The JOURNEY
VOL. I 2017
PAGE 11
SERVING WITH A SMILE
LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP Dear Friends, As winter leads to the promise of spring, we face the new season with anticipation and renewed hope. Spring calls us to a time of living intentionally, to newness and deeper life. As I write this message from Mokama, the place where the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth planted roots 69 years ago in India, the Feast of Our Lady of Mokama is being celebrated with great devotion and love by thousands of pilgrims. The two provinces of the Congregation in India just completed their assemblies and elected new leadership for the next five years. The province assemblies in both Bangalore and Patna communicated great hope and trust for our time, challenging us to be contemplatives in action. In 2017, we celebrate with the worldwide Vincentian Family, the 400th anniversary of Vincent de Paul’s outreach to those on the margins. For 400 years the followers of Vincent de Paul have dedicated themselves to service on behalf of the less fortunate. The Vincentian Family is composed of 225 branches and is present in more than 80 countries. The theme of the 400th anniversary is, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me (Matthew 25:35).” On four continents Sisters are engaged in ministries in which we “welcome the stranger:” health care, education/ formation, human promotion and development, and care for the homeless, for refugees, abandoned children and for single mothers. “Welcoming the stranger” also means raising our voice for those who may not be able to do so for themselves. In the United States and around the world, millions of women participated in marches advocating values dear to their hearts like women’s rights, an end to racism, support for the immigrants and refugees and human rights for all, especially the most vulnerable, and care for our Earth. They reminded us to stay informed, to work together to bring about the positive, and to be energized for absolute commitment to peace, staying the course with dedication and focus. This issue of “The Journey” relates some of the many ways Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are “welcoming the stranger” each day through dedication and collaboration. You have been part of one or more of these stories in your own distinct ways encouraging us to carry on and to be more innovative in our ministry. Thank you for your part in keeping us engaged in the lives of so many people around the world especially those most in need. We are grateful for your prayerful support.
Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN Vice President
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 4 Charity at High Altitude 10 Scholarship Changes a Life 12 Serving With a Smile 16 Giving Hope Pictured from left to right, SCNs Philomena Kottoor, Amelia Moras, Amrita Manjaly, and Beena Chirackal.
19 Volunteer with the SCNs 20 Pittsburgh Ministry to Homeless 22 A Life in Letters
NEW LEADERS ELECTED In January, Sisters elected new leadership for the Bangalore and the Patna provinces of India. In Bangalore, Amrita Manjaly, SCN, was elected as the provincial leader and Beena Chirackal, SCN, was chosen as vice-provincial. The following week, Philomena Kottoor, SCN, was elected as provincial for the Patna Province and Amelia Moras, SCN, was chosen as vice-provincial.
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ON THE COVER: Sisters Edna Fabre and Amina Bejos mentor young women at Presentation Academy.
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, and Leslie Wilson; SCNA Patsy O’Toole; SCNs Susan Gatz, Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Brenda Gonzales, Malini Manjoly, and Mary Margaret Nirmala.
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Charity AT HIGH ALTITUDE
Sangsay village in West Bengal, India, is remote and beautiful. The Earth's highest peaks tower in the backdrop as you move around the area at 4,000 feet above sea level. Traveling here is described by Deena Vazhaparampil, SCN, as “a real risk-filled experience.” To minister in the 22 villages surrounding Nazareth Health Center in Sangsay, India, Sisters must ascend a mountain, walking two hours. It takes another one and half hours to walk down and return home. Once each month, Sisters make a seven-hour journey to the nearest city to retrieve the supplies they need.
Deena Vazhaparampil, SCN
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Sister Deena sees the main challenges of her geographic location as transportation and the lack of hospitals. For 30 years, 15,000 people in this area have come to depend on the Sisters for their support in education, health, pastoral, and social ministries. Sister Deena has been here for seven years. “I was drawn to the area by the pioneer spirit of Catherine Spalding, the needs of the people, and our charism, to take risks in life.” Five Sisters in all, Anila Monippallikalayil, Francisca Kindo, Helen Tirkey, Tarcisia Hembrom, and Deena minister in this mountainous northeastern region of India. “These are not rich people. They only live with what they have. They are happy and they teach me a lot,” explains Sister Deena.
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In one small room Before the Sisters came to Sangsay, many people died from their diseases because they couldn’t reach hospitals in time. It was common for women to become widows at the young age of 30. Their husbands often died from diabetes and hypertension due to a poor diet, alcoholism, and taxing labor. Sister Deena takes the lead in providing primary health care. Since maternal and infant mortality rates at one time were high in Sangsay, Sister has also been trained in conducting deliveries. The Sisters set up the medical facility in a small two-room building. One side is the pharmacy and dispensary, the other, Sister Deena’s clinic. “Because I have only a single room to admit the patients and deliver babies, I change the tables in the room according to the need,” says Sister Deena. When she admits an expecting mother to give birth, Sister Deena has them stay with her in the clinic for observation until the baby is ready to be born. This way she is able to attend both to the care of other patients and perform deliveries. Attending to the needs of mothers brings her joy. “I feel so satisfied in this job,” says Sister Deena. Sister Deena also encounters frequent reminders of the harsh geography. Many patients come to the clinic suffering from cuts and head injuries, usually from falling during their walks up and down the mountain. Some have lost their lives because they couldn’t get to a hospital in time. 6
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Exploitation of women Sister Deena reports that girls in the area have become pregnant as young as 10-years-old. Outside of the clinic, Sisters are working diligently to educate and empower women and girls through programs. One time while retrieving supplies in the city, Sister Deena overheard five girls from her village talking about meeting a man at the Nepal border for work. Worried, Sister Deena stopped them and told them to call this man to come and meet with her. He wouldn’t come. She took the five girls home to their parents and warned them of the dangers of being trafficked. Sister Deena has met many women from this area who have been trafficked. Two years ago, a woman from her village was trafficked and taken to Nepal. She was held captive for nearly 15 days. Her family came to Sister Deena for help. Sister Deena explains, “She is the mother of two children. It was her daughter who came to me. ‘Sister please bring my mother back,’ she pleaded with me.” She decided right then that she had to help. Sister Deena said she was scared, she wasn’t exactly sure how to proceed, “I knew it was going to be a drastic change for me and that it was out of my ministry.” She went to the police. When they couldn’t help, she went to the newspapers. During this time, the woman being held nearly escaped. She took her captor’s cell phone. As her husband's mobile phone rang, her captor found her and took the phone. Sister Deena continued the search for her. She reached out to a group of local men from the nearby town. They were able to locate her and arrange for the kidnapped woman’s return. When she came back to India, Sister Deena helped her regain freedom. “She was promised work and then drugged. While she was held captive she was raped multiple times,” says Sister Deena.
A mother of two was kidnapped and trafficked. Through her faith in God, Sister Deena helped bring her home.
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After everything, an outcast After everything the woman had been through, she was not welcomed home by her community. She was outcast because she was viewed as a prostitute. She was not accepted in her parish church. She lost her government job as a cook. “When most people were against us in helping this trafficked women, I knew we still had to help, and that my Congregation would support me.” With trust in God and her Congregation, Sister Deena decided to take action. Sister Deena met with the bishop. She waited at his office for two days, persistent for his help on the matter. She went to the victim’s employer and told them, “she is just like any of us. She was trafficked, she had no choice.” The woman was allowed back into her church and after four months, she returned to her place of employment.
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A mother and child visit the clinic where Sister Deena cares for patients in the remote village of Sangsay.
An enduring spirit Though the challenges are great, so are the rewards. One day Sister Deena missed Mass because she was delivering a baby. The next day, the bishop of Darjeeling, realizing how busy Sister Deena is with delivering babies, asked during their feast day Mass, “How many children here were delivered by Sister Deena?” Nearly all raised their hands. “I was embarrassed and shocked by seeing the number of people I have delivered,” says Sister Deena. When asked just how many babies she has delivered her eyes light up, “Well, that is an interesting question to ask … in the past year, I may have delivered nearly 400 babies.”
Almost every day she delivers a child, or two. In her seven years, Sister Deena has never lost a baby or a mother during delivery. Sister Deena has seen so much from her small clinic tucked away in the mountains. Every day presents a new set of challenges. “I will face difficulties, but I also really experience the power of prayer and support of people,” she says.
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SCHOLARSHIP CHANGES A LIFE SCN Bicentennial Scholarship Recipient A smiling young woman, Jennifer Carprio, received a life changing award, Barbara Flores, SCN, presented her with a scholarship, as her grade school principal, one of many advocates in her life, stood by. Jennifer, a young woman in Belize, received the scholarship to attend high school from the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Without this award, her education would have likely ended after grade school. In 2012, the Sisters established a Scholarship Fund in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Congregation. Contributions to the fund allowed the Sisters to offer tuition assistance to girls and young women who otherwise would not have a chance to receive an education. Scholarships were awarded in India, Nepal, Belize and the United States. In Belize, although elementary school is free and compulsory until age 14, a high school education costs about $1,000 Belizean dollars a year, or the equivalent of $500 in the United States. Jennifer’s family, who struggles financially, decided that, with a lot of effort, perhaps they could send one child, a son, to high school. There would not be enough money to send Jennifer. Thanks to her grade-school principal, who recognized the young girl’s potential, and to the SCN Bicentennial Scholarship Fund, Jennifer, like her brother, now attends high school. She is an excellent student with a very high grade-point average. Jennifer keeps in touch with the Sisters and shares her report cards.
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In a conversation with Sister Barbara, Jennifer talked about the scholarship and the opportunity to go to a high school, "For me, as a young woman, this is a huge, wonderful and great opportunity to get this education. It is one I never imagined I would even get. Going to Our Lady of Guadalupe High School is opening up my world in ways I never thought possible.” Jennifer adds, “As a woman I want to become a medical doctor. That is my dream. I want to help my family and I want to help people. Please thank the Sisters for me for the help. I will not let you down.” Each Sister in Belize chose one student to receive a scholarship and that Sister maintains close contact with the student to insure success. Sister Barbara has kept in touch with Jennifer. Jennifer excels in math and sciences. Jennifer, says Sister Barbara, is already giving back to her community. "Since I have skill in art, I have gone back to my primary school in my village and I help the teachers with drawing for their charts in the classroom,” says Jennifer. “I also help the students …." Sisters can’t wait to see where the future takes Jennifer. They are touched by the young woman, her gratefulness, drive and dreams. “She is so excited about the opportunity for an education and always expresses deep gratitude,” reflects Sister Barbara.
Jennifer Carprio is an SCN Bicentennial Scholarship recipient. She is a student at Our Lady of Guadalupe High School in Belize.
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SERVING WITH A SMILE On a recent afternoon, Edna Fabre, SCN, microphone in hand and funny hat on head, helped to lead a fundraising rally at Presentation Academy. A much loved member of the Pres family, Sister Edna coaxed each class to cheer as loud as they could. The students, instead, broke into a chant for Sister Edna. From purple tutus to turkey hats, this favorite teacher has donned all sorts of costumes to inspire students at the oldest Catholic school in Louisville, Kentucky. A familiar face in the Presentation hallways for nearly four decades, Sister Edna turns 80 this spring with no plans to slow down.
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Sister Edna’s path to Pres Girl began in Puerto Rico, where she was raised by an aunt. Her mother died giving birth to Sister Edna’s brother. She, herself, was just 10-months-old. In 1955, a teenaged Edna Victoria won a scholarship to attend Nazareth College in Nazareth, Kentucky. The scholarship changed her life, and her experience at the Kentucky college left her with close friendships, a degree in botany, and a desire to become a Sister of Charity of Nazareth. After joining the Congregation in 1960, she first worked with college students at Nazareth College, then with high school students at St. Mary’s Academy, a boarding school, in Leonardtown, Maryland. In 1979, she began teaching Spanish at Presentation Academy, an all-girls high school. Over 38 years at the school, she’s mentored thousands of young women. She has spent 25 of those years in the classroom, and the last 13 years she has volunteered at the school. She is well-known throughout Louisville, and hears a frequent
question when out running errands, “are you Sister Edna?” The question always brings a smile to her face, “To remember me after all the years,” says Sister Edna of former students, “That always makes me very happy.” Presentation in fact, is still home to many of Sister Edna’s former students, who are teachers or are part of the staff. They all have Sister Edna stories to share. Many of the students that currently attend Presentation, are the daughters of former students. That is why Sister Edna often can be overheard saying with a chuckle, that she’s been at the school so long, “I’m part of the furniture … part of the woodwork. When they clean, they move me with the furniture.” Humorous and humble, Sister Edna says from the moment she came to the school, the young women captured her heart. “The students, these young women, they are amazing, resourceful, and resilient and they keep me going, even in hard times. The girls, and all of the members of the Pres family, are close and stick together.” Over her 38 years at Presentation, Sister Edna has often been recognized for her commitment and compassion. In 2012, during an All Saints Day Mass at the academy, SISTERS OF CHARIT Y OF NA ZARE TH • VOL. I 2017
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co-workers referred to ‘Saint Edna’ as an everyday Saint, “Time and time again throughout the years, she has managed to find money for prom dresses and other needs for students whose parents simply didn’t have it. She’s done it quietly, behind the scenes, because she cares deeply about you. All of you.” Sister Edna is also noted for tough love. “Get too full of yourself and she’ll quickly and directly bring you back down to earth. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land. Commit an act of unkindness within earshot of her, and you’ll regret it. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Argue with one another, and she will put a stop to it. Immediately. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” Sister Edna has frequently been credited with inspiring the best in young women and helping them to learn to put others first. “It can be a challenge sometimes to open their eyes, but they are our future and through them I have hope,” says Sister Edna. Whether through a clothing drive, or seeking donations to send to Belize, or raising money for the Walk-A-Thon, Sister Edna reflects, “They (the students) need to know, need 14
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to learn, there’s a world out there … to always ask themselves, ‘What can I do now?’” Sister Edna has always relied on both her faith and her humor in the classroom and in the church, “I laugh a lot at myself and I’m always telling the kids to laugh at themselves.” She says she learned a long time ago to not take oneself too seriously. Though not a graduate of Presentation, her love and devotion have earned Sister Edna the title of honorary “Pres Girl.” These days, Sister Edna can most often be found in the school’s lunchroom. She started helping there over two decades ago after noticing an extra set of hands was often needed. “I would finish teaching one Spanish class, run downstairs to the cafeteria and help out, and run back upstairs to teach.” Sister Edna keeps a close eye on those who forget lunch money or might not be able to afford a meal. She has a fund that she uses to pay for meals for those in need and she does it quietly. No one goes hungry. She worries about quite a few of the students, that the meal they get at school may be their only meal of the day. She worries about holidays and the end of the school week, “I think often about them over the weekends.” Sometimes, she S C N FA M I LY.O R G
even sends students home with gift cards. Sister Edna is also always on the sidelines cheering, and is a familiar face during spirit week and fundraisers. As a recipient of a scholarship herself to further her education, she in turn has raised thousands of dollars for scholarships for young women to further their educations. In 2012, when she celebrated her Golden Jubilee, students and staff paid tribute saying, “50 years ago, Sister Edna committed herself to a life of service, made the choice to hunger for righteousness, to be merciful and clean of heart, to be a peacemaker, and to rejoice and be glad amid both the joy and the persecution that she might experience as a result of living out this commitment. Luckily for us, along her journey, she came to Pres.” Barbara Wine, principal of Presentation Academy, has known Sister Edna for 38 years. “Sister Edna instills in students an awareness of God through ministering to others,” reflects Barbara. “Service and compassion tempered with accountability for one's actions, are lessons that ‘Pres Girls’ learn on the first day that they meet her.” Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in 1831, Presentation Academy is the oldest continuously operating school in Louisville and the second oldest in the state. Though no longer owned or operated by the Sisters, in addition to Sister Edna, three other Sisters are much loved at the school. Amina Bejos, SCN, teaches theology. Susan Kilb, SCN, works closely with students who have learning differences or speak English as a second language, and Chris Beckett, SCN, is president of Presentation. Recently, Sisters, several of whom are “Pres Girls” themselves, were on hand as Presentation kicked off its 185th anniversary. Just as the academy did in 1831, it continues to help young women find their voice and to become leaders. Sister Edna, in her simple, genuine, sometimes silly, and always sincere way, has helped countless young women gain confidence, grow in an understanding of their self-worth, and make an impact on the world.
JOIN US IN PRAYER Please remember the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and all of those we serve in your prayers.
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GIVING HOPE Creating a vibrant learning community
"The Sisters and volunteers at Doors to Hope tell me that I have a great future," says 11-year-old, Daniela Martinez. Her mother, who was born in Mexico, moved to Louisville, Kentucky, 15 years ago. She came to the United States for a better life, a good job, and to help her family in Mexico.
DOORS TO
HOPE
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Ministry
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Daniela has been attending after school tutoring at Doors to Hope since she was in the third grade. Doors to Hope, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, opens learning opportunities, encourages community involvement, and engages in advocacy for women and immigrant families. "At Doors to Hope, my tutors help me with reading because reading is a hard subject for me. I am working hard and my tutors encourage me,” says Daniela. “Daniela is smart. She is determined. She works hard and she has made amazing progress. I see her growing into a confident young woman and her potential is boundless. Doors to Hope is giving Daniela the support and encouragement she needs to create a future that I know will be bright,” says her tutor, Art Parola, a student in the University of Louisville Latin American and Latino Studies Program.
Julissa Martinez, Daniela’s mother, is a welder and also studies at Doors to Hope in the evenings.
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Art Parola tutors Daniela Martinez as they review her homework at Doors to Hope in Louisville, Kentucky.
Daniela says her mother is her inspiration. She is a welder, the best welder in the company according to her manager. Daniela’s mother is the only woman welder in the company. “She works long hours. She works hard for me and for my grandmother who is very sick in Mexico,” says Daniela. "My mom is tired when she comes home, but I know she is working hard to support me and my grandmother.” Julissa Martinez, Daniela’s mother, also studies at Doors to Hope to improve her english speaking skills. "I thank Doors to Hope, on behalf of all the parents there,” she says, “for helping our children to be better and to prepare for a better future.” Daniela, meanwhile, is excelling in her studies, having been accepted to attend a competitive middle school in Louisville. She is also poised and confident, and recently spoke before a large group of adults about her journey at Doors to Hope. "The Sisters and volunteers at Doors to Hope tell me that I have a great future. Thank you Doors to Hope for believing in me and for helping me to reach my dreams."
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SUPPORT To learn about how you can support the current needs in ministry, visit: scnfamily.org/donors
S C N FA M I LY.O R G
APPALACHIA APRIL 2017
Upcoming Trips BOTSWANA
INDIA
AUGUST 2017
OCTOBER 2017
Join us!
VISIT: SCNFA MILY.ORG/VOLUNTEER
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Pittsburgh Ministry to the Homeless Pittsburgh Ministry to the Homeless They don’t always know the names or the faces of the people they feed each month but faithfully Sisters and Associates pray for the homeless men and women that receive their sandwiches. Steeped in service to others and determined to welcome the stranger, over a 1,000 sandwiches each year are handed out on the streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. From their home at St. Louise Convent, in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, not far from downtown, where the largest population of homeless live, Sisters and Associates set up an assembly line in the dining room to put together bags of food. Each pray over the sandwiches that passes through their hands, that the food will be a blessing to the person that receives it, and that the person receiving it will be blessed. Fruit, peanut butter crackers, granola bars, and bottles of water are all placed in brown bags. The water is especially welcome to many homeless families, as there are few public water fountains.
SCNs Anne Kull and Colette Baran put together bags of food to give to homeless men and women.
After a quick inspection by a Sister, to make sure each bag has the exact same thing, the bags are loaded into a car and driven downtown where they are distributed at a local church that provides a hot evening meal. With every sandwich handed out, a kind word is shared or a conversation started. Sisters and Associates are quick to point out this ministry goes to the heart of a favorite bible passage, “For I was hungry and you gave me something
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Sisters gather to make sandwiches for the homeless in the dining room at St. Louise Convent in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me ….” According to the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, homelessness is
a growing issue. On any given day 16,200 Pennsylvanians are known to be homeless. In Pittsburgh alone, news reports say there are up to 1,600 on the streets. Making the sandwiches, say Sisters at St. Louise Convent, is something they can do in collaboration with others to meet some of the needs of the local homeless population. The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth find great joy in this ministry, especially the Sisters that have mobility issues which keep them from being as active as they once were. In this way, the Sisters remain very engaged in ministry. They not only give of their time, but also their money. If a Sister receives a check as a gift from family or friends, or wins at bingo, the money often goes to buying food or items for those living on the streets. Over the years, many friendships have been made between those giving and those who pick up a sandwich. Recently one of the recipients, a woman, came to say goodbye, “I won’t have to
come here anymore. I’ve got a job.” On another occasion, when temperatures dipped, an SCN Associate brought her granddaughter to help serve hot chocolate. The young girl said to the Sisters that she had never been treated so kind and been told “God bless you” so many times. The Sisters and Associates also donate and gather items for winter care packages. The packages contain socks, gloves, hats, basic toiletries, and hard candy, and are handed out in January. Bette Nelson, an SCN Associate, who has served since 2008 as the accountant for St. Louise Campus, describes the encounters she has as “God experiences.” She says she enjoys preparing care packages and bag lunches, and making conversation with the women and men she meets. She is touched by the generosity of all involved from the Sisters, to Associates, to the men and women who receive food. “Each person needs to know they are loved and deserve respect.”
Sisters pray over each sandwich they make as a blessing for the recipient. Over 1,000 sandwiches are made each year.
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Author Mary Ellen Doyle, SCN, autographed a copy of her book for Margaret Rodericks, SCN, at a book signing at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Kentucky.
A Life in Letters Mother Catherine’s collection of letters give perspective on her life Mary Ellen Doyle, SCN, a historian and author, wrote the definitive biography of the influential educator and humanitarian Mother Catherine Spalding. Sister Mary Ellen has now authored a second book in which Mother Catherine’s letters have been meticulously edited and annotated, “Catherine Spalding, SCN: A Life in Letters.” Sister Mary Ellen writes, “It is a relief and a thrill to see the book complete, handsomely bound, and ready for all those who have contributed so much to its research and production, and all who claim a relation to Catherine as Sisters or Associates or simply have interest in the early history of Catholic Kentucky and its growth.
“‘Pioneer Spirit” told about Mother Catherine as a loving, intelligent, and zealous woman, eager for the expansion of the Church and for the education and social role of other women. Her correspondence, however, significantly enlarges our knowledge of her character and her role in the state.”
The collected correspondence illustrates Mother Catherine’s strong character and the scope of her dayto-day life as an administrator and respected leader in the community and beyond. Together, the letters reveal a new picture of Mother Catherine’s personality and drive, her insights, her trials, and her world as Mother Superior. Sister Mary Ellen brings the Congregation GET YOUR COPY founder’s words alive, now to To order Catherine Spalding, a broader audience, and offers SCN: A Life in Letters by Mary readers new perspectives on both Ellen Doyle, SCN, please visit: the world in which she lived and on frontier faith. scnfamily.org/book
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Highlights
h g i H SCNs Janice Downs, Ann Margaret Boone, and Kelly O’Mahony were commissioned as the new Motherhouse Coordinators on Jan. 15, 2017.
SCNs in Belize including Maggie Cooper (in photo, standing) hosted SCN Associates, Jan. 6, 2017, for prayer and a traditional Belizean Christmas dinner.
Paris Slapikas, SCN, has been honored with the CARE Award for her dedication and commitment to the Center for Women and Families in Louisville, Kentucky, and her support of staff, clients and the organization.
In India, Sisters from Sangsay and Tendrabong were part of a vocation camp on Jan. 1, 2017, in Kalimpong. Approximately 700 boys and girls gathered for the camp.
Groups with the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer program flew to Belize in January and February. The teams traveled to Belize to help with home construction in Belize City and Las Flores.
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SCN Associates in Chattanooga, Tennessee stuffed Christmas stockings Dec. 13, 2016, with goodies for children who are part of the “Promise Packs” program. Approximately 50 backpacks are filled with food each Friday for children providing much needed nutrition on weekends.
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The children of Asha Kiran in Dharuhera, India, were blessed at Christmas with treats, and visits from SCN leadership, the Archbishop of Delhi, benefactors and well wishers.
Sisters in Botswana welcomed a new member to the country, SCN Nisha Chemmanam, from India, on Dec. 8, 2016.
In Nepal, the Navjyoti Mobile Health Center conducted a health camp in December 2016 in Jajarkot where 970 patients were examined. The ministry reaches out to three remote districts, Surkhet, Dilekh and Jajarkot, giving health care to those on the margins.
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h g i l h The Kurji Holy Family Hospital College of Nursing in Patna, India, celebrated on Dec. 3, 2016, with team building, celebratory foods, decorations, and fundraising.
The Nazareth Campus Yard and Bake Sale was a success on the Motherhouse campus in Nazareth, Kentucky, raising over $3,000. The money helps sustain the Nazareth Campus Service Mission Fund.
The Bakhtiarpur Community Health outreach team in India organized a special event to observe the HIV and AIDS Day at Belthan Village on Dec. 1, 2016. The day focused on prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS.
Temporary professed Sisters in the Eastern Provinces from the Patna, India and Nepal areas met with Jane Karakunnel, SCN, in Mokama, India, Nov. 27-28, 2016. They had prayer and reflection around the theme, “Joy of living as a religious.”
Four SCN Disaster Relief volunteers traveled to Bellaire, Ohio to help a couple whose home was devastated by flooding. Southeastern Ohio has suffered severe economic decline recently and is an area where the Sisters have served since the 1800s.
India marks Nov. 14, as “Children’s Day.” Asha Kiran, a hostel for children, celebrated the day with games, competitions, and student created posters on the theme, “Save earth and environment.”
Sisters joined a Future of Charity gathering at the House of Charity, New Orleans, Louisiana, Nov. 4-6, 2016, for prayer and discussion.
Sisters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, helped with “Rocking for Residents,” a fundraiser hosted by Vincentian Collaborative System. Pictured: Lorraine Marie Ferlin, SCN, (center) with Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and members of VCS, as well as a representative of the television show Mr. Rogers.
Camp Maria Retreat Center had the privilege of hosting “The Wrapping Arms Round Many” program of St. Mary’s County on Dec. 18-25, 2016. The initiative is a sheltering program of the faith community in Maryland. Its purpose is to provide a warm, dry, and safe place for homeless men and women to sleep during the cold weather months.
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JOURNEYING ON
Annette Kasper, SCN, 93, a native of Munhall, Pennsylvania, died Sept. 10, 2016. She was in her 74th year of religious life.
Nancy Jane O’Reilly, SCN, 78, formerly Sister Xaveria O’Reilly, a native of Brockton, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home, Sister Annette received Louisville, Kentucky, her Bachelor and Masters Oct. 30, 2016. She was in in Education from her 57th year of religious Duquesne University. life. Her teaching ministry spanned 40 years Sister Nancy Jane in elementary and served in elementary secondary education education in Ohio, where she taught and Kentucky, Tennessee, served as principal in the and Massachusetts. dioceses of Pittsburgh In Louisville, Sister and Greensburg, taught at Ascension, St. Pennsylvania, Frances of Rome, and Youngstown, Ohio, Community Catholic and Springfield – Cape Schools. Later, Sister Girardeau, Missouri. taught in secondary After leaving the education and served education ministry, as a librarian at Bishop Sister Annette served Fenwick High School in in various ministries Peabody, Massachusetts. including as baker, dietary aide and sacristan Survivors include a brother, David O’Reilly, for the Sisters, and as of Madison, Ohio; a laundry supervisor cousins; and her religious and office assistant at community. Vincentian Regency Nursing Home. Sister Annette was known for her great love of nature. She loved and cared for animals and had a green thumb which allowed plants to thrive under her care. An avid sports fan, she rooted for her favorite Pittsburgh teams while tirelessly crocheting numerous afghans and other beautiful items.
Mary Immaculata Kuehner, SCN, 94, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Dec. 30, 2016. She was in her 74th year of religious life.
Margaret Regina Murphy, SCN, 92, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Jan. 4, 2017. She was in her 71st year of religious life.
Margaret Meisner, SCN, 80, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, on Jan. 10, 2017. She was in her 61st year of religious life.
For 20 years, Sister Margaret’s ministry was Sister Mary Immaculata in education. She taught served as a teacher in primary grades in Ohio, elementary education Maryland, Virginia, and in Kentucky, Louisiana, Kentucky, including Massachusetts, and Community Catholic Tennessee for 34 years. School in Louisville. Sister’s first teaching Sister Margaret later assignment was at Most served in parish ministry Blessed Sacrament in Florida, Mississippi, School in Louisville, South Carolina, and and her last teaching Belize. In 1979, an assignment was at Our interest in contemplative Lady of Sorrows School prayer led to Sister in Memphis. Sister later Margaret spending served in Community months in solitude, Service as a driver at living in a shelter she Maria Hall in Louisville, built herself at the In retirement, Sister and in pastoral care Transfiguration House of Margaret Regina served in Catholic hospitals Prayer facility in Butler, in the Apostolate of in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania. In 1990, Minnesota, Arkansas and Prayer at Nazareth Sister Margaret began Motherhouse from May Tennessee for 21 years. her ministry in Arkansas, 2010-January 2016 and at where she lived for In retirement, Sister served in the Apostolate Nazareth Home until her more than 25 years. At death. of Prayer. St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Survivors include nieces Survivors include Rock, Sister Margaret nieces; and her religious served as the director of and nephews; and her community. religious community. guest relations and as a patient representative. Sister Margaret Regina served in elementary education in Maryland and Kentucky for 40 years. In Louisville, Sister pursued higher education at Spalding College, from 1970-71; taught intermediate grades at St. Agnes School from 197189; served in Community Service at Nazareth Home from 1989-96; and founded and served as a candy maker at Candy for Caring in Louisville from 1996-2010.
Survivors include a brother, Maurice Meisner, of Louisville; her nieces and nephews; and her religious community.
Survivors include a brother, John, and sister, Veronica; nieces and nephews; and her religious community.
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Catherine Nix, SCN, 84, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Jan. 11, 2017. She was in her 62nd year of religious life. Sister Catherine served as a teacher in grade schools in Ohio, Tennessee, and Kentucky, including St. Augustine School, St. Thomas More School, St. Cecilia School, and St. Patrick School in Louisville, and St. Thomas School in Bardstown, Kentucky. She later served as a home health caregiver in Bardstown. Survivors include a sister, Margaret Blandford; nieces and nephews; and her religious community.
Marjorie (Maggie) Fisher, SCN, 92, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Jan. 16, 2017. She was in her 68th year of religious life.
Mary Jane McMakin, SCN, 79, a native of Quincy, Massachusetts, died at Norton Audubon Hospital, Louisville, Kentucky, Jan. 29, 2017. She was in her 58th year of religious life.
Ellen Paul McGovern, SCN, 86, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, died at Nazareth Home, Louisville, Kentucky, Feb. 2, 2017. She was in her 60th year of religious life.
As a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, Sister Maggie served in social service in Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Raymondville, Texas; as director of Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas; and as teacher of English in Managua, Nicaragua. Sister Maggie served in the Apostolate of Prayer at Nazareth, Kentucky since 2007.
She served in education in Kentucky, Virginia, and Massachusetts. In Louisville, she served at St. Agnes, St. Frances of Rome School and St. Matthias School. Sister Mary Jane also served in health care in Massachusetts.
Sister Ellen Paul served in education ministries in Kentucky, Maryland, and Massachusetts. She taught at St. Cecilia School in Louisville. Sister Ellen Paul served in leadership as an associate regional in Quincy, Massachusetts. She also served at several parishes in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, Sister Ellen Paul volunteered at St. Patrick School and at the Haitian Multi-Service Center.
Survivors include a sister, Rosemary Fisher of Miami, Florida; a sister-in-law, also named Rosemary Fisher of Odessa, Florida; and her religious community.
Survivors include a sister, Elizabeth M. Whalen, Abington Massachusetts; a brother, Arthur J McMakin, Somerset, Massachusetts; and a second brother, William B. McMakin, Burlington Massachusetts; and her religious community.
Survivors include nieces, Ellen and Lorraine Higginbottom of Massachusetts; and her religious community.
We prayerfully remember the following former students of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and their families. Mary Zena, Nazareth College, Louisville, 1945 Mary Adele Miller, SCNA, Nazareth Academy, 1933 Gerry Lynn Mapes Proctor, St. Joseph Infirmary, 1963
Maria Hines, Nazareth Jr. College, Nazareth, 1951; Nazareth College, Louisville, 1963 Mary Jane Costelle, Nazareth College, Louisville, 1953 Stanley Saunier, Jr., St. Catherine Academy, Lexington, 1939
HONORARIES AND MEMORIALS With gratitude, we acknowledge gifts to support ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in memory or in honor of others. To view a listing visit:
scnfamily.org/hons
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