PARTNERS IN GIVIN G Development Office of the Salesian Sisters Daughters of Mary Help of Christians www.salesiansisters.org
Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s Letter Dear Friends, Two years ago, the initial planning committee conceived the plan to celebrate the 100 years of service to the youth entrusted to us here in the U.S. In record speed, plans were made and executed in each corner of our country over the past year. Each and every time the theme rang clear: We give thanks for all that has been; We celebrate the present; and We prepare for the future. Looking back, we recall our Salesian School students in a Centennial Prayer Contest; holy cards made; and banners carrying the beautiful image of Mary and the inscription, “Celebrating Youth, Building the Future” . . . January 31, 2008, brought us to Marrero, LA, where a youth rally with 1,000 young people prayed and reenacted the Sisters’ arrival in the U.S. in song and drama . . . March 9, 2008, we gathered in St. Michael’s Church in Paterson, NJ, the first parish for the Sisters, where we heard and saw the stark beginnings of our Mission. The city gave us space to display history in images with precious heritage items . . . July 2008 found us in Easton, PA, for a Mass and celebration by alumni . . . Summer Camp programs in New York, New Jersey, and Florida gave a day of remembrance . . . In October 2008, the annual Partners Circle Dinner in New Jersey was dedicated to the Sisters. Family and friends gathered around as we sang our anthem: O Qual Sorte . . . In November 2008, the Florida celebration took on a Southern flavor as St. Joseph School alumni proudly proclaimed that they have had Salesian Sisters for 70 of their 100 years!
How Can We Say Thank You?
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s you read and enjoy this special Centennial Edition of Partners in Giving, the Salesian Sisters and the Development Office would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to their friends and family, and especially to these “angels” who helped to made our 100th anniversary gala possible:
Sponsors & Underwriters “Radiant” Diana Ekonomou Maggie Waitts
“Brilliant” The McAleer Family Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf Theresa & Edward O’Toole Foundation The Resnick Family Foundation
“Luminous” A Friend The Greco Family The Silveri Family & Silverite Construction Co., Inc. Wathne Ltd.
“Gleaming”
Finally, April 25, 2009, arrived with the grand finale in New York City, first with Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (where our Sisters pray on the cover) and then out on to the very harbor where the first four Salesian Sisters arrived in 1908. We hope you enjoy this special pictoral edition of Partners in Giving which records one amazing day, with beautiful photos by Lorraine Corsale and Greg McAleer (even more photos can be viewed on www.731photo.com).
A Friend Anonymous Peter Barsocchini Hughes Marine Mr. & Mrs. Rodger Rohde, Sr.
Truly, it took an extraordinary team effort to pull off the grandest Centennial in Salesian history! Sr. Phyllis Neves, our Provincial, and all the Salesian Sisters extend their most grateful thanks to all involved. God bless you!
Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Peter Christiansen Michael Guarnieri Mr. & Mrs. David Jubanowsky Thomas Santorelli Mr. & Mrs. James Sausville Betty Turner
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“Sparkle”
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
Mass Started Our Celebration Off Right!
O
ur unforgettable Centennial Celebration in New York City began on a picture-perfect Saturday afternoon inside the magnificent Cathedral of St. Patrick on Fifth Avenue. The special 3:00 p.m. Mass was celebrated by the brand new archbishop, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, in the presence of Bishop Emilio Allué of Boston, many Salesian priests, over 100 Salesian Sisters, and friends, family and alumni from across the United States, Canada, and even Europe! It was the perfect beginning to our celebration as we gathered before Our Lord to thank Him for the many blessings of our first 100 years of service. The story unfolds on the next several pages.
Easter lilies frame the majestic facade of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where the new archbishop, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, celebrated a special Mass in honor of the Salesian Sisters and their 100th anniversary of service in the U.S.A.
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
More than 100 Salesian Sisters (including Sr. NAME NAME and Sr. NAME NAME, at right) joined in the procession which opened the Grand Centennial Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, winding its way up the center aisle (below), led by the Rector of the Cathedral, Msgr. Robert Ritchie.
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April 25, 2009
in New York City
A familiar face greeted the Salesian Sisters as they entered St. Patrick’s Cathedral: St. John Bosco! A memorial (left and above) to the founder of the Salesian Order is located at the Cathedral’s entrance. At right, a stained-glass window of St. Mark was fitting to the day, as April 25 is the Feast of the Apostle and Gospel author. Below, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, installed as leader of the Archdiocese of New York just 10 days earlier, is overjoyed to greet the Salesian Sisters. Below, right, Sr. Loretta DeDomenicis leads the assembly in the Responsorial Psalm.
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
Above, Deacon Asterio Velasco proclaims the Gospel. Who is he and what is his connection to the Sisters? At right, Michael Guarnieri, President of the Partners Circle, gives a reading.
Above, Tonya Schneider, a senior at Mary Help of Christians Academy, reads a prayer petition At right, Salesian Priests Fr. Dominic Tran, Bishop Emilio Allue, and Fr. John Serio.
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
More than 300 people gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for the special Centennial Mass. At right, Sr. Suzanne Dauwalter sings ___________.
The Salesian Choir and Orchestra, under the direction of Sr. NAME NAME, provided the inspiring music during the Mass. Below, Sr. NAME NAME was a heavenly drummer!
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April 25, 2009
in New York City
Archbishop Timothy Dolan delivers the homily during the Centennial Mass. Need to recall some of his words, which often provoked applause (below).
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
Rosemarie Brandt of TOWN, XX, and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX, with Sr. Isabel Garza.
Following Mass, Sr. Mildred Zanetti, Sr. Edna Mary McDonald, and Sr. Agatha Cosentino gather with Mary Help of Christians Academy alumnae NAME NAME of TOWN, XX; NAME NAME of TOWN, XX; and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX. At right, John Connors joins Sr. Anna Ragogna and Sr. Helene Godin.
Above, Sr. Anne Hottot, Sr. Mary Anne Zito, and Sr. Beatrice Valot. At right, Sr. Mary Winterscheidt joins pilgrims from Florida (left-right): Elsa and Judge E.J. Salcines, Philip Rinaldi, Jack and Judy Guggino, and Anne and Joe Garcia. Joe and E.J. are members of the Partners Circle.
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100 Years of Rejoicing! Sr. Phyllis Neves’ Message
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look back does more than just tell us where we’ve been. A look back reminds us of the goodness of God, how He has sustained us and loved us. It recalls how, from very poor and simple beginnings, God has worked through us for 100 years, creating many and varied educational environments where young people can grow in their love for God and develop themselves as good persons who can make a difference in this world. Like St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, we want to give thanks to God for 100 years of blessings received and outpoured in abundance. In a special way, we want to thank God for all Archbishop Timothy Dolan is clearly delighted to greet those who have been, and those who continue Sr. Phyllis Neves (right) before Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral! to be, an important part of our service to youth. We thank our brother Salesians, our families We ask God for His continued guidance and blessings and friends, our faculties and students, our past pupils, on the Salesian Sisters of the U.S.A. and on all those and all the members of the Salesian Family. who in various ways collaborate with us in making God’s love visible to the young, especially the poor We offer thanks in a special way to our Partners Circle and most vulnerable. who, in their unassuming and generous way, support and encourage our mission May Mary, the Help of among the young and have Christians and of all people, helped us to nurture growth open the path that leads us and new life in so many into the next hundred years. ways. May she continue to inspire many young women to join We turn to the loving, ever us in the joyful mission of faithful God, and we thank service that the Church has Him for this past century of entrusted to us. May she our presence here in the bless us with the courage United States. that filled the hearts of our first missionaries so that we will always be willing to We are grateful for the pioneering women who bring the Good News of the Gospel wherever God established the first U.S.A. Salesian Sisters community leads us. in Paterson, New Jersey. This humble and poor dwelling place laid the foundation for the Sisters’ May we glorify God together for these and all the works of prayer and service for youth during these past countless blessings that have filled our lives for 100 100 years. years. May our families, friends and benefactors be assured of our gratitude and prayer. Because of their It is with gratitude and joy that we celebrated our 100 generosity and support, we have experienced the years in New York City, the place where our Sisters promise of Don Bosco: “Trust in Mary and you will first arrived, and we look forward with anticipation to know what miracles are.” the years that are yet to be.
“Like St John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, we want to give thanks to God for 100 years of blessings received and outpoured in abundance.”
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
All Aboard for an Unforgettable Cruise!
F
ollowing Mass, it was time to set sail aboard the World Yacht Duchess for an incredible dinner cruise around Manhattan Island. Why a cruise? We recalled the brave sea journey of the first four Salesian Sisters – Sr. Antoinette Agliardi, Sr. Veneranda Zammit, Sr. Frances Delfino, and Sr. Angelina Andorno – who arrived in New York Harbor in 1908, penniless but rich in the Spirit and God’s love. As we sailed past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a fireworks display lit up the night sky in honor of the pioneer Sisters and all those who have followed in their wake these 100 years. Our cruise included dinner, dancing, and a performance by Broadway star Christian Hoff. The story unfolds on the following pages. Our Centennial Celebration was our biggest fundraiser ever, with more than $000,000 donated to support the Salesian Sisters’ mission to at-risk children. How can we ever thank you for your generosity?
As guests boarded the World Yacht “Duchess” for our ‘round Manhattan cruise, they were greeted by students from Mary Help of Christians Academy, dressed in outfits from 1908, the year the first Salesian Sisters arrived in the U.S.A.
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April 25, 2009
in New York City
All aboard! Sr. NAME NAME and Sr. NAME NAME join guests on the Duchess as they prepare to set sail on New York Harbor. Wondrous vistas of Manhattan Island were in store, including Battery Park at dusk (below).
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
Heading up the World Yacht gangway are NAME NAME of TOWN, XX, and Sr. Maria Colombo.
Cheers! Enjoying a cocktail are Sr. Lise Parent’s brother NAME and his wife, NAME, of TOWN, XX.
Enjoying the delicious dinner are Sr. Mildred Zanetti, Sr. NAME NAME, and Sr. NAME NAME.
Sr. Theresa Lee sat with NAME NAME of TOWN, XX, and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX.
Sr. Mary Rinaldi visits with Trudy Carey of TOWN, XX, and Elsa Salcines of TOWN, XX.
Say Cheese! Sr. Esther Cruz poses for a photo with Veronica Barrios of the Salesian Sisters’ Development Office.
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All dressed up and ready to party aboard the World Yacht are (left-right) Aleta and Rich Taylor of TOWN, XX; Phyllis and Tony Chernalis of TOWN, XX; Pat & Bill McLaughlin of TOWN, XX; Robert and Maryann Harkins of TOWN, XX; and Mike and Twinkie Polizzi of TOWN, XX. Bill and Mike are members of the Partners Circle Board; Pat and Twinkie are on the “Dames of Mary Help”; and Tony owns the fabulous Market Basket.
Above, Sr. Pauline Joss and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX, admire the sunset. At left, Sr. Theresa Kelly and Sr. NAME NAME spot friends aboard the World Yacht.
From Texas with love: the McNally Family traveled all the way to New York from the Lone Star State to be a part of our unforgettable Centennial Celebration! Betty Turner (far right) of TOWN, XX, joins the McNally’s for a pre-cruise photo.
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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Broadway star Christian Hoff (left) charmed everyone with his magical singing voice. Before the night was over, a rousing rendition of “When the Saints Come Marching In” brought everyone – and their napkins! – to their feet!
Sr. NAME NAME joins in as the ladies kick up their heels on the dance floor: (l-r) NAME NAME, Linda Christensen, NAME NAME, NAME NAME, NAME NAME, NAME NAME, and Maggie Waitts.
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April 25, 2009
in New York City
Shall we dance? Left-right: Beverly and Rodger Rohde, Sr., of TOWN, XX; NAME and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX; and NAME and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX.
Better than Benny Goodman! Peter Lawrence and his orchestra serenaded us with beautiful music as we enjoyed dinner, dancing, and unforgettable views aboard the World Yacht “Duchess”.
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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Talk about a handsome table! Enjoying the celebration are (left-right): NAME and NAME Connors of TOWN, XX; NAME and NAME Laudone of TOWN, NJ; and.... (name the other 4, with towns, please!)
We’re ready to eat! Joining Sr. Emy DiFilippi at table are (left-right): name all 7 please, with towns!
All smiles for the camera are NAME, NAME, and NAME Wathne of TOWN, XX, with Sr. Christine Hellen and Sr. Ruth Stecker, and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX. The Wathnes generously donated gift umbrellas everyone on board!
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NAME NAME and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX, had a great time at their table of Sisters (left-right): name all 6 Sisters, please!
Sr. Lise Parent’s relatives came all the way from Montreal, Canada: (left-right) name all 5, please
Cheers! Sr. Margaret Rose Buonaiuto and Sr. Agatha Cosentino join their family members (left-right): name all 6, please, with towns.
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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Now that’s a glamorous group! Joe and Deirdre Ward of TOWN, XX; Stewart Glaser and his date, Maggie Waitts, of TOWN, XX; and Linda and Peter Christiansen of Greenwich, CT. Maggie is a member of the Partners Circle Board, and works with Linda on the “Dames of Mary Help.”
The Jubanowsky family of TOWN, XX, and their friends had a ball at the gala (left-right): please name all!
Enjoying eachother’s company are (left-right): NAME NAME of TOWN, XX; Caroline Greco of TOWN, XX; and NAME and NAME Apacella of TOWN, XX.
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April 25, 2009
in New York City At left, Diana Ekonomou of TOWN, XX, announces.... tell a little story here about her gift and challenge, and how much was raised.
Below, Sr. Phyllis Neves, Provincial Superior, and Sr. Mary Rinaldi introduce the young women with are studying to become Salesian Sisters. Our prayers are with these Novices as they represent the future of our Order: supply all their names, please.
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
Part of the large contingent from Louisiana were RANK NAME Gauthe and NAME NAME.
Sr. Colleen Clair visits with Thomas Santorelli of TOWN, XX.
Joelle Bernard and Christian Riehl came from Strasbourg, France, where they published our Centennial book!
All smiles are Lorrie Longo of TOWN, XX, and Deborah Rohde of TOWN, XX.
Tara Jubanowsky of TOWN, XX, loved seeing her former teacher at Camp Auxilium, Sr. Mary Arciga.
Welcome aboard to NAME and NAME NAME from TOWN, LA.
22 • Partners in Giving • Volume XIX • Issue 3
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April 25, 2009
in New York City
This very spirituallyminded table included Sr. Patricia Roche, Sr. Kim Keraitis, Fr. John Serio, S.D.B., of PARISH in TOWN, XX, and Fr. Jim Heuser, S.D.B., Provincial Superior of the Salesian Priests. Seated next to Sr. Kim is NAME NAME of TOWN, XX.
Anchoring this VIP table are the Provincial Superiors of the Eastern Province, Sr. Phyllis Neves (left), and the Western Province, Sr. Sandra Neaves (far right). Joining them areFr. NAME NAME of PARISH, TOWN, XX;NAME NAME of TOWN, XX; Sr. Domenica Di Peri; NAME and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX; Sr. NAME NAME; Sr. NAME NAME; and Sr. NAME NAME.
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
Sr. Eileen Tickner visits with NAME and NAME NAME of TOWN, XX.
Kiki and Carlos Baldor of NAME, FL. Carlos is a member of the Partners Circle Board.
Sr. Carmen Peña, Sr. Theresa Sironi, and Sr. Sandra Neaves, Provincial Superior of the West.
Sr. Maureen Flynn shares a story with NAME NAME of TOWN, XX.
Sr. Joanne Holloman joins NAME NAME at her table.
David McAleer of Greenwich, CT, meets Sr. Danielle Gonzalez. David’s wife, Christina, is the Sisters’ Director of Advancement.
24 • Partners in Giving • Volume XIX • Issue 3
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April 25, 2009
in New York City
Never in our wildest dreams did we think we would see the Empire State Building illuminated in the Salesian colors of blue and white! Special thanks go to................ for this unforgettable tribute.
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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Our Centennial
CELEBRATION!
One of the cruise’s many highlights was a spectacular fireworks show beside the Statue of Liberty, put on by the world-famous Grucci Family.
Caption Caption Caption
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Enjoy the Centennial in Your Own Home!
T
he long-awaited Salesian Sisters’ Centennial History Book, The “Yes” Lives On, is here and selling like hotcakes! Have you ordered your copy yet? Have you bought copies for your family and friends? Written by the late, great Sr. Josephine Carini, this 252-page full color, lavishly illustrated book tells the incredible, poignant, utterly human story of the Salesian Sisters, from the first four who arrived in 1908, to the hundreds of Sisters who spread the mission of service to young people and the Church across the continent. Read all about it! All proceeds support the Salesian Sisters’ mission to young people. Thank you!
YES! Please send me ___ copy/copies of The “Yes” Lives On at just $25 per copy, including postage & handling. Total enclosed: $ __________ Please make check payable to: Salesian Sisters Name Address
Telephone E-mail Please mail this form in the enclosed envelope.
Credit Card Orders Welcome! Please call the Development Office: weekdays, 9 am-5 pm: (973) 904-0102 or toll-free (877) OUR-NUNS
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009 •
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PARTNERS IN GIVIN G is a bimonthly magazine published by the
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Clifton, NJ Permit No. 1104
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397 Telephone: (973) 904-0102 Toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS Fax: (973) 904-0041 E-mail: fmadevt@aol.com Website: www.salesiansisters.org Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753 Missionary Society of Salesian Sisters, Inc. PRIVACY POLICY: Your name, address, and other information are held in confidence by our ministry and will never be sold, rented, or given to any other organization.
Editorial Board Dr. Joseph McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Mrs. Christina McAleer, Director of Advancement Mrs. Janet Arias-Rodriquez, Production Manager Partners in Giving welcomes letters, articles, and photos from contributors. We reserve the right to edit for publication.
Have You Moved? Please help us update our mailing list. If the address on this magazine above is incorrect, kindly fill in this form with the correct information & mail it to our office. Thanks!
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Partners in Giving • Centennial Special 2009
Heart-shaped fireworks explode above the Statue of Liberty, a beautiful gesture to the four original Salesian Sisters who arrived in New York Harbor 100 years ago.
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