Forums address life on earth - Sisters of the Holy Cross

may/june 2006 

volume 18 

issue 3 

<strong>Forums</strong> <strong>address</strong> <strong>life</strong> on earth 

BY ROSE MARTIN (TRAGESSER), CSC 

in this issue... 

VOICES 

2 

President’s Reflection 

BRANCHES 

4 

Remembering Cairo 

6 

Land stewardship at 

Saint Mary’s 

7 

Saint Mary’s grads in 

Ghana 

8 

Angela Area sheds a ton 

9 

Sisters thank friends 

10 

Praising God with 

gospel beat 

LEAVES 

11 

Returning God’s love 

12 

Water awareness 

through art 

13 

Sisters rally for justice 

NEW LEAVES 

14 

U.S. vocation efforts 

REFLECTIONS 

15 

Days in Africa 

17 

Book review: 

“Consecrated 

Religious Life” 

ADVANCING THE MISSION 

18 

Yesterday, today and 

tomorrow 

JUBILEE 

19 

“Jubilate Deo” 

21 

Jubilarians 2006 

Recently, the United Nations held two 

major meetings in Curitiba, Paraná: the 

Cartagena Protocol for Biosafety (March 

13–20) and the Convention on Biological 

Diversity (March 21–30). The Global 

Civil Society Forum held a parallel meeting 

attended by representatives of 150 

nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). 

Leonardo Boff, an eco-theologian who 

served on the Earth Charter drafting 

committee, and Sister Rose Martin 

(Tragesser) pose between sessions of the 

Global Civil Society Forum held March 

13–30 in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. 

Approximately 188 countries were 

represented at these two events. Sister 

Rose Martin (Tragesser) participated in 

the meeting of the Global Civil Society 

Forum. 

According to Sister Rose Martin, the 

forum gathering was wonderful. “The 

diversity among the people at the forum 

was hopeful and 

<strong>life</strong>-giving,” she 

reports. “A great 

sense of synergy 

developed, and a 

global awareness 

of the need for 

change was clear 

to forum participants. 

With the 

group’s wealth 

of knowledge, 

we were able to 

effectively challenge 

some of 

the positions 

held by the U.N. 

delegates. 

“We cannot 

wait for global decisions,” she adds, “but 

must begin to take responsibility and 

action locally and nationally.” The conventions 

and protocols on biodiversity, 

biosafety and bioethics, along with the 

Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change, will 

probably not meet again until 2010 or 

continued, page 3

VOICES 

Dear Sisters, 

A few years ago, Maria Harris wrote a popular book titled Proclaim 

Jubilee, in which she writes: “In the end, Jubilee is the liberty of 

gratitude.…” 

In a few days we will be celebrating the silver, golden and diamond 

jubilees of our sisters. We certainly know this as a time of profound 

gratitude for the faithful witness of these women to Gospel values 

through their lives of vowed commitment. We thank you for the 

example of your lives, which remind us daily that God’s love is all 

around us, that we are not alone in our commitment, that we don’t 

have to be perfect, that the way is possible and our hope real. 

Our celebration of Jubilee, however, must go 

beyond gratitude as sentiment, to gratitude as action. 

The best expression of our gratitude is and will be 

our day-to-day faithfulness to living right relationships 

through our core values of compassion, prayer, faith 

and community. An authentic celebration of Jubilee 

calls us to examine how our relationships, our choices, 

our openness to “other,” truly liberate gratitude in ourselves 

and our entire universe. 

Our celebration of Jubilee 

must go beyond gratitude as sentiment, 

to gratitude as action. 

LifeSigns MAY / JUNE 2006 

The stories in this edition of LifeSigns are, I think, 

tangible examples of gratitude in action. And, as 

we can see, this is gift for community wherever you 

experience it. 

As each of us in the congregation celebrates jubilee this year, I 

invite us to reflect on this question: Is there anything in me that 

needs to change so that my/our celebration will be a true liberation 

of gratitude? ¡ 

Love, 

2

DIRECTIONS 

Protecting <strong>life</strong> on earth, 

continued from cover 

2012, due to lack of funds and several other 

factors. One of these factors is the influence that 

transnational corporations have over national and 

international policymaking in these arenas. “Their 

power and influence is frightening,” Sister Rose 

Martin says. 

One very positive 

step was agreement on 

biopiracy issues (using 

indigenous resources 

without permission or 

without sharing the benefits 

with the local communities). 

“The stealing 

and labeling of seeds, along with the promotion of 

genetically modified organisms by corporations like 

Monsanto, is a main concern of indigenous peoples 

from all parts of the world,” she relates. 

“We cannot wait for global decisions 

but must begin to take responsibility and 

action locally and nationally.” 

Each day additional seminars were held on subjects 

ranging from high technology to concerns for 

some of the most fragile forms of human <strong>life</strong>. A 

poignant discussion on infanticide was conducted 

by indigenous individuals from Kenya, Brazil and 

Indonesia. They reported 

that in many countries, 

children with birth 

defects are considered 

evil omens and are sacrificed. 

Forum participants 

agreed that this 

practice must be ended. 

“In spite of many 

obstacles and frustrations,” Sister Rose Martin concludes, 

“tremendous bonds were created at the 

forum. We were able to share our common human 

values and future dreams for a sustainable world.” ¡ 

BRANCHES: Holy Cross Around the World 

Sisters value employees’ dedication 

“We hereby express our sincere appreciation to Marcelli A. 

Piechocki,” read Sister Agnes Anne (Roberts), “in grateful 

recognition of 50 years of dedicated service to the 

Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross.” 

Twenty-nine employees of Holy Cross 

Services Corporation were recognized 

April 29 for their combined 

375 years of service. In 

addition to Marcelli’s tribute, 

service awards were presented to 

six 5-year, ten 10-year, six 15-year, 

three 20-year and three 25-year 

recipients. L to r: Maria 

Feck, Marcelli’s former 

supervisor; Sister Agnes 

Anne, who hired Marcelli 

in 1955; Marcelli Piechocki; 

and Carolyn Monroe, 

dietary director of nutrition 

services and Marcelli’s current 

supervisor ¡ 

MAY / JUNE 2006 

LifeSigns 

3


Remembering Cairo 

To honor the past to build a future 

BY BARBARA WADE, DIRECTOR, CONGREGATION COMMUNICATIONS 


4 

Sister Gabriella (Doran) is 

definitely a woman with a 

mission. She is out to raise 

awareness of the congregation’s 

first and perhaps most historic 

hospital, Saint Mary’s Hospital 

in Cairo, Illinois, founded in 

response to medical needs 

created by the U.S. Civil War. 

The building that formerly 

housed Saint Mary’s Hospital 

now sits in ruins, a blight upon 

the already financially challenged 

city of Cairo. A tall 

chain fence around the building 

discourages vagrants from 

seeking dubious refuge in the 

structure, which is filled with 

asbestos and littered with the 

medical waste and debris left 

by its most recent owner. 

The original Saint Mary’s 

was built in 1867 at the request 

of the governor of Illinois to 

tend the hundreds of soldiers 

and others who, stricken with 

typhoid fever, were being put 

off boats sailing the Mississippi 

and left to die. Mother 

Angela paid a visit to 

Cairo, saw the dire need 

for care, and directed the 

building of a Holy Cross 

hospital that would operate 

for the next 106 years. 

In 1973 Cairo had 

already suffered 10 years of 

racial tension, violence and 

“white flight.” After years of 

financial loss in operating 

Sister Gabriella (Doran) 

stays current with the 

developments in Cairo’s 

struggle to find a solution 

for the building that 

formerly housed Saint 

Mary’s Hospital. 

the hospital, the congregation 

was forced to withdraw from 

Saint Mary’s. An emergency 

intervention by state health 

agencies and the Southern 

Illinois University Carbondale 

School of Medicine induced a 

private development company 

to purchase and reopen the hospital 

under a new name. Just 

over a decade later, a second 

private owner closed its doors, 

this time permanently. In the 

summer of 2004, after reports 

of vagrants living in the abandoned 

building, the city sealed 

the premises. There the building 

sits, waiting for the estimated 

million dollars it will take 

to fund the asbestos removal 

and demolition. 

In 2001 Sister Gabriella 

went to Cairo again. She took 

with her Sister Albertine 

(Kramer), Sister Louis (Stifter), 

now deceased, and Marty 

Breeden, then vice president 

of mission, Saint Joseph 

Regional Medical Center, 

South Bend, Indiana, to see 

Saint Mary’s Hospital at the height of 

its service to the Cairo community 

in 1953. CEO Sister Celeste (Harber) 

accepts a new car donated by a local 

car dealer for the sisters’ use.


the old hospital and review 

the situation. They too were 

appalled at what had become 

of the congregation’s first hospital—now 

a grim eyesore in the 

middle of the city. The next 

day they met separately with 

the mayor, with Father James 

Fortenberry, pastor of St. 

Patrick’s Church, and several 

women who had once worked 

at the hospital to get opinions 

on what could be done. 

Since then Sister Gabriella 

has kept steady track of developments 

in Cairo’s struggle to deal 

with an eyesore that, sadly, has 

become a block to progress. 

She subscribes to the weekly 

Cairo Citizen, corresponds with 

several of the town’s leading citizens, 

and keeps in touch with 

the Concerned Citizens for the 

Recovery of Cairo, a citizens’ 

group led by the widow of the 

first black physician to work 

at Saint Mary’s Hospital. (Dr. 

Homer Chambliss was hired by 

the sisters shortly after integration 

in 1953, remembers Sister 

Gabriella, over the protests of 

white doctors there at the time.) 

In April 2004, she heard a 

note of hope. The Illinois state 

senator and then-U.S. Senate 

candidate Barack Obama visited 

Cairo to <strong>address</strong> the city’s 

blighted situation and help the 

community arrive at a solution 

for its abandoned hospital. 

Sister Gabriella hopes that U.S. 

Senator Obama’s interest and 

influence will mobilize the 

resources needed for the million-dollar 

project of asbestos 

removal and demolition. 

Today, she shares with 

Cairo’s present leaders the 

dream of seeing an assistedliving 

facility built on the 

cleared site. She also longs 

for a memorial marker commemorating 

the site of the 

congregation’s Civil War 

history and its years of care 

in this southern Illinois 

community. 

“Of all my missions,” 

Sister Gabriella says, “I 

loved Cairo the most.” She 

continues to prove her love 

with her vigilance and constancy 

in keeping in touch 

with Cairo’s efforts at 

renewal. Her friend Sister 

Laurencita (Maloney) calls 

her “the angel of Cairo.” ¡ 

Site of the former Saint Mary’s Hospital as it 

looks today. The chain-link fence warns away 

trespassers due to the possibility of asbestos 

contamination from the building which was 

abandoned by previous owners. Photo courtesy 

of The Cairo Citizen. 

A challenge in right relationships 

Since this writing, an article on Cairo and additional troubles 

the town has experienced appeared in the April 3 edition of the 

Chicago Tribune. 

The article deplored the state of political and personal antagonism 

that now exists between Cairo’s mayor and most members of 

the city council and blocks practically all constructive action on the 

part of the city’s government, including meeting payroll and health 

care premiums for city workers. Sister Gabriella continues to keep 

communication channels open with the editor of The Cairo Citizen 

and other Cairo citizens who hope to see soon a break for the town 

in the direction of “right relationships.” 

“My biggest hope at this point,” says Sister Gabriella, “is that with 

this article and others that have come out, that state-wide attention 

to Cairo’s woes will be what’s needed to break this deadlock.” 

Meanwhile, Cairo Citizen editor Barbara Wilson seems confident 

that the asbestos removal makes the hospital demolition project a 

priority for state and environmental officials to <strong>address</strong>. ¡ 


LifeSigns 

5


Improving the vigor of Saint Mary’s forest 

BY MARGARET MARY LAVONIS, CSC 


6 

Tom Stimson, Holy Cross Services Corporation 

(HCSC) grounds manager, spoke to the sisters at 

Saint Mary’s on April 4 about the Timber Stand 

Improvement Plan currently taking place in the 

nature area north of the campus. 

In 1960, a 36-acre portion of the area was designated 

a “classified forest” by the Indiana Department 

of Natural Resources. In March 2004, the Division 

of Forestry inspected the area and reported, “The forest 

at Saint Mary’s is mainly an old-growth oak 

stand that is dying off and changing to exotic (nonnative) 

invasive species in combination with a sugar 

The oak species were not regenerating 

because of a lack of direct sunlight, and 

many were dying or showing signs of decay. 

maple and beech climax forest.” The inspectors 

observed that the oak species were not regenerating 

because of a lack of direct sunlight, and many were 

dying or showing signs of decay. 

Steven Winicker, the Indiana State 

District forester assigned to Saint 

Mary’s, made the recommendation 

that all over-mature, 

deformed, diseased and damaged 

trees in this area of 

the campus be removed. 

He also recommended the 

removal of grapevines and 

all non-native, invasive 

species of trees. 

To implement the plan, 

HCSC hired a forest management 

consultant from 

Purdue University to mark 

the trees chosen for harvest. 

Tom reported that 

295 large, over-mature or damaged trees have been 

removed, along with about 70 culls (undesirable 

trees that contain little sound wood because of 

defect, rot or species). Some of the trees were sold 

for lumber. Tom was quick to point out that the 

purpose of this harvest is the long-range health of 

the forest, and that the sale of the lumber is a fringe 

benefit. Moreover, most of the income will go 

toward the expense of the operation. 

J.F. New, a company that specializes in timber 

stand improvement and control of invasive species, 

has been hired to begin removing grapevines and 

exotic species. The company will begin removal 

this summer and continue through the end of the 

year. Tom emphasized the importance of keeping 

the invasive species controlled for the next three 

to five years in order to give native hardwoods 

the opportunity to reestablish themselves in the 

harvest areas. 

This endeavor is very much in line with the 

congregation’s focus on eco-spirituality and respecting 

the earth. ¡ 

Grounds manager Tom Stimson examines 

some of the damaged trees 

at Saint Mary’s.


Saint Mary’s 

graduates 

experience 

<strong>life</strong> in Ghana 

BY MARGARET MARY LAVONIS, CSC 

When Claire Higgins was an elementary student at Holy Family 

School in South Bend, Indiana, an African priest who helped in the 

parish spoke to her class about his <strong>life</strong> in Uganda. Ever since Father 

Joseph’s speech, Claire has had a dream of going to Africa, and finally 

her dream has come true. 

As a student at Saint Mary’s College, Claire learned that the Sisters 

of the Holy Cross had ministries both in Uganda and Ghana. And, as 

graduation neared, her desire to go to Africa deepened. Claire told her 

idea to Sister Ambrose (McCracken), who was her sister in the Friends 

with Sisters program, and she suggested that Claire speak to Sister 

Madeline Therese (Wilhoit). She did just that, and the planning began. 

When her dream looked as if it 

would become a reality, Claire invited 

her friend Leah Gillock, also a 2005 They spoke of how 

Saint Mary’s graduate, to consider 

going with her. Leah jumped at 

the family spirit of the 

the chance. 

men and women of 

Holy Cross touched 

them in a special way. 

Leah Gillock 

and Claire 

Higgins (with 

microphone) 

share their experience 

in Ghana 

with the sisters 

at Saint Mary’s. 

After receiving a special 

blessing from the Sisters at 

Saint Mary’s in September, 

Claire and Leah departed for 

West Africa to share in the 

<strong>life</strong> and ministries of the 

Holy Cross sisters in Ghana. 

They spent nearly three 

months in Kasoa teaching at 

Saint Martha’s, a governmentrun 

school, and helping with 

the after-school program at 

Holy Cross Family Centre. 

The young women not only 

offered their services to these ministries, but also collected thousands 

and thousands of school supplies for the students in need. 

“Sister Madeline is probably still sending our supplies over there,” 

says Leah. 

On Monday, April 10, Claire and Leah returned to Saint Mary’s to 

share their experience with the sisters. They spoke of how the family 

spirit of the men and women of Holy Cross touched them in a special 

way. Both agreed that their time in Ghana changed their lives. ¡ 


LifeSigns 

7


Angela Area sheds a ton with spring-cleaning 

BY ROSE EDWARD (GOODROW), CSC 


8 

When the sisters in Angela Area met on 

Wednesday, February 22, we received a paper that 

contained this quote by Hans Hofmann: “The ability 

to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary 

so that the necessary may speak.” 

If one of the primary reasons for the season of 

Lent is to evaluate our lives and eliminate those 

pieces that prevent us from being one with the 

Lord, then it seems it is also possible that the 

material objects that surround 

our lives might be distracting us 

from being present to the Lord. 

Therefore, we were asked to pray 

and reflect on the possibility of 

using the Lenten season as a 

time for each of us 

to do “spring-cleaning.” 

We were asked 

to use the time to 

discard the pieces of 

our lives that we no 

longer need and let 

them go so that we 

could be more open 

and less distracted in 

hearing the Lord. 

During the 

weeks of March 

13–31, we in Angela 

Area, with the help 

of our staff, challenged 

one another 

to dig in and let go 

of the extras in our rooms, cubicles and closets. 

Barrels and boxes marked “trash,” “recycle” and 

“clothing/household items” along with scales were 

placed on the floors, and we were asked to weigh 

our articles so that we could have a little contest 

along the way. We were divided into three groups: 

Saint Mary’s Convent, Rosary Convent, and a combination 

of the other convents in Angela Area. 

The group that collected the most “discard” would 

receive a Dairy Queen treat. 

As Lent began, the project took on a tremendous 

momentum and the designated barrels and 

boxes were emptied frequently. Conversation 

in the dining rooms many times 

centered on the 

ABOVE: The number of household 

items and the amount of 

clothing continue to swell in the 

sorting room in the convent’s 

basement during Angela Area’s 

Lenten spring-cleaning project. 

LEFT: Sister Thomas Anne 

(Haugh) shows how easy it is to 

weigh and record her “treasure.” 

excitement of the program. 

Many of the sisters in Augusta 

Hall, who are members of the 

Area of North America, also 

did their share to assist in the 

project. The pounds continued to add up. In fact, 

as the weeks progressed, it seemed more and more 

possible that an actual ton of “letting go” could 

take place. Could we do it? The answer: YES! 

In fact, we were able to let go of a total of 2,518 

pounds. Needless to say, all of us rejoiced with 

Dairy Queen treats on Monday, April 24. A great 

reward for a marvelous project. ¡


Sisters thank Portland friends 

BY MADELINE THERESE (WILHOIT), CSC 

Sisters Ane Monica (Nguyen) and Lilma Calsín 

Collazos flew to Portland, Oregon, on February 14— 

Sister Ane from Texas and Sister Lilma from 

Indiana—to meet the students of the University 

of Portland and to express their gratitude for the 

fund-raising campaigns the students had sponsored 

during the academic year for Holy Cross projects 

in Ghana and Peru. 

Father Bill Dorwart, CSC, graciously met the sisters 

upon their arrival and took them to the university 

for lunch and conversation with the some the 

students at Christie Hall, where the sisters stayed. 

On Tuesday evening, Christie Hall hosted an 

event to introduce the sisters to the students. 

With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, Sister 

Lilma explained her ministry with the San Pedro 

de Lurigancho Prison in Lima, Peru. It is the largest 

prison in South America. The students were most 

interested in hearing about the urgent health, educational 

and pastoral needs of the prisoners. Sister 

Lilma, herself a nurse, elaborated on the prisoners’ 

unmet health needs. With financial assistance, she 

is able to <strong>address</strong> some of the health issues, as well 

as other material necessities that the prisoners, who 

are mainly very poor, require when they are arrested 

and put in jail. 

“After I listened to her [Sister Lilma’s] presentation,” 

said Sister Ane Monica, “I was so proud of our 

congregation. We are very highly educated, and our 

commitment to the poor and the marginalized is 

being carried out. I was touched by her presentation 

and proud of all of us—that nothing can stop 

us from giving loving care and service around the 

world. Although we are both limited in English, 

we have a strong desire to love and serve the people 

of God in a variety of ministries. We were able to 

share this desire with the students.” 

The students of Corrado Hall were especially 

interested in the ministry of the sisters in Ghana. 

Sister Ane Monica was asked to enlighten them 

about the Holy Cross Family Centre in Kasoa. 

Sister, of course, introduced herself as a Vietnamese 

Sister of the Holy Cross and shared a little of her 

own background, as well as her ministry in Texas 

with the Vietnamese community. She went on to 

explain that the Holy Cross Family Centre focuses 

on the urgent needs of the poor women in Kasoa 

and their families. Sisters Margaret Mary Nimo and 

I was touched by her presentation and 

proud of all of us—that nothing can stop 

us from giving loving care and service 

around the world. 

Esther Adjoa Entsiwah, through their work at the 

center, <strong>address</strong> issues of domestic violence and basic 

education for the children and youth who do not 

attend school due to lack of school fees. Counseling 

for married couples, abused women and children is 

also a priority. 

“I was also able to show the students and staff 

our congregation’s DVD, Images of Holy Cross,” related 

Sister Ann Monica. “They saw how we touch many 

people as a witness for the world. I also shared 

about my experience as being one of the ‘boat people,’ 

that I escaped Vietnam about 27 years ago, and 

for the past 24 years I have been a Sister of the Holy 

Cross. There was time to talk a little about my present 

ministry in Austin, Texas. I had a wonderful 

time with the students, as well as with the staff and 

many priests and brothers.” 

A tour of Portland was offered to the sisters on 

Wednesday, and in the evening they were guests of 

the priests’ community for dinner and an evening of 

sharing. Both expressed their gratitude to Michael 

Walsh of Residence Life, who organized the visit 

with the students, and to Father Bradley J. Metz, 

CSC, Campus Ministry, who contributed to their 

continued, page 10 


LifeSigns 

9



10 

Sisters thank Portland friends, 

continued from page 9 

gracious reception by the Holy 

Cross community in Portland. 

“The university received 

Ane Monica and me with great 

kindness,” said Sister Lilma. 

“Ane Monica and I were able 

to express through video and 

PowerPoint the service our 

congregation offers in actual 

locations in different parts of 

the world to people living in 

extreme poverty and suffering. 

I am very grateful to God and 

the congregation for this wonderful 

experience.” 

On Thursday morning, Sister 

Ane Monica flew back to Texas 

and Sister Lilma continued on 

to Fresno, California, for a brief 

visit with the sisters there before 

continuing on to Los Angeles, 

the Holy Cross Novitiate, and to 

Saint Catherine’s in Ventura for 

short visits with those communities. 

She returned to Saint 

Mary’s on February 21. 

“Before leaving Portland, 

Sister Lilma and I had a little 

time for the two of us to enjoy 

each other and support each 

other on our own journey,” 

reflected Sister Ane Monica. 

“I felt that this experience was 

truly ‘my missionary venture.’” ¡ 

EDITOR’S NOTE: LAST YEAR SISTERS 

ESTHER ADJOA ENTSIWAH AND ANITA 

TERESA COSTA TRAVELED TO PORTLAND 

TO EXPRESS THE CONGREGATION’S 

GRATITUDE FOR THE STUDENTS’ 

ENTHUSIASM AND GENEROSITY. 

Earnest Dixon (center), a member 

of the Harmony King Gospel Singers, 

performs for sisters and guests March 18 at 

the Lillie O’Grady Center. 

Praising God with a gospel 

beat 

BY MARGARET ANN NOWACKI, CSC 

The Lillie O’Grady Center overflowed with sisters and guests March 

18 for a concert by the Harmony King Gospel Singers. The music held 

the audience in rapt attention as this group of men put their hearts 

into giving voice to their faith. 

The witness they gave was an 

inspiration to all who heard them. 

The group is made up of nine 

men from different local churches 

who sing together for the pure joy 

of singing. Earnest Dixon, a member 

of the group, has worked for 

the sisters as part of the facilities 

services staff for almost 15 years. 

Because of his wonderful baritone 

voice, Earnest has been asked to 

sing at various prayer services, 

some sisters’ funerals and other 

Earnest places chairs for Sunday 

liturgy in the Church of Our Lady occasions celebrated at Saint 

of Loretto. 

Mary’s. ¡

LEAVES: Sisters in Ministry 

Holy Cross sister says her work is “returning 

God’s love” 

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE CATHOLIC STANDARD, FEBRUARY 23, 2006; WRITTEN BY MOIRA E. MCLAUGHLIN; 

PHOTO BY MICHAEL HOYT 

When Holy Cross Sister 

Paula Goettelmann was a young 

girl, a priest speaking from the 

pulpit said, “The only way 

you’re going to get to Heaven 

is to do the works of mercy.” 

More than 40 years later, 

Sister is a living example of 

the corporal work of mercy, 

“Visiting the Sick.” She is a 

hospice nurse for the Hospice 

of the Chesapeake, which serves 

373 patients in Prince George’s 

County (Maryland). 

Sister Paula spends her days 

going house-to-house in the 

county, to “help people live 

with their dying,” she said. 

It can be an intense job, Sister 

admitted, and she said she 

sometimes has to “yell up to 

Heaven” for help. But her 

work, she said, “constantly 

reminds me that we’re all on 

a spiritual journey.” 

Sister Paula Goettelmann, a 

hospice nurse with Hospice of the 

Chesapeake, visits the sick and elderly in their 

homes in Prince George’s County in Maryland. 

She said the work gives her a chance 

to experience and share 

God’s love. 

Through her service, Sister 

Paula said she is able to give 

back the love that God has 

given her. “That’s all (<strong>life</strong>’s) 

about,” she said. “It’s only 

about returning love.” 

She loves the people she 

serves and she loves their 

stories. There is almost an 

immediate intimacy, she said, 

between her and her patients. 

As they talk about their lives 

and teach Sister Paula how to 

better live hers, the sick are a 

constant reminder of God. 

For this, she is grateful. 

Her work also brings her 

closer to Heaven, she said. 

Sister Paula describes it as 

“thrilling, magical and mystical, 

because you really feel like 

you’re touching Heaven. When 

people make that transition 

over, you know you’re involved 

with something really special…I 

get to touch eternity,” she said. 

But while she remains here 

on earth and continues to visit 

the sick, her work and the people 

she serves, “put me on the 

road to love…(Life) boils down 

to how we love and how we 

bring people to our own hearts 

and how we give it to other 

people,” she said. “It’s the best 

job there is. What else keeps 

you focused like this?” ¡ 


LifeSigns 

11


A mural by a Brazilian farmer and artist decorates a medical clinic, affirming that water is a gift from God. 

Water awareness 

through art 

In Brazil, Sister Rose Martin (Tragesser) has 

engaged a local artist to promote awareness of water 

issues and the congregation’s Corporate Stand on 

Water as a Human Right and Public Trust (2004). 

Sebastiao Godoy, a farmer with great artistic 

talent, has spent the past two years painting more 

than 100 murals on public buildings, private 

homes, school walls, churches, factories and medical 

clinics in Telêmaco Borba. His paintings not 

only illustrate and inform local people on water 

issues, but also have become a tourist attraction. ¡ 


12 

A factory wall in Telêmaco Borba announces March 22 as the 

World Day of Water.


Sisters rally for justice 

Opponents of new restrictions on immigration gathered by the 

tens of thousands Monday, April 10, in cities and towns across the 

United States in a wave of protests designed to show their solidarity. 

The National Day of Action included events in more than 140 cities 

in at least 39 states, according to organizers. Crowds in South Bend, 

Indiana, were estimated at nearly 5,000 people and included Sisters 

of the Holy Cross. ¡ 

Crowds in South Bend, 

Indiana, were estimated 

at nearly 5,000 people. 

Sisters Marilyn Zugish, Ann Oestreich, IHM, and Mary Turgi 

display the Sisters of the Holy Cross Justice and Peace banner 

as they prepare to walk in the pro-immigration rally. 

Sisters Mary Tiernan and Miriam Angela (Volkmer) quietly 

march in solidarity while carrying the Holy Cross 

International Justice Office banner. 


LifeSigns 

13


Meet Sister Theresia 

Sister Theresia W. Mbugua (center), 

coordinator of the Holy Cross 

Family Ministries Office, Fort 

Portal, Uganda, poses with her 

staff Patrick Karatunga Araali 

and Richard Rwabwogo Atwooki. 

Sister Theresia coordinates the 

Radio Evangelization Program and 

prepares workshops and seminars 

that are given in parishes, schools 

and hospitals. ¡ 

NEW LEAVES: Formation 

U.S. team focuses on vocation efforts 


14 

Sisters Mary Margaret Weber and 

Mary Ellen Johnson, co-coordinators 

of vocation ministry for the United 

States, met with Sisters Brenda 

Cousins and Mary Tiernan at Sienna 

House in Ventura, California, March 

10–11, for orientation to their role 

in the vocation initiative that focuses 

on attracting women to vowed 

commitment in Holy Cross. The 

two days of discussion enabled 

the co-coordinators to clarify their 

responsibilities as they relate to 

vowed religious vocations and to 

deal with a variety of practical 

issues. ¡ 

L to r: Sisters Brenda Cousins, Mary Margaret Weber, Mary Tiernan and Mary 

Ellen Johnson discuss the new U.S. vocation initiative.

REFLECTIONS 

Memorable days in Africa 

BY ARLENE (KNIOLA), CSC 

Children gather for an 

outdoor Mass in Kasoa. 

In order to travel thousands 

of miles away from home, it’s 

essential that you have a spirit 

of adventure and a willingness 

to go through the medical 

preparation. (Ugh! Shots!) 

After that, you try to empty 

yourself of all preconceived 

ideas about your destination 

and put your trust in God, 

believing that all will be well. 

Our journey to the Area of 

Africa was a journey of a <strong>life</strong>time, 

and I am grateful to God 

and to Sister Joy O’Grady and 

the Leadership Team for giving 

me this opportunity. It was an 

exciting adventure, an inspirational 

experience, and an education 

beyond the armchair. 

It also was a real help in understanding 

our congregation’s 

cultural diversity. 

Sister Arlene (Kniola) and a small 

friend at Holy Cross Convent in 

Kasoa, Ghana 

Our two weeks of travel took 

us to all of our six convents— 

two in Ghana, West Africa: 

Kasoa and Takoradi; and four in 

Uganda, East Africa: Kyarusozi, 

Fort Portal, and both Olivette 

Convent and the Novitiate in 

Jinja. Sisters Joy and Geraldine 

Hoyler were busy visiting each 

sister and helping with the 

common fund, computers and 

accounts. Their ministry to our 

sisters is truly a gift. 

What was my greatest 

surprise? 

I was overwhelmed by 

the warmth of the people; 

there were smiles everywhere. 

The beauty of the countryside 

with its flowering trees was a 

stark contrast to the poverty. 

The number of people selling 

by the roadside and the numerous 

villages that we drove 

through were amazing. I had 

imagined that Africa would be 

more barren. 

Who pulled at my heartstrings? 

The children…I shall never 

forget the children. Many of 

them carrying heavy loads on 

their heads, trying to sell their 

goods and earn some money. 

Babies strapped to their mother’s 

backs. Street children looking 

for food. School children 

in their colorful uniforms. 

There were abandoned babies 

at the Mother Teresa compound, 

and many with malaria 

at our clinic. These scenes are 

forever etched in my memory. 

What were my greatest joys? 

The music, the drumming 

and the faith-filled voices at our 

liturgies were soothing and 

prayerful. Also, it was a delight 


LifeSigns 


15

REFLECTIONS 

Memorable days in Africa, 


to meet the 18 women in formation 

and to hear their stories 

and witness their ministries. 

A plus along the way was a 

quick walk along the shore of 

the Atlantic Ocean. (Watch 

that wave!) I loved seeing Lake 

Victoria, the Nile River, the 

Rwenzori Mountains and so 

much more. 

The women at the center 

in Uganda entertained us with 

singing and dancing. And yes, 

we got up to dance with them. 

It was great fun. The classes 

there were interesting. Some 

women were sewing uniforms 

for the school children, others 

weaving baskets or taking classes 

in reading and writing 

English and Rutooro. 

Of course, two of my band 

mates minister in Africa— 

Sisters Mary Alice Bowler and 

Mary Ann Uebbing—and it was 

wonderful to visit with them 

and see where they minister. 

I also had some time with 

my dear friend, Sister Eileen 

Dewsnup, and my former 

housemate, Sister Esther Adjoa 

Entsiwah. 

The sightseers pause at 

the source of the Nile 

River in Jinga, Uganda. 

L to r: Sisters Madeleine 

Marie (Clayton), Eileen 

Dewsnup, Mary Alice 

Bowler, Joy O’Grady and 

Mary Louise Wahler 

What was difficult for me? 

Well, the overnight flights 

were never easy, and we had 

three of those coming and 

going. Also, the power at the 

convents would go out with no 

warning, meaning we had no 

electricity. It was great to have 

the overhead fans, if they were 

running, and, of course, to be 

able to see when trying to pack. 

It was a challenge to ride in the 

truck on rough roads full of 

huge ruts. We certainly did 

bounce around. 

By March 7 we had gone 

full circle and it was time to 

begin our long journey home, 

our hearts full of memories— 

both sad and happy. My 

prayers will always include the 

people of Africa, especially the 

children, and their needs. ¡ 

EDITOR’S NOTE: SISTER ARLENE 

JOURNEYED TO AFRICA FROM FEBRUARY 

22 TO MARCH 8 AS PART OF THE “TRAVEL 

WITH LEADERSHIP” PROGRAM. 

Sister Arlene 

enjoys a dance 

with 6-year-old 

Rita at the 

center in 

Kyarusozi, 

Uganda. 


Roadside markets are a part of the African landscape. 

16

REFLECTIONS 

BOOK REVIEW 

Consecrated 

Religious 

Life—The 

Changing 

Paradigms 

by Diarmuid 

O’Murchu 

REVIEWED BY MARY MARGARET 

WEBER, CSC 

Ten or 15 years ago, I didn’t know what a paradigm was. (Call me 

sheltered!) I may have heard the word, but it had no impact on my 

theology or spirituality and was not integrated into my view of reality. 

That is no longer true. Now “paradigm” is one word I use to try to 

describe the seismic shifts that are taking place in our world. So, when 

I heard about Diarmuid O’Murchu’s recent book Consecrated Religious 

Life, subtitled “The Changing Paradigms,” it went to the top of my 

“must read” list. 

O’Murchu places his understanding of consecrated religious <strong>life</strong> 

solidly in the context of Vatican II, namely, that it is a lay state and, to 

be more precise, it is the prophetic dimension of the lay state. He says 

that we, as consecrated religious, are called “to inhabit the liminal 

spaces, where people doubt, question, and rediscover meaning.” 

He spells out many implications of shifting our understanding of 

our call from seeing ourselves as allies of the institutional Church to 

seeing ourselves as prophetic, liminal witnesses to Gospel values. He 

reminds the reader that religious <strong>life</strong> originally evolved out of a desire 

to escape the growing institutionalization of the Church in the third 

and fourth centuries. And, he challenges us to make a paradigm shift 

back to that countercultural witness. 

The book is divided into three parts: Paradigms in Decline, 

Paradigms in Transition, and Paradigms Coming to Birth. Some of this 

is hard, painful reading but necessary if we are to deal with the realities 

of our time—which brings me to why this concept of paradigm 

shift is so important and so personal to me right now. 

The Leadership Team of the Area of North America articulated a 

new paradigm for understanding vocation ministry in the United 

States and asked Mary Ellen Johnson and me to help it unfold. The 

shift is from using “vocation” to refer to a call to consecrated religious 

<strong>life</strong> to using the word more broadly, understanding that all the baptized 

(and some would say, all humans) have “a vocation.” This paradigm 

shift reveals the interconnectedness of all whose vocation is to 

build the “kindom” of God. This, I believe, is a seismic shift of attitude 

and worldview. True, it’s right out of Vatican II, but not yet integrated 

into our consciousness or vocabulary. 

We have begun to engage the Area of North America in this broader 

understanding of vocation ministry by looking at our “Companions of 

Holy Cross” and how those relationships could be mutually enriching 

for us and for the work of building God’s kindom. 

Luke’s gospel tells the story of Jesus appointing 72 others and sending 

them out ahead of him. He says to them, “The harvest is rich, but 

the workers are few; therefore, ask the overseer to send out workers to 

the harvest” (Luke 10:1-2). Traditionally, we have used that passage to 

lead us into a “Prayer for Vocations” to consecrated religious <strong>life</strong>. When 

this becomes a prayer that all who are called to build God’s kindom 

respond, then we will know that the paradigm has shifted. ¡ 


LifeSigns 

17

ADVANCING THE MISSION 

L to r (circa 1989): Sister Joyce (Troyer) assists a student at 

the Basic Adult Education Center in Elkhart, Indiana. Her 

ministry was among the first projects to receive Ministry 

With the Poor funds. 


18 

Yesterday, today and 

tomorrow 

BY JEANETTE FETTIG, CSC 

We’ve come a long way and grown a lot since 

the congregation initiated its formal fund-raising 

program. 

Early beginnings of Ministry With the Poor 

In January 1984, the Stewardship Committee 

recommended that a Sister of the Holy Cross be 

released to be a full-time fund-raiser for the congregation. 

That September the Ministry With the Poor 

Development Office was opened to begin a fundraising 

program for the continuation of direct services 

to the poor in the United States and abroad. 

That year Ministry With the Poor 

projects were approved in the United 

States, Peru, Bangladesh, Brazil, Israel, 

Uganda and Ghana. They were funded 

from earnings on the Wasatch 

Fund and from the Simplicity of Life 

Fund at the local level. 

Within the subsequent five-year 

period, the CSC Fund was established. 

It initially included the Wasatch Fund 

and direct donations to the Ministry 

With the Poor Fund. In fiscal 1990, 

33 projects received funding totaling 

$228,191. 

CSC Fund today 

The CSC Fund now includes 

two additional restricted funds and 

Sister Anna Marie Towers 

Sister Jeanette Fettig 

supports 67 projects totaling $469,172 for fiscal 

2007. The criteria used when approving projects 

have expanded over the years, but the basic premise 

has not changed: “We understand the poor to be 

the materially poor, the powerless, those living on 

the fringes of society” (Capitular Decrees). 

Planning for the future 

It’s been 22 years since Sister Anna Marie Towers 

organized the Ministry With the Poor Fund, and 

there have been some changes over the years. The 

number of projects has grown, and the number of 

requests is growing beyond what we can afford. 

So, this year we are planning to review the criteria, 

the guidelines and the procedures. Current guidelines 

stipulate: “where Holy Cross sisters are actively 

ministering,” “one project per ministry site will 

be funded,” “one project per sister will be funded,” 

“funding should be partial to the project,” and 

“multiple-year funding cannot be guaranteed.” 

Sisters’ stipends are not funded. 

We also want to consider questions such as: 

Is reporting twice a year necessary? 

Should priority be given to “new 

ministries?” Should there be a limit 

on the number of years a project is 

funded? You may have other new 

and creative ideas you think should 

be considered. 

We need your input 

If you wish to review the process, 

you can go to the Members Area of our 

Web site, choose “Policies/Procedures,” 

scroll down to CSC Fund and click on 

“Process for Requesting CSC Funds.” After 

you have studied this information, we 

would be pleased to hear from you. 

Write us, e-mail us (development@cscsisters.org) 

or give us a call. ¡

JUBILEE 

“Jubilate Deo” 

BY FRANCIS HELENE (FOX), CSC 

Sisters ring bells over 

the sister-celebrants at the 

2005 jubilee celebration. 

EDITOR’S NOTE: JUBILATE DEO, “BE 

JOYFUL IN THE LORD” (PSALM 35:9), IS 

SISTER FRANCIS HELENE’S FITTING 

TITLE FOR HER THOUGHTS ON LAST 

YEAR’S JUBILEE CELEBRATION. AS THIS 

YEAR’S JUBILARIANS PREPARE FOR 

THEIR OWN CELEBRATION OF 

RELIGIOUS LIFE, THEY WILL BE 

ANTICIPATING THE SAME JOYOUS 

SPIRIT THAT MARKS EACH WONDROUS 

EXPERIENCE OF JUBILEE AT SAINT 

MARY’S AND WILL RESONATE WITH 

SISTER FRANCIS HELENE’S OWN 

REFLECTION OF HER GOLDEN JUBILEE. 

Speaking of religious <strong>life</strong>, 

an older sister once told us, 

“I may have been hoppin’ mad 

at times, but I’ve never been 

unhappy.” Fifty-one years ago 

I made my first vows with the 

Sisters of the Holy Cross, and 

this happiness seemed to overflow 

for me at our jubilee 

celebration last year. 

The heavens beamed on 

that bright, sunny, very humid 

100-degree day as friends and 

relatives poured into the 

church to join the jubilarians 

for the celebration, grateful for 

its air-conditioned coolness as 

they tried to find a seat. Hugs, 

joyous greetings and laughter 

filled the normally quiet foyer. 

The circular interior with the 

candle-lit, flower-decked altar as 

the central focus made it a perfect 

way to see and be part of 

all that was taking place. 

Looking around I caught sight 

of my brothers and their families, 

all ages and sizes, scattered 

here and there throughout the 

church, all armed with cameras 

and smiles. All was well. They 

were here safe and sound. 

An unexpected trumpet 

fanfare silenced the assembly 

as the Proclamation of Jubilee 

from the Book of Isaiah was 

read to the hushed crowd. 

The spontaneous stillness filled 

me with a sense of awe. Bell 

ringers, seeming to come from 

nowhere, went to each jubilarian 

to ring their bells over the 

sister-celebrants’ heads, while a 

graceful sister danced in their 

midst. The startled jubilarians 

beamed. Suddenly the organ, 

choir, all the musical instruments 

and congregation burst 



LifeSigns 

19

JUBILEE 

“Jubilate Deo,” 



20 

forth into a glorious hymn of 

praise as sisters carrying shimmering 

white, gold, silver and 

red ribboned banners led the 

procession into the church. 

The Cross and Scriptures, held 

high, preceded the celebrant 

adorned in gold vestments. 

He, too, was celebrating the 

silver anniversary of his ordination. 

“The Lord be with you,” 

Father began, and the very 

special Liturgy continued with 

its perfectly chosen Scriptures, 

Father’s inspiring reflections 

and his beautiful voice. There 

was no doubt in my mind that 

the Lord truly was with us. 

Tears came to my eyes when 

it was time for us to renew the 

vows we had made so many 

years ago. What emotions 

stirred within me as I gazed 

Tears came to my eyes 

when it was time for us to 

renew the vows we had 

made so many years ago. 

at our diamond jubilarians 

across the church from us— 

wheelchairs, walkers and all— 

and felt the closeness of our 

golden group, with the two 

smiling silver jubilarians, 

whom I had known since they 

were brand-new sisters, standing 

beside us. The assembly 

erupted with applause, especially 

prolonged for our 75-year 

diamond jubilarians, all of 

whom were in their late 90s. 

My eyes fell upon these blueeyed, 

white-haired sister-celebrants, 

who could not contain 

their delight, beaming from ear 

to ear, one clapping in rhythm, 

when our sister from Ghana in 

glittering gold dress suddenly 

appeared, crouching low, looking 

into their eyes, and with a 

beautiful smile beat her drum 

tribute in front of each one. 

There would be so much to 

remember: the Offertory procession 

with two sisters carrying 

copies of our original vow 

formulas, which were placed 

on the altar (I remember how 

nervous I was when I made 

them.); two of our Bengali sisters 

in brilliant red and gold 

saris carrying their offering of 

fresh flowers and incense sticks, 

and incense floating through 

the church as Father blessed 

the altar while a Bengali sister 

blessed the assembly; and our 

99-year-old sister accompanied 

by a 60-year diamond celebrant 

being pushed in a wheelchair 

to the altar with the gifts to 

be offered. Nor will I forget: 

our 96-year-old sister who rose, 

walked proudly to the ambo 

with her walker, and read loudly 

and clearly from the Book of 

Wisdom, “Who shall find a 

valiant woman”; the beauty of 

the Eucharistic prayer, normally 

spoken but sung by our priestcelebrant; 

the joy of being a 

Nor will I forget our 

96-year-old sister who 

rose, walked proudly to 

the ambo with her walker, 

and read loudly and clearly 

from the Book of Wisdom, 

“Who shall find a 

valiant woman.” 

Eucharistic minister; or the 

words: “Go in the peace and 

joy of Christ to love and serve 

the Lord.” 

Leaving the church still 

filled with a sense of gratitude 

for all the graces and blessings 

of our celebration still bubbling 

over inside, I saw there 

in the foyer my tall, lanky, 

eighth-grade grandnephew. As 

I passed by, he leaned over to 

tell me, “See, I had my hair cut 

for your jubilee!” I had to stifle 

my laughing. “Oh, thank 

you, Daniel,” I responded, even 

though you could hardly see 

his eyes. For me it was indeed 

a day filled with overflowing 

happiness. ¡

JUBILEE 

¡ 

¡ 

Diamond 

¡ 

First Profession 

1931 

(75 Years) 

Sister Aloysia Marie 

(Mulcaire) 

Congregation 

honors 

36 jubilarians 

Thirty-six Sisters of the 

Sister M. Laurencita 

(Maloney) 

Sister M. Rose Veronica 

(Mattingly) 

Holy Cross will celebrate the 

jubilee anniversaries of their first 

profession in the congregation 

on Sunday, July 23. Sisters 

celebrating 25, 50, 60 and 75 years 

of commitment and service in 

Sister M. Francis Rose 

(Ruppert) 

Sister M. Leo Anthony 

(Maynard) 

the congregation will be honored 

in special celebrations 


at Saint Mary’s. ¡ 

Sister M. Daniel (Frailey) 

Sister Marian Joseph (Cain) 


LifeSigns 

21

JUBILEE 

Congregation honors 36 jubilarians, 


¡ 

¡ 

Diamond 

¡ 


1946 

(60 Years) 

Sister Maria Carmencita 

(Bateman) 

Sister M. Rose Bernard 

(Tarleton) 

Sister Rose Marie Canty 

no photo available 

Sister M. Francis Clare 

(Ugast) 

Sister M. Anita Joseph 

(Reeves) 

Sister Lauretta Kearney 

Sister Ann Keating 

Sister Margaret Flaherty Sister M. Mercia (Scherer) Sister Patricia Jean Garver Sister Ann Therese 

McAndrew 


22 

Sister M. Susanna (Collins) Sister Marilla (Dyer) Sister M. Catherine Francis 

(Ford)

JUBILEE 

¡ 

¡ 

Golden 

¡ 


1956 

(50 Years) 

Sister Elaine Burton 

Sister Miriam Joanne 

(Frankenfield) 

Sister Yvonne Arcand 

Sister Maryanne O’Neill Sister Beatrice Pieper Sister M. Genevra (Rolf) Sister Marian Therese 

(Slattery) 

Sister M. Rose Martin 

(Tragesser) 

Sister M. Judith Anne 

(Prindiville) 

Sister Regina Ciukaj 

Sister Ruth Evelyn Mauch 


Sister M. John Anthony 

(Linton) 

Sister Constance Mary 

Ackerson 

continued, back cover 

LifeSigns 

23

Sisters rally for justice, page 13 

Congregation honors 36 jubilarians, 


¡ 

¡ 

Silver 

¡ 


1981 

(25 Years) 

1 

1 

1 

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: July 1 

Sister Patricia Anne 

Clossey 

Sister Pamela Welch 

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. 

Send signed, dated materials to: 

LifeSigns Editor, Sisters of the Holy Cross, 301 Bertrand Hall—Saint Mary’s, 

Notre Dame, Indiana 46556-5000, Phone: (574) 284-5728, FAX: (574) 284-5577, 

Web site: www.cscsisters.org 

President: Sister Joy O’Grady, CSC Editor: Louise Koselak 

Director, Congregation Communications: Barbara Wade

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