Story and Photo Contribution: Sr. Sean Damien, O,Carm.
Since we aren’t able to have our Annual Memorial Mass for our deceased residents we had a “virtual “ Memorial service. Family members who would ordinarily
be with us in our Chapel were invited to a live stream of the event which remains available on line. Those of us able to be there felt joined to the
family members in celebrating the lives of their loved ones.
Please join us in congratulating Sister Mary Philomena Anne of Divine Mercy O. Carm. for the renewal of her vows this past Sunday,
June 7, 2020 in St. Joseph's Chapel, Garvey Manor, Hollidaysburg, PA.
"For the honor of God, and moved by a firm resolve to consecrate myself more fully to Him, and to follow Christ more closely in my
whole life, here and now, before Sister Jacinta Mary, Delegate of the Reverend Prioress General, I, Sister Mary Philomena Anne
of Divine Mercy, vow for one year Obedience, Poverty, and Chastity, according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Congregation
of the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. I give myself with whole heart to this religious community so that by the grace
of the Holy Spirit, and the help of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel, I may seek perfect charity in the service of God and
the Church."
The ongoing CoVid-19 pandemic dominates the headlines around the world. As the Carmelite Sisters, who serve our frail elderly in long term care facilities, we adjust to infection control guidelines established by federal and state authorities to protect our vulnerable residents. Saint Patrick Home does just that. Creative ways of conducting activities most important to our residents and making sure for continuity of care while implementing social distancing, a "new normal" has evolved as you can see from these photos!
As healthcare workers and scientists work hard to beat the Corona Virus pandemic, our Sisters are doing their best to contribute to the efforts of containment and prevention of disease, each in their own way. With social distancing and lock downs as the buzzwords these days, we share some photos of some creative efforts made by some.
Featured Photos:Carmel Terrace Residents, Framingham, MA and Saint Teresa's Motherhouse, Germantown, NY. (Used with Permission)
CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS
NOTE: PHOTOS ARE POSTED AS WE RECEIVE THEM FROM OUR HOMES- STAY TUNED!
Photos and Story Contribution: Sr. Madeline Angeline, O.Carm., Ozanam Hall Nursing Home
Ozanam Hall celebrated the 36th death anniversary of their Foundress, Venerable Mary Angeline Teresa on January 21, 2020. Bishop Witold Mroziewski,
Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, was the invited celebrant and homilist.
A "Homeless Jesus" was on display at the Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs for the 130th anniversary of the North American Shrine in Auriesville, NY. Renewal Sisters, Novices and Postulant visited the shrine and were all very moved by the life size sculpture of the "Homeless Jesus." Timothy
Schmaltz who is the artist of the statue was present at the celebration and telethon. Timothy explained that the sculpture which was inspired by the Gospel message in Matthew 25 suggests Christ being with the most marginalized in our society. This sculpture will be in its way to NYC next
week to be blessed by Pope Francis.
A new book entitled "New Generations of Catholic Sisters: The Challenge of Diversity" is now available for purchase at bookstores near you. The book presents the analyses of data obtained from the 2009 NRVC/CARA study on religious life. The authors of the book: Dr. Mary L. Gautier is a senior research associate at the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at Georgetown University. She has a Ph.D. in sociology from Louisiana State University. Sr. Mary Johnson, S.N.D.deN. is a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur, a professor of sociology and religious studies, and co-director of the Billiart Center for Social Justice at Trinity Washington University in Washington, D.C. Sr. Patricia Wittberg, S.C is a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati. She received her Ph.D. in sociology from the University of Chicago and has written extensively on Catholic parishes and religious life.
The Symposium held at the Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois on September 20, 2015 was the second of four scheduled gatherings in different states based on the findings presented in the book. This event was attended by over 100 Sisters belonging to different religious institutes and NRVC Staff members. The presentation included topics on The Changing Demographics of U.S Catholics and Institutes of Women Religious; Generational Differences among Women Religious; Where do we go from here?; Q&A and Panel Discussion with young religious women from four religious institutes.
I participated in the gathering along with Sisters attending the Sabbatical Program at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. IL. We enjoyed the presentation and expertise of the authors as well as meeting new friends. The next gathering of the same will be held October 10, 2015 at Immaculata University in Immaculata, PA and January 23, 2016 at Mount St. Mary's University in Los Angeles, CA.