On Saturday, January 30th there was a special Liturgy at 11 am followed by dinner at St. Cecilia’s Church in anticipation of World Day for Consecrated Life which is held worldwide on February 2nd. This is the third year St. Cecilia’s hosted this celebration. Previously only the women and men Religious of the Western Region were invited. This year all the Religious and Associates of the Diocese were asked to attend. The liturgy included a special ritual for the men and women Religious who celebrated their jubilees in 2009.
Bishop Robert J. Cunningham was the main celebrant and homilist. Bishop Cunningham said that life is a pilgrimage and referred to the pilgrims to St James of Compostela. As these pilgrims encounter many obstacles to keep them from their goal, there are many obstacles in our culture that have to be overcome. The pilgrims used a rallying cry “se puede” It is possible, Religious have had an impact, they have taught that it is possible. Religious are symbols of Christ in our midst. Their function is to reflect the Living Christ. Their vocation is to show forth the presence of Christ. The bishop also noted that Religious Life is a sign of God’s goodness.
Sr. Lucy Flaherty, mfic who coordinated the event said that the liturgy and parish life committees along with the Missionary Franciscan Associates helped to make it become a reality. St. Cecilia’s choir sang under the direction of Betty Hommell, parish organist.
Among the Religious who were honored in a light ceremony were Sr. Celine Angelo, osf who has been professed for 80 years and Sr. Eloise Emm, osf who is celebrating her 70th year of profession as a Religious.
On January 6, 1997 Pope John Paul II set aside February second as World Day for Consecrated Life. This day is intended to help the entire Church to esteem ever more greatly the witness of those persons who have chosen to follow Christ by means of the practice of the evangelical counsels and, at the same time, is intended to be a suitable occasion for consecrated persons to renew their commitment and rekindle the fervor which should inspire their offering of themselves to the Lord.
We are happy to present our four recipients of this year's Elizabeth Hayes Grants:
Sr. Rose Bill, of Syracuse, NY, has received a grant for $800 for her Northside Environmental Project. The purpose of this project is to beautify the northside area of Syracuse; to teach refugees and neighbors to plant and take an interest in their surroundings; to provide tomatoes and flowers for them. A week before the actual planting flyers will be given out by some of the refugee children to their parents and neighbors about the project. Plants, soil, tools will be ordered and purchased from the grant monies. On the actual planting day in June, the Youth group from Holy Cross Church and our MFIC Associates will help teach the refugees how to plant and beautify their homes, and surroundings. The students will form community with these people and follow up during the summer, when the plants will have to be watered and weeded. Hopefully the refugees will take pride in their area and continue to plant vegetables and flowers in the future.
Sr. Nora Brick, of Bradenton, FL, has received a grant for $2,500 for the outreach program at Stillpoint House of Prayer. While the primary mission of Stillpoint is spiritual; providing avenues for daily prayer groups, both in English and Spanish, weekend retreats, and spiritual direction, Stillpoint’s secondary mission is material assistance; outreach to the poor and homeless in their community, especially helping migrant workers and their families. This assistance consists of free food and clothing to all, in addition to monetary assistance with utility, rent, medical, etc. They provide information for baby nutrition, referrals to appropriate social services agencies for citizenry and jobs. One of their yearly projects is to provide coupons for shoes for needy children . This year’s grant money, for Stillpoint’s outreach program will go directly to the poor, homeless and migrant families that come to them to help pay medical bills, rent, and utilities.
Sr. Noela Leamy, of Queensland, Australia, has received a grant for $2,500 for her ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) project. ACRATH is an organization founded in Australia in 2005 to address at every level the abuse and sexual exploitation of women and children, with particular attention to the trafficking of women which has become a lucrative multi-national business. The goal of this particular project is to raise awareness of the possibility of trafficking in indigenous communities in Queensland and to research the reality with a view to alerting the State and Federal Governments.
Sr. Maureen Coyle, of Piura, Peru, has received a grant for $600 towards the purchase of two new washing machines for the new laundry room at the Shekina Health Centre. which offers the poor an alternative to costly medicines which they cannot afford. Their aim is to bring back to health and wholeness those who suffer stress or other types of illnesses using methods of Healing Touch, Reflexology, Polaridad, Massages etc. This year they are hoping to continue their work by surrounding the roof with a low wall and building a laundry room so that sheets and towels used at the Shekina can be washed and hung out to dry on the roof top. Part of the roof top will be eventually covered with roofing to give protection from the sun. This area will be used as another meeting/teaching area and also to teach Tai Chi and other exercises. Stairs will be added to give access to the roof patio.
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We Remember . . . . .
Sr. Mary Nativity Walsh
June 15, 1920 - Dec. 30, 2009
On the morning of December 30, 2009, our beloved Sister Mary Nativity gently offered her final earthly ‘FIAT’ to God’s invitation: ‘Come to the place I have prepared for you in the Kingdom’. Present with Nativity for this final ‘YES’ moment were Sisters Angela, Laura, Helena and Catherine. It was a moment filled with serene peace. During that morning and the previous evening, the Staff and Carmelite Sisters visited Nativity to say thank you to her for her gentle spirit and life. She had touched all of them in her last years.
Nativity requested, in writing, that no obituary be written. This was very much in line with the simplicity and humility of her life. So we simply say: Thank you, Nativity, for your faithfulness to Community and Ministry. Thank you for your 62 years as a professed Franciscan Sister.
