Jubilarian – 2010
Maria Magdalena Cruz, SSND
Professed in 1960
Sister Maria Magdalena Cruz celebrates 50 years as a School Sister of Notre Dame, many of them on the islands of Oceania. Amidst different cultures, some things are universal. It was the joyous sound of laughter that originally attracted Sister Magdalena to the SSNDs.
A meaningful time in my ministry…
The early years of my religious ministry found me on the Island of Guam, where I did all sorts of home-making tasks. Saint Francis School, originally opened by seven SSNDs in a Quonset hut, is now housed in a modern building in the village of Yona. I worked at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, experiencing Chamorro traditions that are still very much a part of life in the small village of Agat. I also enjoyed working with the middle school students at San Vicente, in Barrigada, and Notre Dame High, in Talofofo.
Back stateside for three years at Saint Lawrence Seminary High School, in Mount Calvary, Wis., the days were interesting, enriching and challenging as the boarding school environment allowed students to begin experiencing adult journeys toward a future full of hope.
The most meaningful and challenging for me were nine years amidst different cultures on the Marshall and Caroline Islands of the Pacific Rim. The cultures in Ebeye, Chuuk and Yap were all uniquely different. In the Eastern Carolines, for example, men in Chuuk are regarded as superior to women and children. The men eat first, and the women bow to their wishes. Afterwards, the children eat. Finally, the women and their helpers have their meal, either inside on the floor or outside of the house.
What drew me to the SSND Community…
When some of my classmates after eighth grade entered the aspiranture, they went to Mass with the Sisters. (Aspirants have expressed a desire to become SSNDs.) By the grace of God, I started to wake up early to join my friends and the Sisters praying at Mass.
Many times, I would sit across from the Sisters’ house and watch them as they walked to and from church. Each one wore her veil over her face, but I could hear them laughing. The joyous laughter really drew me to the SSNDs. Sooner or later, I knew that I would join the SSND ministry of “prayer and presence.”
One thing you might like to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame…
SSNDs are loving and caring. We are devoted to education and pursue our ministries with competency and compassion.
In my current ministry…
My current ministry is cooking for the Sisters at Notre Dame High School, in the hills of Talofofo. In between, I bake and help when needed in campus ministry. The SSNDs started the school in 1968, and it is the only co-educational high school on the island of Guam.
Looking back and looking ahead…
I will be forever grateful for the blessings of being with the School Sisters of Notre Dame and for my supportive family and friends.
Sister Maria Magdalena’s missions: 
St. Francis Parish, Yona, Guam
San Vicente, Barrigada, Guam
Notre Dame Regional House, Talofofo, Guam
Mount Carmel, Agat, Guam
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Mount Calvary, Wis.
St. Francis Yona, Guam
Our Lady of the Pines, Chatawa, Miss.
Queen of Peace, Ebeye, Marshall Islands
Chuuk Academy, Moen, Chuuk
St. Mary, Yap, Caroline Islands
Notre Dame Center, Talofofo, Guam
How to Reach Jubilarians
Cards and letters may be addressed to:
Sister's name c/o SSND Jubilarians, Provincial Offices, 13105 Watertown Plank Road, Elm Grove, WI 53122-2291.
If you would like to honor sister with a tribute gift, please click HERE.