Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital and St. Joseph Infirmary Nurse Reunion

2012-05-16T16:26:00.001-04:00

The Alums from the Schools of Nursing of Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital and St. Joseph Infirmary were at Nazareth today, May 16, 2012, for a nurses’ reunion. Some 44 persons were in attendance. Their day began with liturgy at St. Vincent de Paul Church, then dinner in the dining room, a photo session on the steps of the Motherhouse, followed by tours of Heritage Hall and the Visitors’ Center. As you can probably imagine, there was lots of conversation and laughter. A great time was had by all!

St. Mary of the Woods School remembers SCNs

2012-05-16T09:41:00.001-04:00

The students of St. Mary of the Woods School in Whitesville, KY sent cards to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth congratulating the congregation on the Bicentennial of the congregation. SCNs served at St. Mary of the Woods School from 1901-1990.

In honor of the Bicentennial, students collected and donated 200 bars of soap to the homeless in the area.

Thank you for this wonderful tribute.

Thank you to St. Mary's School

2012-05-15T16:57:00.001-04:00

Sister Loretta Weller recently visited St. Mary's School in Paris, KY where she ministered for 41 years. She was so happy to see the students there and was especially thrilled to see some of the teachers who were hired when she was the principal.

The students presented her with cards thanking the Sisters for their years of service to God. Below are samples of some of the cards that Sister Loretta received. Also below are photos of some students of St. Mary's School and photos of the Sisters at Nazareth enjoying reading the messages.

Thank you for remembering the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in such a beautiful way.

Flaget Memorial Hospital Contributes to Sisters’ Scholarship Fund

2012-05-15T16:05:00.002-04:00

Flaget Memorial Hospital officials honored the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for their work in the community during a celebration last Thursday afternoon in the hospital’s serenity garden.

Flaget President Sue Downs presented the Sisters with a commemorative plaque and a $5,000 donation towards the Sisters’ scholarship program — Educating Young Women for a Better World.

Downs added that Flaget Memorial Hospital plans to pay tribute to the Sisters by naming an upcoming addition to its campus the “Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Building.”

Muslim Community Recognizes Navjyoti Center's Services

2012-05-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

Islam is a minority religion in Nepal. According to the 2001 Nepal census, 4.27% of the population are Muslim. Parts of the Muslim community in Surkhet, Nepal, have been lacking in areas of education, economy, and gender equality. They live day-to-day life saving little for the future. Education of children had not been a priority. In this context, Navjyoti Center took up working among Muslim women and children in 2010.

Five women groups were created for saving and investing. Though initially it was hard to convince the women to form saving and credit groups, after a year they were able to save some money in these five groups. Dozens of women have started small scale businesses like grocery shops, fancy shops, restaurants, buying and selling of spices, raising goats and chickens.

All the children are being sent to Madarsa Madina Middle School in the village. Navjyoti Center supported 65 poor children with uniforms and note books. On May 9, Madarsa Madina school celebrated 6th annual day. On that occasion Navjyoti's service to the Muslim community was praised by the organizers and Rosita Kavilpurayidathil, SCN, co-ordinator of Navjyoti Center, was honored with the offering of a shawl by the principal, Ratna Subedi, in the presence of invited guests, women and school children.

Sister Rosita spoke about the great changes that have taken place in the Muslim community over the past years. The Muslim community applauded the service offered by Navjyoti Center and requested to continue to walk with them in their struggle to change the society.

Rosita Kavilpurayidathil, SCN

Five Sisters Make Final Vows

2012-05-14T11:14:00.000-04:00

View more photos on Facebook.

Five SCNs, Agnita Bhengra, Jyoti Bara, Margaret Bharwa, Sabitha Pereira and Sahaya Mary made their final profession in Ranchi amidst great joy. Most Rev. Auxiliary Bishop Binay Kandulna was the main celebrant and 23 priests concelebrated the Holy Eucharist. The family members of the Sisters, around 30 SCNs and many friends were present to mark the occasion. The candidates, juniors and the program participants from Catherine Spalding Center led the celebrants and the Sisters with a beautiful dance.

It was a very solemn moment when the five Sisters prostrated themselves in front of the alter as a sign of their complete surrender to God and to the SCN Congregation bringing tears in the eyes of their family members, indeed the tears of joy and a sense of offering their daughters for the service of the Lord in the Congregation of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Sangeetha Ayithamattam, SCN Provincial, delegate of the President, received the vows.

Bishop Kandulna gave a beautiful inspiring homily during the Holy Mass on the theme of love. The choir created a prayerful yet lively atmosphere with their melodious voices and instrumentals. Sabita Pereira, SCN, expressed special thanks to all.

After the Holy Mass the Sisters were felicitated with garlands, flowers and gifts while the choir sang “Congratulations.”

Cecilia Simick, SCN

Nazareth Community Gardens Blessing

2012-05-14T11:11:00.001-04:00

On Friday afternoon, Sister Brenda Gonzales joined Campus Service Director Tom Robertson to lead the gathered gardeners in a blessing of the Nazareth Community Gardens. Also in attendance was Tyler Paulley. Tyler built the storage shed and improved water availability to gardeners as part of his Eagle Scout project. All 56 garden plots are now occupied and a variety of vegetables and herbs have been planted.

A Video Tribute to Frances Miriam, SCN

2012-05-14T09:52:00.003-04:00

To view the video on Vimeo, click here.

A good teacher inspires for a semester; a GREAT teacher impacts for life.

The University of Mississippi's Thomas "Sparky" Reardon remembers his former teacher, Sister Frances Miriam for the Thank A Teacher video series. Video by Mary Stanton.

The University of Mississippi School of Education asks its students, alumni and friends of education everywhere to recognize a teacher who's made a difference in the lives of others.

National Farm Workers Ministry

2012-05-12T21:45:00.001-04:00

Felix Garza, SCNA has been affiliated with the National Farm Workers Ministry for many years. He shared this video with us at the Ministry Fair at Nazareth today.

Ministry Fair a Success

2012-05-12T21:18:00.003-04:00

The SCN Ministry Fair took place on Friday and Saturday, May 11- 12, on the Nazareth Motherhouse Campus. Throughout the day on Saturday, dozens of people dropped by to visit booths featuring information about a number of our SCN partners - both Congregational and non-Congregational ministries. There were many items to purchase like fresh eggs and other farm items, quilted works of art, and bath and body products. A number of organizations gave presentations like Thistle Farms, Plowshares and the Ministry Formation Program for the hearing impaired. The day came to an end with a powerful performance by the members of the Tutwiler Community Education Center from the Mississippi Delta. Many thanks to everyone who came out to Nazareth and to each of you who spent your day with us sharing information about the amazing work you do! Enjoy the slideshow below of photos taken throughout the day on Saturday.

Flaget Hospital Honors SCNs

2012-05-11T14:23:00.002-04:00

Flaget contributes to Sisters’ scholarship fund

Renames a new addition in honor of the Sisters

By Jennifer Corbett, The Kentucky Standard

Flaget Memorial Hospital officials honored the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth for their work in the community during a celebration Thursday afternoon in the hospital’s serenity garden.

Downs added that Flaget Memorial Hospital plans to pay tribute to the Sisters by naming an upcoming addition to its campus the “Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Building.”

“It’s a way to honor them,” Downs said, noting that the Sisters helped launch Flaget Memorial Hospital in the 1950s.

“They do so much for the community,” she added. “They’re the ones that made our culture and gave us values.”

Coming into the celebration, Sisters of Charity of Nazareth President Sister Mary Elizabeth Miller said she didn’t expect such a generous donation or Flaget Memorial Hospital naming one of its buildings in their honor.

“It’s almost overwhelming,” she said. “We’re very much honored and we’re very much proud of Flaget and the work they do.”

National Nursing Home Week at Nazareth Home

2012-05-10T15:44:00.000-04:00

Nazareth Home “Celebrates the Journey”

National Nursing Home Week is celebrated May 13, 2012 through May 18, 2012 and the theme this year is “Celebrating the Journey”. Nazareth Home will host a series of events designed to enrich the relationships and contacts between residents, youth, community members, and family and staff. This week involves activities and events that recognizes those residents who live life to the fullest in the long term care environment and the dedicated staff who care for them.

“Our residents and staff have so much to share”, said Mary Haynes, CEO/President “and this seemed like the perfect showcase.”

Monday, May 14, 2012 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Our Lady of Lourdes “Around the World Choir” will perform in the Chapel. In the lobby is our display of Life Story Boards.

Nazareth Home is home to a global society. Our pastoral care director, Bridget Bunning, worked with staff and residents to create story boards telling the story of coming to the United States. We have 16 cultures represented at Nazareth Home and know these ‘stories’ will create stronger ties and build a foundation for a larger community. One of the purposes of celebrating nursing home week is to celebrate the journey of life. These residents and staff who were born in other countries and come to the United States have rich stories of their journey to share.

Other events this week are:

Live Laugh and Love, Tuesday May 15, 2012 Dr. Ann Weeks will speak on “Laughter and Stress”, 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel off the main lobby.

Blessing of the Caregivers Hands will be held on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. also in the Chapel.

Shop Till You Drop Daywill be held on Thursday, May 17, 2012, in the Assembly Room on the ground floor from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., a variety of vendors will be here (purses, banking establishments, cell phones, candy and other boutique booths in the café area).

Friday, May 18, 2012 the Okolona Street Cars will display their automobiles from 12:00 noon to 3:30 p.m. in the front parking lot of the Home.

National Nursing Home Week is an annual observance sponsored by the American Health Care Association and Kentucky Association of Healthcare Facilities.

Nazareth Home, a 168 bed long term care facility located at 2000 Newburg Road, is sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Nazareth Home was developed in 1976 and completely rebuilt into all private rooms and apartments in 2002. For more information, contact Nazareth Home, 502-459-9681.

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Sisters of Charity of Nazareth will offer ‘community garden’

2012-05-07T09:35:00.001-04:00

The Record

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth will again this summer offer small gardening plots for people in Nelson and surrounding counties who would like to grow their own fruits and vegetables.

The Nazareth Community Garden, which began as a cooperative venture with the Nelson County Extension Office, the Master Gardeners and Nazareth Campus Service, is part of the SCN’s mission to “care for the earth,” according to a news release from the Sisters of Charity.

The initial idea, the release said, is to provide “small plots of land to those who would otherwise not have the space to grow a garden.”

The plots are ten-foot by ten-foot squares, and water will be available to help nourish plants during dry spells. This year’s community garden project will also include a shed where gardeners can store their tools without having to carry them back and forth from home.

That improvement is being made possible as a result of an Eagle Scout project sponsored by Tyler Paulley of Nelson County. The scouting project, the release said, will also improve the availablity of water to the plots.

Those interested in signing up for a plot need to submit their name and contact information to Tom Robertson, Director of Nazareth Campus Service, at 502-348-1505, or reach him by email at trobertson@scnky.org.

Assignments will be made after May 7, and people can begin to plant after May 14. There will be a meeting at 5:30 p.m. May 14 at the site of the garden for those who intend to adopt a plot for the summer.

See the SCN Family in the Kentucky Derby Festival's 56th annual Pegasus Parade

2012-05-04T11:30:00.000-04:00

View this video on Vimeo

See photos from the parade on our Facebook page

Sisters, associates, and SCN family members had a wonderful time marching in the 2012 Kentucky Derby Festival's 56th annual Pegasus Parade. View the video above and see photos in our Facebook photo album.

Volunteers return from Botswana

2012-05-04T07:49:00.002-04:00

Four volunteers returned from Botswana this week, after spending two weeks visiting the ministries of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, painting a church in a remote village, and painting learning aides in a day care in another village. Click here to read their daily blog entries during their experience.

SCNs in the Kentucky Derby Festival Pegasus Parade Today

2012-05-03T09:51:00.003-04:00

See the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth today as we join floats, marching bands, giant balloons, equestrian teams and others participate in the Kentucky Derby Festival's 56th annual Pegasus Parade.

Watch the parade live on WAVE 3. We'll also be tweeting live from the parade route on our Twitter page as well as posting photos to our Facebook page.

Join us as we celebrate 200 years of our journey of faith in 2012!

Homily/Eulogy for Patricia Kelley, SCN

2012-05-02T15:12:00.001-04:00

Below is the homily/eulogy written and delivered by Margaret Rodericks, SCN, at Patricia Kelley, SCN’s funeral on Thursday, April 26, 2012.

St. Vincent Church, Nazareth

Readings: 1 Pet. 1:3-9

John 20:11-18

Namaste! Greetings! The God in me greets the God in you!

I visited Pat a week ago Thursday, the first day that she was put on oxygen. There were others in the room, including her nieces, Anne and Becca. We came out of the room after a while and they suggested that I go back into the room and have some time alone with Pat. I had the opportunity to thank her for my SCN vocation, for being a vital part of my formative years as Director when I was a candidate and a Junior Sister and for being my prayer-partner for as long as we have had prayer-partners in the Congregation. I recalled the time of my candidacy and said that we were “badmashs” (loosely translated as “rascals”). She quickly added, "But we had a good time”.

On another occasion after the Central Leadership Team had visited her I teased her and said,

“I heard that the Central Leadership Team came to visit you; you must be special.” With a twinkle in her eye and a big smile she replied, “You knew that.” Just a few days ago toward the end of my visit I said, “Pat, I’ll love and leave you.” Spontaneously she responded, “Charles Miriam”. Because this was a favorite expression of Sister Charles Miriam (Mary Holt), principal and superior at Nazareth Academy, Gaye, while Pat was missioned there.

The history of the missionary activity of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is indeed a response in faith. The story began in December 1947, when 6 Sisters from Nazareth, KY arrived in Mokama, India, the Diocese of Patna, in the State of Bihar, North India, at the invitation of the Bishop of Patna. The invitation was for medical work because at the time there were no medical facilities between Mokama and Patna, about 2 hours by train. Mother Ann Sebastian Sullivan, Mother General at the time, sent a letter to the Congregation announcing this bold move to foreign missions. She ended the letter reminding us that she was mindful of the help needed in established missions in the US and added, “…but if we wait until all obstacles are removed we shall never venture.” Today, that small band of pioneers has grown to more than 200 Sisters. This growth is in large measure due to the early missionaries like Sister Patricia Mary Kelly, Pat, as she is known to us or Aunt Trish as she is fondly known to her family, and to whom we owe a huge debt of gratitude.

Pat left the US in October 1952, and arrived in Bombay (Mumbai) on the feast of St. Francis Xavier, patron of India, December 3. Her first assignment was Gaya. She was in formation ministry as Director of Candidates, Director of Junior Sisters and Director of Novices.

Our readings today exemplify Pat as a person, an SCN, a missionary and a loving aunt.

In the first reading, Peter makes it clear that of all things for which he is grateful there is one thing that is paramount: the gift of Jesus Christ. Peter praises God for giving us a new birth through the resurrection of his Son, Jesus. Baptism, new birth, is not enough in itself; we have to claim it by faith and a living hope. This is the starting point of Christian life in the face of anxiety and danger. The heart of our faith is that we are born again into Jesus – our living hope. Faith is refined by trials as gold is refined by fire. Peter invites us to rejoice, believing that trials are meant to prove the genuineness of our faith so that we can hope for the reward of eternal life that awaits us.

The selection from John’s gospel has three significant aspects:

Mary of Magdala is seeking a dead Christ therefore she could not find him; he was not dead, but alive.
It was not Mary who found Jesus; rather Jesus found her and called her by name. The whole point of our Christian life is God constantly seeking us and calling us.
She did not recognize him; this was not her fault. The risen Christ was very different from the Jesus she had known.

Often in life we tend to accept difficulties and are not sure where God can be found in them. In all such circumstances, God is calling us by name to service, fashioning us into the instruments he needs for a particular mission.

As Mary was called by name, Pat was called over and over again – to her SCN vocation, to be a missionary for 25 years in India, to the ministry of formation, to be a pioneer in our Sokho novitiate; then came the call to return to the US, to go to Nazareth Home and the final call to the embrace of a loving, faithful God. When individuals were discerning whether or not to remain in religious life, Fr. Anthony deMello, S.J. would say that it is not important to be in or out of religious life. What is important is to follow the call at all times. Pat’s response was always a whole hearted, faith-filled, loving, “Yes”. She recognized Jesus in every person and event. When she had to go to Nazareth Home and I heard the news, I called her and said that I thought this was really hard for her. She replied, “Margaret, this is what God wants.” A few weeks ago toward the end of my visit with her at Nazareth Home she said, “Margaret, I’m dying.” I asked her why she said this and her response was that her doctor informed her that she had such a bad heart that she could go at any time. Total acceptance till the end.

She had her share of trials. I’m sure, dealing with candidates and young Sisters from various parts of India and varied cultures was a challenge. As was starting the novitiate (ashram) in Sokho, a malaria-infested area. The novices got the illness and so did she, not once but repeatedly. While she was in the US she had an attack of malaria and the only place at that time, where the medication, quinine, was available was at Fort Knox. Sometime later, at the Province Assembly, came a decision to close the novitiate in Sokho. She was tested by fire. Later she remarked to me, “Margaret, we are closing the novitiate because of one tiny mosquito” (echoing the words of Fr. Dan Rice, S.J.). Through it all her faith never wavered and her hope remained steadfast.

As Mary of Magdala was called and then sent on a mission, so was Pat. After each of the many calls, she was sent – to Nazareth to join the SCNs, to Mokama, to Gaya, to Sokho, back to the US, to Belize, various other missions in the US, again to Nazareth, to Nazareth Home and now called to her final resting place, the holy ground of Nazareth. Pat was sent with a charge, “Go and tell them…..I have seen the Lord…” For 71 years she had been telling us and continues to do so. May we have the grace to listen!

Thank you, Pat, for bringing us the good news not by word but by example, by a life of fidelity to your commitment, by being a witness to who and what we are called to be as followers of Jesus and daughters of Catherine.

Yes, indeed, Pat, we had a good time. As you go, prepare a place for us and please continue to have a good time; enjoy never-ending bliss with your family, the SCNs who have gone before you and with your beloved, Jesus,

And so, as Charles Miriam would say, “We love and leave you.”

Written and delivered by: Margaret Rodericks, SCN

Sister Antoinette Kostelnik Receives Women of Courage Award

2012-05-01T10:08:00.000-04:00

Camille Panich, SCN, principal at Vincentian Academy in Pittsburgh, Pa., spoke about Antoinette Kostelnik, SCN, and the Women of Courage Award that she received on April 27, 2012.

It is certainly appropriate that the first Women of Courage Award be presented to Sister Antoinette Kostelnik, SCN. Sister Antoinette has indeed kept our heritage alive and continued the legacy of Vincentian Academy while furthering the mission of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth. Sister herself is a Vincentian graduate from the days when it was an all girls’ boarding school. She returned to teach at Vincentian in 1978 just a few years after the school had become co-ed.

Sister Antoinette began her teaching career 4 years before I was born, yet there have been many days, even during this current academic year, which was her 67th year of teaching, when I was put to shame by her energy and enthusiasm.

Sister’s teaching ministry included a number of years in various Catholic grade schools in the Pittsburgh and Greensburg dioceses as well as a few years in Missouri. Then after some years at Bishop Boyle High School in Homestead she came back to Vincentian. Throughout her career in all of those places, her goal was to teach her students the faith and how it applies to their present lives and in the future for which she so lovingly prepared them.

Sister has always seen the good in young people, helping them to realize their potential for holiness, greatness, and love. I remember that Sister Antoinette has said that she looks forward to one day meeting her students in God’s Kingdom where they will see Him face to face, but I know that there are literally thousands of Sister Antoinette’s students who have seen the face of God when they interact with her.
It takes a woman of courage to lead young people on their journey of faith, to help them learn how to respond with generous hearts as they build character and learn to make sound moral decisions. Sister Antoinette Kostelnik is definitely a woman of great courage in today’s world and it is a great pleasure to present the Women of Courage award to her this evening. Congratulations Sister!

The Women of Courage Award captures the richness of our roots as an all-girls school and the courage of two women and their companions living in different centuries whose lives intersected along the Ohio River between Pittsburgh PA and Louisville, KY with the merger of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity into the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in November 2008.

Mother Emerentiana Handlovits and her companions were missioned in 1902 from Szatmar, Romania to Braddock, PA to minister to the Slovak immigrants. Mother Emerentiana became the first Provincial Superior of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity because she was the first to volunteer, an act of great courage to travel to a distant land in response to an expressed need of the people for education in their native language.

Mother Catherine Spalding migrated as a young girl with a group of Catholic families from southern MD to Bardstown KY. At the young age of 19 she became the first elected superior of the small band of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth founded in 1812. She too courageously embarked on an effort to respond to the educational needs of her time.

The lives of these women of courage, along with the graduates of our school, inspire us to continue the mission of excellence in education handed down through the centuries in a powerful blending of the charism of charity.

It is our hope that Women of Courage will become a prestigious award not only because of the legacy of the Vincentian Sisters of Charity and the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, not only as a powerful reminder of our roots as an all-girls school, but also because of the individuals who will receive the award because they give life to the legacy and spirit it represents.

SCN Ministry Funding Fair

2012-05-01T08:00:00.000-04:00

YOU ARE INVITED
to visit the SCN Ministry Fair, Saturday, May 12, at O'Connell Hall, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Exhibits will feature displays from 15 non-congregational groups, as well from our congregational ministries. There will be items for sale, such as quilts and quilted gifts, bath and body products, fresh milk and eggs. Beginning at 4 p.m., presentations by three ministries will be held in the Art Gallery and Drawing Room:

Thistle Farms - A woman telling her story of transformation from the brutality of the streets;
Ministry Formation Program, the only program of its kind in the States, training Catholic deaf adults to become lay leaders;
Plowshares Farm Center for Education and Spirituality, exploring the evolution of our kinship with the Earth

When: Saturday, May 12

Where: O'Connell Hall

Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

At 7:30 p.m. in St. Vincent Church, the Tutwiler Community Education Center will offer an hour of "Voices from the Heart of the Mississippi Delta" in song and poetry reading.

Vincentian Academy 80 Years

2012-04-30T14:45:00.002-04:00

View the video on Vimeo here.

Vincentian Academy celebrates 80 years of history this year. We remember that we are connected to a world-wide ministry of providing education to thousands of young people so that they can develop to their fullest potential.

St. Vincent de Paul, patron of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, and for whom the school is named reminded the Daughters of Charity in 17th century France that, “Grace has its moments.” This moment of grace celebrating 80 years of educational excellence at Vincentian Academy is one of many graced moments in the 200 year history of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth.

We indeed hold a precious legacy as we stand on the shoulders of giants. We remember the first Vincentian Sisters of Charity who arrived in the U. S. to provide education to the Slovak immigrants in Braddock. After their long journey they arrived there only to find that the housing promised them had not been arranged. They spent their first nights with the Sisters of Mercy.

We remember the first Sisters of Charity of Nazareth who began their community at St. Thomas, Kentucky in a log cabin.

These early Sisters did not let circumstances keep them from their commitment to provide education to those in need. Little did they imagine that their beginning ministries would evolve into a worldwide mission. They planted the seeds and we continue to reap the harvest. As we walk in their footsteps we are inspired to continue this mission in our time.

Ephesians 5:20 calls us to “Give thanks to God always and for everything.” Knowing that without God we could do nothing, let us give thanks for these 80 years of ministry at Vincentian Academy and for God’s continued blessing on our future.

Three Candidates Enter thePre-Novitiate

2012-04-30T14:31:00.000-04:00

Sister Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN Provincial, received the three vibrant candidates, Geeta Beng, Punam Saroj Kandir, and Jyothsna George into the pre-novitiate program during a Eucharistic celebration at Nazareth Convent, Ranchi on April 28.

Sister Philomena Kottoor, SCN, the newly elected vice-provincial for the North and many other Sisters were present for the Eucharist.

Congratulations and blessings to you, Geeta, Jyothsna, and Punam as you begin your life journey to become SCNs. May our patron Saint, Vincent de Paul, our founders, Bishop David and Mother Catherine Spalding, and all the other SCN saints in heaven intercede for you as you tread the difficult path of committing yourself fully to SCN way of life.

Suchita Kullu, SCN

Memorial Prayer Service for Patricia Kelley, SCN, in Ranchi

2012-04-30T13:23:00.004-04:00

SCNs from Bangalore, Mandair, Gumla, Gomoh, Patna and Mokama gathered together to spend time remembering Sister Patricia Mary Kelley at Nazareth Convent, Ranchi on April 27. A prayer service offering gratitude for a life that spent itself in selfless service to our Province especially to those in formation was prepared by Ranchi Local Community and lead by Sisters Arpita Mundamattam and Rekha Kerketta. In her introduction, Sister Rekha recalled the life of Sister Patricia or Pat — as she was lovingly referred to — and helped all who gathered, remember the many instances that Pat initiated directions that changed the life of the young in formation.

The shifting of the first year novitiate to Sokho — a remote area in Bihar was shared. Sister Pat's movement towards a radical life-style for canonical novices that was so in keeping with the culture of the country was recalled, the many inspiring moments as well as the humor it provided.

Many who gathered recalled Sister Pat's strong desire to be inculturated in India's rich heritage. Many of Sister Pat's novices spoke at the memorial. Sisters Marceline Indwar, Shobhita Panthladickal, Sunita Vayalipara, Mary Juliana Tuti, Sangeeta Ayithamattam, Josita Eniakattu, Shalini’Souza and several others shared memories of inspiration and also fun times. Sister Pat's Irish humor was lovingly remembered and many a smile crossed the faces of those present in the remembering of stories and incidents that spoke of Sister Pat's attempt to learn Hindi, speak it and live out the life she called each of us to through solidarity with the poor.   At the end of the sharing of stories and memories, SCNs offered floral tributes and took blessings from a woman so loved and so admired in many ways. In all the sharing it was evident that Sister Pat's  presence and service has had an impact on the poor, the young and mission of the Province. India and the members of the Eastern  Province will always remember this woman's love and ministry with much gratitude.  

Surrendering Sister Pat to our loving God was not easy. But all are assured that she will continue to accompany us in our new journeys as we move into two Provinces, initiate new ministries and try to follow the path she carved out for us in formation and mission.   The Prayer service was followed by "fellowship" and a community meal prepared by Sister Jessie. All enjoyed continuing the conversation on Sister  Pat and her humor around the table.

Jessie Saldanha, SCN

Memorial Mass for a Woman of Grace

2012-04-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

View more photos from the memorial Mass here.

A memorial Mass was offered for our dear Sister Patricia Mary (89) in the convent chapel in Mokama on April 26 at 9.30 am. The Eucharist was presided over by Father Joe Velankunnel, SJ and Father Sebastian Puthenpura. Sister Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN Provincial, garlanded Sister Patricia’s photo and the Sisters, novices, hospital nurses and employees strewn petals of flowers.

For the introduction to the Mass Sister Sangeeta said, “We are gathered here this morning to pay our loving tribute and honor to a very dester, Sister Patricia Mary, as we lovingly called her while she was with us, a valiant woman of wisdom and ar sicreative energy. We have come because of our love and respect for her who has been the “Guru”, (novice director) and spiritual guide to many among us”.

First reading was an excerpt from the ‘Fifty Monsoons P. 158: In the ashram, the life of the Novices and Sister Patricia paralleled that of the sun for they had no electricity in Sokho. Kerosene lamps guided them by night. The Scripture chosen was Jn. 11: 17-26. There was no formal homily but sharing of memories of Sister Pat.

Sister Patricia Mary was a woman of grace. Sister Anne Marie Thayilchirayil said, “When Ann George Mukalel and I came as new candidates, Sister Patricia Mary taught us English at Nazareth Academy, Gaya. She taught us the prayer, ‘Hail Mary Full of Grace….’ Though I did not know much English, I understood the meaning of that prayer well by looking at her for she was a woman, full of grace.”

Sister Patricia was indeed a daring pioneer, a visionary filled with zeal for God and love for the poor, a woman ahead of her time. She was filled with the spirit of mission and saw God in and through the poor. Father Puthenpura said, “Sister Patricia lived with many inconveniences and possessed very little material goods but always had a bright smile on her face. She loved God and the poor. Sister had a hand in my formative years as a young priest, for I understood from her example that if I love God and serve the poor, I will have everything to be happy in life.”

She being a formator brought about a real paradigm shift in the formation program in the early 70s. Sister Patricia while in the formation cherished a long desired dream to bring about indigenization of the formation program, following the Indian spiritual tradition. She spent time with Vandana Mataji, an RSCJ sister in Rishikesh before she pioneered the ashram type of formation for the first year novices in Sokho village in a mud hut in 1975. The novices reached out to the neighbors in ministry as an integrated approach to formation.

Sister Lata Thurackal shared that Sister Patricia has played an important role in her life. She taught us, the novices, to do always little more than what we can do for God. While preparing us to teach catechism in the village, she taught us the song, ‘Jesus is our Rock’ translated into Hindi. Such was her fervor to reach out to the people.

Sister Marceline Indwar shared some of her memories of life at the ashram with Sister Patricia. Sister Pat was a woman of inculturation that she would translate all that she read into vernacular language, Hindi, to make others understand the deeper meaning of it. She was an embodiment of simplicity.
“Sister Patricia took the first initiative to carry stones after lunch in hot summer and the novices followed after her,” said Sister Philomena Kottoor.

Sister Patricia was a good listener and I found solace in sharing with her my life, said Mary Joseph.
Patricia Kelley, SCN was born on July 12, 1922 in Lexington, KY. She had three sisters and one brother and none are living. She entered the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth on September 24, 1940 and made first vows on March 25, 1942 and perpetual vows on July 19, 1945. She had been a Sister of Charity of Nazareth for 71 years.

With B. S. in Education, Sister Patricia taught for 10 years in Louisville and came to Gaya, India, in 1952 and taught 9 years. In 1961, she came to Mokama as sssistant to Sister Lawrencetta and Director of Temporary Professed Sisters till December 1967. Later, she served as Council Member and the Director of Education.

She was appointed as Novice Director in January 1968 and remained till July 1977. At the invitation of Jesuits, Sister Patricia went with Sister Olive Pinto to Nepal to explore the possibilities of ministry in 1977. She returned to US in July 1977.

After her return to the US, she continued to be bonded with the Eastern Province through her work with the mission education in schools from the Office of the Congregational Advancement.

In 1994-95 she came to India to gather resource materials for her book, ‘Fifty Monsoons’, published in 1999. Sister Patricia was in Mokama to celebrate the Golden Jubilee celebrations of our SCN foundation in India in 1997. She loved India, the SCNs and our ministries became part and parcel of her life; she was eager to get news of each one and about all that is going on in India.

Sister Liz Wendeln was sitting with Sister Pat when she passed away on April 24 at 12.40 am (US time). Sisters Margaret Rodericks and Hilda Lobo used to visit Sister Pat frequently. When any Indian Sisters visited her she wanted to know all about the Province Assembly 2012 and the changes taking place in the Eastern Province.

Sister Sangeeta concluded her words with, “On Friday when Sister Pat was told that all the Sisters from India sent her love and are praying for her, she said to tell everyone that she loves us all and will not forget the Sisters and again she said, I will not let them forget me. I know we won’t.”

We love you Pat and we thank you for your life. We are blessed by you – you are a solid foundation and inspiration to our life with and for the poor.

Malini Manjoly, SCN

Video from Sister Pat Kelley's funeral at Nazareth, Ky

St. Vincent de Paul Church Upcoming Mass Schedule

2012-04-26T09:40:00.001-04:00

Mass is generally held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday and 10:50 a.m. Monday through Saturday. You may view the upcoming Mass schedule by clicking here.

Revolutionary SCN formator dies

2012-04-25T13:17:00.001-04:00

By Malini Manjaly, SCN | UCAN

Patna: Sister Patricia Kelley, who spent 25 years as missionary in India, died of old age complications at Nazareth Home, Louisville Kentucky Tuesday.

Sr. Kelley (90), a native of Lexington, Kentucky came to India as a missionary in 1952.

After five years of teaching at Nazareth Academy, Gaya she spent 20 years in recruitment and religious formation of young women in the congregation’s newly established novitiate in India.

In a short period, she won the hearts of many as a teacher and formator.

It was a time of great changes in the Catholic Church and in the religious orders.

The American wasted no time in changing from the habit to sari and encouraged others to do the same.

Infact, says Sr. Sangeeta Ayithamattam, SCN Provincial, “Sister Kelley was a pioneer in implementing radical living in formation. She was a good writer, musician and spiritual guide and a creative teacher.”

After having laid a strong foundation in India for formation and growth of membership, she returned to the United States in 1977.

She authored two books - ‘Fifty Monsoons: Ministry of Change through Women of India’ in 1999 and ‘Impelled by the Love of Christ’ last year. Despite failing health, she completed her second book in August 2011.

“Sister Pat Kelley was a great missionary and a visionary. She envisioned a new way of being a religious in the Indian context,” said Sr. Janice Rathappillil, one of her former novices.

“Sr. Kelley was one of the forerunners in bringing about inculturation in the SCN Community in liturgy and prayer,” said Sr. Alice Chirackanal.