HM HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Sisters of the Humility of Mary: A Legacy of Social Justice Sr. Josie Chrosniak, HM ’66L and Sr. Ruthmary Powers, HM ’60L have been familiar faces in supporting the peace and justice work of Magnificat for more than twenty years. In the late 90s, Sr. Josie’s and Sr. Ruthmary’s involvement in justice work drew them back to Magnificat. Through their efforts, they both seek to impart to students the importance of creating opportunities for those without a voice to speak and be heard. “Instead of being the voice for the voiceless,” Sr. Josie hopes students will use their positions and privilege to “give a voice to the people, to help guarantee that they have a voice and can speak for themselves. If they want to make a difference, look for ways to do that.” Reflecting on their high school experience at Lourdes Academy on Cleveland's near West Side, both described the profound impact the Sisters of the Humility of Mary had on their lives by the example of service they set in the community. “The example of the Sisters and the call that they responded to was a draw for entering the community,” explained Sr. Ruthmary, describing the active involvement of the Sisters in the neighborhood and how they encouraged students to do the same. For Sr. Josie, her experience at Lourdes echoed the focus on service in her family. “So much of this focus started growing up in a Catholic family with a focus on service and then going to Lourdes Academy with the HM Sisters and their focus on how you make a difference,” explained Sr. Josie. “We’re born for service and a lot of what both of us are doing was inspired by the Sisters at Lourdes.”
Students and Faculty pray together with HM Sisters at 2016 School of the Americas Watch Vigil & Protest.
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Sr. Josie and Sr. Ruthmary have supported Magnificat students, faculty, and staff through their faith-filled witness, their prayerful presence, and their educational efforts. Beginning in the late 90s, they and other HM Sisters have met and prayed with students participating at the School of the Americas Watch annual vigil and protest. In recent years, they have spoken to Students for Peace and Justice about the work the Sisters are currently doing on social justice issues, including how the Sisters practice responsible investing and lobby for an end to human trafficking and gun violence. “Sr. Josie and Sr. Ruthmary have been a wonderful support to our students,” notes Liz Albanese Hjort ’05, Campus Minister. “I am grateful to Sr. Josie and Sr. Ruthmary for always saying ‘yes’ when we need their help educating our young women about the importance of working for justice in our world. They have been wonderful mentors and continue to leave an impact on Magnificat students who encounter them.” Throughout their diverse work and ministries, Sr. Josie and Sr. Ruthmary have embodied a commitment to service and justice by making a difference in the lives of others. “The whole message of our community, to bring more abundant life to those who are marginalized, to those living in poverty, that’s the real draw for us and how we try to make change,” explained Sr. Josie. For Sr. Josie, this call to make a difference in the lives of others involved teaching Theology and Math at Magnificat High School and then at Erieview High School, before
HM Sisters from left to right: Sr. Dolores Lucas, Sr. Catherine Cassidy, Sr. Ruthmary Powers, Sr. Mary Laurel Smith, Sr. Josie Chrosniak, Sr. Loretta Rafter.
Sr. Josie speaks to students at Vigil & Protest.
MAGNIFICAT MAGAZINE | A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE AND FRIENDS OF MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL | SUMMER/FALL 2020
