New Life and Valentines

I gasped when I realized that I haven't blogged since January! Much has happened in the past month and in these February days. On January 28, Sister Emily Marsh who spent five months of her novitiate here in Philadelphia, pronounced her first vows as a Daughter of St. Paul. Sister Emily added a new name, Beata,  to signify the blessings she has received. Sister too is to "be" a blessing to all she encounters. Her assignment for now is assisting in the children's editorial department of our Boston publishing house. Sister Emily Beata begins a joyful, new life as a professed Daughter of St. Paul.
Early the next day, Sister Annette Margaret Boccabello left this life to begin her eternal live with Jesus Master. Sister Annette spent most of her religious life in our Boston community. With a great sense of humor, and tireless dedication, Sr. Annette carried out several responsible roles until she began her seven year struggle with cancer. When medical resources were exhausted, Sister wrote a letter to each of us Sisters sharing her decision to enter the hospice program. From then on her focus was to prepare for the final invitation when Jesus would take her by the hand into his heavenly home. Sister Annette now rests with Jesus and with all our Pauline Family members who preceded us into heaven.
On February 5th, we remembered the death or rather the entrance into new life of Mother Thecla Merlo, the first Superior General of the Daughters of St. Paul. Mother Thecla is now called Venerable Mother Thecla, the last stage before a person is proclaimed "Blessed" by the Church.
Today we recall the death of Sister (frequently called "Mother") Paula Cordero in 1991. Mother Paula arrived in the USA at the age of 23, with another young Sister to begin the mission of the Daughters of St. Paul in North America. Armed solely with great faith and enthusiasm for the work of bringing the Word of God to people Mother Paula surmounted one obstacle after another to sow the seed of evangelization with the media deep into American soil. Mother Paula's birthday was on February 16. She enjoyed celebrating Valentine's Day along with her birthday. She often said, "Jesus is our Valentine!"  The day before Valentine's Day in 1991 she was called to begin the eternal celebration of our God who is Love. Mother Paula's delight in celebrating her Divine Valentine was so evident that she passed her joy to all of us her spiritual daughters.

Happy Valentine's Day to each and all of you readers. May our hearts be one with Jesus our Eternal Valentine!