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As 'Diaspora' Ends, |
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| What are the great anticipations of the Sisters? “…seeing my friends on a daily basis.” Vincentia Kaeferstein, BVM
“I'll be near the chapel and able once more for quick little visits. I'll have the view of the grotto, my favorite crab apple tree, and the Barn. Tree tops give my room the feel of an aerie.” Rosemary Sage, BVM (Michael David) (pictured above) “I'm also delighted to have my room back. Since it is ‘H,' it will be ‘Hogan Haven.'” Madalyn Hogan, BVM (Renata) “I'm bursting at the seams to get to Mt. Carmel and have a room all my own on the third floor surrounded by BVMs.” Jackie Burke, BVM (Timothena) “It is like anticipation for the last chapter of a good book and looking forward to the happy ending.” Gabrielle Hagerty, BVM “To be with everyone in a community building venture and to share the graces and gifts the Lord has given me.” Joan Redden, BVM (James Irene) “Mary Frances Clarke calling, ‘Come home to the Hill.'” Margaret Swann, BVM (Reina) “Great excitement and anticipation about finally moving home and being with all our friends.” BVMs Rose Andre' Koehler and Joan Opatts (John Annette)
“Gratitude that there have been no serious accidents during reconstruction and for all the work done.” Virginia McCaffrey, BVM (Justinian) (pictured above) “What carried me through: community is the strong bond of my BVM Life.” Ann Regina Dobel, BVM |
Joy—expectancy—gratitude—delight—counting the days, the hours, the minutes—excitement—exultant that I'll soon be—God Willing—“settled”—empathy for the truly homeless. All these are feelings expressed by the Motherhouse Sisters when asked about their feelings on their return to Mt. Carmel. In every case, the COMING HOME after 18 months was most connected with being with their Sisters. If the Motherhouse Community has one overriding learning from the 18 months of living in five different locations, it is a deep need for each other—for the local community. Since the building of Caritas Center in 1999, Mt. Carmel has been a ‘united campus' meaning that there is the ability to walk through all the buildings without going outside. (This had not been true since July 1955 when fire destroyed the old infirmary.) For the past eight years Sisters have had the ability to go to Marian Hall or Caritas Center, no matter the weather or the time of day. The inability of their friends to just drop in at any time has been one of the great sufferings for those in Marian Hall and in Caritas Center as well as the Sisters who were relocated. Everyone is anxious to be able to visit, to write letters, to sit with the sick and dying, again, without aligning schedules for car pools! The Sisters express great appreciation to the Presentation Sisters and to the Dominicans for the great effort to make them a part of their communities. Especially appreciated is the fact that they were welcomed to community prayer, liturgy, retreat and cultural events. But all these benefits fade when put against the prospect of coming home to their own place and sisters. Residents appreciate the process of choosing their new rooms. Administrator Joyce Cravens and BVM community representatives Alice Caulfield (Alissio) and Flo Heflin (Floretta) put a great deal of time and consideration into planning the procedure and taking the time to insure that the Sisters had a say in their destination—even if it was the seventh choice! The general satisfaction of the Motherhouse community in the results shows the wisdom in the care, time and effort expended. About the author: Eileen Healy, BVM (Patrick Ellen) is relocation coordinator for the Motherhouse residents. Return to Table of Contents. ©2007 Sisters of Charity, BVM |
