the opportunity to receive UN Permanent Forum on 2016 Dialogue Institute Award the first Humankindness in presented with the Catholic an exemplary Catholic Education. Indigenous Issues for Community Service from the Health Care Award at the Dignity Charities Hero of Hope Partner Three of Ms. Gaver’s relatives, in May 5, the UN Permanent Forum Dialogue Institute of the Southwest Health Foundation’s inaugural Award in recognition of her work addition to Sister Mary Carroll, also on Indigenous Issues concluded its based in Little Rock, AR, where Humankindness Gala. The award at St. Mary’s Neighborhood Health were Daughters of Charity--Sisters 16th session with the adoption of a Sister is in ministry at the Diocese of recognizes individuals whose Center in Niagara Falls, NY. Sister Denise Eby, Miriam Eby, and Alexis report including recommendations Little Rock. humanitarian contributions have was recognized for her assistance Shorb (all deceased). for States, UN bodies and made a profound impact on their linking clients to emergency indigenous peoples. More communities. assistance, counseling through than 1,000 indigenous peoples’ Catholic Charities as needed, Province Recognized with representatives attended the session making home visits throughout the from April 24 to May 5, 2017 area, and offering those she visits Endowed Scholarships at the UN Headquarters in New a “hand up” by challenging and Maryville University in St. Louis York, NY, including Daughters of encouraging them. recognized the Daughters of Charity Province of St. Louise for Charity and other members of the its help sustaining and supporting Vincentian Family. Lower, Sister La Salle Middle School and Catherine Prendergast, Daughters for being one of the founding of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul communities of Marian Middle NGO, with Beth LaMont, of the School, both in St. Louis, MO. The NGO Committee on the Rights of University’s Daughters of Charity Daughters Honored by Assoc. Indigenous Peoples; upper, Sister Endowed Scholarships are annual, of the Miraculous Medal Margaret O’Dwyer, Province of St. and include “full rides” for one The Association of the Miraculous Louise, with Kora Kanamari of the Sister Helen Brewer was Marian Middle School and Three Medal (AMM) in Perryville, MO, Kanamari People of Brazil. honored with the Seton Society Sister Elizabeth Ann Lingg was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton La Salle Middle School Graduates. has launched a much needed Medal from Saint Thomas Health in recently enrolled in the The John Chapel dedicated to major restoration that will include Nashville, TN, in recognition for her Carroll Society at the luncheon Daughters of Charity new features—a mile-long rosary work on the Saint Thomas Board following its 26th Annual Rose The St. Elizabeth Ann Chapel at walk leading to the Grotto and a and service on many other Boards Mass. Sister Elizabeth Ann, who Austin’s Dell Seton Medical Center new statue of the Blessed Mother of Directors. ministers at Province Hospital in at the University of Texas was dedicated to the Daughters of Washington, D.C., received the recently dedicated in honor of the Scholarship Endowment Charity who served in the Perryville 2017 Monsignor Harry A. Echle Daughters of Charity. The mosaic Established region for 95 years. You can learn Award for Outstanding Service in more at: www.amm.org. in the Chapel commemorates Elizabeth Seton High School, Health Care Ministry. the role of the Daughters in the one of the Province’s sponsored

22 Faith Afire • Summer 2017 Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul 23 NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY 4330 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63108-2622 www.daughtersofcharity.org

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Sister Meg Kymes Makes Vows for the First Time

At the Basilica of the National Shrine St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, MD., on January 7, Sister Meg Kymes (pictured fourth from left) made Vows as a Daughter of Charity for the first time. Sisters from her local community, Sisters Patricia Dunne, Dorothy Folmer, Rosalie Brocato, Joan Corcoran, and Brenda Monahan, all posed with Sister Meg following the Mass.