• Professed1936
• Ministry: prayer, presence and volunteer work
• Living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in HUD low-income housing, owned by the Wheaten Franciscans

I pronounced my first vows at the age of 19. Each morning when I renew my vows, I add Mother Theresa's phrase, "...with fresh and glowing love." I perk up, smile at my "partner," and continue on my journey.

The first 19 years I was a Sister, I taught in grade schools in Wisconsin. From 1955 to 1981 I was on the Island of Guam, with the exception of 1 1/2 years after Typhoon Karen's 200 mile-per-hour winds blew the eight Guamanian postulants and me to the states.

During my last 12 years on Guam, I worked for the government in the men's penitentiary as education consultant, GED instructor, and coordinator of educational activities. The latter included an annual field trip for a small group of eligible participants. I remember one stop was at the Monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Nuns. The men just could not understand how anyone could choose a "lockdown" in what to them was a "life sentence without parole."

My favorite volunteer service for the past 13 years has been working at the breakfast site for the homeless, helping to prepare and to serve "Jesus-in-Disguise." I see Him in the 300-some faces looking for more than food....

Over the years I have always stayed connected with the community, and with my family and friends.

I've tried to respond to Mary's gentle nudge, "Do whatever He tells you." I feel that the blueprint for a happy and fulfilled life as an SSND has been to proclaim Christ's Presence through my life.

Tough? Sure - at times.

Happy? Abundantly.

Peace-filled? God's Presence makes it so.

Would I do it all over again? Yes. YES! – from being an octogenarian, all the way back to a teenager. YES! – "...with fresh and glowing love!"

return to profile index