Spring Look up to Him. from whom all. your strength. proceeds. Blessed Mother Mary Theresa

Transcription

1 Spring 2013 Look up to Him from whom all your strength proceeds. Blessed Mother Mary Theresa Co-founder of the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross

2 There are times in one s life that an experience forces reflection on what is truly important. The opportunity I had to represent the USA province at the biennial meeting of leaders of our congregation was such an experience for me. Each time I mentioned to co-workers or leaders of other congregations that I would be traveling to India for 3 1/2 weeks this past fall I was told how lucky I was and encouraged by each one to look on it as a wonderful opportunity of a lifetime. But I confess that I did not look forward to going. It was too soon after beginning as provincial, I had just moved back to Merrill and we had several important issues that needed my attention before my departure. And I was concerned and fearful about the travel and its challenges. I didn t share with many others that each time my fears overtook me I felt ashamed for not seeing the trip as the gift it was meant to be. Little did I know that the theme of the meeting, Widen the space of your tent (Isaiah 54:2) would be so true. There were 49 participants at the meeting which included provincials, one councilor from each province, translators S. Mary Anne and guides. The group was divided in two. Half of us went first to Hazaribagh ( the central Indian provincial headquarters) or to Patna (the northeast Indian provincial headquarters). We spent 10 days at this location in a sort of immersion experience. We had the opportunity to visit places where our sisters minister that reflect the scope of the ministries they engage in throughout the country. The second 10 days were spent at a conference center in Bangalore (the southern Indian provincial headquarters) where we had opportunity for small excursions to ministries there and then conducted the business meeting that was the reason for the trip. There are 1,000 Holy Cross Sisters in the 3 provinces in India. We have been in the country since Like our USA province, a very small group of sisters (4) first came to the country. They arrived in the north of India before electricity and air conditioning, before vaccines that could begin to control some of the diseases that still plague the poor. Within the first 10 years, 3 of the 4 sisters contracted and died from cholera. The remaining sister was helped by a third order Franciscan while she waited several months for a report of the deaths to get to Switzerland and for additional sisters to arrive. By: Sister Pat Cormack, Provincial There are two overwhelming impressions I received while in Patna and Bangalore. First, our sisters in India work with the poor and the outcasts and they are very close to our founders, Fr. Theodosius and Mother Mary Theresa. They are truly living our charism with great dedication, creativity and love in the face of so many obstacles. I am immensely grateful for how they have challenged me to examine and renew my own commitment and dedication. continued on page 3 2

3 Page 2. Widening My Tent Page 4. A Saint for Today Page 6. Words to Live By in My Ministry Page 8. Writings of Our Foundress Page 10. Love Letters Revealed Page 11. Blessed Ulrika of Hegne Page 12. Your Donations Do Make a Difference Page 13. Gifts Received Page 18. From United States to India Page 19. Lasting Memories Page 20. OLHC Students Remembered Daily Page 21. Haymarsh School Days Page 22. Bell Tower Residence Board of Directors Page 23. Fat Tuesday Gumbo On the Cover The Holy Cross Sisters and Associates throughout the world are celebrating the 125 death anniversary of Blessed Mary Theresa Scherer (front cover) and the 100 death anniversary of Blessed Ulrika Nisch (back cover). Each province has made plans for various ways of marking this occasion. One way of celebrating is telling their stories which we share with you in this issue. We invite you to also visit our website at or the international website at continued from page 2 Second, I am so aware of the great chasm between the rich and the poor. It was visually evident in Bangalore in the luxury high rise apartments or multinational headquarters situated right next to or overlooking miserable slums where those who live there build their shelters from bits of cardboard boxes and discarded tarps and cloth. These slums look a bit like the Occupy Wall Street encampments that sprang up last year in many US cities except these are people s homes. These impressions challenge me to be aware of how blessed I am and how much I take for granted. I must be grateful for clean water, clear air, paved roads, no traffic jams and adequate sanitation. And it reminds me that I must continue to advocate for justice for the poor with multinational companies (many of the high tech companies in India are household names in the USA) and also with our government when their practices and policies adversely affect other nations and cultures. My time in India was hard but it also stretched my tent far wider than I would ever choose and I am grateful. As a young sister Mother Theresa loved being a teacher and wanted so much to be a good one. Then Father Theodosius sent her to a badly-run poor-house where her love and compassion for the poor people made her a loving mother and efficient manager. As I interview the poor people who come seeking help with their unpaid utility and rent bills or food for their families, I try to remember and emulate Mother Theresa s love and devotion. She would not judge them or consider them undeserving. With loving concern she would do all in her power to help them. Sister Joelle Mauer, SCSC, Owensboro, KY 3

4 By: Sister Celine Goessl, SCSC, Greenleaf, WI Mother Mary Theresa Scherer O ur story begins with the life of a child in Meggen, Switzerland Katherine Scherer from a family of hard working farmers who were simple, poor folks. However, she had riches that money could not buy: a loving family, siblings, and a dearly beloved mother and father. Early in life, however, her father died, and she was separated from family and sent to live with an uncle. From that time on she had an inner sense that God had something special in mind for her. As she grew in age and wisdom, she did not have a strong inclination to become a woman religious, but she listened to her heart and deepened her prayer life to find out what God was saying to her. It was under these circumstances that Katherine began a long road to holiness which would eventually lead her to a Capuchin named Theodosius Florentini. He saw in her the possibility of becoming a leader and co-founding the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. In the first years of her religious life, she had times of aversion and dislike. Primary among these was the separation of the small community begun by Father Theodosius. The person he had designated as Mother Superior, S. Bernarda, insisted that she wanted the sisters to work only in the field of education, while Father Theodosius had a dream of helping to alleviate all the needs of the poor. Very soon Katherine, now known as Sister Mary Theresa Scherer, was convinced that she should join the priest to help co-found the Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross. She gave her sincere promise to help him realize his dream and sealed her promise with a hearty handshake. ( ) Several books on her life tell us of the pain, joy and sometimes periods of peace that Sister Mary Theresa experienced as she worked side by side with the co-founder. Father Theodosius was gifted with tremendous energy, courage and audacity but he often lacked common sense and went from perceived needs in Switzerland to those in bordering countries as well. He would buy property for the poor without having the necessary funds. Each time, Sister Mary Theresa, now having been named the superior of the new religious community, showed concern and sometimes disapproval, but her male counterpart was bent on carrying out his idealistic pursuits. She soon discovered that he expected her to fill in every gap that he left behind; one month she would be sent to a factory, another time to a school, and then on to running a home for the poor. Each time she was asked to take on a new project, she felt that she was never fully prepared to carry out her duties. Whenever this priest 4 would show up at her house, it was an indication that she would be moving on to a new ministry.

5 F ather Theodosius often went on begging tours throughout Europe and sometimes came home after months with the much needed money. However, at other times the money was scarce, and Mother Theresa would spend painful, sleepless days and nights in prayer, begging God to intercede. She found it extremely difficult to keep pace with Father Theodosius. But each time the matter was settled she would accept a new assignment and say to herself: With God we can do many things. The religious order thrived and grew, so much so that there seemed to be enough sisters to send to each of these new ministries. God s goodness was boundless, perhaps a reward for a strong and courageous woman whose trust was so great! It soon became necessary to find a motherhouse as a home for the formation and living quarters for this fast growing community. Father Theodosius found an old run-down farm house situated on a hill overlooking Lake Lucerne. Mother Theresa was entrusted with rebuilding the house and creating a welcoming home for the Sisters. She herself was seen carting stones and building materials via wheelbarrow. The people in the area were very surprised to see how the sisters worked on the run-down building. All this time, Father Theodosius continued his begging tours, even going to Rome to ask for help from the Holy Father. Years passed and both Mother Theresa and Father Theodosius developed into strong, self-reliant personalities. There were arguments between them and Mother Theresa knew that her religious order was not named Holy Cross in vain. Without her endurance, he would never have been able to realize a single one of his plans. He was a priest with all his heart and soul, but she was the manager and banker a strong hearted leader with an unbelievable trust in God and a passionate love for all she was doing. Then suddenly, on February 15, 1865, Father Theodosius died and left many unresolved problems behind. He was 57 years old and she was 39. Now her troubles began in earnest, but her trust in God gave her tenacious trust and boundless endurance. Not wanting to deface the name of the founder, she signed an agreement in September 1865 taking on the heavy responsibility of paying the debts he left behind. She was so overburdened, however, that her health became fragile. Yet she could be heard saying, God s kindness has no limits. Finally her doctor told her there was no hope for a cure from the liver cancer that she suffered. This was the beginning of a long period of intense suffering. She was finally called home to her reward on June 16, On October 29, 1995, she was officially beatified and now continues to be a witness of God s love to us who call on her to help as we carry on the work she left us as a legacy. Her deep love now finds a place in the hearts of all who trustfully call on her. This article gives only a small glimpse of the life of Mother Theresa. Visit or for more information. The term motherhouse is used by religious institutes to designate the principal house or community for that group. It can be either for the entire institute or for a region. Beatification (from Latin beatus, blessed) is a recognition accorded by the Catholic Church of a dead person's entrance into Heaven and capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in his or her name (intercession of saints). Beatification is the third of the four steps in the canonization process. A person who is beatified is in English given the title "Blessed." 5

6 Words to Live by Sister Mary Anne Rose, SCSC, Merrill, WI T he Foundress of our community, Theresa Scherer, was a woman who accomplished great things. She overcame large obstacles disappointments, insecurities, fears, and frustrations in order to bring dreams to fruition. She was filled with great courage, a strong faith and loving compassion. These values she passed on to her sisters, along with her inspirational words. Both have played an important part in my ministry at Bell Tower Residence. In 1990 the USA Province made a courageous decision to begin a ministry that none of us had ever engaged in before. It wasn t even a well-known option for the elderly, but it definitely responded to a need of the time housing for the elderly who desired supportive living in a caring environment. Her words, be courageous and strong, began to take on a new meaning in our lives. We had great anxiety as to whether we were making the right decision and little knowledge of what it would mean to open our home to other women and men. However, a strong desire to respond to a spoken need in the Merrill community enabled us to take the risk and move forward. In the beginning the living arrangements were simple private room with shared bath or private rooms with private baths. We had bath tubs that the elderly used with great difficulty. Thanks to S. Bernadette Paluck s special needs and the generosity of a donor we were able to install an island tub with a hydraulic lift the beginning awareness and response to the needs of the elderly who were physically challenged. Do not lose heart. Look to your God from whom all strength comes. Do not lose heart. Look to your God from whom all strength comes. As the physical needs of those who came to us changed we realized that we needed nurses and CNAs to care for them and activities that would keep their minds alert and their well-being happy. Slowly, very slowly, the program of Bell Tower took shape through the generosity of others. The real test of faith came in Many other assisted living facilities were popping up around us. We needed to modernize our 1945 building in order to continue to make a difference in the lives of our seniors. Once again we sisters recalled the words of Theresa Scherer, With God and for God we can do many things. Together we chose to incur a 6.7 million dollar debt in order to renovate and expand the existing building so that we could continue to provide quality of life for our elders. What was our motivation? Although the residents coming to us were much older, more frail, and with multiple health challenges, they were filled with wisdom, a deep faith and they were a joy to get to know. Theresa Scherer encouraged her sisters in her day, as she does now, to discover the grain of gold that lies hidden in every person s heart. Those of us who have had the privilege to minister at Bell Tower realize what a precious gift is given to us by our residents. We are grateful to the women who have gone before us, who passed on to us the legacy and wisdom of our Foundress Theresa Scherer, who never gave up, who took risks in order to be a Sister of Mercy for others and still speaks to us today. No matter what the setback or difficulty that arose, Mother Theresa had an unshakable trust in God. Boiled down to a bare essence one could say her belief was: TRUST GOD ALWAYS! Holy Cross Associate Tom Hrdina, Medford, WI 6

7 in my Ministry Sister Dorothy Niemann, SCSC, Breese, IL A s we remember Mother Theresa Scherer this year, what comes to mind for me is that she was a woman of her time who exemplified so many values in her life: mercy compassion trust courage strength supportive presence listening presence. We as Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross are also called to those values. I will focus on just a few as I reflect on my ministry as a chaplain in a small rural hospital. First of all, respect for all those she worked with the students, the poor, the sick, lay workers, her own Sisters. As a chaplain, I aim to provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and their families, with respect for each person, regardless of their culture, religion or lack of a religious affiliation. Do what lies in your power, day after day. My hope is to enter each room with a spirit of openness and to be a listening and supportive presence, especially being present to the family of a dying patient. Mother Theresa had a great trust of God: Be patient, persevere, pray, and trust God is one of her sayings. I pray and trust God will help me open to the Spirit s guidance in being with this person. Another saying, We are always in the hand of God, guides me to reassure those going to surgery that God holds the patient, as well as the surgeon and OR staff, in the palm of God s hand. Mother Theresa s reliance on prayer and her trust in God allowed her to be a calming presence and support for the sick, the poor, as well as for her sisters as they ministered in difficult situations. Especially at times I m called to the emergency room, sometimes in the middle of the night, for a patient in cardiac or respiratory arrest or for a death, I pray on the way to the hospital to be the instrument God wants me to be within the situation. My trust that God will work through my actions and words help me to provide a supportive presence, to be calm, compassionate and caring. Discover the grain of gold that lies in each person s heart. This motto of Mother Theresa is one I ve shared during orientation with new colleagues. As we work together and encounter conflict, this can be a helpful reminder to discover that grain of gold within the other person as well as within self. Mother Theresa wrote many letters of encouragement as well as challenge to the sisters. In providing grief support my focus is to be a listening presence, to support and encourage. In planning prayer services for hospitals staff, encouragement and challenge are my focus as we carry out our day-to-day mission of being the healing presence of Christ. This is always with the reminder that God is the healer working through us as instruments of that healing. Mother Theresa Scherer prayed hard, worked hard and trusted God. She was a Christian who exemplified courage. Holy Cross Associate Ceil Bartelt, Merrill, WI 7

8 Writings of Our Excerpts from letters of Mother Mary Theresa Scherer to the sisters after the death of Fr. Theodosia Florentini, February 27, 1865 (as published in Theodosia, 2012, #3) Dear daughters and sisters in the Lord! Your hearts all bleed with mine from the deep wound which the Lord gave us through the death of our Reverend Father, and these wounds will continue to bleed for a long time. Our pain is justified, and who could, or would, blame us for this sorrow over our dear departed one. Finally, I would like to point out, dear daughters and sisters that our Lord took our Reverend Father from this world at a time when he was in the midst of his work, which was both manifold and complicated. We confidently hope that Divine Providence show us the ways and means to put everything in order according to the intentions and in the manner that he would have it done. I was touched by Mother Mary Theresa s ability to live in the moment with courage, to move forward with the death of Father Theodosius. She made suggestions to sisters on how to move forward during this time of grieving and great debt, which included sharing the spirituality that continues to bring healing even to this day, finding comfort in the spirit of God. #4 Other sisters acknowledged the grief Mother Theresa was experiencing in letters sent to her. She also had the gift of courage and ability to look beyond the present time. Her spirituality penetrated her mind and actions. Sister Mary Zita Klimek, SCSC Merrill, WI Holy Cross Happenings is published in spring, summer, and fall for the friends of the Holy Cross Sisters, USA Province. Provincial: S. Pat Cormack Editor: Russ Mancl Editorial assistance: Lori Wiederhoeft, Mary Mangold 1400 O Day Street Merrill, WI Telephone: (715) rmancl@holycrosssisters.org Web site: Published on recycled paper, using soy based inks, at Reindl Printing, Merrill, WI #5 If you wish to be taken off the mailing list for future issues of Happenings or any other forms of communication, please contact us through the information provided above. Thank You! 8

9 Foundress Excepts from a letter written August 26, 1874, to Sister Concordia Fischer (as published in Theodosia, 2012, #3) My dear good sister! With these few lines I come to inform you privately that I have chosen you as the future Provincial of the Province of Styria. You will take up this office on 14 September, Start this office in the spirit of humility and in holy obedience but with a great unlimited trust in God who will surely not leave you and help you also in the most difficult situations if we have solely his glory and holy Will in mind. Loving greetings to all, very specially greetings in Jesus and Mary to you. I think what struck me right away in reading Mother Mary Theresa s letters was the sense of love and caring that she put into her writing. I put myself on the receiving end of her words and found myself feeling much love and comfort from her, while at the same time feeling close to her as both a sister and a mother. Mother Mary Theresa took her role of leading the Holy Cross congregation responsibly and seriously, but with humility and constant trust in the grace and providence of God. She grieved the loss of Father Theodosius mightily, speaking about that loss as a deep wound, and she as an afflicted mother. She wasn t afraid to let her sisters know the depth of the love she had for Father Theodosius, describing the loss of him as a sharp worry, and a keen pain as large as the numbers of sisters in the congregation. Much to her credit, she spoke to the sisters of her trust that God s blessings would be upon all of them as long as they persevered and continued the work of Father Theodosius according to the intentions he had when he founded us. #2...the heart of a mother is moved with the troubles of each daughters. #3 She also was not afraid to own to the fact that she feared the future, because the heart of a mother is moved with the troubles of each daughter. However, Mother Mary Theresa expressed strong faith in God and did not despair, relying confidently on God s care of his children. In writing to Sister Concordia Fischer, who was being assigned a new position as Provincial of the Province of Styria, Mother Mary Theresa did not describe it as an easy position. But, I had the sense that she did not expect anything more of her sisters than she, herself, hadn t already experienced when she humbly advised, But remember that the good God is strong in the weak and works much good with imperfect tools. Sister Kathy Lange, SCSC Greenleaf, WI 9

10 Letters Reveal Love Sister Carol Crosby, SCSC, Ingenbohl, Switzerland After the General Chapter 2008, a commission was formed and given the task of collecting the letters and other works of Fr. Theodosius and Mother Theresa. It has now collected more than 700 letters of Mother Theresa. Every month during the Jubilee Year commemorating the 125th anniversary of the death of Mother Theresa, one of these letters is posted on our international website: Click English Version Current News The books written by Sister Constance Schnitzer and Sister Barbara Misner of the USA Province and the translation of two more recent books written about her, have been a great help to the English speaking part of our Congregation. However, for me these letters open up new understandings of Mother Theresa as a person. One time when I was provincial in the United States Province, a sister 20 years older than I was told me that we never outgrow our need for mother s love. That mother s love is what I see in Mother Theresa s letters. Though she travelled a lot at a time when travel was very difficult, she wrote personal letters late at night and signed them your Mother and Sister. Mother s Words Inspire Mary Bartol, Holy Cross Associate, West Bend, WI #2 Do not lose courage, but look to him from whom all strength comes. These words of Mother M. Theresa and the values she embraced and taught that see dignity and worth in every human being and the needs of the times as the will of God have inspired and driven my ministries and do so now in my parish ministries on Buildings and Grounds and Human Concerns Committees. Her examples of courage, embracing the cross, have steered me toward greater faith in the unknown, trusting and praying God will lead me. Her love and the concern shown her sisters, the wisdom of her words and deeds, remain forever relevant to me as are the practices she employed in her work and dealings with people. She inspires me to live my faith and act it out in everyday circumstances in mutuality, commitment and love with my Holy Cross Sisters and Associates. #3 Who is Mother Mary Theresa? She is mother, sister, friend, spiritual director and business companion. She displayed an exceptional trust in God, a loyalty and love that goes far beyond the normal. I wish I had met her! Sister Mary Michael Smits, Wausau, WI 10

11 By: Sister Mary Thomas Reichl, SCSC, and Sister John Marie Simien, SCSC, Merrill, WI Blessed Ulrika Nisch Franziska Nisch was born on September 18, 1882, of unwed parents. We are told that they were too poor to be married. Franziska spent her youth in extreme poverty. She entered the convent, October 17, 1904, at Hegne, and as a novice received the name, Ulrika. Following her First Profession, April 24, 1907, she was sent as an assistant cook to Buhl, and later to St. Vincent s Home in Baden-Baden. Ulrika died May 8, 1913, at the age of thirty-one. It was believed that her life had been quite insignificant. Her small, quiet voice and life in general led others to think that there was nothing notable about her. She, like the prophet, encountered God in the gentle, almost imperceptible breeze. Sister Ulrika found greatness in the clatter of pots and pans in a kitchen. She found God in everything, something to love in every person, even those who expressed no kindness toward her, even when tears were the only response to humiliation and hurt. Ulrika remained poor her whole life. Her life, her words, her actions remained with those who, like herself, had no voice. Sister Ulrika wanted to lose herself in a sea of love, inviting all of us to live in love. Lived in love, even the most insignificant life can reveal God s goodness and love to the world. The message of her beatification revealed the secret of her glorious achievement in three parts: find God in our working day; we cannot believe alone; love knows no measure. Ulrika lived a simple life of love and service. Her constant desire to be love for others expressed itself in service to others. We are told that when her body was exhumed for observation after fifty years, it was found to be intact except her fingers were gone. It was a remarkable sign that she had literally worn them out in service to others. Klaus Hemmerle, author of The Silent Voice, calls Sister Ulrika the silent voice. It appears that the cemetery where Sister Ulrika was buried was made into a park during the war; and where she was buried became obscured. However, an elderly sister remembered that a tree had been planted to mark the grave. It was thought that the roots of the tree might have penetrated the coffin and, therefore, there would be nothing to examine at the exhumation. When the tree was pulled up it came with the roots cradling the coffin in an embrace rather than penetrating into the coffin. Thus Sister Ulrika s witness to holiness would not remain in question, but was revealed for all to see. Though Sister Ulrika lived a simple and hidden life among her sisters and co-workers, the good news she proclaimed by the way she lived was made visible to the world and proclaimed loud and clear by the church to the world. The beautification S. process Kathy for Sister Ulrika was begun in On November 1, 1987, the Feast of All Saints, Pope John Paul II declared Sister Ulrika blessed. When the city fathers of Meggen razed the house where Mother Rachel Theresa Scherer was born, they erected a memorial to her instead. It is a mother holding a child! Sister Ann Wittman, SCSC, Merrill, WI 11

12 Your Donations Do Make a Difference By: Russ Mancl Sister Linda Songy, SCSC, Metairie, LA During a recent meeting of the Holy Cross Sisters in Merrill, I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Sister Linda Songy about her ministry as chaplain at the Louisiana State Penitentiary for Women in St. Gabriel, LA. Back in the fall of 2008 and spring of 2009 she wrote a two part story entitled, When I was in prison, which appeared in Holy Cross Happenings. Because of that story, this past November she was invited to speak to students at Loyola University Law School in New Orleans. She was given the opportunity to share her story once again. When I was in prison, you came to my help. Sister also shared a story about a woman who was going to be released from prison and didn t have any financial support to help her with clothes and the basic needs. Thanks to recent donations that came in from benefactors like you, this woman was given the help she needed. The way Sister Linda ended her story in 2009 still holds true today. Please know that whatever you can do (something little or big; something direct or indirect) will be most appreciated and will bring you the unspeakable joy of hearing Jesus say to you: When I was in prison, you came to my help. New Steamer By: Sister Peggy Jackelen, SCSC, Merrill, WI For several months our food service department has been without the use of an oven steamer for food preparation. During the month of January our cooks prepared 9,541 meals at Bell Tower Residence. A new oven steamer was recently purchased utilizing $6,783 in donations we received during the Christmas season. Our cooks are very grateful as it helps to be more efficient in the food preparation. The new steamer is also a healthier way of cooking as it holds the nutrients in the food. We are very thankful to our donors for making it possible for us to purchase the oven steamer. Our gratitude is also extended to all donors who support the ministry of Bell Tower. Nadia King, Dietary Coordinator Mother Theresa was a compassionate woman who was ready to take risks for the well-being of the poor, the orphans, the sick and the lonely. She expected personal responsibility and self-determination from her sisters. Sister Jeanne d Arc Kilwein, SCSC, Merrill, WI 12

13 Gifts Received July-December 2012 IN HONOR OF: 2012 Jubilarians S. Benedicta Berger S. Jeanne Marie Braun S. Pat Cormack S. Carol Crosby S. Celine Goessl Gretebeck Family S. Pamela Hodgson Holy Cross Sisters-100 Years in the USA S. Jeanne d Arc Kilwein S. Kathy Lange S. Joelle Mauer Patricia Moylan S. Rita Pearce S. Mary Anne Rose S. Mary Charles Rydzewski S. Mary Angela Sackmann S. John Marie Simien S. Linda Songy S. Dolores Wagner S. Adele Wehri S. Ann Wittman Sisters who Ministered in Breese Sisters who Ministered at Hessoun Orphanage Sisters who Ministered at St. Johns, Deer Park Sisters who Ministered at St. Joseph Hospital, Dickinson IN MEMORY OF: Robert Akey Sr. Charles Ament Harmon & Frances Baker Eric Barron Mary Ann Bauer Lylas Bauman Curtis & Eugenie Becnel Mr. & Mrs. Rupert Becnel S. Christina Berz Lee Bourgeois Sr. Norman Bourgeois Phyllis Braatz Marilyn Bourgeois Branciere Jim Braun Gasper Brazan Jerome Brickner Mr. & Mrs. E. J. Caire II Rose Clark Agnes Corrigan Lenora Cronin Charles Dallman Marie Denison George Diagostine Anton & Mary Dolezal Family Anton, Mary, Wencel & Anthony Dolezal Dorothy Dolezal Barbara Drake Gertrude Duerr Bernard Dumas, Sr. Esther Dumas Karen Lynn Dumas Bernard, Mary, Bernie & John Eilliott Jeanette English Ellen Erickson S. Mary Louise Falchero Ray J. Falgoust Margarete Fischer Lucille Flatau Joyce Elliott Fredette Chris Gaedtke Paul Geers Richard Gehlen Elizabeth Edelman Goldsworthy Carol Gretebeck Joseph & Felicite Guidry Sr. S. Heliodora Haag John & Lois Haines James Haring Harper Family Members Judith Hastreiter Marian Heckendorf Gerald Henrich James Hickey David Alan Hildebrandt Harvey Hodgson Nora Hornak Dorothy Hrdina Burchman Hymel Inzeo & Wulf Family Members Rev. James Jackson Edna Jackson Steven Jackson Richard Jerow Dorothy Johnson Dora Jopke Fabian & Anka Kabalin Kamke & Zipp Family Members Alvin Kanitz Vernon Kasper Wilmer Kenney Arnold Kesting Phil & Pauline Kilwein S. Virginia Klein Kevin Koch Mary Ann & Martin Krall Bill Kramer Arthura Krembs George Krembs Dorothy Carlson Kretschmer Geri Kufahl Eugene Lamarche Ed Lacey Walter & Margaret Lacey Audrey Lange Pauline & Donald Lange Marta Lange-Culkin Barbara Lettenberger Helen Lohfink Ted & Lucille Lokemoen Love & Wozniak Families Marcia Vandehey Loynd S. Ruth Lukeman Mary Claire Madole Vance Benji Malm Todd Mancl Alice Martin Mary Kay & Tom McDuffie Kermit Montabon Thomas Moore Dorothy Heyel Motherway George Natzke Myrtle Natzke Carol Nichols Blessed Ulrika Nisch Shawn O Neill Elton Oubre Parents 13

14 Erich Paul Lynn Plautz Melvin & Grace Preusser Peg Price Florentina Richards S. Margaret Roberts Alfred Rodrigue Jr. Rose Rodrigue Rostal & Gulke Families Dick & Mary Rostal George Russell Kathy Schallok Ralph & Florence Schewe Arthur Schexnayder Mr. & Mrs. Simon Schexnayder S. Mary D. Schmidt Mabel Schnabel Elmer & Luelle Schnee Myron Schneider S. Constance Schnitzer Walter & Margaret Schoonover Armeline Schroeder Olga Schuette Pete Schuette Peter J. Schumacher Jack Semling Rick Semling S. T.J. Semmerling Therese Bergenheier Sherman Earl Shorey Stanley Skrobul Barbara Smith Edna Smith Joan Braun Smith Aubin Songy Jr. Russell Songy William Lee Stebbins Richard Stopke Clarence Storseth S. Salome Tlusty Evelyn Tomajcik Sylvester Tomajcik Janet Vadnais Caroline Viel Robert Viel Lenore Wade Matt & Marie Wagner Connie Wambold S. Mary Albert Wehri S. Miriam Wehri John Weix Rosemary Wiesneski Stanley Wiesneski Rae, Doug & Darrell Will, Jr. David Wilson Joe Wittman Walt Wittman Walter & Mabel Wittman S. Anita Wolf Glen, George & Regina Wozniak S. Agnes Zich Bernard Ziebell Sister Mary Charles Rydzewski, Merrill, WI Donor Organizations Ted's (Bachar) Yard Service, Merrill, WI Bell Tower Administration, Merrill, WI Central Carpet & Flooring, Merrill, WI Community Foundation of North Central WI Connexus, Wausau, WI Gruett's Appliance, Merrill, WI Holy Cross Sisters-Cottage Holy Cross Sisters-Lasada Holy Cross Sisters-Portiuncula Molly Pitcher Womens Club, Freehold, NJ River Valley Bank, Wausau, WI Schexnayders Inc., Vacherie, LA Secular Franciscan Order, Wausau, WI St. Bridget Catholic Church, River Falls, WI St. Joseph Hospital, Breese, IL Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Ziegler Investment Services-Terry Sturm, Wausau, WI Sister Anita Hirt. Merrill, WI Financial Supporters July -December 2012 Jack & Helene Ader Rose Akey Alice Alberg Greg & Mary Ament Peg Ament Marv & Mary Anderson Thomas & Angela Andreska Anonymous Robert & Nada Austin Barb Bakke Marian Balcerzak Stephen Bardoczi Mr. & Mrs. James Bares Leona Barrett Anna Rita & Bob Barron Warren & Ceil Bartelt Jon W. Barthels John & Mary Bartol Bill Bauer Lydia Bauman Mary Bauman Roger & Donna Baumgart Dave Becker Clarissa & Emed Benitez Allen & Jeannette Berger Don & Helen Berheim James & Elaine Berquist Leo & Nicole Binelli Richard & Evelyn Bjorklund James Blair Eloise Blenkush Doug & Mavis Bloom Nancy Blumenstein Harriet Boettcher Rita Bonnell Joey & Julie Borchardt Margaret Bourgeault 14

15 Allen Bourgeois James & Mary Downing Matthew & Carol Brady William & Robert Drake Roland & Marcia Brandstetter Elaine Drew Floyd & Sophie Braun Steve & Ginny Drew S. Jeanne Marie Braun Deborah & Brian Duffy Joan Braun Mary & Lawrence Duginski John & Marion Braun Al & Marlene Dukart Marian Braun Robert & Phyllis Dumstorff Robert & Gwen Braun Rosemary Eckardt Joseph & Lisa Breaman Gerald & Emily Edmund Robert & Allie Brehm Janis Elliott Margaret Breuer Charles & Phyllis Ely Jerome & Grace Brickner Laurine Engel Steve & Linda Brickner Mike & Beth English Leroy & Barbara Brose Ingrid Erickson Arthur & Susan Brown Gary & Brenda Ertl Ethel Brown Brian Falbo Jay Ellen Brown Brian & Annie Falgoust Jack & Judy Buchler Ray Bernard Falgoust Louise Bugajski Brian & Barbara Favier Elizabeth Bures David & Carol Finanger Bill & Kathryn Byer Stephen & Pamela Fitzell Warren Caire Dennis & Patricia Flanigan Frank Calabresi Richard & Rebecca Flatau Tillie Carlson Drs. Max & Belen Floreza Amedeo & Marie Castiglione Charlotte Fornuta Janet Chapman Debbie Fournet Jessie & Mary Chenier Fr. Leonard Fraher Lance Chilsen Don & Catherine Franchuk Most Rev. Peter F. Christensen John & Rachael Franchuk Rex & Jean Coffey Caroline Froehlich Bill & Judy Cormack James & Joan Gardner Marty & Ginni Cormack Dr. Lou & Elaine Gardner S. Pat Cormack Elwood & Mary Gautier Veronica Cornett Mark & Anne Geers George & Virginia Corrigan Rosemary Geers Barb Gehlen Rose Mary Cournaya Allan & Carol Crevier Noreen Gehlen Cornelius Cronin Roberta Geiselhart Michael & Yolanda Crosby Michael & Rachel Geisler Emmanuel & Marcella Cutrone Dr. Jeffrey Giese Fr. James Dabruzzi S. Celine Goessl Virgean Dallman Jim & Sue Darr Michael Davis & Maria Falchero Davis Theresa Deneen Henrietta Dettloff Jeannal Diagostine Ruth Dietrich John & Jean Dietz Rev. & Mrs. Don Dinsmore Barbara & George Dintelman William & Bernadette Dohr Annie Dombeck Jake & Alda Goldade Charles Goldsworthy Celeste Gonder Chris & Kathleen Graham Cynthia & Ray Grapperhaus Charles & Crystal Gravois Jr. Ron & Pat Green Marjorie Greenberger Edward Gruett Joseph & Molly Guidry Erich & La Vonne Gulke Joseph & Kathleen Gwidt Geno & Marion Hackbart Kathy & John Hadfield Ronald & Donna Hagen Mary & Philip Haines Barb Hanson Mike & Beth Ann Hanson Evelyn Haring Joann Harper Barbara Harrison Mildred Haxton James & Anita Hayes Raoul & Patricia Heckendorf Helen Heinl Flora Henken Jim Hickey Maud Hickey Patricia Hickey Vernon & Virginia Hildebrandt Calvin Hingle Robert Hodgson Jane Holler Donna & Ernest Howard Helen Howlett Ray & Mary JoAnn Hubley Holger Huckmann Mr. & Mrs. John Huss Cecile Hymel Charles & Janis Iverson Delores Iwen Earl & Jean Jackelen Jerome & Janet Jackson Bill & Darlene Jacobi Fred & Patricia Jahner Arleigh Jameson Therese & Jim Janachione Dr. James & Barb Janowiak Robert & Ann Marie Jelinek Bonnie Jerow Mr. & Mrs. Roger Jesse Family & Friends of Dorothy Johnson Sister Jeanne d Arc Kilwein, Merrill, WI 15

16 Richard & Barbara Johnson Phillip & Marge Kamke Phyllis Kanitz Karen Karow James Kaulig Kathy Kaye Arlene Kelly Dale & Pat Kilwein S. Jeanne d'arc Kilwein Tom & Lisa Kilwein S. Mary Zita Klimek Robert Klocksin Deacon Linus & Susan Klostermann Edward & Sue Klune Michael & Patricia Knab Gene & Audrey Koch Sam & Marie Kocoshis Doug & Carol Koffarnus Richard & Germaine Kohl Elroy Kohnke Don & Elaine Koll Mary Kramer Shirley Krembs Ron & Barbara Kroeger Angeline Kryshak Tom & Nancy Kryshak Rev. & Mrs. Dale G. Kuck Pat & Richard Kulish Chester & Nancy Kwiesielewicz Mary LaMarche Betty Lacey Tim & Barb Lacey Mary Lagerbloom Don & Jeree Lagoon Tom Lampe Marvin & Stephanie Landry S. Kathy Lange Ralph & Ruth Langhauser Court & Patricia Larkin Dr. Pierre Leimgruber Steven & Marlene Lepkowski Peter Lettenberger Allen & Joan Liegel Bruce Liegel Kathryn Lightwine Sister Adele Wehri, Merrill, WI Sister Benedicta Berger, Merrill, WI Maxine Lillis Cliff & Joyce Livingston Marilyn Loen Ron Loen Gloria Lohman John & Lucille Love David Loynd Katherine Luebke Mary MacGillis John & Gloria Madole Diana Maki Alan & Marie Malm Russ & Carol Mancl Mary & Theresa Mangold Dr. Jacob & Kathleen Martens Bernadette Martin Dolores Mauer Ron & Ellen Maurer John & Camille Maurice Christine & Denis McCarthy Theresa McClarrinon Dr. Mark & Irene Mehlos Garry & Charlotte Melish Fr. Joseph Menker, OMI David & Joylyn Meyer Bonnie Millenbah Diann Joyce Miller Ed & Betty Miller Jack & Janet Miller Jerry & Kathryn Mines Conrad & Mary Anne Montgomery Catherine Moore Thomas & De Ann Moore Patricia & John Morien Nick & Janice Mosbrucker Marie Muehlbauer Joseph Mulligan Richard & Cathy Munster Tom & Fran Munster Jim Natzke Bill Neddersen Kathleen Neirinckx Louise Neurohr S. Dorothy Niemann's Family Lorene Niemeyer Lance Nienow Joan G. Nisch Judge & Mrs. Michael Nolan Dr. Donald & Charlotte Nowinski Ronald & Kathleen Nutter Gay & Sally Oberg Dean & Kathleen Ockmond Fred & Ann Olliges Bill & Jean O'Loughlin Robert & Barbara Ott Sandy Palfrey Larry & Patricia Peeters Richard Pehle James & Jane Pehlke Monica Peterson Louise Peterson-Schmidt Joyce Petzka Diane Pichelman Charles & Kathleen Pierotti Family & Friends of Lynn Plautz Randy & Kathy Pophal Ronald & Phyllis Presl Georgia Price Victor & Elsie Privratsky Jo Ann Prom Brian & Karen Prunty Jim & Ruth Rajek Alice Rass Dr. Erling & Ann Ravn Jim & Kaye Rell Cindy Renner Eileen, Mary & Rose Renner Jose & Stella Reyes John & Deane Richter R. Joseph & Barbara Richter April Rickl Pauline Riedl Dr. & Mrs. Renato Rivera Cathy Robinson Irene Roeder Patricia Rogalla Mr. & Mrs. John Romatoski Peggy & Peter Romfh Matthew & Kirstin Rose Theresa Roy Robert Russell Mr. & Mrs. John Rydzewski S. Mary Charles Rydzewski Daniel & Carol Sambs S. Doris Ann Samens Phillip Sandford Thomas & Mary Jo Sazama Janet Schaefer 16

17 Gilbert & Josephine Scheeler Alfred & Sandra Schexnayder Carolyn Schexnayder Herbert & Beverly Schielke Jacolyn Schlautman Errol & Barbara Schmelling Mike & Linda Schmidt Selma Schmidt Marlene Schneider William & Carole Schoetz Patricia Schoonover Judge & Mrs. Patrick Schott Louis Schroeder Mary Schubert S. Teresa Schueller, OSM Mike & Linda Schuette Gary & Arlene Schulze Phil & Becky Schumacher Elaine & Larry Schuman William & Judith Schwantes Mr. & Mrs. Brian Schwarz Stan Semmerling Patrick & Jane Severt Frances Shafel Phil & Phyllis Sheil Gregory Sherman Robert & Jane Shorey S. John Marie Simien Dolores Skeivik Lois Skillen Edith Skrobul Brian & Roxanne Sladek George & Mary Sladek John & Kathy Sladek Gregory & Laurie Smith Scott & Sandy Smith Stephany Smith Wally Smith S. Mary Michael Smits Lou Ann Songy Kathy Spencer Rickie & Trudy Steib Bryan & Laurie Stimers Monica Stimers Marcella Storseth Mark & Stephanie Strand Joan & Jim Strassmaier Ray & Virginia Stroh John & Gretchen Stronczer Steve & Karen Suick Eva & Sid Sukow Mary Summers Sister Pam Hodgson, Metairie, LA Garth & Freida Swanson Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Swoboda Cynthia Tagle Monica Talbot Doris Taylor Kay Tessmer Martha & Josephine Timmermann Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Tlusty John & Betty Tonne Cecelia Tschannen Harry & Elizabeth Tubbin Dee & Ron Van Der Geest Kenneth & Mary Ann Van Der Geest Margaret Van Lierde Gary Van Vonderen Francis & Rita Voss Edwin & Anna Wagner Bernard & Mary Wahl Patricia Walker Harry & Helen Wallace Betty Walsh Mark & Sandra Walter Ed & Carol Wambold Robert & Judy Weaver Ralph & Norma Wehlitz Leonard & Irene Wehri Mark & Betty Weix Dave & Sara Wendorf & Family Jim & Cathy Wendt Judith Wery Eric & Sara Werzel Gloria Whelan Betsy Wiesneski S. Kathy Wiesneski Leonard & Mary Wild Julie Wilde Sally Wiley Francis & Beverly Wilger Edward & Barbara Wink S. Ann Wittman Judith Woller Atty. Bill & Kathleen Wulf Keith & Lisa Yolitz Sandra Zettler (L-r.) Sisters Antia Hirt, Mary Charles Rydzewski, Jeanne d Arc Kilwein and Pat Cormack stand in front of a plaque on the 2nd Floor, East Wing at Bell Tower Residence Assisted Living in Merrill, WI. The wing was dedicated to the Holy Cross Sisters for their major financial contribution to the last capital campaign. The photo was taken on the Feast of Father Theodosius, Co-founder of the Holy Cross Sisters. Sister Dorothy Niemann, Breese, IL Whenever Mother Theresa came to one of her establishments, her visit was not for her sisters only. She also attended to the sick, the aged, the physically handicapped and the orphans. Sister Jeanne Marie Braun, SCSC, Merrill, WI 17

18 From United States to India For close to 50 years cancelled stamps have been providing work and making a difference in the lives of women in India. St. Rita s Knitting School, a multi-purpose school run by the Holy Cross Sisters in Bettiah, India, has been the recipient of thousands and thousands of stamps each year. The stamps arrive in Merrill, WI, from across the United States and then are trimmed by sisters, associates and other volunteers at Bell Tower Residence and other parts of the country, boxed up and mailed. Once they arrive in India, the women at the school carefully remove the excess paper from the stamps, sort and bundle them to be sent to collectors. Sister Theodosia of St. Rita s thanks everyone for their support. The one thing that has changed over the years is the cost of postage to mail the boxes to India. It costs $70 to ship each box. Stamps and/or donations to Sister Laura Kropilnicki busy trimming the stamps at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI. help pay for shipping costs can be mailed to: Holy Cross Sisters c/o Carol Mancl 1400 O Day Street Merrill, WI Associate Carol Mancl opens up a box of cancelled stamps received from a women s club in New Jersey. Donations should be made out to the Holy Cross Sisters. Lori Wiederhoeft with a box ready to ship. Women in India carefully remove stamps. 18

19 Lasting Memories By: Russ Mancl Even though the Hessoun Orphanage in Fenton, MO, has been gone for over 60 plus years, the memories are still clear for those that were orphans. One such individual, Rev. Joseph Menker, O.M.I., recently sent a greeting to the Holy Cross Sisters and praised the women that raised him from the age of five to the age of fifteen. Rev. Joseph Menker, O.M.I Father Menker shared some of his memories at a reunion of the orphanage in The clean stacks of clothes arranged for each of the boys on the long table in the boy s room all lovingly patched by Sister Clementina. Singing for Mass, as Sister Adeodata and later Sister Theodora played the pump organ. I remember the visits of Fr. Prokes, who always had some goodies for us. His piano playing made me happy. I loved the Grotto of Mary and was proud to work with Sister Adeodata to keep up the flower beds. I remember lots of sadness for being in an orphanage. Father was raised by the following Holy Cross Sisters: Mary Magdalene, Adeodata, Theodora, Clementina, Hyacinth, Ehrenfrieda, Maria, Beatrice Marie, Theodorine, Augusta, Cornelia, Lucy, Paduana, Paulette and Rose de Lima. In a phone conversation with Father Menker he was quick to mention Father Albert J. Prokes. He said Father was Director of the Hessoun Orphanage and played an important role in the operation. The Hessoun Orphanage survived the Great Depression and World War II, and until it s closing in July 1952 was home for hundreds of children representing many different nationalities. In May 1970, the building was irreparably damaged by fire. Rev. Menker is retired and lives in Belleville, IL. Sister Clementina Brizzio Sister Adeodata Gassler Sister Theodorine Caviezel Mother Mary Theresa was a woman of strong faith, a courageous and loyal spiritual daughter of Father Theodosius. With his sudden death he left a heavy debt for the sisters. Under the direction and management of Mother Theresa with prudence, patience and perseverance she satisfied the debt while maintaining works of charity as superior at the hospital in Chur believing this to be the will of God. Holy Cross Associate Mary Duginski, Merrill, WI 19

20 This past October Sister Peggy Jackelen, Administrator of Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI, took Miriam Straub Pieper, from the class of 1955 at Our Lady of the Holy Cross High School in Merrill, WI, to see Sister Jeanne d Arc Kilwein. Sister is a resident at the assisted living center and taught for many years at the school. S. Jeanne d Arc Kilwein While visiting, Sister Jeanne d Arc shared that she prays for all the OLHC graduates every morning. She read the pray that she wrote and we share it with all alumnae and readers of Happenings. God, Our Father, Jesus, Our Brother, Holy Spirit, Our Guide, be with all students of OLHC as they daily go forth to walk in your love and strive to serve you. Comfort them, guide them, inspire them, bless them, lead them along the paths of peace and justice. Call them all to your loving presence. Heal those who need healing in both body and spirit. May they walk in true joy and with the strength of your spirit that may radiate your GOOD NEWS wherever they are. May those you have called to their eternal home, rest in your loving embrace REST IN PEACE Marcia Vandehey (Mrs. David Loynd) Tucson, AZ, died , student in Marie Heinzen (Mrs. Larry Mendl) Germantown Hills, IL, died , Class of Barbara Ryan, Minot, ND, died , Class of Jeanne Eisenman, Tomahawk, WI, died , Class of Jeanette Sladek (Mrs. Jeanette English), Merrill, WI, died , Class of The two beanies were worn by students of OLHC. The knit beanie was worn in 1951 by Marjean Brandner (Mrs. Marjean Bootzin) Medford, WI. The beanie with the emblem was worn by Christine Kausalik, who now lives in East Moline, IL. If you have items from OLHC that you think might be of interest to the Holy Cross Sisters archives, contact Mary Mangold at or archives@holycrosssisters.org. Kathy Kulawinski (Mrs. Michael Nelson,Washington, MI, Class of 1965) is pictured wearing a beanie in the chapel which is now known as Assisi Hall. 20

21 A picture is worth a thousand words - or should we say memories in the case of Ron Sebastian, a former student at St. Clement s School in Haymarsh, North Dakota. Ron, who now lives in Azle, Texas, recently contacted us with some information on photos from the past. The Holy Cross Sisters had a presence in the school from 1920 to The photo below was taken in what was called The Big Room. Although the two rooms in the school were basically the same physical size, the differentiation was Ron Sebastian obviously in reference to the size of the kids as they grew, thus moving from the Little Room (grades 1-4) to the Big Room (grades 5-8). Ron said The sisters most certainly had a formidable job to keep all of their assigned grades on track, but I don t believe there is one student that attended that would ever say we got less than the best education available at that time. Ron listed his teachers as Sister Theodora, grades 1-2; Sister Felicitas (now known as Sister Laura, who lives in Merrill, WI), grades 3-4; Sister Aloysia, grade 5; Sister Mary Irene (later known as Sister Agnes), grades 6-8. Ron also remembers Sister Mary Michael, who now resides in Wausau, WI. Left row front to back: Linus Wehri, Giles Godes, Paul Wehri, Albert Gietzen, Marvin Godes Middle row front to back: Marie Wehri, Ron Sebastian, JoAnn Wanner, Harvey Wehri, Jim Wanner, Dale Kinnischtzke Right Row-front to back: Irene Morman, Harriet Wehri, Jack Gietzen. Standing at the chalkboard front to back: Marlene Kottre, Kathleen Kastner. Sister Aloysius at her desk. Sister Theodora Preter 21

22 Bell Tower Residence Board of Directors Standing l-r, John Yackel, Mike Nolan, Tom Kryshak, Kris McGarigle (Secretary), Karen Karow (President), Kathleen Graham, Art Lersch, (Vice-President), Dave Cooper. Seated l-r. Sister Peggy Jackelen, Administrator; Sister Pat Cormack, Provincial; Chris McCarthy. Below are scenes from the 5th Annual Artisans Showcase that was hosted by the Board of Directors as a fund raiser for Bell Tower Residence. The event took place on February 2nd in Assisi Hall. Mother Mary Theresa was a woman of courage, love, and loyalty. Her exhortation to her sisters to love one another so they could live in peace and harmony and exude that love to all with whom they worked was a constant in her leadership. She manifested great trust in God and courage as she dealt with the priest appointed superior of the institute after the death of Father Theodosius. She was totally committed to dying to self and living for Christ. Sister Dolores Hrdina, SCSC, Merrill, WI 22

23 The Fat Tuesday Gumbo Supper took place in Assisi Hall at Bell Tower Residence in Merrill, WI, February 12. The Merrill High School s Jazz Band entertained while guests enjoyed Sister John Marie Simien s prepared Louisiana Gumbo. Proceeds went to the assisted living center which is sponsored by the Holy Cross Sisters. Most Reverend J. Terry Steib, S.V.D, the bishop of the diocese of Memphis, was honored by Aquinas Institute of Theology as the 2012 recipient of its annual Great Preacher Award. The award was presented last October in St. Louis. Born in Vacherie, Louisiana, to Rosemond and Vivian Jones Steib, Bishop Steib remembers walking the sugar cane fields with his father. But when it came to my own future, said Bishop Steib, I wanted to get out of those fields. Inspired by doctors, ministers and community leaders, I wanted to help others. The Holy Cross Sisters from Wisconsin came to the river towns and taught us religion. They helped instill in me the idea of service as a priest. Most Rev. J. Terry Steib (center) with S. Mary Angela Sackmann (l) and S. Joelle Mauer (r.) Rev. David G. Caron, O.P. President, Aquinas Institute of Theology (far right). Sister Joelle Mauer, one of those teachers, and Sister Mary Angela Sackmann were on hand to see Bishop Steib receive his award. Mother Theresa s compassion for the poor, the sick, the elderly has been a source of inspiration for me. I often remind myself to emulate her gentle love and caring in my ministry. Sister Peggy Jackelen, SCSC, Merrill, WI 23

24 Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross 1400 O Day Street Merrill, WI rmancl@holycrosssisters.org Please help us keep our database up-to-date by notifying us of any inaccuracies on this label using the contact information above. Thank you. New address Misspelled name Wrong address Remove my name Duplicate copies received I want to have a love for everybody which is everything to everyone and edifies all. Blessed Ulrika Nisch