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From L-R. The
newly elected Provincial and her Council are:
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From L-R: Representing
300 years of consecrated life and service
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1906 - American Province - 2006
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On March 25, 2006, the Feast of Our Lady's Annunciation, the Sisters of St. John the Baptist initiated a year-long celebration to mark 100 years of mission and ministry in America. Bishop John Flesey, representing Archbishop John Meyers, was the main celebrant and homilist for the afternoon Eucharistic Liturgy held at St. Lucy Church, Newark, NJ, the foundation site for the American Province. Approximately 30 priests concelebrated the Mass. Nearly 800 people - Sisters, former Sisters, families, friends, colleagues - filled St Lucy's Church for a joyful celebration of remembrance and thanksgiving. Approaching the Church under an overcast sky, the entrance procession was heralded by trumpets and led by two banners: one created for the Beatification of the Community's Founder, Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco; the other designed for the Centennial Anniversary. Preceding the Sisters in the Entrance Procession were the Executive Board of the Baptistine Lay Associates and representatives from each of the Sisters' apostolic locations. Leading the Sisters into the Church were Sr. Ermelinda Cordasco, CSJB and Postulant Jennifer Raimo. Sr. Ermelinda, who carried the relic of the Founder, is the oldest living vocation from St. Lucy's Parish. Sister is celebrating her 75th anniversary as a Baptistine this year. Jennifer is the newest member of the American Province, having begun her postulancy in September 2005. Sr. Lois Darold, CSJB, Chair of the Centennial Committee, welcomed everyone. The joy of the celebration was deepened by the presence of: M. John Marie White, present Superior General, M. Claudia Porzio and M. Immacolata Vicidomini, former Superior Generals, and Sisters representing countries where American Sisters have served. With the exception of Sr Thecla Chico, a missionary in Brazil for over 65 years, all American Sisters stationed in other countries returned to the American Province to participate in this historic anniversary. The Scriptures were read by M. John Marie and Sr John Agnes, Provincial Superior. Msgr. Granato, pastor of St. Lucy's, proclaimed the Gospel and later spoke with heartfelt appreciation of what the 100 years of the Sisters' presence had meant to himself and to the parishioners. The Intercessory Prayers were led by Sr. Mary Faith Chanda, Sr. Claudette M Jaszczynski and Patricia Nilsen, Lay Association Board President. The Offertory gifts were presented by the former American provincials: Sr. Margaret Mary Chiffriller, Sr. Loretta Marie Florio, and Sr. Mary Cecile Swanton. Joining them was Sr. Francis Marie Frank whose association with St Lucy's School both as a faculty member and principal goes back almost 50 years. In his powerful homily Bishop Flesey called for remembrance of those Sisters through whose wisdom, courage and openness to the Spirit the first Baptistine ministries in the United States were established. In his remarks Bishop Flesey also alluded to the day's Feast of the Annunciation. He challenged the Sisters and all who share their charism to act in the spirit of Bl Alfonso Fusco and of our Blessed Mother to meet the formidable needs of the times, offering faith, hope and compassionate love to God's people. Throughout the Mass the hymns were sung congregationally led by cantor Janet Natale and accompanied by John Miller, organist for Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Congregation was assisted by members of the Cathedral Women's Choir and the St. Lucy's Men's Choir. Sr. John Agnes brought the celebration to a close with words of thankfulness and praise. After Mass all were invited to a Reception in the Archdiocesan Center. Featured on the reception walls was a pictorial timeline depicting the Sisters' various ministries. During their years in America the Baptistines have worked in orphanages, schools, parishes and nursing homes in 34 locations in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Mississippi. Also, American Sisters have served in Italy, Brazil, Chile, Zambia, Canada, India and the Philippines. Throughout this Centennial year each of the Sisters' local apostolates will hold its own Centennial celebration. The Centennial observance will conclude in December during the annual Advent Day of Prayer when the Sisters will recommit themselves to mission and ministry as they begin their next 100 years here in America. |
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For years the handwriting had been on the wall, but no one wanted to believe the message. The aging of the Sisters' membership, the dramatic decline in the past 30 years of young women joining the Community, the financial burden of maintaining old buildings in operational condition (St. Lucy's, owned by the Baptistine community not the parish, is the original school building from 100 years ago) and the need to liquidate resources in order to care for our elderly and ailing Sisters were undeniable realities. A wide range of emotions therefore accompanied the announcement by the Provincial leadership of the American Province to end their 100 years of presence and service in St. Lucy Parish and to close St. Lucy's School. At the dawn of the 20th century the second great wave of immigrants that flooded the streets and dwellings of America were mainly from southern Europe, particularly southern Italy. For the most part lacking knowledge of English and industrial skills, these immigrants found that neither the cities nor the churches were prepared to accommodate them. In 1906 when the Baptistine Sisters arrived in Newark, NJ their first apostolic foundation was at St. Lucy's. Here they began to minister to the growing numbers of Italian immigrants. At the outset the work of the Sisters was the care of young orphan girls and boys and the religious and academic instruction of the neighborhood children in the parish school. Since that time the school has played a prominent role in the life of St. Lucy's Parish and in Newark's North Ward. For many it was a proud family tradition to attend St. Lucy's Elementary School. On Saturday, May 13 a solemn Liturgy of Thanksgiving was celebrated in the Church. Sisters, students, families and parishioners gathered to thank God for the good that had been accomplished by 100 years of Baptistine presence and service. After Mass, as alumni from across the years gathered for the luncheon in the Community Center, there were gasps of recognition, tales of sorrow shared, and joyful memories exchanged. Proud smiles were the hallmark of the day. On Friday evening, May 19 the students and their guests assembled for the Final Assembly of St. Lucy School. In song, dance, and skits each grade presented its unique reminiscence of the past 100 years. These very talented performers had the audience in turn laughing, singing, crying and applauding.
For the Sisters there is a sense of mourning at having to withdraw
from the Foundation House of the American Province. For all who love
St Lucy's there is great
sadness in closing the buildings that have housed, nurtured, and
educated thousands of children since 1906. But there is also a
spirit of thanksgiving for what, with God's help, has been
accomplished during these past 100 years. In the spirit of Bl.
Alfonso M Fusco, Founder of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist,
there is an acceptance that in God's plan the Sisters' mission at St. Lucy's
has
been fulfilled
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On
Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2:00 pm The
celebrant will be Bishop John Flesey Following the Mass, coffee and cake will be served on the Convent porch
When the Sisters acquired the Mosle Estate in 1926 and dedicated it to the care of orphans, there was an unspoken expectation that this would be a permanent home for the Baptistines. But the reality is that the Sisters' ministry at Mt St John has always been an evolving one: to an orphanage was added an elementary school; the elementary school expanded into a high school; a resident school became a school for day students, the building for high school boarders became a site for Marriage Encounter programs, retreats and conferences; the school buildings housing Mount students became a home for Montgomery Academy students. The Sisters currently residing at the Mount now have ministries in nearby parishes, schools and hospitals. In new ways and new places, God's work continues to be accomplished. * * * * *
* If you are not already on our mailing list, please send your
information to: |
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To everything there is a season,
Some frequently asked questions: Q - Who can attend the June 8 Mass? A - We look forward to welcoming anyone who has a connection to the Mount: former students, residents, teachers, retreatants, campers, family members.etc. Please feel free to pass along this invitation and information to others.
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- When will the Sisters leave?
Q
- Where will our academic records be housed?
Q - Will the Sisters' graves remain on the grounds? A - No. The Community has purchased new grave sites at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Hawthorne, NY (Westchester County). This cemetery is near Mt. St. John, our retirement convent in Purchase, NY. The arrangements for the transfer of the bodies have not yet been made but most probably will take place soon after the Sisters' leave. The families of the deceased Sisters for whom we have contact information will be notified and given detailed information about the new resting place of their loved ones.
Q - Will we be able to have a tangible remembrance of the Mount? A - As part of the process of leave-taking, the Sisters will hold a "Cash and Carry" sale sometime in mid-July. Furnishings, housewares, religious items will be available. Details as to days and hours will be posted here. |
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Having spent a professional lifetime as a first-grade teacher, Sr Anne Gallo, CSJB was used to filling in for "mommy" when one of her students felt ill, couldn't get winter boots on, missed her recently deceased pet. In between the alphabet and numbers were countless hugs and words of encouragement. All part of the territory of the 1st grade classroom. With sadness, the day came for Sr Anne to hand over her beloved 1st grade students to the next generation of teachers. Little did she realize how God would continue to use her talents. Word of the Foster Grandparent Program at St. Vincent Hospital, Staten Island, NY came to Sister's attention - and it was a match made in heaven. Sister Anne has shifted from "teacher" mode to "granny" mode. As needed, she is there for God's little ones in the absence of their parents. She bathes them, dresses them, feeds them, cuddles them, plays with them - and most importantly loves them. As their comfort level increases and their anxiety level decreases, these youngest of patients are able to eat better and sleep more. All this enhances their healing process. Sr. Anne is also present to the parents of these pediatric patients, supporting them with her prayers and words of understanding as they cope with the illness of their child. As the quotes below confirm, Sr Anne's new career is a blessing to many.
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Sr Helen's first surprise was the unexpected gift of a trip to her beloved Chile for the summer of 2004. Her next surprise was the opportunity of traveling with Mother John Marie, Superior General of the Congregation who like Sr Helen served many years as a missionary in Chile. But these were only the beginning. Other surprises were to follow. Upon her arrival in Chile Sr Helen was greeted warmly by the Sisters as well as by many of her former students. While Sister was visiting at the house of one of her former teachers, Laura, who had served 3 terms as Mayor of Ovalle, the doorbell rang. A distinguished looking gentleman entered holding a bouquet of roses. Sister asked: "for Laura...?". But he responded: "No, these are for Sr Helen. I am the mayor of Ovalle and I have come to invite you to the Municipal Conference Hall next Tuesday at 11:00 am for a special Awards Ceremony." It was only when she arrived for the ceremony that Sister learned it was she who was being honored by the Mayor and the City Council. Ovalle was the city in which Sr Helen began her many years of loving service to the education of Chilean youth. In his remarks Mayor Gallardo noted that Sister's remarkable contributions live on in the students of the Colegio Amalia Errazuriz. Sr. Helen taught and served as principal of the Colegio for many years and was instrumental in its growth and development. In tribute to her vocation of service, Mayor Gallardo presented Sr. Helen with a plaque and with a pin. The latter replicates the shield of the city of Ovalle and is the highest honor that the city can bestow. It is presented to those who by their exemplary life and deeds have made major contributions to the city of Ovalle. As a final honor the Mayor announced that the Council had voted unanimously to name one of the streets in Villa Charlesbourg, the newest housing region : "Sr. Helen Guerrieri." An emotional Sr. Helen responded: "I only did what God inspired me to do. I gave you my heart. I love you all and even in heaven I shall continue loving and praying for all of you and for all of Chile"
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As eight of her former students proudly looked on, Mayor Alberto Gallardo presented Sr. Helen with a plaque given:
Presented: July 20, 2004 |
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There are a variety of ways for concerned individuals to share in the mission of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. The Office of Development enables individuals to support the needs of the Sisters and their ministries through charitable donations and bequest remembrances. Under Sr. Lois Darold the Development Office raises funds for:
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The following are links to Catholic and Christian sites on the Web that may be of help or interest to our visitors.
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