In the annals of religious congregations there stands occasionally a leader whose response to time, place and circumstances has brought true greatness. Such a leader was Blessed Mother Theodore Guerin; so too Mother Mary Cleophas Foley; and now we add a third: Sister Mary Pius Regnier. Much has been written about Mother Theodore and Mother Mary Cleophas, and doubtless much will be written about Sister Mary Pius. I shall leave that for the future, and concentrate on a single aspect of this exceptional woman. Throughout her life she truly considered Jesus, or, as another translation has it, she fixed her eyes on Jesus. She never forgot why she came here.
“So, God is the God of the living, not the dead. They are all alive to God.” (Luke 20:38)
“These words of Scripture were the Gospel reading for the Eucharistic Liturgy on Saturday [Nov. 19], the day Sister Suzanne Brezette died. The God of the living, not the dead, was definitely the God that Sister Suzanne knew for 88 years. Many times during her life she would quote her mother’s wisdom, spoken to her in childhood, ‘Sue, as long as you live, you must plan to live.’ And live and plan to live she did!” said Sister Denise Wilkinson in a commentary that was written by her and Sister Ann Casper.
“As a good teacher, Jesus took advantage of a real-life situation of his disciples arguing about who was greatest to impart his instruction, using their unbecoming conduct to show them the essence of discipleship — service. Sadly, the ideal of discipleship is frequently honored more in the breach than in the act. Such was not the case with Sister Paul Marie, for service founded on love was the hallmark of her life and ministry,” said Sister Alexa Suelzer in her commentary for Sister Paul Marie Gutgsell who died Oct. 31.
“We Sisters of Providence extend our sincere condolences to Sister Ann Clement’s family and friends,” began Sister Maria Smith in her commentary for Sister Ann Clement Voegerl, who died Oct. 13.
“Jesus is the path — the way — that Sister Margaret Gallagher trod. Her travel along the way began 90 years ago on Jan. 20, 1915, in Chicago. Her parents, James and Margaret (Bates) Gallagher, had two other children, Eileen (Denning) and James, both now deceased. Margaret Therese Gallagher attended grade school at Our Lady of Sorrows and graduated from Providence High School, Chicago,” said Sister Alexa Suelzer in her commentary for Sister Margaret, who died Aug. 31.
“ … I was thirsty and you gave me drink … .” (Matthew 25:35)
“The words of Matthew’s Gospel can be seen exemplified in the life of Sister Amadeus. We can safely infer from her life that she truly understood the message contained in Matthew,” said Sister Mary Roger Madden in her commentary for Sister Amadeus Rolinger, who died Aug. 10.
“Sister Agnese Boddington kept alive what she was taught in the beginning, actively shared her faith with others and now knows God’s promise of eternal life,” said Sister Ruth Eileen Dwyer in her commentary for Sister Agnese, who died Aug. 26.
“Let the little children alone, and do not stop them from coming to me, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matthew 19:14)
“This reading from Matthew seems especially poignant and appropriate for Sister Angela as we reflect on her life of 96 years and her ministry to young children spanning more than a half a century. She, who remained a delightful child at heart all her life, had only a brief chance to be a child herself,” said Sister Ann Sullivan in her commentary for Sister Angela Garlat, who died Aug. 5.
“Love is patient; love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, it is not snobbish.” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
“This Scripture reading was chosen because Sister Maureen Cecile portrayed so many of the characteristics of love spoken there. She has always been known as quietly going about helping anyone who needed her, loving the vocation that she had chosen and filling Earth with good music,” said Sister Catherine Livers in her commentary for Sister Maureen Cecile Palmer, who died July 18.
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3)
“When I think of Sister Helen, this reading comes to mind. I find it impossible to remember that wonderful smile that always greeted everyone she met without thanking God for the gift that she has been to each of us,” said Sister Mary Ann Phelan in her commentary for Sister Helen McCarthy, who died June 23.
So, if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)
“Sister Virginia chose these wonderful words of St. Paul for our consideration this afternoon. These words reflect so well the ideal that was the deepest desire of her heart and ours as well,” said Sister Joan Slobig in her commentary for Sister Virginia Petty, who died June 8, in Edgewood, Ky.
“I give you thanks that I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are your works.” (Psalm 139:14)
“In reflecting on the life of Sister Claudia, we can see why she liked Psalm 139. The happenings in her life caused her to trust in her God who never let her down,” said Sister Betty Hopf in her commentary for Sister Claudia Lewis, who died May 23.
“Love is always patient and kind … .” (1 Corinthians 13:4)
“Indeed, this is how Sister Eileen Mary wished to live her life — as a woman of kindness and graciousness, as one who loved and cared for others with a tenderness and a healing presence, as a Sister of Providence, as a woman of Providence,” said Sister Jenny Howard in her commentary for Sister Eileen Mary Cunningham, who died May 1.
"Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone … .” (Ephesians 2:20)
“As Scripture states, we are the building blocks. We were called and came together to this sacred ground to complete and integrate our stories, gifts, talents and personalities … which, in turn, is a form of thanksgiving and praise to our Creator. Sister Catherine Aloyse’s compliment in our regard is that she chose to work and live among us,” said Sister Ruth Johnson in her commentary for Sister Catherine Aloyse Butler, who died March 22.
“Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased … .” (Isaiah 42:1)
“I believe that these words aptly apply to Sister Barbara Marie. She responded to the call of baptism and to that of consecrated life. She let God’s spirit rest upon her and work within her,” said Sister Marie Kevin Tighe in her commentary for Sister Barbara Marie Stritt, who died March 18.
“Our Lents are not always measured by calendars, nor are the seasons of our lives. The past 10 years have been for Sister Mary Irene a long Lent. The Lord finally came on March 12 at 9:10 a.m., shortly after the nine o’clock reunion. He called, and she got up ever so quietly and went with him whom long ago she had chosen,” said Sister Mary Roger Madden in her commentary for Sister Mary Irene Krohn.
“The most noted phrase when one is speaking of those who knew Sister Patricia Marie best was that she is beautiful both inside and out. The next gift mentioned is that they have never heard her say an unkind word about anyone — ever,” said Sister Catherine Livers in her commentary for Sister Patricia Marie Woods, who died Feb. 27.
“Sister Alma Marie was an excellent teacher and loved the little children. Anytime she was out for playground duty, she was surrounded by little children just as Jesus was in today’s reading. She, like Jesus, wanted them to be there. She saw their faith and love of God,” said Sister Mary Ann Phelan in her commentary for Sister Alma Marie Earus, or Little Almy as she was affectionately known, who died Jan. 26.
“Psalm 47 was read at the Liturgy on Jan. 22, a few hours after Sister Maureen Therese Brennan saw her God face to face. At first, it seems so unlike Sister Maureen Therese, the soft-spoken gentle woman for whom the word ‘shout’ applied to a stain remover. But after 95 years of praising God in her quiet lady-like manner, Sister Maureen Therese must have been ready to shout her praise of the God she loved and served so well,” said Sister Suzanne Brezette in her commentary for Sister Maureen Therese.
Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads … .” (Galatians 5:25)
“Advice such as this is exactly what Sister Catherine Marie followed in her life. She lived freely, animated and motivated by God’s spirit. She worked at serenity in her daily encounters, not only for her spiritual health, but to reinforce others who so often were motivated and encouraged by her dedication and sought her support,” wrote Sisters Ruth Johnson and Lawrence Ann Liston in their commentary for Sister Catherine Marie Qualters, who died Jan. 22.
“When Jesus saw her, he called her to him and said, ‘Woman, you are free of your infirmity.’” (Luke 13:12) “ … but one poor widow came and put in two small copper coins worth a few cents.” (Mark 12:42)
“Two anonymous women — loved by God, touched by God, faithful to their God. Each has something to tell us about who Sister Jeanette was,” said Sister Marie McCarthy in her commentary for Sister Jeanette Flaherty, the former Sister Margaret Therese, who died Jan. 18 in Kindred Hospital in North Lake, Ill.
“Lord, help me live my life for thee, to think of others instead of me, and help me give my very best without regard for need of rest, until I’ve run the race you’ve set, and every righteous goal is met.” (a favorite prayer poem of the late Sister Mary Regis O’Kane)
“Sister Mary Regis left a prayer poem [excerpt above] that she wanted read at her wake, and it would take someone stronger than I to ignore those wishes. The poem tells us something about the source of the strength that kept her on the way for 92 years,” said Sister Mary Roger Madden in her commentary for Sister Mary Regis O’Kane, who died Jan. 16.