Marianite Our

Legacy

in Education Marianite a messsage from our inside Congregational Leader Message from our “A teacher affects eternity; you can never tell Congregational Leader 2 where your influence stops.“ Holy Cross Education - Henry B Adams Our Legacy 3 Dear Friends, They’ve Taken on the World 5 Many years ago when I was studying at Our Lady of Holy Cross one of my sisters, Sr. Mary Carmel Murphy, MSC wrote the Henry She “Pays It Forward” 6 Adams quote on my history essay as she handed it back to me with a note to try harder. That note was for me a turning point in my Happy and Holy 7 studies! Mary Carmel’s words and her daily actions opened a door that encouraged me to do my best. She was tough and she was fair. I wanted to teach and I wanted to do my Conmentary 8 best. When I consider the 176 years the Marianites have been educators, I smile with grati- Lessons from a Piano tude for the countless opportunities that have been afforded our Congregation and the Bench 9 influence that we have had in the lives of countless people through the years. Not all of us are teachers yet there is not a sister in the Congregation that is not influencing lives. NotesON THE from COVER: a Missionary 10 Our Mission Statement calls each sister to incarnate the love and compassion of Jesus Clockwise: Holy Cross through prophetic presence! The General Chapter of 2017 set a direction that challenges ThoseHistory Proudest Conference Moments 11 each Marianite to be in mission each day of her life. By our lives we influence people… it participants; Sr. Stephanie is in the simple actions of the day: Speak,D’Souza, Lord Fr. and Tom Tell Looney It A Smile, a Good Morning Likeand ItSr. Is Ann Lacour 12 A note of Thanks running for the bus; A Prayer AcademyInternational of Music Session 13 An Invitation to Inclusion participants; Sr. Kathleen As you read this Education edition, I invite you to take some time to reflect on the ANealon Letter fromand Haitian Prison 14 many people who have influenced you but more especially to pause and consider how participants; Sr. Catherine you are influencing others. God works in and through each of us. In the Book of Timothy PraiseFisackerly the Lord!and Bro. 15 we read that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the Larry Stewart, History wisdom that leads to through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Let Jesus be our guide as Educators’Conference Prayer Coordinator; to Mary 16 we journey in life believing that who we are more than what we do makes a difference. History Conference Blessings, participants at lunch. On the Cover Marianite educators – past and present Sr. Ann Lacour, MSC Congregational Leader

The Marianite, a publication of the Marianites of Holy Cross, is published quarterly. quotes worth remembering For additional information please go online: “I love teaching because it calls forth both a give and take from me and from the www.marianites.org students. I know that when I go before any group, I first pray and then prepare to do my best” — Sr. Pat Schladebeck, currently a counselor in New Jersey. PHOTOGRAPHERS: Sr. Keri Burke “Even though times have changed, the values the Sisters instilled in me make me Sr. Mag Broussard a better teacher. Strict but gentle; understanding but persistent. Determined with a Sr. Judy Gomila strong faith that I am making a difference in the lives of the children I teach,” — Pat Crocker, second grade teacher at School in Port Allen.

2 a precious gift

Holy Cross Education – OUR LEGACY Many times the word legacy is defined as “money or Education: “Observe strict impartiality towards all…. property left to someone in a will”. The word, however, give all the students the same instruction, the same care, can denote “something transmitted by or received from the same attention; respect the feelings of young people a predecessor”. To the priests, brothers and sisters of who are extremely sensitive and easily cut to the quick.” Holy Cross that “something” often refers to one of the Carolyn Milstead, who taught for 36 years in her own most treasured possessions willed to us by our founder, third-grade classroom at St. Francis deSales, Houma, Blessed Basil Anthony Moreau: the legacy of education. Fa- writes how her Marianite teachers taught her love of ther Moreau once described education as the “art of arts”. God and love of one another. Sr. Pam Weathersby, who In a paper entitled Called by God, Faculty and Staff attended Marianite elementary schools and Holy Angels Formation in the Holy Cross Educational Legacy, Joel Gial- Academy, tells us that during her career as a teacher lanza, CSC and Stephen Walsh, CSC developed four she “always wanted her students to feel special and to themes around which a group of Holy Cross educators attach that to the love of Jesus for them as individu- from schools sponsored by the South-West Province als”. Another Marianite graduate from Houma, Donaldo of the Congregation of Holy Cross proposed to build Batiste, who now serves as a Professor of Education at a formation program for Holy Cross educators. These the , tells us that “these Sisters themes included building respect, educating hearts and modeled for me the love and compassion that Jesus minds, being family and bringing hope. taught and expects from each of us on a daily basis”. The Marianites, since their founding 175 years ago, have educated countless students at every grade EDUCATING MINDS AND HEARTS level, from pre-school through university. Just as Father There are often tensions between faith and reason, Moreau passed on his legacy of the value of Christian between heart and mind, between education and in- education to us, we have passed it on to countless stu- struction in our school systems. dents who have become educators themselves. We have Holy Cross educators are well aware of Father taken the four themes as outlined by the Holy Cross Moreau’s belief that the mind should not be educated at the educators, including an explanation of each as stated expense of the heart. He wrote, “While we prepare useful by Brothers Giallanza and Walsh, a quote from Father citizens for society, we shall likewise do our utmost to Moreau on the theme and a response from former stu- prepare citizens for heaven”. dents who share with our readers their recollections of Our responders mirror this philosophy in many of their “school days” with the Marianites. their statements. Renee deGravelles Burke Stirling, who spent her elementary and high school years at St. John BUILDING RESPECT Academy in Franklin, and became a successful para-pro- Holy Cross education teaches respect for personal, social, fessional in Title I program as a music teacher, speaks racial, ethnic, political, religious, gender and linguistic diver- lovingly of her Marianite teachers and states that they sity. Respect for others is rooted in the dignity to which will always have a special place in her heart. Janice Quick each human being has a right. That dignity expresses Nadler, educated at St. Cecilia School, Holy Angels and a basic truth of our creation: we reflect the image and UHC, puts it succinctly, “In sincere words, Lucky Me!” likeness of God. Debbie Barbier , a first-grade teacher at Holy Family School Father Moreau wrote in a treatise on Christian in Port Allen stated, “Their core belief of educating the heart and mind along with the im- portance of instilling Christian values and service to others is why I have chosen to teach in a school for the past 38 years.”

BEING FAMILY Holy Cross education nurtures an environment of collaboration, supported by a family spirit which touches and includes everyone as- sociated with the school. Fr. Moreau

The Associates Steering Committee - members of our extended family 3 3 often used the image of Holy Cross as family. of our links to He wrote in a letter to the Congregation: … the others around the one aim of the glory of God and the salvation of souls world who share inspires almost all the members and gives rise to a this mission. oneness of effort which tends toward that more per- Father fect union of hearts which constitutes its bond and Moreau always strength.” insisted, no mat- These responders learned that lesson well. Katherine ter how many difficulties he encountered, T. Mouille, spent eleven years with the Marianites at St. that he “never lost hope in Providence or in your fidel- Francis deSales in Houma. She states, “Now that I have ity to the sublime vocation which God has given you”. reached the great ‘old age’ of 79, my mind often goes Many of our responders echoed this hope. Cheryl back to those happy days at St. Francis. I felt safe, valued Fuselier, a graduate of St. Charles Academy in Lake and loved by my friends and teachers. It was a wonder- Charles, writes that she has always been fond of the ful time of my life!” Judy Goodwyne-Miranti, Marianites who taught and nurtured her. “I do what was educated at St. Julien Eymard School, Holy Angels I learned from them,” she says. She quotes Parker Academy, and Our Lady of Holy Cross College, states Palmer in The Courage to Teach, “We become teachers how much she loves claiming OLHC as her Alma Mater. for reasons of the heart … we take heart, alone and So, she states, “the charism of the Marianites is embla- together, so we can give heart to our students and the zoned on my heart.” A former Marianite, she now serves world – which is what good teachers do.” Joan Gremil- as Professor and Associate Chair of the Division of Edu- lion, a graduate of Sts. Peter and Paul School and Holy cation and Counseling at Xavier University. Sr. Barbara Angels Academy, and, as a Marianite, Our Lady of Holy Claire Schreier, MSC, writes of her experience at Tren- Cross College for two years, comments, “When you ton Catholic Academy in Hamilton Township, Mercer spend 15-plus years surrounded by Marianites it has County, New Jersey. “In our school, we strive hard to be to have an impact!” She writes that her time with the one family - a family consisting of African-Americans, Marianites makes her think of Roots and Wings … “In Hispanics, Europeans, Africans, Chinese, Koreans. Re- elementary school they planted seeds by providing a gardless, we are united. We are one family. And being secure environment for growth/learning and they gave one family, we learn that we are part of a larger family us all a deep sense of stability and family. They allowed -- God’s family.” us to try out our wings. In high school they continued to nourish and support us as we strengthened our wings BRINGING HOPE by helping us take on responsibilities, develop values, Bringing hope engages us in service to others, calls thrive socially, progress academically, and find our us to think globally and act locally, urges us to an active talents, gifts and passions. I will always be grateful for citizenship and compassionate responsibility, gives us their contributions to my development.” an awareness of the internationality of our mission and

Religion topics are very interesting when discussed with students from Sr. Barbara and students prepare sandwiches multi-ethnic backgrounds. for the homeless.

4 bringing our worldbringing together

Two Marianites Who Have “TAKEN ON THE WORLD” Sisters Magdalen Broussard and Kate McCarney her students as “faith-filled” people who are good, law- have come from very different backgrounds. Mag grew abiding citizens. When she returned to Northern Ireland up on a rice farm in Southwest Louisiana; Kate in Bel- a few years ago she established an education center in fast, Northern Ireland. However, they have something which immigrants are assisted in learning and improv- very interesting in common. Both of these Marianites ing their English language skills. are educators who have for many years devoted their Nelson Mandela is quoted as saying that education

talents to the education of individuals who have mi- is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the grated to the United States. world. This is the legacy of these two dedicated Maria- Popularly known as Adult Education, Mag and Kate nites. They have indeed changed the world, one student have specialized in English as a Second Language (ESL). at a time. Their students have come from all over the world and their classrooms often resemble a “little United Na- tions.” Mag began her career in education as a second grade teacher (with 45 students and no aide, she is quick to point out!). After twenty-seven years in the classroom, she was engaged in Ministry for twenty-two years. In 1999 until May of 2017 she ministered in PEPI in Iberia Parish in Louisiana. Progressive Education Program, Inc. (PEPI) is a program geared toward breaking the cycle of poverty through education. She has commented that she “transferred certain skills from one ministry to the other during these years. They were communication, organization, con- flict resolution, creativity, ability to motivate others, attention to detail, and group facilitation. She states that although her students came from all There are many ways to say “thank you” but the smiles over the world, they became family. They laughed and say it all. cried together. They took care of each other. Mag says this experience taught her to develop a deep respect for faith perspectives and traditions. She also says that her students taught her more than she taught them! Kate is quick to agree. She began her teaching career quotes worth remembering in Hazlet, NJ at St. Benedict School, grades 3-8. Since “I walk around with the heart of a child but will then she has taught students from a great variety of be a mature adult when time sees fit. I am so backgrounds in a variety of New Jersey towns and cities thankful for these wonderful women in my life. including South Plainfield, Edison, Camden, Freehold I do not know who I would be without them,” and Asbury Park in ESL programs. ( She’s moved so of- — Brian Bass, physical education teacher at Holy ten, she says, because when federal funding was cut she Family School, Port Allen. had to move where the funding was available.) When asked the countries which were represented in her classes, her response turns out to be a tour around the I’m a Holy Angels graduate. After 38 years as a world! They’d come from Indonesia, China, Korea, Tur- high school teacher and still teaching – loving key, Greece, Poland, Italy, Spain, Haiti, Mexico, Poland, every minute of it. — Karen Hewitt Mathews Lithuania, Bulgaria and the Ivory Coast. She describes 5 Sr. Bernadette Larson a life story a life “Pays It Forward” I have been associated with the She had a very kind heart and every Island, there were boarders. I would Marianites since July 4, 1942. Let once in a while, I would go into the push the little ones on the swings me explain. kitchen and she would give me a and play games with them. I had the My dad died when I was 13 slice of bologna and a glass of milk. precious kindergarten at first. When months old. My mother tried to In high school, I kept in touch they were upset and crying, I would take care of me but circumstances with the sisters as I would take a trip just put my arms around them and wouldn’t permit it. Her , to Ridgefield, Connecticut to spend hold them, just the way the sisters who was my godfa- did for me. ther, told her about When St Louis was scheduled St. Vincent De Paul in to close, I was sent to Holmdel, Tarrytown, NY, where NJ, to teach at St John Vianney he sent his two chil- High School. The student body was dren after his wife died. composed basically of blue- collar During my time there, I boys and girls from the neighbor- received a terrific educa- ing towns. Over the years, we have tion but I think what I become a much diversified com- remember most is the munity. We have about 42 “feeder” love and care I received schools that cover many miles. Our outside of the class- emphasis is on being a family. We room. There were teach- have our ups and down but dur- ers and non-teachers; ing the rough times we all come the latter took care of us together to support one another to outside of the class- try to find solutions to the problems room. We children went that occur. I’ll be at JVS 50 years in to the chapel to pray 2018. At reunions, I am thanked with the sisters and I for doing things I often don’t even remember. Our JVS family, present and past, truly lives the school’s When they were upset and crying, I would motto of Knowledge, Commitment just put my arms around them and hold and Involvement. them, just the way the sisters did for me. quotes worth remembering “Over ten years ago I retired from the handbell choir at absorbed their various devotions by the weekend with Sisters Edward, St. John, Franklin and it’s osmosis. I learned how to do many Celestine and Helen at St Mary’s, a still going strong.” — Renée things: play the piano, sew, knit and school which the Marianites es- de Gravelles Burke Stirling, a crochet and play lots of games. tablished there. My mother and I para-professional in the Title The most important thing I would also take the train to Princ- I program and director of the remember is the care we always re- eton to visit my friend, Sr. Louise. I choir at St. John. ceived. When I developed pneumo- was present for the blessing of the nia, I had to be administered sulfur “Guest House”, the build- Overheard in a discussion every hour. Sr. Onesimus took the ing, and the cemetery. among educators, “As a child day hours and Mother Victor (along Entering the novitiate on Sept. I was fascinated with film with Tara her dog) took the night 15, 1956, was like going back to strips. What a challenge with hours. When I had a vicious case my days at Tarrytown as I was not all the technology available of poison ivy over my entire body, a stranger to the routine. Sr. Am- in the classroom in 2017 Sr. Onesimus was my compassion- brose taught me a lot about sports – computers, Promethean ate caregiver. I have fond memories especially the New York Yankees! Boards, this and that, etc.” of Sr. Anthony, the cook. She never She always had the games on. When called us by name -only “girlie”. I was at St Louis Academy, Staten

6 Happy and Holy Sr. Cheryl Porte Mother Mary of the Seven giving recitations, dialogues, of happiness and holiness are not Dolors became first of the dramatizations. Chronicles tell us the only qualities that Mother Mary women of Holy Cross. She was also that everyone, parents and priests saw as necessary to the educational collaborator of in his alike, were touched with the happy process, but they are recognized mission of education; developing innovations. by those involved in the school as the mind while cultivating the heart. The primary purpose of having a profound effect on both In 1849, in an effort to advance his education in the Holy Cross teachers and students, and highly vision for Holy Cross, as well as tradition is to transform ourselves, influential in promoting the mission to promote Mother Mary’s global both teachers and students, into of Holy Cross education. They also leadership, Father Moreau sent the “Divine Model”; to become raise questions for all of us who her to Canada where she took on Christ in our life, our work and are in any way involved in the faith the responsibility of directing the our play. This meant, to Mother formation of others: How do we boarding school at -Laurent, Mary, to develop a lifestyle and an bring happiness to others? How do near Montreal. It was during her attitude of holiness. Consequently, we witness happiness? How are we fourteen years in Canada that she stressed that teachers were images of Christ in the world? Does Mother Mary demonstrated the to witness esteem and affection our holiness demonstrate itself to best of her qualities as an educator for their students. All were to be others? and consequently earned the title shown respect and courtesy. “Mother of Educators” from the Students were not to be Canadian sisters. addressed by teachers or by Details from the chronicles each other using nicknames, demonstrate how Mother Mary insults or even commands, made an impression on the first but everyone deserved generation of Holy Cross educators the dignity of the title in the New World. Two specific “Miss” and a tone of prayer beliefs of hers regarding the must be used when it was educational process allowed this necessary to correct. With to happen: education must be her emphasis on witness enjoyable and education must lead and encouragement rather to holiness. than demand, Mother Mary Mother Mary believed that if instituted two practices you want to do good for someone, to promote holiness you must first make them happy. among the students. Every She held that this was necessary for Saturday, the “Cross of both teachers and students, and her Honor” was presented to belief in happiness was practical. students who demonstrated Sadness led to discouragement and the practice of virtue was a poor witness to a faith that during the week, and an spoke of God’s love and activity Association of the Children in our lives. Consequently, one of of Mary was established. her first actions at the school in Everyone wanted to Saint-Laurent was to institute the join, but consideration “Feast of the Boarding School” to for membership was be celebrated on November 21 of determined by a blend each year. She also stressed that of devotional practices, study was to be enjoyable because faithfulness to rules, and education was not only a matter attitudes of respect toward of intelligence, but a matter of others. Both provided a the heart. To that end, mid-term stimulus for the spiritual exams were performed in a little formation of the students. theater atmosphere, with students These two conditions 7 7 COMMENTARY… Sr. Clarita Bourque, MSC “They (the Marianites) inspired us to know that women could do anything they set their minds to do and create”. This is a quote from Catherine Boesch, a graduate religious congregations of women and who, in the face of St. Agnes Elementary and Holy Angels Academy. She of great adversity, founded institutions which cared for also stated that “the sense of service to others which the poor and forgotten along the American frontier. I experienced inspired me as a teacher and school She saw women religious who were college presidents, empowerment of women empowerment administrator”. This brings up an interesting point. school principals and hospital administrators when During Catherine’s time as a student it was rare to see these fields were not open to lay women in the women in leadership positions. As recorded in these professional world. Like many another pages, they were wonderful teachers. They were also girl, Catherine instinctively knew that women could nurses, secretaries, store clerks, waitresses … the list competently fill these leadership roles. is endless. We note, of course, that few if any of these Sandra Bonner, a graduate of Marianite schools positions was administrative. in Morgan City, La., wrote to us, “As I sit here today, Things are different today. We have women as flooded by memories of the Marianites, I know that I university presidents, school principals, hospital am the woman I am today because I knew all of these administrators, owners of their own businesses, wonderful and inspirational women. I know that my executives of major corporations, governors and mayors liberal, open-minded, tolerant world-view is a legacy of cities and towns, etc., etc. of these women and I am forever grateful for their love How did this change come about? There are many and inspiration”. reasons but perhaps Catherine has hit on a major cause Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people for the change. She states that her Marianite teachers, will forget what you said, people will forget what you by their example, showed her that women could did, but people will never forget how you made them do anything they set their minds to. Their constant feel”. By word and example the graduates of Catholic encouragement motivated her. And, they taught her by schools learned that the infamous “glass ceiling” could example. Perhaps she visited Opelousas General or the be broken. If those could do it, so could they! French Hospital in New York, Dominican College in Empowerment of women is certainly one of the New Orleans, or she read about women who led large proudest aspects of our legacy. Joni Brignac Duos Is Back in the Classroom So many times I am asked the question, “Why did of Lafayette. Every position was a blessing in that the you go back into the classroom after being in educa- experiences and amount of knowledge acquired from tion for 35 years?” There are many answers due to the each was beneficial to my life story. rewards a teacher receives daily from her students, but Being a student, teacher, and administrator of a the main answer for Marianite school, Sacred Heart, Ville Platte, LA, has me is my heart feels been valuable for the most important role in my life, the happiest there! that is one of a parent and grandparent. My professional Early on in my career, I was granted the oppor- years as an educator tunity to teach my daughter and unknowingly my have included dif- future daughter-in-law in their elementary years at ferent paths. Eight Sacred Heart Elementary. What a priceless gift to years were served in be blessed with that opportunity! Who knew that the public school I would be given the opportunity to teach their system as a classroom daughters, my granddaughters, in Kindergarten on teacher. Nine years the same holy ground? So what does a grandmother were in the Catholic always say? Nothing less than “Yes!” school classroom and So to sum it up, I am back in the classroom after eighteen years were 35 years in education, because my heart is filled served as an adminis- beyond description!!! trator in the Diocese Joni & grandkids

8 story of a familystory

Lessons from a Piano Bench ~ The Sparacios A piano has a keyboard with 88 black and Teresa continued to white keys. When a key is pressed down, the give piano lessons damper comes off the string and a hammer hits even as a classroom the string. It hits it very quickly and bounces off teacher. Lena said, so that the string is free to vibrate and make a “My mother taught sound. When the player takes her finger off the all subjects, but her key the damper falls back on to the string and the greatest joy was First sound stops. Communion Class.” “The magnetic pull of the keys started with All three, the my mom who taught private piano lessons for “girls” and their 30 years. She was determined her children would mom, were close to have musical knowledge, too” said Lena Sparacio Sr. M. Bartholomew a 1975 Holy Angels grad who entered the field who taught music. of education. In speaking of her teaching career Row 1: my neice(Rosalie ‘s daughter): With her meticulous she went on to say, “I was a special education Christina Engolia Burleigh, row 2: My insistence on practice, teacher at the middle and high school levels and parents Johnny and Teresa (Venturella) students imbibed the a regular elementary teacher. I enjoyed working Sparacio (Holy Cross College Class of rewards of a solid with students in the inclusion program. I peer ‘79), row 3: Rosalie Sparacio ‘78 and work ethic and genu- coached and mentored new teachers as a Master her husband, Glenn Viau; Lena ine patience. Lena Teacher after receiving a superior rating by the Sparacio’75 and my brother, Luke Sparacio laughs remembering LATEP program in 1992.” how Sr. Bartholomew Lena’s sister, Rosalie Sparacio Viau is a 1978 would know instinc- graduate of Holy Angels who began teaching in 1985 tively when they had been goofing off in the practice in Arabi, LA. Then from 1991 to the present she has room while she went to the convent. been at Cathedral School, Lake Since 2007 Rosalie is Director of Religious Educa- Charles, LA where she has taught Pre-Kindergarten, tion for the ICCS. Shyly she adds, “I have a Masters Kindergarten and first grade. in Education and Masters in Pastoral Studies and have In a phone conversation both Lena and Rosalie received certification in Spiritual Direction. agree, “We are very proud to be AHA graduates and My daughter, Christina, attended ICCS and now my cherish the education we received from the Marianites, grandsons are here.” preparing us for college.” When sitting on the piano bench with fingers Without skipping a beat, Lena continues, “Our perched on the keys, true pianists feel “at home”, even proudest moment was when our mother, Teresa Ven- when hundreds of miles from their house. Playing turella Sparacio entered college at the age of 39, (the piano, like thirty years classroom experience, gives a beginning of my senior year in high school) and gradu- discipline and a confidence that motivates students to ated from Our Lady of Holy Cross College (now Uni- do their best. versity of Holy Cross) as an honor graduate in 1979.”

quotes worth remembering “The spirit on the Marianites stationed at St. Francis de Sales, Houma, still walks the halls even though the sisters are not physically there” — Agnes Breaux Blanchard, former student and teacher

“While a student at Cabrini High School, Sr. Keri Burke, a Marianite, served as our Campus Ministry leader. Her religious influence on her students is beyond reproach, and has now led me to do Brian Bass and his students at Holy Family School, the same by being a teacher,” — Rachel Prange, Port Allen, La. teacher at Holy Family School, Port Allen, La.

9 Notes From A Missionary Sr. Joyce Hanks In 1950, the Marianites opened a school for girls, ing fans to help with the extremely hot seasons. Our Our Lady of Fatima, in East Pakistan. I remember the Bengali cook did the shopping in the market place and day I landed at the airport in Dacca. It was December did the cooking. We stayed out of the kitchen for many 17, 1966. We drove to Comilla, dodging bicycle-drawn reasons! taxis, people, cows, and chickens. Our Lady of Fatima Learning the customs was very important because

a learning experience high and elementary schools at that time had several you could offend people without realizing it. For exam- MSC’s: Sisters Joan of Arc Arceneaux, Carolyn Langlois, ple it was better to say, “I have given you much trouble” Barbara Ritcher, Francesca Petrowsky, Annette Baxley then just “Thank you very much”. When I asked the dif- and I. Sr. Janet Bodin had just left for the USA. ference, I was told, “Saying Thank you implied you have I walked into the classroom first day and said, only done your duty”. The other phrase indicated that “Good morning, children” to the 59 five- year-olds you have gone beyond what was necessary! jammed into the classroom. Everyone responded, In 1971 the country had a terrible civil war and “Good Morning, children”. After which they repeated separated from West Pakistan and became Bangladesh. everything I said. I soon learned that I had to demon- Knowing we would not be there forever, we began strate what I was saying until the children caught on to train some indigenous sisters (an order founded by and began to teach me the Bengali phrases. the Holy Cross Sisters) to take over the school in the Life in Bangladesh was very simple; we had a well 70’s. Since then it has continued to flourish; classrooms for clean water, kerosene stoves for cooking, and ceil- even had to be added. Showing Her True Colors The True Colors Personality Test losses.” Teachers might hear, “Every proposes a way of understanding month please call at least three fami- yourself and appreciating others. Are lies to tell them something good, go you Blue (Harmonious), Gold (Re- ahead brag on their child --- don’t sponsible), Orange (Adventurous), wait until there is a problem.” or Green (Curious)? Sr. Joel Miller, Under Sr. Joel’s leadership, the a True Colors facilitator, is raging faculty faith community might lead orange. Growing up in Lake Charles, the student body in a hula hoop she was educated at Immaculate contest. And speaking of colors, she Conception and St. Charles Academy has purple and gold in her veins. and was very much influenced by Sr. Oh! This raging orange personality Collette Guidry. goes well with black; she encourages Adventurous Sr. Joel has been a her staff to come in costumes for creative teacher, innovative princi- Halloween. pal and now an assistant principal at Our Mother of Peace, in Church Point, LA. “Top Banana”, Sr. Joel Miller, Sr. Joel takes pride in following is all decked out for Halloween. an annual Scriptural Theme within quotes worth remembering her school community. Kids are often mesmorized by her classroom Having taken a vow of foreign missions, when I was missioned to activities: “Research in a comic book Brockton, MA, my superior asked me, “Is this far enough for you?” or the newspaper funnies”…; her — Sr. Margaret Cronley athletic incentives: “If you win the football semi-finals game this after- “I learned so much from other superintendents and I witnessed the noon, I will come to school tomor- transformation among us from a competitive attitude to a spirit row with my hair dyed blue.” “When of cooperation.” — Sr. Ann Lacour, a graduate of St. Mary of the the volleyball season ends, I’ll spend Angels and Holy Angels, reminiscent about her years as a Diocesan the day on the roof of the school Superintendent of Catholic Schools IF our team wins more than our 10 We asked some of our graduates to share with us their proudest moments in teaching… I guess my proudest moment was and I have found I can positively I have recently retired as an educator standing in the Rose Garden at influence my students through my after 32 years of teaching 6th grade the White House as my school use of my faith in God. science at St Ann School in Metairie. received the Blue Ribbon award for Bonnie Christman Smith I loved and still love teaching a con- Excellence in Education from the cept and watching the students ‘get President of the United States (Bill In my career as a professor teaching it’. The memories that my students Clinton at the time). graduate students at the Tulane Uni- shared with me made me work Gail Gelpi Murphy versity School of Public Health and harder to help others each year. I Tropical Medicine, there have been was taught by Marianites from K-12. Recently, my daughter gave birth many special moments, but one Thank you for leading me to be- to premature twins. As they were really stands out for me. One of the come an educator. taking her to the delivery room, her things I always do with my students’ Jean Weigand Barbe OBGYN doctor came into the room written assignments (and my fellow and asked me to pray with her. She After 43 years in education there are reminded me that many years ago so many proud moments, but here I prayed with her in class! I was so are a few of my personal ones: touched! - Former students who have Gail Galatas Siciliano themselves become educators/ administrators have told me A very proud moment in that they were impacted by teaching was when I was my teaching them in first attending a wedding of those grade. Their success is one of my former stu- my success! dents. After the wed- -The best is when ding, she said to me, “I that “hard to reach” will always remember student finally opens how you told us to say proudest up, throws his arms “My Lord and My God” around you, and says, when the Eucharist was “You’re the best teacher uplifted at the Mass.” ever!” Makes it all Mary Gen Dauphin moments! worthwhile! Laurie Hay Borden My proudest moment in my career was being selected a Federal legislation afforded me Counselor of the Year in Lafay- the wonderful opportunity to be ette Parish in 2015. After Katrina the special education teacher of the I moved to Lafayette and began first class of students with significant working in a public school. Up until disabilities to receive an education that time I had worked in Catholic professors do not do) is correct on any public school campus of a schools. In the public setting I was and comment on grammar as well local school system in Louisiana. concerned that I would not be able as content. A few years ago, one Fast forward ten years … I was the to meet my students’ needs without student came to me to challenge my proud special education teacher using my faith. I have found that grammatical comments. I stood by of the first class of students with I often ask my students if they go what I had written. She went to the significant disabilities to receive an to church, or even believe in God. public library, obtained a published education on a public high school Those that have at least some sense book on English grammar and then campus of this same Louisiana local of faith have responded positively to came to me with it. She seemed school system. I was bursting with the suggestions to pray and use their somewhat stupefied and said that pride when these students gradu- faith as a foundation for decisions. she apologized because the publica- ated, already gainfully employed in It is in these moments that I am tion agreed with and supported my jobs within the local community. most proud of my Catholic educa- comments. Thank you, Marianites, Joan Doescher Guillory tion. I always thought I would only and those somewhat pesky text- teach/counsel in Catholic schools, books, Voyages in English. but God puts us where we belong Carolyn Johnson

11 Speak, Lord, your Tell It Like It Is by Donaldo Batiste servant is listening. Sister Ambrose (Sheila) was the sixth grade (1 Samuel 3:10) teacher of my sister, Joyce. Although she was never my actual physical teacher of record, it was she with “Being a student again has made me a better teacher,” whom I experienced a closeness of the “mind and said Denise Theriot speaking of her participation in The heart” because of how she was able to motivate Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry (ILEM) at Notre Dame me and others who were newcomers to St. Francis Seminary. A veteran teacher of twenty-two years, Denise in Houma, having transferred from the neighbor- loves teaching religion, “offering truth and passing on the ing St. Lucy School, that was closing down because faith”. to education she held several jobs in the secu- of integration. She did take me on as one of her lar world. But Paul Curry, a friend who knew of her weekly students to mentor and coach me for the annual ministry in the Parish School of Religion and her involve- tri-parish (Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary) spell- ment with the TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) Community, ing bee. When I advanced to win that bee, having challenged Denise, “When are you going to stop messing bested other 5th,6th,7th, and 8th grade spellers, I around and go into full time ministry?” In August, 1995 she believe people in Ireland could hear Sr. Mary Am- joined the Cabrini High School Family. brose’s shouts of joy and jubilation. A graduate of St. Cecilia and Holy Angels (one of six on Sister Mary Ambrose was my “guardian an- staff), Denise recalled a string of Marianites and lay teachers gel” in elementary school, her counterpart in high who influenced her personal thinking and style of teaching. school was none other than Sister Mary Melanie, “Sr. Emmanuel never judged us; she put all the art pieces on the school librarian, who became my “mother hen”. display.” Denise continued, Jim Flately and Debbie Kettering Sr. Melanie always was surrounded by boys and are still working wonders in the classroom. Sr. Mary David athletes. I can assure you she neither saw anything called us to a higher standard.” athletic in me, nor was I a sports enthusiast. When “I love exposing the girls to the traditions of the I asked her why she and I got along so well, she was Church.” The sacred space of prayer times and retreats, quick to quip, “Why shouldn’t I? You are a bright service projects, rosary making, are some ways we round student, you are smart, and it’s my role as both a out in-class sessions. Denise talks of teaching religion as Sister and a librarian to teach and to bring out the planting seeds and watering them. “In most cases I won’t be best in all of God’s children”. Sister taught me how around to witness the harvesting…although social media to use the resources of the library to excel in debate and TEC offer some wonderful on-going contact.” When competitions. students challenge her on what the Church teaches or why, You see, I met these Sisters in the height of she speaks truth; if she needs more information she does re- racial segregation and within the fringes of inte- search. “I admire the way Francis is changing the image gration. And despite the prevailing tensions and of Church by calling us out of our comfort zones to really expectations of those in society, these Sisters mod- listen to the Lord and to serve for one another.” eled for me the love and compassion that Jesus taught and expects from each of us on a daily basis, and this love and compassion have been clearly re- articulated by our current Holy Father to respect the life and dignity of all persons.

AHA grads went from MSCs (Marianites de Sainte Croix) to Cabrini’s MSCs, (Missionaries of the Sacred Heart) and the family spirit continues. Pictured left to right: Melanie Theriot Heraty ‘76, Helene Fallon Tucker ‘72, Jean Turlich Montgomery ‘79, Carol Dr. Batiste with participants in the Program in Zulli Martin ‘68, Peggy Flynn Rizzo ‘66, Denise Theriot ‘76 Executive Leadership at the University of Holy Cross 12 a transformation

The Academy of Music in Précigné, I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise! Psalm 101 In June, 2016 Sisters Ann Lacour and Stephanie Music is a reality. In September, 2019 the doors of the Brignac met with a young educator from Liesse, France, Academy will open and the sound of children will once Vianney Chatillon, concerning his Academy acquir- again fill the halls but most especially each evening ing the buildings in Précigné owned by the Marianites. the students will pray vespers in the Chapel that was Over the years, there had been many proposals made once the provincial gathering place for our sisters and concerning the buildings. Basile Moreau Medical Center the Family of Holy Cross in France. In a recent meeting was moving to new buildings and the buildings that with Vianney, he communicated that he hopes to bring had served as a seminary, provincial house and hospital a group of students to the United States to perform. would be empty. In the hearts of many, especially the Marianites, this The meeting was filled with vision and the hopes is a miracle! Basile and Leocadie are smiling on this and dreams that more young men would have the op- project which continues the mission of the Marianites portunity for an education that was grounded in faith, in France. It is one of the many opportunities that shout sound teaching and the pursuit of music and song. legacy. Both hearts and minds will be filled with the Mr. Chatillon left the Solitude for a meeting with the sound of love and works for justice. Bishop of the Diocese of Le Mans to receive his bless- To learn more about the Academy go to the website: ings. The Marianites donated the land and the buildings www.fondationdesacademiesmusicales.fr to the Academy of Music with two conditions: 1. That the vision would one day include girls. 2. That once the Academy ac- quired the land and the build- ings it could not be returned to the Marianites. Today, the second Academy of

How It All Adds Up by Elizabeth Groves DeHarde I attended the Academy of Holy Angels graduating and Geometry) for nineteen years at Chalmette High in 1974. There were so many wonderful Marianites School in St. Bernard Parish. I was the department teaching at that time, it’s difficult to identify the chair for the last few of those years. In 1997, I became one person who inspired me. Srs. Monica Stelly and one of the counselors at the same high school. I Stephanie Bourg were probably the two sisters who retired in 2008 with thirty years experience. inspired me the most. Sr. Monica was the principal at As an educator, my focus was to educate the the time encouraging love and friendship among all students in their respective math subjects, as well as of the students. Sr. Stephanie was my math teacher helping them to become productive contributing instilling the love of mathematics in me. members of society. I still keep in touch with many I graduated from UNO in New Orleans in 1978 of my former students through social media. They with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education with often say, “I could not have made it through without a concentration in Math. In 1982 I earned a Master’s your help”. The most rewarding part of my years as an degree in Guidance and Counseling. educator was to have my daughter decide to follow in I taught high school math (Algebra 1, Algebra 2, my footsteps and become a high school math teacher.

13 13 A Letter From Prison St. Vincent de Paul, founded as a school/orphanage in 1861 in New York City was trans- ferred to Tarrytown, NY, in 1922. It was closed by the Board of Trustees, August 1, 1978.

remembrances Following are excerpts from a letter sent to Sr. Vincent Dornbush on January 5, 2016 by a boarder and former student at St. Vincent de Paul, Tarrytown.

Dear Sr. Vincent, recall her energy and gentle manner. What a blessing! I’m lying in bed, can’t sleep, thinking about yester- … I think Sr. Alphonsus favored us boys over the girls. I day and the Legacy Letters Workshop we started three can’t speak of her without noting her compassion and Thursdays ago at the prison. There are eleven of us on care of Thomas, a classmate with special needs. Another a five-week journey preparing letters of faith, hope, and blessing! … Sr. Onesimus was my dormitory mom love for special people in our lives. This week we are fo- my last two years at St. Vincent. I had a little room of cusing on parents and how they blessed our lives. My work would Your lives exposed not be complete without speaking of my precious surrogate me to my God – mothers at St. Vincent de Paul, especially compassion, love, you, my dear Sr. Vin- cent. A lot is said of discipline. I could God’s special interest in orphans. My par- not have asked for ents sent all five of us to St. Vincent before better moms. we were school age. What at first could look like abandonment really turned out to be a gift. my own at the end dorm and was responsible for two Instead of a single mom, I inherited multiple moms, younger children. Sr. Onesimus always watched out for women from here, France, Ireland, all over. We called the little ones. you “Sister” but in reality you were “Moms”, responsi- With a full heart I say, “so many moms, so many ble for our care and protection. In Spanish I would have blessings, and so many gifts that have carried me called you “Madre”, Mother. through life”. Your lives exposed me to my God – com- What an awesome responsibility and what a coura- passion, love, discipline. I could not have asked for geous group of women you all are, surrendering your better moms. lives to service, bringing up someone else’s children. Prayer was an important part of our lives then and What a challenge, what a blessing! You left your homes, an important part of my life now. I do believe your gave up having families of your own, and consecrated prayers have made all the difference. Thank you, Sr. your lives to God and His love and care for us children. Vincent, for the beautiful Christmas card and your I remember Sr. Patricia playing Irish records on the blessings inside. I have it where I can see it each day, a old crank-up player. Today when I hear Irish music I reminder of your love. An eagle comes to mind, caring for the young and pushing them out of the nest and holding them quotes worth remembering up as they learn to fly. You sisters Peter Brennan, a former teacher and principal, can call the names of taught me how to fly. all his Marianite teachers at School, Trenton, NJ Thank you, Lord, for placing me as easily as “calling bingo numbers”. in the hands of your devoted Mari- anite daughters. Lord, continue to “We bought pagan babies – politically incorrect after Vatican II, but bless Sr. Vincent here and when she it fostered in us a caring and outreach toward what today we call the is ready, welcome her as your “good Third World.” — Sr. Marjorie Hebert, 1960 graduate of Holy Name of and faithful daughter”. Mary, recalls the mission spirit One of your loving sons, Manuel 14 Praise the Lord G.K. Chesterton, an English outreach to the needy, etc., raising writer, poet, and lay theologian, their own families in the Catholic once remarked, “We need to take religion. things with gratitude and not for In retirement, Dora volunteers granted.” Recently-retired religion with her daughter, Jennifer Alford teacher, Dora Alford, is the epitome LeJeune, Director of Religious of Chesterton’s thought. Speaking Education in Holy Family Parish, of her years at Holy Family School, sharing life and faith with the Cof- Port Allen, she gushes, “I have had fee and Prayer study group and the the best job in the world – sharing Confirmation Class. “Being retired my faith with my students.” gives me more time to pray, partici- “The Holy Spirit got me into pate in daily Mass, to be with my this ministry,” she said. A gradu- Jesus … and do what I wanna do..” ate of Holy Family herself, Dora And Dora does it all with praise feel so blessed to be an remembers with fondness Sr. Mary and thanksgiving. educator. Every day is an Hubert and her Iopportunity to help children hugs of encour- grow and develop in all areas. agement with I am the principal at Marigny the alphabet or Elementary School in St. numbers. Since Tammany Parish. It’s exciting to her family home see my pupils’ progression from was just three day to day. I am very passionate blocks away, about early childhood education Dora could skip as well as mentoring teachers. I off to Church consider myself a lifelong learner and talk to the and thrive on continuing to learn Blessed Mother and implement strategies that because Sister will help students and teachers. said, “We go to I was inspired by the wonderful Jesus through teachers and experiences I Mary.” had at Resurrection and Holy As an adult, Jennifer and Dora Angels. Those special years in my her own love of Scripture spills life laid the foundation for the over into her classes. Dora credits person and educator I am today. her Uncle Karl, a Methodist, for Leslie Cannizzaro Martin introducing her to the Old and New Testaments long before Vati- can II. In her religion classes, Dora desired that her students each have their own Bible, not just to know Editor’s Note: facts about Jesus, Mary, and the Since we knew we’d have lots of printed matter for you this issue and but that they build personal because this legacy business is serious stuff, we decided not to include a relationships with them as friends photo of ourselves doing something outrageous. and role models. Using a variety of Don’t cancel your subscription; we promise to be back next issue creative, hands-on methods, with with more of our foolishness. gratitude she accompanied her stu- dents on their faith journeys. What makes her proud?... to see Stay in touch at www.marianites.org her own children or former stu- Order Guild cards. dents be active members of the faith See where Mass is said for you in Burkina Faso, Africa. Keep up with community as lectors, extraordinary Marianite activities. ministers of Eucharist, working with Like us on Facebook! 15 15 Marianites of Holy Cross NON-PROFIT ORG U. S. Postage MSC Development PAID 21388 Smith Road Permit No. 1074 Covington, LA 70435 New Orleans, LA

Educators’ Prayer to Mary Father Moreau describes Mary’s heart as a masterpiece of God’s creation. Here is a heart that listens and protects, searches and accompanies, attends and accepts, hopes and heals. Such is the heart of a Holy Cross Educator.

Holy Mary, you were chosen to be Jesus’ first teacher, to live the faith with him, to guide and comfort him, to prepare him for life and mission.

Blessed Mary, be for us and for our students patroness and protector, friend and family, mediator and mentor, companion and confidant.

We have been taught, “Pray and have confidence in Mary, And be assured that you are Where God wants you to be.” Mary, show us the way to live that teaching, in all we do, from deep within our hearts. Amen.

The Holy Cross Institute St. Edward ‘s University