Sisters of St. John The Baptist - page 6

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Meet Our Retired Sisters

Sr Marina with Sr Lydia

Thank you for your generous support of us throughout the year. We remember you in our daily prayers.

God Bless you and your loved ones!

The Sisters at Mt. St John
Retirement Convent

Sr Mary Celine with Alta and Dianne

Sr Anastasia with Sr Eileen

Sr Ann Troy & Sr Mary Clemens

Sr Maurizia & Sr Luigia

Sr. Mary Clemens Lawrence, C.S.JB. - Young at Heart!

What do most people think of as they near their 51st birthday? For many, thoughts of retirement and plans of more leisurely living begin to be entertained. It is said that "God’s ways are not man’s ways". Apparently, neither is God’s timing - especially when it comes to a call to religious life!

Sr. Mary Clemens Lawrence, C.S.JB., was born into a Scotch-Irish Catholic family in 1911. The oldest of three, she was a Brooklyn "girl" through and through. St. Michael’s Church was just down the street and in her early years the family’s social life centered around parish activities.

Family needs forced her into the business world at a young age. Sister recalls: "I was offered good positions for the times, worked through the depression and made an enviable salary. I was able to care for my mother physically and financially until she passed away. These were all God’s gifts."

In retrospect, it would also be God’s gift that a marriage engagement did not work out. "When all my friends were married, I wondered from time to time why God did not send someone worthwhile my way. My mother was not gone from my life but a few months, when I had a strong stirring to enter the convent. I was then 50 years of age and not in the bracket where candidates were being sought at that time"

"I never approached the Orders of a number of friends I had in religious life and to this day cannot I tell you why, except that if God wants you somewhere, and you cooperate, you get there. I heard of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in a roundabout way. Understanding that they had recently accepted someone my age (which turned out not to be the case), I wrote and asked for an interview. I had not mentioned my age in my letter. Because I did not look my years, the Sister I met with thought I was joking when I told her my age. But God wanted me here and so after competing the preliminary procedures I entered the Baptistine Community on January 6, 1963 - at the age of 51."

"Since I was advanced in age and not a teacher or nurse, people wondered what I would be doing in the convent. It so happened that when I pronounced my vows there was a need for a secretary at the Provincialate. I was assigned there and have been doing this type of work for the last 38 years - even now that I am at the retirement residence! "God arranges everything. I felt sure of that from my first experience with the Sisters and still feel that way now. Thank God for all His blessings".

At age 51 Sr. Mary Clemens put aside retirement plans, placed her future confidently in God’s hands, took a leap of faith, and accepted a commitment to a new life with the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. Today, at age 90, as Director of the Community’s Legion of Prayer, Sister joyfully carries on the ministry of making God’s love known - touching the hearts and lives of hundreds of people through her inspirational letters.

Sr. Mary Clemens shares our retirement convent in Purchase, NY with 30 other retired Sisters. Not every Sister’s story is as unique as Sr. Mary Clemens’, but each retired Sister was just as open in her response to the call to seek God and to serve God’s people. Though they rest now from most of their physical labors, our retired Sisters intensify their prayerful efforts on behalf of family, friends, benefactors, colleagues, students, patients, even strangers.

The World War II Major and "Madre Matilde"

Sr. Matilde Parisi, C.S.JB. "Everyone has a story!" For 90 year old Sister Matilde Parisi, hers is a war story. A World War II story of allying herself with an American major to face down the British army as she protected and provided for her children - the orphans entrusted to her care in their small, southern Italian town.

     The Allies had secured the area near Salerno, Italy and US Major Canady arrived to serve as Military Governor. Among the many people seeking his assistance came a group of Sisters of St. John the Baptist led by "Madre Matilde". She was distraught because earlier that day his counterpart, the British Town Major, had ordered the Sisters and their charges to evacuate their building so that soldiers could be housed there.
Today, in her gentle face and smiling eyes one can still glimpse the steadfast determination with which she presented her case to the Major. She was not worried about the Sisters - they could take care of themselves. But the children? The Sisters     could not, would not abandon them to the streets.
The Major agreed, but normal means of authority and diplomacy did not resolve the situation. So, encouraging the Sisters to invoke "a higher authority" , Major Canady invoked the authority of American General Mark Clark and the evacuation was forestalled. The Sisters made sure that the townspeople knew what the Major had done for them - and he became a local hero. As the war kept on the townspeople found food for his men and miraculously an old American Buick for his own transportation! Soon the war effort called the Major to serve in other arenas. After the war, Sr. Matilde and the Major never saw one another again, but for many, many years they kept up a warm correspondence. And to this day Sr. Matilde has never ceased remembering him in her prayers.

     Today, Sr. Matilde looks back on 70 years of loving commitment and service in religious life. Fifty-two of these years have been dedicated to the needs of the American people, mostly young children, in the urban areas of New York-New Jersey. Sr. Matilde's "war story" is also a story of Divine Providence. In the most unlikely circumstances God's loving care blossoms within our human situation through the goodness of others. Like Sr. Matilde, our other retired Sisters have their "stories" to tell - of good times, of difficult times, but always of times of God's loving Providence.

Sr. Veronica Di Santo, C.S.JB. - "With A Song in My Heart"


1942	1963	1999

"The hills - and the halls - are alive with the sound of music!"

     From St. Lucy’s, Newark, NJ; to St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY; to Bishop Burke HS, GLoversville, NY; to Alphonsus College, Woodcliff Lake, NJ; to Dante Alighieri HS, Toronto, Canada Sister Veronica brought her hallmark - sweet melodies rising from young voices in joy and in praise of God.
     Sister Veronica is one of 20 Baptistine Sisters in retirement at Mt. St. John Convent, Purchase, New York. Having recently celebrated 70 years of reception into religious life this gifted woman looked back on a life of loving dedication to others that even today touches God’s little ones - whether they be 5 or 65.

     Born in Astoria, NY, the middle child in her family, Sister Veronica’s earliest memories are of bustling, loving days surrounded by her eight sisters and brothers and marked by her mother’s delicious birthday cakes and her father’s special Sunday breakfasts.

     Her first encounters with the Sisters of St. John the Baptist occurred as she took her young cousins to Our Lady of Loretto Day Nursery in lower Manhattan. So impressed was she by the Sisters’ loving dedication to the children and their prayerful commitment to God that although only in her early teen years she heard God’s call and determined to become a Sister.

     As a professed Sister she was entrusted with a variety of responsibilities from classroom teacher to convent superior. The legacy of this remarkable educator - reaching from the United States to Canada and even to the Philippines - is witnessed in the establishment of solid academic programs, in the construction of new school buildings, but most of all in the lives of hundreds of students who have been shaped by her caring and her vision.

     Whether introducing young girls into the rhythm of religious life, assisting teachers and students in scaling the challenges of the classroom, or orchestrating the smooth running of convents and schools the question Sister always put to herself was: "Do I impart goodness? Do I help them to see and know the love of God at work in their lives?"

     Today Sr. Veronica has the leisure to fill her days with hours of quiet prayer, to visit in person, by letter or phone with former students, and to reclaim a dormant hobby. Joyfully she takes up again the artwork that lack of time forced her to put aside many years ago.

Share in Their Care

Sr. Veronica, Sr. Matilde, Sr. Mary Clemens together with our other retired Sisters represent over 1200 years of dedicated service both here in the United States as well as on foreign missions. Living in the spirit of Blessed Alfonso Maria Fusco, Founder, they relied on God's Providence to meet their needs in all circumstances of their ministry.

Today, God's Providence most often comes through the financial assistance of generous friends like yourself. If you would like to know more about our retired Sisters, send them a message, or help contribute to their care, please contact:

Sr. Rosaria De Maro, CSJB
Sisters of St. John the BAptist
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934-0711
908-234-0261

E-mail:rosariadem@yahoo.com or click on our mailbox below

Remembering Our Deceased Sisters

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Sr. Mary Magdalen Brancale, C.S.JB.

April 18, 1909 – February 26, 2006

Sr. Mary Magdalen Brancale was born on April 18, 1909 in Paolo de Colle (Bari), Italy, to Leonardo Brancale and Anna Dacchille. When she was a young girl her family immigrated to the United States, settling in one of the many Italian neighborhoods of Brooklyn, NY.

Sister's association with the Sisters of St. John the Baptist began with an article in the Italian Tribune. She read of the work that the Sisters were doing for youngsters. Together with a friend she traveled to Staten Island to meet Mother Benedetta Saulo and knew what her life choice would be.

On October 27, 1940, Sister entered the Congregation of Sisters of St. John the Baptist, and made her novitiate at St. John Villa, Staten Island. After her first profession of vows in 1942 she was assigned as Mistress of the Boarders at St. John Villa Academy. In 1957 after 15 years of loving commitment to the children and the SJVA community, Sr. Mary Magdalen was assigned to St. Joseph Villa, in Peapack, New Jersey. Here Sister commenced a 38 year ministry of retreat work, hospitality for women residents and leadership of the local community of Sisters. Sister's assignment to St. Joseph Villa lasted until it closed in 1995. From 1995 until 2005 Sister lived at our retirement convent in Purchase, NY. Here she pursued the apostolate of prayer with great devotion.

In remembering Sr. Mary Magdalen, we recall a religious woman whose love for God was reflected in her wholehearted dedication to the people of God whom she served through her Baptistine Community. During the course of her 64 years as a Sister of St. John the Baptist, Sr. Mary Magdalen responded to the Lord’s call with a spirit of gracious generosity and uncompromising love. Her life of prayer, her love of Community, and her zeal in doing God’s work on earth were the motivating forces behind everything Sister did.

On February 26, 2006 Sr. Mary Magdalen responded to the Lord’s call for the last time in her journey of faith and entered into the peace and joy of eternal life. Her life exemplified so beautifully the words of our Blessed Father Founder:

"Let us love God and be always ready to sacrifice ourselves for Him."

NB - Donations in memory of Sr Mary Magdalan for the care
of our elderly Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

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Sr. John Gregory Ferraioli, C.S.JB.

December 14, 1924 – November 28, 2005

Sr. John Gregory Ferraioli (Louise Lucy) was born on December 14, 1924 in Staten Island, New York to Gregorio Ferraioli and Giovannina Esposito. She had one brother and five sisters. After graduating from New Dorp HS Louise worked in the business world for a number of years before responding to God's call to religious life. She entered the Congregation of Sisters of St. John the Baptist on December 8, 1951 and on August 31, 1953 made her first profession of vows. In the years to follow Sister earned her BS in Elementary Ed from Seton Hall University and her MS from Richmond College.

From 1953 until illness forced her to retire in 2002, Sister was a dedicated teacher and administrator in many of the schools staffed by the Sisters of St John the Baptist, including St. Dominic School (Bronx, NY); St. Vincent de Paul School (Stirling, NJ) St. John Villa Academy (Staten Island, NY) and St. Roch School (Staten Island, NY). During her very active life in education, Sr. John Gregory found much joy and great fulfillment whether she was teaching God’s little ones or ministering to the faculty, students and families as a principal. Her warm smile, compassionate manner, and affectionate personality marked all her endeavors. She strove to reflect the person of Jesus, whom she loved and served so faithfully every day of her religious life.

In December 2002, after 50 years of loving service to God, the Church and her Congregation, Sr. John Gregory retired to Mt. St. John Convent, Purchase, NY to receive the care that her health now required. In November 2005 Sister was transferred to Providence Rest Nursing Home, Bronx, NY. On November 28, 2005 Sister was called home to her God and Father

"Come, blessed of my Father, and receive the crown prepared for you from all eternity."

NB - Donations in memory of Sr John Gregory for the care of
our elderly Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

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Sr. Catherine Barcia, C.S.JB.

June 1, 1922 – September 30, 2005

Sr. Catherine Barcia was born in New York City to Fortunato Barcia and Grazia Fugarino. She grew up in Our Lady of Loreto parish and attended the parish school. It was here that her vocation took root as she witnessed the dedication of the Baptistine Sisters. On February 1, 1942, Sister entered the Congregation of Sisters of St. John the Baptist and made her first profession of vows on August 30, 1943. Sister's first assignment was to St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, where she began her pursuit of a degree in elementary education at Fordham University. In September 1944, Sister was transferred to teach at St. James parish in lower Manhattan.

Sister generously responded to the Community’s need for missionary Sisters in Chile, SA. and in October 1947 Sister left her beloved America and for the next 57 years dedicated her life’s energy to God’s "little ones" - both in the poor regions of northern and southern Chile, as well as the more affluent capital. Despite living through periods of socialism and military rule for Sr. Catherine her focus was always her mission, especially to her poor. Sister worked tirelessly to help alleviate their needs: procuring food and clothing for them; educating them; seeking decent housing for them. She was truly a spiritual mother to each of them…in her own unassuming, unselfish and gentle way.

In 2004 Sr. Catherine suffered a series of strokes. On August 27, 2004, Sister departed from her beloved Chile and returned to the United States, where she was warmly welcomed "home" at Mt. St. John Retirement Convent. On September 30, 2005, after 63 years of loving dedication to God and the Congregation God called Sr. Catherine to her eternal home where she now rests from all her fruitful labors.

"Come, blessed of my Father, and receive the crown prepared for you from all eternity."

The following words of remembrance of Sr. Catherine Barcia, CSJB. were composed by Sr Mary Crucifix Buttaci, CSJB and delivered by Sr. Helen Guerreri, CSJB, at Sr Catherine's Funeral Mass on October 5, 2005 at Mt. St. John Convent Chapel, Purchase, NY. Both Sisters spent many years of shared community life and ministry with Sr Catherine in Chile.

We Chilean missionaries remember with a smile when a dear priest-friend of ours used to say: "How are you, Sister Mary Grace, who sees God face to face?" Indeed it was not far from the truth…her enduring trademarks have ever been the same. She was unassuming, humble, unselfish and extremely kind.

Sr. Catherine loved her Chilean poor. Many are now enjoying decent housing because of her. Her constant thoughts were about the needs of the poor. She worried as to how she could procure food and clothing for them. She made many sacrifices in their behalf. It is regrettable that her beloved poor is not here to bid her adieu. Without a doubt, it would be a long and unending line.

Even in her youth she displayed these outgoing and kind virtues. She did her utmost to lighten the burden of her hard-working widowed mother…a mother who had six children to provide for. Kitty helped with the shopping, cooking, and cleaning, while she was an honor student in Immaculata High School and she still found time to visit her grandmother and do some chores for her. All was done with a smile…and cheerfully.

God in His wisdom knows what is best. He has come to gather up to Himself His precious child, who knew how to live and die in His grace. We thank God for the opportunity to have walked the walk of life together with Sr. Catherine and to have experienced true humility through her on earth.

Rest in peace, dear Sister and friend.

NB - Donations in memory of Sister Catherine for the care of our elderly Sisters or for Sister's work on behalf of Chile's poor, may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

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Sr. Salvatrice Marcellino, C.S.JB.

July 26, 1910 – September 22, 2005

Sr. Salvatrice Marcellino was born in Washington, DC to Vincent Marcellino and Salvatrice Scaletta. It was through a local priest that Sister came to know of the Baptistine Sisters. On June 11, 1930, traveled to Staten Island, NY and entered the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. After her first profession of vows in March 1932, Sister began her life of dedication and loving service to God at St. Lucy Convent, Newark, NJ, where she taught in the elementary school. After 15 years at St. Lucy’s, the Lord called Sister to St. James Convent in New York City, where she was appointed Superior and continued her ministry of teaching God’s little ones.

From 1952 to 1959, the Lord had even greater plans in mind for Sr. Salvatrice when He called her to serve on the missions in Zambia, Africa. The years following Sister’s return from Africa were dedicated to the service of God’s people at St. Vincent De Paul School in Stirling, NJ, and St. Dominic School in Bronx, NY, where Sister was both principal of the school and superior of the convent; and at St. John Villa Academy where Sister was principal of both the elementary school and high school.

In 1964 Sr. Salvatrice once again responded generously to God’s call to missionary life going to Chile where she would serve until 1969 and then returning to Africa where she would minister from 1969 – 1984. When Sister returned to the United States in 1984, although she was eligible for "retirement" Sister asked to be assigned to St. John Villa Academy where for the next 14 years she taught Italian in the high school. On April 1, 2001, Sister deeepned her apostoalte of prayer as a resident of Mt. St. John RetirementConvent, Purchase, NY. On September 22, 2005, at age 95, having spent 74 years in religious life, Sr. Salvatrice was united with her Divine Spouse for all eternity.

The following words of remembrance for Sr. Salvatrice Marcellino, C.S.JB. were delivered on September 26, 2005 by Sr. Judith Anne Shemi, C.S.JB., a General Councilor for the Congregation who now resides in Rome, Italy.

How can one capture the spirit and soul of Sister Salvatrice? It is difficult, during this brief period of time, to put into a page or two of writing Sister’s life of 95 years…74 of which were spent so joyously as a Religious Sister dedicated to God’s service on three continents of the world…the United States, Africa and South America.

Sr. Salvatrice was truly a beautiful reflection of Christ’s gentle and loving heart; her smile radiated the kindness and goodness that were so characteristic of her. As a Sister of St. John the Baptist, her life of deep prayer and heartfelt dedication to God were the motivating forces behind her every word and action. Each of you was so very special to her; she placed each of you in God’s safe Hands and constantly prayed that God would take care of you in all your needs.

Sister’s love for her Community was so obvious, as were evidenced by her great spirit of generosity and openness to doing all she was asked to do for God’s glory and for the good of the Congregation. But very specially, Sr. Salvatrice loved her family and always carried them in her heart. She looked forward to visiting with them in Washington, DC and was disappointed if she could not travel there at times to be with them. They were truly a very important part of her life…so much so that when she was not with them, she would always talk about them to the Sisters with whom she was living. Distance, however, could never be a means of separation because the bond uniting Sister with her loving family was deep, strong and lasting.

Sr. Salvatrice was a religious of great spiritual strength and deep faith, and a woman who loved much and realized that God was always present in her life, walking this journey of faith with her…holding her hand…and she was incapable of letting go of God’s hand because she knew that He was her salvation. Perhaps that is why she chose the name “Salvatrice.”

Sr. Salvatrice had a deep love for Christ…she was His completely…and that was her happiness. In all the ministries of her life…as teacher, principal, Superior, missionary, directress of formation and Regional Superior in Africa…Sister always extended herself to others with a love that radiated from her love of the Lord. She lived her religious commitment to the fullest…her vows, most especially her vow of obedience to her God, was always before her…she responded so generously to all He asked her to do in her life…with an open and willing heart…a heart full of love for Him and for her Community. It was this love that carried her to all parts of the world.

During those final days of her beautiful life, Sister would always greet those who visited her with a warm smile and loving embrace…it seemed she wished to reach out for the last time and touch and embrace each of us with one final loving and lasting good-bye. During this Eucharistic Liturgy, let us respond now to Sr. Salvatrice’s last loving embrace and pray:

May the angels lead you into paradise; May the martyrs come to welcome you  and take you to the holy city,  the new and eternal Jerusalem.

May choirs of angels welcome you and lead you to the bosom of Abraham;
and where Lazarus is poor no longer  and may you find eternal rest.     Amen.

NB - Donations in memory of Sr Salvatrice for the care of our elderly Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

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Sr. Luigia Nicolella, C.S.JB.

September 7, 1913 – July 22, 2005

       If one had to select a distinguishing characteristic that would identify Sr. Luigia Nicolella, C.S.JB , it would be her gentle smile. For 91 years it welcomed friend and stranger alike into her world, into her prayers.

       Born in 1913 in Frasso Telesina in Benevento, Italy, Sr. Luigia was the middle child of seven girls and two boys. Coming of age at the time of the Great Depression Sister saw the struggles of families and the needs of children all around her. Her heart’s generous response was to enter the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in hopes of becoming a missionary.

       In December 1934 after completing her religious formation in Rome, Italy, Sister made her first profession of vows. For every Sister, Profession marks the first step in one’s religious journey. For Sr. Luigia it was the first step of two journeys. Less than two months later, in February 1935, Sr. Luigia left the sunny shores of her homeland and arrived on the wintry shores of America - the country that would be her religious home, her place of mission for the next 70 years.

       God’s plan for Sister was not as Sister had expected. As growing numbers of children were brought to the Sisters for care, providing for them became a serious challenge. The late 1930’s and the early 1940’s were war years. Supplies and monies were scarce. Sr. Luigia was one of the many dedicated Sisters who went out daily seeking alms in order to provide not only food, shelter and clothing for the children, but also an education, and the toys, dolls and games that delight children of every era. Venturing forth each day - in spring’s rains, summer’s heat and winter’s cold - Sister placed the needs of the children in the hands of strangers, who often became lifelong friends. Over the years Sister's smiling "Thank you", "God bless you", "I’ll pray for you" touched the hearts of thousands of benefactors.

In 1950 Sr. Luigia took another journey - to the Community’s newly acquired facility in Peapack, NJ. For the next 45 years Sister’s gracious smile welcomed retreatants and guests to St. Joseph Villa where Sister cared for all with unstinting hospitality. Sister still was concerned about providing good food and comfortable shelter, but concern for dolls and games gave way to concern for boilers, elevators, roofs and roads. Sister, along with her companion Sisters, provided a serene haven where guests could encounter God in the silence and beauty of His creation.

In 1995 Sr. Luigia was transferred to Mt. St. John, Purchase, NY, the Retirement Convent of the Sisters of St John the Baptist. Endless were the hours of prayer that Sister offered from her room and from the Chapel. For Sister, each day was truly a treasured gift from God.

Despite increasing frailty and ill health, Sr. Luigia was determined to visit her family and her homeland one more time. In the Spring of 2005 she returned to Italy, to the family and to the town from which God had called her more than 73 years ago. When she returned to the States, she continued to say the "good-byes" that had been uttered in Italy. On July 22, 2005 she once again responded to God's call. This time to come to her eternal home.

"Come, Spouse of Christ, receive the crown prepared for you from all eternity.”

NB - Donations in memory of Sister Luigia for the care of our elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

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Sr. Mary Eugene Gilmore, C.S.JB.

December 10, 1938 – February 17, 2005

You didn't have to hear her family name to know that her family roots were in Ireland. You only had to see her twinkling Irish eyes, her dimpled smile and enjoy her Irish wit. Maureen Gilmore was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 10, 1938, the youngest of six children, to Eugene Gilmore and Mary Clarkin. A graduate of Our Lady of Angels Elementary School in Brooklyn, NY, it was at St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY, where she attended high school, that Maureen first met the Baptistine Sisters. Her attraction to religious life and the Community was nurtured through her formative adolescent years. On September 15, 1956, Maureen entered the novitiate of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. A year later she received the habit of the Baptistine Sisters and her name in religion: Sr. Mary Eugene.

A dedicated and enthusiastic student, Sister spent most of her religious life among students of all ages. Immediately after her first profession Sister was assigned to the ministry of teaching at Mt St John Academy, Gladstone where she would return years later to serve as principal. The classroom became Sister's "sacred space" and words her treasured tools. Here God was to be found and revealed as students were instructed, respected, nurtured. A doctoral candidate in English at NYU, Sister also graced classrooms at: St Dominic Elementary School, Bronx, NY; St James Elementary School, Manhattan, NY; St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY; Bishop Burke HS, Gloversville, NY; and Alphonsus Junior College, Woodcliff Lake, NJ. Her Masters in Pastoral Counseling prepared Sister for her duties as a school guidance counselor, Superior of a number of local convents, Directress of the Temporary Professed Sisters and member of the American Provincial Council. Her religious commitment led Sister to serve in Canada and Italy and, in her capacity as a member of the General Council, to visit many of the other regions of the Congregation: Brazil, Chile, India, Korea, Philippines, Poland and Zambia.

Sr. Mary Eugene was an avid reader. She enjoyed crocheting, was fond of the theater, and delighted in hearing or telling a good story. Perhaps her greatest gift was her generosity of spirit. Sister was gracious and giving in everything she was asked to do by her Superiors or her Sisters in community - without ever counting the cost. This attitude of availability flowed from her deep love of God and commitment to prayer. Christ was always the center and focus of her life and she trusted Him implicitly in all of her needs.

During the final days of Sister’s illness, as the Community prayed for a miracle of healing through the intercession of Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco, Founder of the Congregation, Sister said that she had already received her miracle: it was in the acceptance of what God was asking of her. She was resigned to her death as God's will for her now. On February 17, 2005, surrounded by her Sisters and those who loved her so dearly, Sister died at Providence Rest Convent, Bronx, NY where she had resided for three days. At her death at age 66, Sr Mary Eugene had been a member of the Congregation for 48 years. She is survived by her sister, Margaret MacKechnie.

“Veni Sponsa Christi..."

"Come, Bride of Christ, receive the crown which the Lord has prepared for you in eternity."

The following words of remembrance were delivered by Sr. Loretta Marie at Sr. Mary Eugene's Funeral Mass celebrated on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 in the Chapel at St. John Villa Academy, Staten island, NY

Remembering Sr. Mary Eugene Gilmore, C.S.JB.

Many of us here, Sr. Mary Eugene's family, her friends, her students, co-workers and her Sisters in religious life have shared Maureen's / Sr Mary Eugene's life journey with her. I was privileged to be part of her journey from the day she entered the novitiate in Glen Cove, Long Island in 1956.

On the journey we got to know her - this woman of many talents, expansive knowledge and varied interests, who found life interesting, exciting and challenging. She was so enthusiastic about life - she loved it! She made even the boring interesting - like Latin, English grammar, canon law - things like that! As you got know Euge, you got to love her, admire her, and of course, you got to argue with her.

We could never name all of her qualities, but as I look back over these years, there are two that stand out in my mind.

She was Loyal - first of all to her family. Her love and concern for them was always there - for her parents, her sisters and brothers, her nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews (all 500 of them!) As a matter of fact, when Euge spoke of her family happenings she had to resort to the genealogy of the Gilmore family tree so that you could figure out who she was talking about. She often spoke of what was going on in their lives. She was so proud of you all!

She was loyal to her friends. She had a great capacity for friendship. As a friend she was thoughtful and reliable. She was always there when you needed her.

She was loyal to the Congregation. She believed in it, she labored untiringly for it, she loved it! She gave herself completely to every assignment and mission given to her whether it was teaching, guiding our young Sisters, counseling, translating, serving as a local Superior or as a councilor in our Community's government in Rome or here in the States. And she always did a great job!

Sr. Mary Eugene was a woman of faith. She loved God and believed with all her heart that God loved her. Her entire life gave witness to this: her devoted and steadfast prayer, her dedicated ministry and her generous love of all the persons she met along the way. Yes, her trust and faith in God defined who Sr Mary Eugene was. And she witnessed to it by her life - but never more so than in those last months during her illness. She spoke to me of her dying - how at times she was scared - but always, always she was at "peace" knowing that God loved her and had her in His loving care. That gave her courage. Her courage and strength amazed me, as it did so many of us.

Sr. Mary Eugene, dear sister, dear friend, we love you, we'll miss you. Pray for us.

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Mary Eugene for the care of our elderly Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

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Sr. Philomena Fugarino, C.S.JB.

January 7, 1904 – October 20, 2004

Sr. Philomena Fugarino, the oldest Baptistine Sister in the Congregation, died peacefully in her sleep in the early hours of Oct. 20, 2004 at Mt St John Convent, Purchase, NY. Sister, who was born in Our Lady of Loreto Parish, NYC on January 7, 1904 to John Fugarino and Philippa Azzulina, died less than 3 months before her 101 birthday.

On February 2, 1926 at the age of 22 Sr. Philomena answered God's call to a life of prayer and service in the Church. She entered the Sisters of St. John the Baptist, a religious community of women that had come to the United States in 1906, only 2 years after Sister was born. Sister made her first profession of vows on August 28, 1927 and began serving her God, her Community and God's people in ways that were gentle, caring and often hidden.

Sister's first assignment was to the newly opened orphanage at Mt. St. John in Gladstone, NJ. A few months after her arrival, Sister was present as a fire ravaged the boy's residence. The tragedy of this event deepened Sister's love and care for those orphans placed in her charge not only at Gladstone, but also at St. John Villa, Staten Island and St. Lucy's Newark, NJ. Sister continued her ministry of nurturing and loving God’s orphaned children for fourteen years.

In September 1941 Sr. Philomena began her ministry of parish work at Most Precious Blood and Our Lady of Pompeii Parishes in Brooklyn, NY In addition to visiting the families for the parish census, Sister was involved with Our Lady's Sodality. At our Our Lady of Loreto in New York City Sister was once again received God's little ones intpo her care through the Day Nursery. In 1978 Sister was transferred to Mt. St. John Convent, Purchase, New York, where she was actively involved in the community life at until her retirement in 1996.

Whether it was responding to the needs of the orphans, assisting with the responsibilities of parishes and convents, or busily working at her sewing and crafts, Sister's life of deep prayer and heartfelt dedication to God was the motivating force behind everything she did Throughout her life Sr. Philomena was a beautiful reflection of Jesus’ gentle love and compassionate goodness. Her smile radiated the kindness and gentleness that were so characteristic of her. Her "hands of gold" provided clothing for many needy children. And many a holiday table was made more festive by Sister's decorative crafts.

On October 20, 2004, after 100 years of life, 78 of which were lived as a Religious, Sr. Philomena was called home to Her Beloved. After 100 years her loving heart needed to rest at last in the Heart of Jesus her Divine Spouse. Now in the company of our Blessed Founder and all the angels and saints in heaven, she continues to pray and intercede for us. She will be greatly missed because she was dearly loved.

"Come, Spouse of Christ, receive the crown prepared for you from all eternity.”

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Philomena for the care of our elderly
Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr. Ann Troy, C.S.JB.

October 24, 1916 - August 26, 2004

The following words of remembrance were delivered by Sr Theresa Ann D’Onofrio, CSJB
at Sr Ann Troy's Burial Mass in Providence Rest Chapel, August 28, 2004

***************

How does one adequately summarize a person’s life of almost 88 years in a few minutes? What can we say about the impact of a person who has been a religious for seventy years? Do we mention all the places they’ve been? Imagine the thousands of people Sr Ann Troy has met over the years!

Having met Sr Ann (Crucifix) Troy in 1987 at St. Dominic’s Convent (Bronx, NY), I can say that I was very impressed with her kind, loving spirit. First and foremost, Sister Ann found joy in living in her Community of the Sisters of St John the Baptist. She entered the Community in September of 1933 and from that time on found herself involved in the field of education. Whether in the United States or in Chile, she impacted the lives of young people and adults as teacher and principal and coordinator of Religious Education programs. She was involved in parish work long before women in parish work was in vogue. Sister had a love for life and a love for people that made her attractive to all she met. Till today, many of her students in Chile kept in touch with her and wrote to her reminiscing about the times they shared in the early days of the 1940’s and 50’s. I could see how this "staying in touch" could last all these years because Sr Ann would get involved with everyone on a very intimate level. She had a way of remembering details about your life, your family and those things that meant a lot to you.

Having been a world traveler, "Airport Annie" as some have called her, had a great love for beauty in the world. She loved fine things, fine food and was a lady at all times. In St. Dominic’s when it was her night to cook, we loved her Veal Marsala and delicious popovers that she made for us. She would also serve her famous salad of sliced apples and special dressings that she learned to do from her dear niece. It impressed me that she took such fine care in all she did whether it was preparing a meal for the Sisters or detailing a lesson plan for her teachers. She was big on detail and had patience to match the energy she exhibited in all that she would undertake.

There was no task too big or too small for Sr Ann Troy. She found joy in serving because she had a real and intimate relationship with Christ and saw all of her life in that relationship. Her prayer life was of utmost importance to her. She always had time for the Rosary and quiet time in Chapel. She loved the Blessed Mother and these relationships sustained her everyday. She had a way of balancing the natural and the spiritual life and this way kept her very real and always approachable. In one instance, she could be talking about some profound religious experience she might have had or read about of heard form someone, and then, she would be able to switch gears and talk about the latest TV program or news item.

This wholesome kind of balancing could only have come from the fact that she had a good family life. She could give and show a lot of love and comfort and understanding and support because she was shown much love from her parents and brothers and sister. The sun and the moon rose and set on "my Caje" as she so fondly called her brother. Every year in his life and after his death, we remembered Fr Cajetan on his Feast Day - August 7th.

Ann and Caje and Billie traveled the world and this also broadened her spirit. Life is great when you have brothers and a sister who share your life and wish you all great things. I can remember when Fr Cajetan was sick, Sr Ann would visit him and come home after we had finished supper. We would talk and share stories about our lives, particularly about our families. Later on Sister would embrace my father and sister as her own and say how lucky I was to have such a good family.

Billie, her only sister, she loved you so much. You had a unique relationship and the calls you made and the Sundays at Bernadette’s made her life richer and happier. She was so proud of the accomplishments of her family, especially all her nieces and nephews. There are many people you live with and get to know in Community, but with Sr Ann you really got to know her family and all their lives. We may not know all of you personally, but we knew when one of your got married or when one of you got a promotion on your job. When a cousin died or was sick we all prayed and when a baby was born a little note would go up on the refrigerator announcing the happening.

Sr Ann Troy was passionate about life: your life, my life, her life. Passion and kindness motivated her. She did everything in a big way... a loving way. And this kind of spirit is contagious. Even during these past years when life became more difficult she would find ways to serve the Sisters. A Sister couldn’t even sneeze that she wouldn’t get up out of her seat in Chapel and hand a tissue or lozenge to the one in need. She sat in the dining room with Sisters who found it difficult to get their own food or drink. She would take care of the Sisters at her table...get their ginger ale or piece of bread or sliced peaches. She would have to get everyone settled first and then eat herself. I admired that very much. As a detailed person, she wanted everyone else to be set before she would eat. Giving and being Christ-like were the hallmarks of Sr Ann Troy’s life.

Sr Ann served all God’s people, from the three year olds in the Day Care to the students at Alphonsus College to the elderly, retired and sick Sisters in Mt St John Convent up until the day she died. This is a testament of a life well-lived. I know that Sr Ann loved the Lord very much. She yearned to be with Him, especially during these past few months or so. God rewarded her and took her to himself. I picture her asking the Lord many questions about life. I can see her asking the Lord for special favors for her family and friends. She was like that - interested in everyone else. I picture her speaking graciously with the Lord and thanking Him for the events and people in her life. You could never give her anything that she didn’t give you a thank-you note in return. She was a very refined and grateful person.

We will miss you Ann Troy. We thank you for loving us as you did. I know you are happy to be with your family in heaven, especially your brothers Caje and Fr Joe whom you loved so much. Think of us every once in awhile, those you loved and cared for so passionately in this life.

*****************

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Ann Troy for the care of our elderly Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + + Mother Margaret Mary Palumbo, C.S.JB. April 17, 1907 - October 2, 2003

	Mother Margaret Mary's Funeral Mass was celebrated in the Chapel of Mt. St. John Retirement Convent, Purchase, NY on October 4, 2003. The following reflection on Mother's life and her contributions to the American community of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist was delivered by Sr. Lois Darold, CSJB.
"Whether we knew her as fellow Sister, Superior, principal, teacher, novice mistress or friend, we all knew Mother Margaret Mary as a "sister in the Lord". Come with me in your heart’s imagination as we leave this chapel for a few moments and enter the courtyard of the heavenly kingdom. "My dear ..." begins a soft voice that commands your full attention. It is a voice instantly recognizable - and loved. From every direction come streams of people to welcome Mother Margaret Mary into her heavenly home. Her parents Mary and Vincent eagerly await her, as do her other family members. Vincenzina, as she was baptized 96 years ago in St. Rita’s Parish in the Bronx, is greeted by fellow Bronx classmates from the Ursuline School, Washington Irving HS and Fordham University. Both her father and her uncle were professors. Vincenzina, a gifted and serious student, determined to follow in their footsteps and dedicate her life to helping God’s little ones as a teacher. "Jenny" as she is still affectionately remembered by her cousin Louis was responsible for taking her then 7 yr. old cousin each day to Our Lady of Loreto School in Manhattan. Louis recalls a quiet, shy but determined young woman. It was as a lay teacher at Our Lady of Loreto that "Jenny" first met the Baptistine Sisters. Impressed by their loving dedication to the children and by their prayerful commitment to God, her heart was receptive when God planted the seed of a vocation. Through her own prayer and reflection, Vincenzina would nurture this gift from God - a gift she would treasure, like the pearl of great price - for her lifetime. The older of only two children Vincenzina’s plans for religious life were not well received by her family. Her entrance story is memorable. Determined to answer God’s call she literally ran away to the Convent - wearing a double set of clothes. On March 23, 1930 - the anniversary of the Founder’s birthday - Vincenzina received the habit of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist and a new name. Known now as Sr. Margaret Mary and following in her namesake’s path, she began a lifetime devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. For 73 years Sr Margaret Mary allowed God to transform her so that all who met her knew that she too was "gentle and humble of heart". Like the Founder, Blessed Alfonso Fusco, Mother Margaret Mary had a lifelong predilection for God’s little ones. As we stand in the heavenly courtyard we see line after line of children racing forward to greet Mother. They are led by the children from St James School in Manhattan where Mother served as teacher, principal and local Superior. In the 1940’s, long before cars were common and Sisters drove, Mother Margaret Mary faithfully lead her Sisters in their daily bus commute from convent to school and back again. How many more lives were touched as Mother cordially greeted her fellow riders and accepted their requests for prayers. As we look we see that the throng of youngsters includes students from St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island. In the late 30’s Mother taught in the Villa’s elementary school and returned in the 60’s to serve as principal of the high school and superior of the local community. In 1946 Mother accepted an assignment that would define her life and leave an indelible mark upon the Baptistine Community here in the United States. As we watch, we see the first of those novices who have already gone home to God embrace their Mother Mistress. For 10 years Mother lovingly welcomed young women into the novitiate of the Baptistine Community. By instruction, but mainly by example, Mother gently guided these young souls entrusted to her care, molding them into spouses of Christ and women of the Church. Her famous "little black book", secure deep in her tunic pocket, kept record of her pious thoughts and astute observations. Her sayings became engraved on the hearts of her novices as guideposts for life: e.g "Gratitude is the mark of a refined soul". Truly, Mother looked upon these young women as her "little sisters". Their families were always warmly welcomed and graciously received. On occasion family members were looked after in the absence of their daughters. Whether they remained in religious life or followed God’s call to another path the postulants and novices touched by Mother Margaret Mary’s loving guidance know that they owe her a debt of gratitude that extends into eternity. It was with great reluctance, but in humble response to the greater need, that in 1957 Mother agreed to leave her beloved postulants and novices in order to assume leadership responsibility for the American community. In the years of her tenure the Church, American society, and the Baptistine Community were challenged by profound changes. Through her deep commitment to the Founder’s vision, her gentle leadership style, and her steadfast faith in Divine Providence, Mother Margaret Mary led the recently designated American Region through a time of unprecedented expansion and into a clearer understanding of itself as a more autonomous entity in the Baptistine family. Beginning with Father Founder all those Baptistines who have gone before her receive Mother, a true and faithful daughter of Alfonso Fusco, into their heavenly community. Now in the heavenly courtyard we see an older group of women approaching Mother. At age 64 when the world begins to consider retirement, Mother Margaret Mary began a new chapter in her life. Named Superior of the Sisters’ vacation house in the Catskills, for the next 20 years Mother devoted herself to Alphonsus Manor, in Cairo, NY with the same resolve that she had brought to earlier tasks. In due time Alphonsus Manor became a haven for women being discharged from the care of the State of New York. Mother accepted them, providing them with a home that was loving and secure. At the same time, she sought out, once again, God’s "little ones" and coordinated the CCD program in the local parish. Every moment that she was bringing another girl or boy to Jesus through Mary was a joy for her. In 1990 Mother returned for her 3rd and final residence at Mt. St. John, Purchase. Now in her 90’s Mother’s childlike simplicity endeared her to the Sisters and staff who attended her as well as to the children of the on-site Day Care facility. She still loved bringing God’s "little ones" close to her so that she could lead them to Jesus. Her final years were an opportunity for deepened prayer and for renewed contacts with many of her novices, students and friends. At times her wit and humor seemed to bubble up now more than ever. On one occasion as Mother resisted getting out of her bed, the local Superior reminded Mother of the saying that she had used with her novices: "At the sound of the bell you should rise as if your bed is on fire." Mother’s instant and unexpected response brought a chuckle: "Well, that was silly, wasn’t it?" On another occasion one of her novices was trying to get her to eat the veggie soup instead of the sweets that she preferred. Sister kept encouraging: "Mother, eat it, it’s good for you." Mother’s determined response: "Because it’s good for you doesn’t mean it’s good for me!" The crowd is parting and we see Mother fading from our sight. It is time for us to add our own final words: "Mother Margaret Mary, your Sisters still here on earth thank you for your daily example of a God-centered life of unstinting service, compassionate leadership, and sisterly love. May you enjoy for all eternity the fruits and fullness of God’s abiding love." As we prepare to leave the heavenly courtyard we hear a final, loving voice, beckoning: "Veni, Sponsa Christi. Come, Vincenzina, Jenny, Margaret Mary, receive the crown the Lord has prepared for you from all eternity". ***************** NB - Donations in memory of Mother Margaret Mary for the care of our elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to: Sisters of St John the Baptist Retirement Fund PO Box 711 Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr. Battiste Guerreri, C.S.JB.

March 27, 1917 - August 27, 2003

Sr. Battiste Guerrieri, C.S.JB. was born on March 27, 1917 in Manhattan, NY. Having come to know the Sisters of St John the Baptist as her teachers, she entered the Community's novitiate in 1933. After making her first profession of vows on December 8, 1934, Sr. Battiste began 69 years years of dedicated ministry, both in education and in elder care. On August 27, 2003 Sister died in the Community's Retirement Convent in Purchase, NY. May she rest in peace. Amen.

Photo: Sr Battiste, seated, with her
sister Sr. Helen Guerrieri, C.S.JB.

The following words of remembrance were delivered by Sr Mary Eugene, CSJB
at Sr. Battiste Guerrieri's Burial Mass, September 2, 2003

*************

A eulogy can be many things…a portrait of a person’s life, a celebration of her accomplishments, a farewell from one who loved the departed person. As I stand here before Sr. Battiste’s family, her friends and the Sisters who shared her life for all or part of the 70 years she was a Baptistine, I come as one who loved her…her feisty individualism, her generosity to the young Sisters, her unselfish care for the homeless and the downtrodden embodied in her concrete response to the individuals who came into her life, her dedication and creativity as a teacher, her sensitivity and patience with the elderly and the infirm, her loyalty to her family.

Sr. Battiste was an original, uncompromising in doing what she believed should be done, generous in thinking of others and their needs before her own, gifted with a sense of humor and the ability to laugh even at herself.

Sr. Battiste did many things during her religious life…she worked with the aged at Providence Rest at the beginning and at the end of her apostolic life; she was a kindergarten teacher in many of our parishes; she was sent to the university after many years to complete a degree so that she could teach in our elementary schools. During the years when her Sister Helen was in Chile, she worked to gather materials for our schools there, sending crates down with equipment which made our schools much better prepared to serve the young. While she was teaching in St. James in lower Manhattan, she didn’t stop with her work in the classroom. She saw Christ in the homeless and she fed them, not only when they came to our door, but even in the park where they would sit dejectedly until they saw her coming with her lunch bags filled with food that the government said should be thrown out because the children hadn’t eaten it. Rules and regulations that didn’t make sense to her…she ignored.

At Providence Rest near the end of her active ministry, she took the time to sit with the elderly, to listen to their stories and their complaints. She brought the tenderness of the Lord to them in a personal, individual way. There, too, she was an integral part of the prayer group, helping people to recognize and respond to the presence of God in their lives.

As her own health deteriorated, she turned to Our Lady to help her give a few more years of service to the Church and the Congregation. How many times she went to Lourdes and how often our Mother Mary heard her prayers and granted her more time.

But as it must happen to each of us, God was finally ready to take Sr. Bap home because SHE was ready to go. Her life didn’t always follow the more traveled road, but it always was filled with a sensitivity to others who were in need and a willingness to respond to that need in whatever way she could. She did that without expecting "thank you’s" or recognition or honor. Yet, her students and her co-workers remembered her and never forgot, not so much what she taught or did, but HOW she did it. Years after their contact with her, they still treasure their teacher…their friend.

Throughout her life, she did what she considered to be the right thing to do because it was right. God reads our hearts; He saw in hers a love that was strong enough and brave enough and tender enough to see Him in the little ones, in the crushed ones, in the elderly ones. She responded to Him and now He has taken her home to her reward, eternal joy and peace.

Thank you, Bap, for loving us, too, your Sisters; for your loving interest and concern for your family; for all the work you did for the Church and for the Congregation during these 70 years.

Don’t forget us in heaven for we shall never forget you.

*****************

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Battiste for the care of our elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr. Celeste Bonina, C.S.JB.

September 14, 1914 - July 29, 2003

      Most of us have the heard the phrase: "Man proposes; God disposes." But for Sr. Celeste Bonina, C.S.JB. it’s more accurate to say: "Man disposes; God proposes."

      Born in 1914 in "the city of brotherly love" Sr Celeste (Nancy) with her sister and brothers grew up in the heart of Philadelphia where the local parish played a prominent role in the family’s life. Sister Celeste enjoyed participating in the religious devotions of the parish and often helped out in the rectory. She thought occasionally about becoming a Sister, perhaps becoming a missionary, but for the most part kept her thoughts to herself.

      One day while helping at the rectory, she went to throw out the garbage. She picked up some discarded newspapers to use as a wrap. Her eyes focused on an advertisement from the Sisters of St. John the Baptist inviting young women to a retreat weekend on Staten Island, NY. She had never heard of the Community and decided to confide her intentions to the parish priest. By coincidence - or better, God’s Providence - he had a friend who knew the Baptistine Sisters well. Through a piece of disposed paper, God proposed an invitation to her heart - and the rest is history.

      Sister Celeste professed her first vows in September 1934 and was assigned to Providence Rest Nursing Home, Bronx, NY. In 1938 she was assigned to St. Lucy Convent, Newark, NJ. St Lucy’s - it’s convent, its parish, its neighborhood - would be Sister’s "home" for an extraordinary 64 years. During these years Sister worked tirelessly providing funds for the young children in the Sisters’ orphanage and school, tending to the Church as parish sacristan, and serving her Community in positions of leadership both as a local Superior and as a Provincial Councilor.

      In 1988 Sister was the recipient of the Jubilee Medal Pro Meritis for distinguished service to the Archdiocese of Newark. Sister was also the recipient of the Amici Award for her unselfish devotion to the Church and to the Community of Newark.

     Sister Celeste’s smile, her hospitality, her compassion and her stories are legendary. Her knowledge of St Lucy’s parishioners is formidable down through many generations. She was always among the first to joyfully welcome a new member or mourn the passing of an elder. Over the years more than one politician or businessman found that when Sister asked for help it was hard to say "no". Her Lenten Spaghetti Dinner fund-raisers were known far and wide and organized with a precision that would make a caterer proud. And who else could protest a parking ticket by claiming there was no law on Newark’s books against "triple parking"!

      In January 2002 Sr. Celeste was transferred from St Lucy's to Mt. St. John Retirement Convent in Purchase, NY. and a year later to Providence Rest Nursing Home, Bronx, NY where she received the medical aid and care that her frailty required.   On July 29, 2003 God called Sr Celeste to her eternal home. May she rest in peace. Amen

*************

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Celeste for the care of our elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr. Bonaventure Scarangella, C.S.JB

June 27,1932 - March 1, 2003

Joan Scarangella was born in Brooklyn, NY to Isabelle Carlin and Nicholas Scarangella and was baptized less than a month later in St. Edmond's Church, Brooklyn, NY.

Her years as a student at St John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY, in both the elementary and high school departments, introduced Joan to the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. God used these years to cultivate within her the call to religious life, and on July 14, 1951 Sister entered the novitiate at Mt. St. John Convent, White Plains, NY. Her name in religious life was to be that of the great Franciscan saint - Bonaventure. In true Franciscan spirit, one of Sr. Bonaventure's hallmarks throughout her life would be her love and care of God's animal creatures, most particularly dogs.

After her First Profession of Vows on February 3, 1953, Sister was assigned to St. John Villa Academy where she began her lifelong career as an excelling and exacting teacher. In addition to St John Villa Academy Sister also taught at St. Dominic's Elementary School, Bronx, NY, St Roch's Elementary School, Staten Island, NY and Bishop Burke High School, Gloversville, NY. Over the course of 38 years in the classroom Sister established herself as a preeminent educator. She believed in the potential of every student to learn and communicated that as a goal to each of her classes. Her confidence in her students, coupled with her high, "no-nonsense" standards, helped to give her students the motivation to succeed. That many students maintained a close relationship with Sister into their adult years is evidence of the loving respect and high esteem accorded her.

In 1991 Sr. Bonaventure, responding as she so often did to the needs of others, accepted the Community's request to put aside teaching and assume the responsibilities of Administrator at St John Villa Academy. After 6 years of administrative work, Sister's life took yet another path, this time in the ministry of health care assistant at Providence Rest Nursing Home. Her warm smile and infectious laugh which were so evident to family and friends but which often had to be restrained in the classroom could now pour forth to brighten the daily lives of the elderly residents at Providence Rest.

After 50 years of dedicated and faithful service to the Church and her beloved Baptistine community, Sr. Bonaventure became seriously ill and was unable to continue her active ministry to God's people. During her months of illness she drew her support form her beloved sister Evelyn, her nieces, her close friends - and her God. In her lifetime, Sister found guidance in the words of the "Desiderata". In her final illness she lived out the following: "Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune". On March 1, 2003 God called Sr. Bonaventure to the peace and joy of her eternal home. May she rest in peace. Amen.

**********

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Bonaventure for the care of our elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr Mary Emmanuel Di Falco

August 24, 1929 - January 22, 2002

The following remembrance is based on the eulogy given by Sister’s brother Dick Di Falco

In a year that would soon become historical for other reasons, Josephine Di Falco was born in 1929 in Brooklyn, NY to Frank and Filippa (Lo Cascio) Di Falco. She was the 4th child of this hardworking, religious couple who were to see two of their children respond to the call to enter God’s service, a very honored accolade for families at that time.

Josie, as she was then called, was baptized into the Church at Our Lady of Loretto Parish which was just down the block from the family home. Her first encounter with the Sisters of St John the Baptist came just a few years later when she was enrolled in the parish's Nursery School run by the Sisters. As the years passed Josie became involved in many parish activities. She particularly enjoyed her involvement in the pageants which the Sisters organized. Slowly, she began to hear God's call to a religious vocation.

In June 1947 Josie entered the novitiate of the Baptistine Sisters at Mt St John Convent in White Plains, NY. She pronounced her first vows in 1949 - the same year that her older brother Leonard was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of New York.

The community recognized her talent for dealing with people and the young Sr. Mary Emmanuel’s first assignment was to Mt St John Academy, Gladstone, NY where she served as Residency Directress for the boys. In September of 1953 Sister was transferred to St. Roch Convent, Greenwich, CT where she taught in the Nursery School.

As Sister earned her LPN she also earned the admiration of her classmates for her academic excellence as well as her ability to motivate and to lead them both in and out of the classroom. In August 1961 Sister was assigned to Providence Rest Nursing Home, Bronx, NY. Here Sr Mary Emmanuel would become the "feared" but most loved Nursing Supervisor on the 4th floor.

For the next 39 years Sister dedicated her mental and physical skills to caring for patients, mentoring the staff and loyally supporting her religious community. She was a constant source of dedicated support to the Home’s residents and their families. From the early hours of the morning to the latest hours of the night Sister was present to those in need, offering them a skilled hand, a consoling prayer, a loving word of encouragement.

In January 2000 illness finally took Sr Mary Emmanuel away from her beloved "ladies". The next two years would be most difficult, not only for the physical and mental pain that she endured, but because she was no longer able to give care to those in need. The caregiver had become the patient. God asked Sister, the giver of His loving care to so many for so many years, to now become the recipient of His tender loving care for her.

As she had always done, Sr Mary Emmanuel accepted God’s will in her life. She fought for her life as much as she could, because that was her nature, but in the end God said "enough". On January 22, 2002 God’s "Angel of Mercy" was called home to be welcomed by all the angels and saints Sr Mary Emmanuel was once again reunited with her beloved "ladies".

We are all blessed and privileged to have known this remarkable woman and to have experienced the positive influence that she had on all of us - her family of origin, her family of Baptistine Sisters, her family at Providence Rest. May she rest in peace. Amen.

************

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Mary Emmanuel for the care of our elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr. Elizabeth Porto

October 18, 1913 - December 10, 2001

"Home is where the heart is"

If this is so, then many of our Baptistine Sisters proudly call more than one place "home". They belong to that special group called missionaries. Responding to God’s call, they leave family, friends and homeland - sometimes for life, sometimes for a few years - to serve God’s people in other lands.

Sr. Elizabeth Porto more than exemplified this missionary tradition. In her more than 35 years years as a Baptistine missionary, Sister brought her broad smile, her helping hands and her loving heart to the people of three continents and three countries: Brazil, Israel, and the Philippines.

Born in Brooklyn, NY in 1913 Sr. Elizabeth was the youngest of 8 children - 4 boys and 4 girls. She met the Baptistines through a Newman Club friend and "liked the work they were doing in the Parish." After entering the Community in 1942 Sister spent 9 years in parish work at St Dominic’s, Bronx. While serving at St. Gabriel’s Day Care in Philadelphia, PA Sr. Elizabeth heard the missionary call and volunteered for Africa. Two years later, in 1955, her generosity was remembered and she was asked to go to Brazil to help with the formation of young Brazilian girls who were joining the Sisters of St John the Baptist.

Brazil would be Sister’s "home" for the next 26 years. She came to love its language, its culture and most of all its people - especially the "poorest of the poor". Whether preparing young women to become Sisters, caring for orphans, or aiding the destitute in the "favelas" (city slums) Sr. Elizabeth joyfully shared her life and her love of God.

In 1983 Sister joined our Baptistine Community in Jerusalem. And in 1985, after 30 years on the missions, this undaunted missionary took on another challenge. This time, half way around the world in the Philippines. From the big city of Manila to the storm-wracked island-town of Virac, Sister once again found a new "home" amid the poor but faith-filled Filipino people.

After a lifetime of living for and with others on 3 continents, Sr. Elizabeth came "home" to her native America. The years of missionary hardships had taken their toll on her health - but not her spirit. Sister rejoiced that multiple surgeries had restored her mobility. "In spite of my aches and pains", she said, "I feel very fortunate that I can use my time in praying more and also being occupied with needlepoint, which I enjoy immensely. It's OK. It's all for Jesus."

On December 10, 2001 after an extended illness, God called Sr. Elizabeth to her eternal home. May she rest in peace. Amen.

**********

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Elizabeth for the care of our elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr Joan Marie Sale, C.S.JB

January 2, 1933 – June 12, 2001

Sr. Joan Marie Sale, C.S.JB. was born on January 2, 1933 in Manhattan, NY, to Harrison and Elizabeth Sale. She entered the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in White Plains, NY in 1949. After making her first profession of vows on February 19, 1951, Sr. Joan Marie began fifty-one years of dedicated ministry, mainly in education, within the American Province, in Chile, South America and in Italy. On June 12, 2001 just a few hours before she was to fly home for her summer visit, Sister died suddenly in Rome, Italy. May she rest in peace. Amen.

The following words of remembrance were delivered by Sr. Lois Darold, C.S.JB. at Sr. Joan Marie's Funeral Mass celebrated on June 21, 2001 in the Chapel at St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY.

Remembering Sr. Joan Marie Sale, C.S.JB.

"As God keeps his word, I declare that my word to you is not "yes" one minute and "no" the next. Jesus Christ... was not alternately "yes" and "no"; He was never anything but "yes". ( 2 Cor: 1:18)

A few hours before she died Sr Joan Marie heard these words as part of that morning’s Eucharistic Liturgy. Although there are many words one might use to describe Joan, I think there is one that sums her up: "YES". Throughout her life Joan uttered a strong, loving, faithful "Yes" - to God, to her family, to her Sisters in Community, to friends and acquaintances, to her students, to life itself.

From her earliest years Joan lived a "Yes" to the presence of God in her life. Even in the face of an illness that would rob her of months of her childhood and leave her heart permanently weakened, Joan knew the Spirit of God was with her. As if to support her own heart, throughout her life Joan drew closer and closer to the very heart of God. And when God called Joan to religious life, she responded with a full-hearted "Yes" that remained steadfast for 51 years.

Joan was always a loving "Yes" for her family. A proud "Yes" to her heritage - that wonderful mixture of Slovak, English, and Blackfoot Indian; Roman Catholic and Southern Baptist. After God, no one was more important to Joan than her family: her cherished parents, her dearest sister Barbara, her beloved brother Richard and their families. Distance did not really separate Joan from her loved ones. You could set your watch by her phone calls to Barbara. As often as possible Joan planned her personal schedule around the family’s significant events. Being a full-time aunt was a job she treasured. If not in person, then by phone and card, Joan was always a vital part of her family’s special moments, lovingly saying "Yes" to sharing in their joys as well as their sorrows.

Throughout her life our Baptistine community heard Joan’s obedient "Yes" many times over.

* "Yes" to going to Chile as a very young Sister and beginning a love-affair with the country, its culture and its people that would shape her spirit and last a lifetime;

* "Yes" to teaching God’s little ones whether in first grade or 10th grade, in North America or South America, from circumstances of poverty or affluence;

* "Yes" to accepting leadership responsibility for the Sisters of our Chilean Region and helping them grow to greater self-governance;

* "Yes" to gently caring for our elderly and ailing Sisters as Superior of our retirement convent in Purchase, NY;

* "Yes" to journeying to Rome to assist our Mother General - Joan’s childhood schoolmate, Chilean companion, and lifelong friend - as a personal secretary.

Truly, for Joan "strangers were just friends not yet met." Once Joan met you, you were a part of her life - an important part. Important enough for Joan to remember special days and personal details that others most likely would forget. Joan’s "yes" to her friends, colleagues, students was expressed in a helping hand, an encouraging word, an enthusiastic acceptance of difference. Did you need a tutor? a traveling companion? a Papal Blessing? a listening ear? someone to just waste time with? Joan’s response was an unqualified "yes’. Her self-giving was edifying.

Joan said a welcoming "yes" to life in general. There were always a few categories in Joan’s life that sparkled "yes" in her eyes and heart: St. James Parish and School of her youth; her novitiate "group"; the young Sisters forming new Baptistine communities around the world. And always Joan relished simple things: a Chinese meal, a chatty phone call, watching her Yankees play, and the celebration of every American holiday on the calendar.

Although Joan’s life was a "yes", she was certainly not a "yes-man". She stood up for what was right and just. She spoke up for those who were weak and vulnerable. She championed the future and its possibilities. Joan’s days had their share of sorrows, frustrations and disappointments, but her attitude of "yes" gave her a peaceful heart and a joyful spirit that spilled over to all with whom she shared life.

It is hard for us now to say "yes" to Joan’s leaving us. But inspired by her open heart and gentle ways we paraphrase Dag Hammarskjold and say:

* Joan, for all that has been, for all you have given to us, and meant to us - "THANKS"

* Joan, following in your loving spirit, we pray that "for all God asks of us and calls us to be, we, too, may be able to say - "YES".

*******************

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Joan Marie for the care of elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+ + +
Sr Nora Rispoli, C.S.JB

March 7, 1916 – March 6, 2001

     Sr. Nora Rispoli was born on March 7, 1916, in Foggia, Italy, to Luigi and Francesca Rispoli and was given the baptismal name, Gorizia (Eleonora). She entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in Rome, Italy in 1935. After making her first profession of vows on June 24, 1937, Sr. Luigia (her name in religion for the next 30 years) traveled with six other Baptistines to the United States where she began sixty-three years of dedicated ministry within the American Province.

     Sr. Nora's special gift was to nurture life and love in God's "little ones". Sister served as Directress of Resident Students at both Mt. St. John Academy, Gladstone, NJ and St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY. Sister taught Kindergarten first at St. Vincent de Paul School, Stirling, NJ, then at Mt. St. John Academy, Gladstone and also at   St. Dominic School, Bronx, NY.

     In 1982 Sr. Nora was given the opportunity for a year’s renewal which she spent taking theology classes at Regina Mundi, Rome, Italy. At the conclusion of this year Sister was asked to join an international community of Baptistines serving at Notre Dame Jerusalem Center, the Vatican residence in the Holy Land. For the rest of her life these years in the Holy Land (1983-86) were to leave an indelible mark in Sr. Nora's memory. Upon her return to the States Sister was assigned to St. Dominic Parish where until shortly before her death Sr. Nora reflected the Lord’s loving presence to the Italian- speaking parishioners at St. Dominic Parish, Bronx, NY.

      In August of 2000, Sr. Nora was diagnosed with terminal cancer and moved to the Congregation’s Retirement Home, Mt. St. John Convent in Purchase, New York. Even during this difficult time, Sister was still involved in a ministry - the ministry of prayer for herself and for God’s people. On the day before her 85^th birthday, March 6, 2001, God called Sr. Nora home to heaven. "Come, Bride of Christ, to receive the crown the Lord has prepared for you from all eternity."

          As we remember Sr. Nora, we recall a religious woman whose love and dedication to God and His people was manifested by her exuberance, enthusiasm, and untiring energy in all she was asked to do. Whether Sister was teaching, ministering in the parish, caring for resident students, cooking, or doing other forms of domestic work, she was truly a manifestation of the Lord’s great joy and love - truly one of God's angels on earth. May she rest in peace.

*****************

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Nora for the care of elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

+     +     +
Sr. Vincent Paul Rano
July 20, 1933 - March 28, 1998

Remembering Vin

Sr Elizabeth Mary Morales, C.S.JB.

          (Note - Frances Xavier Rano was born in New York City on July 20, 1933. She joined the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in 1952. In 1955, now known as Sr. Vincent Paul, she followed in the footsteps of her missionary namesake and went to Africa, to the country now known as Zambia. Except for brief periods in the States and in India, Sister served in Zambia for all of her religious life. She died at St John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY on March 28, 1998, a few months short of her 65th birthday. The following is a personal reflection by one of the Sisters who lived with her during her final months of life.)

          It was a photograph I remembered that prompted me to write about her. There she was, in a long white habit with practically no body parts showing except her face and hands. She stood tall and determined, but also daring and brave, as she held in her rough hands the rifle that would protect her from wild animals and thieves while working in the bush country of Zambia as a midwife and a medic.

          Sr. Vincent Paul, Vin as we lovingly called her, was shy yet outgoing, down-to-earth, a real friend, generous, intelligent, creative and compassionate. She had a zest for living and a strong, winning personality. A born leader, she could convince you to do anything for her or her patients. Her positive approach to life, her courage, and her deep love of God sustained her through many difficult situations. Her gentle touch, warm hands, great hugs and witty sense of humor brought sunshine wherever she went, and comfort to her friends and patie

Sr. Vin (at left, in photo) had a smile that lit up her face - a face etched with firm features, sparkling brown eyes and skin tanned by the sun of the African jungle. When the Community changed to a modified habit you could finally see her beautiful wavy hair, white now from years of caring and serving. Her voice was deep but mellow, never quite losing its New York City accent. And her hearty laugh overpowered the sound of the lawn mower outside her window. Her sturdy body seemed a perfect fit for her motorcycle which she rode from town to town through the Zambian bush.

          Soon after arriving in Zambia, Vin chose to live with and serve those afflicted with leprosy. She ministered to them in Zambia’s first Leprosarium, which she herself founded. She provided then with food, shelter, clothing, basic education and medical care, and most importantly, spiritual assistance. Today this disease has been practically eliminated in Zambia, thanks in part to Vin’s unrelenting efforts.

          In 1979 the mission call brought Vin to India where for a few years she was involved in building projects for our Indian community. While there, her heart and her hands went out to the poor and sick in the surrounding slums. However, her first love was Zambia. In 1983 she returned again to her beloved people. Twenty-five years later their needs were still urgent and overwhelming, if different. Vin now set up a mobile clinic for AIDS patients and worked with prostitutes and a growing population of street kids - trying to give them all hope for the future. These were trying times for her. Once she confided the frustration she felt in caring for her AIDS patients: "They never got well", she said, "they kept dying on me."

The last year or so of Vin’s life here in the States was spent almost as a hermit. Her health began to break down and her illnesses caused her to restrict visiting from family and friends. Her last years were ones of great physical and emotional suffering. For those who knew and loved her "aliveness", seeing her withdraw and shut down was difficult to experience. But the Lord was drawing her closer to Himself, preparing her to journey forth one last time. At last, the Lord with gentle arms, gathered Vin to himself in her sleep, like Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom.

          What a loss to Zambia, to India, to her family, and to us her Baptistine Sisters. But Vin will continue to radiate sunshine to all who hold her memory dear. Thank you, so very much, Vin!

*****************

NB - Donations in memory of Sr. Vincent Paul for the care of elderly Baptistine Sisters may be made to:

Sisters of St John the Baptist
Retirement Fund
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934

Deceased Sisters of the American Province

s

"May the Holy Angels be there to welcome you
with all the Saints who go before you
that you may know the peace and joy of paradise
that you may enter into everlasting rest."
                                                                                     Amen.

2009

Sr. Dominic Cacaci

2008

Sr. Mary Dinsmore Sr. Mary Rose Moscagiuro

Sr. sAdelaide Apici

2007

Sr. Josephine Marie Franco Sr. Elizabeth Militano

2006

Sr. Mary Celine D'Anthony Sr. Bernadette Eggeart

Sr. Mary Magdalen Brancale

2005

Sr. Mary Eugene Gilmore Sr. Luigia Nicolella

Sr. Salvatrice Marcellino Sr. Catherine Barcia

Sr. John Gregory Ferraioli Sr. Mary Magdalen Brancale

2004

Sr. Mary Dolores Guarino Sr. Ann Troy (Crucifix)

Sr. Philomena Fugarino

2003

Sr. Angelina Tarallo Sr. Bonaventure Scarangella

Sr. Carmelita Laudato Sr. Antoinette Scarola

Sr. Celeste Bonina Sr. Battiste Guerrieri

M. Margaret Mary Palumbo

2002

Sr. Mary Emmanuel Di Falco Sr. Agnes Insinga

Sr. Alfonsina Silecchia

2001

Sr. Elizabeth Porto Sr. Joan Marie Sale

Sr. Nora Rispoli

2000

Sr. Consiglia Valletta

1999

Sr. Mary Michael Cosgrove

1998

Sr. Christine Labate        Sr. Imelda Quirk

Sr. Letitia Corsini Sr. Scholastica Arnone

Sr. Vincent Paul Rano

1997

Sr. Valeria Veneruso Sr. Raymond Puccio

1996

Sr. Concetta Leonardi

1995

Sr. Mary Concepta Tuzzolino Sr. Benedicta Saulo

Sr. Vincent Maselli   Sr. Rosalia Sclafani

1994

Sr. Bernardine Zecca Sr. Grace Rose Russo

1993

Sr. Aurora Stufano Sr. Mary Theresa Ciccerale

Sr. Juliana Tretola Sr. Theresa Ventola

1992

Sr. Maura Hyland Sr. Justine Cella

1990

M. Vitalina Rango    Sr. Augusta Konyok

Sr. Florinda Tartaglia Sr. Pietrina Lucchese

Sr. Petronilla Pantalone

1989

Sr. Biagina Izzo Sr. Matilda Bisso

Sr. Rose Schifano Sr. Flavia LoPardo

1988

Sr. Angela Falciglia Sr. Margaret Sputo

1986

Sr. Angelina Libero Sr. Mary Lucille Basuino

1985

Sr. Vincenza Marie Rotolo Sr. Dorothy Russo

1984

M. Umile D'Andrea Sr. Mary Magdalene Di Cecco

Sr. Emma Del Grosso Sr. Immaculata Sereni

Sr. Benigna Paradiso

1983

Mother Alberta Stango Sr. Gabriel Apicella

Sr. Serafina Capone

1982

Sr. Angelica Velardi Sr. Mary Gerard Case

Sr. Rita Di Bianca Sr. Brigida D'Agostino

1981

Sr. Adele Reese

1980

Sr. Dorothea Delcianci Sr. Sofia Amore

Sr. Dolores Cirino Sr. Eufrasina Tedesco

Sr. Annunziata Anastasio

1979

Sr. Barbara Bellantonio

1978

Sr. Tarcisia Ianeri Sr. Innocence Lo Pinto

Sr. Modestina Mastrodonato

1973

Sr. Eulalia Caporale Sr. Martha Lo Truglio

Sr. Paula De Rogatis

1969

Sr. Adolfa Gallo

1968

Sr. Mary Louise Livingston Sr. Caroline Rugo

Sr. Frances Cerrone

1967

Sr. Marie Christine Archidiacono Sr. Mary Joseph Ponsiglione

Sr. Cesarina Vecchiarelli

1965

Sr. Immaculata La Regina Sr. Catherine Conti

1964

Sr. Corine Marie Gerard Sr. Louis Marie Priolo

Sr. Anna Farell

1963

Sr. Aurelia Budetti Sr. Beatrice Terlizzi

Sr. Rose Michael Labetti

1962

Sr. Eleanor Di Cosimo

1960

M. Gabriel Marino Sr. Agatha Pilato

Sr. Archangela Garro

1954

Sr. Teresa Iannitto

1953

Sr. Gertrude Patti Sr. Carmelina Miseo

1952

Sr. Alfonsina Gioia

1947

Sr. Clotilde Gravina Sr. Rosaria Bianco

1946

Sr. Fedele Sarro

1941

Sr. Veronica Paioletti

1936

Sr. Rosaria Pucci

1931

Sr. Eucaristica Supino

1927

Sr. Ermelinda Romersi

1925

Sr. Celeste Alaino

1923

Sr. Massimina Cannata

1921

Sr. Eufrasina Laurente

                                                                            To know more about the Sisters of St. John the Baptist,
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                                                                                       to be placed on our Prayer List or Mail List,

                                                                                                            Please contact:
Sr. Rosaria De Maro, C.S.JB.
Sisters of St John the Baptist
PO Box 711
Gladstone, NJ 07934
908-234-0261

srrosariadem@baptistines.org