Franciscan of Mary USA Province Volume 43 No. 4 Fall 2013

Lasagna Garden

Our Lady of Lourdes

Rose Garden St.

Mary Garden

EDITORS’ NOTES

Every day, Francis gives a homily based on the scripture readings of the day. These “down to earth” homilies are published on web sites and being read all over the world by per- sons of all religious beliefs as evidenced by remarks made on Twitter, Facebook and else- where.

Here is how he began his homily on the story of the Good Samaritan. “I say to myself, and I say to you: do we let God write our lives? Or do we want to do the writing ourselves?” WOW! Does that ever hit home to this writer. How about you readers? Pope Francis continues: “Be docile to the Word of God … have the capacity to hear his voice and to listen to it.”

Have any of you had the experience of being asked by Catholics, non-Catholics and those who claim no faith this question: “What do you think about Pope Francis?” Assuredly there is re- newed hope for our Church and beyond, thanks to Pope Francs.

In this issue of Sharings we publish a variety of news of the life of our province - “Why Do We Teach,” Celebrations, Peace Walk, update on our Environment and other news.

Rosemarie Higgins, fmm, Anne Turbini, fmm and Maryann Alukonis, fmm

Contents

Our Deceased, Eulogies ...... 3 100 Years ...... 5 Walk for Peace, Reflection ...... 6

Two Bishops, Roslyn, NY ...... 7 Sharings is published at: Why Do We Teach?, Mission Preparation . 9 Provincial Communicaons Office 399 Fruit Hill Ave Day Services for Elderly ...... 10 North Providence, RI 02911 Tel: (401) 353‐5804 Ext: 130 Queen of Peace, Korea ...... 11 Fax (401) 353‐8755 Vocation Promotion ...... 12 Please send arcles either to [email protected] or Paintings (Frances Falk) ...... 13 [email protected] Business Manager ...... 14 Sabbatical ...... 15 Care of Creation, Tree Blessing, from Zaccheus ...... 16

NEXT ISSUE: WINTER

2 EULOGIES for … Our Deceased Sisters

Virginia Sarah Falk, fmm

Virginia Sarah Falk, fmm In one of her meditations, our Foundress, Blessed (Mary of St. Francis Borgia) Mary of the Passion, wrote, “God destines each soul, like each flower, to some particular beauty; it is not such or such a manner of living that will make us Born to Eternal Life , but it is our progress in that way that the love September 21, 2013 of God has chosen us from all eternity.” (MD: 132)

When I read this it brought to mind Virginia’s great love and appreciation of music. Music had been a part of Virginia’s life since childhood. As a young girl

she sang and played a variety of instruments. We

know she always carried her harmonica in her pocket

to be used at any moment to bring others together. Agnes Kozak, fmm When Virginia returned from her overseas mission (M. Martana of St. Anthony) she was drawn to deepen her musical abilities with voice lessons and learning to play the dulcimer and the harp. These deepened skills and gifts drew her Born to Eternal Life to working with the sick and the dying. She brought September 21, 2013 therapeutic music to give comfort to the dying and create a healing environment for the sick. As a mu- sic practitioner, Virginia felt her calling to be at the bedside of the dying. In an August, 2010 interview for the LaGrange Daily News in Georgia she said, “I’m a privileged person who goes to the bedside of Our Deceased Relatives the sick and dying and gives a gift of music. I re- ceive gifts that are more precious than any I can give.” Seth Jackson, Jr. grandnephew of Elfriede Jackson, fmm, and his girlfriend, Leela Virginia fulfilled the words of the Psalmist, “Sing out your joy to our God, you who love justice - praise is Do Hwan Lee, grandmother of Kyong-Ha Vim, fmm fitting for loyal hearts. Praise God with the harp, and play music with a ten-stringed lyre! Sing a new song, Joseph Dufault, grandnephew and Dorothy Dufault, play with all your soul…” (Psalm 33: 1–3) If we close sister-in-law of Alma Dufault, fmm our eyes and listen attentively I believe we can hear Virginia playing the harp as she comes before the Emma Villaserian, sister of Agudo, fmm God whom she has loved for a lifetime. Virginia, may you rest in peace. Fern Baris, sister of Pauline Baris, fmm Lois Pereira, fmm Gerry Petras, nephew, and Rosemary Finney, cousin of Lois Houlihan, fmm

Agnes Lillian Kozak, fmm

Sr. Agnes was a quiet but very gifted and talented woman. She was a master at arts and crafts. She painted, sewed, wrote poetry and had a wonderful relationship with our faithful volunteers here at Fruit Hill.

3 In one of her meditations, our foundress, Blessed At about 1:45 PM on Saturday, September 21 Ag- Mary of the Passion wrote, “We who are Mary’s nes heard Jesus say, “Agnes, you are free of your missionaries ought to continue her work, give infirmity.” Agnes stood up straight and let God’s peace, give Jesus everywhere and always. Let us glory touch her face leaving all her pain and suffer- engrave upon our hearts these words as coming ing behind. Dear Agnes may you now rest in from our Queen, ‘Be the faithful messengers of peace with the God whom you have loved for near- truth on all your journeys.’ “(MD:93) As Agnes min- ly ninety years. istered to people in her various missions in New York, Missouri, Mississippi, California and Rhode Lois Pereira, fmm Island she fulfilled her role of the faithful messenger of truth. She strove to give peace, to give Jesus to all who came into her life. Thanks! Her last few years of life had much pain and suffer- ing as her health continued to fail. All our sisters and our dedicated nursing staff here and Hospice Dear Sisters, Nurses and nurses at Elmhurst Nursing Center gave her as much love and comfort as they could. I Thank you for your prayers and condolences for am sure that Agnes’ deep prayer life also gave her the death of my brother. Frank was laid to rest some inner peace. To sum up these last year that with full military (Naval) honors in Arlington Nation- have brought us here today to celebrate the gift of al Cemetery. Agnes’ life, I’d like to share with you a poem enti- tled “Woman Un-Bent” based on Luke 13:10–17. It Bea Costagliola,fmm was written by Sr. Irene Zimmerman, a School Sis- ter of St. Francis.

WOMAN UN-BENT To my dear FMM sisters and all my friends, I thank That Sabbath day as always you all for the Masses, enrollments and prayers she went to the synagogue that you have offered for my late grandnephew and took the place assigned to her Sam W. Jackson, Jr. and three family members right behind the grill where, also that passed away this year in Liberia. Your prayers and support have been a great the elders concurred, strength for me. she would block no one’s view, she could lean her heavy head, Thanks again and God bless you all. and (though this was not said) she’d give good example to Sr. Elfriede, fmm the ones who stood behind her.

That day, intent as always on the Word (for eighteen years she’d listened thus) she heard Authority when Jesus spoke. ...

“Woman, you are free of your infirmity,” he said.

The leader of the synagogue worked himself into a sweat as he raced to bend the Sabbath and the woman back in place. Samuel Jackson and Leela But she stood up straight and let God’s glory touch her face.

4 Our dear Savina has made her life a life of prayer. She possesses God. She sees God and she continues to love God without ceasing. For me and for so many others she has been an example of one who is very close to God, thinking of others first, always In July Sr. Savina D’Agostino there with a listening ear and heart, always ready began her 100th birthday sur- to lend a helping hand. She possesses that union rounded by over 100 mem- with God that so many in the world continue to bers of her family and search for each day. friends. Mass was celebrat- ed by Rev. William McCarthy, MSA, followed by a celebra- Let us continue to give thanks to God for Savina’s tory dinner in Lourdes Hall, life and presence with us. which was stunningly decorated. Savina reigned like a queen from what her brother Joe called “the Bish- Another celebratory dinner followed in Lourdes Hall. op’s chair.” Franciscan Missionaries from other communities joined the celebration. Jack Dausman presented Savina’ s life story in a power point program. Since the weather was condu- Savina attended the 40th Anniversary celebration of cive to a stroll on our grounds, family and other the Fruit Hill Day Program for Elderly and once again guests had an opportunity to view the 2 trees donat- was the center of attention when she won a large ed by family, relatives and friends. basket of beer. Those in attendance were incredu- lous of her being 100 and still so spritely and alert. The Franciscan Missionaries of Mary had another Savina enjoys social events and greets everyone she celebration for Savina on her actual birthday. knows - many - and introduces herself to those she Fr. Ed St Godard celebrated the Mass. At the end, does not know. She is the same when guests join Sr. Lois Pereira, our provincial, reflected … the community for a meal. She greets them with a welcoming smile, finds out their names and introduc- In Psalm 90 we read, “The span of our life is but es herself. She is amazing! seventy years - perhaps eighty if we are strong - …”

Sr. Savina is able to rewrite these lines to read, “The span of my life is one hundred years, perhaps more because I am strong!”

We can all agree that during her one hundred years of life Savina has touched thousands of lives with her kindness, generosity, gentleness and love. Last month her family gathered here for a family cele- Savina and her bration of their beloved sister, aunt, cousin and brother Joe presented friend. We have gathered here today to give the gifts at the offertory. thanks to God for giving us such a wonderful gift - our sister and friend, Savina.

On our Province Birthday Calendar for August Sr. Anne Turbini used this thought from the writings of our foundress, Blessed Mary of the Passion who wrote, “God is, God sees Himself, God loves Him- self in my soul through grace. I possess the Blessed Trinity within me! Prayer is God’s Being in me, it is seeing Him and loving Him. In possessing, in see- ing, and in loving God’s Being in me, I achieve union... . Resolution: I will make my life a prayer. I will possess God. I will see Him, I will love Him Savina with the Navajo people without ceasing… .” (NS 14) 5 of words, it is such a universal and wonderful prayer.” Let each one of us commit ourselves anew to the cul- SILENT WALK FOR PEACE tivation of peace within and without through which the violence that impacts so many may be transformed Providence marked United Na- into peaceful coexistence for all, as we say: tions International Peace Day “Lord make me an instrument of your peace …” Saturday September 21st with an ecumenical peace walk at India Point Park, on the Margaret Culloty & Veronica Shamshad, fmm eastern side of the city. Sisters Elizabeth Ann Conyers, Veronica Shamshad and Margaret Culloty went along to support this worthy cause.

Proceedings were opened by organizer Jennie Fox

who introduced speakers working locally and interna- tionally to promote peace and non-violence. We heard from a community leader working on peace initiatives within communities, with particular interest in targeting youth. Another shared about his work at The Universi- A BRIEF REFLECTION ty of Rhode Island as Director of the Centre for Nonvi- olence and Peace Studies. Though I have very limited knowledge of birds, re- cently I heard the following information on National We then began the walk around the autumnal colored Public Radio: park, skirting the water on one side. In the silence we focused our attention on how each one of us person- A lark is the only bird that SINGS as it flies… ally could promote peace and how perhaps we might A group of larks is known as an EXALTATION! become engaged in events promoting diversity, un- ("Music Through the Night,” NPR, July 9, 2013) derstanding and more positive relationships in our lo- calities. Given the awesome strength of this silence, it Living in New Mexico, I almost seemed a pity to break it. seldom go back East, but this astounding information On entering into more vocal prayer, we formed a cir- caused me to reflect on cle and joined with our Muslim, Sikh, Christian and when I was in Fruit Hill for Buddhists brothers and sisters, each gently guiding us our last Provincial Chapter. into deeper reflection. So many of our Senior Sis- ters seemed to embody We felt honored to be invited to represent the Catholic this. It's true that they don't "fly" as they go through faith and Veronica led the group in the Peace Prayer their daily routines, and their exaltation is not an exu- often attributed to Francis. So many joined in – berant one, given their age and health. But there is a truly a wonderful chorus of voices in the middle of the "quiet" exaltation filled with serenity, peace, gentle- park. Francis surely was happy! ness, and the knowledge that, as St. Paul said, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives within me." The Mayor of Providence thanked all for supporting This beautiful witness, it seems to me, is the sort of peace and nonviolence and encouraged us to contin- witness our suffering, violent, and divided world ue this necessary work especially in our local commu- needs so much. Even for FMM's whose days of so- nities. Organizer Jennie Fox shared her dream of called "active" ministry are over, this "quiet exalta- Rhode Island being known not only as the Ocean tion" and joyful song their daily life proclaims is a mis- State but also as the PEACE STATE. sion and an evangelization based on their long hours before the Eucharist and a life filled with small sacri- The experience was most enjoyable and a great op- fices, small aches and pains, small acts of charity to portunity to make new friends including a Buddhist those around them. My prayer is that I too may be from Tibet, whose prayerful chant was beautiful and able to give somewhat of a similar witness as I grow very moving and a Muslim Imam, chaplain of Brown older, and I thank God we have the grace of these University who uses the Peace Prayer of Saint Fran- Sisters in our province! cis at the beginning of the semester with the new stu- dents. For him, “it’s not a matter of faith but a matter Sheila Patenaude, fmm

6

A TALE OF TWO BISHOPS ample time to visit with my former bishop as well as several other returned missionaries. It was another joyful Liturgy where 17 Capuchins renewed their For many months the diocese of El Paso waited vows and celebrated various anniversaries, including with anticipation for news of the appointment of a the Provincial, who is a silver jubilarian. This heartfelt new bishop. Finally, in May we were told that the reunion brought back so many vivid memories of those auxiliary bishop from Dallas would come to take turbulent years of the 1980s in Nicaragua. possession of our diocese. Everyone was eager to know more about him and, at last, we learned his Now, looking back on the past two months, I am filled name - Mark J. Seitz - and that he was originally with gratitude for the prayerful sendoff of my El Paso from Wisconsin. We also found out that, when he Community and the warm welcome of the sisters here was a pastor, he had donated a kidney to a very in Stickney. The memory of the two events is still very sick member of his parish. vivid and I thank God for the grace of participating in these very special celebrations. On Tuesday, June 9th, Bishop Mark was installed in the El Paso Civic Center as the cathedral was Beatrice Costagliola, fmm deemed too small to hold the 4000 persons attend- ing this event. It was an exuberant crowd who par- ticipated in a very colorful Liturgy enlivened by

Mariachi players and an eagle dance by the local Tigua Indian tribe. In addition to the numerous lo- ROSLYN , NY cal clergy there were many civic dignitaries. Two religious were named to greet the Bishop, one of We’ve been very busy here in our St. Francis Commu- them Marie Cinotti, who went up to the presiding nity during the month of September. On Saturday, chair to welcome our new prelate. His genial per- September 15th we had a Hospital celebration of the sonality and simple lifestyle have already endeared 50th and 60th Jubilees of Pauline Gilmore and Connie him to the Catholic community. Russo. Saturday was preceeded by a week of rain but we were assured sunshine was on its way. Sure enough we were greeted with beautiful blue skies and radiant sunshine for the whole day!

More than 150 guests filled our Chapel. At the end of Mass, as they proceeded to our Garden for a reception, many guests exclaimed, “I feel like I’ve died and gone to Heaven. It was all so beautiful!” Pauline and Connie renewed their Vows in the presence of Lois and the whole community. Sr. Betty Keegan worked tirelessly to gather additional singers and musicians for the occa- sion. Imagine all the beautiful sounds, then, as a tenor Vesper Service the evening sang the Ave Maria prior to our Gathering Song. With before Bishop Mark’s installation Betty playing the piano and a harpist and a guitarist accompanying the singers at Mass we were treated to Several weeks before this event I had received in exquisite music. Mass was concelebrated by Tom the mail an invitation to the Golden Jubilee of Bish- Hartle, OFM, Christian and , our SFH priest op Paul Schmitz as a Franciscan Capuchin. This Chaplains and Louis DeGaetano, a diocesan priest was to take place in their seminary at Mt. Calvary friend of Connie. Tom Hartle outdid himself in his hom- in Wisconsin. Bishop Paul is the bishop of the Vi- ily. He began by singing a song and then he expanded cariate of Bluefields, Nicaragua. He had come to on that to produce a most expressive and eloquent Fruit Hill in 1998 to concelebrate, with Tom Hartle, homily!! the jubilee Mass for Rosemary Sullivan and myself. I had little hope of attending his celebration but After the liturgy, everyone proceeded to our Garden for then realized that date, July 19th, was three days a reception. Our SFH kitchen staff catered the food. It after my transfer to Stickney. Two of the Capuchins was presented and served so beautifully. We were I knew from Nicaragua now lived in a neighboring treated to music throughout the reception by the harp- parish and one, Fr. Alfredo, was driving to the ist and guitarist. Many guests were seated at tables event and offered to take me as a passenger. So it set up for the occasion and others stood around talk- was that we set out at 10:00 a.m. and arrived at ing. All in all, it was truly a spectacular day! the large seminary about 2:00 p.m. I had with 7 In the week before that Celebration, on Wednesday, from our New York houses and one Sister from North September 11th,Betty Keegan and Carol Flaherty Providence joined us here at Roslyn for the Trans- attended a talk at Bishop Molloy Retreat House mission of the Institute Formation Program given by entitled “Vatican II: A Council Like None Other.” It Sheila Lehmkuhle and Nga Le. We gathered in the was given by Stephen Bevans, SVD. This is the North Annex for the presentations. Words cannot first in a series, celebrating the 50th anniversary of convey the deep gratitude we have for Sheila and Vatican II. The next two speakers will be Donald Nga, our presenters, for all they did to make this In- Senior and Elizabeth Johnson. stitute Formation Program come alive for all of us.

Thursday evening, September 19th, Carol and Betty We were lucky to have three Sisters with us for the were invited by many local people to attend St Pe- weekend who were celebrating their birthdays. So, ter’s Church to hear Jim Martin, S.J. speak. His we had a birthday cake for Thuy Nguyen on Saturday topic was to be on spirituality as joy and laughter and another cake on Sunday for Mari Garesche and he would highlight his book Of Heaven and (29th) and Nga Le (30th). We took loads of pictures Mirth. He did all that in his wonderful humorous of these birthday events but they didn’t come out way. But first, he informed us that this evening good enough to send them. However, we have in- being September 19th, he told us that the Septem- cluded here a group photo of all of us who attended ber 19th issue of “America” would feature an inter- the weekend. view with Pope Francis. He proceeded to tell us then how that interview all came about. We were Dr. Guerci was called forth from St. Francis Hospital privileged to hear all the history of that now-famous to lead the whole CHS System. That is a great loss interview from one of the persons who first pro- for us. We said good-bye to him in an afternoon posed doing it. Jim was so excited in telling us all gathering. Ruth Hennessey has taken over the lead- about it! If you ever have a chance to hear Jim ership of St. Francis as COO, a position she has held Martin speak, run, don’t walk to his talk. He will until this time. treat you as he did us to those deep hearty and healing roll in your seats laughter! In conclusion, Sister Carol Ann Kane has requested prayers of the Sisters in our Province for her forth- Our next big Community event happened this past coming surgery. She will have knee replacement sur- weekend, September 27th to 29th. Many F.M.M.s gery on October 21st.

8

A DEEPENING OF FAITH teach. Many mes we are the only examples of the community that our students meet and are able to speak to. The welcoming arms of the Church and the voice of our beliefs are embodied within us. Sacra‐ This article by Nancy Cabral, fmm ments and prayers are merely a part of our classes, but appeared on the front page of the way to live as a good Catholic is essenal to the Aqua Viva, the diocesan newspa- whole program. Helping our students to understand per of Las Cruces, New Mexico. not only the words of the Mass but also the words of the Bible makes our Church a vital home for our stu‐ dents. We teach them that our Church is a home that Why do we teach? not only consists of four walls, but also of people who care for us and as we care for them. No matter what our occupation or way of life, we are all teachers of the Catholic Faith. Whether we Somemes we may become frustrated and we see our teach in a classroom big enough to fit 50 or small vocaon of teaching as a heavy cross. Then we hear enough to fit four students or even in our everyday Jesus in the silence of our hearts speaking to us saying, interaction with friends or foes we yearn to share "Take up your cross and follow me." With these words the Spirit that fills our lives with God's love. The Spirit in turn finds within us a receptacle of our we are revitalized and are able to set before our eyes Faith. The rumblings of the Spirit challenge us to Jesus' path for us to pursue. This mission gives us as be disciples, teachers. teachers lessons to share with our classes. It is well worth the me and energy we take to develop lessons "Love one another as I have loved you" is said by and teach our students. We learn many mes as we Jesus in John's Gospel (13:34). This is the center teach. Quesons and answers from the students help of our discipleship as a Catholic. It is for this "Love" us understand more about our beliefs. It is through that we say yes. It is this love that we model for God's goodness revealed in us that our students are those to whom we minister. It is this love that we shown an ability to respond with spontaneity to God's show to the family, friends, students, and parents love. that we meet each week.

We must teach as a pianist must play piano, a dancer must dance, a singer must sing. Teaching is ingrained within us because we have God's MISSION PREPARATION presence in our life. We start first of all hearing a at Mission Resource Center soft whisper from the Spirit urging us to teach and sometimes we ignore it until the urgings become Mission Preparation Session for Margaret Culloty, louder and louder. To quiet it we answer. "Be disci- Phi Uong and Veronica Shamshad - sent in mis- ples of Jesus" is the prompting. Being disciples we sion to the US Province began on September 16, are like the apostles standing before our Friend 2013. Following a time of reflection on the hopes, and Teacher being told to go throughout the world questions and experiences each brings with her to and teach the Good News. Even though we may the province, we began a general overview of leave catechism up to teachers, by the example of American history: the first missionaries to the conti- our lives we are teaching within our environment. nent from Spain to what are now Florida and Cali- As catechists, every day we take up this challenge fornia, and from France to parts of the Midwest and of discipleship and we go before children, teens present-day New York. We shared the riches of and adults and fulfill the commission of Jesus that films on America through Native Eyes, as well as is imbued within us from the time of our Baptism. experience and insights about the 'new world' and the experience of God from Pilgrims, Puritans, the What do we teach? We teach the love and peace Dutch explorers as well as Catholic settlements. of Jesus and the beauty and depth of our Faith. This phase included reflection on the experience of We strive to be (as Monsignor John Francis God and theological insights of Anne Hutchinson Murphy wrote in his poem "A Catechist Is") "faithful and some of the early Methodist missionaries. to the past, open to the future, but especially dedi- cated to deepening the faith of the present genera- Roger Williams - freedom's forgotten hero - led us tion." Jesus showed us the mercy and goodness of through the essential and formative vision of free- God, a lesson for us to exemplify to those we dom of speech and religious liberty. Various films 9 United States. We considered the Declaration of In- dependence, the Constitutions and the organization of the government. The struggles of a new nation with wars, immigration, poverty, the role of women, slavery and the struggles for Civil Rights that contin- ue, offered us perspectives about the fiber and testing that continues to be woven through US history.

The rich and varied history of the Church in the Unit- ed States which has been consistently shaped by the various political issues, led us into the mission story of the Institute in the United States beginning in 1903. DVDs on Dorothy Day: a Fool for Christ, and the LCWR production of Women and Spirit - recounting This year 2013 marks 40 years of compassionate the history of religious women in the US, as well as care at Fruit Hill Day Services for Elderly . the report of Sister Mary Hughes, op addressing the national press club on the situation of LCWR - helped In the summer of 1973, Sr. Ruth Crawley, FMM heard to give greater substance to reflections on our fmm of a new concept springing up in various parts of the role moving forward. country: Day Care for Elderly. After conducting a sur- vey she found that seniors who required supervision, Annie Nebres continued preparation for her mission but not 24-hour care were being prematurely placed sending to the province of Colombia-Ecuador by re- into nursing facilities since families had to remain in viewing with Alma the historical developments in the the work force. Province. Then for the final week - all of us focused our thoughts more deeply on The Grace of Sending. So, Ruth, a Rhode Island pioneer, opened the first This week involved times of prayer and reflection, fol- day center for the elderly in North Providence, RI. lowed by conversations about cultural experiences, Many other centers, similar in nature were founded patterns of life and the challenges these propose for afterwards. However, Fruit Hill Day Services from its community and ministry; various aspects of transition, beginning gravitated towards the specific individual identification of their impacts and means of coping; needs of its participants. the experiences and meaning of solitude and its vari- ous expressions; consideration of each one's culture “I was told about Fruit Hill Day Services and now my and the journey we are called to walk and the prayer father is happy again,” writes a family member whose that must accompany this journey as we move for- father was cared for at the center. She continues: “He ward. We reflected on “Widen the Space of Your has friends to talk to and looks forward to getting on a Tents” - the talk given by Chrsitiane Mégarbané to bus that takes him to the center. We have great con- the OFM. Finally our reflection and prayer led us into versation every night at the dinner table now and I the meaning of culture shock, interpersonal relations don’t have to quit my or hire someone to ‘sit’ with and the meaning we can discover for our life as fmm, him at home.” our mission and the ongoing challenge to build rela- tionships through our study of Honourably Wounded After 40 years of service many other individual quota- by Margery Foyle - a valuable resource in mission tions could further describe the quality of our partici- preparation. We brought this enriching and beautiful pants’ care. However, the greatest strength of the time to a close with Prayer and Bible Study on God's Center is in continuing to give hope to the community. Care - 1Kings 17 - 2 Kings 2. Families have peace of mind in knowing that their loved ones are well cared for, happy, and safe.

A forty year journey has shaped the program into specializing care for the seniors who live in the com- munity who are functionally impaired and require pro- fessional services, supervision and socialization. So, it can be stated again that Fruit Hill Day Services for Elderly, after 40 years in service is still a pioneering center banding towards the needs that are unpredict- able in the elderly population. Congratulations !!!!

10 Barbara Dopierala, fmm QUEEN OF PEACE COMMUNITY BUSAN, KOREA September 27, 2013

A birthday marking 95 years of life is certainly a mile- stone to be celebrated. Marie Paule Gobiel's very We had a really 'blistering' month of August, setting large and loving family decided that they would make many records of hot temperatures, even to giving certain that this special birthday would be just that, primary school children an extra week's vacation. celebrated in a way that would please Marie Paule the Now God has given us a welcome, cool September, most. which calms us and makes us happy.

The day soon arrived for the celebration and we found September was very busy - our Chapter of Mats' ourselves welcoming four cars filled with l6 members was held from Saturday the 7th to Monday, the 9th, of Marie's Paule's family. They had driven all the way making it possible for many of our 'parish Sisters' to from Quebec, Canada early that morning. There were attend, since Monday is recognized as being an invi- nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. The olable holiday for both parish priests and Sisters. one person missing was Janet, Marie Paule's only On the last day, 141 of our Sisters attended, out of living sibling who was unable to make the trip. the 158 in our province.

The Gobiel family is one who loves to sing and God The highlight of the first day was the talk by Father has bless them with very beautiful voices. They had Leonardo Kim, O.F.M., entitled "Living an Incarna- planned all the Liturgy for the morning of the celebra- tional Relationship Here and Now.” Four of our Sis- tion and it was to be sung all in French, much to the ters shared with us on the second day. On the final delight of Marie Paule. day, we arranged for the use of the Center of our good friends, the Salesian Fathers, not far from our During the time for the homily, Fr. Luft spoke a few Provincial house. Sisters from our 23 convents con- words directly to Marie Paule. Then he spoke briefly tributed to make unforgettable recreations, along to the family, comparing them to the von Trapp fami- with a 'mini-Olympics.’ Community members of our ly. He ended by telling the family that their love and Pre- in Busan left in our van at 4:30 a.m, unity was so visible that it overflowed onto us all, and arriving at 9:30 a.m. in Seoul, and returned home at by that they have given the homily and there was no midnight! need to say any thing further. Marie Paule survived the day with all its celebration and seems to have en- Then, for three days, four of our aspirants came to joyed every minute of it. spend time with us and especially our four pre- novices. They had a great time sharing. Out of the 8 members of our community, four of us recently took turns in spending some time in the hos- We celebrated the three 'red letter' days of the pital - Rosalie, Marie Paule, Simon and myself. All are Korean 'Harvest Festival' from the 18th - it corre- back home again and much improved, that is all but sponds to Thanksgiving in the States. All those who Simone who has decided to try out life at St. An- are able visit their hometowns, usually loaded down toine's. We all miss her - staff included. She was a with gifts for their parents and grandparents and also great one to tease and managed to come back with visit the graves of their dead relatives. some quick and witty remarks. We hope she will find friends there who will also like to play dominoes and On September 28th and 29th we are looking forward Bingo. Now it is up to St. Antoine's to keep Simon to welcoming forty members of our three groups of going strong so she will be able to really celebrate her 'FMM Associates' for their General Meeting. l00th birthday the end of December of this year. We wish you well, dear Simone! Two of our aspirants, Joanna and Cecilia, are pre- paring to enter on October 26th and we ask your Cathy Boudreau, fmm good prayers for them. Sister Rosaria Pak, who has been in charge of the pre-novices for the past ten years will be going to Australia later this year to study with our Sister Maria van Galen. Sister Veron- ica Choi will be replacing her.

For our annual retreats this year in October and No-

vember, we will be privileged to welcome our former Superior General, Sister Christiane Megarbane, who

11 will be giving four retreats, two in English and two GOOD NEWS! in French. The theme of the English retreats will be from the Second Rule, Chapter 10, "The only thing they should desire is to have the spirit of God Young adult Catholics are very interested in their at work within them.” The translators will be Sis- faith and in growing in their relationship with God! ters Lucia Kim and her sister, Sr. Anna Kim. “Where are they then?” ask many people. The truth is that young adult groups are growing all The theme of the French retreats will be over the country, but they are doing it as young "Solidarity...the Body of Christ" (1 Cor. 12:12), and adult groups, at times and in ways that we are of- it will be translated by Sister Sabina Hong. ten not present.

Finally, eleven of us who are members of the 'Golden Girls' Club' will have our Meeting on Octo- ber 15th, with three of our sisters to guide us. There will be a talk by Sister Kim Hyo Song of the Sacred Heart Sisters on - what else? -'ageing', fol- lowed by supper and sightseeing from the Seoul Tower. It should be interesting.

Margaret Donlon, fmm

One example of this is Theology on Tap. Theology on Tap is a program of lectures sponsored by a number of local Catholic dioceses for young adult Catholics in their 20’s and 30’s who want to grow in faith and deepen their understanding of their roles as Catholics in the modern world. The lectures, which are often given by noted spiritual leaders and religious academics, address current topics in religion and theology, and are notable for their dif- ferent venues. In the archdiocese of Chicago and the diocese of Joliet, IL it is run as a 4 week pro- gram throughout the month of July. I attended in different churches and other settings and heard such topics as the New Evangelization, Being a light in a dark world, Why bother with church, Faith journey: a panel of young adults sharing their sto- ries, etc. The number of participants where I at- tended varied from about 6 to 40, with each venue providing its own unique flavor.

In the late spring I also attended Encuentro, En- countering Christ 2013. This was an event to close a year of intense young adult activity throughout Chicago to seek feedback from young adults about what they are looking for from church and what they themselves have to offer. The Encuentro event took place on April 13th, with about 200 young adults in attendance from all over the arch- diocese. We broke up into groups of about 20 per- sons in each and discussed different topics, which were then brought back to share with Francis Car- dinal George. He fielded and responded to ques- tions and comments from each group. For me, it

12 was a very powerful and enlightening experience to an evening Mass, either Saturday or Sunday, and a great opportunity for young Catholics of dif- where other young adults will be present. They are ferent backgrounds and ways of viewing the world also willing to travel to a church where they find the to come together and speak with each other about kind of welcome and community they are looking how they see the Church and their role within it. for.

Young adults of today want their lives to be grounded and centered in prayer. They know that that is where meaning is found. There are groups all over the country that cater to this thirst. One example is Spirit and Truth in the diocese of Joliet, with groups present and active in 7 different parish- es of the diocese. Each group meets once a week and includes one hour of adoration (Spirit) and one hour of input and discussion by a Catholic speaker or video series (Truth). Groups such as these meet the desire of young adult Catholics to deepen their relationship with God through prayer and ado- Some of ration, and to ground themselves in the teachings you may of the church through input and sharing. In Provi- by now be dence, RI I attended a gathering as nearby as St. asking, Pius V parish near Providence College, which fol- “But what lowed the same format. This group meets every about the Thursday evening. rest of the year? Do Faith in the is truly alive - and they go to growing! It is just a matter of where you look. church?” Seek and you shall find; knock and the door shall The an- be opened; ask and it shall be given! swer is “Yes.” Young adults are more likely to go Sheila Lehmkuhle, fmm

These paintings by Frances Falk, fmm were previously above the fish tank in the main lobby at Franciscan Hospital for Children.

13 SYNCHRONOUS FASHION IN MISSION Over the next several years, we will be paying spe- cial attention to the New Evangelization, looking for

"Build a community of administrative and ways to draw those who have been baptized in the financial leaders Catholic Church into a more conscious and deliber- in support of pastoral practice to achieve ate commitment to live out their faith. We will be the mission of the Church" making a special effort to reach out to our teens and the young people in their early stage of adult- This is the goal of our work as Business Managers hood." for the parishes. Francis Cardinal George, OMI Archbishop of Chicago I started working with a parish who composed of a few skilled and many unskilled workers, even un- What the plan launches: documented migrants. Ongoing - Parish Transformation and Financial Our Parish Stability

The Parish name is 2011 - Year of Teens and Young Adults Saint Donatus. This was founded by the 2012- Year of Sunday Mass Comboni Missionaries in 1909. The former resi- 2013 - Year of Parent Formation dents were Italian who after recent years left the parish and went west of Chicago. Now the resi- 2014 - Year of the Sacraments dents are mostly Latinos, from Mexico and Guate- mala, they are about 90% of the populace. The expectation is to grow the Catholic community of faith in each parish over these years and to more My Work deeply incorporate the faithful in the life of the Church throughout the course of their lives. My work is to assist the Pastor in the governance and the leadership of temporal affairs of the parish, Other Involvements under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of Chicago. We are provided with the most-up-to-date software In a particularly synchronous fashion, aside from in our payroll ( IOI PAY ) and accounting being the Business Manager of the Parish, I am (QUICKBOOKS 2013 ). Many times, we are given also involve in the Religious education, Liturgical updates through virtual education platform created committee and RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of by outside consultants (WEBINAR ). Adults).

There are academic tracks entitled "Stewardship" to When I am invited, I give talks to young adults and encourage us and our parishioners to support our other groups of the parish. mission direction. There are church agencies like Parish Transformation and Capital Campaign, who Encapsulated good governance, leadership help us in promoting the strategic use of TIME, and evangelization

TALENT AND TREASURE within the parish. My involvement keeps me in touch with the history,

mission of the Catholic Church, along with the more Belong to Archdiocese of Chicago academic tasks of handling the books of accounts, preparing financial statements and budgets. The Archdiocese of Chicago has developed a STRATEGIC PASTORAL PLAN for 6 years in all All these encapsulated good governance, leader- levels for the mission in the church. In the words of ship and evangelization are guided by the Strategic our Cardinal, Planning at all levels, the parishes, Archdiocese, "... we have formulated a strategic pastoral plan, not national and universal Church. to change what the Lord has given us but to remain faithful to what he has entrusted to us. Values which include spirituality in the workplace, social justice, theology and spirituality of collabora- 14 tion, shared decision making and consensus building, human resource concepts at the Archdioce- san level, finance and accounting according to the accepted policies and procedures, managing capital

and other parish administration best practices are outlined for us to guide us in our jobs.

Christ is the light of humanity; and it is, accordingly, the heart-felt desire of this Sacred Council, being gathered together in the Holy Spirit, that, by proclaiming the Gospel to every creature, it may bring all people that light of Christ which shines out visibly from the Church." From the Second Vatican Council's Sr. Alicia, FMM giving a workshop Dogmatic Constitution on the Church with the young adults of the parish

Alicia Alambra, fmm

The Sabbatical Program 2013 brought together nine Each participant chose nine pieces of material at the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary from different parts beginning, and Sister Barbara encouraged the crea- of the world. The program presented them with the tive intuition of each to express the significance of the opportunity to take time for focused reflection on our unfolding days through designs, words, quotes writ- FMM charism in all its richness. Unified in its source, ten on the squares. At the end Srs. Barbara and Chi the gift of our charism first given to Blessed Mary of sewed the squares into a quilt - a gift presented to the Passion, holds specific dimensions of Eucharist, every participant after the final evening of prayer. Mary, Franciscan life, Community, Offering and Uni- versal Mission continually being shaped through the At the conclusion of the Mass by Fr. John Hogan, Signs of the Times. Together, in moments of ofm, on the morning of August 11, Sr. Lois blessed presentation, reflection, conversation and prayer, and sent each one to her mission. The staff mem- we, participants and staff, considered our lived expe- bers likewise embraced everyone. A celebration din- riences and insights as we have each allowed the ner in the Peace Barn brought Sabbatical 2013 to a Divine Potter to work in and through us. close - happy and bittersweet, as endings often are.

Front L-R: Kuniko Kajikawa,* Carmelita Cusay, Joanna Madynska, Chi Dinh,* Lalitha Kumari, Maria Huong Dang 2nd Row: Elizabeth A. Conyers,* Cynthia Correa, Emilia Palma,* Lois Ann Pereira, Provincial, Irine Mendonca, Joan Doyle, Mary Motte,* Yvette Hubert * Back Row: Alma Dufault,* Fr. John Hogan, ofm, Celebrant, Rosario Agius, Margarita Peraza, Barbara Dopierala* 15 * Staff member

Care of Creation

Thanks to faithful Tree Stewards and other volun- teers and our landscapers, Kevin & Everett, the grounds at Fruit Hill are exceptionally beautiful this summer. Three blood sisters, Tree Stewards and master gardeners, Marie, Kojian, Margie Razauski and Barbara Sercher have come once a week all spring and summer beautifying our plus all A Message from Zaccheus other care needed for our many newly planted and Go Climb a Tree other trees. Tree Stewards Anne Dundin, fmm, Yvette Hubert, fmm, Rosemarie, fmm and Andy Scabo, a neighbor have also contributed to the care Be like Zacchaeus, open and free. of trees and gardens. Anne has given special care To see Jesus, he climbed a tree. to the Lasagna Garden at Calvary. Bernie Treml, To take a risk, he was not afraid. another neighbor and good friend, shared his ex- By public opinion, he was not swayed! pertise with his backhoe digging holes for planting and transplanting a large Spruce Tree along with When routines takes hold of you, John Campanini, Technical Advisor to the RI Tree Council and our advisor and hands on expert in our And you are afraid to try something new, entire tree project endeavors since 2005. So the Go climb a tree, go out on a limb. Tree Project is a team effort. Look for Christ and give praise to him!

When worldly cares cause you to forget, And in your ways, you are firmly set, Go climb a tree, go out on a limb. Tree Blessing Look for Christ and give praise to him!

Recently Fr. Tom Hartle, ofm blessed trees planted When you are tempted to avoid all change, these past two years on the Think of ways that you can re-arrange! grounds of FMM at Fruit Go climb a tree, go out on a limb. Hill, North Providence. Look for Christ and give praise to him! Persons on retreat and oth- er Sisters participated in Agnes Kozak, fmm this blessing tour to trees scattered throughout the 16

acres of land. Rosemarie, fmm named each tree, the name of donor/s and the person/s to be memorialized or honored. Fr. Tom then prayed in particular for the person/s and sprin- kled the tree with Holy Water. The ceremony ended with a special prayer and intercessions given by those present.

From Blessed Mary of the Passion ...

We are called to live the grace of the Gospel in all its richness. Circular Letter, 2nd February, 1899

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