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MINISTRY We learned handiwork to keep us out of trouble! And so, I began learning how to read patterns for mittens, hats, socks, and baby and adult blankets. “[From that point] I made mittens for myself, my sisters, family, and friends. … During the war, when I was in high school, I made socks for the servicemen and women. ... The school collected and gave (the socks) to the proper places.” Recognizing a call to religious life at an early age, Sr. Anthony recalls it was the example of her aunt, a Nazareth Sister, who made a deep impression on her. Living and working in Philadelphia, “She came to visit us every five years and was always so happy and cheerful. … [I knew] I wanted to be a sister since I was in the fourth grade. Finally, when I graduated from high school, I entered the year my aunt was in the community [celebrating] 25 years.” Knitting Her Way Through Nazareth For nearly 70 years, the hands and hearts of the students from Peru to New York have been warmed by the love, generosity, and incredible talents of Sr. Anthony Gracyalny. Born on a farm near Garrattsville, NY, Sr. Anthony is the second eldest of eight. “God bless them; my parents were very smart people,” she reflected. “My dad taught me how to milk a cow when I was in the first grade and I continued milking cows until I entered the convent at 18. But it was my mom who taught me how to knit when I was about 6 or 7 years old. In 1954, Sr. Anthony began her ministry of warming not only the hearts and minds of her students, but also their hands. “When I started teaching, I made mittens for my students each year,” said Sr. Anthony. “Over the years, I made mittens and would give them away as a gift to each class or when I saw someone in need. Additionally, when one of my students was expecting a baby brother or sister, I gave them a blanket [for their new sibling], and for Mother’s Day, I made towels for the student to give to their mothers.” Since entering Nazareth in 1951, Sr. Anthony has shared her incredible needlework gift with many. With an estimated total of more than 5,000 mittens created, Sr. Anthony smiles when she says, 12
“I have students wearing the mittens from kindergarten through eighth grade. Some come back and ask for another pair. I have others who have grown out of them and are saving them for their children. It really makes me proud to know that people appreciate my work and gift.” Still an avid knitter and crocheter, Sr. Anthony continues blessing others with her incredible gift wherever she is. “[All my life] I have been happy doing whatever they [the Sisters] have asked me to do. I took care of postulants and novices in Monroe, CT. In addition to teaching all grades, I lived and served in Peru for 11 years and was a principal in Utica, NY. I have had a great, interesting, and wonderful life. God is so great.” Sr. Anthony Gracyalny demonstrating to students from St. Adalbert’s the skill of knitting. Sr. Anthony with some of her former students from Peru. Creativity, color, and charity at a glance through the knitting of Sr. Anthony. Sr. Anthony celebrating her 30th anniversary of Religious Life. NAZARETH CONNECTIONS //WINTER <strong>2022</strong> 13
Page 1 and 2: SISTERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZAR
Page 3 and 4: VOLUME 16 // NUMBER 3 // WINTER 202
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Page 7 and 8: “The soul which aspires to the li
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Page 11: Pure joy palpalable as Sr. Eunice L
Page 15 and 16: Holy Family Chaplet The Holy Family
Page 17 and 18: Sr. M. Teresita Morales, CSFN (1934
Page 19 and 20: Giving Gifts of Stocks Makes “Cen

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