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3Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul

Dear Friends,

With this first issue of Faith Afire, we begina new avenue of communication from theDaughters of Charity of the Province of St.Louise and you. When the four formerUnited States Provinces of Albany, N.Y.,Emmitsburg, Md., Evansville, Ind., and St.Louis, Mo., unified late last July, we set towork on the creation of our new websiteand our new magazine. Through these,we hope to share stories about the manydiverse and fulfilling ministries in which we

serve. What is more, we hope to share stories about the many people withwhom we minister—the ill, the abandoned, the immigrant, the trafficked,and the needy. We also hope to hear from you! The Daughters wouldlike to remember you and yours in our daily prayers. You may share yourprayer requests with us via the web or through the mail.

Our Province of 540 Daughters of Charity follow in Saint Vincent DePaul,Saint Louise de Marillac, and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s footsteps as weserve in 21 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Montreal, Quebec, Canada, andas foreign missionaries on every continent of the world except Antarctica.Worldwide, 17,000 Daughters minister to those most in need.

Although our Province headquarters now are based in St. Louis, each ofour former Provincial Houses remains open; although they now are namedsimply “Houses.” Daughters of Charity remain in residence and in servicein Albany, Emmitsburg, Evansville, and St. Louis.

Called by Saint Vincent to be ever ready to address the most pressingneeds of the world, we heed his sage counsel as we look forward to newmissions and new ministries.

“The Sister who has the spirit of a true Daughter of Charity is ready to go any-where, prepared to leave everything to serve her neighbor. If we love Our Lord, wefind Him everywhere.” Saint Vincent de Paul - "The Spirit of the Company;"

Conference of February 24, 1653; CCD, v.9 p.474

Blessings,

Sister Louise Gallahue, D.C.Provincial

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Sister Louise’s letter

Father Tom’s letter

Daughters Return toGreensboro

Saint Agnes Hospital in Baltimore - Celebrating 150Years

A Passion for Education, aNew Catholic High School

Daughters and Sisters ShareHospitality and Communityin New Orleans

Province of St. LouiseCelebrating 2,150 years ofServing Christ in Those inNeed

New York City - DaughtersHold Residents of the BigApple Close in Their Hearts

Daughters Work to EndHuman Trafficking

Senior Sisters Throughoutthe Province of St. Louise; Celebrating Wisdom, Age,and Grace

Province News

In Memory

Interprovincial SeminaryOpens in St. Louis

CCoovveerr:: Sister Teresa Daly, D.C.,greets a parishioner at St.Mary’s Catholic Church inGreensboro, N.C.; please seearticle on pages 4 and 5.

Editor: Sister Patricia Anne Bossle, D.C.; Graphic Designer: Katie Zeller; Advisors: Province Communications Committee.

Faith Afire is published by the Province of St. Louise.Comments, suggestions or address corrections maybe directed to Belinda Davis, 314.56.4616; [email protected]; 4330 Olive Street, St. Louis,Missouri 63108. No part of this magazine may bereproduced without prior written permission.

My Friends in Christ,

At the recent Provincial Directors’ Meeting, I gave a talk about Ongo-ing Formation. One might think formation is only for “religious.” Yet,when we look at its underlying ideas, via a story about a writer andthe way she approaches her craft, we can see that formation is for allof us.

“How do you do it?” she was asked. “How do you go about gettingthose marvelous words and thoughts on paper?” “I do whatever I can,”she responded, “to place myself in the right location where I can listento the Muse if it passes me by.” She went on, “My writing is me, but ina deeper way it’s more than me. When the right words come out, Iknow I’ve been in touch with something beyond me that has somehow spoken to me. What do I do towrite? I go into a room cleared of distractions, put the pad and pen in front of me -- and just wait. Ifand when the spirit moves through the room, I’m there, in place, ready to hear what it is saying. Andof course before that, I’ve done a lot of other things to build up that readiness.”

The most important elements of Ongoing Formation show up in the writer’s response. She’s engagedin what you might call active receiving. Conscious she’s being fed at a deep level, she is also veryproactive to opening herself up to take in the nourishment. Not only does she move to the emptyroom, she’s taken other steps to keep alert. She keeps up a steady diet of reading the great writers.She accepts feedback from critics even when it’s negative. To push her skills and stay in touch with herpeers, she attends writing seminars and gives workshops. She considers all of these not only as life-long practices but also a part of her responsibility to her readers--a piece of her commitment to keepfaith with them over the long haul.

Ongoing Formation is about taking clear and constant steps to stay supple before the Spirit of JesusChrist. It refers to all the things we do down through the years to open ourselves to that energy andinspiration that allows us to get better at bringing the Good News, especially to the poor. “They placedthemselves in harm’s way” is an expression used about the military. With Ongoing Formation, we placeourselves in the Spirit’s Way, always with a view to developing ourselves, and, even more so, those wewould serve.

Spiritual direction, sabbaticals, new prayer practices, reading groups, seminars, personal counseling, andprofessional workshops can benefit Ongoing Formation. Each can be one of the necessary steps toplace ourselves in that right spot, ready to hear and then do the Word as it passes through. OngoingFormation: an active and responsible listening to God’s Spirit.

In His Service,

Father Tom McKenna, C.M.Provincial Director

HHiissttoorryyIn 1928, the Daughters of Charity first arrived at St. Mary’s Parish in Greensboro, N.C. That year, The HolyCross Fathers formed the Parish to serve African Americans. The Daughters taught in the parish school. In1938, the Vincentian Fathers accepted responsibility for the parish. The Daughters continued to teach at theparish school until it closed in 1972. Once closed, the Daughters continued serving at St. Mary’s providingsocial service ministries until their withdrawal in 1992. Fast forward almost 20 years, and the Daughters re-turned to St. Mary’s.

The parish has grown from the seed of the small close knit group of African Americans to a large multicul-tural parish where five Sunday liturgies are celebrated: one in Spanish, one in Vietnamese and three in Eng-lish. This multi-cultural parish embraces immigrants from 22 countries. The heart of St. Mary’s Parish is theVincentian Charism leading all to find Christ in each of the diverse cultures of the world represented in ourcongregation

CCoollllaabboorraattiioonnIn 2011, as the Daughters were engaged in the unifi-cation of four U.S. Provinces to form the Province ofSt. Louise, a new collaborative effort was envisionedto draw Daughters from the former Provinces to es-tablish the first new ministry of the new Province.The new ministry at St. Mary’s was truly a return to apast ministry and an answer to a collaborative Vin-centian Family effort.

The Vincentian Community at St. Mary’s Parish in-cludes Pastor Michael Manh Nguyen, C. M.; FatherJohn P. Timlin, C. M., Parochial Vicar; and FatherBinh Van Nguyen, C. M., Parochial Vicar.

Father Nguyen, Father Timlin, Sister Teresa, Sister HelenMarie, Pastor Nguyen, and Sister Mary (not pictured) formthe Vincentian Family at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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PPllaannss ffoorr tthhee FFuuttuurreePlans for the future include new programs for the immigrant and refugee population in the parish, additionalEnglish as Second Language (ESL) classes, development of Young Adult Ministries, and leadership develop-ment for the people of many cultures speaking various languages.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Website: www.stmarysgreensboro.org

Sister Helen Marie Kling Reflects on her Ministry:

I came to Greensboro not knowing where or how Iwould serve. It didn’t take long to find a niche that in-cluded ESL classes, teaching the music for the newtranslation of the Mass, liturgy planning, and servicewith senior citizens. I love parish work and the manycultures we have at St. Mary’s. I especially enjoy work-ing individually with ESL students as it provides theopportunity to learn to know each student personallyand to begin to understand the culture of each.

Sister Teresa Daly in her Own Words:

I have had extensive experience in Parish Ministry. Hereat St. Mary’s, I am privileged to minister with the HispanicCommunity. Currently, we are working toward leadershipdevelopment with this community. I am also learningabout and working with an extensive African community.I have begun a Bible Study Program in the parish for theEnglish speaking people. I am trying to begin a cross cul-tural young adult group. I love visiting the homes of thepeople. There are many joys and challenges here.

Sister Mary Thurlough Shares:

Since coming to Greensboro in January, I have beenworking with Catholic Social Services in WinstonSalem with the food bank and front desk. As a vol-unteer at St. Paul the Apostle Church I help asneeded with the food pantry, facilitate some work-shops on protecting children, and other activities ofthe parish along with emergency services at UrbanMinistries. It has been very enriching working withthe many dedicated volunteers and staff here inNorth Carolina.

Faith Afire • Issue 1, 2012 Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul

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11882233 Sisters of Charity from Emmitsburg becamethe first Catholic sisters in the United States to ad-minister a hospital when they began service at theBaltimore Infirmary, precursor of the University ofMaryland Hospital.

11886622 May 22, the Daughters established the firstCatholic hospital in Baltimore, Saint Joseph’s Hospi-tal of the City of Baltimore, on Lanvale Street. Laterthat year, the hospital was renamed Saint Agnes tohonor the wife of Charles Dougherty, the donor ofthe property.

11887766 The hospital moved to its current location onCaton Avenue, on land donated by Lady ElizabethCaton Stafford, granddaughter of Charles Carroll ofCarrollton.

11889988 At the suggestion of Cardinal Gibbons, Arch-bishop of Baltimore, Saint Agnes Hospital became asanitarium for patients suffering from mental illnessand drug addiction. Treatments, innovative and cut-ting edge in their day, included hydrotherapy, mas-sage, organic and vegetarian menus, and exerciseprograms.

11990066 The Saint Agnes Sanitarium was reorganizedas a full service general community hospital with thearrival of Joseph Colt Bloodgood, M.D., as Chief ofthe Medical Staff. A pioneering physician, surgeon,and medical researcher, Dr. Bloodgood establishedthe Intern Education Program – the second oldestsurgical residency in the United States, predated onlyby the Halstead Program at the Johns Hopkins Hos-pital where he was trained. Over the next 30 years,Dr. Bloodgood led Saint Agnes into a new era ofclinical expertise as he made great advances in diag-nosing and treating cancer and other illnesses.

6 7Faith Afire • Issue 1, 2012 Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul

Sister Ellen consults with Joyce Hall, R.N., in the lobby at Saint Agnes.

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Today, Saint Agnes is a 296 bed, full-service teachinghospital with residency programs in a number ofmedical and surgical specialties.

Six Daughters currently serve at Saint Agnes Hospi-tal. They are Sister Vincentia Goeb, D.C., SisterEllen LaCapria, D.C., Sister Kathleen Shannon, D.C.,Sister DeSales Wisniewski, D.C., Sister Mary LouiseZollars, D.C., and Sister Ellen Eisenberger, D.C.

Over the years, Saint Agnes Hospital has been onthe cutting edge and has made its mark on medicalcare in Baltimore and beyond. In 1981, Saint Agnesopened the first Chest Pain Emergency Center in theworld. Saint Agnes was the first hospital in Mary-land to offer patients tomotherapy, a state-of-the artradiation oncology treatment now standard in the in-dustry. Since the early 1980s, Saint Agnes has ledthe way in multi-disciplinary treatment of cancer andwrap-around services combined with the very latestmedical, radiation, and surgical treatments.

The Saint Agnes Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU) is rated by the Maryland Institute for Emer-

gency Medical Services (MIEMS) as a Level IIIBNICU facility, one of only seven in the state. Its Pri-mary Stroke Center has received the prestigiousGold Plus Recognition Award for excellence instroke care, given by the American Heart/AmericanStroke Association.

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Red Dress Sunday In 2005, Saint Agnes began“Red Dress Sunday” with three African Americanchurches in Baltimore. By 2011, more than 130churches across Maryland and beyond had joinedthe Red Dress Sunday movement that aims to edu-cate African American women and their familiesabout their risk of cardiovascular disease and how tobest prevent it.

Esperanza Center For fifty years, Catholic Charitiesof Baltimore has provided a wide range of servicesto the Hispanic and immigrant population of the Bal-timore Metropolitan area. High-quality health care isprovided through a collaborative partnership withSaint Agnes Hospital, The Johns Hopkins Medicine,and the University of Maryland Dental Schools.

Saint Agnes Hospital Website: www.stagnes.org

Daughters gathered for the Lighting of the Cross at Saint AgnesHospital. They are, left to right, first row, Sister Eileen Davis, SisterMary Louise Zollars, Sister Ellen LaCapria, Sister Ellen Eisen-berger, Sister Cecilia Tsao, Sister Vincentia Goeb, Sister SuzanneBaumgartner, Sister Catherine Fitzgerald; second row, SisterDenise LaRock, Sister Karen Burgess, Sister Mary Frances Hilden-berger, Sister Mary Gilbart, and Sister Jean Rhoads.

Juan Diego Academy opened its doors to the firstfreshman class in August of 2011. When it did, twoDaughters of Charity were there to welcome the stu-dents. The Daughters, however, were not newcom-ers to the Upper Rio Grande Valley. Late in the1970s, the Daughters purposefully began serving inthe Diocese of Brownsville, Tex. This Diocese, withmore than one million Catholics, borders Mexico andincludes four of the poorest counties in the UnitedStates. Eighty-six percent of the population is His-panic; 53 percent of the adults do not have highschool diplomas. The area has suffered because ofthe violence occurring across the border and has be-come a haven for human trafficking and drugs.

Serious efforts to build a Catholic high school in thearea began in the early 1990s. In 2007, a parcel ofland was offered by the Burns Family as a site for aschool to be named “San Juan Diego Catholic Re-gional High School” (now “Juan Diego Academy”). ABoard of Trustees was formed and the school was in-corporated.

In 2010, the Diocese of Brownsville, under the lead-ership of Bishop Daniel E. Flores, offered , as an alter-native site, 40 acres of land and four buildings thathad formerly housed the Diocesan seminary. This of-fering of buildings and land, along with a monetarypledge, brought the dream of the high school to real-ity. Funds from a capital campaign were used to ren-

ovate the existing buildings and toconstruct a new math and science build-ing.

The entire Catholic community was in-volved in making this dream of aCatholic high school come to life. Thelocal pastors allowed board members tomake presentations at Sunday masses andencouraged pledges. These pastors arepersonally supportive and provide tuitionscholarships to families needing assis-tance. Many parishioners gave gener-ously of their time and talents,


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Sister Sheila and Sister Marcella review the overall campus planfor Juan Diego Academy.

working on landscaping, painting, cleaning andpreparing for opening day. Much of the furni-ture, with the exception of student desks andtechnology, was donated. When Juan DiegoAcademy opened to its first freshman class in2011, it was with the intention of adding an-other grade in each of the next three years.

Sister Marcella Ewers, D.C., former DiocesanSuperintendent of Schools and a founding mem-ber of the Juan Diego Academy Board ofTrustees, was appointed President of the school.In August 2010, Bob Schmidt was named Princi-pal. Sister Marcella reflects, “I have been inCatholic education for my entire communitylife. I believe that education is truly the best way tohelp change the cycle of poverty.”

“In addition to helping students become rooted intheir faith, I believe a Catholic school must helpyoung people recognize their responsibility to reachout to those less fortunate, to use their talents andgifts to make the world a better place,” adds SisterMarcella. “At Juan Diego Academy, we try to ac-quaint the students with Daughter of Charity min-istries in other countries such as Kenya and Mexico.For their Lenten project, they collected funds for ourmissions in Kenya.”

Sister Sheila Carney, D.C., also serves at Juan DiegoAcademy as the Business Manager.

Juan Diego Academy students come from the sur-rounding cities of Mission, McAllen, Edinburg, RioGrande City, and even from Mexico. Half are fromCatholic elementary schools and the others fromlocal public schools. Approximately 35 percent re-ceive tuition assistance. Looking to the future andthe school’s expanding student enrollment, SisterMarcella knows demands for tuition assistance willcertainly grow. “With twice as many students en-rolled for the 2012-2013 school year, student finan-cial aid awards will also double.”

Juan Diego Academy Website:http://www.juandiegoacademy.org/

Sister Marcella chats with two Juan Diego students.

Students, Sister Marcella, Bishop Emeritus Raymundo J. Peña, Bishop Daniel E. Flores, Principal Bob Schmidt, andmany others gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony when Juan Diego Academy opened its doors.

The Sisters of Charity Federation Congregations:

In 1850, some of Mother Seton’s original Sisters based in Emmitsburg became part of the Daughters ofCharity, an international institute founded by Vincent De Paul and Louise De Marillac in France in 1633.Eight other congregations trace their roots to Elizabeth Ann Seton and the American Rule:• Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul of New York• Sisters of Charity of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati )• Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception (New Brunswick, Canada)• Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul (Halifax, Canada)• Sisters of Charity of St Elizabeth (Convent Station, New Jersey)• Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill (Greensburg)• Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha (Antigonish, Canada)• Religieuses de Nôtre Dame du- Sacre Coéur (New Brunswick, Canada)

The following come from the American Vincentian Rule (adapted by Elizabeth Seton, Bishop Carroll andSulpicians, Bishop David et al for American Church). They have an indirect connection to Elizabeth Seton.• Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (Kentucky)• Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy (Charleston)• Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth (Kansas)

“Teach me to show great gentleness toward all and to imitateyour goodness in welcoming all.” – St. Louise de Marillac

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February – June 2010 4 groups 60 volunteersJuly 2010 – June 2010 11 groups 136 volunteersJuly 2011 – March 2012 10 groups 116 volunteers Hospitality and preparing dinner for

House of Charity volunteers is one ofthe ministries Sister Renee enjoys best.

Construction is well underway (left) on the new House of Charity (artist drawing, right)—just a quick walkfrom the current House.

The House of Charity in New Orleans welcomesvolunteers who travel to New Orleans to serve thosein need, many of whom are still recovering fromHurricane Katrina some seven years after it devas-tated the Gulf Coast. The House is a joint ventureof the Sisters of Charity Federation. The Federationis comprised of 12 women religious congregations,representing more than 4,000 members, who recog-nize their particular character and spirit in thecharism of the tradition of Charity founded by St.Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and St. Eliza-beth Ann Seton.

Early in 2010, the Sisters of Charity Federationopened The House of Charity with Sisters MonicaGuddler, S.C., Cincinnati, Claire Regan, S.C., NewYork, and Renee Rose, D.C., Evansville, as the pio-neer members. Focusing on hospitality as one facetof the Charity Charism, these Sisters welcome youngadults and adults coming to New Orleans to provideservice to non-profits or parishes. Most of the servicework consists in the rebuilding of homes that weredamaged by storms and floods. The House of Char-ity can host 15 volunteers at a time. Participants livein community with the Sisters. Community sharingincludes breakfast, morning prayers, work/service, ahot evening meal and reflection together after sup-per. The goal is to give the volunteers an opportu-nity to be part of a Christian community and to

reflect on their experiences of service in the Vincent-ian tradition.

Sister Renee Rose, D.C. is one of the pioneers tofirst serve at the House of Charity. “I view my min-istry in first implementing the concept of House ofCharity as a Federation ministry shared equally bythe communities that comprise the Federation,” ex-plains Sister Renee. Our initial efforts focused on or-ganizational structures such as budget and finance,policies and procedures for the groups we wouldhost, evaluation processes and division of labor. Myprimary role is overseeing house maintenance, andplanning and cooking meals for the groups.“

In September 2010, the Sisters learned they neededto find a new location for the ministry since the cur-rent Charity House property would be part of theArchdiocese strategic plan and no longer available.A new facility is being constructed for the House ofCharity. It is just a short walk from the current loca-tion.

Sister Renee continues, “In the two years that I havebeen here, I have felt God’s guiding hand directingthis collaborative ministry. The Sisters and youngpeople who have come and shared community withus and each other have expressed how meaningfultheir experiences have been in learning and deepen-ing their understanding of the charism of St. Vincent,St. Louise and St. Elizabeth Ann.”


Sister Renee talks with Jenny Eakin, one of the recent House of Charity volunteers.

Big groups, like this one from St. Edward’s University,are not unusual for House of Charity.

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FFrroomm LLeefftt ttoo RRiigghhtt,, TToopp ttoo BBoottttoomm:: Sister Kathryn Bechtold, Sister Mary Jo Swift, Sister Geraldine Simonds, Sister Mary Raphael Collazo, Sister Dorothy Olinger, Sister Aileen Marek, Sister Patricia Connolly, Sister LorettaHoag. SSeeccoonndd RRooww:: Sister Rosa Lee Kramer, Sister Clara Pedo, Sister John Gabriel McPhee, Sister Ann Sauvé, Sister Patricia Beyrau, Sister Rosaria Raidl, Sister Felicia Mazzola. TThhiirrdd RRooww:: Sister Margaret Walker, SisterTeresa George, Sister Phylis Peters, Sister Anne Black, Sister Judith Parkin, Sister Charles Legg, Sister Martha Barlai-Kovach, Sister Ellen Eisenberger. FFoouurrtthh RRooww:: Sister Kathleen Murray, Sister Mary Catherine Dunn, SisterMichael Friebe, Sr. Genevieve Keusenkothen, Sister Jane Graves, Sister Joanne Whalen, Sister Mary Frate. BBoottttoomm RRooww:: Sister Mary Patricia Murtagh, Sister Marie Capobianco, Sister Dorothy Folmer, Sister René Fischer,Sister Virginia Metz, Sister Mary Frances Loftin, Sister Margaret Dougherty, Sr. Florence Edward Kearney.

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5500 YYeeaarrss VVooccaattiioonnSSiisstteerr KKaatthhrryynn BBeecchhttoolldd,, DD..CC.June 25, 1962A foreign missionary, Sister Kathrynserves in Masanga, Tanzania.

SSiisstteerr PPaattrriicciiaa BBeeyyrraauu,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962Sister Patricia ministers in pre-pri-mary education as a foreign mis-sionary in Chepnyal, Kenya.

SSiisstteerr PPaattrriicciiaa CCoonnnnoollllyy,, DD..CC..June 5, 1962Sister is awaiting her next mission;she is a longtime teacher, principal,counselor, and coordinator wholives in Harlem, N.Y.

SSiisstteerr MMaarrggaarreett DDoouugghheerrttyy,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962A former Educator, Religious Edu-cator, and Pastoral Minister, SisterMargaret serves in the Ministry ofPrayer. She resides in Albany, N.Y.

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy CCaatthheerriinnee DDuunnnn,, DD..CC..June 5, 1962Sister Servant for the Daughterswho reside in the skilled nursingresidence in St. Louis, Mo., SisterMary Catherine resides in St. Louis.

SSiisstteerr EElllleenn EEiisseennbbeerrggeerr,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962In ministry as a hospital volunteer,Sister Ellen resides in Baltimore,Md.

SSiisstteerr DDoorrootthhyy FFoollmmeerr,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962Serving as the St. Cyprian OutreachCenter Coordinator, Sister Dorothyresides in Georgetown, S.C.

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy FFrraattee,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962Serving in outreach and parish layformation on the Navajo Reserva-tion, Sister Mary resides in TubaCity, Ariz.

SSiisstteerr JJaannee GGrraavveess,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962Sister Jane serves as the ProvincialTreasurer for the Province of St.Louise; she resides in St. Louis, Mo.

SSiisstteerr LLoorreettttaa HHooaagg,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962Sister Loretta serves in a fine artsprogram for adults with mental ill-ness. She resides in Troy, N.Y.

SSrr.. GGeenneevviieevvee KKeeuusseennkkootthheenn,, DD..CC..June 5, 1962A former High School Teacher,Nurse, Minister to the Homeless,and Archivist, Sister Genevieveserves in the Ministry of Prayer.She resides in St. Louis, Mo.

SSiisstteerr RRoossaa LLeeee KKrraammeerr,, DD..CC..January 25, 1962An assistant archivist, Sister RosaLee resides in St. Louis, Mo.

SSiisstteerr CChhaarrlleess LLeegggg,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962A High School MathematicsTeacher at Elizabeth Seton HighSchool, Sister Charles resides inBladensburg, Md.

SSiisstteerr KKaatthhlleeeenn MMuurrrraayy,, DD..CC..June 5, 1962Principal of St. Joseph CatholicSchool in Edinburgh, Tex., SisterKathleen also resides in Edinburgh.

SSiisstteerr JJuuddiitthh PPaarrkkiinn,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962A librarian, Sister Judith resides inWashington, D.C.

SSiisstteerr CCllaarraa PPeeddoo,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962A High School MathematicsTeacher at Elizabeth Seton HighSchool, Sister Clara resides inBladensburg, Md.

SSiisstteerr PPhhyylliiss PPeetteerrss,, DD..CC..June 5, 1962Sister Phylis serves at Proyecto JuanDiego in Brownsville, Tex.; she re-sides in Harlingen, Tex.

SSiisstteerr AAnnnn SSaauuvvéé,, DD..CC..June 5, 1962Currently serving in outpatientclinic nursing, Sister serves theneedy in Beirut, Lebanon.

SSiisstteerr MMaarrggaarreett WWaallkkeerr,, DD..CC..June 25, 1962Currently the Assistant to theProvincial for the Eastern Provinceof the Vincentians, Sister Margaretresides in Philadelphia, Pa.

SSiisstteerr JJooaannnnee WWhhaalleenn,, DD..CC..June 5, 1962A longtime educator, Sister Joanneserves in the Ministry of Prayer inSt. Louis, Mo.

2255 YYeeaarrss VVooccaattiioonnSSiisstteerr MMaarrtthhaa BBaarrllaaii--KKoovvaacchh,, DD..CC..July 5, 1987Currently serving as an OperationsProject Supervisor in MaterialsManagement, Sister Martha for-merly served as a missionary inHaiti. She resides in Binghamton,N.Y.

SSiisstteerr TTeerreessaa GGeeoorrggee,, DD..CC..August 31, 1987President and COO of Dell Chil-dren’s Medical Center of CentralTexas, Sister Teresa is a resident ofAustin, Tex.


7755 YYeeaarrss VVooccaattiioonnSSiisstteerr VViirrggiinniiaa MMeettzz,, DD..CC..March 14, 1937The local community bookkeeperand assistant to the regional SisterSupport Specialist, Sister Virginialives in Albany, N.Y.

7700 YYeeaarrss VVooccaattiioonnSSiisstteerr RReennéé FFiisscchheerr,, DD..CC..June 19, 1942Sister René served in nursing edu-cation, administration and missioneffectiveness; today she serves inthe Ministry of Prayer. She lives inEvansville, Ind.

SSiisstteerr MMiicchhaaeell FFrriieebbee,, DD..CC..June 19, 1942A former Nurse, Sister Michaelserves in the Ministry of Prayer; sheresides in Evansville, Ind.

SSiisstteerr AAiilleeeenn MMaarreekk,, DD..CC..April 28, 1942Sister Aileen is a Certified Ombuds-man and Volunteer at ProvidencePark and Gospel Café; she lives inWaco, Tex.

SSiisstteerr JJoohhnn GGaabbrriieell MMccPPhheeee,, DD..CC..June 19, 1942Former Provincial Councillor andTreasurer, Healthcare Administrator,and Director of DCCSSA, SisterJohn Gabriel serves in the Ministryof Prayer; she resides in Evansville,Ind.

SSiisstteerr GGeerraallddiinnee SSiimmoonnddss,, DD..CC..June 19, 1942Former Elementary Teacher, ParishMinister, and Pastoral Care Associ-ate, Sister Geraldine serves in theMinistry of Prayer; she lives in St.Louis, Mo.

6600 YYeeaarrss VVooccaattiioonnSSiisstteerr AAnnnnee BBllaacckk,, DD..CC..June 24, 1952A former Teacher, Sister Ann servesin the Ministry of Prayer; she livesin Emmitsburg, Md.

SSiisstteerr MMaarriiee CCaappoobbiiaannccoo,, DD..CC..,,June 24, 1952Sister Marie serves as a ParishHome Visitor at St. John the BaptistParish; she resides in Brooklyn, N.Y.

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy RRaapphhaaeell CCoollllaazzoo,, DD..CC..June 24, 1952Sister Mary Raphael assists in the li-brary, serves as a Eucharistic Minis-ter and translator; she lives inEmmitsburg, Md.

SSrr.. FFlloorreennccee EEddwwaarrdd KKeeaarrnneeyy,, DD..CC..June 24, 1952A former Teacher, Administrator,and Social Agency Minister, SisterFlorence Edward serves in the Min-istry of Prayer; she lives in Albany,N.Y.

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy FFrraanncceess LLooffttiinn,, DD..CC..January 25, 1952

A Nurse, former Provincial Council-lor, and Administrator, Sister MaryFrances serves in the Ministry ofPrayer. She resides in Evansville,Ind.

SSiisstteerr FFeelliicciiaa MMaazzzzoollaa,, DD..CC..June 24, 1952Executive Director of the Daugh-ters of Charity International ProjectServices, Sister Felicia resides inFarmington Hills, Mich.

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy PPaattrriicciiaa MMuurrttaagghh,, DD..CC..June 24, 1952A former Teacher and Nursing In-structor, Sister Mary Patricia servesin the Ministry of Prayer. She livesin Emmitsburg, Md.

SSiisstteerr DDoorrootthhyy OOlliinnggeerr,, DD..CC..January 25, 1952Sister Dorothy serves at CatholicCharities Outreach and as Modera-tor of the Ladies of Charity inNashville, Tenn., where she lives.

SSiisstteerr RRoossaarriiaa RRaaiiddll,, DD..CC..August 28, 1952Sister Rosaria serves in the health-care ministry; she lives in Indi-anapolis, Ind.

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy JJoo SSwwiifftt,, DD..CC..August 28, 1952An anti-human trafficking coordina-tor, Sister Mary Jo lives in Evans-ville, Ind.

PPrroovviinnccee ooff SStt.. LLoouuiisseeCCeelleebbrraattiinngg 22,,115500 yyeeaarrss ooff SSeerrvviinngg CChhrriisstt iinnTThhoossee iinn NNeeeeddDuring the first eight months of 2012, January through August, 38 Daughters of Charity from theProvince of St. Louise celebrate Jubilees.

When one thinks about New York City, many im-ages come to mind—Broadway, 911 and the TwinTowers, taxi cabs, the financial district, and, perhaps,the Statue of Liberty. Yet, the heart of this big city isthe people who live here. Those are the New York-ers the Daughters of Charity began to serve 196years ago. The first Sisters (then called Sisters ofCharity) to serve in New York City were sent fromEmmitsburg in 1826 to minister at the New YorkRoman Catholic Orphan Asylum. The Sisters servedat the Orphan Asylum for 20 years.

Today, Daughters of Charity continue to minister inNew York City. At St. Mark’s House, next to St.Mark the Evangelist School and Parish in Harlem,four Daughters of Charity live together in commu-nity and carry on the ministry of care begun in 1826.The Sisters work in four different locations. SisterCatherine Hagen, D.C., assists is the principal at St.Mark the Evangelist School. Sister Julie Cutter, D.C.,is the Executive Director of the Sisters of Charity

Federation. Sister Catherine Salani, D.C., ministersat the John A. Coleman School Elizabeth Seton Pedi-atric Center. Sister Patricia Connolly, D.C., ateacher, principal, and NGO representative, is await-ing her next mission. These Daughters are all calledto New York to serve and to care. Their ministriesare varied, but their ability to reach out and collabo-rate with, teach and care for others is at the root oftheir service to other. As Sister Catherine shares,“the children at St. Mark’s are not predominantlyChristian, yet alone Catholic, yet we strive to pro-vide them with the best education possible. Weteach them much more than just classroom subjects.We teach them about care and respect for all ofGod’s creation and about care and respect for eachother.”

http://www.saintmarkschool.org/www.sisters-of-charityfederation.orghttp://www.setonpediatric.org/john-coleman-school

NNeeww YYoorrkk CCiittyy——Daughters Hold Residents of the Big Apple Close in Their Hearts

Sister Serena Branson, D.C., founder and first admin-istrator of Kennedy Child Study Center, with one ofthe children; photo circa 1960.

Sister Catherine Hagen with the some of the studentsat St. Mark the Evangelist School in Harlem.


The exploitation of humans is an international scourge with an estimated 27 million victims around the globe.The 2009 General Assembly of the Daughters of Charity called for concerted action to address human traffick-ing. Sister Mary Jo Swift, D.C., from Evansville, and Sister Carol Durkin, D.C., from Emmitsburg, work tirelesslyto end trafficking in the US. Other Daughters of Charity throughout the Province also champion efforts to endtrafficking and aid victims. Sister Mary Jo carries her message to organizations throughout the Midwest. “Unlesspeople are informed, they are not going to look for the signs and the vicitms are not going to be freed,” SisterMary Jo explains. “Sister Carol serves on the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force formed by the U.S. Attor-ney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City. Sister Carolalso serves on the Victim Services and Public Awareness committee.

Every state in the US now has laws against human trafficking with the exceptions of Wyoming and West Virginia.The latter has introduced legislation. ECPAT (End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Chil-dren for Sexual Purposes) has introduced a Code of Conduct to encourage motels, hotels, and airlines to sign apledge to prevent human trafficking in their organizations and to educate their workers. Truckers against Traffick-ing is a grass-roots organization arising from truckers’ witnessing the selling of girls at truck stops.

“The Daughters of Chairty consider human trafficking a high prior-ity,” adds Sister Mary Jo. “People think it doesn’t happen in theUS, but it does. We need the states to work together so that thereis not a ‘safe’ state where traffickers can run.”

More information about stopping human trafficking can befound on these websites:• www.freetheslaves.net• www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking• www.antislavery.org• www.stophumantraffic.org• http://www.usccb.org/mrs/trafficking/

usccbresponse.shtml• http://www.centerwomenpolicy.org/programs

CCaann yyoouu ssppoott tthhee ssiiggnnss??•Is the person accompanied by a controlling

person/boss or never speak on his/her own?

•Does the person lack control over personal

schedule, money, ID, travel documents?•Is the person transported to/from work or

live and work in the same place?•Does the person owe a debt to employer?

•Is the person unable to leave his or her job?

•Does the person seem afraid, depressed or

overly submissive or have bruises or other

signs of physical abuse?

DDaauugghhtteerrss WWoorrkk ttoo EEnndd HHuummaann TTrraaffffiicckkiinngg

Left, Sister Mary Jo explains the signs of trafficked victims during a talk at a local parish. Right, Sister Carolprepares for a meeting of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force.

SSiisstteerr AAnnnn CChhaarrlleess MMaarrttiinn

“I entered the Community in 1948. Following my Semi-nary I taught children for over 50 years. “The childrenwere my love.” In 2007, my health declined, I came toSt. Louise House. Now my ministry is prayer, especiallyfor Vocations. Recently I began helping the staff and Sis-ters by working with the “We care…We Share’ pro-gram.”

By their prayer, the offering of their sufferings, andthe witness of their lives, the sick and elderly Sisterstruly share in mission. The community surroundsthem with care and affection and helps them to ac-cept, in peace and serenity, their limitations of ageand health as a form of service. C. 35 b

Each of these sisters is formally commissioned topray for the Sisters and the works of a specific localmission in the province. In every issue of Faith Afire,we will introduce you to Daughters who reside inone of the Senior Sister Residences throughout theProvince. This issue, we highlight a few Sisters wholive at St. Louise House in Albany, NY.

SSrr.. VVeerroonniiccaa KKuuzzmmaa

“Nursing was my ministry before entering the Community.After ten years of nursing in the States, God called me tohealth care in Bolivia for 33 years. God blessed me with thegift and skill to care for patients with Hanson’s disease. In1987, I returned to the States to minister in health care forten years. In 2010 I came to St. Louise House where I serveby companioning my Sisters and praying for Bolivia.”

19Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul18 Faith Afire • Issue 1, 2012

There is an appointed time foreverything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

The residences where the aged and infirm Daughtersof Charity reside are truly the Powerhouses of Prayersupporting every Sister and every mission through-out the Province of St. Louise. These Sisters live dailythe Constitutions of the Daughters of Charity thatstate:

SSeenniioorr SSiisstteerrss TThhrroouugghhoouutt tthhee PPrroovviinnccee ooff SStt.. LLoouuiissee::CCeelleebbrraattiinngg WWiissddoomm,, AAggee,, aanndd GGrraaccee

SSiisstteerr EEiilleeeenn KKiinnnnaarrnneeyy

“Years ago, I gave myself to God as a Daughter of Charity.The giving has not been mine, but a daily acceptance and liv-ing of God’s gifts to me. The surprise and gifts include serv-ing in the Seminary, ministering in healthcare andadministration and nursing in Thailand. Now, I volunteer inPastoral Care and pray for Sister Evelyne Franc and theProvince of St. Louise.”

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy WWaalltteerr BBooyyllee

“As a Daughter of Charity I have had 62 rewardingyears… in nursing, hospital administration, boards, sisterservant, formation, fund raising for hospitals…also mis-sion trips to Jamaica, Haiti and Bosnia to help build twohospitals.

In my eighth year at St. Louise House, I now travel inmy ‘red scooter chair’ to visit Sisters, and attend Bibleand book clubs, ‘’We Care …We Share Committee’ anddo e-mails, Facebook, and feed birds on my window sill!”

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy HHeelleenn EEddeelleennJuly 5, 1917

August 2, 201174 years vocation

SSiisstteerr AAggnneess SSiillvveessttrrooMarch 9, 1918

September 15, 201174 years vocation

SSiisstteerr CCoolleettttee BBrraauuddiissOctober 6, 1915October 19, 201175 years vocation

SSiisstteerr HHeelleenn MMiilllleerrSeptember 14, 1939

October 18, 201153 years vocation

SSiisstteerr RRuutthh MMaahhaarrJuly 27, 1915

October 6, 201178 years vocation

IInn MMeemmoorryyWe remember the 23 Daughters of Charity who have gone to their Eternal Home since the Province of St. Louise was established.

“Remain faithful until death and I will give you thecrown of life.” Rev 2:10

20 21

PPrroovviinnccee NNeewwssSSiisstteerr MMeegg MMiissssiioonneedd

Sister Meg Kymes, D.C., completed her Seminary formation and,following a retreat and a special evening prayer service at theProvincial House, was Sent on Mission on the Feast of St. Josephthe Worker, May 1, during an evening mass. Her first mission isat Mother Seton House in Emmitsburg. Sister Meg serves part-time at Mother Seton School and part-time at Seton Center.

FFeeddeerraattiioonn MMeeeettss

The 2012 meeting of the Charity Federation was held June 14 – 17 in Saint John,New Brunswick, Canada. In attendance from the Province of St. Louise wereSister Louise Gallahue, D.C., Visitatrix, Sister Mary Beth Kubera, D.C., Councillor,and Sister Mary Catherine Warehime, D.C., Councillor, Sister Denise LaRock,D.C., Vocation Directress, and Sister Patricia Collins, D.C., Federation NGO Liai-son, for the NGO portion of the meeting. The theme of this year’s meeting was“Called to Collaborate-Challenged to Commit-Courageous Charity.” Sister Julie

Cutter, D.C., Executive Director of the Federation, opened the meeting with a shared snapshot of the Feder-ation’s history which was originally founded to promote the canonization of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. All 12member communities trace their American roots to St. Elizabeth Ann. Sister Louise invited Federationmembers to collaborate in the Global Health Partnership initiative—an effort intended to engage communityleaders in developing countries to create integrated healthcare systems to serve their citizens.

VViissiittaattrriixx EEnnccoouunntteerr HHeelldd iinn PPaarriiss

Once every six years, the Visitatrixesfrom the worldwide Provinces of theDaughters of Charity gather in Paris foran Encounter to prepare for the nextGeneral Assembly. In May, SisterLouise Gallahue, D.C., Visitatrix of theProvince of St. Louise, joined Visita-trixes from 70 other Provinces and oneRegion (Albania) at the Mother Housein Paris. Those gathered represented17, 743 Daughters of Charity from 93countries. Father Patrick Griffin, C.M.,Director General, opened the En-counter with a retreat themed, “An Undivided Heart.” The Sister attendees met in small work groups withother Sisters who spoke the same language. For Sister Louise, these included Sisters from Eritrea, Nigeria,India, Ireland, Indonesia, and Japan.

Sister Louise Gallahue, D.C., third from left, meets with other Visitatrixes at the Encounter.

Faith Afire • Issue 1, 2012 Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul

SSiisstteerr HHeelleenn KKeelllleeyyJuly 25, 1922

March 14, 201271 years vocation

SSiisstteerr VViinncceenntt WWaallzzJuly 25, 1928April 5, 2012

66 years vocation

SSiisstteerr LLooiiss DDoouuggllaassssSeptember 28, 1921

April 13, 201255 years vocation

SSiisstteerr CCaatthheerriinnee CChheerrnniicckkNovember 29, 1914

April 25, 201279 years vocation

SSiisstteerr MMaauurreeeenn BBeeiittmmaannMay 11, 1945 April 8, 2012

46 years vocation

SSiisstteerr DDeellpphhiinnee FFlleemmiinnggJanuary 24, 1915

May 4, 2012 79 years vocation

SSiisstteerr FFiiddeelliiss MMaallllooyySeptember 22, 1914

June 4, 201280 years vocation

SSiisstteerr MMaarryy AAlliiccee RRooaacchhJanuary 3, 1928May 31, 2012

65 years vocation

SSiisstteerr CChhaarrlliittaa WWiillllssMay 31, 1920May 25, 2012

69 years vocation

SSiisstteerr CCoonnssttaannccee HHuummmmeellFebruary 6, 1935

November 1, 201155 years vocation

SSiisstteerr CCllaarraa DDuunnnniiggaannJuly 28, 1916

November 14, 201177 years vocation

SSiisstteerr RReeggiinnaa TTrriicchheeJanuary 11, 1919

December 2, 201173 years vocation

SSiisstteerr MMaarrgguueerriittee BBuuttlleerrNovember 28, 1927December 16, 201164 years vocation

SSiisstteerr MMaarrttaa GGoosskkiiJuly 29, 1928

December 1, 201153 years vocation

SSiisstteerr JJaannee WWaallzzOctober 1, 1933January 12, 201260 years vocation

SSiisstteerr BBllaanncchhee MMccDDoonnnneellllMarch 21, 1919March 1, 2012

75 years vocation

SSiisstteerr BBeerrnnaaddeettttee DDeevvlliinnNovember 21, 1922February 21, 201271 years vocation

SSiisstteerr BBeerrtthhaa RRoobbeerrttssoonnOctober 7, 1912

February 21, 201280 years vocation


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Faith Afire is printed with the environment in mind. In ad-dition to domestic made paper recycled paper, the energyused to produce this magazine has been offset 100 percentwith Missouri wind energy credits procured from theAmeren Missouri Pure Power program. The print facility isone of fewer than 50 SGP certified printers in the US anduses only printing inks that are solvent-free, low V.O.C.and soy based.

On March 19, Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul from the Province of St. Louise and the Provinceof the West dedicated and blessed their new residence for initial formation—the Daughters of Charity Inter-provincial Seminary. Located in south St. Louis City, the Seminary brings new life to the former St. James

the GreaterParish Conventthat had beenvacant since1992. FatherJohn Johnson,Pastor of St.James theGreater,blessed theconvent asDaughtersgathered onthe warmsunny day.

IInntteerrpprroovviinncciiaall SSeemmiinnaarryy OOppeennss iinn SStt.. LLoouuiiss

Local Pastor Father John Johnson, St. James the Greater Parish,opens the Blessing Ceremony of the Daughters’ new Interprovin-cial Seminary as (left to right) Sister Maureen Schmalzried, D.C.,Sister Elizabeth Merkel, D.C., Sister Margaret McDonnell, D.C.,Sister Meg Kymes, D.C., and Sister Nora Gatto, D.C., look on.

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