MarianiteFall 2019 - The rich diversity of Holy Cross - Marianites of Holy Cross
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Marianite
Fall 2019
The rich diversity of Holy Cross
Marianite
inside
A Letter to the President 2
LETTER TO PRESIDENT TRUMP FROM THE
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OF WOMEN RELIGIOUS
August 14, 2019
Mr. President,
Marianite Feastdays 3
We live in a world increasingly marked by hatred, brutality, and violent conflict. We
see our own country threatened by increasing disparities in economic, political, and
International Session 4
social power. We are caught in a political culture paralyzed by ideological extremism
and hyper-partisanship. These are times that require exceptional insight and courageous
History Conference 5 leadership.
In the face of these unprecedented challenges, we are outraged and heart-broken
Listen to your Mother! 6 when our political leaders appeal to our basest instincts and stoke the fires of fear that
threaten to tear the fabric of our nation apart. We cannot, we will not, let the voices of
MSC Associates 8 hatred and fear carry the day.
Mr. President, we beseech you to end all divisive and polarizing rhetoric. We implore
The One that Got Away 9 you to never use language that disrespects, dehumanizes, or demonizes others. We expect
our president, and all who serve this nation as leaders, to be always mindful of the com-
mon good and the dignity of each and every person. You hold a position that has the
Could This Be Lil’ Mac? 10
potential to inspire the best of every one of us and we ask you to use this unique status to
bring about healing and never seek to create division.
Surprised? 11 The people of this pluralistic nation form a diverse polity characterized by a wide
variety of beliefs, experiences, and interests. Disagreements and differences have the po-
AHA Luncheon 12 tential to challenge all of us to abandon easy certainty and seek a fuller truth. The prob-
lem is not our many differences or passionate disagreements. Those differences are our
greatest strength; those disagreements are opportunities for growth. It is how we handle
those inevitable conflicts that spells the difference between building the common good
and destroying the bonds that bind this nation.
In his address to the US Congress in 2015, Pope Francis invited our political leaders
to promote respect for the dignity of every human person and to renew their commit-
On the Cover ment to a spirit of cooperation. He also addressed each of us and all who seek to lead
Participants at the this nation when he said, “Each son or daughter of a given country has a mission, a
International Session personal and social responsibility . . . You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of
in Holy Cross Spirituality your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this
with Notre-Dame de is the chief aim of all politics. A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to
Chartres Cathedral in satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in
the background. situations of greater vulnerability or risk . . . Building a future of freedom requires love of
the common good and cooperation in a spirit of subsidiarity and solidarity.”
As Catholic sisters, our ministries frequently require us to be in the heart of situa-
The Marianite, a publication
tions of discord and division, and thus we understand the great complexities and chal-
of the Marianites of Holy
lenges that are inherent in the work of reconciliation. We too have to reach deep within
Cross, is published quarterly.
ourselves to bring forth the grace and strength that are needed to not give in to the
For additional information
temptation of labeling or judging those who are different from us. We share with you,
please go online:
Mr. President, that maintaining this fundamental stance in life requires discipline and
www.marianites.org
fortitude and a constant examination of our daily thoughts and deeds in light of our
beliefs. We sometimes come up short, but pledge to do better each day because we are
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
aware of the moral authority we, as sisters, bear. We ask you, Mr. President, if you would
Sr. Renée Daigle
consider a similar examination of the practice of your own moral authority.
Sr. Judy Gomila
We send this letter to you as 663 Catholic sister leaders gathered in assembly in
Jessica Pierce
Arizona. We and approximately 700 other Catholic sisters are members of the Leadership
Tracey Situ
Conference of Women Religious and represent approximately 35,000 sisters who minis-
Various participants at the
ter throughout this nation. We promise to never cease raising our voices on behalf of the
International Session and
common good and praying for the healing of this country.
at the History Conference
Sincerely,
The Members of the
2 Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Marianite feasts
Exaltation of Holy Cross – September 14
SAVE US, O HOLY CROSS
Blessed Fr. Basil Moreau named his Congregation, Trinity, one God… Holy Cross whereon the Lamb of
Holy Cross on March 1, 1837 when he joined into God was offered, save us.. Hope of Christians, save us,
one association the Brothers of St. Joseph (founded by O Holy Cross. Pledge of the resurrection… Way of those
Fr. Jacques Dujarié in 1820) and the Auxiliary Priests who have gone astray… Staff of the lame… Consolation
(which Moreau himself had begun in 1835). His of the poor… Restraint of the powerful… Refuge of
vision was that the priests and brothers could work sinners…
together as educators in the faith. He established the Terror of demons… Hope of the hopeless…
headquarters for his new Congregation in the Sainte- Defense of widows… Counsel of the just… Rest of
Croix neighborhood of Le Mans. In 1841 Moreau the afflicted… Safeguard of children… Strength of
complemented the fledging men’s congregations and manhood… Last hope of the aged… Liberty of slaves…
added a feminine branch, the Marianites of Holy Cross. Sure rule of life… Heralded by Prophets… Preached
The one symbol most often identified with Jesus by Apostles… Glory of Martyrs… Foundation of the
and his Church is the cross. Today we celebrate The Church… Salvation of the world…
Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This very abbreviated V. We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You,
litany, which dates from the Middle Ages, is popular R. Because by Your Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the
in many countries; while the refrain refers to the Holy world.
Cross, it is considered that
in doing so, we are actually
referring to Jesus Christ who
hung upon it and thereby The Seven Dolors – September 15
redeemed us all. During
this month of September, Mary’s Spiritual Martyrdom
T
or perhaps during Lent, or
he Seven Sorrows of the Virgin is the earliest known altarpiece (1496-97)
anytime you feel so inclined,
by Albarecht Dürer (1471-1528), a central figure in the German
make time to pray the litany
Renaissance. His medium was oil paint on panel. It was originally very
but pause to “get up close
large, about 2x3 meters. The right half, representing the Seven Joys of the Virgin,
and personal” with one of
is now missing and only the left part with sorrows survived. The central part
the supplications. You might
depicts the grieving Virgin after the Crucifixion. Around the Virgin are seven
ask yourself: Where have I
smaller panels with detailed scenes from the Life of the Christ (from top
experienced this in my life?
left): the Prophecy of Simeon, the Flight into Egypt, the Boy Jesus in the
Does this resonate with
Temple, the Bearing of the Cross, the Nailing to the Cross, the Crucifixion
who God has created me to
and the Placement in Tomb. The
be? How do I see this being
altarpiece was bought in mid-sixteenth
important to the Church
century by the artist Lucas Cranach the
and the world.
Younger; he probably sawed the work into
By invoking the primary
separate panels.
instrument of Jesus’ Passion
Blessed Basil Moreau placed his
and Death, we trust in Active
Marianite daughters under the patronage
Hope that He will have
of Mary, Mother of Sorrows. This feast is
mercy on us, and in turn, we
dedicated to the spiritual martyrdom of
will be more compassionate
Mary, Mother of God, and her vicarious
with others. Save us, O Holy
sufferings for and with her Divine
Cross.
Son. As co-redeemer, the tears of Mary
Lord, have mercy.
become prisms whereby we can identify
Christ, have mercy. Lord,
what Pope Francis calls “martyrdom
have mercy. Christ, hear us.
of the heart” within the struggles of
Christ, graciously hear us.
all humanity. Mother of Sorrows have
God the Father of Heaven,
compassion on __________, and grant us the
have mercy on us. God
privilege to be present to _________.
the Son, Redeemer of the
world… God the Holy
Spirit, our Advocate… Holy
3
a truly internatinal session
“Be One With All”
A Reflection on the International Session
by: Brother Joel Giallanza, C.S.C. and cultural roots of those
who shaped the very
In early June 2019, 27 Holy Cross religious and foundations of Holy
colleagues participated in the 28th gathering of the Cross. But the visits
International Session in Holy Cross Spirituality. They are more about a
represented 6 countries and all 4 congregations within spiritual legacy
the Family of Holy Cross. I have had the privilege of than a simple lo-
being a part of the session since 1994. Each session cation. Times of
has points in common with every other and yet each is prayer, reflection,
distinct. The participants make all the difference, giving and discussion af-
the session a distinctive personality. firm that.
From my experience, the session has four The session is
characteristics from which the participants benefit. educational. We learn
That has been confirmed by their own reflections and about the heritage and
evaluations of the session; and 2019 was no exception. values that Jacques Dujarié, Basile Moreau, Mother
The session is, above all, spiritual. It is much more Mary of the Seven Dolors, André Mottais, and Edward
pilgrimage than tour. Places important to the history of Sorin have bequeathed to us. Walking in their
Holy Cross are visited because we are at the birthplaces footsteps enables us to touch once again all that they
accomplished and the sacrifices
they made so we could live the
reality of Holy Cross today.
The session is international.
Immediately evident, even from
the first day, is the rich diversity
that constitutes Holy Cross in
the 21st century. For me, this has
been among the greatest gifts of
the session, meeting religious and
colleagues from other parts of the
Holy Cross world. That diversity
becomes a challenge to reflect on
our ability to be accepting of all
peoples and nations.
The session is intercongregational.
More often than not, all 4 congre-
gations within the Family of Holy
Cross have been able to participate.
For some on the session, it is the
Sisters Ann Lacour and Renée Daigle, Father Greg Haake , Brother Joel Giallaza first time they have the opportunity
and participants on one of their many bus trips to visit sites of interest. to meet Holy Cross religious and
4
Sr. Patricia
Rodriquez-Leal, ATTENDEES GATHER
CSC prays at the
sarcophagus of FOR THIRTY-EIGHTH
Father Moreau
in LeMans. HOLY CROSS HISTORY
CONFERENCE
colleagues from by Sr. Gretchen Dysart, MSC
the other congrega-
tions. I am always “I am standing on the shoulders of the ones
touched by how who came before me-I am stronger for their
quickly the group finds a common ground in the teachings of courage; I am wiser for their words. I am lifted
Basile Moreau and Mother Mary of the Seven Dolors. There is a by their longing for a fair and brighter future-I
genuine learning that Holy Cross extends far beyond our usual, am grateful for their vision, for their toiling on
everyday experiences. this Earth.”
The session hopes to accomplish many things through the Joyce Rouse (Earth Mama). ©Rouse House
places visited, the moments shared, the meals enjoyed, the Music. ASCAP
prayers offered, and the memories created. The true and lasting
impact of the session, however, is in whatever the participants Sr. Jean Goulet, president of the Holy
take with them when they depart France and return to daily life Cross History Association, welcomed forty
and ministry. In that transformation of individual lives will be Holy Cross religious, associates and a ministry
found the genuine contribution that the session, and ultimately companion to Ottawa, Ontario, Canada May
Holy Cross, can make, in Moreau’s words, “to preparing the 30-June 2 to its 38th conference. The song
world for better times than ours.” above, used in the first prayer service, set a
High among my hopes for the session is always that the focus: getting to know better the lives of “the
participants – religious and colleagues alike – will depart with ones who came before us” and encouraging
and take home with them a us to union as we also long for “a fair and
larger sense of Holy Cross than brighter future” for all God’s people.
when they arrived. That will Marianites Sue Pablovich, Joan Comeaux
make a difference, that will and I were in attendance along with the
reflect Father Moreau’s own Sisters of Holy Cross, Sisters of the Holy
words to us and hope for us. Cross and the men of Holy Cross—brothers
“Let us not limit our interests and priests. Together attendees prayed,
to the narrow confines of a listened to the stories of our ancestors and
particular house, a province, shared the meaning of their lives and ours as
or our own country. Rather we continue to follow Jesus in the footsteps
let us be one with all, and of Father Moreau.
regard none as a stranger to “I didn’t know that!” was a constant
where we live.” reaction to ideas presented, as well as,
“Their lives give me courage; they inspire
me!” The two youngest participants, Sisters
Participants at St. Bernard Sizane Cissouma (Mali) and Kathryn
Grotto in La Grande Cameron (Burkina Faso), in formation with
Trappe Monastery which the Sisters of Holy Cross and living with
provided a place of retreat them in Ottawa, expressed their hopes that
for Father Moreau. younger Holy Cross religious will attend the
conference in the future.
Particular emphasis during the meeting
was, of course, Holy Cross in Western
Canada. Topics included The Sisters of Holy
Cross in Western Canada, Bilingual Sisters in
Ontario, A Pioneer: Sr. Adrienne Milotte and
Efforts to Promote Social Justice in the English
Canadian Region (and elsewhere!).
– continued on page seven
5
an exclusive interview
CLIMATE CHANGE:
LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER!
One of our Marianites has plucked a peach of an recovered as best we could with lots of suffering. Now,
exclusive interview! Sr. Gretchen Dysart (SGD) speaks things are different.
to Mother Earth (ME). SGD: Different how?
SGD: Many people are debating climate change. Tell us ME: The mid-to-late 20th century welcomed the
about it—straight from your mouth. Industrial Revolution! Awesome human ingenuity
ME: Now don’t get nervous! Climate change is a discovered how to use coal fossils to produce steam to
normal, recurring process. This is one definition on power machinery, but those engines spewed carbon
the web: “Climate change is when the average long- dioxide in the air. Up to that point, most carbon had
term weather patterns of a region are altered for an stayed beneath my surface as eons passed and dead
extended period of time. . . Climate changes are caused plant and animal matter decayed into coal--took a
by changes in the total amount of energy that is kept looooooog time. (I don’t mean to gloss over that
within the Earth’s atmosphere. The change in energy complicated process but this article can only be 700
is then spread out around the globe mainly by ocean words!)
currents as well as wind and weather patterns. . .” * Life and industry started changing rapidly with
SGD: How long does it take climate to change? many new inventions powered by fossil fuel: cotton
ME: Climate change used to happen over thousands gins, mills, tractors, cars, trucks, airplanes, trains, boats.
and thousands of years. I may not look it, but your Burning fossil fuels forms carbon dioxide and water
Mother Earth is 4.5 billion years old! When it took droplets which get trapped in my atmosphere. Some
climate thousands of years to change, my creatures scientists say it acts like a giant blanket over me or like a
hardly noticed because it happened soooo slowly and mirror reflecting heat back to me, making me hotter and
they evolved. No polar bears hotter. Your Mother Earth
were caught on weak sea has a fever!
ice out in a warming ocean No one expected
awaiting their demise! But-- this cause and effect. But
things happen. Two examples now the Four Seasons are
out of many: I remember two furious! My irritation means
billion years ago there weren’t stronger earthquakes and
a lot of volcanoes erupting hurricanes, horrendous forest
so I cooled drastically and fires, volcanic eruptions,
was actually covered in ice! floods—and sea rise—the
Then 66 million years ago, a glaciers are melting! We are
huge asteroid (comet?) hit already seeing humans and
me causing catastrophic other species being chased from
after-effects that killed the their homelands by complex
dinosaurs and so many natural and human-made causes.
other beloved creatures. The first in America are the Biloxi-
Asteroids are loose Chitimacha-Choctaw peoples in
cannon! Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, on
SGD: So why are Isle de Jean Charles.**
you having a fit over And by the way: global
climate change now if warming can cause extreme
climate change has been temperatures at both ends of the
a thing for you since the gauge. I’m tired of hearing, “Well, it’s
beginning? so cold today. Global warming must
ME: Long ago, those be a hoax!” Confronted with decades
extreme events could of serious climate data, people with that attitude are
not be controlled. I and dangerous to the future of all life on Earth, I mean me.
my creatures (no humans SGD: What can we do?
then) just rolled with the ME: Consider the causes and start changing your
catastrophic punches and behavior now! When the Industrial Revolution started,
6
So what to do?
humans didn’t have a clue that it
would cause rapid climate change.
You know now. Fossil fuels are just
one major cause. Unlike the creatures
long ago affected by rapid climate
change, you can do something about
Here are a few suggestions:
a) Examine your heart: why do you desire so many things—and
it. We need education and action why do you tire of them so quickly and just throw them away? Fr.
by nations, industry, churches, Eduardo Scarel, a Vatican climatologist, says that climate change
organizations and individuals. And has spiritual implications. Our frustrations and emptiness lead to
don’t call it climate change! Call over-consumption. This emptiness cannot be filled with “stuff.”
it climate CRISIS. You humans are (From a presentation given in New Orleans, 2013)
running out of time to reverse this b) Read Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Sí: On the Care of Our
just as this article is running out of Common Home
words! c) Demand that elected officials take climate change seriously
I am your one and only home! and act with other nations and citizens here at home. Join the
Remember: when Mother Earth ain’t Catholic Climate Covenant. www.catholicclimatecovenant.org
happy, ain’t nobody happy! d) Rekindle your love of nature by spending time outdoors
e) Support environmental efforts in your area: solar panels, electric
* www.whatsyourimpact.org/climate change
(accessed Aug. 6,, 2019) or hybrid cars, composting, etc.
**Ronson, Jacqueline, America’s First f) Reduce (consumption) /reuse/recycle www.epa.gov
Climate Change Refugees are Native g) Join environmental groups; read articles and books about climate
Americans. change.
March 21, 2016. www.inverse.com h) Grow a Climate Victory Garden.
(accessed August 2, 2019)
Conference - continued from page five
In addition to Western Canada, Sr. Kesta
Occident brought ministry in Haiti to life from
1953 until the present: The Adventure of Love--
between the Darkness and the Light of Working in
Liberation Education. Fr. Jim Connelly spoke about
The Great Exodus of Holy Cross Men after Vatican
II. (During the discussion, the women present
told their stories as well.) Br. Philip Smith wrote
about St. Columkille School in Chicago (1886-97)
and Early Educators of Edward. F. Hoban, Archbishop
of Cleveland, Ohio (1945-1966). His presentation
was read by Fr. Christopher Kuhn. (To find more
Participants at 38th Holy Cross History Conference during a
than 300 papers presented at the Conferences from
visit to St. Joseph Oratory.
1983-2018, go to www.holycrosshistory.com/index-past-
papers). The papers presented at this year’s conference Notre-Dame-de-la-Providence Retreat Center,
will be added soon. Ottawa). The wine and cheese socials provided time
The conference ended with a short pilgrimage to for participants to get to know each other, sharing
Montreal and the Oratory of St. Joseph to celebrate memories and creating new ones. Prayer, of course,
Mass in the place where Br. André prayed and walked was integrated into each day. One Mass honored the
and healed and spread deep devotion to St. Joseph. memories of Sr. Keri Burke, member of the Marianite
Fr. Claude Grou, CSC, rector of the Oratory, spoke to leadership team who died of cancer this past Easter
attendees about the Holy Cross mission on the hill Sunday, and of Fr. Simeon Yampa, a young parish priest
of Mount Royal and future plans for the Oratory. He and brother to Sr. Catherine, who was murdered while
hosted a lovely supper at the Oratory, a kind of icing- saying Mass in Burkina Faso just a few weeks before the
on-the-cake, the last course in a very nourishing History conference began.
of Holy Cross Conference. And next year? All Holy Cross is called to gather at
There were laughs (lots of them) and wonderful King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Be among
meals (thank you, Sr. Christine and staff at Maison that number!
7
associates
msc associates
Turning Point
In the late 1970’s a movie of Spirituality; 2) seasonal retreats heroes like Fr. Moreau, Mother Mary
this same title tells the intricate for Advent and Lent; 3) service of the Seven Dolors and Brother
story of a couple of ballet dancers. and outreach opportunities Andre. (Joyce Nixon)
Critic Vincent Canby wrote, “It is to the broader community; 4) n
entertaining, not for discovering consciousness raising regarding When we are united in prayer
new material, but for treating old Gospel values and justice issues and and action at the cross of human
material with style and grace.” 5) invitations to congregational trafficking and the incarceration of
In these turbulent times, celebrations such as jubilee, etc. At an entire generation of immigrant
Associates of religious congregations this time, the Marianites have no children, we become the voice of
and the vowed religious themselves formal “formation” program or those whose suffering leaves them
face a turning point and are required dues. Associates live their voiceless. No person can carry
seeking to do so with style and normal, family lives and maintain these crosses alone. (Sr. Charlotte
grace. According to NACAR (North their employment (unless retired), LeBoeuf)
American Conference of Associates hopefully with deeper awareness n
and Religious), Associates are that the cross is the compass on Being an Associate gives me
laypeople who have made a their faith journey. confidence in my prayer, in Bible
public commitment to a particular At the summer meeting of the study group and calls me to be more
religious order or institute. Although Associate Steering Committee, aware of the excluded.
their names and requirements comments and insights were (Karen Pilgreen)
may vary, Associates are generally solicited. Sisters and laity n
valued and groomed as a means contributed the following: I’m convinced that Holy Cross will
of promoting a congregation’s n continue to grow like a mighty tree
charism even as congregations Our Associate programming and our legacy continue because
face completion. Associates are challenges us to do good, practice the of our Associate members. I enjoy
considered an expansion of the beatitudes, and demonstrate respect coordinating with Associates in
religious order, committed to a and dignity for all creation, always Opelousas and Franklin as we learn
similar mission statement, and cultivating a compassionate mind and from one another.
called to carry out the teachings, heart. (Sr. Marie Noel) (Sr. Mary Anne Peltier)
spirituality and legacy of their - I’ve always believed in the n
particular congregation. importance of really listening to Since Fr. Moreau encouraged the
Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a people, smiling, and being present education of the mind and the heart,
history professor at the University of to others. Being an Associate has may we each, sisters and associates,
Notre Dame who writes extensively affirmed that belief and given me pray to the Spirit for an openness
about the Catholic Church and
women religious in particular, calls Associate Steering Committee
this moment “historic”. Today’s members at their summer
trends show how imperative it is meeting.
for sisters “to communicate their
histories and charisms to those who
do not take the same vows.”
The Marianites have had some
type of Associate programming
since the 1970’s. In the early
2000’s the relationships and
interaction became stronger. A
Steering Committee of sisters/laity
was established, A commitment
was made to provide 1) on-going
communications for inspiration
and education in Holy Cross
8
of our minds and Before Vatican II, the faithful
hearts to embrace operated out of a hierarchy
all of God’s Creation, of “vocations”. The Council
all of God’s People made it clear, however,
and of our life’s that our first and common
experiences so vocation comes through
as to live more Baptism. Our MSC Associate
fully our Christian relationships aim to promote
commitment. Holy Cross spirituality within
(Sr. Cynthia Knowles) that lived experience.
n (Sr. Judith Gomila)
I feel I have grown n
in many ways since As we move toward
becoming an MSC 2020, we are quite aware of
Associate. My prayer Joyce Nixon, Rosie Pizzalato, Srs. Mary Murray and Joel the burdens of the world.
life has deepened Srs. Judy and Immaculata Paisant Miller with Glenmary Magazine Sisters, Associates, family
and my spirituality discuss future Associate plans. article on Blessed Father Stanley and friends, we can all be a
has expanded Rother, Sr. Joel’s cousin. part of the turning point in
to recognize the our society by consciously
importance of everyday compassion are rooted deep within me. We are seeking to live the Gospel,
with new awareness of social justice placed on this journey to learn his engaging others in lifting up those
issues. (Pattie Harris) love and mercy. I listen through my in need, with an extravagance of
n work with the Associates and learning compassion like Jesus’ own. (Want
I chose to be an Associate of the the lessons of Blessed Moreau and to know more? Please go to our
Marianites because I believe that Mother Mary. (Chris Laughlin) website, www.marianites.org under
my faith, hope and love of God n the Associate tab.)
The One That Got Away
B
orn and bred in the 9th Ward, a student of duty as the school patron.)
the Marianites at St. Cecilia and later at Holy Sister was equally adamant
Angels, Helena Kessler joined the School Sisters about the pro-life stance
of Notre Dame, sixty plus years ago. With a wink, a of the school as she was
smile, and a wave of her hand, she delighted in the regarding the importance of
banter - “How come?”- with her former classmates the education of the young,
and friends, now long-time Marianites. She remained expectant mothers. A small
faithful in her admiration and visitation to her old staff of certified teachers
teacher, Sr. Madeleine Sophie Hebert, MSC and their and counselors rounded
frequent reunion lunches. out that faith community of supportive adults.
Retired in 2011 to St. Mary of the Pines and The girls, their parents, and in some cases the
deceased this past July (1933-2019), Sr. Rose Elaine fathers of the babies knew her genuine love. Sr. Rose
Kessler, SSND’s obituary chronicles her many ministries Elaine could be both charming and disarming as she
and service to the Church as an educator - much of nudged individuals along in their emotional journeys
which was within the Archdiocese of New Orleans. – anger, guilt, resentment, resignation, hope, etc. Her
In a recent issue of the Clarion Herald, Peter own greatest joy, holding those precious babies!
Finney, Jr. affirms, Sr. Rose Elaine “left a legacy not Sr. Clarita Bourque, MSC, a graduate of Sacred
only of the thousands of children she taught but Heart on Canal St (a SSND school), chuckles as she
also the dozens of infants who had been saved and remembers joking with Sr. Rose Elaine over their
nurtured through her care.” vocational calls across religious congregational
As the loving, non-judgmental and good humored borders. “I used to say, The Marianites got me, the
principal at St. Gerard Majella School, Sr. Rose Elaine consolation prize.”
encouraged pregnant teenage girls to continue their Those who know both sisters can testify: they each
high school education. (St. Gerard Majella, recognized followed where God wanted them to be.
as the patron saint of pregnant women, did double
9
a hundred aunts
Stanton Mcneely III Named President
of the University of Holy Cross
His many aunts are asking, “Could this possibly be Lil’ Mac?”
T
he men and women of the the school. He served as business
Catholic Church who choose a professor, assistant to the dean
life of celibacy will tell you that of sciences, director of student
there are endless rewards and con- affairs, director of admissions
solations in the life they’ve chosen. and vice president of institutional
They must acknowledge, however, advancement. He speaks very highly
that there are certain “shortcomings” of his friendship with Father Tom
too, one of which is the knowledge Chambers and of the many lessons
that they will never experience the he learned from him.
joys of parenthood. They may, how- Dr. McNeely’s past two years’
ever, have the luxury of bragging experience should prove invaluable
about the accomplishments of their in his new position. He has served as
nieces and nephews. president and CEO of the 10-member
This “luxury” is true of many Louisiana Association of Indepen-
Marianites. On June 29, Stanton dent Colleges and Universities. As
McNeely, III was elected by the UHC Sr. Stephanie Brignac and Stanton Peter Finney points out in his article,
Board of Trustees to succeed Dr. Da- McNeely prepare to light candles at the Stanton has not only worked closely
vid “Buck” Landry as president of the recent UHC convocation. with this nonprofit organization, he
University of Holy Cross and in the has formed friendships and good
August 3 issue of the Clarion Herald, and his godmother, but also his working relationships with Louisi-
in a lengthy article by Peter Finney Jr. mother in many ways. From his ana’s Congressional Delegation in
about the university’s new head, Dr. days at Jesuit High School to his Washington, D.C, and with members
McNeely states, “I have a hundred obtaining a doctorate degree from of the U.S. Department of Education.
aunts (Marianite sisters) out there.” Northcentral University, Stanton There was, of course, great joy
How did that happen? Sr. worked multiple and varied jobs and elation among his many aunts
Bertilla McNeely , a former to pay for his education. He served when they learned of his selection
Marianite provincial, was Stanton’s food in the cafeteria, answered as president. “Wouldn’t Bertilla be
aunt. When the family suffered calls on the school’s switchboard, proud!” was their initial reaction.
a serious financial setback, she and labored in accounting-related They, of course, are proud too of
came to the rescue. She arranged jobs, among others. Not only was this little boy who grew up to lead
for Stanton to transfer to Holy he absorbing the material within the university which the Marianites
Name of Mary School in Algiers. his classes, he was learning how an founded 103 years ago! They know
This move assured that he would educational institution works. His that with his knowledge, experience
continue to receive a Catholic years as a member of the faculty of and love of Holy Cross, plus his
school education. Stanton has the University of Holy Cross also many aunts’ prayers, great things are
said that she was not only his aunt gave him an added appreciation for in store for UHC!
Marianites bless
staff and faculty
at convocation.
10
10SURPRISED? We know the first thing you look for when your Marianite arrives is
what you’ll find on page 11. Will the editors be sporting crazy hats, or sitting on a bench
in City Park with statues, or waiting for their Putlitzer Prize to arrive? We decided long
ago that, though we’d never print our names as editors of this magazine, we would
grace you with our mugs each issue.
Well, things are different this time. We just realized that we’ve been publishing
the Marianite for ten years! Where does time go? It was our former Congregational
Leader, Sr. Suellen Tennyson who came up the bright idea of keeping in touch
with you through a quarterly publication. Remember 2009, Barak Obama became
President, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl, Sonia Sotomayor became the
first Hispanic and only the third woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice? The first
issue of the Marianite was distributed to 3,000 readers. The Congregation, too, has
undergone dramatic changes. Holy Angels was sold (for the first time in 167 years,
there were no Marianites living in the area) and the Congregational headquarters
moved to Covington; Sr. Ann Lacour succeeded Sr. Suellen Tennyson as Congregational
Administrator.
During that ten-year period, we’ve published 31 issues of the magazine and our
readership has grown to approximately 8,000. We’ve featured associates, extended
members, graduates of our schools, our sisters in various ministries, social justice topics,
devotional practices, and, with great sadness, we’ve bid a fond farewell to our Marianite
sisters who are now among our readers in heaven.
You, our readers have been very kind. You make a point to tell us, quite often, how
much you enjoy the publication. (One of our readers recently told us that we deserved
a raise!)
Even when you point out grammatical errors or misspelled words, you do it very
gently. When we receive compliments from you, naturally we proudly accept them but
we are always quick to point out that there is someone else who deserves credit for the
professional look and the beauty of this magazine. His name is Glenn Noya. Glenn
has served as our graphic designer since the beginning. He is “da man” who creates
the beauty and “professional look” which catches your eye each issue. He is extremely
talented and very easy to work with. Thank God he has such a great sense of humor!
And now, in conclusion, we’re going to break our vow. WE’RE GOING TO PRINT
OUR NAMES!
In grateful appreciation,
Sr. Clarita Bourque and Sr. Judith Ann Gomila
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Academy of the Holy Angels
All Class Luncheon
Sunday, November 3, 2019, 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Optional Mass begins at 10:00 a.m. SHARP (DOORS OPEN AT 9:30); those not
participating in Liturgy, please remain downstairs until 11:00 a.m. General Admission.
Chateau Estates Golf and Country Club
3600 Chateau Blvd • Kenner, LA 70065
HONORING CLASSES: 30-’40’s, ‘59, ‘69, ‘79, & ‘89 but all are welcome!
$45.00 per person, deadline Monday, October 28 OR
– MENU –
House Salad
until registration is full.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
LIMITED SEATING - FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
Lyonnaise Potatoes
Tables of 10 are available for $450.
Steamed Broccoli
(A registration form for each person must accompany the $450; Cheesecake with
please, all submitted together.) Strawberries
After October 14, 2019 open seating ONLY. Iced Tea/Coffee
Questions/concerns: Contact Donna Kennedy Spatz, ‘64 at 985-867-9318.
More info and registration at www.marianites.org/alumnaeYou can also read
