July/August 2012 Vol. XXXII, No. 6
Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters
We hold the inner space of our lives open for God’s Spirit to guide us in the direction of nonviolent and liberating action and dialogue. (adapted from Nancy
Sylvester, IHM)
P
rovince Day this year was entitled, Moving Forward in Hope. Fifty-six SSpS participated in the day’s program which began with a little skit about going on a journey. It emphasized how much baggage we can and can’t take along and how we need an up-to-date map or GPS (sign of the times) and willing drivers (participative leadership). We used the metaphor of being on a journey and a car motif as a creative way to engage everyone in serious and timely conversation about religious missionary life in our Province and to explore vocations to our community. The presentations and discussion of the day centered around: 1) The history of religious life in the USA, our own vocation story (looking through a rear-view mirror) and the film, Women Spirit. 2) Naming our current Province reality honestly (present location). 3) Understanding newer members: Who are they? What are they looking for and needing? 4) Concrete, creative and courageous next steps (taking our foot off the brake). As a follow up to the Province Days: The creative, concrete and courageous suggestions for moving forward that came out of the wisdom gathered from the day have been given over to a volunteer committee who will work with Sr. Elwira Dziuk to bring the suggestions to life. (continued on page 2)
(continued from page 1) The volunteers are Sr. Leonette Kaluzny, Sr. Rose Therese Nolta, Sr. Rebecca Chaan David, Sr. Marie Angela Risi, Sr. Pat Snider and Sr. Xavieriana Ngene. Thank you, Sisters, and keep us moving forward.
Province Day Actvities
St. Catherine of Sienna has the very hopeful statement, “When we are who we are called to be, we will set the world ablaze.� If this is true the best vocation promotion is really living our vocation with joy and a deep love for God and the people in our lives, starting with our own community members. What can we be and do now to be worthy of One who calls us to be with Him, to allow Him to transform us, and to continue His Mission through us and those He calls to mission with us. We are called from different nations and cultures to radiate the new life of the Risen Lord. Let us move forward together in hope. Sr. Carol Welp
News from Memphis Sr. Monica Darrichon is currently on a well-deserved home leave. Sr. Philippa, Chen Jin Xiu is taking English classes twice a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings at DeNeuville Learning Center run by a Good Shepherd Sister. This Center ministers to women of all cultures and ethnic groups who are in need of improving their talents for the betterment of themselves and their families.
fourth vows at the Convent of the Holy Spirit Sr. Aprilia will be leaving for Chile on July 25 to begin her Cross Cultural Mission Experience (CCME). Sr. Catharina will be going to Epworth to continue her English studies. The best of experience and the most of missionary growth to both of you!
On July 26, Sr. Rose Martin Glenn will be the guest at a banquet given by CrossLink Memphis, a non-denominational medical group, at Bellevue Baptist Church.
Renewal of Vows On Sunday, June 24, Srs. Catharina Liliek and Aprilia Untarto made their
Sr. Catharina (l) and Sr. Aprilia
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International Leadership Development Program From June 17-30, Srs. Agathe Bramkamp, Yuliana Meno and Angelica Oyarzo Chaval were privileged to take part in the 2012 International Leadership Development Program at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, IN. The program was developed for the Sisters of the Holy Cross and conducted several times. This time other congregations were invited to take part. There were 29 participants and mentors, representing five different congregations of women religious and nine different countries. These two weeks of orientation were packed with very good input on various aspects of leadership, including financial management, pertinent discussions and personal sharing. The study phase of the program lasts for a year with topics covering Leadership in an Intercultural Community, Human Development, Spirituality and Styles of Leadership, Strategic Planning, and How to Evaluate Others. The third phase is again a two-week period for the participants only, not for the mentor (whose role is to accompany the participants in their work throughout the study phase). While the study phase focuses on substantive learning and on development of leadership skills, the assessment phase focuses on selfknowledge. After this third phase there will be an internship phase of about six months. This internship will have to be designed by the participant in discussion with the mentor and the congregational leadership. We worked hard during these initial weeks. The interaction with the Sisters of the Holy Cross from Africa, India, Bangladesh, Mexico and USA in the program, as well as the sisters in the motherhouse community, was enriching and affirming of our missionary vocation and service. But we also had some good fun. One day we went to visit a bison (buffalo) farm. We could go out on the enclosed part of their pasture. This particular pasture was the nursery. Every bison cow had a calf with her. They were tame enough to take morsels of feed from our hands, but we were not allowed to step off the big wagon that was pulled by a tractor. That day we also visited an Amish town. I admired the great variety of beautifully handcrafted quilts that were on display. The last day, a hot Friday, we spent on Lake Michigan at Lakeside, IN. That particular place had a beautiful white sand beach. Everyone enjoyed the water thoroughly. Agathe Bramkamp
SVD General Chapter We congratulate the new SVD General Council! Left-to-right: Fr. Paul Budi Kleden, General Councillor (Indonesia – Ende Province); Fr. Robert Kisala, Vice Superior General (Japan Province / originally from USC): Fr. Heinz Kulüke, Superior General (Philippines – South Province); Brother Guy Mazola Mido, General Councillor (Congo Province); Fr. José Antunes da Silva, General Councillor (Portugal Province); Fr. Arlindo Dias, General Councillor (Brazil – Central Province); Fr. Gregory Pinto, Admonitor (India – Mumbai Province) The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, visited Nemi and addressed the General Chapter delegates on July 9. Fifty years ago, Joseph Ratzinger, a then thirty-five year-old Professor of Theology used to come to Nemi with a commission including Superior General Schütte on the Second Vatican Council Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity (Ad Gentes). 3
For Your Prayerful Remembrance
Our deceased: Clara Margarita Muñoz, Sr. Monica Darrichon’s grandmother, who died on May 25 and was buried in their hometown in Argentina on May 28. Ambassador Mark Nnabugwu Eze, Sr. Uloma Akpa’s brother-in-law, who died on June 2 in Nigeria. Paula Sprungmann, Sr. Agathe Bramkamp’s sister, who died of a sudden heart attack in Germany on June 16. Antonio, 43 years old, Sr. Zelia Cordeiro dos Santos’ cousin, who was killed in a truck accident in Brazil. Cynthia Fernandes, sister-in-law of Sr. Gretta, who died suddenly of a heart attack at age 50. Her husband, Sr. Gretta’s brother, died about ten years ago. Now Sr. Gretta is worried about her mother, who has heart trouble. Sr. Gretta has gone home to be with her family and will return August 16. Please keep them all in your prayers.
Our sick: Sr. Therese Mary Martinez, who fell and broke her humerus. Sr. Catherine Mueller, who had a slight stroke, fell and broke her clavicle. Sr. Maryellen Drasler, who is suffering with an infection in her leg. Sandy Evanson, Sr. Marie Louise Jilk’s niece, who is having cancer treatment and is in much pain.
Comings and Goings This is summer time and there is a lot of movement in and out of the Province. Some updates for the near future: Sr. Monica Darrichon is on home-leave from July 10, returning to Memphis on August 26. Sr. Aprilia Untarto will be leaving for Chile on July 25. Sr. Alexis Tjahjani will be returning from Java on July 26. Sr. Dorota Piechaczek and Sr. Mary Miller are planning to come to the USA on August 20. Sr. Kristina Jawa Lajar will return from Flores on August 21.
Sisters’ Retreat From June 25-30, 51 SSpS made their annual retreat at the Convent of the Holy Spirit. The retreat was presented by Sr. Mary Schneiders who is a member of the Dominican Sisters of Hope (Ossining, NY). She has a PhD in Theology from Catholic University, Washington, DC, and is a full time staff person of the Berakah Renewal Center in Pittsfield, NH. The theme of the retreat was: Women in Jesus’ Life: Friends and Co-Workers. Reflection on the women in the gospels and their relationship with Jesus helped the Sisters to become better acquainted with these women, our foremothers and sisters in faith. The impact of interaction of the women with Jesus resonated with their own stories and called forth a response to deepen the Sisters' relationship with Jesus. Reflection questions based on the conferences for further reflection and prayer was a source of insight and commitment to Jesus. Sr. Anita Marie Gutierrez Sr. Mary Schneiders
Robert Hansen, Sr. Margaret Hansen’s father, who has been in and out of the hospital for several months. He is at home, but weak and still having treatments. 4
SSpS and SVD Joint Jubilee Celebration On Saturday, June 9, our Provincial House Convent became a buzzing welcoming reunion hall with SSpS and SVD Jubilarians and their confreres and sisters coming together to thank God and one another for 25, 40, 50, 60, 65, 70 and 75 years of missionary religious life. The celebration began with the Eucharist and Mission Cross Celebration. Fr. Tim Lenchak, SVD, was the chief celebrant and Fr. Roger Schroeder, SVD, was homilist. A banquet followed during which memories and conversation rippled through the recreation and dining rooms. Congratulations, Jubilarians! Let’s keep moving forward and deeper into the love and vocation of the One who called us.
working together, was to make this a joyful experience of our faith, focusing on the concept that religion is a way of life, deepening our friendship with Jesus, our best friend. To achieve this goal, the theme, "New Life: the Life of the Risen Jesus,� was chosen, using the Resurrection stories of Jesus. Through storytelling, arts, crafts, games, activities, music, role playing/ drama and prayer, the "New Life of the Risen Jesus" became a living reality for the children, one which they thoroughly enjoyed, as they sang new songs, turned caterpillars into beautiful butterflies, watched seeds become flowering plants and barren trees produce luscious fruit. By the third day of the program the "good news" of the children's experience had spread to the extent that the number of students increased and became a challenge in terms of teachers, space and materials. Everyone considered it a wonderful challenge. As one Sister said, "We gave to them, but they gave much to us." The invitation to return next year has already been extended to us. Sr. Betty Tranel
Vacation Bible School Program At 5:00 a.m., June 9, eight sisters (Srs. Agathe Bramkamp, Genoveva de Costa Amaral, Monica Zhang, Rebecca David, Salud Osornio, Theresa Tawiah, Yuliana Meno and Betty Tranel) started out on a fifteen-hour drive to Greenville and Indianola, Mississippi to conduct a Vacation Bible School Program for kindergarten through eighth grade children. Upon arrival they were warmly greeted by the pastor Rev. Thomas Mullaly, SVD, and his associate, Rev. Pius Lawe, SVD.
Above: the team. Below: sisters, volunteers and students.
The goal of the planning team, the Sisters and the lay coordinators of the two parishes, 5
Activities of the Junior Sisters Gathering of Junior Sisters with Sr. Estela On May 19, Sr. Estela Parmisano met with the Junior Sisters, Sr. Stela Maris Martin, Sr. Josephina Kudo, Sr. Aprilia Untarto, Sr. Catharina Liliek Soelistyorini, Sr. Sara Juarez as well as Sr. Rose Therese Nolta. Sr. Uloma Akpa was in New York and could not take part. In the morning there was an experience of the Baha’i Temple in Evanston, Illinois. Sr. Stela wrote, “The structure of the temple, the beauty of gardens around, and the welcoming atmosphere make that place very special. It seems that wherever you place your eyes, there is a call to be connected with God and the whole humanity. I was struck by the principles of the Baha’i faith which includes elimination of all forms of prejudice, equality between men and women, harmony of science and religion, world peace upheld by world government, and universal education. The consciousness that all religions share a common source and the quest for the common good are certainly a great witness from all who follow this faith to our world today.” Sr. Catharina added, “When I was in the building on Saturday morning, I felt peace in my heart. People who believe in God need to continue to glorify God with a positive attitude and real work for unity.” Srs. Aprilia, Josephina, Rose Therese, Catharina, Sara, Stela and Estela
We had a lovely meal at Rogers Park and then we had a sharing with Sr. Estela. The DVD, Of Gods and Men, was viewed. This film was inspired by the true story of the Cistercian monks living in Algeria from 1993 until their kidnapping in 1996. It showed discernment, commitment and love for their people in a difficult situation. The next day, May 20, there was a farewell for Sr. Stela Maris Martins at Willows at Techny with the Junior Sisters. Everyone brought something for our meal, we shared and prayed together. Saying goodbye is something we are learning as missionarSrs. Helen Marie, Rose Therese, ies, so on May 31 we said Stela, Xaveriana, Aprilia and goodbye to Sr. Stela Maris, Odila at the airport but hope to see her soon.
Sharing where we are from
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JPIC SSpS USA
within the Americas. It was an historical event in that this was the first PAN AM Assembly where 16 dedicated lay men and women participated.
July/August 2012
After sharing our expectations, the coordinating committee gave a historical background of the previous assemblies. Stress was made during the assembly on networking and cooperation through rituals and the content of the various sessions.
IV PAN AM Assembly of Mission Animation and JPIC The IV PAN AM Assembly of Mission Animation and Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) was held in Cordoba, Argentina, from May 9-14, 2012. The overall theme of the assembly was “Sisters and Laity United in the Same Mission” with the motto “Sent to Proclaim the Good News”. Luke 4:14-21 was our guiding Scripture text. Sr. Rose Therese Nolta participated in the Assembly for the Paraclete Province representing U.S.A, Antigua, St. Kitts and Jamaica – 2012. Fifty-two participants from 10 provinces represented 12 countries
Networking
Afonso Murad, a Bralizian university professor and writer who dedicates himself to environmental and social causes, presented an analysis of Latin American reality, a way of looking at ecology through planetary consciousness, as well as focusing on Vatican II and the Latin American Church. To deepen our theme of sharing the same mission, Afonso Murad also gave a talk on the “Cooperation between the Sisters and Laity: Challenges and Opportunities”. The common history between the laity and religious, as well as the background of our congregation and the laity, were developed by Sr. Laura Martin, SSpS.
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Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation are an integral part of mission. To deepen this understanding, Sr. Carmen Elissa Bandeo, the recently appointed Missionary Secretary from Rome,
mission which provided us with many insights.
Sr. Rose Therese visiting the SSpS AP Sr. Carmen Elisa Bandeo
explained the interrelationship between mission animation, JPIC and VIVAT International. Each evening there was an opportunity for each country to share about their life and mission. This helped us to come to know the many different realities and responses of the SSpS in the Americas
Sharing about Bolivia
During the assembly there was an opportunity for us to visit the Adoration Sisters. There was much joy and laughter together. One afternoon we made an excursion to a former Jesuit
At the end of the assembly a plan of action was developed that focused on three areas: 1) cooperation between the laity and the SSpS, 2) JPIC – VIVAT International and 3) institutional visibility. Two general strategies were developed in each of these areas, and the working ministry groups -- education, pastoral ministry, indigenous and health -- concretized them. All who attended came away with a renewed commitment to mission and making our world a better place. During the next months Sr. Rose Therese will share in person or through powerpoints in each com- munity about the PAN AM Assembly and particularly about cooperation between the laity and the SSpS. During the school year 2012 -2013 the focus will be on the goal “cooperation with the laity” and ways of promoting this on an individual, community and province level. The next PAN AM assembly will be held in 2016. Now it is up to us to implement the plan of action in our communities and province. Sr. Rose Therese Nolta
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