Chronicles of the Sisters of St. Joseph

Transcription

1 US O U G RI S T. A DA SIS T of ST. JO S H EP S ER T I N E, F L Chronicles of the Sisters of St. Joseph Established 1866 SPRING 2017

2 whatever you do for the dear neighbor, do it with the same feeling of devotion and of charity as if you were doing it for the very person of Jesus Christ. Maxim 49 By Sister Jane Stoecker, SSJ, General Superior By the end of November, 2016, the Sisters outreach to those directly affected by Hurricane Matthew was expanded to include preparation of hygiene bags for any of our dear neighbors who are homeless, poor or needy, wherever the need would be identified. In order to become dependent ourselves, we have relied solely on Divine Providence and the generosity of others in this ministry. If the ministry is of God, it will continue; if it is no longer of God, it will dissolve itself. The Cathedral Parish in St. Augustine has been supportive in letting us place a box for travel item donations in the back of the cathedral. We also were invited to place an explanation and request in the cathedral bulletin. Several weeks ago, we removed the box temporarily. Both items and monetary donations continue to be brought to us. The Constitutions of the Sisters of St. Joseph reminds us that our ministry expresses charity in the manner of St. Joseph whose name we bear, and humility in the spirit of the Incarnate Word, and our mission of union requires that we be Christ s healing presence to the world. We continue to receive travel size hygiene items and monetary gifts that have allowed us to order items in bulk. We have two work spaces in the Motherhouse where the Sisters assist in preparing the hygiene bags as they find the time to do so. To date, the Sisters have prepared over 2,000 Dear Neighbor bags that have been distributed through Catholic Charities, San Sebastian Parish, Sulzbacher Center, as well as to places such as Dining with Dignity, Sister Jane receives donations at the Motherhouse Home Again St. John, Crescent City Farmworkers, and Maria Goretti Home. Travel size hygiene item such as toothpaste, tooth brushes, soap, shampoo, deodorant, large men s socks, washcloths, combs, hand sanitizer, etc., as well as monetary donations, can be given to the Sisters at the Cathedral 7 a.m. daily Mass or the 9 a.m. Sunday Mass. When you work for the neighbor do it with a very unselfish love which expects no reward for its services, and aim at nothing other than helping him and being at the same time pleasing to God. Maxim 55 Staging area for assembling the Dear Neighbor packet on the second floor of the Motherhouse Sample Dear Neighbor packet 2

3 The Call to the Consecrated Life From the Constitutions of the Sisters of St. Joseph By Sister Ann Raymond Wood, SSJ At the root of each vocation is a deep and uniquely personal experience which involves an encounter with God. Called to a radical following of Jesus, we are drawn to be with Christ who lives in the midst of people and spends himself for them. Each of us has been called to the vowed life in this Congregation, and we have responded. Our consecrated life becomes a pledge of our union with the chaste, poor and obedient Jesus. Please enjoy the following stories of our Sisters journeys from their youth to the Consecrated Life. Sister Bernard Joseph Palmer, SSJ Baby girl Palmer was born early on the morning of December 23 rd. Her parents were concerned about their baby because she was so thin and sickly. A good oatmeal diet fattened her, but her health remained a problem until her teen years. The Palmer family moved from Sister with one of her 1 st Holy Communion students at St. Charles School in Orlando Washington, DC to Orlando in Mrs. Palmer s health was poor and a warmer climate was sought. The family became members of St. James Catholic Church. The Church and the faith of the Church was center and core of the family. Sister was greatly influenced by the faith of her parents and the Sisters of St. Joseph, her teachers at St. James, especially Sister Marie Antoinette. In second grade, she became enamored by the Religious life and in seventh grade made the decision to become a Sister. The five years Sister spent in Public School strengthened her vocation. She was often called upon by her teachers to answer questions about the Catholic Church. Explaining her faith in a non- Catholic environment set the stage for her years of teaching in the Catholic schools and as DRE. Sister entered the Novitiate of the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 11, Her fifty years in Religious life have provided her with many opportunities for spiritual growth. She has been able to share her spirituality with the many students she taught in classrooms around the state of Florida. Her ministry of Director of Religious Education enabled Sister to reach out to adults as parents and catechists. She was able to offer love and concern to her elderly and sick sisters while ministering at Lourdes Hall. Her ministry at the Villa Flora-Brown Spiritual/Retreat Center in the late 1990s provided the opportunity to offer hospitality to the guests who come for rest and prayer. Sister s present ministry at the Diocesan Museum of the Mission of Reflecting upon her work as a docent for the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche Nombre de Dios enables her to grow in her love for history. Here Sister welcomes visitors from around the world. She is able to introduce them to the true historical and religious beginnings of the United States. Sister is grateful to all those who have supported her during her journey of fifty years. Her mother always said: If something is worth doing, it is worth doing well, which is in keeping with her favorite quotation from Saint Bernard of Clairvaux: Love without measure. 3

4 Sister Elizabeth Worley, SSJ Sister Elizabeth Worley, SSJ, entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in She has served the Catholic Church in Florida in education, healthcare administration and diocesan administration. With a Masters in Chemistry (Villanova University), Sister taught Chemistry at LaSalle High School in Miami ( ) and Madonna Academy ( ). As a Barry University adjunct, she taught Organic Chemistry to advanced students at both high schools. Completing a Masters in Business Administration with a certificate in health care administration (University of Miami), Sister served as Chair of the Board of Mercy Hospital, Miami ( ) and CEO of Catholic Hospice, Miami ( ). At the invitation of then Bishop Thomas Wenski, Bishop of Orlando, Sister Elizabeth served as the first Chancellor for Administration and Chief Operating Officer for the Diocese of Orlando ( ), bringing the business experience of Catholic healthcare to develop this new role of diocesan administration. Subsequent to Archbishop Wenski s appointment as Archbishop of Miami, Sister Elizabeth returned to Miami as Chancellor for Administration and Chief Operating Officer for the Archdiocese of Miami (2010 to present). The Archdiocese is comprised of 109 parishes and missions, 58 schools and a university, Catholic Charities and Catholic Health Services Sister Elizabeth leads her 1 st Holy Communion Class at St. James Cathedral in Orlando, 1966 Finalizing a grant proposal that will serve to assist the poverty stricken people of Haiti that includes rehab hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home health, assisted living, senior housing, hospice, and cemeteries. Sister Elizabeth serves as the administrator of the Congregation s pension Trust. She received the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice, awarded by Pope John Paul II and presented by Archbishop John Favalora on December 8, 2000, in recognition of her lifetime of service to the Catholic Church. In 2013, Sister was awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Thomas University, recognizing her 50 years of ministry as a religious. For 47 years she has served as cantor in the Cathedrals in Miami and Orlando. Sister Rosa Lopez, SSJ Rosa Maria was born the sixth of nine children to Roberto and Rosa Lopez in Havana, Cuba. A month later her brother and sister, Robert and Teresa, were sent away for fear of the Castro Regime's "revolution." Four years later the rest of the family left Cuba, and after some months in Spain, they were reunited in Miami, Florida. Sister attended Sts. Peter & Paul School and Immaculata- LaSalle High School in Miami, Florida. After graduating from the University of Miami with a major in mathematics, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida. It was during her years at the University that she felt a deeper desire for a deeper prayer and understanding of Jesus. Sister had already decided that she was called to be a teacher, called to be there for students after school, to provide them a safe place to belong as she herself had experienced during her high school years. While attending the University, Sister worked as a substitute (Continued on next page.) Sister Rosa and her family when they first arrived from Cuba 4

5 Sister Rosa Lopez, SSJ... continued from previous page and coach at Sts. Peter and Paul School. There she admired Sister Mary Eleanor Callahan, SSJ and Father Gilberto Fernandez who encouraged her by their example in her desire to more fully serve God as a Sister of St. Joseph, the community to which she felt drawn through their charism of union with the dear neighbor. Sister completed her Master s Degree in Theology at LaSalle University in Philadelphia and continued post graduate studies in spirituality at Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska. Sister Rosa has taught in schools throughout Florida: St. Mary s Cathedral School in Miami, St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine, St Thomas Aquinas High School in Ft. Lauderdale, St. Peter Claver in Tampa and Archbishop Curley/Notre Dame High School in Miami; and now at her alma mater Immaculata- LaSalle teaching math and has a peer ministry program in which students prepare and lead retreats for Middle schools in the area. Sister serves as Campus Minister, providing a safe place to belong. Sister St. Margaret Zapf, SSJ Sister St. Margaret was born in Miami, FL on July 15, 1917, to Max and Elva (Kilgore) Zapf. The fourth child of eight, she was baptized Helen Florence Henrica. Sister attended Gesu School through her sophomore year. She was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph and was inspired by them to contemplate a call to religious life. Her discernment led her to enter the Congregation on September 15, 1934, in St. Augustine. Sister speaks of her great joy and gratitude to God for calling her to His Service. In 1938, Sister began her ministry among God s little ones and continued in the teaching ministry for forty years throughout Sister St. Margaret with parents Max and Elva Laura Zapf, Sister Rosa leads prayer before the start of class at Immaculata-LaSalle High School the state of Florida. Sister recalls that she was challenged by the frequent changes in ministry asked of her and from this she learned detachment. Sister St. Margaret earned a B.S. Degree at Barry University (Miami Shores) and an equivalency Masters in Religion from Incarnate Word College in San Antonio, Texas, and St. Thomas Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From Sister at daily prayer Sister was missioned in Puerto Rico and taught grade school and music. Returning to the United States, she continued teaching and took on the responsibilities of Coordinator of Religion/Liturgical Music in the parish and school. Coming full circle, Sister eventually began ministry at her home parish of Gesu. In 1981, Sister arrived at Mercy Hospital (Miami) to begin a third life-ministry of pastoral care. That year she earned her C.P.E. at Methune, Massachusetts, and completed the second unit at Mercy. Sister considers that her outreach in visiting the sick and praying with them through their illnesses was a truly privileged work in the vineyard of the Lord. Sister presently resides at Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in St. Augustine where she continues her ministry of Centering Prayer and community assistance. Sister will celebrate her 100th birthday this year!

6 Love Letters from Lourdes By Mrs. Patricia Poticny, BSN, RN Administrator of Lourdes Hall As the Sisters of Our Lady of Lourdes Convent look forward to Spring 2017, they have experienced some spring cleaning at Lourdes over the last several months. With the help of generous benefactors, there has been work completed on the interior of the building. All the hallways, the kitchen and the dining room floors have been stripped and refinished. The hallways have been painted and window blinds replaced with a brighter, lighter look throughout. The caregiver s office was updated with new flooring, cabinets and counter tops for a more professional and efficient working environment. The building s duct work will be cleaned in February which should result in improved air quality as well as decreased utility bills. Once the ducts are clean and the mold potential is reduced dramatically, the ceilings will be painted in most of the convent. Although the building was spared the worst of Hurricane Matthew, Lourdes did sustain multiple areas of water damage to interior ceilings when the high wind forced water under the flashing on the roof. There are always ongoing small repairs or updates that need to occur to keep a building safe and secure for those that live there, so the wish list for Lourdes is never quite finished. From the Sisters of Lourdes Convent, there continues to be an ongoing ministry of love and outreach to the Dear Neighbor. The Lourdes lobby had a Christmas tree that was filled with prayer requests. These requests will be honored throughout the course of the year. The Sisters continue bake for the homeless every month and they personally wrote out 120 Christmas cards for the homeless. A new ministry to the incarcerated is beginning this month. The Sisters will be writing letters of support and encouragement for those men and women currently imprisoned. In addition, Bibles sent to the prison chaplain have been personally inscribed with words of encouragement by the Sisters of Lourdes. The Angel Cap Ministry (hats for infants at the hospital) and the Head to Toe Ministry (hats and booties for adult hospice patients) continues with the donation of beautiful yarn from friends of the Sisters. The weekly Centering Prayer group continues to meet under the direction of Sister St. Margaret. The Sisters and Staff of Lourdes Hall wish to acknowledge Novice, Sister Grace Ford, Sister Florence Bryan, Vocations Director; Sister Rea Wurmnest, teacher at St. Pius School and Sister Elise Kennedy, receptionist at Morning Star School Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine Formation Community The SSJ Formation Community in Jacksonville serves not only as a Novitiate for novice, Sister Grace Ford, but also as a discernment center for women seeking God's vocational call for their lives. Opportunities are provided to individuals and groups to ask questions about the life and ministry of Sisters in the Church and for individual guidance in personal discernment. Sister Florence Bryan invites you to contact her at or at fbryanssj@gmail.com. St. Joseph Convent (the Formation Community) is located at 2741 St. Johns Avenue in the Riverside area of Jacksonville. the death of a beloved employee, Sybil Fisher. Sybil worked as a caregiver for the retired Sisters of St. Joseph for 37 years, and died unexpectedly in January. In a beautiful demonstration of ministering to those closest to home, the Sisters, despite their own grieving, assisted the lay staff at Lourdes. The Sisters of Lourdes send love and will continue to pray for all their family, friends, benefactors, and of course, their Dear Neighbors. Lourdes Sisters baking cookies for the homeless people of St. Augustine Coloring Easter Eggs for the homeless children 6 In loving memory of our Sybil Fisher

7 Apostolic Ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph throughout Florida Doing the work of whatever a woman is capable SSJ Founder, Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ Sisters of the Motherhouse meet in their Cathedral Parish Small Christian Community Holy Hour at the Formation House in Riverside with neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Grant Sisters present check to St. Francis homeless shelter in St. Augustine to help rebuild after Hurricane Matthew Sisters of St. Joseph donate a case of Catholic Bibles to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Prison Ministry Left to right: Becky Hesson, Director of General Services; Pastor Ronnie Lester, Prison Minister; Sister Carol Stovall, Sister Jane Stoecker and Director Samuel P. Williams, St. Johns County Sheriff's Office Sister Bernard Joseph is a docent at the Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche in St. Augustine 7 After Father Mooney exposed the Blessed Sacrament, Sister Loyce Newton gave the Divine Mercy conference to 40 parishioners of Corpus Christi Parish in St. Augustine Sister Grace brings Eucharist to the nursing home in Jacksonville Sister Barbara brings Eucharist to the sick at Flagler Hospital in St. Augustine

8 Apostolic Ministries Sister Diane creates holy stained glass windows Sister Kathleen evangelizes on Faith Fit radio in Orlando Sister Mary Christine revitalizes the Villa Flora Sister Mary Kuester teaches art at Holy Family School in Miami Sister Suzan teaches the students at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine Sisters of the Comfort and Care Ministry write notes to all benefactors and those in need that are placed in the Prayer Basket beneath the Altar in the Motherhouse Chapel l-r Sister Margaret Mary, Sister Thomas Joseph, Sister St. Margaret (who will be 100 this year), Sister Edith Paschall, Sister Mary Beatrice and Sister Carolyn Tucker. 8 Sisters Ann Raymond, Eileen Therese and Carol Stovall were invited by Denise Pressley, DRE at St. Anastasia, to give a Morning of Prayer honoring Mother St. Teresa of Calcutta Sister Rita helps Pam play piano at the L Arche Community in Jacksonville

9 Eucharistic Congress 2017 The Sisters of St. Joseph, once again, participated in the Diocese of St. Augustine s Annual Eucharistic Congress at the Prime Osborn Convention Center in Jacksonville. The Sisters managed a very active table of crafts made by the Sisters from pottery and hand crafted cards to memorabilia from the Sister s 150th Anniversary. Sister Florence and Sister Rita have a flurry of customers Sister Thomas Joseph and Sister Josepha with former students, Father Jason Trull and Father John Tetlow Archives Alive By: Sister Catherine Bitzer, Archivist In late January several archivists from St. Augustine experienced a delightful day trip to Marineland. The tour, hosted by Terran McGinnis, gave us an awesome experience of the archives of Marineland. During February, Justin Stuart, a UNF graduate student came to gather primary and source materials for his thesis paper which will be on the education of African Americans by the Sisters of St. Joseph following the conclusion of the American Civil War. Myles Bland, from Bland & Associates, came to research church records and John Barton came to gather information for the upcoming Catholic Foundation s 30th Anniversary. Rev. Michael McNally, historian and author of several books, brought a group of parishioners from St. Mark the Evangelist Parish, Fort Pierce. Fr. McNally gave a most passionate talk on the ministry and works of the pioneer Sisters of St. Joseph. Archivists visit Marineland Ernie Bono and Coach Tom Coughlin credit the Sisters of St. Joseph with their faith filled upbringing in Catholic Schools Photo by Woody Huband, St. Augustine Catholic Are You Being Called? By Sister Mary Rene Azar, SSJ February is a special month in my life as never was I planning to become a Sister, and never was I to leave my family, but I did! The Sisters of St. Joseph taught me and I loved them as my extended family. My sister Margaret planned to enter the convent all her school life. Our mother was a person of prayer as was our father. We all loved to pray together each evening. I loved looking at the sky as it seems I was looking at Our Lady there. Do whatever He tells you, repeatedly came to me! I, with God s grace through Our Holy Mother, answered the call. I pray each day we would have more women answer the call to Religious life. The joy of living with prayer people; the pleasure of a wonderful God in so many fields of compassion; being secure in the care of Divine Providence; of being everyone s Sister; what a Joy! I love being a Sister of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida. I am so happy wherever I am and want to do whatever Jesus tells me to do. Sometimes He has surprised me in my missions and sometimes He has spoken to me through my Sisters. Through it all, I have always felt such joy. I ask all young, middle aged women of all nationalities to listen to Our Lady and answer her call. Would you answer a call from Jesus? Do whatever He tells you! Maybe it will be in a February for you too. 9

10 What is the Associates Program of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, FL? By Sister Rita Baum, SSJ, Coordinator The Associate Program is open to any sincere person who desires to share in the spirit and values of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. The program offers an opportunity to be a part of a faith community that seeks to grow as the Body of Christ. Associates are spiritual companions and co-workers with the Sisters while continuing their daily lives. Joining to promote the mission, Associates help to provide spiritual and earthly needs of the dear neighbor. Associates do not take public vows, live in community or a convent, nor have a voice in governance nor any financial obligations. Join in the care and concern for the dear neighbor Co-Workers Actively engage in promoting vocations Participate in fund raising efforts that sustain the mission Promote congregational social justice issues Volunteer to help Sisters in their ministries Volunteer in service to the retired Sisters Please contact Sister Rita Baum, SSJ if you are interested in becoming an Associate rbaumssj@yahoo.com or Spiritual Companions Share opportunities for spiritual and personal enrichment through retreats, days of recollection, and community celebrations Join the Sisters in prayer life Learn more about our Catholic faith and the Sisters of St. Joseph charism (mission and values) New Associates Training (l-r) Associate Nancy O Byrne, new Associate Ann Ping, Sister Barbara and Rebecca Perez Why I Became an Associate By Cheryl Sansone, Associate since 1994 Sister Mary Josepha was my piano teacher and choir directress when I was in seventh and eighth grade. We had been in touch for some thirty-four years when she told me about the Associates of the Sisters of St. Joseph. I never questioned whether or not the Associates Program was for me. I knew it was. I immediately applied to be an Associate. When my application was received, I was invited to the convent in West Palm Beach where the Coordinator of the Associates lived. When I knocked on the door of the convent, Sister Rita Baum, whom I d never met before, came to the door, opened her arms and said, Welcome. The impact of her warmth and genuine hospitality affected me deeply and has continued to bolster my resolve to live out the remaining years of my life in love of God and of the dear neighbor. I have come to appreciate more deeply that the Sisters charism echoes what is now and always has been in my own heart. It is revealed in our Lord s words: I pray not only Cheryl with her piano teacher Sister Josepha for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you, that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. John:17:

11 September 4, 1994, Cynthia visiting Sister St. Mark in Lourdes Convent Becoming an Associate By Associate Cynthia Sharpe The Sisters of St Joseph taught me 1st-8th grades during at St Mary s School in Miami. They taught my brother and sisters as well. One of them, Sister St Mark, was my mother s (Rose Turner) closest friend. I remained in touch with Sister until she died in Lourdes Convent 11 days after her 100th birthday in December, I still have the letter Sister Josephine Marie wrote to me in Seattle with the news. When I moved to St Augustine in 2004, I didn t recognize the Sisters without their black-and-white habits. But in 2012, one year after my dear husband passed away, I rang the bell for the first time at the Motherhouse to attend a Holy Hour. Sister Rene Azar and her own sister, Mary Victor Azar, greeted me so warmly. As they hugged me I was reminded of my mother, who was only 4-11 tall. And so it began, my own enduring friendship with the Sisters in St Augustine. Indeed, that very night, Sister Rene invited me to consider becoming an Associate! I made my commitment in April, 2013, and the Motherhouse has felt like a second home to me ever since. Mission Haiti Trip By SSJ Associate, Janet Tinoco As an associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph, I had the privilege of traveling to Haiti with fellow associates, sisters, and a representative of Mission Haiti, Inc. The group was led by Shelley Butler (Mission Haiti, Inc.) and SSJ Sue Torgensen and included SSJ Mary Ellen O Connell, SSJ Karen Cavanagh, SSJ Jeanette Bussen, Dorothy Russell; Brooke, Sydney, Bren and Sarah Whitten; Judy Iantosca, SSJ Mary Ellen Gondeck and me. While each was there for her own personal reasons, my goal was to understand the Haitian education system and opportunities for women and children, particularly girls. With this trip, I was not only able to visit elementary and secondary schools, but also the University of Notre Dame Haiti, led by Monsignor Andre. Sadly, only 2% of Haitian students go to a university. The children I saw want to continue their education, but the challenges and costs in doing so can be monumental. The time we spent in Haiti was an amalgam of emotional ups and downs--sorrow, unease, joy, fulfillment, regret, confusion, and frustration--all of which were captured in nightly group reflections of roses, buds, and thorns. The miles of unbelievable poverty and trash, resigned faces of the poor, and begging children were overwhelming at times for me, yet made me more appreciative of what I have. The sick babies at Mother Theresa s Missionaries of Charity filled me with sadness. Conversely, the new friends I made, the people I met, the happy school children I saw and the non-profit and charity groups that have a presence in Haiti were amazing. And, the smiles! When a Haitian person smiles, the whole face lights up! Besides visiting schools, we also spent some time with the elderly women at the Village of Jesus. Overall, this was a happy visit. We massaged their arms, hands, and feet. We painted finger nails and danced. We sang and hummed to tunes we never heard of and drank fresh coconut milk directly from the coconut. New experiences, tastes, language, sights, sounds, art, and culture were hallmarks of this trip for me, having never been to a third world country. My challenge now is to take what I learned and experienced and turn it into a positive action, whether it be in Haiti, the US, or elsewhere. Associate Janet Tinoco (bottom right) with other missionaries to Haiti 11

12 Villa Flora Preservation Kick-Off Event Gregory Letnaunchyn, CFM Project Manager February 18, 2017 Three and a half years of planning, setbacks, hard work, meetings, prayer and unrelenting determination, culminated in a joy-filled celebration on February 18, 2017 with the Villa Flora Preservation Kick-Off. The event took place on the front porch, Flora Promenade (walkway) and front lawn of Villa Flora at 234 St. George Street in St. Augustine. State and City Officials, distinguished guests, harpist, donors, Sisters of St. Joseph and their SSJ Associates, along with passers-by, gathered for the informative presentation and enjoyable social that followed. The commitment to preserve historic Villa Flora is wellwarranted. Villa Flora was constructed during the Flagler Era ( ). Among the Northerners drawn to St. Augustine in the 1890s were Reverend and Mrs. O. A. Weenolsen from Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Weenolsens built the Villa Flora in 1898 as their winter residence. The building was constructed of coquina and yellow brick. Some of the coquina features have lime mortar joints which indicate that Villa Flora was, in part, incorporated into an earlier structure which pre-dated the Portland Cement used in the construction of the 1898 building. Another interesting feature of Villa Flora is its raised basement, one of the few ever built in St. Augustine. While Villa Flora served initially as a winter residence and as a private home, it has also been used as a hotel and restaurant. Since 1941, when the Sisters of St. Joseph purchased Villa Flora, the Villa has functioned as classroom space for St. Joseph Academy, a kindergarten, a novitiate, a residence, a site for spiritual programs and, currently, as a renewal center. The architectural integrity of the building is excellent. While the brick, coquina and stained glass are remarkably intact, these items, as well as the roof and structural features, need renovation. Sister Mary Christine Zimorski, SSJ Administrator The renewal will be performed as part of the planned restoration work. With the Matching Historic Preservation Grant provided by the State of Florida Historical Resources Department, and assistance from the Florida Historical Commission, work began on February 20, Villa Flora Preservation Project involves: Replacement of the roof and work on the flashing, gutters and downspouts; Repair of sixty windows and restoration of the stained glass, installation of protective glass on selected windows, and repair and replacement of the doors; Repair water damaged interior finishes; Repair of structural steel lintels and pressure washing of the exterior walls. The successful completion of the project is entrusted to the prayer and ongoing generosity of faithful supporters. AD Davis Construction Crew with Sister and Greg, Robert Ramacort, and Chris Sundstrom Paul Weaver, past president HARB (Historic Architectural Review Board), Don Crichlow, Architect, Mike Davis, Contractor, Mike Johns, Chairman of the Villa Flora Preservation Committee and Greg Letnauchn, Project Manager with Sisters Jane Stoecker, SSJ, General Superior and Sister Mary Christine Zimorski, SSJ, Administrator of the Villa Flora Sister Mary Christine and Project Manager, Greg Letnauchin review the plans 12 The work begins

13 Notes from the Motherhouse: Parking Lot Paved and Landscaped By Sister Carol Stovall, SSJ / Motherhouse Coordinator /Administrator With all the attention given to our 150th anniversary and Hurricane Matthew in the last edition of the Chronicles, another major event in 2016 was not included: the paving and landscaping of the Motherhouse parking lot on Cordova Street. What had been a dirt lot with no drainage and only 16 parking spaces became a coquina-concrete paved lot with a small retention area for drainage and 27 spaces, including 2 handicap spaces. New and improved lighting was also added that makes the parking lot much safer at night. Greg Letnauchin, of Triad Services Group, St. Augustine, was the parking lot project manager. John Mahoney, an engineer with Tocor Engineering, designed the new parking lot. A.D. Davis was the construction company. New landscaping was designed by Al Poticny and executed by Southern Horticulture of St. Augustine. The ladies that work in the General Governance office at the Motherhouse used to bring rain boots to wear to walk in from their cars when it rained. Otherwise they ruined their shoes. Since October I have not seen these anymore. When asked how he felt about the end result of the parking lot, Greg Letnaunchyn said, Every time I visit the new parking lot site, I have to smile. It is very satisfying to know that, through our efforts, the Sisters and their visitors now have a safe and very attractive parking lot. Progress Before Since the parking lot is located in an historic district, the project was slowed down a bit due to archeological digs. Approvals also had to be obtained from HARB (Historical and Architectural Review Board) and the SJWMD (Saint John s Water Management District). After demolishing the old curbs and concrete sidewalks, fill dirt was added to level the ground. Upon completion of the paving, landscaping was added consisting of trees, plants, shrubs, and groundcover. Pink crape myrtles, camellias, pink knock-out roses, East Palatka hollies, Japanese yews, agapanthus (lilies of the Nile) and Asiatic jasmine are among the species planted. During the construction, which took about four months, from mid-june to mid-october, Motherhouse sisters had to park their cars on the lawn beside the swimming pool and staff had to park in spaces that Cathedral Parish School had graciously allowed us to use in the back of their lot. After 13

14 SSJ Community Connections Andy Murray, owner of Caddy Shack restaurant in St. Augustine and Tom Quintieri of the St Johns County Sheriff s Office visit the Sisters. Andy is 7th in the 9 kid Murray family with older brother Bill Murray (think Ghost Busters) and sister, Sister Nancy Murray, OP... Andy shared that life in the Murray home was always exciting! Bishop Kenny Class of 1961, Jacksonville, honors Sister Thomas Joseph (their former principal) and the Sisters with a $1,000 donation from their 50th class reunion Viewing the historic documents in the Archives with Sister Cathy Groundbreaking for Morning Star High School in Jacksonville with Sister Elise, Sister Elizabeth Marie Stoup, Principal Jean Barnes and Bishop John Snyder. The Sisters of St. Joseph founded Morning Star Schools Visiting the Miquel O Reilly House Museum with Sister Thomas Joseph, curator Enjoying the Pottery House with Sister Carol Wells 14 San Juan del Rio Catholic Church Ladies Auxiliary, (Saint Johns), president De Santapola presents the Sisters with their annual donation for holiday meals

15 St. Pauls 4th grade from Jacksonville Beach visit John Barton of Barton Productions researching for the Catholic Foundations 30th Anniversary Faculty of Holy Family School in Jacksonville pilgrimage to the Motherhouse for their annual staff retreat Sister Thomas Joseph and Sister Josepha welcome former colleague Blandi Martin and husband Thomas St. Pauls Riverside School honors Sister Thomas Joseph and Sister Josepha Becky and Drew Hesson and family visit the Motherhouse 15

16 Archivists from St. Augustine visit our Archives Development Directors from Congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph from throughout the country, representing the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, gathered in St. Augustine for their annual meeting Sisters welcomed the Young at Heart Club from St. Matthews Church in Jacksonville who presented a $100 check for the Sisters Ministries Sister Cathy, Archivist greets the winners of the St. Mark the Evangelist, Ft. Pierce auction item Pilgrimage to St. Augustine with Father Mike McNally Bastian Reusch, a PhD student from Wurzburg, Germany researches the impact of Vatican II as implemented in the Cathedral of St. Augustine Sisters Elise and Rea support the Morning Star Gala 16

17 Well done, my good and faithful servants Come, share your master s joy. Matthew 25:23 Sister Catherine Laboure Brusnahan, SSJ Born, Orlando, Florida: April 8, 1932 Entered Religious Life: September 8, 1952 Entered Eternal Life: November 29, 2016 Frances Marian Brusnahan was born in Orlando, Florida, on April 8, Her parents, Harry and Mary Cecil Brusnahan, had six children, all born in Orlando. Frances attended St. James School in Orlando where she was taught by the Sisters of St. Joseph. She was especially impressed by Sister Mary Theophane who taught math when Frances was in high school. Frances entered the Sisters of St. Joseph in Upon receiving the habit of the Sisters, she received the name Sister Catherine Laboure. In 1953 she began ministry at St. Julian School in West Palm Beach. That would be the beginning of Sister's work in education as teacher and principal. One evaluation by a diocesan director of education referred to Sister Catherine Laboure as "highly professional, competent and dedicated to Catholic education." Teachers and students will attest to that. At one time, Sister kept a note by her alarm clock which read: "Wake Up With an Attitude of Gratitude." Throughout her life, Sister Catherine Laboure was always grateful for all that the Lord gave to her, no matter what that may have been. Sister Mary Agatha Cleare, SSJ Born, Harbour Island, Bahamas: August 27, 1929 Entered Religious Life: February 11, 1949 Entered Eternal Life: March 23, 2017 Sister Mary Agatha Cleare ministered to the people of God in Florida. Her ministry began in 1950, teaching at St Mary's School in Miami. For the next nine years Sister would teach at Cathedral Parish School (St. Augustine), St. James School (Orlando) and St. Agnes School (St. Augustine). From late Sister Agatha served in administration as principal at St. Juliana School in West Palm Beach where she also served her Sisters as coordinator of the convent. During the following four years, Sister ministered at the Catholic Children's Home in Perrine, Christ the King School and St. Joseph's School in Jacksonville. In 1969 Sister Agatha returned to her beloved St. Mary's School in Miami. She taught there until 1975 and was asked to serve as principal until In 1984 Sister moved across town to Coral Gables where she taught until Once again, Sister Agatha returned to St. Mary Cathedral School where she taught 5th grade which became her favorite grade level until Late that same year Sister began ministry as a resource teacher until she was assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in St. Augustine. She frequently entertained others in singing one of her favorite songs, "Oh, What a Beautiful Morning." This Sister of St. Joseph always tried to bring joy to "the Dear neighbor" until the Lord called her to her eternal rest. (Continued on next page.) 17

18 Accordingly, pursue to the very end and with gentleness and vigor what you have once and for all resolved and what you prudently believe corresponds to the greater glory of God. Maxim 67 Sister Margaret Killilea, SSJ Born, County Galway, Ireland: August 6, 1931 Entered Religious Life: September 7, 1950 Entered Eternal Life: January 16, 2017 Sister Margaret Killilea was born August 6, 1931, in County Galway, Ireland. At birth, she and her twin sister, Bridget, joined their three sisters and four brothers. Michael and Honora Killilea, the proud parents of this loving, joyful and caring family, were deeply saddened, however, by the sudden death of Bridget six months after her birth. Mr. Killilea was a farmer, raising crops and enjoying hard work in the vegetable garden each day. The children would help in the fields when they were not in school. As a young girl, Margaret would carry flasks of hot tea to her father and brothers when they worked the fields in the frosty cold weather. Although Margaret became a student of the Sisters of Mercy, she always possessed a missionary's heart. It came as no surprise then when she journeyed to America and entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida in Maggie, as she was known to her Sisters in Christ, always endeavored to manifest the spirit of Christ in her ministry. She was known for her wit, words of wisdom, and wonderful story-telling. No matter where or to whom Sister brought the Good News, she labored with love for Love, her Spouse. Sister Mary Henrietta Manucy, SSJ Born, St. Augustine, FL: January 6, 1931 Entered Religious Life: September 16, 1948 Entered Eternal Life: March 10, 2017 Sister Mary Henrietta Manucy (baptized Mary Jane Beatrice) was born on January 6, 1931, in St. Augustine, Florida. Her parents, Alonzo Henry and Madeline Foster Manucy, proudly welcomed her as their third child in a family of nine. Yes, Sister Henrietta was 100 percent Minorcan, and very proud of that, to say the least. Sister's primary education began at St. Agnes Parochial School and continued at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine. Sister entered the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine in Having been taught by these Sisters for so many years, she too wished to embrace the life of prayer and ministry that she witnessed among them. Though Sister's early ministry was directed to the Lord's "little ones," she would eventually earn Montessori Certification (K-1st) through the John Carroll Institute, the Florida Community College in Jacksonville, Coeur D'Alene in Idaho and the Renaissance Conference in Dallas, Texas. Her Montessori classroom at St. Peter Claver School in Tampa was highly praised for being fully equipped and quality staffed. Sister Henrietta became a resident of Our Lady of Lourdes Convent in She was always known for her gentle demeanor, dedication to prayer, and willingness to be of humble service in any way she could for the sake of community. 18

19 September 15, 2016 Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine at Mercy Hospital in Miami, circa the 1960s. The sisters congregation founded Mercy Hospital in Miami and its nursing school. PBS documentary illuminates order s 150-year history The Jacksonville, Fla., Public Broadcasting Service station has produced an hourlong documentary covering highlights of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine s 150 years of ministry in Florida. Mercy Hospital Miami, a hospital founded by the order, will screen Legacy of Faith: The Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine, Florida on its campus Sept. 23; and the Miami PBS station, WPBT, will air the documentary Sept. 25 and 26. Earlier this year, the documentary aired in northeast Florida. WJCT, the PBS station that produced the episode, is billing the piece as a celebration of the sisters 150th anniversary an oral history delivered in large part by the sisters themselves. The documentary features letters written by some of the original sisters who had traveled by ship from their native France to Florida in 1866 to educate liberated slaves. The documentary also shares correspondence between bishops and mother superiors of the congregation that illustrate what the living conditions, social context and ministry challenges were at various points in the congregation s history. Over their history, the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine have served in the fields of education, health care and social services. Withstanding public pressure, they taught black children in 1916, when the state had Permission Reprinted granted from from Catholic Catholic Health Health World, World, September September 15, , 2016 Copyright 2016 by by The Catholic Health Association of of the the United States prohibitions against doing so. Primarily during the 1950s and 1960s, the congregation founded or helped to establish five Florida hospitals as well as a nursing home, a facility for single mothers, children s homes and schools for disabled children. Today, there are 57 Sisters of St. Joseph in Florida. Many serve in education, social services, the arts creating stained glass and pottery and in other ministries in the state. The PBS documentary includes interviews with some of these sisters on their calling to religious life and how they have carried out their ministries. 19

20 US O U G RI S T. A DA SIS T of ST. JO S H EP S ER T I N E, F L Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine Office of Mission Advancement Post Office Box 3506 St. Augustine, FL ssjfl.org Villa Flora Renovation begins See page 12 for full story and additional photographs! 20