Young Sisters

On July 5, a young Daughter of St. Paul pronounced her vows as a Sister "for life" in Samoa. Sister Fey Josephine Pele was in the second grade when I and Sister Cynthia visited her classroom as part of a Catholic book fair. When she entered our Boston community, Fay told me she remembered me coming to her classroom. Sister Fey's final profession ceremony was held in the area where she grew up so more of her family and friends could attend. Because Samoan culture is distinct and colorful, the ceremony was replete with local flavor. Instead of church bells ringing, drums announced the Mass time. I was not able to attend, however with the eye witness account of one of the Sisters who attended, and with pictures on the Internet I felt that I was there--at least virtually.
The photo on your right is that of Sr. Fey and I after her first profession of vows, five years ago. The photo on the right is of Sr. Christina Miiam and myself on the same day.

Sister Christina Wengendt who is from my hometown will be traveling to Youngstown, Ohio to pronounce her final vows in her home parish. Since Youngstown is reached by car in about 10 hours, a good number of our Boston community will attend her profession. Sister Christina wrote an article about the upcoming event which is published in the Youngstown Diocese's weekly paper, The Catholic Exponent. Here is a link to her article: http://www.cathexpo.org/articledetails.aspx?articleid=657
Congratulations to these two young Sisters who have already spent at least ten years in formation and activity as Daughters of St. Paul.
Our USA/English Speaking Canada Province is blessed to have three young women joining our postulancy program in St. Louis. There are already two postulants in formation. For those unfamiliar with thse terms, postulant comes from the Latin term "postulare" which means to petion or to ask (to be admitted to the congregation.) On the Daughters of St. Paul website, http://www.pauline.org/ you can find more information about my order. We are also called Paulines in the English-speaking world. In Italian we are "Le Paoline" while in Spanish we are "Las Paulinas." But, whatever you call us, we appreciate all the prayers sent our way, as well as the chance to serve the Lord and his people with the media of communications. God bless you! Sister Mary Peter

50 Years in the Convent

On Sunday, July 18, with most of my family present, a Mass of thanksgiving was offered for the grace of my 50 years in the convent. The Mass was celebrated at the Society of St. Paul's St. Paul Monastery in Canfield, Ohio. The main celebrant of the Mass was Father Jeffrey Mickler, SSP. Father Jeffrey also entered religious life 50 years ago in September. He entered the high school program which was then offered for aspiring members of the Society of St. Paul. Father and I both entered from the same parish. Music for the Mass was provided by two members of the Pauline secular institute of Our Lady of the Annunciation: single consecrated women who live in the world "but not of it." One of them brought her two nieces who added an extra guitar and vocalist to the music.

I was honored to have three additional priests concelebrate: Fr. Anthony Warren, SSP, and Father Joseph Blasko from Michigan, and Fr. Robert Stolinski of Buffalo, NY.

Most of my siblings were present as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Some of my former classmates also joined the celebration.

A week before, my graduation class of 1960 from Youngstown Ohio's Ursuline High School held a three-event reunion. With their spouses, our group numbered about 230. Fifty-two have already gone to their eternal reward, a very sobering fact. I was pleased to be able to re-connect with some of my grade school classmates.

At my Mass on Sunday, July 18, I was privileged to have my first grade teacher present. She is still active in ministry. Sister Jeanne, OSU certainly got me off to a good start!

Rather than reading about the Mass, you are welcome to view the entire Mass on http://www.youtube.com/user/FatherJeffrey#p/a/u/2/ASRG-7QKCvg, or on StPaulsTube.com, hhttp://www.stpaulstube.com/video-liturgy-125339-50th_anniversary_mass_16th_sunday?n=1. Thanks to all who sent me good wishes for this occasion. I am not retired, since my health is good enough to keep on contributing to our mission of media evangelization. Pray that my energy keeps up so I too can give God the best of each day which he gives to me.

I am very grateful to God for having given me the grace to be among the Daughters of St. Paul for all these years. Our founding Sister in the USA, Mother Paula Cordero, used to say, "If I had a 100 lives, I would give them all to God as a Daughter of St. Paul." I can truly say the same as Mother Paula did.

July Celebrations

Happy Canada Day to any Canadians who read this blog. This marks the day back in 1867 when the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick joined together as a federation. Very much like our American Independence Day celebrations, Canadians mark this day with fireworks, picnics and various celebrations. Unlike the USA, Canadians did not revolt from Great Britain, but gradually developed an autonomous form of government. Since our respective holidays fall very close to one another, we rejoice together in the blessings we enjoy in this part of North America.
A few years ago in Toronto, I enjoyed a multi-cultural celebration of Canada Day.Held at downtown Dundas Square, the event featured dancers from places as far different as Ecuador and Egypt. Booths offered foods from around the world. Little children with white, or Asian, African or middle eastern features sat side-by-side waving Canadian flags. It is said that one in every six persons in Toronto is an immigrant. As in the USA, so in Canada, there is freedom of religion and in varying degrees, freedom of speech. How blessed we are to enjoy this lifestyle in a world where many cannot worship God freely or express themselves openly without death threats. During our holiday weekend, take time to thank God for the blessings we do have, and to pray for those deprived of their basic freedoms. God bless you!