The J
URNEY
VOL. I 2020
Louisville Catherine’s
Inside this Issue 4
Rooted in Kentucky, Embracing the World
6
Catherine’s Louisville
10 Answering the Call 13 Empowerment through Education 16 Called to Teach 19 Faith and Friendship 22 Highlights 24 Obits
Run with a Mission May 30, 2020 Join the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for the 5K run/walk on the Motherhouse grounds at Nazareth, Kentucky.
For details visit:
scnfamily.org/5K
On the C over A walking tour in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, retracing the steps of Mother Catherine Spalding, SCN foundress, is now available on the SCN website.
2
The Journey is produced by the Office of Mission Advancement for the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Contributors include: Diane Curtis, Dana Hinton, Spalding Hurst, Dianne Smith, Janice White, Leslie Wilson, and Patsy O’Toole; SCNs Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Jackulin Jesu, Adeline Fehribach, Malini Manjoly and Mary Margaret Nirmala.
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
Letter from Leadership I write this letter in a spirit of joy, excitement and gratitude for the many blessings we experience at this time in our history. With the dawning of the New Year 2020, we have entered a new decade. I pray that 2020 is a blessed one for you. The recent Sisters of Charity of Nazareth luncheon in Louisville, Kentucky, blessed me personally as I began the year 2020 with a line from Kathy Sherman’s song, “Because We Love God.” It served as an answer to the question, “Why do you do what you do?” This line kept echoing in my heart. This question, “Why do we do what we do?” became very real for us, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, when we made a brave and historic decision to open a mission in Kenya, Africa. In August 2020, we will begin our first Kenya mission in the Diocese of Malindi on the Indian Ocean coast of Kenya. At a time when our community is fewer in number, what impelled the SCN community to make a decision to plunge into a radical mission in Kenya where not many choose to go? The community sensed a strong inner call to serve on the margins in Malindi in ministries that are in line with our charism and the pioneer spirit of our foundress, Catherine Spalding. By choosing to serve in the Malindi Diocese, we will truly be living our mission statement by risking our lives and resources. In this issue of The Journey, you can read more on our Kenya initiative, as well as other stories that flow from our engagement in other parts of the world. The inspiring stories of Sisters Margaret Lillian Davenport, Blanche Correia, and Rose Plathottathil, will give you a sense of how they reflect God’s love in what they do. Thank you for sharing in our mission. Your love, your prayers, and your financial support make our ministries possible. We pray daily for you, your families and your intentions. May your journey in this New Year be a blessed one! With gratitude,
Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN President
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
3
ROOTED IN KENTUCKY, EMBRACING THE WORLD
The embrace of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth will expand even further this year, as the Congregation has announced it will open a mission in Malindi, Kenya.
4
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
In December, SCN Leadership announced the historic decision to the Congregation, stating “It is with great joy and gratitude to God that we, the Executive Committee, announce that the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth will open a mission in Kenya, Africa in the Malindi Diocese at Marereni Village, which is an outstation of St. Paul’s Parish.” The new ministry is to begin by August 2020. The possibility of opening a mission in Kenya was discussed at the 2018 SCN General Assembly and Sisters affirmed the decision. The final decision was made after exploratory trips to meet with community and church leaders. This was done to determine the unmet needs in the country and discern where God is calling the Sisters to serve. Kenya is located in East Africa.
Malindi, Kenya
The mission in Marereni Village will begin with four Sisters. The collaborative ministries will be education in the parish primary school, pastoral ministry in the parish and outstations, and social work. The decision to go to Kenya is the result of a discernment process that began in 2017. Several Sisters have traveled to Kenya over the years. In September 2019, Sisters stayed in the area for an extended period of time. Those SCNs shared with the Congregation, that “the experience was very inspiring, enriching, and we were overwhelmed by the hospitality and welcoming spirit of the people of Kenya.” The mission will further the commitment of the Congregation to “work for justice in solidarity with oppressed peoples, especially the economically poor and women …” (SCN Mission Statement)
Botswana
Updates will be shared in future issues of The Journey.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
5
Louisville Catherine’s
“And now we’re going to walk, again, in the footsteps of Catherine as she would’ve picked up orphans from the wharf and then walk exactly through the streets this way.”
6
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
Presentation Academy students gather around a statue of Mother Catherine Spalding in Louisville. They were excited to be part of the inaugural walking tour for schools focused on Mother Catherine.
On a crisp October morning, Michelle Grgurich, SCN, led a group of Presentation Academy students and faculty members through downtown Louisville, retracing steps taken by Mother Catherine Spalding over two centuries ago.
of sharing the stories from Mother Catherine’s missions and residences to even more groups.
“Our next stop will be at her statue right in front of the Cathedral.” Mother Catherine’s Louisville is a walking tour highlighting the sites of Mother Catherine’s missions and residences in Louisville, Kentucky. Based on her book, “Pioneer Spirit,” the late Mary Ellen Doyle, SCN, created this walking tour in order to inspire those interested in Mother Catherine’s life. Sister Mary Ellen felt that actually walking in her footsteps would provide a unique and memorable learning experience. Many times, Sister Mary Ellen led these walks. She also created a guidebook for the tour and recorded a video. These resources can be accessed online with the hopes
Students and faculty were thrilled to be part of the inaugural tour for schools. Mother Catherine founded Presentation Academy in 1831. She and three other SCNs opened this first Catholic school in Louisville in the basement of St. Louis Church (now the undercroft of the Cathedral). The school was referred to by two names, Fifth Street School and later Presentation Academy.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
7
8
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
During the tour, participants are encouraged to imagine what it must have been like for Mother Catherine and the Sisters as they lived in a small six-room house behind the Church. Here, they cared for orphans during the 1832 cholera epidemic. They stand on the ground of the first St. Vincent Orphanage and venture to the southeast corner of Jefferson and Wenzel, the second site for the orphanage. They hear of the opening of St. Vincent Infirmary, the first private hospital in Louisville and its move to the spot which is now the site of the Palace Theater. For the students from Presentation Academy, one highlight of the tour was visiting the undercroft of the Cathedral, the exact location where Presentation was founded. Principal Becca Noonan pointed out that as seniors, the students will return to the spot where it all began to prepare for their baccalaureate ceremony.
The walk was well-received as faculty and students engaged throughout the journey. The sophomores even aced the pop quiz at the end! Participants were divided into three groups and led by SCNs Susan Gatz, Chris Kunze, and Michelle Grgurich. The hope is to turn the guidebook into an app easiily accessible from smartphones. For now, interested persons can find a copy of the guidebook or view a set of videos at scnfamily.org. This inspiring walk is both an education in the history of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and Louisville. Mother Catherine plays a role in the rich and interesting past of the city. The Courier-Journal in 2003 named her the one woman among 16 “most influential people in Louisville and Jefferson County history.”
Michelle Grgurich, SCN, leads students on a walking tour in Louisville, Kentucky to sites that are part of the history of Mother Catherine Spalding and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Students are pictured on the Louisville waterfront where Mother Catherine rescued orphans from ships and took them to the convent for care.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
9
ANSWERING THE CALL It was the coldest day of January 2019 when the call came in at 4:30 p.m.
10
The pipes in the sprinkler system at the Benedictine Motherhouse in the North Hills of Pittsburgh had frozen and burst. Water was pouring down the walls in sheets through electrical outlets … six feet of water filled rooms and hallways. Sisters had to quickly evacuate. Where to go? The President of that Congregation made one phone call, “Our home is flooding, we have to evacuate.” Corrine Giel, SCN, answered the call at St. Louise Convent, “Stay here.”
the year.” The Sisters at St. Louise didn’t think twice when the request came. Both Congregations looked to St. Vincent in this time of need and his words, “Do what’s before you.” Within the hour, Sisters at St. Louise welcomed those displaced, assigning rooms, offering food, and dispatching a volunteer to get dozens of toothbrushes and other necessities, left behind. The water was rising too fast. Water mixed with electricity was a dangerous combination.
Karen Brink, OSB, recalls that most of her Sisters did not even have coats that January day. It was so dangerous inside their convent, they couldn't go back in to get one, “It was one of the worst nights of
As Benedictine Sisters arrived by car and ambulance, they were escorted to the dining room. A hot meal awaited them, blankets, coats, other clothes, and kind words. “We felt at home the minute we
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
Left: Corrine Giel, SCN, visits with Benedictine Sisters at their convent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Right: SCNs and Benedictine Sisters enjoyed sharing Mass together daily at St. Louise Convent. Top: The Benedictine Sisters and SCNs have organized outings together in the months since they lived together. Close friendships continue through these trips and shared prayer. Bottom: The Benedictine Sisters’ convent, pictured below, flooded when the sprinkler system’s pipes burst during frigid temperatures. The community lived with SCNs at St. Louise convent following the flooding and during months of repairs. The two communities coming together under one roof was a joyful time.
accommodate all 33 Sisters within St. Louise Convent itself. A nurse accompanied the Benedictine Sisters to ensure that those who needed assistance and additional health care had continuity. The staff at St. Louise cheerfully pitched in and helped the Benedictine Sisters move in, going out to the cars and carrying boxes and bags up to different floors.
walked in,” recalls Sister Karen. “We were welcomed literally with open arms.” The Sisters were assigned to rooms depending on their mobility, the SCNs were able to
Sister Karen told her own Sisters she would go back to their home early the next morning to access the situation. “It was a snowy snowy night, we were not expecting the snow. The roads … I feared for my life actually the whole trip out. I got there and there were like 20 various teams of people coming to begin restoration. And I went back and I said to Corrine and to the Sisters, well, probably, we might be here a week.”
As clean up and assessments moved forward, the impact of the damage became clear. It would be a while before the Benectine Sisters could move back. The SCNs offered assurance that they would share whatever space they had. The dining room became a gathering space for the Benedictines. “We met there every day after prayer, I would have a little update on what was going on and what to expect,” recalls Sister Karen. “I also shared what was going on at St. Louise that we needed to know about, like upcoming events.” As the days, and then months passed, what began as a crisis led to close friendships. Shared prayer, feast days, parties, Mardi Gras, and Easter took place mixed with moments of grief as members of each Congregation lost loved ones over the months. The Benedictines called St. Louise Convent home from January to April. “We had some absolutely wonderful gatherings, we doubled our communities actually,” says Sister Karen. “And that was very life giving,” adds Sister Corrine.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
11
“There was laughter, and joy, and excitement.” St. Louise Coordinator Marie Diane Novachek, SCN, says countless new friendships took root. “The spirit was definitely with us … Everyone struggles to find words powerful enough to describe what a wonderful gift it was to share community with the Benedictines.” “We are a different community now because of it,” says Sister Karen. “We couldn't have written a script for that, ‘How can we improve our community life?’ Let’s have a flood.” Sister Corrine adds with a mischievous smile, “Let’s go live with a different community that we never lived with before.” But indeed it all worked out, leading Sisters to think about new ways to share and live in community. “We each maintained our own charism … and we brought out the best in each other. And I think there’s a lot in common.” Absolutely says Sister Corrine, the Benedictines arrived as visitors through the front door but left as family by the kitchen door nearly five months later. The good byes were hard as the Benedictines packed and pulled their cars up to leave. Sisters of St. Louise Convent lined up to wave white handkerchiefs to say goodbye as the caravan pulled away. “The house was somber, quiet … there was no more excitement and laughter … over the months there was just constant excitement and everyone knew each other’s names,” says Sister Corrine.
Months later the two communities continue to gather and share adventures. They had an outing on a boat which included riding “old school” buses to the destination, or as Sister Corrine likes to say, “Vintage gals on vintage buses.” In November, the SCNs helped the Benedictines celebrate 150 years. Sister Corrine was asked to give a reflection. “It was prophetic that we can prove to everybody that two communities of Sisters can live together … we all have that common vision, although we live it out in different ways but that common bond … it was spiritfilled what can happen.” Emphasizing it is God-inspired just how quickly and smoothly things came together without “meetings or long-term planning.” Pointing out once again what Saint Vincent teaches, “‘Do what’s in front of you.’ That’s what we did.”
Top, left to right: Susanne Chenot, OSB, Corrine Giel, SCN, and Karen Brink, OSB. The three recently reminisced about their time together living as two communities under one roof. Bottom: The dining room at St. Louise Convent was a frequent gathering place for the Benedictine Sisters and SCNs during their time together under one roof.
“I must say I left with a heavy heart,” echoes Sister Karen. “I loved it there.”
12
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION Rose Plathottathil, SCN, has been living and working in Rajgir, India since 2000 and through God’s blessing and her deep faith has touched the lives of many. Her ministry has ranged from educating and caring for children affected by a polio epidemic to empowering women and girls in the local Musahar community.
In 2000, she established a ministry for children affected by polio. Though polio has been eradicated in much of the world, a polio epidemic occurred in the villages SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
13
nearly 60 girls now stand upright. Sister Rose recalls when one of the girls, Sabita Kumari, was able to walk for the first time. She describes the moment as heartrending, “These are my moments of satisfaction in being with the most vulnerable and being grateful to God.”
surrounding Rajgir. Sister Rose ran a school and hostel for children, where the SCNs provided housing, proper nutrition, medical care, rehabilitation, and education to children affected by polio. Many of these children struggled with mobility, their limbs affected so severely they could only move around by using both their hands and feet. Through corrective surgeries and physical therapy,
14
As a part of this ministry, Sister Rose educated 150 girls. Approximately 130 girls completed the equivalent of high school. Following their academic training, the students attended residential schools or completed vocational training. Because of access to education as well as surgeries and physical therapy, most are selfsufficient, married, and raising families of their own. Since polio is now eradicated from Rajgir, Sister Rose has turned her efforts to helping girls from the Musahar community. Musahars belong to the lowest strata of the
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
caste system in India, locally referred to as rat-eaters. This community found in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh often does not own land or livestock and are sometimes cut off from other villages and schools due to poor roads and frequent flooding. Often families cannot afford to buy food and so children scrounge for small fish, snails, and rodents. The conditions that the Musahars live under are some of the worst in India. Sister Rose has a dream to improve conditions and educate 500 girls from the Musahar community. Already 215 girls, firsttime learners from their homes, are enrolled in Chirag Vidyalaya, a registered primary school. The hope Sister Rose has for these children comes in part because of the success of some of her nowgrown students. Priya, a Musahar, is one of the brightest girls who came to Chetanalaya, Rajgir, says
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
Sister Rose. Priya also studied at Nazareth Vidya Niketan in Chatra. After passing her matriculation, she went on to complete twoyear vocational training. She worked in the office and kept the books of accounts for five years at Chetanalaya before getting married. She helped four of her siblings complete their education, and went on to complete further undergraduate studies. She also built a concrete house for her parents. Priya continued to work in accounting until her baby girl turned one. Now she is a teacher in Khudaganj in Jehanabad District in her in-law’s village. Priya is not only a gifted teacher but, taking after Sister Rose’s example, she is also a catalyst in breaking down barriers. She is much loved for bringing together different castes and showing them that they can grow and learn together. Normally the children of the upper caste would not study or eat at school with the lower caste children. However, after seeing how well the children Priya taught were doing, upper-caste parents began sending their children to the center as well. Presently one-fourth of the children attending the village school are from the upper caste. Sister Rose has had a substantial impact in each of her ministries. And there are many young women, like Priya, who overcome the odds and are successful and selfsufficient because of Sister Rose and the SCNs. Many of her former students, like Ranju from Salarukhaira village in Nalanda district, have
Left: Young women with polio received the surgeries, equipment, and physical therapy they needed to walk. Left, bottom: Rose Plathottathil, SCN, is pictured in years past, ministering to children who have polio. Right: Neelam, received an education at Rajgir in India, and now is a community mobilizer in her village.
paid it forward. She has worked as the office staff in Chetanalaya for the last five years. There’s also Neelam, who moves around using both her hands and feet, a much respected “community mobilizer” in her village, Kharant in Nawada district Bihar. Neelam has formed 10 women’s groups of 12 members each and two more groups are coming together. She helps women secure loans, keep books, discern a livelihood, and pay back the loans. She works with Jeevika, a world bank-supported rural livelihood program working towards building a better community by empowering impoverished rural women and raising their incomes through self-help groups. Neelam has also completed undergraduate studies. SCNs say she is a bright, beautiful and happy woman
making a huge difference in her village. Two of the teachers at Chirag Vidyalaya, Teresa and Lakshmi, are also former students of Chetanalaya. Lakshmi is a pre-primary trained teacher from Hazaribagh. Teresa has a twoyear Trained Teachers Certificate from St. Teresa’s Primary Teachers Education College. All of these women are working to change the lives of others as their lives have been changed by SCNs like Sister Rose. In promoting the dignity of all people, especially women and young girls, Sister Rose fervently prays for those navigating either physical or economic hurdles, that they experience fulfilling lives and the power of faith.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
15
CALLED TO TEACH Fear not I am with you. –Isaiah 41:10 This scripture passage guides Blanche Correia, SCN. Teaching is her passion. Helping children overcome the odds whether it is economic, of a physical nature, or involves a learning difference is her life’s work. She shares the story of one young man whose parents had given up on him as he had struggled for years to read. After coming to the United States to work on her Master’s degree and returning to classrooms in India, she realized the young man might have a learning difference. She worked with him closely in Banakal, India and not only did
he learn to read, he excelled and did quite well on his placement tests. Though she does not take credit, many believe she changed the course of the young man’s life. She has changed the course of many students’ lives. A teacher and principal at many SCN schools across India, Sister Blanche is currently vice principal at Nazareth School in Chandapura. A native of Vasai, Sister Blanche entered the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1978 and made final vows in 1986. “My life in this Congregation has been a long and rewarding
Left: Blanche Correia, SCN, shared a laugh with a young teacher she was mentoring at Nazareth School in Banakal, India. Right, top: Blanche Correia, SCN, hugs her close friend, Shalini D’Souza, SCN (now deceased). Right, bottom: Blanche Correia, SCN, is pictured as a young teacher in the classroom.
16
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
experience,” reflects Sister Blanche. “I thank God for the spiritual journey with my Sisters and all the people of God in my life.”
Sister Blanche is one of nine children and came from a devout Catholic family where Mass was always attended, and the rosary said daily. Sister Blanche was 8years-old when her father died. She notes her parents believed in education and as a result, all of her siblings have been successful. She says that because of her parents, “God has been the center of my life.” Her mother encouraged her to become a teacher. She was initially enrolled to pursue other studies, but instead switched to teaching. Her mother died from cancer three days after her decision. Sister Blanche earned her teaching certificate and taught at Mumbai Church School before entering religious life. “I worked with children for two years before realizing I would be a happier person if I answered my calling.”
From the beginning she was drawn to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, “When it came time to choose a Congregation, I attended vocation camp and met two SCNs, Teresita Theruvankunnel and Mary Scaria Menonparampil, at Gorai, Mumbai. They both came wearing saris, not habits. The fact that the Sisters wore a sari attracted me to join this order. I had no idea where Bihar was and my family objected to my going. They were happy with my decision to join the convent but wished I would choose one that was not so far away as Bihar.” Though homesick at first, Sister Blanche found inspiration in Sisters Olive Pinto, Shalini D’Souza and Margaret Rodericks. Sister Blanche’s first assignment was Rahargoda School in Golmuri, Bihar. SCNs then asked her to go to Gyan Deep Vidyalaya, Birsanagar in Jamshedpur. She was appointed as the first SCN headmistress there. She also carried out and completed studies at Ranchi University. She next served in Vasai, her hometown, and worked with youth. Sister Blanche went on to study at St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai where she completed studies in sociology and psychology, “It was a proud moment for me.” From there she went to a small village called Hilsa. She was principal of Christ Jyoti School where the student body grew from 300 to 600 by the end of her term. During this time, she also visited and counseled women
who were in jail. She worked to get inmates rehabilitated and released. She also served in Nazareth Pre-School in Gaya and then in Birsanagar, she had responsibility for the Gyan Deep High School. At the same time, she earned a Master’s Degree. Sister Blanche next came to the United States to attend Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. She earned a Master of Education in School Administration. She recalls fondly, “I considered myself fortunate as I walked on the holy ground where our foundress, Mother Catherine Spalding, and many other great holy women walked. With gratitude and joy, I cherish those years spent in Nazareth, Kentucky … My special thanks and gratitude goes to Sisters Mary Serra Goethals and Rose Howard who assisted and accommodated me in their home and community. As they were both educators and principals in schools,
I profited intellectually. They were my walking encyclopedias.” SCNs Rose and Serra recall Sister Blanche’s stay with them and her love of teaching, “She talked often about her students and years spent in the classroom. She truly
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
17
loves teaching, and is gifted and inspiring in this ministry.” Sister Blanche returned to India in December 2007 and became principal of Nazareth Convent High School in Vasai. In 2015, she became the principal of Nazareth School in Banakal. Standing on the steps of that school surrounded by lush forests, she talked of how she mentored many SCNs beginning their journeys in education. She also helped the children there to grow in knowledge and selfconfidence. “Almost 28 years in school administration has kept my
mind alert. I need to update myself constantly and educate myself with what is happening in the world, India, and all fronts. Being with the students has kept me very young and energetic.” The years have not always been easy for Sister Blanche, “I lost my parents before I joined the SCNs and I lost two brothers and a sister after I joined. I consider it a huge loss in my life. I have not yet recovered from the death of my eldest sister, who was like a mother to me.” Yet she always kept her faith, “I experienced God at my side. God has protected me, defended me, kept me safe under His wings.” She even nearly lost her life one time, “I was caught up in a big flood and God saved me. I was returning from my college and got down at Mumbai Central station to go to the hostel. I just could not proceed due to heavy rain.
18
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
The water was above my waist, I could not go further. Just then a gentleman appeared and held my hand and took me to a safe place.” Currently enjoying her time at Nazareth School in Chandapura, she reflects, “I look forward to the future that God may continue to use me for the service of God’s people.” Adding that she’s experienced great joy in religious life, “My answer to any young women would be: it is worth dedicating our life for the Kingdom of God, to spread the Good News.”
Left: Blanche Correia, SCN, visits with Mary Margaret Nirmala, SCN, as the two educators discuss being in the classroom. Below: Nazareth School has a large student body and is located in the lush surroundings of Banakal, India.
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
FAITH AND FRIENDSHIP Margaret Lillian Davenport, SCN, rarely sits down. In fact it's pretty hard to keep up with her as she goes about her day. Sister Margaret currently serves in Community Service at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Kentucky where she assists Sisters and interacts with other residents. Throughout her life, Sister Margaret’s gentle spirit and genuine love for others have been a hallmark of her ministries. She entered the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1958, after attending Presentation Academy where she was inspired by Sisters teaching there. Sister Margaret served as a teacher for 40 years, including classrooms in Memphis, Tennessee, Henderson and Morganfield, Kentucky, and several sites in Mississippi. On summer breaks from teaching, she attended classes at St. John College in Cleveland, Ohio, and earned a Master's degree. Teaching at Old St. Thomas School in Nelson County, Kentucky, where she spent 15 years, has been among her favorite ministries. She enjoyed preparing school liturgies, leading the music ministry, and watching children grow. She has many fond memories connected to the classroom.
Margaret Lillian Davenport, SCN, shares a laugh with a resident at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky. Daily she delivers mail and visits with Sisters and other residents.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
19
Margaret Lillian Davenport, SCN, drops by to talk with Betty MacDougall, SCN. The two have been friends for many decades since meeting at Presentation Academy when they were students there.
20
In the early 1980s, Sister Margaret served in pastoral ministry in an impoverished area of Fayette, Mississippi. While there, she offered the elderly and underserved rides to doctors appointments and the hospital. She became close to an elderly gentleman, Mr. Jackson, who lived alone in a trailer and insisted on being independent. In spite of a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer, it was his wish to stay at home. She took him to appointments and checked on him. His home was humble, and Mr. Jackson would ask for help getting to his recliner and would place his fan and radio nearby. She sensed a deep faith and peace within him. “I learned many lessons from Mr. Jackson about how to live and how to die. He lived life fully to the end and found joy in the simple things.”
in wheelchairs, offering to get them around or make them comfortable by adjusting pillows. “I admired the Sisters there, and would come home, and play ‘Sister’ even before I started school,” recalls Sister Margaret.
Sister Margaret joined the Community Service Department at Nazareth Home in 2003. These days she enjoys caring for Sisters in a variety of ways. Her draw to caring for others, and especially working with the elderly, began when she visited her own great-grandmother at Little Sisters of the Poor. She enjoyed helping residents
She also tries to wrangle junk mail for residents. “Sister Julia Clare Fontaine made everyone VP of something. My title was VP of Junk Mail Cancellation.” Sister Margaret Lillian says when there’s a death, she gets the name off the mailing list and sends the mail to Miriam Ann Walter, SCN, for her stamp ministry.
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
Now, she handles many details to make life easier for Sisters living at Nazareth Home and enjoys visiting residents where she says she likes to “shoot the breeze and chitchat.” Sister Margaret Lillian has become close to many residents, including one woman who rarely talks, “I’ve been visiting her and got her to laugh and open up … it makes my day and I think it makes hers, too.” Sister Margaret Lillian has learned the woman was a nurse and traveled the world.
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
Sister Margaret also assists with daily Mass. “I substitute every day at Mass if needed. Eucharistic Ministry or taking up the gifts, I love doing that.” Sister Margaret Lillian reconnected with a resident whom she taught at Blessed Sacrament in the fifth grade. “He was one of the smartest students I’ve ever had. He was Sherlock Holmes in a play, he was gifted in the arts.” She said back then she told him about St. Genesius, the patron saint of actors. And he took his name at Confirmation. “It was like a homecoming seeing him, his mom and the family.” She is perhaps most grateful to be able to care for Sisters in their last days. “Sometimes I pray the Rosary, hold their hand, smooth their hair, play nice music, pray silently.” She considers this ministry sacred as she accompanies Sisters, many of whom she has lived with or ministered alongside, in their last journey on Earth. Outside of Community Service, Sister Margaret Lillian is very close to her brother who is disabled from time served in the Army. She makes sure he gets to appointments at the Veteran’s Hospital. While at appointments, she likes to get to know other vets. She has become a familiar face at the Veteran’s Hospital, “It’s outreach for me.” Sister Margaret Lillian says she doesn’t know where her life will lead her next, adding if she wasn’t in her current ministry she would likely go to the Motherhouse in Nazareth to help with the stamp ministry, and Sisters there with daily life. Right now though, she loves being in Louisville and feels grateful to be able to care for her brother and others she holds dear. Before heading down the hallways of Nazareth Home to deliver mail, she says quietly and with a smile, that as with all things, she will go “where God calls her.” Always.
Margaret Lillian Davenport, SCN, spends much of her day in prayer. She is pictured sitting next to one of her favorite windows in the Chapel at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
21
Highlights In January, a blessing was offered for the members of the Lay Mission Volunteer Program as they headed to Belize City. There were three volunteer trips in January to Belize. The volunteers worked to build homes for families in need in Belize City and Las Flores.
In Tennessee, the Chattanooga SCN Associate faith group gathered at the Greenwood Terrace Community Center for their annual Christmas dinner. The group celebrated with Greenwood residents, stuffed stockings, and delivered Christmas gifts for the children.
Leaders of all of the Vincentian branches gathered in Rome, Italy as the Vincentian Family began its 5th century. SCNs Sharon Gray and Amrita Manjoly were in attendance to give input and advice regarding the continued growth of the Vincentian Family.
Margaret Willis, SCN, recently deceased, believed deeply in supporting Toys for Tots which she did for many many years. When she died in April 2019, toys were brought to her funeral. Thousands of toys were collected and donated in her name in December 2019.
Children and their families were brimming with excitement during the annual Doors to Hope Christmas party in Louisville, Kentucky. Volunteers organized gifts, food, and a visit from Santa Claus.
22
For the last two weeks of December, Camp Maria Retreat Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in southern Maryland, offered a “room in the inn” to guests who otherwise might have slept in the cold.
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
The SCN Lay Mission Volunteer program sponsored a float in a Christmas parade in Bardstown, Kentucky. The theme was "Helping is Magical." Sisters and volunteers walked alongside the float waving at the crowds.
In Nepal, five students of Navjyoti Center recently were welcomed as guests and delegates during the official inauguration of the 24th Asian Foundation on Intellectual Disability (AFID) Conference in Kathmandu.
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth ministry, Vincentian de Marillac, a skilled nursing and long-term care facility in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is piloting a telemedicine program for after-hours care.
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
Highlights The Nazareth Archival Center hosted an open house in November 2019 on the Motherhouse Campus, Nazareth, Kentucky, featuring treasures from the Vincentian Sisters of Charity collection. On Nov. 14, 1902, five Sisters of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in Szatmar, Rumania arrived at New York Harbor to found what would become the Vincentian Sisters of Charity (VSC). On Nov. 15, 2008, the VSCs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania merged with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.
Presentation Academy students joined the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in November 2019, for a trip to the Appalachian region of Kentucky. They helped with preparations for assisting 700 families in need.
In November 2019, 104-year-old Evelyn Hurley, SCN, spoke at the seventh annual Join the Journey luncheon held by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in Louisville, Kentucky. The audience was amazed to hear her vocation story, one of 87 years.
SCN Associates and inquirers attended a one-day retreat Oct. 19, 2019, in Belize City, Belize. Beverly Hoffman, SCN, and SCN Associates Maggie Vargas and Sonia Ayuso presented the topic “Putting out into the Deep.” A recommitment ceremony and prayer service also took place.
Several jubilee celebrations have taken place in Mokama, India: Diamond Jubilees of SCNs Anne Elizabeth Elampalathottiyil, Elizabeth Emmanuel Vattakunnel and Teresa Velloothara; Golden Jubilee of Sunita Vayalipara, SCN; and Silver Jubilees of SCNs Josephine Kisku, Prisca Bilung, and Salomi Linda. Also pictured is Bridget Kappalumakal, who celebrated a Diamond Jubilee.
Sharon Cecil, SCNA, is the newest member of the SCN Associate Core Council and has begun a three-year term. Sharon is replacing Eugenie Coakley, SCNA. Sharon lives in Bardstown, Kentucky.
In Chandapura, India, celebrations also took place: the Diamond Jubilee of Bridget Kappalumakal, SCN, the Golden Jubilee of SCNs Bridget Vadakeattam, Stella Kaiparampatt, and Vandana Velleringatt, and the Silver Jubilee of Lilly Joseph, SCN.
The Congregation is gathering data on animal habitat on the Motherhouse campus, Nazareth, Kentucky. Jennifer Snyder, a birder, has been identifying birds. On her first visit, she identified 42 birds, including a pair of courting red-tailed hawks, a winter wren, and a female belted kingfisher. She noted “42 species is amazing for this time of year!”
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
23
J O U R N E Y I N G
O N
Mary Ellen Doyle, SCN, 87, formerly Sister Mary Benedict, a native of Oak Park, Illinois, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Sept. 24, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 67 years.
Emily Nabholz, SCN, 91, formerly Sister Bernard Maria, a native of Conway, Arkansas, died at Flaget Hospital, Bardstown, Kentucky, Oct. 8, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 69 years.
Mary Stephen Breznay, SCN, 87, a native of Munhall, Pennsylvania, died at Vincentian Home, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Oct. 9, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 70 years.
Sister Mary Ellen served as a teacher for 45 years. She taught at grade schools in Kentucky, including St. Agnes and St. Cecilia in Louisville, St. Mary Academy in Paducah, and Cathedral School in Owensboro. Sister Mary Ellen taught at Our Lady of Nazareth, Wakefield, Massachusetts. She also taught at Nazareth College in Nazareth; Spalding College in Louisville; Christian Brothers College, Memphis, Tennessee, Huston-Tillotson College, Austin, Texas; and Divine Word Seminary, Epworth, Iowa. She specialized in African-American literature and English. Sister Mary Ellen also taught SCN novices in India, and served as campus minister at Aquinas College in Newton, Massachusetts. In 1989, she began her term as SCN associate regional for the Southern Region. Sister Mary Ellen published three books.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Nazareth College (now Spalding University), a master’s in psychiatric nursing from Catholic University of America, and a doctorate in public health from UCLA.
Sister Mary Stephen received her Bachelor of Education degree from Duquesne University and served as an elementary teacher for 40 years in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Youngstown, Ohio, Mobile, Alabama, and Springfield-Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Sister Mary Ellen is survived by her brother, Joseph Patrick Doyle, her family, and by her religious community.
24
In Louisville, Kentucky, she served at St. Joseph Infirmary from 1950 to 1956, and as director of nursing at Our Lady of Peace from 1958-1968. After earning her doctorate in public health, Sister Emily was appointed director of health to collaborate with SCNs missioned in hospitals. At Weber Retreat Center in Adrian, Michigan, she offered retreats and spiritual direction. In 1985, Sister Emily became Southern Provincial. In 1988, she was elected president of the SCN Congregation. From 1994 until her death, she was a spiritual director.
After her long career in education, she continued to serve through her ministry to the infirmed Sisters, Vincentian Childcare Center, and as the manager of the convent gift shop. Sister Mary Stephen was most proud of her “Sister of the Year Award” presented to her by the Knights of Columbus. It recognized her deep commitment to teaching. Sister Mary Stephen is survived by nieces and nephews, and by her religious community.
Sister Emily is survived by two brothers, Charles and Tom, and by many nieces and nephews, and by her religious community.
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
J O U R N E Y I N G
Maurice Wayda, SCN, 94, died at Vincentian Home, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Oct. 17, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 77 years. Sister Maurice served in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, Arizona, Alabama, and Youngtown, Ohio. Sister Maurice earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Duquesne University and an M.A. in communications from Notre Dame University. She spent 32 years in education teaching on both the elementary and secondary levels. For 27 years, Sister Maurice was the purchasing agent for the community. Sister Maurice also used her artistic and communication skills as a community printer. She began this work in 1980 and created beautiful cards, calendars, community documents, and programs. Sister Maurice is survived by nieces and nephews, and by her religious community.
O N
Rose Eleanor Perry, SCN, 86, formerly Rosalie Perry, a native of Frankfort, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 27, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 65 years.
Beatrice (Bea) Ann Keller, SCN, 79, a native of Detroit, Michigan, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 31, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 25 years.
In Kentucky, Sister Rose Eleanor served as a teacher beginning in 1954 at St. Stephen School in Owensboro, at St. James in Ludlow, and St. Francis de Sales in Paducah. She also taught at St. Elizabeth in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she also served as principal. From 1973-1977, Sister Rose Eleanor taught religious education at St. Mildred Parish in Somerset, Kentucky.
Before entering community, she married her high school sweetheart after graduation and raised seven children.
For more than 20 years, she served in pastoral ministry and as chaplain at Our Lady of Peace in Louisville, Kentucky. Beginning in 2003, Sister Rose Eleanor lived at Nazareth where she volunteered in hospitality services, and as an organist and choir assistant. She is survived by her sisters, Rita Wallace and Sarah Haden, her extended family, and by her religious community.
In 1994, Sister Bea made first vows as a Sister of Charity of Nazareth and began her health care ministry after earning a nursing degree and master’s degree. As a nurse, she served at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital and later at Nazareth Home in Louisville. Sister Bea earned her doctorate in education from Spalding University and served as an instructor in the nursing program. From 2003-2009, she served as a family and community educator. In 2009, Sister Bea served others as a volunteer and driver. Sister Bea is preceded in death by her sons Anthony Keller and Karl Keller. She is survived by her brother, Michael B. Eyl; her children, Renee C. Keller, Lynn M. Bergen, Monica A. Reeve, Al M. Keller, and Robin M. Binkowski, her 11 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren, and by her religious community.
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
25
J O U R N E Y I N G
Jean Vessels, SCN, 94, formerly Sister Jane Louise, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Oct. 31, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 74 years.
Janice Campbell, SCN, 84, formerly Sister Timothy Joseph, a native of Roanoke, Virginia, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Nov. 13, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 60 years.
In Kentucky, Sister Jean served in educational ministries, teaching in several grade schools including St. Gregory in Samuels, St. Monica in Bardstown, and Good Shepherd School in Frankfort. She also taught at St. Andrew in Roanoke, Virginia, and served as a substitute teacher for Jefferson County Public Schools.
Sister Janice’s first ministries were in education. She taught both primary and intermediate grades. She served as an educator in Kentucky at St. Joseph, Bardstown, St. Mary Cathedral, Covington and St. Catherine of Siena, Fort Thomas; also at Catherine Spalding School, Helen, Maryland.
In 1963, Sister Jean earned a degree in math from Spalding University in Louisville. She taught math at several high schools including Owensboro Catholic High School in Owensboro, Kentucky; Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, Massachusetts; and years later at Providence High School in Clarksville, Indiana (from 1982-1993). From 1968-1973, Sister Jean served as assistant principal at St. Mary High School in Paducah. She served as principal at Presentation Academy in Louisville from 1973-1979. Sister Jean also served as an instructor at Weikel Real Estate School. Sister Jean is survived by her extended family and by her religious community.
26
Later, Sister Janice studied health care administration at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, and began her work in health care ministries. For more than 20 years, she served in a variety of administrative positions within the St. Vincent Health System in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was president of Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital, Louisville, where she served for five years. Sister Janice also served as the director of social services for Catholic hospitals within the diocese of Little Rock.
Betty Fracchia, SCN, 78, formerly Sister Joseph Paul, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, died in Memphis, Nov. 17, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 57 years. Sister Betty’s first ministries were in elementary education. She taught at St. Anne School in Readville, Massachusetts; St. Rita School in Alexandria, Louisiana; and St. Elizabeth School in Clarksdale, Mississippi, where she also served as principal. Sister Betty later served in parish and pastoral ministry at St. John Parish in Oxford, Mississippi. In 1997, Sister Betty served at St. Peter Home for Children in a variety of positions, including as an educational coordinator, in social services, and as director. Sister Betty is survived by her extended family and by her religious community.
O N
Maureen Coughlin, SCN, 92, formerly Sister Maureen Francis, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Dec. 27, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 69 years. Sister Maureen served as a music teacher at Most Blessed Sacrament in Louisville; at St. Vincent de Paul in Mt. Vernon, Ohio; at Little Flower in Memphis, Tennessee; and at LaSalette Academy in Covington, Kentucky. She taught eighth grade at St. Agatha in Columbus, Ohio, and St. Agnes in Louisville, where she also served as assistant principal and principal. From 1979-1988, Sister Maureen was principal at Presentation Academy in Louisville. Sister Maureen served in the Education Department at Spalding University as Director of Student Teaching from 19902007. She is survived by her brother, William Francis Coughlin, her extended family, and by her religious community.
Sister Janice is survived by her brothers, David Francis Campbell and Michael Bernard Campbell, by her extended family, including many nieces and nephews, and by her religious community.
SIS TERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA Z ARE TH • VOL . I 2020
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
J O U R N E Y I N G
Mary Regina Atkins, SCN, 86, formerly Sister Mary Mark, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Dec. 30, 2019. She was a professed Sister for 65 years. Sister Regina served in educational ministries, teaching primary grades at St. Joseph in Bardstown, Kentucky; St. Mary Academy in Paducah, Kentucky; St. Cecilia and St. Martha in Louisville; St. Matthias in Columbus, Ohio; and St. Mary in Paris, Kentucky. She also served in social services with Catholic Charities Refugee Services and in health care at Sts. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital. Sister Regina served her SCN Community in the Office of Mission Advancement and in Community Service. She is survived by her sister Catherine Dolores Bohn, her extended family, and by her religious community.
Helen Chervanek, SCN, 89, a native of Homestead, Pennsylvania, died in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jan. 1, 2020. She was a professed Sister for 69 years. She received her Bachelor and Master in Education degrees from Duquesne University and served the Church as a kindergarten and elementary teacher for 54 years in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Sister taught 37 of those 54 years at Saint Sebastian School in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Twice during her teaching career, she was honored with receiving the prestigious Golden Apple Award and Manifesting the Kingdom Award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Sister Helen had a special love for her kindergarten classes. She was often seen cheering for the school team at sporting events and volunteered on many occasions with parish activities. After retiring, Sister Helen remained active as a driver for her convent community, driving Sisters to appointments and wherever they needed to go. Sister Helen is survived by her sisters, Margaret and Christine; her brother, Dr. John; nieces, nephews, cousins; and by her religious community.
Helen Glidden, SCN, 95, formerly Sister Mary Thomasine, a native of Lynn, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, on Jan. 8, 2020. She was a professed Sister for 73 years. Sister Helen served in educational ministries as a teacher from 1947-1979 in Lexington, Kentucky; Memphis, Tennessee; Newburyport, Massachusetts; Readville, Massachusetts; Milton, Massachusetts; Hyde Park, Massachusetts; Hollywood, Maryland; and Leonardtown, Maryland. She served as a college instructor in Puerto Rico from 19791982 at Colegio Lourdes. Sister Helen also engaged in ministries in Brockton, Massachusetts; West Palm Beach, Florida; and Boca Raton, Florida. She served in pastoral care in Brockton, at Cardinal Cushing Hospital and Good Samaritan Medical Center. She also served as a chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington from 1995-2003. She is survived by her sisters, Margaret Murano and Rita Legere, her extended family, and by her religious community.
O N
Sisters prayerfully remember the following former students of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth: Margaret “Peggy” Williams, Nazareth College, 1971 Marion Seng Kelty, Nazareth College, 1942 Mary Elizabeth Fowler Mitchell, Sts. Mary & Elizabeth, 1957 Barbara Ann Burkart, LaSalette Academy, 1955 Martha Dober McCarthy, Nazareth Academy, Nazareth, 1943
Honorary and Memorial Donations With gratitude, gifts are acknowledged that support ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in memory or in honor of others. To view a listing visit: scnfamily.org/hons
SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARETH • VOL. I 2020
27
Nonprofit U.S. Postage
PAID
Office of Mission Advancement
Louisville, KY Permit No. 715
P.O. Box 9 Nazareth, Kentucky 40048
scnfamily.org | 502-348-1500
1ST PRIZE $ 20,000 2ND PRIZE $ 5,000 3RD PRIZE $ 1,000
scnfamily.org/raffle
