OnApril30,1926...
Sisters Virginia Vivanco and Gabriella Dillon embarked on a journey across the Atlantic from Spain Once in Philadelphia, in a house on 34 Street, not too far from the University of Pennsylvania, the Sisters opened the first community of Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the United States
th
For nearly 100 years, Sisters of the United States Province have shared an unyielding faith in God and their deep desire to expand Saint Raphaela Mary’s mission The journey has led us to Florida, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, Missouri and beyond - even to El Salvador
Youarepartof ourstory...
&Today...
We lean forward into the future with the same mission that our original Sisters carried: to be people of eucharistic encounter who gaze upon our world, ourselves and one another with eyes open and illuminated by reverence This encounter is made possible through the unconditional love that we have received We strive to be a healing presence in our world - to become Eucharist - as Christ compells us.
Today, 20 Sisters reside in three local communities in Haverford, Wyncote, and St Louis We minister as educators, spiritual directors, advocates and companions on the journey We stand at this anniversary, this threshold, with many lay collaborators who dream with us to respond to God as Mary did, with a courageous and creative FIAT Together we labor and place ourselves into God’s hands, allowing the Creator to bring forth fruits of healing, wholeness, and communion for all people.
Lining the main hallway of St Raphaela Center are the initial elements of our 100 year timeline: photos, memorabilia, bricks from Ancilla Domini Academy in Germantown, Sister Asunta's old habit, the beloved tabernacles from Project Fiat and Miami Our timeline begins on April 30, 1926 when the first Handmaids arrived in the United States, and it stretches toward April 2026, our 100th anniversary, and beyond
Over the course of this year, we are asking everyone - our friends, students, retreatants and collaborators - who know us from many different places: Athens, St Louis, Philadelphia, North Carolina, El Salvador, Texas, Haverford and beyond!
Contribute memories,storiesandphotostoourtimeline! Yourvoice,presenceandpartnershipisourgreatestgift! Scanthecode orgotoaci-usorg
IfirstmettheHandmaidsin1970whenI
wentonaretreat Irememberthehouseitself,thelookofitaswe droveintothedriveandthefeelofitonceinside.Itmademethinkof whenaclockchimesonthehour Icouldhearthesilence,feelingthe presenceofGod Ihavemanymemoriesofthesistersandthetimes Ihavespentwiththem-manywhohavecomeandgone,those presentnow IstartedtovolunteerattheRetreatCentermaking bedsforSr Dorothy,helpingSr Florentinainthediningroom,and watchingSr Aliceinthekitchen Ijoinedtheyoungadultgroup underSr Kathleenjoyandlookedforwardtospendingtimein adoration.Iknowthatthesewomenandmanymoreofthe Handmaidswereveryinstrumentalinaccompanyingmeonmy faithjourney IbecameanAssociatein1991afterSr Dorothyand othersformedtheACIAssociatesinHaverfordandthenlaterin Wyncote TheHandmaidsholdaspecialplaceinmyheart,andIam gratefulforthedaythatmymotheraskedme:“Wouldyouliketogo onaretreat?”-CarolBuono
In1953,Iwas11yearsold,andIbegan
goingtoschoolinMiramar,Havana,Cuba Lotsofmycousinswere alreadythere,butIhadgonetotheSacredHeartSchool,whereI boardedallyearin3rdand4thgrades,whilemyparentswereinthe harvestofthesugarmilk,inanotherprovince AttheEsclavas (Handmaids’schoolinCuba),Ionlyhadtoboardduringthemonths oftheharvest,withtwomoreofmysisters.AsunciónEscauriazawas thesuperior,andPilarImazwastheprincipal Iimmediatelyfellin lovewiththeircharismofreparationbyadorationoftheBlessed Sacramentandeducation In1959,theCastroRevolutiontookover, andrightaftermygraduationin1960,thegovernmenttookthe schoolandthrewthenunsoutofCuba ThetwoHandmaids mentionedabovewereinGermantown,Philadelphia,andaftermy graduation,mydadgotacallthatIhadtojointheMILITIA,sohe calledMotherPilarandsent4outofthe6girlstotheschool,Ancilla DominiAcademy Thenunstookcareof66ofus,completely,likethe OperationPedroPan Wefeltsafe,loved,caredfor,awayfromour parentsinaveryspecialway InDecemberofthatyear,Ienteredthe postulancyinHaverford,PA,andtherestishistory Iwishsomeone wouldwritemoreaboutthatexperienceoflivingintheCOTTAGE untilourparentscameoutofCubaandsettledmostlyinMiami I thinkthathavingbeensuchanemotionaltime,it'shardtowrite aboutit.Althoughwetalkedonthephonewithourparents,itwas hardtoknowwhattheyweregoingthrough,andthenunsmadeup foralltheloveandcarecompletely,downtothesoapandtooth paste Thankyou,Sisters Wewillforeverbegrateful
AlthoughI'mnotaHandmaidanymore,IfeelIamunitedwiththem forever Iamclosetothosewhoarestillalive,andtothosewhohave left,throughourpersonallivesandourservicetothechurchandthe world.Thecharismofreparationhasbecomemoreandmore importantinmylife,asIgetolder,althoughIremainmorefocused oneducationthanonsocialservice -AnaMariaGastonMcKee(Ani)
WhenwefirstlearnedIwaspregnant
withourfirstchild,MarleyJane,mymotheradvisedustocallAncillae immediatelyandgetourbabyonthewaitlistforSteppingStones-the preschoolprogram-eventhoughourchildwasn'tevenbornyet! Lookingback,I'msogratefulformom'sadvice WemettheHandmaids in1997andhavebeenblessedoverandoveragainwiththeirwarmand genuinepresenceinourliveseversince -Mary&TomBreslin
KathyandJackDabagiandedicatedmany hoursofservicetoSt RaphaelaCenterovertheyears,particularlyin gardeningandbeautifyingtheoutdoorspaces.Theywerepresent fromthelate2000sthroughthetimeoftheirpassingin2017and 2018respectively In2013,wecelebratedmyparents'50thwedding anniversaryattheCenter InOctober2017,aftermydad’spassing, mymomemailedmesaying,“SoIwenttoRaphaelalastSaturday tofinishupsomeoutsideworkandcheckthetrail-soproudof that AllthetreesDadplantedaredoingwell Hetransplanted threebluesprucefromlargepotsandplantedtwosilvermaples fromouryard,anewcrabappleandapear. ” FatherDanJoyce,SJ, celebratedourmom'sfuneralMasstherein2018 Myparentstook greatprideinparticipatinginandcontributingtothecommunity -MarthaDabagian werelookingforaplacetoholdasesshin-asilent,residential retreat Wewereamazedtofindtheperfectplacejust20minutes fromtheCenter Since2008,SojiZenCenterhasheldtworetreats eachyear-JuneandDecember-atSt Raphaela's,withjustafew exceptions.TheSojisanghaisdeeplygratefulforthepeopleand placeofStRaphaela's-ourhomeawayfromhome -AbbyLang
In2008,ShuzenRoshiandtheSojiZenCenter
100YearsofEncounter
1926
In April 1926, at the invitation of Cardinal Dennis Dougherty, Sisters began the USA Province. From a humble house on 34th Street in West Philadelphia, not far from the University of Pennsylvania, the sisters began teaching classes for women and children and regularly held days of prayer.
1951
In 1951, the sisters closed the house on 34h Street and moved to the Germantown section of Philadelphia, PA in order to start a high school An elementary school also began there with the addition of one grade each year. By 1953, a high school for girls, Ancilla Domini Academy (ADA) had begun In 1975, with the changing needs of the neighborhood, and the increased enrollment at Ancillae-Assumpta Academy, the sisters closed ADA and many students transferred to AAA
In 1975, the Handmaid community in Miami, FL was established in response to an influx of Cuban refugees The sisters continued to work in many ministries according to the needs of the local church and community until 2023
1945
In 1945, there was a great desire to improve and expand the sisters' work in education In response, the Handmaids purchased the Lorimer Estate in Wyncote, PA for $35,000 and opened Ancillae Academy where they began teaching kindergarten classes for girls It was also planned that Wyncote would serve as the United States Novitiate for women training to become future Handmaids Several years later, in 1956 the need for an elementary school for boys arose and Assumpta Academy was founded by Sr Assumption Escauriaza In 1968, the two schools merged, forming Ancillae-Assumpta Academy (AAA): "Ancillae" meaning Handmaids, and "Assumpta" after Sr Assumption Since then, Ancillae-Assumpta has grown and flourished with God’s help
1957
Listed as a “gentleman’s estate,” the 30 room mansion on Coopertown Road, now St Raphaela Center, had changed hands several times and and been employed for a variety of uses, including housing German refugees and feeding the hungry, in addition to social events and parties The Angeloni and Leone families eventually sold the mansion to the Sisters in 1959 In 2018, the Handmaids expanded the capacity for retreats with the addition of the House of Hope, formerly owned by the Carlino family
1982
nd th
In 1982, the community on 2 Street in Philadelphia, PA began. Here, the Sisters devoted their attention to evangelization and outreach to various ethnic communities in the area The Sisters later moved to 17 Street and then to South Broad Street where they continued their work among Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese and Cambodian speakers, among others, in a variety of ministries until 2021
1985
1987 1996
In 1987, the sisters began their pastoral ministry in Charlotte, NC and initiated various Hispanic and Vietnamese ministries When the sisters concluded their mission there in 1993, the ministries were continued by the diocese
2002
In 2002, the Handmaids responded to the Church's call to serve the 14,000 English and Spanish speaking Catholics of Athens, GA The sisters ministered in their immigrant neighborhood and with young and old alike at the Catholic Center at the University of Georgia
Based in a trailer park, the Oasis Católico Santa Rafaela accompanied children of immigrant families with social and academic support and provided basic needs assistance to local families as well as fostering spiritual and religious formation and community The Handmaids turned over the mission in Athens to other sisters in May 2025
2022
In 2022, the US Province of Handmaids expanded West to St Louis, MO, founding an international Juniorate The community has included sisters in formation from the Province of the US and the Region of Vietnam In addition to being a house of studies, it is also a community of active ministry, with ties to many local organizations serving the marginalized, including Catholic Charities, the L’Arche community, Migrant and Refugee Ministry, and various parish initiatives. In addition to work on campus at St Louis University and Washington University, the community maintains a robust young adult ministry with many joining for adoration, fellowship and spiritual direction In June 2025, St. Louis became the Provincialate of the United States
In 1985, the Handmaids traveled to Atlanta in response to the need to organize Hispanic ministry. Once in Atlanta, the Handmaids proved to be a catalyst in establishing the Hispanic apostolate of the Archdiocese and in initiating a number of projects benefitting its people until 2012
In 1996, the sisters established a community in Beaumont, TX and fostered Hispanic ministry in that Diocese When they departed in 2002, lay friends continued their ministry.
2004
supported by many generous friends and donors, assisted children and adults in San Salvador and several neighboring villages Hundreds of people from the US visited El Salvador through Project FIAT’s immersive trips and learned and grew in solidarity through contact with the people and realities they encountered Project FIAT came to completion in 2024 and the building which housed it is now home to YEK INEMI, a non-profit whose mission of peace and reconciliation through dialogue and reparation, resonates deeply with with the Handmaid charism
Hopedoesnotdisappoint.
DearFriendsandCollaborators,
“Hopedoesnotdisappoint”ThisaffirmationfromSt PaulresoundswithinmeasIlisten towhatismovingamongourSistersandAssociates,ourfriendsandcollaborators,and thepeoplewhomweserve Inthemidstofchallengesandfacingnewquestions,hope stirsandprovidesenoughcourage,enthusiasm,andcreativitytostepforwardinfaith It’sajoytosharewithyouafewofthereasonsforhopethatI’mexperiencinginthelife andmissionofourProvince
Inthespringof2024,SisterLyanTri,whohadservedastheUS Provincialforthree years,wasaskedtosharehergifts,vision,andexperienceinleadershipbyservingasthe RegionalleaderinVietnam.Lyanhadledourprovincewith“tendernessandfirmness,” atrademarkofHandmaidpedagogy,andhadpreparedSisters,Associates,andour ministriestobeabletorespondmoredeeplytothecurrentneeds Thenewswasa shock,yetitdidawaketwopointsofhope.First,thediscernmentprocessthatfollowed forourProvincemadeusallrealizethatGodiscontinuingtonurturegrowth,andwith growthcomeschange,achangewecanchoosetoembrace Second,hopeforthe growthofourCongregationinVietnamwhereLyancouldofferherwisdomand experience ItisareminderofouruniversalHandmaidmission,andthatinspiresunity andgenerosity
IwasaskedtoserveasProvincialbeginninginJune AsIamnowinvitedtoseefroma differentperspectivearealitythatIhaveknownfornearly20years,Iaminspiredand humbledbytheself-offeringofoursistersandcollaborators,bythewayofseeingthat motivatessomanytothink,dream,andactfromourreparativecharism,andbythe desiretostrengthenourresponseofloveforsomuchlovereceived Weofferthat responseasweofferspacesofhealinginabrokenanddividedworld
IrememberinawetheopeningofourCentennialyearasaUSProvince Nearly200 peoplegatheredinandaroundourchapelatSt.RaphaelaCentertoremember,to celebrate,andtocommittothespiritoflifeandhopethathadtouchedtheirownlifein onewayoranotherthroughthelivesandministriesoftheHandmaids Thejoyand thanksgivingwerepalpable.ThisCentennialyearisatimetorememberourpast(ifyou haveachancetovisitSt RaphaelaCenter,pleasevisitourwallofmemoriesthrough these100years!) Yetasweknowinfaith,memoryisnotonlyofthepast;itisagiftfor thepresentandfuture,connectingusmoredeeplywithwhoandwhyweare.
Atthecloseofthiscelebration,weblessedandsentforthSisterLyantoVietnam,Sister MargaretScotttoIreland,andSisterNhanNguyentoCuba Wesentthemforthinto themissionthatisfarbeyondthewallsofSt RaphaelaCenterandthebordersofour country,andyetdoingso,wealsocouldfeelourselvesbeingsentwiththem,asmuch astheyremainherewithus Itisareminderofwhoweare:availableforauniversal mission,and“allunitedlikethefingersofahand”(St RaphaelaMary)
Earlierintheyear,wediscernedthatitwastimetobringourministryinAthens,GAto completion Itwaspainfultoleavethepeopleandcommunitywithwhomwehad servedfor23years,yetinthepain,hopecanbefound AcommunityofSistersfrom Nicaraguawaslookingforaministryandresidenceinthedioceseatjustthattime.We trustthat,asyoureadofourexperienceinAthens,you,too,willfindreasontohopethat themissioncontinues,thatthemeaningofpresenceinthatcommunityforsomany yearscontinuestoshapeusasitdoesthelivesofthosewhocontinuetolaborinGod’s vineyardinthatconcretemission
WearenowinourfifthyearinSt Louis ThereisgrowingcollaborationwiththeJesuitsinformationforourmenand womenaswellasinministryamongthecollegestudents.Ourministryamongyouthandyoungadultscontinuesto developandexpandaswell Wehaveadelightfulproblem:thechapelisnolongerlargeenoughtoholdthenumber ofyoungadultswhojointhemonthlyadorationandsocial Thecommunityalsojustbegantoofferaseriesof “vocationalvisits”foryoungwomentoexplorewhatitlooksliketodiscernavocation.Agoodgroupparticipatedin thefirstsession,andwehopethisexperienceamongourcommunityprovideswomenwithaforumtofreelyexplore areligiousvocation
Ancillae-AssumptaAcademycontinuestodeepenourHandmaidcommitmenttoeducatingthewholepersonwith loveandforlove WiththerecentretirementofbelovedPresidentAmyLintner,theleadershipneededtocontinue themissionwasgratefullyfoundinKerryHarp Asaparentandadministratorformanyyears,sheknowstheculture andcharismofourschoolwell.AncillaehasalsodevelopedaMissionTeamofcommittedfacultywhodesiretoform ourfaculty,staff,studentsandfamiliesinthecharismoftheHandmaids,contributingtotheintegralformationthat characterizesoureducation
WeexperienceadaringhopeaswellinthegrowthanddevelopmentofourAssociates,laypartnerscommittedto beingformedinthespiritualityandcharismoftheHandmaidsandworkingalongsidetheSistersinmission,carrying thiswayofbeing,loving,andrespondingintotheirfamilies,theirwork,andtheirlargercommunities This commitmenttoformation,service,andadeepspiritualityhasbeeninspiringtoourSistersaswell,whoexperience theAssociates’passionforandintegrationofthespiritandmissionoftheHandmaids Wefindhopeaswe experiencethispassionnowextendingtotheplaceswhereweourselvescannotreachalone
WehavemournedthelossofourSistersJuliaWalsh,AliceRodriguez,andMariettaJansen.Theirlivesareawitnessto hopethroughtheiruniquestoriesoffidelityandself-gift
Thereismuchtorememberwithgratitude,tosavorwithwonderinthepresent,andtocourageouslytrustaswe openthedoorstothatwhichGoddesirestolaborwithinandamongus allofus
Ihopethatyou,too,experiencethesereasonstohopeasyoureadthesepages.Wearepartnersinamissionlarger thanwhatwecan ofurtheringthismission Ourcollective presenceisindee dconnectioninaworldsoinneedofhopefilledlove.
Withimmenseg
Celebration Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 5:00pm llae-Assumpta Academy in Wyncote, PA
OpentheDoors
Open the Doors, the theme for our Centen courage As a Province, we stand on a thres States on April 30, 2026 In this season, we a opening doors, walking into unknown wat
On July 27, 2025, 200 guests squeezed into abundance was felt As friends, colleagues, moment alongside us, to open the Centen gathered to remember and look back thro our eyesight (and insight) forward to the ot this gathering of song and sacrament, we w
In our Centennial song we proclaim, “small
This posture - unafraid, free, and remaining opened. The story that awaits us and our w detached, curious and collaborative The th authentic unfolding and unwavering trust and Initiator in every movement of our first
During the Opening Mass of the Centennia from all attendees, reflecting: “Our charism look like? I promise you that no one in this now that excites me As I look around this r like. This community here is how we’re goi the story before, thank you for being part o us to write it”
During the liturgy, we also listened to farew encounter in their own personal journeys S celebration with us, while on the brink of su US to serve beyond our borders
As they offered their words of gratitude an
It’s a WOW moment For me, going to Ireland is another opportunity to let go, to do what Raphaala did It’s about being free when Jesus steps into your life, beckons and says, ‘Let’s go.’ I feel a sense of adventure and excitement because Jesus and I… we are going together.
- Margaret Scott,
aci
The priest who accompanied me in the Spiritual Exercises said to me, ‘You go to a place with new people, and you are their gift, and they are your gift It’s a mutual receiving Remember, God is there before you, do not be afraid.’ Please pray for me as I go forward, as I grow up in this formation mission in Cuba, to receive the people as I allow them to receive me as who I am
- Nhan Nguyen, aci
I believe it's appropriate that at this moment of celebrating the 100 year story, I am being sent to Vietnam I feel who I am is the fruit of this US Province story - one of the many, many fruits of this story. All the good that you have done in me over these 13 years here – this will all be shared Vietnam is a very new region, young in foundation I am grateful for the opportunity to accompany my sisters in Vietnam as we gather dreams and nurture the future My hope comes from the image that we are all sitting at the same global table where we share the banquet of God’s abundance, where we all belong and work to bring the kingdom of Love into reality.
-Lyan Tri, aci
Our sisters – in their freedom and fiat – encourage us to trust As they cross their own thresholds into new places with open eyes and hands, we, too, expand Our hearts suddenly hold more of our world And through their yes, our story and our capacity for curiosity and Love widens As Raphaela and Pilar said, “God called this Congregation into existence, and so He has to sustain it” As we spend our Centennial year remembering the movements of our past, noticing the gifts surrounding us now, and dreaming about our future, we pray:
God of our Unfolding Story, Open the doors of our hearts that we may greet you unafraid to journey across thresholds into Your promise of abundance May encountering You be our daily bread, our sustenance for the journey And with radical trust in your fidelity, may we lean courageously into your current of Hope.
-Jackie Newns, Province Communications
Encounter with Christ U S Province Centennial Song
Written
by Catherine Kirwan-Avila, aci Composed by Eric
Hollander
Open the doors; welcome all in to the encounter that restores. I look at you; you look at me. (refrain)
One hundred years, a new season unfolding Map not yet made, but your presence is sure.
Still the world sighs, wanting for bread, peace, and truth Just love that heals: your Kingdom re-membered.
We are made to love and serve, small but unafraid, freed by grace, each day learning to be your clay
Clay and dough, wheat ground to feed, hungry hearts and bodies in need of Jubilee hope
You, O constant laborer, God of creation, finest of friends, knead us into your project
You draw us in and send us out, into the temple of your world, nourished and free to serve and praise, beat of your heart, our rhythm
United fingers of the hand, extending your warmth and healing touch to offer the joy we find in you to all who ache and wonder
In November, we held our first Thanksgiving dinner, which also served as an opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks to Sister Margaret Scott, aci, for accompanying the Associates over the past two years It was the first time the Associates celebrated Thanksgiving together as a family, and it is a tradition we hope to continue in the years ahead We also celebrated the recommitment of our oldest Associate, Betty Beck! She continues to live the Charism of the Handmaids!
In December, the Associates took part in St Raphaela Center’s Christmas Market, collaborating to create handmade products and joyfully assisting with sales throughout the event
As the new year began, January and February brought our annual retreat, designed and led entirely by the Associates a time of renewal, prayer, and shared reflection Our annual retreats have transitioned from being led by Handmaids, to being led completely by Associates!
In April, we were blessed with a visit from the Superior General, during which we were able to participate in an open dialogue with her at the Haverford Community.
In June and July, the Associates participated in the annual renewal of the Handmaids, contributing by offering reflections on two of the days. These shared experiences deepened our unity and strengthened our shared commitment to live the charism of Saint Raphaela in today’s world.
In August, a few Associates happened to be at St Raphaela Center as the new Pope was being announced! That was such a grace-filled moment for Lisa and I!
Our shared mission continues to find concrete expression through partnerships and service We have worked with the Sisters of Saint Joseph's Welcome Center to tutor immigrants and stock their Food Pantry Through the “Wine to Water” Foundation we have helped fund and assemble water filtration systems for communities in need These works are outward signs of our inward commitment to reparation, reconciliation, and the realities of our world
-Sue Buck, Leader of the ACI Family
MaryBreslinandMaryMealeyoftheWyncotegroupventuredtoItalytoruna marathoninRome!WhileinRome,theyvisitedSistersBelénEscauriazaand JuliaWalshattheCuria,trulyleaningintotheuniversalityoftheACIfamily!
AssociateGroups
with over 25 active members deepening their faith
Diaspora
Asacommunitythatspanscitiesandevencountries,theDiaspora GroupembodiestheexpansivespiritoftheACIFamily Althoughits membersmaynotgatherinpersonastheyarecompletelyonline,their sharedprayerandmutualsupporthavecreateddeepbondsoffaith Thispastyear,thegroupreflectedonitscalltomission notonly outwardly,butwithinoneanother’slives.Throughillness,transitions, andchallenges,theyhaveaccompaniedoneanotherwithprayer, presence,andcompassion
Theirreflectionscenteredonbeingpeacemakersandengagingin healingdiscourse,especiallyinatimewhenpublicconversationisoften markedbyangeranddivision Theyemphasizedthatallthingsmust beginwithloveandpurityofheart seekingtoknowGodandtolive themysteryoftheEucharistindailylife Astheycontinuediscerningthe Spirit’scall,theyremainopentonewwaysofsupportingthe HandmaidsandextendingtheIgnatianandEucharisticmissionto thoseseekingconnection
ElSagrario
NamedinhonorofSisterSagrarioNúñez,whofirstplantedtheseeds thatcontinuetoflourish,theElSagrarioGroupstandsasourlargestand oneofourmostdynamiccommunities,with12committedmembers. Whatmakesthisgroupuniqueisitsindependentleadership They gatherfaithfullywithoutaHandmaidpresent,astructurethathas deepenedtheirownership,initiative,andshareddiscernment This autonomyreflectsthetrustandmaturitydevelopedoveryearsof faithfulaccompaniment.
Throughoutthepastyear,membershaveembracedtheCharismofSt RaphaelabystudyingTheEucharistandSocialJusticebyMargaret Scott,aci Theirreflectionshaveinspiredmeaningfulaction,connecting prayerwithsocialawareness Thegroupregularlysharesresourceson justiceissuesandlocaldemonstrations,groundingtheirspiritualityin real-worldengagement.
InatimemarkedbydivisionanduncertaintyintheUnitedStates,theEl Sagrariogroupcontinuestospeakwithcourageandcompassion servingasavoiceforthevoiceless Theirwitnessremindsusthat Eucharisticlivingisnotpassive;itisanactiveresponsetoGod’scallto love,justice,andcommunion
ReflectionwrittenbyMeghanDietzleroftheMetanoiagroup
Wyncote
AWyncotegrouplocatedatthesiteofAncillae-Assumpta Academyisourmostestablishedcommunity Itwas formedover20yearsagoasasupportnetworkforparents fromtheschool Theyhavebeendeeplyrootedinthe charismofSt Raphaela,especiallyineducationand Eucharisticadoration Overtheyears,theyhavebeen guidedbyvariousHandmaidsandnowcontinue independently,sharingresponsibilitiesforprayerand discussion Lastyear,theyreflectedonTheEucharistand SocialJusticebyMargaretScott,aci,whichsparkedrich conversationsabouttheroleofsocialjusticeinthe Handmaids’charism Thegrouplooksforwardto renewingitsconnectionwiththefamiliesofAncillaeAssumptaAcademyinthecomingyear
Metanoia
InspiredbytheturningofMaryMagdalene’sheartas witnesstotherisenChrist,thisgroupisdedicatedto renewalintheheartofJesus.Groupmembersactively workinmission-orientedspacesandgathertoreflecton howthecharismgroundsandinspirestheirworkand personalfaithjourneys MetanoiaisaGreekwordfor "turning"or"transformativechangeofheart" Together theydevotetheirtimetospiritualnourishmentand collectivereparationintoday’sworld
ThisyearwehavecommittedourselvestogrowinginthecalloftheCatholic ChurchtoSynodality-anewcalltoanoldwayofbeing,findingitsrootsinthe earlychurch Synodalityisjourneyingandseekingtogetherincommunionwhere theSpiritispromptingthepeopleofGodtogo-howwearecalledtobeand serveGod’smissionintheworld
-MichelleCimaroli,aci,Director
ScanthecodebelowtolistentoSisterMichelle’srecentreflectionwiththeOfficeof IgnatianSpiritualityonhowSynodalityinformsherhopesforthegrowingministryof SpiritualDirection.
NewOffering:TheMassthatTakesitsTime
LookingtoslowdownandactuallybepresentatMass?Us,too.
We'redelightedtosharethatwebeganamonthlySundayliturgy(2 Sundayof eachmonthat4:30pm)thatvaluesspaciouscontemplation,wheresilenceis savoredandcommunityisbuilt Spaceiscreatedforguidedpersonalreflectionand open-formatfaithsharing WelistentotheSpirit,acknowledgeeachother,andlet theWordsinkin WegatheraroundtheEucharisticTablewithouturgencyinorder totrulyreceive Wearesentforthinresistanthopetoreturntoourlivesrenewed andrefreshed Joinusforthis90minuteMass
UpcomingDates:December14,January11,February8,March8,April12
“St Raphaela Mary” by Laurie Ortega-Murphy, a silent retreatant
It was chance I searched for silence
Holy Spirit had me ask for the intention to be still and by chance there are nuns, Handmaidens really, whose work is the art of receiving, the art of a warm hello their prayer of guidance then up the stairs, they send you down the hall to a room where you sit alone, seeking God.
UpcomingPrograms
Christmas Market & Advent Taizé
Wednesday, December 10 from 3:00pm-7:30pm Advent Reflection is 6:00-6:30pm & Taizé Prayer is 7:30-8:30pm
Wise Women Journey in Hope: Women’s Weekend
January 9-11 with Linda Robinson and Oanh Vo, aci
Winter Silent Directed Retreat January 9-11
Escuchando a Dios como Ignacio: Spanish Weekend Retreat March 6-8 (Listening to God like Ignatius)
Scan to explore more upcoming programs!
O Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Sanctus Benedictus Amen I ask for solitude, not loneliness, for joy over pleasure, to hear how I can serve you, how I can serve you all and it's here, in this room, Coffee at 6 Breakfast at 8 that I hear the sigh that warmth that sunrise breath back my life
CaringforourEarth ACommunalHymnofPraise
Phil Carlino is our lead gardener Phil grew up on our property - in the home that is now our House of Hope He knows the land, loves the Sisters, and dreams with us for a more sustainable future
SponsoraNativePlant atSt RaphaelaCenter! andconnectwithPhilat pcarlino@straphaelacenterorg
This September, Pope Leo inaugurated the Borgo Laudato Si’ at Castel Gandolfo in Italy a community trying to live Laudato Si’ in daily life: planting trees, restoring meadows, and treating the land like a gift Their focus is integral ecology, ecological restoration, and education not just doing the work, but teaching by example, so people can learn a new way to live That image stayed with me, because I think it’s what the Spirit has been leading us toward here at St Raphaela Center Knowing there is already such a community strengthens my resolve and inspires me to continue
St. Raphaela Mary gave us a simple path: hospitality, adoration, reparation, humility, and love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus Those words help me make sense of what we’re doing outside
Adoration teaches reverence if we adore Christ in the Eucharist, we also learn to handle the smallest creature gently
Reparation means mending relationships: with God, with each other, and yes, with the patch of earth under our feet
Humility reminds us we’re part of creation, not its masters Education and service let us share this with the next generation not as a lecture, but as a way of life.
An ecologist walked the grounds with me recently and said something that’s been ringing in my ears: “Let the land tell you what it wants to be” The honest plant list is smaller than the one in my head and that’s freeing We don’t have to force anything We can choose natives that will actually thrive here plants that feed pollinators and wildlife, shelter birds, rebuild the soil, prevent runoff, and quietly bless us in return
Very simply, this is how we’ve started to listen here:
We’ve installed rain barrels and rain gardens to receive water instead of sending it rushing away, which will help protect our abused watershed
We’ve created meadow gardens utilizing recycled cardboard and garden compost to support our endangered pollinators
We’ve begun a small food forest using permaculture principles that, over time, will feed people and wildlife
And we’re sketching woodland paths less lawn to mow, more life to notice.
But these aren’t just projects they are lessons
Every rain garden teaches us how to receive water with gratitude
Every meadow teaches us the value of pollinators
Every tree and shrub in our woodland teaches us patience and the interconnectivity of creation
And this is where our mission grows deeper: we want St Raphaela Center to be a place of learning A place where people come not only to rest and pray and be nourished, but to be formed We hope to offer retreats where Laudato Si’ is prayed with our feet, workshops where sustainable practices are taught, contemplations on the land itself, and opportunities for students from schools and universities, parish green teams, and community groups like EcoPhilly to learn from creation here. In this way, our land becomes a classroom, and all of us become both students and teachers of integral ecology A place for all people, of all backgrounds to feel welcome and part of our reparative mission
It’s slow work We’ll make mistakes We’ll learn That’s okay For me, this isn’t about perfection; it’s about striving toward the Highest Good It’s about answering the call of the Spirit Like in our spiritual lives, we can be messy; we fall, but we get back up and try again
If any of this stirs something in you, there are ways to join in. First, pray for this work that we keep listening and stay patient Second, come walk the grounds when you can; noticing is part of the conversion If you like getting your hands dirty, we’ll have planting days and simple stewardship days If starting seedlings at home makes you happy, we’ll have pre-selected seed packs you can raise and then bring back to plant with us. And if you prefer to help in another way, scan the QR code on this page to view a live list of plants you can sponsor in real time Your presence and prayer mean just as much
My quiet hope is that a few years from now you’ll bring a friend here and say, “This used to be lawn Listen now bees in the meadow Look count all the species of birds This place taught us how to stop, contemplate, and act in a humble and communal way”
Pope Francis reminds us that “the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor are one” We want to be a hub where that truth is learned, practiced, and shared the way the Borgo is in Italy a living school of Laudato Si’ for our region
St Francis gives us the last word: “Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Earth, who sustains and governs us”
May our care for this land become a small hymn of praise steady, hopeful, and shared
St.LouisCommunity
Members of the Community in St. Louis, Missouri (left to right):
Jessica Kerber, aci | Provincial; Formator; Professor, Center for Ignatian Service at Saint Louis University; Spiritual Director
Dona DeMarco, aci | Pastoral Visits and Volunteer with Migrant Ministries
Catherine Kirwan-Avila, aci | Vocation Director; Campus Minister, Catholic Student Center at Washington University
Ngoc Nhu Nguyen, aci | Student, Theological and Philosophical Studies; Assisted Living Center Community Volunteer Phuong Uyen Vu, aci | Student, Theological and Philosophical Studies; Hospital Community Volunteer Nhan Nguyen, aci | On Mission in Cuba (2-year assignment)
S Nhangraduatedin MaywithherMaster’s degreeinTheology& PastoralMinistry
We are committed as a community to Young Adult Ministry, which happens in our individual work environments on college campuses, through vocation visits, monthly adoration, daily meals and spiritual accompaniment We also seek a commitment to where we live, collaborating with parishes, the Catholic legal aid office, and our neighborhood association. Our core value of hospitality is lived out through our engagement in the ministry of community-building Recently, we hosted six women on a Saturday Vocation Visit, a time of conversation and reflection, Mass, Adoration and table fellowship It is a privilege to witness and accompany the questions and deep desires of young women who are discerning God's call in their lives - Catherine Kirwan-Avila, aci
We welcome Jesuit friends, classmates and colleagues into our home chapel for daily Mass and shared prayer experience One Friday every month, we host an evening Adoration and Social, drawing 20+ friends, students and neighbors to be near Christ in the Eucharist
Reflectingon10weeksintheHospital
Sister Uyen Vu, a junior in formation in the St. Louis Community, shares a reflection on her summer ministry experience of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) CPE is interfaith professional education for ministry, which brings theology students and ministers of all faiths into supervised encounter with persons in crisis Within the interdisciplinary team process, they develop skills in interpersonal and interprofessional relationships while deepening their practice of theological reflection
Today, I feel sad and tearful because of the stories coming from behind the doors of patients’ rooms.
You called me through the voice of the one who lost two legs
You called me through the voice of a wife who suffered and witnessed her husband’s pain.
You called me through the voice of a prisoner
You also called me through the tears of a housekeeper.
All the ways you called me, I responded to you by opening the doors and entering the room
You waited for me and asked for help I hesitated whether it was okay to help You said yes, and we had a conversation
⬽⬽⬽
Sitting at the corner of the nurse's station in the ICU unit, while charting pastoral care visits on the computer, the beeps of the heart monitors at the nurse’s station and the noises from the people walking around distracted me These sounds naturally created an intense and urgent environment that affected me and those who were responsible for caring for the patients in the rooms As a chaplain student learning and practicing in a St Louis hospital this summer, I was privileged to enter the healthcare world and expand my pastoral care skills through new experiences, building on my previous work with children in faith formation and immigration at the border I witnessed crisis after crisis in the hospital setting
“Everything sounds so intense,” people said to me anytime I shared about my chaplaincy experiences
I vividly remember one man who was hospitalized alone in the ICU His heart suddenly stopped From the overhead radio, the entire hospital heard the emergency call for him The medical responders and staff, including myself, numbered about fifteen, arrived immediately For the medical team, every minute was priceless in restoring the patient’s heartbeat to normal. For me, the prayer for them and for the patient’s life was offered to the One who breathed life into us. “Lord, if You still want him to live, please strengthen the hand of the physicians and bring him back,” I said Witnessing a situation like this stirred my mind to ponder the meaning of human life. How many people out there live their lives in solitude and peace, while others in the hospital have to suffer battlefields at their bedside? I am wondering if there is something unfair for all people who aspire to happiness and a long life. However, lines from the book of Ecclesiastes echoed in my heart. “There is an appointed time for everything A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build (Eccl. 3:1-3).” The Word consoled me. Later on, I learned that the man we prayed for had passed away and returned to God alone, without family around My heart was broken I returned to my faith, “Lord, please welcome him into Your loving embrace”
Participating in and being present in the wounded parts of the world, where we see people suffering, is an authentic call for the Handmaids The reparative work for the greater good, and the desire to connect our suffering with God’s presence, are greater than any kind of hopelessness We do not turn away from Love I cherished the time and experiences I had in the SLU hospital as a chaplaincy student Being part of the healthcare team and offering spiritual and emotional support urged me to explore more deeply what my vocation as a Handmaid means to me I felt joy in listening to people’s stories, in experiencing the diversity of people from all different parts of the country in one place Accompanying people in their faith as they coped with suffering -- that was holy ground And the mission was a challenging one --- to listen to struggles for the sound of grace Chaplaincy encouraged me to realize that the heart of a Handmaid may tire but never runs away from those who need Love most
WyncoteCommunity
Members of the Community in Wyncote, Pennsylvania (left to right):
Maureen Gillespie, aci | Director of Mission Integration, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
Kathleen Helbig, aci | Director of Finance, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
Mary Theresa Nguyen, aci | Pastoral Care, Companion for our Sisters living at Saint Joseph Villa
Oanh Vo, aci | Nurse Practitioner at Esperanza Health Center & Spiritual Director
Margarita Martin, aci | Collaborating in the Handmaids' Mission with her Prayer and Support
Trinh Nguyen, aci | Spanish Teacher, Ancillae-Assumpta Academy
Betty Ann McDonald, aci | Collaborating in the Handmaids' Mission with her Prayer, residing at Saint Joseph Villa
I attended the recent prayer witness outside of the ICE Field Office in Philadelphia because it was an opportunity to exercise Jesus' call to love Migrants and refugees are our brothers and sisters, victims of social injustice I have heard “the cry of the poor,” and I feel called to be the voice of the voiceless I felt very privileged to have the opportunity – once more
of standing up in solidarity with our “unauthorized” and persecuted sisters and brothers witnessing the Gospel teachings It was wonderful being with so many other sisters and clergy I felt CHURCH! I prayed to the Holy Family who experienced living as fugitives in Egypt who I doubt were authorized to be there who I am sure did not know how to speak the Egyptian language… did not know their customs… who I am sure experienced hardships to survive day by day who I am sure were afraid and who strategized on how to protect and keep Jesus safe I prayed that the Holy Family would protect all immigrants who are living in fear and in similar circumstances or even much worse! I prayed that they would feel loved by God, maybe through us they're standing I prayed that all who call themselves Christians live out Jesus’ expectations of loving one another as He does love us! - Margarita Martin, aci
In August, members of the AAA Mission Team gathered for a retreat at St Raphaela Center to steep themselves in prayer and dream about ways to further infuse mission and spirituality into community Pictured left to right: Maureen Gillespie, aci, Lisa Vanni, Amy Hubley, Amy Lintner, Donna Marchetti, Maureen Rilling, Jane Diorio, Kelli Holwick, Trinh Ngyuen, aci
In 2024, Sister Kathleen Helbig celebrated 50 years of ministry at AAA and 50 years serving as Provincial Treasurer! In the spring, AAA held a special celebration for her faithful stewardship where she reconnected with former students from her first year teaching 7 grade! Pictured left to right: Claire Geppert DiLemmo ’76, Gena Recigno Anderson ’76, and Marie Bozzi Boyden ’76 th
HaverfordCommunity
Members of the Community in Haverford, Pennsylvania (left to right, beginning with the back row):
Michelle Cimaroli, aci | Director, Saint Raphaela Center (SRC); Spiritual Director; US Province Companion to the ACI Family Uyen-Chi Dang, aci | Treasurer and Pastoral Companion, SRC; Provincial Treasurer
Angela Cordero, aci | Hospitality, SRC
Cam Banh, aci | Spiritual Director and Hospitality, SRC
Carmen Cabrejos, aci | Spiritual Director and Hospitality, SRC
Cecilia Chen, aci | Dining Services, SRC
María Jesús Sagaseta, aci | Spiritual Companion of Prayer Groups; Hospitality, SRC
Asunta Thanh, aci | Finance and Facilities, SRC
In June, Sister Cam retired after 24 years from the Catholic Social Services Northeast Family Services in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
In the beginning, my office was in Center City and whatever phone call came in, I would explore the needs – housing, family care, pregnancy and health services I always tried to respond like a Case Manager, being a bridge to resources, and a problem solver, particularly for immigrants from Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong who could not speak English to navigate access to support Accompanying people to doctors appointments as a translator was a beautiful ministry Oftentimes, when people called me, in desperation or in grief, I would pray to God, “show me the way, tell me what to do.” And the way would be revealed. God would guide me to connect people to ESL classes, to encourage education I encountered people of resilience and courage, and I am grateful for the ways in which God used me to help people - Cam Banh, aci
On September 21, Sister Cecilia celebrated her 60th Jubilee at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul At the invitation of Archbishop Nelson Pérez, Sister Cecilia attended the Archdiocesan celebration recognizing all Jubilarians for the extraordinary gift of their vocation
In January 1964, I left Taiwan and traveled to Rome, Italy to begin my discernment with the Handmaids After a year in the Curia, I formally entered and was sent to the Novitiate in Loyola, Spain In those days there were about two hundred Sisters living in the house of Loyola! After my Novitiate, I was sent to the Juniorate in London, UK , and then to Dublin, Ireland Upon finishing my Juniorate, I started working and ministered in our schools in Dublin, Ireland and Kent, England, and even to our International School in Tokyo, Japan In February 1986, I was assigned to the United States. I worked with Catholic Social Services in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia for 16 years and Catholic Legal Services in the Archdiocese of Miami for 21 years Even today, within my capacity, I am still helping people who need immigration assistance It makes me happy to see people whom I helped accomplish and fulfill their American dreams Their happiness and success in life are what make me happy - Cecilia Chen, aci
Members of the Athens Community: Angela Cordero, aci, Asunta Thanh, aci, Catherine Kirwan-Avila, aci, Carmen Cabrejos, aci, Margarita Martin, aci, Marietta Jansen, aci, Uyen-Chi Dang, aci
thefeastdayofSt Raphaela,thefounderoftheHandmaidsoftheSacredHeartofJesus Asmall shrineadornedwithcolorfulbouquetsstoodnearthealtar Afour-memberchoir,backedwithtwo guitars,ledthefaithfulinSpanishhymns
Thecelebrant,FatherFabricioRobalino,foundshadeunderneatharedandblackgolfumbrella whilethecongregationmovedtheirplasticseatstostayoutofthewarmspringsun Earlier,Sister Uyen-ChiDang,amemberoftheHandmaids,handedoutcoldbottledwater
DuringCommunion,tworeligioussisterswhohadmadetheirhomeinthismodesttrailerpark receivedthelineofbelieversastheycarefullyplacedtheEucharistontonguesandoutstretched hands.Later,thosesamewomenwouldagainservethesefaithfulwithhugsastheysaidtheir goodbyes.SisterMargaritaMartinandSisterUyen-Chihadonlytwoweeksbeforetheymovedonto newministriesinPennsylvania,drawingaclosetotheircongregation’stwodecadesofministryat OasisCatólicaSantaRafaelahere.
Inthehoursthatfollowed,awoman,herhairshortfromtreatmentofbreastcancer,sharedhow SisterMargaritaaccompaniedhertothedoctor’sofficetotranslatecomplextreatmentoptionsinto Spanish ForaUniversityofGeorgiagraduate,theOasisCatólicatutoringexperience,whichlinks collegestudentstothetrailerpark,brokeheroutoftheuniversitybubble Anotheryoungwoman, whogrewupinthetrailerpark,saidthesisters’steadykindnessaidedmanypeoplewhocameto themintheirtimeofneed
“Theyhavebeentheheartofthisneighborhooditself,”saidEsveydiAlvear,25,whoattendedOasis Católicaasagradeschoolerandreturnedtoserveasatutor “Theyhavehealedmanyhearts” Nearby,theguestscouldsliphandwrittennotesofappreciationintoabox,wrappedincolorful butterfly-decoratedpaper Atthefoodtable,linesformedasneighborshandedoutplatesheavy withtacoscoveredinonionsandcilantro Now,itwastheirturntoservethesisters
Asshepreparedtopack,SisterUyen-Chisaidsheacceptedthedecisiontowithdrawfromthe Georgiaministryafterfirstsheddingtears TheyearsatOasisCatólicahavebeena“beautifulgift andeverythingaboutit,”andnowit’stimetotrustthatGodallowsanothergroup“totakecareof thevineyard,”shesaid
Aministryamongmobilehomes
TheroadintothePineWoodEstatesmobilehomeparkisroughgravelwithtreescastingshadows overthetrailers Amongthe200mobilehomesontheedgeofAthens,sitstheconvent—a doublewidetrailerthat,butforthelargeimageofOurLadyofGuadalupe,looksliketheothers. Thesisterscamein2002,tradingtheAtlantasuburbsforthisworking-classcommunity Atthetime, GeorgiahadoneofthefastestratesofgrowthofHispanicsinthecountry AroundtheAthensarea, Latinoswentfrommarginalnumberstonearly12,000people,makingup11percentofthe communityin2010,accordingtogovernmentstatistics Thereligioussisterswereinvitedtobeof helptothenewcomers
“PitchingthetentamongGod’speople”ishowco-founderSisterMargaritaputit
They named the mission for their founder saint, who encouraged her sisters to be generous to those struggling.
Now, it’s home to the two sisters In addition, Oasis Católica serves as a religious center and cultural hub On its front hangs the large image of Our Lady, the patroness of the Americas and a revered image for Mexicans Tucked in closets and cabinets are diapers and canned food for anyone who asks
A side porch where people once sat to be in the open air has become a chapel The sisters sit here daily in quiet contemplation in front of the boat-shaped tabernacle holding the Eucharist Neighbors are invited to the chapel at all hours to pray The convent became a literal shelter during the storms that swept through the park
Sister Margarita recalled one night when the trailer shook as a storm blew through The wind seemed able to lift it and wrap it around a tree With a late-night knock at the door, a couple with their children asked if they could come inside afraid their nearby trailer wouldn’t hold
The sisters welcomed them But Sister Margarita reminded them that their trailer was not any safer than their own However, the father said simply: “Pero Diosito está aquí” “Dear God is here”
The work here has been focused on “broken hearts of our brothers and sisters,” said Sister Margarita, from consoling families with immigration issues and women seeking shelter from domestic violence to children at school unable to reach their parents
Sister Uyen-Chi said the work has always been grounded in their neighbors’ lives Brushing aside talk of a legacy, her work and the efforts of sisters before her has been to create “a place where (Hispanic people) feel that they belong, a place that they can gather, a place that they celebrate who they are, a place where kids can grow to their full potential”
The Madrecitas
The families call her “madrecita,” a term of affection from young and old Sister Uyen-Chi, 52, fled to the United States as a child from Vietnam in 1981 The family settled in California She studied bioengineering in college before teaching high school math Around the same time, she attended retreats introducing her to the spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, which emphasizes “finding God in all things” Her goals started to shift She searched for a religious order that shared his values and discovered the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, which married Ignatian spirituality with eucharistic devotion
She moved into the three-bedroom trailer in 2018 Life here has been “a gift of privilege,” Sister Uyen-Chi said one afternoon, sitting under the awning at Oasis Católica, where about 100 college students a semester are volunteer tutors to 60 neighborhood kids four days a week She is the Oasis director while working at the UGA Catholic Center, acting as a bridge between the two communities
Living here opened her heart beyond barriers of culture and language At the farewell Mass, she stood before the congregation and, her voice breaking with emotion, shared what they had meant to her The founder of her order, she said, wanted sisters to “have a heart that’s very universal, like the church The heart that embraces all nationalities” The people they served allowed her to do that
“Here, among you, I live with a very open heart because you received us with much love and much heart We could not have done anything really without your help,” she told community members.
Sister Margarita is sorting through the piles of paperwork and many photo albums filled over the years It was she who, years ago, convinced a benefactor to contribute $15,000 to buy the trailer that would become the convent
“My mission is accomplished here I know that they will be praying for me as I am praying for them,” she said “And you see, as religious, we are not to be in a place the whole time”
The 84-year-old sister, a native of Spain, persuaded her fellow sisters to open the ministry as a one-year pilot project of immersion and encounter But it wasn’t her idea alone Sister Margarita credited a local Hispanic teen, outspoken and advocating for her community, with offering her a challenge to rethink what service means Why the need to travel to Latin America to serve in a mission when Mexican families and immigrants around Athens desire to feel welcome, seen and loved?
More than two decades later, those words continue to motivate her
An active faith inspires
The sisters’ faith did not draw attention to itself It was steady and grounded Those who crossed paths with them felt inspired, not by words, but through love and care.
Alvear grew up with them, first as a neighborhood youngster and now as someone who is inspired by them to give back “I have seen the sisters being of service I have seen the sisters running left to right, up and down in order to be able to serve the community,” she said Alvear said the devotion of the sisters has inspired her to lean into her own faith, attending Mass when many of her peers have stopped Witnessing this dedication makes her want to volunteer more and offer time to those who need it, she said
Deacon Jim Gaudin, 89, has known Sister Margarita from the very start when the center was only an idea He helped her scout out locations to establish a center
“They’re such a clear example of putting faith into practice, about loving one another,” said Deacon Gaudin, who retired from active ministry in 2019 Their faith was concrete, providing for religious and material needs Their mission was one of collaboration For years, they have partnered with a university professor to distribute thousands of eggs to families in the park and beyond Another time, the sisters convinced the local bus company to extend the route so women at the park could use it to get to work “Sister Margarita was a real advocate for them,” he said.
Emma Langford, 21, worked alongside the sisters, first as a tutor and then as an administrative assistant while studying Spanish and communications at UGA
Though she attends an Anglican church, she found herself shaped by their Catholic witness The difference in faith traditions did not matter as she witnessed in small, quiet ways how Sister Margarita upheld the dignity of others When tutoring supplies were torn or dirty, the sister spent hours cleaning them and repairing torn books to ensure the students had whole, good supplies for studies
“They really just changed my perspective,” said Langford, “on you can’t just go to church and read the Bible and then be like, ‘I’m a Christian.’ I think it’s so important you adhere to those biblical ideals of helping people who need help and not belittling people, giving everybody dignity, even people who maybe don’t have the same beliefs as you” She added, “They always put others above themselves, and I think that speaks (more) than just trying to force people to believe what you believe”
The mission evolves
On June 1, the sisters’ rented minivan will head north to Pennsylvania, leaving behind everything except their own items After some two decades, they will move out of the trailer and leave it to others
In 2026, the Handmaids will celebrate 100 years of service in the United States Today, two dozen sisters continue the mission They lead retreats, educate grade schoolers, attend graduate studies and work with neighbors in cities like St Louis Sister Margarita and Sister Uyen-Chi will take up new assignments, at a school and at a retreat center, respectively, close to the motherhouse in the suburbs of Philadelphia
Organizing the college tutors at Oasis Católica is taking shape for the fall semester The trailer will become home to a group of refugee women from Central America The mission continues in a new way
InLovingMemory
Julia Walsh, aci
Sister Julia Walsh, aci, 82, died on June 10, surrounded by sisters and caregivers in the infirmary community in Rome During her 63 years as a Handmaid, Julia lived with a truly universal heart, ministering in the United States, Japan and Rome, Italy in a variety of capacities She had a gift for languages which she placed at the service of those she ministered with at Casa del Carmen in Philadelphia, her students at Seizen International School in Tokyo and the Handmaid Congregation as a translator in Rome, where she was instrumental in ensuring that important communications were available in Spanish and English for her Sisters
In 2024, Julia described her first encounter with the Handmaids as an 8th grade student: “When I was exploring high schools, we walked into Ancilla Domini – it was a big, old gothic building and it was kind of overwhelming But when we arrived, who should open the door but Sister Constance… and she was so welcoming! The impression that she made on us, I will never forget When we drove back home, my dad asked, ‘well, what do you think?’ And I said, ‘you know, we felt welcome there.’ We were simple people, I guess everyone there was, but just the way Sister Constance opened the door communicated welcome
Later, when I was wondering about religious life, I said to God, ‘If you want me to be a nun, I want to be like them’ It wasn’t that I was giving God an ultimatum, but I knew I wanted to do it that way to show kindness, love, compassion- that is what I had seen the Handmaids communicate to us (students) day in and day out”
Sister Maria Alicia Rodriguez, aci, 92, died peacefully on July 21 in Saint Joseph Villa Alice was born in Guasca, Colombia as the seventh of nine children to the late Rafael and Librada Rodriguez Alice lived 74 years as a Handmaid, serving for decades as a beloved cook at St Raphaela Center, where she nourished thousands of retreatants and delighted many others with her hospitality and humor The twinkle in Alice’s eye and a deep interior freedom had accompanied her from an early age Her sisters delighted in vivid stories of her childhood adventures with her brother, Jesús (Chucho), which she shared, when asked, with a nod and a smiling “oooh yes ” In addition to a wonderful wit, Alice had an immense capacity for genuine connection In her later years, even when her short term memory faded, Alice never failed to ask after the families of each of her sisters, friends and nurses and always had a word of kindness, encouragement and wisdom to offer She was a woman of faithful prayer, grounded in a profound, childlike trust in her God. This trust allowed her to surrender to God's will with hope and peace She is survived by her Handmaid community, her brother Jesús Rodriguez and sister Librada Rodriguez.
When interviewed a couple of years ago about the Handmaids' charism of reparation, Alice responded, “To do something good It’s your whole life Any place that you are, you can (live) reparation and have happiness you have an interest in other people because each one has their own cross and their own suffering and it’s nice just to hear it and to give back God, Dios, always is with us, always helping us, always teaching us, always accompanying us”
Sister Marietta Barbara Jansen, aci, 92, died peacefully on July 25 in Saint Joseph Villa Marietta was the second of four children to the late Leo Jansen and Mariette Kreutz Jansen Marietta's Handmaid life of 71 years embodied the Eucharist through her quiet presence and active listening, radiating peace, love, and acceptance wherever she lived and served She was sought out as a spiritual mentor and companion, and her gentle constancy was a source of comfort and strength to many, from colleagues at the parish or the Newman Center to children, parents and grandparents in her immigrant neighborhood in Athens, GA, where she ministered for 18 years Marietta endured significant physical pain in her later years but did not let it become a barrier to connecting with those to whom she was sent in ministry and community Marietta’s smile lit up her whole face and her easy laugh brightened many conversations She is survived by her Handmaid community, her sister Linda Jansen Kichula and brother Robert Jansen
When asked about the attraction of religious life, Marietta shared, “Many people, when they come to see religious, be it me or another, find that they’re very happy and that happiness tells them, ‘this is good’ They say, ‘now what’s she got that makes her so happy?’ And what’s nice is that you can be yourself. I think that’s important for people to know You’re not always your jovial self, but if you have the right group, you’re always happy even if you’re not la-di-da all the time."
Maria Alicia Rodriguez, aci
Marietta Barbara Jansen, aci
Abby Lang
Adrienne Ruppert
Agnes Kan and Orhan Tuncay
Alex Deak
Alexander Ginsburg
Alexander Lester-Abdalla
Amy and Gary Dubin
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Aniello and Maria Della Greca
Ann Mullen
Ann O'Connor Levering
Anne Hornstein
Anne Marie Wood
Annette Nebel
Arthur ORourke
Audrey Lam
Barbara Higgins
Barbara Long
Barbara Ludwick, SSJ
Barbara M. Bibby
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WITH DEEP GRATITUDE FOR OUR DONORS & COLLABORATORS
CB Blackburn
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Claire Assini
Clare Bohnett
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Cynthia Fitzpatrick
Danny and Loan Dao (Danny's Family Inc.)
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David McDonough
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Hon-Wah Man
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J Light
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John and Phyllis Beck
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John Lydon, OP
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Joseph M. Rapczynski
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Julia Saunders
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Kami Man
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Kathy Garrett
Ken and Marie Boyden
Ken and Pat Kempf
Kim Chi Dang
Kim Paczewski
Kim Rogan-Abelow
Kristina Balten
Kristina Vacha
Kristine Peterson and Steven Schmidt
L. Stewart Barbera, Jr.
Larissa Gray
Laura LoStracco
Laura Yoder
Lauren Leer
Laurie Ortega Murphy
Lawrence and Marian Dondero
Lee DeHihns
Legrehndem Asong
Leonora Borzill
Linda Carleton
Linda Wren
Lisa Blackburn and Charles Kittel
Lisa and Richard Vanni
Lisa D. Bryan
Lisa Deak
Lisa McCarthy
Lisa McDugall
Lisa O'Reilly
Liz Broadwell
Louis and Mary Ann De Angelo
Lycha Barrmjn
Lydia Alvarez
Lydia Hasan
Major James Bradshaw
Mandy Gero, OFS
Manuela and Gary Colon
Margaret Connolly
Margaret Fox-Tully
Margaret Garvey-Mitchell
Margaret Porzenheim
Marge Meiners Kathalynas
Marguerite Mitchell
Maria and Christopher Walker
Maria and James Lynch
Marie and Joe Schiavo
Marie Bozzi
This Annual Report presents the names of donors who made gifts to the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, U.S. Province and St. Raphaela Center between September 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. While every attempt has been made to guarantee the accuracy of this report, omissions and errors may occur. Please advise us at mission@aci-us.org of any inaccuracies.
Marie Griffith
Marie-Bernadette Pape
Mario Marino Cespedes
Mark and Rose Marie Troutman
Mark Brown
Martin and Maureen Howe
Martin F. Jordan
Mary and John Jardell
Mary and Tom Breslin
Mary Anne and Richard McKeone
Mary C. Augustine
Mary Calderone
Mary D. North
Mary Jane Magee
Mary Kate Harkins
Mary Laver
Mary Lysaught
Mary Mealey
Mary P. Boyle
Mary Rached
Mary Sweetland Laver
Maryanne Fisher
Maryellen Reilly
Matt Hancock
Matthew and Jennifer Sanders
Maureen and John Politza
Maureen Donati, IHM
Maureen Goode
Maureen O'Connell
Megan A. Keaton
Megan and Sean Burman
Meghan Dietzler
Meghan Weiss
Melanie B. Watanabe
Mia and Jim Holman
Michael and Nancy Valucci
Michael Calvin
Michael and Kelly M Vesey Gregor
Michelle Ma
Migna Dunn
Minette G. Ramos
Monica Lange
Nance Dicciani
Nancy Bowen
Natalie Konrad
Nathan Baird
Neal and Mary Jeanne McDonnell
Neil and Bernadette Dougherty
Ngoc Thi-Anh Nguyen
Nicholas Rademacher
Nicole and Mark Freda
Nina Whitnah
Nuria Lopez Pajares
Owen and Sloane Kelly
Pam Brubaker
Pamela Poe
Pat Rotelle
Patricia A. Destefano
Patricia DeAngelis
Patricia Eyre
Patricia Kishpaugh
Patricia Panzera
Patricia Ripoll
Patty and Eugene Marcovecchio
Patty Redenbaugh
Paul Burgmayer
Paul Stadter
Peter Barone
Peter Kichula
Pettrina Frimmel
Phyllis Zagano
Pierce and Katie Keating
Prasna Daryanani
Rachel Dunlap
Ralph Gaudiello
Raymond and Carol Angelo
Rev. Gloria Ann Armstrong
Rev. Jack Newns
Rev. Joshua Barrett
Richard Welch
Rita Defelippes
Rita DiCello
RLC Construction
Robert and Patricia Cordaro
Robert and Stephanie Diaconis
Robert L. and Melanie L. Jansen
Robert Sluzis
Roberta A. Acchione
Ronald and Barbara Endo
Rosa McLoda
Roseanne McDougall
Sandra and Frank Parrish
Sandy Chambers
Santa Vinci
Sara Mahoney
Seth Gillihan
Sheila McCaffrey
Sheri Mullen
Simon Harwood
Stephanie Boccuzzi
Stephen Coffey, OSB.Cam.
Stephen Kriss
Steve and Kathy McIntyre
Steven and Anna Marshalick
Steven and Francesca Molinari
Teenie Bracken
Terrie Sanzo Ellenberger
Terry and Jeanne Hisey
Terry Quain
Theresa Condon
Theresa Dunn
Theresa Thu and Nam Trinh
Theresa Tran
Thomas A. Armstrong
Thomas Addington
Thomas and Beth Sudduth
Thomas and Carol Donoghue
Thomas and Erin Reusche
Thomas and M. Jean Lauth
Thomas and Monica Haeussler-Forst
Thomas B. and Kathleen Nealon Helbig
Thomas F. and Gina M. O'Malley, III
Thomas Speakman
Tim Denny
Timothy Rafter
Tina Farally
Tinamarie Stolz
Toni Cimaroli
Toni Nazzario
Tri and Dung Vo
Vanessa Vavala
Virginia Chen
Virginia Nolan
Wade and Maureen S. Thompson
William and Mary Jean Lavery
William Reynolds
Winnie Doyle
Yi He & Eric Hollander
Zipporah Gitau
ACI Associates
Arrupe Jesuit Community
Danny's Family Inc.
Hideout Sons and Daughters of Italy
Jesuits USA East Province
Langsen Family Giving
Leadership Conference of Religious Women
Philadelphia Harrisburg Allentown Dioceses PHA Grant
Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame
Religious of the Assumption - NA Province
Religious of the Assumption - Philadelphia
RLC Construction
Soji-Dedicated to the Study of Zen Buddhism Inc.
Support Our Aging Religious
ST. RAPHAELA CENTER VOLUNTEERS
Aaron Lemma
Adrienne Ruppert
Alison Kress
Ancillae Assumpta Academy
Class of 2025
Arrupe Jesuit Community
Augustinian Novitiate
Barb Siebert
Barbara Endo
Becky McIntyre
Bob Holliday
Caleb Datto
Carol Buono
Carol Kelly, SSJ
Cecilia Cyford, SSJ
Christine Fieo
Cynthia Fitzpatrick
Daniel Joyce, SJ
Danielle Critelli
Danny Dao
Dee McDermott
Diane Calvin
Ed Buck
Elizabeth Barnes
Emory Thorn
Eric Hollander
Francesca Molinari
Gloria Cugini
Harry Dietzler
Iris Shea
Isabel Pereira-Lopez
Isabelle Molinari
Jacques Gordon
Janira Bremner
Jean Marie Pisula, CSFN
Jessica Marinucci
Joan Holliday
Joan Pudimott
Joanne Trout
Kathleen Giambanco
Kathleen Regele
Kathryn Mariani
Kathy Benham, IHM
Kathy Garrett
Kathy Ralph
Kenneth Goldstein
Kristina Vacha
Laura Carlino
Laurie K McGarvey
Lianette Pappaterra
Lisa Hemlick
Lisa Hibberd
Lisa Mitchell McCarthy
Lisa Perri
Liz Broadwell
Lori McLaughlin
Lucia Vallejo
Maria Gatmaitan
Marie Gordon
Mariellen weaver
Mark Brown
Mary Anne Kane
Mary Beth Wolanin
Mary Breslin
Mary Mealey
Mary Rached
Mary Sullivan
Matt Hancock
Maureen Holman
Meghan Ditzler
Merion Mercy Academy Faculty &
Staff
Mike DiRenzo
Nicholas Collura
Nuria Lopez
Olivia Sharkey
Patricia Eyre
Paul Burgmayer
Paula Estornell
Peg Garvey
Philip Carlino
Raymond Donaldson, SJ
Ronnie Luke
Rosemary Chen
Steph White
Stephanie Boccuzzi
Steven Molinari
Stewart Barbera
Susan Cedrone
Theresa Tran
Tim Denny
Tinamarie Stolz
Tom Breslin
Villanova University Day of Service
Villanova University Day of Service Committee
Yi Hollander
DONATIONS & GIFT CONTRIBUTIONS
WAYS TO SHARE RESOURCES
ANNUAL FUND
Our Annual Fund helps provide support for the general operating expenses of the Province, for formation and training, and for the continued care of our senior Sisters The campaign extends from September 1 through August 31 of each year
FOUNDATION SUPPORT
If you or a family member has established a foundation, contributions to the Handmaids may be made If you serve on the board of a foundation or if your employer has a foundation, please make us aware Opportunities for grants are often available to the Handmaids
BEQUESTS
Kindly consider including us in your living will Or, as a family, consider memorializing a loved one who has died by making a contribution in memory of your loved one be designated to the Handmaids as a Memorial Bequest
PLANNED GIVING
Significant tax advantages are available for making contributions to charitable organizations through planned giving, including bequests, securities, life insurance, annuities and more Please consider the Handmaids when planning your estate
MATCHING GIFTS
You can double or triple your support by designating the Handmaids as the recipient of matching funds when your employer has a Matching Gift Program
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
US Province Mission Advancement Office
616 Coopertown Rd
Haverford, PA 19041
610-642-5715
wwwaci-usorg
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Yoursupport&friendshipsustain&encourageus!
I believe one of the most sacred spaces of encounter for us humans is in healthcare, where we "expose" ourselves not just physically, but also emotionally and at times spiritually in search of healing, integration, meaning, and hope This requires transparency, trust, humility, vulnerability, and courage from the patients and, equally important, from the healthcare professionals. Healing is not an individual feat, but rather a communal effort. I am very grateful for being part of the amazing Esperanza team, where we intentionally collaborate in Jesus' mission of wholistic healing of each person, including ourselves.
- Oanh Vo, aci
