sign in sign up
<<
Home , Nun

interchangeFALL 2012 THE IMPACT OF VATICAN II Sisters of Francis

Exploring values common to you and today's Rochester interchange a publication of the Focus: The Impact of Vatican II Sisters of Saint Francis Looking Back... Looking Forward Volume 17 Issue 3 2 by Sister Ingrid Peterson editor Kathy Gatliff Winds of Change 5 by Barb Agerter, Cojourner layout/design Audrey Caseltine Going Out Into the World: Peru 6 Sisters in touch with the world... and the beautiful country and culture of Peru. by Sisters Ruth Snyder and Patricia Himmer

Going Out into the World: Bogotá, Colombia telephone: (507) 282-7441 8 Vatican II - Then and Now fax: (507) 282-7762 by Sister Tierney Trueman [email protected] www.rochesterfranciscan.org Franciscan Values: Post Vatican II 10 by Sister Ramona Miller 1001 14th Street Northwest Rochester, MN 55901 Love One Another... 11 These five women, entering their ninth decade have witnessed the impact of Vatican II in their lives.

Jubilarians 12 Celebrating the Diamond, Golden and Silver Anniversaries

interchange is published 4 times a year. Issues are sent via Vatican II Fifty Years Later: A Memoir email in Winter and Summer 13 by Father James Buryska to accompany our magazines published in Fall and Spring. We Remember... To receive our email editions, 14 Sisters who have entered eternal life. please complete the form on the back of this magazine, Assisi Heights Center or send an email request to: 15 Sharing the message of compassion [email protected] by Sister Marlys Jax

There is no subscription fee. However, donations to help cover Vatican II and the Rochester Franciscans the cost of printing and postage 17 by Sister Eleanor Granger, Director are accepted and appreciated. Office of Development

Cover Photography, Clockwise: 1) From 1962, Sisters encircle the globe Recipient of the 2010 & 2011 (L to R) Ss. Baylon (Edith) Zamboni, Robaire Joswick, Mary Beth Modde, Lumen Award Consuelo Chavez, Maeve Cashman; 2) Sister Theresa Hoffmann reads to schoolchildren in Bogotá, Colombia; 3) in Peru, Sister Ruth Snyder rides a horse From the National Development Conference to visit a family in a remote village. From the Editor

Letter from the Editor Kathy Gatliff, Director of Communications and Public Relations

Fifty years ago, the Second Vatican As Sisters were encouraged to It was a time of great transition, not Council (also known as Vatican II) serve in the southern hemisphere, only for women religious, but also addressed the role of the Roman Rochester Franciscan ministries for women in general. in the modern spread into Peru and Colombia. world; calling for a modernization Dramatic changes were also taking The impact of these changes on the of some church practices as a place here in the United States. lives of the Rochester Franciscans means of opening a dialogue with Not only did the Sisters’ ministries can be witnessed on the following the world and better spreading expanded beyond the walls of pages—a testimony to the the good news of the Gospel. The the local parishes, schools and pioneering spirit and the strength celebration of the Mass in the hospitals, but Sisters also became of conviction of these dedicated current language of the respective active in a wide variety of roles Franciscan women. country was one such change. in the local community. In doing Another was the expansion of the so, they adapted their attire; even role of the in the life of the forgoing the traditional “habits” to Above: Sister Gretchen Berg (behind Church. better fit into their roles and not be desk at Regina Mundi in Lima, singled out. Peru), with her class of Sisters from other Congregations.

interchange 1 Looking Back... Looking Forward An historical view of the impact of Vatican II on the Rochester Franciscans Sister Ingrid Peterson

Change in the lives of women together at Assisi Heights to form religious, in Minnesota and across the Conference of Major Superiors the continent, began before Vatican of Women (CMSW) and to elect II. Mother Alcuin McCarthy led Mother Alcuin as its first president. prepared for ministerial service. the congregation from 1946-1958 Today, this organization continues The College of Saint Teresa in as Mother General during a time to thrive as the Leadership Winona, Minnesota, was selected of postwar prosperity and growth Conference of Women Religious as one of two centers to model a in the Diocese of Winona. She (LCWR) to unite Sisters, address reformed undergraduate education initiated the construction of Assisi common concerns, and speak with for Sisters. Built in 1964, Winona’s Heights, along with large hospital one voice on issues of ecclesiastic, new Assisi Hall, began to house building programs at Mercy national, and global importance. a Juniorate [a time of study Hospital in Portsmouth, Ohio, and following ] which was Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester, From 1954-1964, the national Sister designed to link spiritual formation, Minnesota. The membership and Formation Conference began to professional training, and active apostolic works of the congregation implement programs for Sisters to involvement in the world. expanded along with the numbers be professionally prepared for their of buildings. It was also a time ministries. The Sister Formation The stage was set for the bold for expansive visions. In 1953, Conference–top-heavy with changes fostered by the Second Mother Alcuin gathered a national Rochester Franciscans–inaugurated Vatican Council. Sisters were network of Sisters, called an cooperative movements between professionally educated and Institute for Religious Superiors, congregations to develop ways networked nationally as a at Assisi Heights. Four years later, for Sisters to be spiritually, formidable force within the church. 225 different congregations came psychologically, and intellectually The Council sparked their efforts

2 fall 2012 in 1965, when it issued the Decree on the Renewal of Religious Life, urging congregations to return to their foundation in the Gospel. Sisters came together for discussion with their well-worn copies of Walter ’s red paper-bound Documents of Vatican II, either to resist or adapt its tenets into their lives, relationship with , others and the church.

Church historians claim the impact of Vatican II was not so dramatic for women religious because Mother Alcuin McCarthy, their earlier collaborative efforts President of the Sisters of had prepared them for change. Saint Francis, is named First The externals of Council reform National Chair of the Confer- 1967 - Religious habits change with the are obvious to identify: the shift ence of Major Superiors of times! L to R: Sisters Terence Gilbert, Cheryl of ministries away from large Women in 1956. Fritz, Juniper Bickel, Nancy Kinsley, and institutions and schools. Ramona Miller. Sisters began to forsake living to join in small groups, and to move away from strict uniformity, symbolized by the traditional . Their lives became self-directed instead of prescribed. Sisters moved from a semi-cloistered life into a wide geographical marketplace to begin “hands on” ministries with those under-served in society. What is not immediately evident is how power within the Congregation shifted. No longer was power held solely by an appointed , but given to all to share responsibility for each Sisters in the Juniorate at Tau Center in Winona enjoy recreation with music! other and the common good.

Although the internal changes within the Congregation may be less perceptible, they are profound in the hearts and of Sisters in their freedom to respond with compassion for all as they walk in the footprints of Francis and .

Assisi Hall, the former home of the Juniorate in Winona, MN in the late 1950s and early 1960s (Above).

interchange 3 4 fall 2012 Winds of Change Barb Agerter, Cojourner

Pope John XXIII prayed that the This was a fundamental vision of would be a the Vatican II Council. “new Pentecost.” He also desired for it to be sensitive to the “rhythms Maureen Sullivan, OP, shares with of history,” and be seen as a us in her , The Road to Vatican II, “moment of grace.” Vatican II was “We use various vehicles to an invitation to the world. The attempt to bring God to birth again At the center and throughout the Catholic Church had become in each new generation. These painting you will see the Cross. This separated [from the lives of the vehicles are historical realities. They represents with us always as people] and he felt that it was the grow, change, and develop. There we continue our search for truth, Church’s responsibility to reach is however, one constant: the gift unity and peace. out and engage with the rest of of the Holy Spirit.” In the painting, the world…..a desire for unity. It this thought is illustrated by the I have one final note about the was a Council like no other in the illumination of light above the cross painting. Viewing it from a history of the Catholic Church. and figures. The gold leaf flecks distance, it is as though the Cross How did the world respond to this that are scattered throughout the and figures are inside a flame... invitation? painting are also a reflection of this dark in the center rising to the “new Pentecost.” In other words, light. We stand with Christ in this As I reflected on this time in the wherever we are in our lives, the flame in the midst of the “winds of history of the Church, I began to Holy Spirit is with us as we “grow, change.” paint. In the following paragraphs I change and develop.” will describe my painted reflection, Today, we are still trying to live shown on the adjacent page. Continuing to interpret the out Vatican II. This vision was painting, one will notice that there presented to the world fifty years As one views this painting, there is are lines swirling around the ago. In the history of the church, a feeling of movement. Something figures. These moving lines this is not a very long time. Dr. seems to be happening. The represent change... “the winds of Rose Beal, professor at St. Mary’s figures are moving in a number of change.” Vatican II was responding , shares with us, “We are directions. Is it a joyful occasion? to the needs of a changing world. still in the process of receiving what Or, is it a feeling of disruption? This change allowed the Spirit of it means in the life of the Church.” Depending on the person’s our hearts to move with new insight perspective of Vatican II, it could be and inspiration. Indeed, the either of these thoughts. Council responded, and yes, the winds caused some disruption Joy? Yes!! The people in this because not all agreed with these painting represent the church, “The changes. However, many embraced .” The blue color them. This is illustrated in the embracing the figures represents painting by the figures beginning . Through our baptism to move out and into the “winds of we are ALL called to holiness. We change.” The figures also become are ALL invited to participate in larger and clearer. This symbolizes the life of the Church. This feeling bringing to life the reality of our call of movement within the painting to holiness. represents that call.

At left: “Winds of Change” by Barb Agerter, Cojourner interchange 5 Sister Ruth Snyder enjoyed making friends with village children.

Sister Dora was known as “Madre Dora” - healer of the sick in Chulucanas, Peru (left). Going Out Into The World: Peru Sisters in touch with the world… and the beautiful country and culture of Peru Sisters Ruth Snyder and Patricia Himmer

“The in the World” was the Sister Romana Walch, along with of a book written by Cardinal a few other Rochester Franciscan Suenens as the Second Vatican Sisters, had been working in the Council opened. How interesting Sister Formation Movement. As part to read his description of as of that work, she visited various That effort was highly successful. he saw them at that time. He wrote: Latin American countries, often in Sister Gretchen remembers that 24 “She appears to the faithful to be very poor areas, to see what was of the Sisters from their program out of touch with the world as it is: being done to train young religious were accepted in the University. an anachronism. She is too isolated, women. It was decided that there Another exciting program offered too remote, too encased in a habit was a great need in Lima, Peru, at “Regina Mundi” was a weekly that estranges her from the very where many Sisters were not able seminar program for 53 major people she would serve...” to meet university requirements superiors and directors, and often were sent out to teach where the recently published The story of our Sisters’ work in with very little preparation. She documents of Vatican II were Peru is a story of nuns very much rented a building in Lima suitable the textbooks... and three of the in touch with the world, who loved for a university which was given professors were theologians and were loved by the people they the name “Regina Mundi.” Sister just back from the Council! As served. It all began in the 1960s, Gretchen Berg was named as the a result of this program, the when John XXIII urged every director. Joining her on the staff participants were less isolated and congregation to dedicate 10% of were Rochester Franciscan Sisters estranged and were better prepared their membership to helping the Marguerite Chavez (Consuelo) and to help their congregations in people of Latin America. The first Elise Horihan. The University renewal. response of our congregation offered courses leading to a two- was to send five Sisters to Bogotá, year Associate of Arts degree. “Regina Mundi” existed only four Colombia in 1962. Peru was our Sisters from various Congregations years before closing, but it had next outreach in 1963. enrolled in the program. served its purpose. Sister Gretchen

6 fall 2012 John McNabb with Sisters Sister Ruth Snyder with Peruvian Seven of the nine who served in Ruth Snyder and Pat Himmer. woman and 2 of her 3 children. Northern Peru: Back: Ss. Mary Ann Dols, Lois Knipp, Pat Himmer. Center: Ss. Dora Medina, Elizabeth Gillis. Front: Ss. Eileen Buryska (deceased), Ruth Snyder. was asked by Mother Callista to plan, parish ministry, and secretary Much of their work was in poor return to Rochester. When others for the Diocesan Pastoral Office. mountain parishes where they begged her to stay, she said “I When she was asked by traveled by horseback or on foot, have a and I’m to take on this latter work she visiting up to 135 villages which returning to Rochester.” prayed over it and said to the comprised a single parish. Teams Sisters, “I´ll say “yes” because the were formed in each village and The work of the Rochester beatitudes can be lived in whatever courses were offered in sectors to Franciscans took a different route situation.” prepare those leaders to carry out when Bishop Juan McNabb* their ministry to the people. from the Prelature of Chulucanas Sister Dora Medina arrived in in northern Peru, invited Sister 1975. In Bishop McNabb’s Memoirs All of the Sisters valued the Marguerite Chavez to be part of of a Vatican II Witness-Led Where experiences of collaborating with a team to train lay leaders. The I Did Not Plan to Go, he devoted and empowering the laity to assume pastoral plan adopted by the an entire chapter to Sister Dora– their role as people of God (el pueblo diocese was based on reading the lovingly called the of de Dios) living out the direction signs of the times and its spirituality Chulucanas. Her work in tending set by Vatican II. They had been and incorporate into the teachings to the sick in their homes, teaching guided by the gospel and a Latin of the Council. Over the course of the health care workers from many American theologian, Gustavo a few years, more than 800 men, of the small villages throughout the Gutierrez, who wrote: “I am representatives from all of the diocese, and caring for the health convinced that without gratuity, parishes, were invited to participate of all the pastoral agents endeared without love, without prayer, in weeklong courses and then her to all. As the bishop writes, “She without joy, there is no Christian returned to their parishes to assume literally radiated JOY in just about life. But without solidarity, without leadership roles. Later, when Sisters everything she did.” those who are most poor, without worked in mountain parishes, they making ours their sufferings and would meet some of these students For over 40 years, right up until their hope, their right to life, there is of Sister Marguerite who always 2005, other Sisters made the also no genuine Christian life.” lovingly remembered her. option to work for the poor in Peru, including: Sister Lois Knipp, In 1972, Sister Eileen Buryska Sister Patricia Himmer, Sister Ruth joined Sister Marguerite. She Snyder, Sister Elizabeth Gillis, Sister enthusiastically gave herself to Mary Kay Mahowald, Sister Avis many different areas of service, Schons and Sister Margaret Kiefer, *Bishop McNabb was greatly influenced by Vatican II and is one of the four living who participated including: youth ministry both as well as former Sisters Cheryl the Council. in Chulucanas and in outlying Fritz, Benita Grupa, and Mary Ann parishes, promoter of the pastoral Dols. Ref: Gustavo Gutierrez: Spiritual Writings, edited by Daniel G. Groody, Orbis Press, 2011.

interchange 7 Going Out Into The World: Bogotá Vatican II - Then and Now Sister Tierney Trueman

The image of the Catholic Church It was into this milieu that Vatican II in Colombia in the 1960’s would erupted, bringing hope and be framed by a kaleidoscope of possibility to the faithful. Following colorful fragments: the closing of the Second Vatican in the oppression it created. The Council, Bishops were invited to • a society of marked socio- “see, judge, act” process from return to their homelands and, in the document, Gaudium et spes, economic differences, large the spirit of collegiality (a renewed segments of the population living was chosen as the way to create gift to the Church from the Vatican a rebirth in the Church and her in utter , visual contrasts Council), were encouraged to between wealth and poverty, e.g. understanding of her call in the convene an . contemporary world. the Mercedes or BMW sharing the The fruit of this invitation was the same street as an emaciated horse- epic, historical l968 Conference Liberation spawned drawn cart; of Latin American Bishops the birth of Basic Christian in Medellin, Colombia. The • radical divisions among the Communities (BCCs) – small deliberations of these Bishops, –those allied with wealth and groups of laity, primarily the poor, and the document that became power, and those allied with the who gathered to analyze their social the fruit of this conference, were poor and destitute; and reality in light of the Gospel, pray to become cataclysmic in their together, mutually support one • guerrilla groups, labeled effect on the Church in Latin another, and act to eradicate the as Marxists, communists or America. Medellin, the “city of various forms of oppression that subversives, in open combat with eternal spring,” was the fertile soil were so destructive of life. They the Colombian army. for the seeds of liberation theology; were often persecuted – accused the flowering of basic Christian of being Marxist, Communist or The environment was heavy with communities, the commitment subversive, and then targeted by the tension generated by the social to the preferential option for the the military. For instance, in my unrest permeating much of poor, the recognition of structural address book I had the name of one Colombian life. sin and the terrible cost to the poor of the catechists who worked with

8 fall 2012 Clockwise from Top: Sister Margaret Kiefer with friends; An early group of Bogotá Sisters: Back row: Sisters Darryl (Francis) Thomas, Gratia (Lorraine) Landkammer, Mary Beth Modde, Doyle Larkin, Lea (Jean) Schulte and Seamus (Carol) McKenna, Front row: Sisters Robaire Joswick, Baylon (Edith) Zamboni, Bruno the dog, and Sisters Maeve Cashman and Robard (Lorraine) Stenger; A mountaintop village a Basic Christian Community in the the former Cardinal Lopez Trujillo. clerical Church. There are others south of Bogotá. I had his name on He was adamantly opposed to who, like the giants and martyrs of one page, his telephone number on the challenges from the Medellin the Latin American Church, work to a separate page, and his address document. support the growth of the Church on a third page, in order to protect as the people of God, a Church him, should my address book be 2007 marked the celebration of where everyone truly is welcome at lost. When I was interviewing a the 5th CELAM conference at the table. woman from Brazil about the BCC’s Aparacida, Brazil. Again, as in and asked her if she belonged to Medellin, almost 40 years later, Article 4 of the document Gaudium a parish, she looked at me, rather the clarion call was to steward et Spes describes the reality that: surprisingly, and said, “Sister, the the legacy of liberation theology: “Never has the human race enjoyed only form of Church that I have support the life of the Basic such an abundance of wealth, ever know is the Basic Christian Christian Communities; manifest resources and economic power, Community!” an unwavering commitment to the and yet a huge proportion of the preferential option for the poor; world’s citizens are still tormented Later, Pope John XXIII’s call and eradicate the sinful structures by hunger and poverty, while for aggiornamento [bringing up that maintain so many in such dire countless numbers suffer from total to date: modernization] truly poverty. illiteracy. Never before has man opened windows in the Church had so keen an understanding of and allowed the fresh breezes of Have the images changed? There freedom, yet at the same time new change to envelop the people. A are fewer horse-drawn carts on forms of social and psychological “clerical church” began to become a the streets of Bogotá – they are slavery make their appearance.’’ “church of the people.” Reflection no longer permitted on most It would appear that Pope John on reality through the lens of the streets. The polarity in our Church XXIII’s window has blown shut. Gospel and the Church’s social continues today, not only in Please, John, help us to re-open teachings renewed the awareness of Colombia, but in many parts of your window of aggiornamento Jesus’ presence as Redeemer in the the world. There are those who, and know our prophetic call to lives of the people. Not everyone like Cardinal Lopez Trujillo, hope “scrutinize the signs of the times welcomed this fresh breeze of to reverse the changes brought by and interpret them in the light of change. One strong opponent was Vatican II and return to a reformist, the Gospel.”

interchange 9 Franciscan Values: Post Vatican II Sister Ramona Miller

To those inquiring to become Why did she choose a Franciscan The Rule and members or Cojourners, the form of life? How were we Life of the introduction of the spirituality of connected to the thirteenth century Brothers and Rochester Franciscans includes Franciscan movement? Sisters of the the identification of the four basic Third Order Regular of St. Francis values: conversion, prayer, poverty The following year, in 1966, at to Pope John Paul II for approval. and . In order to name the invitation and leadership of The pope said this Rule contained what these behaviors look like, Mother Viola Leininger of Millvale, the elements and motives for the the question is asked to describe Pennsylvania, Franciscan major Franciscan ideal, and that “it be synonyms and antonyms for each superiors in the United States effectively binding both in the of the four values. By so doing, gathered with their formation present and in the future.” everyone becomes more familiar personnel to explore the meaning of with their daily practices that their common Franciscan identity, Sister Margaret Carney, currently outwardly express these values. forming the Franciscan Federation the president of Saint Bonaventure Antonyms for conversion include of Third Order Regular Women University, who served on the work prejudice, close-mindedness, Religious. Several years later, in group that drafted the 1982 Rule, hard-hearted… Synonyms revolve 1974, the of the Third Order recalled that the most contested around the desire to hear God’s Regular (TOR) held a Congress in aspect of the proposed rule text was Word new each day, openness, and Madrid, Spain, to hear reports on naming a set of values. Consultation flexibility. Obeying the voice of God research about the origins of the with the worldwide Franciscan family, along with review of the spoken through others who offer us Third Order. As a result, they paved TOR documents through the advice, or who need our services, is the way for a new development centuries, arrived at the inspired a profound penitential form of life. in thought and organization: the statement found in Article 2 of the But how did we get to this point in “primitive inspiration” for all Rule: understanding? Franciscan congregations (of Third Order men and women religious) “With all in the holy Catholic and The post-Vatican II renewal of was the penitents of Assisi at the apostolic Church who wish to serve religious life has been a rich time of Saint Francis. God, the brothers and sisters of this experience of opening a treasure Order are to persevere in true chest to find new affection for the Discovery of the historical and penance. They wish to live this old. A document that emerged foundation underlying these evangelical conversion of life in a in 1965 from the Second Vatican congregations sparked great spirit of prayer, of poverty, and of Council, Decree on the Up-To-Date enthusiasm to provide a common humility.” Renewal of Religious Life, focused articulation of the principles by on all men and women religious. which they live that linked with Evangelical conversion of life was Having professed vows of poverty, the traditions of TOR through the new terminology to 20th century and obedience according centuries. National Franciscan Franciscans, but the explanation to the Church’s guidelines, conferences attempted to create resonated with their intuitive the religious receiving this documents to guide their renewal desire and professed commitment document wondered about the efforts. By 1980, a work group to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. recommendation that the renewal representative of the global Understanding “penance” as daily of religious life required returning Third Order family met to turning of one’s heart to God, this to “the primitive inspiration of the develop a common document contemporary phrase of evangelical institutes.” What was the primitive that articulated the charism conversion described the Third inspiration of Mother Alfred Moes common to all the congregations, Order Regular Franciscans as in founding the Joliet Franciscans, an inspirational guide. In 1982, continuing the primitive inspiration and later the Rochester Franciscans? following much study and serious of the thirteenth century penitents What did we know about her? dialogue, the group presented of Assisi.

10 fall 2012 Love One Another... These five women, entering their ninth decade have witnessed the impact of Vatican II in their lives.

Sister Corona Malis Sister Joyce Rowland Sister Casilda Chavez Sister Joseen Vogt Sister Margaret Manahan

For forty years, Sister Casilda was an excellent teacher of children in the primary grades of our Catholic Schools. The following decade, she assisted in various Congregational Offices at Assisi Heights. Today, Sister Casilda continues to be involved in a variety of Assisi Heights Ministries, including providing photocopy services for residents.

For almost 40 years, Sister Corona served as an accountant in the Business Office at Saint Marys Hospital. Retired in 1994, Sister Corona remains active. She belongs to the Saint Marys Auxiliary and assists in their Gift Shop, and also volunteers at Hope Lodge, a residence for those receiving cancer treatments.

Having taught in Congregational elementary and secondary schools for almost 30 years, Sister Joseen joined the Peace Corps, serving in Sierra Leone. She has also written stories of her life and travels, assisted in various refugee camps and spearheaded the COERR projects in Cambodia and . Currently, Sister Joseen is a tutor for ESL and Adult Literacy individuals and groups in the local area, often using teaching materials she has developed herself.

After teaching in parish secondary schools, Sister Joyce pursued advanced studies, receiving degrees preparing her to serve at the College of Saint Teresa as faculty member, Academic , and then President for ten years. She received numerous awards and recognition and was pleased to be part of the committee that eventually led to the implementation of Title IX. Now retired, Sister Joyce enjoys visiting friends and living a more leisurely life.

For many years, Sister Margaret was an Elementary Education teacher and was involved in Catechetical and , including serving as Campus Minister at St. Thomas University. Now, Sister Margaret assists with Assisi Heights Ministries, enjoys joining others on day trips, and sings with the Young At Heart group from the Rochester Senior Center.

interchange 11 Jubilarians Celebrating Diamond, Golden and Silver Anniversaries

Golden Silver

These women professed final vows just as Vatican II was taking place.

Sister Sara Ruble Seated (L to R): Sisters Chabanel Hayunga, Anne Walch, Lorraine Loecher, Nancy Casey, Mary Carroll Standing (L to R): Sisters Joan Hrabe, Lois Knipp, Lucille Hass, Phyllis Sellner, Theresa Hoffmann, Geneva Berns, Ann Redig, Valerie Kilian, Judith Chiodo In Remembrance: Carol Kaufmann (1999)

Sister Michon Welsh... “The text [the Liturgy] impressed me; use of the vernacular presented the voice of God speaking to us individually as well as to the total Church.” Sister Renata Walch... “Vatican II communicated its messages to the entire world and made me so Diamond aware of my brothers and sisters far These seven women have celebrated Sister Bernadette Svatos... “there away...” 60 years of faithful service in our was an attitude of expectation and Sister Rose Gillespie... “I just knew Franciscan Congregation. Recently, hopefulness... the Documents were that this event was an opportunity each was asked to share a sentence challenging, but exciting to explore.” for open communication which or two regarding the impact or Sister Clairvaux McFarland... “The would enhance and unite our influence that Vatican Council II Vatican II Council only deepened religious and civic communities.” had made on them as young my commitment to my community religious who had completed Sister Ruth Snyder... “As a and to God...” Noviate training and were in the graduate student at the University early years of or teach- Sister Kate Zimmerman... “Vatican of Notre Dame, I was privileged ing when Pope Pius XII began the II was an exciting time to be living to hear a number of well known process of change in the Church, the Religious life! We studied the speakers–Hans Kung and Cardinal and was followed a few years later Documents and accepted the Suenens, for example–who shaped by John XXIII who, to the surprise invitation to renew our lives in my personal spiritual life and of many, opened wide the windows so many ways.” awakened me to the role of pastoral of change. ministry.” 12 fall 2012 Vatican II Fifty Years Later: A Memoir Father James Buryska

Fifty years ago–on October 11, to first in nearly be exact–my classmates and I were a century, and unquestionably the excused from our other activities most significant ecclesial event of at the North American College the Twentieth Century. In fact, to make the ten-minute walk to surprising as it may seem, only St. Peter’s Square and join the recently have I come to appreciate thousands of other people present how truly unique Vatican II was What none of us realized then–who to observe the procession as some in the life of the did?–was that mining the treasures twenty-five hundred bishops filed Church. of the Council and bringing them into St. Peter’s for the opening to practical reality would not be ceremonies of the Second Vatican But back then we were all young smooth sailing, and would in fact Council. Having arrived in Rome and idealistic–besides being be a long-term project. We should as First Theology students just the preoccupied with our studies, have known–the Roman Catholic week before, we were running on travel and the novelty of being in Church thinks in centuries, after adrenaline. In my case, at least, Rome. In my own case, it took an all–but somehow it escaped us that that placed me at a disadvantage excursion through the letters I wrote the results of the Council would to appreciate the dimensions of the home, all of which my mom saved, probably not come to fruition in our event we were all witnessing–the and which I read only recently, lifetime. More distressing to most to remind me of us who came of age during the of how little I Newly ordained Father James Buryska’s Council years, are the efforts that appreciated what hands are anointed. have been made in the intervening was happening half century to roll back the insights ten minutes’ walk and ideals of the Council–to from our front “reform the reform,” as some say. gate. Anyway, as the Council There’s a fair amount of email traffic proceeded among my classmates still today– through its four particularly around the anniversary sessions, and we of events like the Council’s opening. proceeded toward One of them recently commented , all of that, in spite of everything that us–some more has and has not happened in the and some less Church, he remains confident –did absorb to that in the future the unique and an extent what genuinely inspired character of later came to be Vatican II will be recognized. called “the spirit To borrow the words of G. K. of Vatican II”–a Chesterton when challenged with sense of hope and the apparent failure of : possibility about “It is not that Christianity has been the future of the tried and found wanting; rather, Catholic Church, it has been found difficult and not along with the tried.” I hold on to the same belief that, as new as well. , we would be part of it.

interchange 13 We Remember... Sisters who have entered eternal life.

Sister Alice Marie Burns (1914-2012) entered the Rochester Franciscans at the age of 48, a rare phenomenon for that era, known as a ‘delayed .’ Mother Callista, aware not only of her successful teaching career, but also of her patient generosity in caring for her elderly parents, recognized her as devoutly prayerful and truly service-oriented; sensing that her vocation had been there all along, it was only her entrance date that had been delayed! In her retirement years, she continued in the same spirit of generous service both at Saint Marys hospital and as part-time Librarian at St. John’s School. A woman of personal discipline, she cared for her health by daily walking the hospital grounds and parking lots, not to mention the ‘miles’ of corridors she covered in her patient visits. It was in these same years that she began the personal project of collecting glass, cans and newspapers from throughout the hospital, long before ‘recycling’ was a household term.

Sister Jean Schulte (Sister Lea) (1925-2012) loved life. She joined the Rochester Franciscans with her best friend, Sister Mary Esch, and chose to become a nurse. After graduating and making her final vows, she was assigned as supervisor of a 62-bed medical unit. Being at Saint Marys Hospital, Sister Jean landed in a learning ‘mecca’ of her dreams; working with top Mayo Doctors who had recently discovered Cortisone. Later, she received a Masters of Education with a focus on nursing education, and taught at the College of St. Teresa on the Rochester campus. In 1963, Sister Jean’s spirit took her to Bogotá, Colombia, where she established a four-year nursing program at Javeriana University. She became proficient in Spanish, a top administrator, a creative mentor and teacher to many Colombians. In 1968, Sister Jean went to Guatemala where she mentored nurses, worked with the poor, and gave national workshops in Spanish. There she found her deep identity as a Gospel woman. She continued her ministry for seventeen years in New Mexico. After suffering a serious car accident, she returned to Assisi Heights, where she lived her last years mentoring young Sisters and Cojourners by naming their gifts.

Sister Ricarda Raab’s (1926-2012) vibrant life unfolded unpretentiously as a faithful religious, willing learner, diligent student, trustworthy teacher, and attentive bilingual educator and guide to Spanish-speaking peoples. Eleven years of ministry were spent as a teacher in elementary and secondary education, followed by graduate studies in St. Louis and Bogotá, followed by twenty- one years of teaching Spanish at St. Teresa’s in Winona and seven years in Illinois. Dearest to her heart were the summers helping coordinate college students and seminarians to provide services to Mexican-American migrants in Church-government sponsored programs in the Hollandale, Minnesota area.

Sister Stellan May (1926-2012) excelled in medical record keeping, a job that required a close attention to detail and time spent in a private office. This included nearly twenty years spent as Director of Medical Records at Mercy Hospital in Portsmouth, Ohio, followed by a similar position at St. Anthony Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later, serving as Medical Records Librarian at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. For a period of time she was in charge of the Tumor Register, and later remained on as a volunteer, until her retirement to Assisi Heights in 2002. Sisters found her to be gracious, reliable, faithful, committed, and eryv frugal. She seldom expressed her opinion or shared her knowledge, but both were evident in remarks or observations she made when she chose to participate in gatherings held on her floor. Sister Irene Dobson, perhaps her closest friend, described her as a good listener–not only a “head” but a “heart” person, too.

14 fall 2012 Assisi Heights Spirituality Center Sister Marlys Jax,

We, at the Assisi Heights Spirituality Center, encourage bring forward our kinship with animals, especially all to consider the role compassion plays in our lives. the healing qualities of horses when human efforts fall Our Congregational Mission Statement compels us short, as will be experienced at the April 13th program: to be a “compassionate presence to all.” It may not “ … and a horse shall lead them.” And, of course, be a new way of seeing or being, but rather a new you’ll find compassion in Some Enchanted Evening on realization about how we recognize our place in the February 12, when we celebrate with those who share world. Pema Chodron says, “true compassion does their gift of love and care for another. Last, but not not come from wanting to help out those less fortunate least, we experience one’s undying compassionate than ourselves, but from realizing our kinship with all presence as revealed in Corresponding with a Death beings.” That is in tune with the vision of St. Francis. Row Prisoner on March 19th. Yes, all these programs are designed to cultivate compassion! With the struggles facing our world and church, we chose to focus much of our upcoming programming For more information about our upcoming programs around the theme of cultivating compassion. Programs and events, go to: www.rochesterfranciscan.org. such as Compassion: Bridge over Troubled Waters will bring the stories of care and compassion from four If you wish to schedule a day of Quiet and Solitude, women celebrating International Women’s Day on please call 507-280-2195 or email: March 8. The World Day of Prayer, held on March 1st, [email protected] for date availability. centers around welcoming and showing compassion for the stranger, migrant, foreigner. Other activities

interchange 15 U mbrian Christmas III

Celebrate with Francis, Clare and Friends

Saturday, December 1, 7 – 11 p.m. Evening for Adults - $50 per person Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, wines, dessert and live music! Silent and Live Auctions

Sunday, December 2, 1 – 4 p.m. Holiday Tours - $5 per person, $20 per family Enjoy tours of our parlors decorated for the holidays, as actors portray Francis, Clare and others!

Saturday, December 8, 1 – 4 p.m. Family Event - $10 per person, $25 per family Storytelling, craft projects, cookies, cider and door prize drawings!

Assisi Heights – Rochester, MN Advance ticket purchase required. www.rochesterfranciscan.org or call 507-282-7441 Proceeds support the ministries of the Vatican II and the Rochester Franciscans

Sister Eleanor Granger, Director

Placing of the Assisi Heights cornerstone.

In 1955, the Sisters of Saint Francis of Rochester, MN Fast forward to 2012. The Rochester Franciscans moved from Center Street in downtown Rochester to continue to carry out the values of Vatican II! We the edge of town into the newly built Assisi Heights. invite you to collaborate with us as we live out our Congregational Directional Statement: In the years before the opening, the Congregation realized they needed a larger building to house We, the Sisters of St. Francis, rooted in Gospel and the many young women who had joined in those Franciscan values, and steeped in are years and two classes of who were eager to impelled to speak respectfully and act courageously on become Sisters of Saint Francis. Therefore, the dream issues of oppression and marginalization of women in our became reality under the leadership of Mother Alcuin church and society: McCarthy. The Sisters were well aware of the expenses needed for the new building, the living and housing • by studying, analyzing, and acting on issues that lead to expenses of the Sisters who served as nurses, teachers, systemic change social workers and so many other ministries. At • by sharing our human and material resources this time in history, our congregation of Franciscans numbered approximately 1,000 women! • by collaborating with others

In 1962, the Catholic Church, the world and the • by becoming more inclusive in our relationships. Rochester Franciscans watched as the Second Vatican Along with many other issues of injustice, our focus Council addressed relations between the Roman includes efforts to overcome human trafficking and Catholic Church and the modern world. It opened destruction of Mother Earth, as well as efforts to promote under Pope John XXIII on October 11, 1962, and the empowerment of women and the engagement with closed under Pope Paul VI on December 8, 1965. One persons of various and cultures. We continue to of the first issues considered by the Council, and the embrace our efforts related to Immigration, Ecology, and matter that had the most immediate effect on the lives Interreligious Dialogue. of individual Catholics and religious communities, was the revision of the liturgy to provide greater lay We invite you to support the Sisters in these endeavors participation. by participating in our upcoming events or offering a donation. The changes that resulted from the Council affected all Catholics–and specifically religious orders of women– Visit www.rochesterfranciscan.org to learn more. resulting in changes in language, shared prayer, habits, To discuss bequests or other methods of giving, please and ministries and, yes, even the numbers of young contact Sister Eleanor Granger, Director, Office of women joining religious congregations. Women Development at 507-529-3536, or Barb DeCramer, realized that it was their choice to serve in various Office Assistant, at 507-282-7441, ext. 545. ministries as laity, not only as women religious. interchange 17 Sisters of Saint Francis Non-Profit Org. Academy of Our Lady of Lourdes U.S. Paid Postage PAID Permit No. 114 Communications Department Rochester, MN 55901 1001 14th Street NW Rochester, MN 55901

Please change my address. Remove my name from the interchange mailing list. Send me your email announcements. Please add the name(s) listed below.

Name

Address

City

State/Zip

Email

Stay in contact with the Sisters of Saint Francis

www.rochesterfranciscan.org Click “What’s Happening/Events” - Event Listing Follow us on Facebook! Keep up-to-date on Events at Assisi Heights Spirituality Center www.facebook.com search “Rochester Franciscans”

18 fall 2012