LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross

july/august 2012 

volume 24 

issue 4 

in this issue... 

voices 

2 

President’s reflection 

branches 

leaves 

4 

Jubilee 2012 

Area of Asia Assembly 

Two celebrate jubilees 

in Dhaka 

Center helps students 

succeed 

JusticeCraft enhances 

skills 

Women moving forward 

Fair raises funds 

Sisters welcome “Nuns 

on the Bus” 

Ministries confront 

challenges, extend hope 

new leaves 

16 

Expanding my 

boundaries 

20 

First vows 

Hearts rejoice in the 

Lord 

Deepening my 

relationship with God 

Novitiate a holy ground 

reflections 

24 

A jubilarian reflection 

Advancing the mission 

“Novitiate Life” 

26 

Two Colegío Santa Maria fifth-graders, right, join with a girl from Saint Clare’s Parish Child 

and Youth Social Center in São Paulo, Brazil, to construct an environmental art project. 

Uniting for change 

Students collaborate to improve environment 

by Sister Anne Veronica Horner Hoe 

Every year since 2004, our fifth-grade classes of Colégio 

Santa Maria in São Paulo, Brazil, have engaged in and 

directed social service activities at Saint Clare’s Parish Child 

and Youth Social Center in Vila Joaniza, São Paulo. This 

year’s fifth-grade environmental education project, “Learning 

and Exchanging Ideas: Looking for Solutions,” seeks to 

introduce our students to the socio-environmental reality of 

the area in which the school is located. 

continued, page 3

voices 

Travel Song 

Know you the journey that I take? 

Know you the voyage that I make? 

The joy of it one’s heart could break. 

No jot of time have I to spare, 

Nor will to loiter anywhere, 

So eager am I to be there. 

For that the way is hard and long, 

For that gray fears upon it throng, 

I set my journey to a song, 

And it grows wondrous happy so. 

Singing I hurry on for oh! 

It is to God, to God I go. 

—Sister M. Madeleva (Wolff), CSC 

LifeSigns ¡ july / august 2012 

Sister Madeleva’s poem “Travel Song” has been on my mind, especially during the past weeks as we 

welcomed the jubilarians to Saint Mary’s and as we kept vigil with our sisters. 

In my previous reflections, “Travel Song” has spoken to me about the final journey we make when 

we pass through the mystery of death to new life. These days it has taken on a different meaning 

for me, which I invite you to reflect on also. This poem reminds me that each day — in fact, each 

moment of each day — is the time to recognize God’s presence as the path of life unfolds before 

us. Each moment presents an opportunity to experience how God is revealed in the ordinary and 

extraordinary events of the day. I look forward to seeing God face to face when I pass through death. 

I also ask myself, “Will I recognize God then if I do not recognize God’s presence along the way now?” 

“The journey that we take, the voyage that we make” alone and together is marked with tears and 

laughter, sorrow and joy, aloneness and communion, emptiness and fulfillment. As travelers and 

pilgrims on life’s path, we are blessed with wonderful witnesses among us who show us how to make 

the journey with dignity, integrity and grace. The path on which we walk is holy ground. 

Devotedly in Holy Cross, 

2

Branches: Holy Cross Around the World 

Uniting for change, 

continued from page 1 

Based on prior preparation and study, 

the fifth-grade students will critically analyze 

the current socio-environmental problems of 

the surrounding area, such as the irregular 

occupation of land, water sources, pollution 

and contamination of rivers and streams 

(the Zavuvus River and the Blue Stream 

cut through the community), and lack of 

adequate sewage and waste removal services. 

They will investigate the environmental and 

human history of the parish community. 

The group intends to work collaboratively to 

promote actions that seek just resolutions and a 

better quality of life for the people in the area. 

Our students will share their ideas, findings 

and experiences with the children from the 

Saint Clare and Saint Francis communities. It 

is hoped this association will promote dialogue, 

reflection and an appreciation of the places where 

we live and that we share with others. Thus, we 

hope to avoid creating future citizens who are 

merely users of the environment and have neither 

commitment nor any sense of belonging to the 

natural world that surrounds them. 

Realization of the project’s goals will involve 

the recognition of the interdependence between 

our students and the students of the parish 

community, the development of a collaborative 

spirit, and the sharing of responsibilities in the 

pursuit of social justice. The colégio students 

and the parish children will meet monthly in the 

parish social center (CCA). We propose to divide 

the work into seven units. Each unit will be 

prepared by one of the fifth-grade classes. 

We will begin by having the colégio students 

conduct interviews with the parish students to 

find out where they study and play, what kind 

of resources they have for leisure activities, what 

they like about their community, where they go 

to be cared for when they are sick, whether they 

like where they live. The CCA students will 

be given an opportunity to elaborate on their 

Students present artwork reflecting care for the environment. 

answers. Using drawing materials and scraps of 

cloth, the group will create an image reflecting 

care for the environment where they live. 

Following this, we will research the 

area’s environmental history, studying the 

characteristics of the terrain, the formation of the 

area’s water basins, the increase of favela or slum 

dwellings, and the condition of its rivers and 

streams. This information will help the students 

construct a local map of the region using the 

image they had produced as a commentary on the 

various aspects of the constructed map. Using 

this map, we will analyze with our students and 

the CCA children the features related to health, 

sanitation, habitation and waste removal services. 

The Colégio Santa Maria students and the 

CCA students will be invited to make proposals 

to better the quality of life for both those living 

in the area around the school and those in the 

CCA community, thus developing the critical 

thinking so necessary for bettering people’s 

living conditions and reversing the processes of 

degradation and exploitation of nature. 

We hope the students involved in this project 

will gain a perspective that enables them to 

propose actions that bring about physical, social 

and cultural aspects of change for a healthier 

environment. We need to unite our efforts to 

produce a more sustainable global society that 

is founded on respect for nature, human rights, 

economic justice and a culture of peace.¡ 

july / august 2012 ¡ LifeSigns 

3


Jubilarians reminisce 

and rousingly celebrate 

RIGHT: Candles are lit 

by Sister Molli Gertrude 

Costa to commemorate 

the 23 deceased 

jubilarians who faithfully 

walked the path of 

religious life and are now 

eternally united with 

Christ. 

Joy and excitement permeated the 

atmosphere at Saint Mary’s as everyone 

entered into the celebrations of jubilee. 

Family members, sisters and guests 

rejoiced with the jubilarians in prayer, 

song, blessings and feasting. It also was 

a time of thanksgiving for the many 

years of dedicated service of these 

religious women. 

Sister Michael Mary (Nolan) in her 

reflection at the liturgy contrasted the 

world 50 years ago with today’s realities. 

“When we entered the congregation 50 

odd years ago, it was a different world 

and we were a different congregation,” 

she said. 

She explained that we are in a time 

when there is a mixed acceptance of 

the values of Vatican II, a meltdown 

of our present economy, a realization 

of diversity experienced in our 

international community and a new 

focus for congregational ministries. 

These thought-provoking 

observations brought a greater awareness 

and appreciation of the women whose 

lives reflect their willingness to move 

with the times and meet the needs of 

God’s people today.¡ 

ABOVE (l to r): Sister Sharlet 

Ann Wagner, Leadership Team 

member, joins silver jubilarians 

Sisters Molli Gertrude Costa, 

Michelle Toepp and Violet 

Rodrigues. 


RIGHT: The golden jubilarians 

gather before the liturgy. L to r: 

(standing) Sisters Mary Eleanor 

Sullivan, M. Carlita (Hammes), 

Joan Mader, Michael Mary 

(Nolan), Maria Cecilia Nesteriuk, 

Susan Kintzele; (seated) Sisters 

M. Joyce (Troyer) and Mary Louise 

Gude 

4


RIGHT: A special 

jubilee poster for Sister 

Mary Louise Gude 

welcomed signatures 

and messages from 

well-wishers. Sister Eva 

Mary (Hooker) adds 

her greetings. 

BELOW: Leadership 

Team member 

Sister Mary Louise 

Full pins a corsage 

on Sister M. Joyce 

(Troyer). 

LEFT: Sister Shopna Cecilia Gomes 

plays the Bangladeshi harmonium 

and tabla (drum) as the “Lamb of 

God” is sung in Bangla. 

L to r: The “drummer corps” of the choir, Sisters Callista Tetteh, Margaret Mary Nimo, Grace Kitinisa, Jane Aluku Masangir and 

Renatta Jutta Essien, added joyous rhythm and cultural richness to the celebration of the liturgy. 


5


Asia Assembly 

welcomes guests 

The Area of Asia Assembly took place in the Sister 

Augustine Marie Hall, the auditorium of Holy Cross College in 

Dhaka, Bangladesh, on May 12. Each area outside of Asia was 

invited to send two sisters to the assembly. Responding to 

this invitation were Sisters Mary Ann Pajakowski and Yvonne 

Hatt from the Area of North America, and Sisters Mary Louise 

Wahler and Helene Sharp from the Area of Africa. All four 

were impressed by Bangladesh. The feelings about this graced 

time are confirmed in the observations of Sister Mary Ann, 

which follow. 

New “turf ” feels like home to visiting sisters 


6 

by Sister Mary Ann Pajakowski 

“I know you will fulfill your purpose for my 

life.” — Psalm 138 

This line from Psalm 138 was chosen 

by Sisters Molli Gertrude Costa and Violet 

Rodrigues for their jubilee cards. Sisters 

Yvonne Hatt and I also thought it was a 

great perspective for the life of Holy Cross 

in Bangladesh. 

Both of us went to Bangladesh not 

knowing what to expect. We never 

thought we would have the opportunity 

to see our sisters on their home “turf.” 

We had met a few from past committees, 

renewal programs, and ministry 

experiences in Utah, but most were names 

in the directory, in places we did not 

know how to pronounce correctly. We felt 

that in going, we were representing the 

Area of North America (ANA). 

So, with the help of the ANA 

leadership, we asked the sisters at the 

three ANA meetings to write greetings and 

prayers to our sisters in the Area of Asia. 

These messages were short, simple and 

heartfelt. 

continued, page 7 

Sisters Yvonne Hatt and Lotika Gomes pose before the Bay of Bengal in Chittagong. “Sister Lotika was an 

indispensable guide,” said Sister Yvonne, “since everyone in the diocese knows her.”


Each note found its way onto 

a banner which we brought to 

Bangladesh and presented to the 

sisters for their area assembly. The 

messages surrounded two birds, 

whose message for the meeting was 

“Listen. Sing.” 

Curiously, we felt at home with 

the genuine hospitality shown us, 

and when the meeting started, it all 

had a familiarity. The sisters make 

a huge effort to attend their area 

meetings. We appreciated this even 

more when we visited ministry sites 

after the assembly, going by van 

and by bus. We quickly realized 

we could not have experienced 

this readily by ourselves, and 

the effort the sisters made to get 

us to Noakhali, Chittagong and 

Khagrachari was significant in time 

and energy. 

There were very touching, loving 

and visual moments — visiting 

a discerner’s family; meeting 

the students and faculty in the 

schools; visiting the neighbors; 

sharing in the sisters’ zeal, humor 

and love for the people; seeing a 

thunderstorm come into Dhaka at 3 

a.m.; watching total strangers pick a 

sackful of amaranth to give us just 

because we admired their garden 

and told them we really liked eating 

the plant. 

Helen Keller was so right when 

she said, “Sure the world is full 

of trouble, but as long as we have 

people undoing the trouble, we 

have a pretty good world.” God 

is with Holy Cross in Bangladesh 

as our sisters undo trouble and 

fulfill God’s purpose in their lives. 

Yvonne, Mary Louise Wahler, 

Helene Sharp and I were honored to 

share in that for two short weeks.¡ 

Sisters Violet Rodrigues and Molli Gertrude Costa light 

candles at their silver jubilee celebration held in Holy Cross 

Convent, Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 11. 

Two celebrate 

jubilees in Dhaka 

by Sister Hashi Margaret Pereira 

A celebration for silver jubilarians Sisters Molli 

Gertrude Costa and Violet Rodrigues was held Friday, 

May 11, in Holy Cross Convent, Dhaka, Bangladesh. 

The ceremony began with a beautiful Holy Hour 

on Thursday evening with reflections from both 

jubilarians, who gave powerful presentations on their 

life journey with thanks and gratitude to God for his 

marvelous work in their lives. 

The liturgical celebration on Friday morning was 

held in Tejgaon Holy Rosary Church. Archbishop 

Patrick D’Rozario, CSC, of Dhaka and Archbishop 

Joseph Salvador Marino, apostolic nuncio to 

Bangladesh, concelebrated the Mass with two other 

bishops and 10 priests. The presence of relatives and 

friends of Sisters Molli and Violet, with representatives 

of different religious congregations, and the entire 

family of the Sisters of the Holy Cross filled the church 

with joy. Sisters Mary Ann Pajakowski and Yvonne 

Hatt from the United States, Sister Mary Louise Wahler 

from Uganda, and Sister Helene Sharp from Ghana 

were delighted to be present for the entire celebration. 

After the Mass, a cake-cutting took place followed by a 

festive dinner for all.¡ 


7


Sister Barbara Gress holds a little boy at 

the Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and 

Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

Sister Yvonne Arcand assists at the 

May crowning. 

A child responds to a story read by 

Sister Yvonne. 

Center helps students succeed 

Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and Center staff inspire confidence 


8 

by Juliana Lewis, adult education coordinator, 

Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and Center 

Much has been done at Holy Cross Catholic 

Preschool and Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, 

since it began eight years ago with only 15 children. 

We have watched it become what it is today, and it 

touches our hearts deeply to see how God has worked 

in our lives to make this possible in helping the poor 

who are such a joy to be with. Thanks for all you 

do to help the little ones with their schooling through 

tuition assistance funds. You should see the moms 

and how proud and appreciative they are when they 

are able to bring the little ones to school each day. 

Love, Sister Yvonne Arcand 

and Sister Barbara Gress 

At the end of April we learned the results of 

the three-month intensive English for speakers of 

other languages (ESOL) class. Two-thirds of the 

students moved into a new level of study. The 

teachers and students are very excited. They have 

been working so hard and now their efforts are 

showing results. The next summer session will 

be shorter, but the students hope to continue 

with their studies before vacation. The support 

of the Adult Education Department has been very 

helpful, lending computer sites, hardware and 

staff. 

Every Thursday a counselor visits the students 

to encourage them in their next step toward 

English proficiency. Those who are ready to 

leave the program are shown different options in 

the educational system. One of our students is 

writing for the newspaper and preparing for a real 

estate exam. She is being encouraged to continue 

her GED and enhance her resumé. 

Another of the students received her residency 

papers in October. Since then she has been 

asking for a citizenship class here at Holy Cross. 

We encouraged her to go to the public school 

nearby, but it would not accept her until she 

attained a certain English proficiency. She then 

corralled about 13 other students and they all 

asked for the class. One of the ESOL teachers 

accepted the challenge and offered to teach the 

course. We were very clear that it would be 

“hard” and “only in English.” The students agreed 

to come and persevere. After the first class they 

came out with their heads spinning, but they all 

came back again and again. Each time they have 

said, “Thank you for offering the course.” This


seems to be a case of student-directed curriculum. 

The annual fundraiser, “Viva Holy Cross,” 

honored our staff and volunteers. It was great 

to highlight them in such a delightful way. Our 

seven English teachers are wonderful enthusiasts 

for the English language. 

Every day they can make 

a greeting sound original 

and full of energy. Their 

enjoyment of the written 

word is contagious and 

their classes continue 

along that path. Our lifeskills 

coordinators also are 

creative and find unique 

ways to make the basics 

fun. Pillows and purses 

appeared for the auction 

from the sewing program. 

Delicious empanadas from 

the cooking class were served 

as hors d’oeuvres. There is a 

continual joyful energy that 

surrounds the classes, and 

the humblest effort is not 

lost among the students or 

the teachers. We are very grateful to all of our 

staff for their individual contributions. 

Homework helper has a staff of 14 during the 

course of a week. They are always ready with the 

questions and homework of the day, as well as 

being prepared for the activity level of children 

who have been in school all day. We are very 

grateful to the long-serving adult volunteers who 

give so generously of their time (and snacks!) 

to help the children read and understand their 

math. The high school volunteers are great role 

models for the children, and we are impressed 

by their end-of-the-year comments: “Thank you 

for having us here to do our community hours. 

We hope you will accept us next year also.” It is 

a grace to see real education in action. All they 

have learned overflows into the need to share. 

The sewing program has become very popular. 

The attendance of the women started very slowly, 

but now we have the ladies and about five young 

We always remember our 

Sisters Barbara and Yvonne, 

who are such great advocates 

for the school and center. 

Their presence helps us to 

remember that this is the 

mission of Jesus in which 

we participate, and we are 

privileged to be a part of it. 

girls who are very interested in design. They 

made pillows and small handbags for the auction. 

Now they are trying to create aprons. One of the 

teachers will approach them next week to see if 

they can make simple costumes so the children 

will be able to have drama during 

the summer activities. The 

volunteer coordinator, Magda, 

confides that she is so glad that 

the young students are interested 

because she feels a special calling 

to them. Here they will learn a 

skill that can become a lifetime 

occupation and learn other 

aspects of the total development 

of a good Christian person. 

Finally, our “energizer bunny” 

volunteer, Victoria, had so many 

students this year that she 

increased her cake decorating 

course to a third level. Two of her 

students want to start their own 

business! Victoria concluded the 

two-year cooking class and said 

goodbye to her student Israel. He 

decided to return to his family 

and try his skills with a small bakery from his 

home. We are happy that he will be with his 

family again and wish him the “sweetest” future 

possible! 

Father José has been our “special announcer” 

for the courses here at Holy Cross. Anytime we 

have needed his help, he has been very happy 

to take to the pulpit at Sunday Mass, informing 

people of our services. Many students are here 

because they have heard of us through Father 

José. He is our unsung hero. 

Although the number 80 may not seem 

like too many students, but for all the people 

involved, it has been a very fruitful year. We 

always remember our Sisters Barbara and Yvonne, 

who are such great advocates for the school and 

center. Their presence helps us to remember 

that this is the mission of Jesus in which we 

participate, and we are privileged to be a part 

of it.¡ 


9


JusticeCraft 

enhances skills 

JusticeCraft, an intensive week-long 

seminar that prepares participants to lead 

and coordinate justice activities of religious 

congregations, was held June 3–10 at Saint 

Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana. Participants 

included 31 women representing eight 

countries and 17 religious congregations. 

Internationally known faculty members 

led interactive sessions that focused on critical 

justice issues, a theology/spirituality of justice 

ministry, models and strategies for engaging 

congregations in the work of justice, and rituals 

that shape and sustain commitment. The mix 

of cultures, age groups, interests and varied 

L to r: Sister Joysline Mary Lyngkhoi, CSC, Marianite 

novice Melissa Fisackerly, and Holy Cross novices 

Khochem Mossang and Royne Josephine Costa enjoy an 

afternoon break. 

ministries led to lively discussions, a sense 

of community among the participants and 

enjoyable evening socials. 

Jointly sponsored by the Congregation 

Justice Office and the Holy Cross International 

Justice Office, JusticeCraft is offered every other 

year. Sisters interested in attending should 

contact their area coordinator.¡ 

Sister Fran Gorsuch, CBS, assisted 

by Sister Marilyn Zugish, CSC, 

proclaims the Scripture reading. 

L to r: Sisters Mary Pat Dorobek, 

SND, Fran, Marilyn and Dorothy 

Moczygemba, CSSF 


JusticeCraft participants gather outside for morning prayer led by Barbara Ziliak, liturgy director. 

10


Women moving 

forward 

Retreat teaches to love self 

in response to God’s love 

Approximately 35 Latina women from the 

Mujeres Saliendo Adelante (Women Moving 

Forward) group of St. Adalbert Parish, South 

Bend, Indiana, participated in an April retreat 

at Saint Mary’s Convent facilitated by Sister 

M. Michaeleen (Frieders). Sisters Alice 

Lamping, Amalia Marie (Rios), M. Gladys Marie 

(Martin), Pamela Welch and Patricia Ann 

Thompson, as well as Saint Mary’s College 

student Alma Bravo and two volunteers, 

Anamilena Dillon and Beth Spitere, assisted. 

The retreat focused on the theme, “We 

Are Loved by God.” Sister 

Michaeleen referenced 

Genesis, explaining how 

God created men and 

women in God’s image 

saying it is good. 

“God created you and 

you are good,” she told 

the women. “You have 

value, and God wants you 

to love yourself because 

you must first love yourself 

before you can show love 

to others.” 

A discussion followed 

on how to live the 

commandment of love and 

the importance of loving 

self in response to God’s love. Anamilena, a nurse 

at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, focused 

her remarks on the question, “How do we know 

when we love ourselves?” A group sharing on 

“affirming self” came next. During one animated 

conversation, a woman was overheard to say to 

her companion, “We have been friends all these 

ABOVE: Sister M. Michaeleen (Frieders), left, with 

three women from the Mujeres Saliendo Adelante 

group of St. Adalbert Parish, South Bend, Indiana 

LEFT: Sister Gladys Marie (Martin), left, with a 

retreatant 

years but this is the first time we have had a 

chance to talk alone.” 

The women enjoyed lunch with the 

sisters and a tour of the campus, including 

the Church of Our Lady of Loretto and the 

Chapel of Loreto. They evaluated the day 

in glowing terms and said they would like 

to return. 

“To know myself was a unique 

experience,” one woman wrote. 

Another, when asked what she learned from 

the experience, replied: “We can do all things 

through Christ who strengthens us.” 

The day concluded with prayer, and the 

women were presented with a peace rosary made 

by Sister Alice.¡ 


11


To help focus on the purpose of the Blessed Sacrament School’s mission fair, a bulletin board displays photos of the Moreau Nursery 

and Primary School and the Ugandan community. Central to the display are maps of the United States and Africa with “hearts of 

love and caring” flowing from Blessed Sacrament to East Africa. 

Fair raises funds for Uganda 


by Sister M. Dolores (Kessinger) 

“We Care. We Share,” this year’s 

mission fair of Blessed Sacrament School, 

Washington, D.C., was held May 4 in the 

elementary school where Holy Cross sisters 

have taught for 70 years. The annual 

event is a carnival-type affair that benefits 

Holy Cross missions in the United States 

and abroad. This year’s fair raised $8,300 

for the Moreau Nursery and Primary 

School in Uganda. 

Prior to the event, Sisters Vivian 

Mary Mastromatteo and M. Rose Cecilia 

(McCully) spoke to the students and 

faculty about life in Uganda and the 

needs of the Holy Cross ministries there. 

The sisters at Saint Angela Hall, with 

administrator Chris Brandt, donated 

planters with lavender and plates of 

brownies to help the cause. These were 

a huge success at the fundraiser. The 

children delighted in the games and the 

goodies of snow cones, cotton candy and 

baked goods. They also enjoyed “dunking” 

the principal. 

Many Saint Angela sisters attended 

the fair, remembering their days when 

the same event was sponsored by the 

school. Sister Judith McKenna recalled a 

day at Blessed Sacrament when she was 

a seventh-grader and pulled a red wagon 

filled with newspapers for recycling, her 

contribution for the missions. 

The Sisters of the Holy Cross are 

grateful for the generous contribution 

from Blessed Sacrament school and parish. 

Much will be accomplished with the funds 

that were raised by “We Care. We Share.”¡ 

12


L to r: Sisters Mary Ellen McGlynn, Amalia Marie (Rios), M. Albertine (Kramer) and M. Leonora (Donnelly) show 

their support for the “Nuns on the Bus” tour. They were among 20 Holy Cross sisters who welcomed the bus 

to South Bend, Indiana. The tour highlighted the work of women religious with the poor and the impact of 

proposed federal budget cuts on struggling families across the nation. 

Sisters welcome 

“Nuns on the Bus” 

L to r: Presentation Sister Mary Wendeln; Sister Marge Clark, a Sister 

of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and Social Service Sister 

Simone Campbell, executive director of NETWORK, stand in front of 

their bus before the public forum in South Bend, Indiana, June 21. 

The three sisters were among those traveling with NETWORK’s “Nuns 

on the Bus: Nuns Drive for Faith, Family and Fairness” tour across 

nine states in June and early July. 

Photo: Catherine Odell, used with permission 

When Sister M. Michaeleen (Frieders) heard 

that NETWORK’s “Nuns on the Bus: Nuns Drive 

for Faith, Family and Fairness” tour was making 

a two-day stop in South Bend, Indiana, she and 

others rallied Holy Cross sisters at Saint Mary’s 

to greet the bus upon its arrival and participate 

in local events, including a visit to the Sister 

Maura Brannick, CSC, Health Center. 

Many local sisters, particularly those who 

serve vulnerable persons in the community, 

attended the four South Bend events that 

were part of NETWORK’s nine-state, two-week 

bus tour from Iowa to Washington, D.C. The 

purpose of “Nuns on the Bus” was to highlight 

the work women religious do to meet the needs 

of people at the economic margins; reveal how 

federal budget cuts passed by the House of 

Representatives will hurt struggling families; 



13


Sisters welcome “Nuns on the Bus,” 



14 

and meet with representatives from 

Congress to advocate for a fair budget. 

About 20 Holy Cross sisters were among 

50 people who welcomed the bus on June 

21 and attended a public forum about how 

the proposed federal budget cuts will harm 

vulnerable persons in communities across 

the United States. Brothers of Holy Cross 

and sisters of the Congregation of Saint 

Joseph and Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ 

also were on hand to show their support. 

When Sister Simone Campbell, 

executive director of NETWORK, a 

Catholic social justice lobby, and her sister 

companions stepped off the bus in the 

Hilton Garden Inn parking lot adjacent 

to the Saint Mary’s campus, they greeted 

the welcoming crowd with friendly waves, 

hellos and hugs. Sister Simone, a member 

of the Sisters of Social Service, spoke briefly 

to the group and was interviewed by South 

Bend television station WSBT. Sister 

Michaeleen also shared her perspective 

about the proposed budget cuts on the 

evening news: “I think that to try and 

cut services to the poor at such a terrible 

economic time in our history would be the 

worst thing to do.” 

Later in the evening some 350 area 

residents, including Sisters of the Holy 

Cross, assembled at a public forum to hear 

Sister Simone and other sisters on the bus 

share their concerns for those struggling at 

the economic margins of society. They also 

informed the audience about the Faithful 

Budget, which promotes comprehensive 

and compassionate budget principles (www. 

faithfulbudget.org). A question-and-answer 

session followed, and many people in the 

standing-room-only crowd participated. 

The next morning, the bus pulled up 

to the Sister Maura Brannick, CSC, Health 

Center, an outreach ministry sponsored 

by Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, 

to gain some insight into the needs 

of the underserved in the South Bend 

community. The sisters on the bus were 

greeted by clinic founder Sister Maura, 

other Holy Cross sisters, representatives 

from Saint Joseph’s and clinic staff. The 

staff gave tours, explaining the services they 

are able to offer to those without health 

insurance through the generous support 

of dozens of doctors, dentists, nurses and 

others who volunteer their time. Later, 

Sister Maura and staff shared stories about 

the health needs of area residents who 

come to the clinic because they have 

nowhere else to go. Sister Simone asked 

questions and expressed gratitude for the 

care provided through the clinic. 

“This is a story we have to tell our 

congressmen,” Sister Simone said in an 

interview with National Catholic Reporter, 

adding that minds and hearts won’t be 

changed with data. “We need to break 

their hearts with the stories of what’s 

happening.” 

With that, the “Nuns on the Bus” 

tour rolled on to its last stop in South 

Bend: a visit to U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly’s 

office. About 40 people gathered outside 

while the NETWORK group spoke with 

Rep. Donnelly via conference call to 

his Washington, D.C., office about their 

concerns regarding the proposed federal 

budget cuts and the need for a fair budget. 

A half hour later, the sisters on the bus 

expressed their appreciation to the South 

Bend community and waved goodbye, the 

crowd chanting “nuns on bus speak for 

us” as the bus pulled away and headed to 

Grand Rapids, Michigan.¡


Ministries confront challenges, extend hope 

Several Sisters of the Holy Cross in South 

Bend, Indiana, serve in ministries that reach out 

to those who are homeless, hungry, jobless and 

have no health insurance — many of whom are 

women and children. Sisters Suzanne Patterson 

and M. Michaleen (Frieders) shared the challenges 

and hopes of their ministries in an interview 

with National Catholic Reporter writer Cathy 

Odell, who covered the “Nuns on the Bus” visit 

to South Bend. The 

following interview 

excerpts are used with 

permission. 

Sister Suzanne 

is a volunteer at 

Broadway Christian 

Church, a Methodist 

congregation that 

helps supply basic 

needs — such as 

meals, showers and 

laundry facilities — 

to people living in 

southeast South Bend. 

“We try to be 

present to the people 

in their material 

needs, but also in 

their personal and 

spiritual needs … it is 

just being present to 

them. We coordinate 

with a number of places to get other services — 

helping people to learn how to fill out forms, and 

how to get food stamps. People just do not know 

where to get help. And now, with funding cuts 

that are being legislated, it is going to be even 

more difficult. 

“The thing that keeps me hopeful is that 

people are still trying to help each other. People 

are hungry for belonging even more than they are 

hungry for hot coffee and toast. The hope is in 

the personal response, and the people who can 

help. Some of our elderly sisters (at Saint Mary’s) 

Sister Maura (Brannick) welcomes “Nuns on the Bus” for a tour of the 

health clinic she founded to serve those without health insurance 

in St. Joseph County, Indiana. L to r: Social Service Sister Diane 

Donoghue; Sister Maura; Sister Marge Clark, a Sister of Charity of the 

Blessed Virgin Mary; and Presentation Sister Mary Wendeln 

make sandwiches for Broadway Christian and I 

deliver them. 

“As we accompany people, our ultimate goal is 

to help them come to a sense of who they really 

are — God’s chosen person — no matter what 

background they come from, and that in that 

sense, we can sort of walk together.” 

Sister Michaeleen, along with Sister Gladys 

Marie (Martin), ministers primarily to Hispanic 

women and immigrants 

through St. Adalbert’s 

Parish and the working 

poor living in lowincome 

housing on 

South Bend’s west side. 

“Our ministry 

consists mostly of 

walking with the poor 

where they are and 

responding to their 

needs. We have been 

primarily helping 

single mothers in a 

variety of ways. We 

have helped them with 

food, medical care 

and jobs, but recently 

there was a lot of need 

among Hispanic women 

who were in abusive 

situations or just had 

terrible poverty issues 

and family issues. They formed a group called 

Women Moving Forward. Just recently, we held a 

retreat for these women here at Saint Mary’s. (See 

article on page 11.) 

“Mainly, it is helping them on a one-on-one 

basis, either by referring them to agencies … or 

volunteers who work with us … or getting funds. 

So, there is the one-on-one, and you know, that is 

the way Jesus walked. He walked with the poor, 

and everybody he met, if he could serve them, he 

did. So, that is pretty much what we have been 

doing.”¡ 


15

leaves: Sisters in Ministry 

Sister Scholastica fishes off the 

pier in Ventura, California. 

by Sister Scholastica Elizabeth Ampadu 


16 

Expanding 

my boundaries 

Cultural experiences 

enrich life 

On December 19, 2011, I set off from Ghana, my 

motherland, to Saint Mary’s, Indiana, USA, to begin my 

six-month cross-cultural experience, my first missionary 

journey outside my country as a Sister of the Holy 

Cross. I felt excited that at long last this adventure had 

begun, especially when I remember the hassles I went 

through in acquiring a U.S. visa. I strongly believe 

it was an angel at the American embassy, or perhaps 

St. Christopher, who got the visa for me. 

Sister Linda Kors was at the South Bend Regional 

Airport to welcome me. She took me to her convent, 

Saint Theresa’s in Augusta Hall, which became my 

community for the next seven weeks. Oh, I was happy 

living with Sisters Linda and Mary Mulligan! They 

opened their lives to embrace me. The three of us had 

fun and we shared a lot of laughter. 

In January, I began my three-week ministry with 

the sisters on the fourth floor in Saint Mary’s Convent, 

which was another joyful chapter in my life. Such 

gracious women! Sitting and chatting with them for 

hours while assisting the caregivers in responding to the 

sisters’ needs was a happy ministry for me.


These were enriching moments in my life. 

These are my sisters, whose lives teach me to 

persevere in my commitment. Their prayerful 

demeanor was visible. At the end of my three 

weeks, I said goodbye to the sisters and their 

caregivers but continued to visit them in the 

evenings and on weekends. 

For the next two weeks I attended classes in 

the nursing department at Saint Mary’s College, 

thanks to the efforts of Sister Maureen Grady. 

She did all the groundwork and introduced 

me to the faculty dean 

and professors. This was a 

learning experience for me. 

I sat in on classes and went 

with the student-nurses to 

their clinical sessions in 

hospitals, homeless shelters, 

schools, etc., for more 

exposure. I came face to face 

with nursing technology. 

The students were my 

teachers as well. We shared 

experiences, and they taught 

me how to use the gadgets 

and equipment. Some of the 

professors gave me copies of 

nursing textbooks to use in 

my teaching when I go back 

to Ghana. For these I am very 

grateful. 

Meanwhile, I was 

preparing to start my hospital 

ministry in Boise, Idaho. 

The sisters in the Boise 

community sent me pictures, 

which helped me become 

acquainted with their community. 

On February 6, Sister Linda took me to the 

South Bend airport to continue my journey. It 

was with mixed feelings that I left Saint Theresa’s 

community because I was happy living there, but 

I needed to experience Holy Cross in other parts of 

the country. My flight in Chicago was cancelled, 

which made me reach Boise at midnight. 

However, the sisters stayed awake to welcome me 

Sister Scholastica delivers flowers and mail to 

patients at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical 

Center in Boise, Idaho. 

at the airport. The next afternoon Sister Elsbeth 

Mulvaney took me to Saint Alphonsus Regional 

Medical Center, where I interviewed with the 

coordinator of volunteer services. 

I became a Saint Alphonsus volunteer! 

Within a short period, I no longer felt like a 

stranger among new people and a new culture. 

The friendly spirit of the staff and everyone in 

the hospital drew me into their family circle. 

The sisters introduced me to every unit in the 

hospital. I had opportunities to observe heart, 

head, kidney and orthopedic 

surgeries, which were very 

exciting since I was seeing 

new technologies for the first 

time. As a floating volunteer, 

I distributed mail, delivered 

flowers to patients, attended 

in waiting rooms, escorted 

patients and relatives between 

departments, and ran errands. 

One day, I shadowed 

Linda Van Burne, a parish 

nurse from Risen Christ 

Church, to learn more 

about parish nursing. We 

visited some parishioners 

in assisted-living nursing 

homes. Another morning, I 

had a ride on the hospital’s 

Life Flight helicopter, which 

was exciting. And on two 

occasions I attended Holy 

Cross Associates meetings. 

Being with these prayerful 

women was inspirational. 

They energized me to revive 

the Associates group in Ghana when I return. 

Another part of my ministry was to assist 

in teaching demonstrations for refugee families 

in the maternal and child health clinics on 

Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I found myself in a 

multinational and multicultural society, bound 

by the love and esteem we held for each other. 

At any given moment, we had no fewer than six 

nationalities in the clinic. There were Somalians, 



17


Expanding my boundaries, 


Congolese, Burmese, Iraqis, Iranians, Pakistanis, 

Cameroonians, Koreans, Nepalese, Kenyans, etc. 

It was sad saying goodbye to these people after 

working with them for three months because I 

knew I was going to miss them very much. 

The sisters made me part of their Boise 

community. We did some sightseeing, and I also 

had my turn cooking and leading prayer. One 

weekend, the sisters from Utah joined us for a 

theological reflection on diversity. It concluded 

with an international dinner and a Kikuyu 

delicacy prepared by our Kenyan friends. I 

prepared Ghanaian dishes. 

Another wonderful opportunity was my 

participation in the Area of North America 

Assembly at Saint Catherine by the Sea in 

Ventura, California, in March. I was thrilled. It 

was my first assembly outside of Africa. Meeting 

all these Holy Cross women, the majority of 

them for the first time, was a blessing to me. The 

assembly deepened my hope as a Holy Cross sister 

and showed me more avenues to be a woman of 

hope for others. After the assembly I stayed with 

the sisters at Saint Catherine’s to be part of their 

lives for a few days. 

The sisters brought me to Los Angeles on 

Friday afternoon to spend a weekend with 

the sisters in Saint Agnes community. I said 

to myself, “Hey, Scholastica, am I really in Los 

Angeles, the city of Hollywood?” I could not 

believe my eyes. I felt close to all the movie stars 

who I saw on the television and read about in 

books. The sisters saw my excitement and gave 

me a ride around Hollywood the following day. I 

was in seventh heaven! 

Sister Maryanne O’Neill took me to Brother 

André’s soup kitchen to see how she supplies food 

to the homeless who come to the facility. Sunday 

afternoon ended my visit to Los Angeles I caught 

a flight back to Boise. 

My fear of not being able to attend the rose 

garden dedication at Saint Alphonsus Regional 

Medical Center in honor of all the Holy Cross 

sisters who worked there was allayed when I was 

asked to extend my stay for two more weeks. Then, 

as a parting gift, the management and staff of 

the hospital presented me with a chain that held 

a beautiful emblem of the hospital. My fellow 

volunteers gave me a big send-off card that brings 

tears to my eyes and joy to my heart when I read it. 

After every hearty welcome there is a mournful 

goodbye, most especially when both parties wished 

they could prolong the stay. My missionary 

experience in Boise had ended and early Tuesday 

morning, May 8, Sister Beth took me to the airport 

to catch a flight to Baltimore, Maryland. 


Sister Scholastica 

sorts clothing at 

Martha’s Table, a 

homeless shelter in 

Washington, D.C. 

18


I arrived in Baltimore in the evening, and 

Sisters M. Adria (Connors) and M. Rose Cecilia 

(McCully) were at the airport to welcome me. 

Such blessings, that wherever I go my sisters are 

always at the airport to greet me. On the front 

door of Saint Angela Hall was a big Ghana flag 

with the inscription, “Akwaaba Schola” (Welcome 

Schola). I was touched. The sisters were at 

supper, a very good time to arrive. I entered 

the dining room and all the sisters applauded. 

Supper was taken amid greetings, laughter 

and introductions. I was shown to a beautiful 

bedroom in Good Shepherd Community, where I 

had everything I needed. I enjoyed a long, restful 

night’s sleep. 

The following day was spent leisurely. My 

classes on midlife directions and feminine 

spirituality were planned with Sister Patricia 

Cornell. I met with her every day, and she gave 

me a lot of resources to read for enrichment. I 

also met with Sister Katherine Kase to plan my 

ministry experiences so that by the end of my 

stay, I would have time with each sister and take 

part in her ministry. 

On Thursday evening the community held a 

welcome prayer service for me. It was a solemn 

and touching moment, confirming that I was 

where God wanted me to be. 

I next went with Sister Patricia Ann Carroll 

to Unity Health Care at Stadium Amory in 

Washington, D.C. It is a wonder to witness the 

work that goes on in the health unit, especially 

working with people living with HIV/AIDS at 

the grassroots level, teaching them treatment 

adherence and responsibility for their own health. 

Sister Grace Shonk gave me a tour of the 

Academy of Holy Cross, where she serves as a 

substitute teacher. I took pictures with both 

students and teachers and used the opportunity 

to tell them something about Ghana and 

vocations to Holy Cross. I went with Sister 

M. Veronica (Kerwin) to Brighton’s Gardens, 

a nursing home, and Sister Vivian Mary 

Mastromatteo and I went to Holy Cross Grade 

Sister Scholastica helps care for Sister M. St. Brigid (Bromeling) at 

Saint Mary’s Convent. 

School. I also set some time aside daily to visit 

with sisters and share our sacred stories. A 

lifetime of wisdom was showered on me. 

My main ministry was volunteering at 

Martha’s Table, a homeless shelter in Columbia 

Heights in downtown Washington, D.C. The 

shelter helps feed and clothe the homeless poor. 

It is sad to see people who do not have their basic 

needs met, but happily they have a place like 

Martha’s Table to help them. 

My local community and all the sisters at 

Saint Angela’s had a prayer service for me at the 

end of my stay. They gave me their blessings and 

invoked the Holy Spirit to accompany me on my 

travels. The following morning, June 15, they 

bade me goodbye. 

During this cross-cultural experience, I had 

a lot of time to pray and reflect on my vocation 

in Holy Cross. I became more in tune with my 

spiritual self and the stages in my life where I 

truly felt God’s presence. Community gave me 

spiritual eyes to know where and how I could 

avail myself and my gifts. The friendliness of each 

community encouraged me to tell my stories. 

Individual sister’s stories were freely shared and 

self-disclosure was paramount in our interactions. 

My retreat at Loyola Retreat House in Faulkner, 

Maryland, was the climax of knowing God is 

walking in my life.¡ 


19

new leaves: Formation 

First vows, two continents 

The novices dance during the entrance song at the initial profession of vows at Saint Mary’s. 


20 

It was with great joy that Sisters Thais Nascimento 

Bitencourt, Jui Clara Corraya, Areli Cruz Hernández, 

and Esperanza Jacobo Acevedo made their initial 

profession of vows as Sisters of the Holy Cross on May 

28 in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto at Saint 

Mary’s. Sister Joan Marie Steadman, president of the 

congregation, received their vows, and Father Kenneth 

M. Molinaro, CSC, presided at the liturgy. 

The day was one of great celebration with 

African and Bengali dancing. Drumming, 

clapping and singing added to the festivities 

and enhanced the cultural diversity of the 

congregation. 

Also on May 28, Sister Comfort Arthur 

made her initial profession of vows at the 

Jesuit Retreat House in Cape Coast, Ghana. 

Sister Margaret Mary Nimo, area coordinator, 

received Sister Comfort’s vows on behalf 

of Sister Joan Marie. Father Don Henfy, SJ, 

presided at the eucharistic celebration that was 

attended by Sister Comfort’s family and friends. 

Our prayerful support goes with Sisters Thais, 

Comfort, Jui, Areli and Esperanza as they live out their 

vowed commitment daily in the places and ministries 

that unfold for each of them.¡ 

Sister Margaret Mary 

Nimo watches as 

Sister Comfort Arthur 

signs her vows at the 

Jesuit Retreat House 

in Cape Coast, Ghana, 

May 28. 

L to r: Sisters Thais Nascimento Bitencourt, Jui Clara 

Corraya, Areli Cruz Hernández and Esperanza Jacobo 

Acevedo profess their first vows as Sisters of the Holy 

Cross in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto at Saint 

Mary’s, May 28.


Hearts rejoice in the Lord 

Preparing novices for a deeper call 

by Sister Arpita Rozario 

“My soul proclaims the 

greatness of the Lord. My 

spirit rejoices in God my 

savior.” 

I thank and praise 

God for Sisters Thais 

Nascimento Bitencourt, Jui 

Clara Corraya, Areli Cruz 

Hernández and Esperanza 

Jacobo Acevedo. They have 

prepared themselves to 

unite with God, making 

their initial profession of 

vows as Sisters of the Holy 

Cross on May 28 in the 

Church of Our Lady of 

Loretto at Saint Mary’s and 

fulfilling God’s will in their 

lives. 

On the evening of May 27, in preparation for 

the initial profession, the novitiate community 

participated in a special Holy Hour and holude 

ceremony in the Solitude’s chapel. Holude is 

a Hindu ritual adapted by the Christians in 

Bangladesh and typically is done before marriage 

as a symbol of purification before entering a new 

life. For Holy Cross religious, this ceremony is 

now a symbol of purification of body, heart and 

mind as a preparation for a deeper call. 

During the holude ceremony, all the novices 

and professed sisters applied turmeric, a yellow 

spice obtained from a flowering plant of the 

ABOVE: Sister Arpita Rozario, 

right, blesses Sister Thais 

Nascimento Bitencourt at the 

Holy Hour in preparation for 

initial profession. 

LEFT: During the holude 

ceremony, turmeric is applied 

on the hands of those to be 

professed. Front to back: 

Sister Jui Clara Corraya waits 

for the turmeric while Sister 

Areli Cruz Hernández receives 

the turmeric from Sister 

Arpita Rozario, and Sister 

Esperanza Jacobo Acevedo 

receives it from Sister Brenda 

Cousins. 

ginger family, on the hands of those to be 

professed. This symbolizes renewal and 

dedication of the person’s life and her beginning 

journey in the congregation. Next, all blessed the 

foreheads of Thais, Jui, Areli and Esperanza with 

fragrant oil as a symbol of their readiness to serve 

God with a clean heart. Lastly, the four each lit a 

candle and those present blessed them with the 

warmth of the light as symbols of our baptism, 

which we allow to shine for the whole world. 

We pray for Thais, Jui, Areli and Esperanza, 

and for Sister Comfort Arthur in Ghana, who 

have chosen to serve God and his people. May 

our loving God help them in their life journey.¡ 


21


Deepening my relationship with God 


by Sister Esperanza Jacobo Acevedo 

Reflecting on my novitiate experience during 

these past two years, I feel very grateful to God 

and to the Sisters of the Holy Cross for the 

opportunity I had in the International Novitiate 

program. It helped me to grow in many areas 

of my life and developed my talents in ministry 

and community. Nevertheless, most important 

for me was the wonderful experience of God and 

the opportunity to deepen my relationship with 

him. 

When I was told that my novitiate would be 

in United States of America, I tried to prepare 

myself in ways I thought would be helpful. 

But I had no idea what to expect or how the 

challenges of intercultural community living 

— such as language, cultures, different kinds 

of food, personalities, ways to pray, ways to eat, 

and the many other challenges I experienced — 

would change my point of view and the way I 

related with God and with people. And I do not 

know if there is anything at 

all that can help one get 

ready for it. 

For me, many things 

were new, but I think my 

biggest challenge was to 

overcome my fear, which 

I expressed in ways like 

uncertainty, judgment 

and anxiety about the 

unknown. Certainly, 

practicing patience, 

love and peace every 

day is not an easy or 

comfortable issue, but it 

is very rewarding when I 

reflect back and am able 

to feel the faithfulness and grace of my God 

in whom I trusted when I decided to come to 

the novitiate to discern my vocation in Holy 

Cross. I also am very grateful for my novitiate 

community, formators, Leadership Team, 

extended community of Saint Mary’s Convent, 

and all the local convents for allowing me to be 

part of their lives. I also am grateful for their 

prayers, support and all their contributions to 

make this experience possible, for the challenges 

that helped me to grow, and for the prayers of all 

my sisters around the world and especially for 

the love each one of them shares with me. 

One of the things I learned during my 

novitiate time is that this is a lifetime process. 

Therefore, as I start my life as a vowed woman 

in the Church, I ask for your prayers that I 

may continue deepening my relationship with 

God, listening deeply and speaking clearly, and 

growing in understanding of my commitment 

to my loving God and in the meaning of 

community and ministry.¡ 

During her three-month immersion experience in the novitiate, Sister Esperanza Jacobo 

Acevedo taught in the school readiness program at Holy Cross Ministries in Salt Lake City, 

Utah. Here she helps the children with an art project. 

22


Novitiate community a holy ground 

by Sister Jui Clara Corraya 

“Unless a grain of wheat falls on the ground and 

dies, it remains only a single grain.” 

—John 12:24 

Novitiate life “is the seed time, not the 

harvest.” It is a time for planting, whereby 

the seed grows with care, love and support. It 

is a time for contemplation, to discover more 

deeply God’s call to each person’s vocation. It 

is a place solidly grounded in faith so that the 

seed will fall on fertile ground because this 

is the way God has chosen. I listened to the 

word of God and took it into my heart. It is a 

lifelong process. 

There I found resources, a beautiful 

environment and holy ground — this novitiate 

community. It is a place of trust, of love, 

of being loved and caring for one another, and 

an opportunity to have a genuine relationship 

among the community members. 

Where is this place? It is the International 

Novitiate at Saint Mary’s, where one can 

find a diversity of cultures, countries, foods, 

personalities, dress, dance, songs, prayer styles — 

all kinds of different experiences. It is a place of 

joy, happiness, fun and many challenges. It also 

is a place to learn about emotions, naming the 

feelings, sharing the sorrows and difficulties, and 

more. Sometimes the difficulties took a lot of my 

energy, but I overcame them with the help of my 

directors, friends and companions. This was a 

big lesson for me. There is so much to learn and 

to know in the novitiate, and the learning never 

ends. It is surprising to realize two years have 

passed. 

A solemn song for the novitiate is “You 

are here, so this is holy ground.” It reminds 

me of Moses, when God called to him from 

the burning bush and told him to remove his 

sandals because he was walking on holy ground. 

God stopped him and sent him to his people 

Sister Jui Clara Corraya reads a book to a toddler at her ministry at the 

YWCA in South Bend, Indiana. 

who were crying and who needed help. For me 

it is the same. 

I am very grateful to have had my mission 

experience at Saint Agnes in Los Angeles, 

California. The three-month mission experience 

is part of the novitiate program that helps the 

novices discover and develop their gifts and 

talents and learn their limitations. It was a 

valuable experience for me to be in Los Angeles 

and to help at the Saint Agnes School as an 

assistant teacher. My supervisor there was very 

helpful, and I cannot believe I accomplished so 

much. 

There were many activities in the novitiate 

that were great fun. One was our garden. We 

grew many vegetables that were foreign to some 

of us. We would ask each other, “Do you eat this? 

Do you eat that? How do you cook it?” What 

some sisters thought were weeds to others were 

delicious and healthy vegetables. Sometimes the 

cooking smells were horrible, but after a taste or 

two we mostly agreed it was good. 

Birthday and holiday parties and the Saturday 

recreation were special times. The parties would 



23


Novitiate community a holy ground, 


include favorite foods, music and dance from 

different countries. There were activities that 

we enjoyed, such as crocheting, knitting, playing 

guitar, dancing, drawing pictures, making 

decorative cards and grocery shopping. Also on 

Saturdays, we would shop with volunteers who 

would drive us to the grocery store and help us 

choose economical and healthy foods. It was 

a nice opportunity to meet and to get to know 

different volunteers. I am very grateful for all 

who helped us in so many ways. 

My novitiate was a wonderful experience. The 

fact that it is international is very wise. God 

bless all of you who have worked for it, and those 

who direct it and help the novices to continue 

learning about themselves. Though there were 

challenges, mistakes and misunderstandings, 

we realize this is part of life. Life never goes 

smoothly. There are hard times and good times, 

and knowing both helps us to know, appreciate 

and value our companions, their personalities 

and our diverse cultures. Thank you for helping 

me to grow in maturity, love and being loved. 

God bless you all.¡ 

reflections 


24 

A jubilarian reflection 

God’s unwavering love is 

sustenance through the seasons 

by Sister Violet Rodrigues 

The following reflection was shared by Sister Violet 

Rodrigues on the eve of her silver jubilee celebration 

in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 1. 

I begin my reflection with the words from 

John 15:9–11 from today’s Gospel reading. Jesus 

said to his disciples, “As the Father has loved 

me, so I have loved you; remain in my love. 

You will remain in my love if you keep my 

commandments, just as I have kept my Father’s 

commandments and remain in his love. I have 

told you all this, that my own joy may be in 

Sister Violet Rodrigues 

you and your joy may be 

complete.” 

With the life that God 

has given me there has 

been this tremendous love 

which sustained me from 

the time I was born. From 

creation in my mother’s 

womb till the end of my 

life, God promises to love 

me. God’s love is steadfast. 

Season of waiting and new life 

In the beginning, God created me and chose 

to place me in this special family of mine, who 

share their love, faith and generous care with 

me. God has chosen Bernible Rodrigues and 

Rose Bernard D’Costa as my parents. They waited 

nine months for me to come into this beautiful 

world. We were thus seven brothers and sisters. 

I grew up in this peaceful, loving and beautiful 

place called Sonapur, Noakhali. Life was very 

disciplined.

eflections 

Season of memory 

I then began my education at Brother André 

High School in Noakhali. I loved to study and 

go to school every day. I was very attentive 

to my daily duties and thus passed my SSC 

(Secondary School Certification) exam in 1980. I 

still remember the loving memory of my school 

life. I completed my studies up to HSC (Higher 

Secondary Certification) in 1982. 

Season of hope and peace 

I was an active member of the society and 

Church as well as in my family, taking a lot 

of responsibility for my younger brothers and 

sisters. I came in close contact with the Canadian 

Holy Cross sisters and priests who were then 

missionaries in Noakhali. Their companionship 

had a tremendous effect in my life, which later 

helped me in my discernment to become a Holy 

Cross religious. 

Season of questions and seeking 

I thought of becoming a nun and then had 

thousands of questions in my mind whether 

to do it or not. I was in a dilemma choosing 

between too many life choices. Every option 

seemed best for me. It was a time to pray deeply 

to God to show me the right way as to which one 

would be the best. 

Season of finding 

It was then that I met a wonderful and 

committed religious, Canadian Sister Amelia 

Terrain, CSC, who walked with me very gently 

and compassionately. She served many years in 

Noakhali Parish and I was encouraged by her 

loving touch in my life. I decided to follow Jesus 

Christ and never looked back. 

Season of passion and fire 

Through Sister Amelia I came to know Holy 

Cross sisters. After a period of discernment, I was 

welcomed into the congregation as a postulant 

in June 1984 and was under the guidance of 

Sister M. Bruno (Beiro). I entered the novitiate in 

September 1985 and Sister M. Perpetua (Meyer) 

accompanied me. I made my initial profession 

of vows on December 8, 1987, and my final 

profession on October 22, 1993. This year, 2012, 

is the year of my silver jubilee. 

Season of spirit and zeal 

It was now time to put into practice all that 

I learned in the novitiate. Every place I served, 

I was energetic, self-motivated and strove to be 

a faithful steward. My call to serve the people 

of God was always the first priority in my life. 

For two years, beginning in 1988, I taught in 

Corpus Christi High School in Jalchatra. I then 

earned my bachelor’s degree and was assistant 

director of Holy Cross College in Dhaka for two 

and a half years. For seven years I taught and 

was headmistress in Lokhipur, Kulaura. Next, I 

began my studies in Bangalore, South India, for 

a master’s degree and training in counseling. I 

then returned to Deepaneeta, Savar, and for more 

than five years was candidate and novice director. 

Finally, in 2010, I became area coordinator for the 

Area of Asia, and today I continue to serve in that 

role and to teach at Holy Cross College. 

Season of gratitude and integrity 

I feel that God was, and always is, in every 

decision, every step, every action, and each 

and every part of my life. God’s faithful love 

surrounds me from every side. God holds my 

hand in my troubles and uplifts me when I am 

disheartened. 

As I celebrate my silver jubilee with our sisters 

present in this moment, and present in spirit 

from all over the world, I am grateful to all of you, 

for your love, prayerful support, encouragement 

and continuous acceptance of who I am. I am 

grateful for your faithfulness and trust in me, for 

standing with me in good days and bad. 

I am grateful for the treasure of loved ones. 

I am grateful for all those people who came into 

my life from my childhood, my parents, brothers 

and sisters, Holy Cross sisters, for the events, the 

words people shared with me. I am grateful for 

the ongoing process of becoming who I am, the 

seasons within me, for the struggles, challenges, 

anxieties, comforts and blessings. 

“That my joy may be completed. That I may 

always remain in God’s love.”¡ 


25

eflections 

Novitiate Life 

by Sister Jui Clara Corraya 

Novitiate life is a process of growth, 

Moving like rippling streams, 

Continuing to expand our limits 

and fulfilling the dreams. 

Novitiate life brings us all 

diversity of culture, 

Making our hearts fill with 

joy like drops of water. 

Novitiate life, full of gratitude, 

This never has ending. 

Keep revealing and sharing, 

Life showing unfolding. 


Novitiate life is a time of sowing seed 

we plant in our ground. 

Living our everyday life together 

makes us feel bound. 

Novitiate life is like uncountable stars, 

Where we find unknown gifts and talents, 

Making us commit to Jesus 

life to live in balance.¡ 

26

advancing the mission 

A “hands-on” principal 

at St. Martin of Tours 

School in Gaithersburg, 

Maryland, Sister Sharon 

Ann Mihm helps these 

kindergarteners clean 

their desks with shaving 

cream at the end of the 

school year. 

Investing in the future 

Grants provide scholarships in Maryland 

“Mary (not her real name) has made significant 

progress in kindergarten this year, although she 

still continues to struggle in language arts. Her 

parents are illiterate which makes it hard for her 

to receive help at home,” says Sister Sharon Ann 

Mihm, principal of St. Martin of Tours School in 

Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

Mary is the youngest of the nine children from 

the five families who have been able to attend 

the school thanks to a 2011–12 Ministry With 

the Poor grant of $8,000. “If we had not received 

funding for these students, more than likely they 

would not have been able to attend our school 

this year,” she says. 

With a current enrollment of nearly 250 

students, the school is committed to empowering 

students for the future with strong academic and 

technology programs. Equally important is its 

dedication to helping students develop strong 

character traits shaped by Gospel values and 

Catholic tradition. 

The parish gives tuition discounts to families, 

but does not have money to help pay the school’s 

expenses. Fundraisers, including bingo, and 

grants, such as from Ministry With the Poor, must 

make up the difference. Family involvement is 

key to the school’s success as well as the students’. 

Each parent is required to give at least 30 hours of 

service during the school year. 

“Grants such as the one that we receive from 

the Sisters of the Holy Cross actually help to pay 

for some of our low-income families’ discounted 

tuition fees,” explains Sister Sharon Ann. 

Many students have benefitted: “One boy, 

whose mother died when he was in the fourth 

grade, is now entering grade seven. He is doing 

beautifully and has a great sense of humor,” she 

says. “The students whose father abandoned 

them have made tremendous progress. And one 

family has two girls attending the school who 

are excellent students; their mother, who was a 

long-term substitute in our Pre-K program, just 

completed her course work and hopes to get a 

teaching position in Montgomery County. 

“The generosity of the congregation, as well 

as the benefactors who have helped to make the 

Ministry With the Poor funds available to those 

of us serving the poor, have touched the hearts of 

our families,” says Sister Sharon Ann. “Mine has 

been touched as well. Thank you so very much! 

It is my hope that someday we will be able to 

break the cycle of poverty in our midst.”¡ 


27

Uniting for change, page 1 

Meet and greet 

Sister Carmel Marie (Sallows) 

Sister Carmel Marie (Sallows) 

Since entering the congregation in 1953 from South Bend, 

Indiana, Sister Carmel Marie (Sallows) has spent her life having fun. 

She taught kindergarten through second grade and then retired to 

minister at Saint Joseph High School in South Bend. 

“If you can do kindergarten, you can do teenagers,” she said. “They 

are just a little taller.” 

These days Sister Carmel Marie has many volunteer jobs. On 

Tuesdays she brings Communion to individuals living at the 

Sanctuary at Holy Cross, a Trinity Health senior living community 

in South Bend. On Wednesdays she prepares mailings for the Center 

for Hospice. During the week she makes bereavement phone calls to 

families who have lost loved ones. When classes are in session she 

works in the Saint Joseph High School library. She also volunteers 

in the Copy and Mail Center at Saint Mary’s on an on-call basis and 

serves as a companion to sisters going to doctors’ appointments. 

Recently, Sister Carmel Marie received a 15-year service award 

pin from the Center for Hospice for her work at Camp Evergreen, an 

annual grief camp for youth and teens. Sister Carmel Marie and Sister 

Mary Pius (Schriener) help with registration, grief sessions and art 

projects. They also share meals and chat with the children at camp.¡ 

LifeSigns is published six times a year for the Sisters of the Holy Cross around the 

world. News items, draft articles and suggestions are welcome. Items must be in 

the Communications Office by the beginning of the month preceding publication 

to assure inclusion and may be edited for length and clarity. 

11 

1 deadline for next issue: September 1 

Send signed, dated materials to: 

LifeSigns Editor, Sisters of the Holy Cross, 308 Bertrand Annex—Saint Mary’s, 

Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5018, Phone: (574) 284-5718, 

E-mail: communications@cscsisters.org, Web site: www.cscsisters.org 

President: Sister Joan Marie Steadman, CSC Editors: Louise Koselak and Linda Diltz 

Communications Director: Amy Smessaert Designer: Elissa Schmidt

LifeSigns, July-Aug 2012 - Sisters of the Holy Cross

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