HM HISTORY AND HERITAGE
HM Sisters Elect New Leadership, Establish Focus for the Next Four Years
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he Sisters of the Humility of Mary elected new leadership for a term of four years during their Chapter of Elections held in May. The leadership team includes Sr. Carol Anne Smith ’66L, Pastoral Leader; Sr. Margaret Marszal; Sr. Annette Solma ’69, and Sr. Anne Victory ’62. We are grateful for the insights and reflections each of them shared to the questions that follow.
As you begin your term of leadership, what is one hope you have for the HM community? One hope and confidence I have is that the Sisters of the Humility of Mary will continue faithfully fulfilling Jesus’ mission and our own of “bringing more abundant life to God’s people, especially those who are poor.” We will do this, as we have from our earliest history, in collaboration with others to meet the needs of our times. Sr. Carol Anne Smith, HM Our Litany of Hope and Promise is our guide this Leadership term—how to involve all Sisters, Associates, Covenant Companions and Partners in Ministry in living out this Chapter call … My hope is that together we can explore and live these words to be a light to God’s people. My second hope is that we begin to recognize the future and impact of consecrated life in this time in history. Though we are getting smaller, we are collaborating with more and more people. Our charism and the call of the Gospel is expanding outwardly to others. How this is expressed in the future will be the work of the Spirit. Sr. Margaret Marzal, HM It is my hope that our "Joy-filled" Spirit & HM Mission based in Jn. 10:10 of Jesus' own Mission of "bringing about more abundant life for all people" (paraphrased) will continue into the future through the lives of all those in their connectedness with us in various ways and who will respond to the urgent needs of the time in the service of advancing the "common good." Sr. Ann Solma, HM As a member of the new Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, I begin this ministry of service at a most challenging moment in history! In the midst of the many global crises facing all of us, we continue to be grounded in the mission of Jesus … that impels us to bring more abundant life to God’s people, especially people who are poor. So many millions are desperate for hope, for some sign that God has not abandoned them. One hope that I have for the HM Community is that we continue … to witness as Mary did to God’s presence among us all as the One who holds new life
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The HM Leadership Team – Sr. Maragaret Marszal, Sr. Ann Solma ’69, Sr. Carol Anne Smith ’66L, Sr. Anne Victory ’62.
for each one, especially those who are most marginalized and vulnerable, and for Earth herself. Sr. Anne Victory, HM What is one hope you have for the Magnificat community this school year? Given the bitterness and acrimony of so much of public discourse and debate, given the seeming and growing inability in our culture to recognize or agree upon reality and fact, I hope Magnificat will continue to inspire and educate young women to think critically and discern their positions, actions, and contributions based on the Gospel and moral values. Sr. Carol Anne Smith, HM My hope is that you continue [to help] young women become a model for transforming the world in the Spirit of Mary’s Magnificat. Educating young women holistically to learn, lead, and serve in compassion, confidence, and courage gives hope for the future of this world. I am always inspired when I come to Magnificat not just by the excellence in programming but by the values that are expressed in the culture of the school. Care for Earth, broader global experiences, and service to others are just some of these. We need leaders that will continue to bring the Gospel message to others now and into the future. As a former teacher at Magnificat, I am edified that the Mission of the school is both continuing and expanding. Sr. Margaret Marzal, HM It is my hope that every graduate this year and beyond will have cultivated an "attitude of gratitude" as expressed
MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | FALL | WINTER 2021