The Joy of Being a Salesian Educator
The Saving Work of Souls
W
ready for Heaven. The Sister whom she was assisting was sitting up in bed and shaking the siderails, saying, “She was here! She was here!” Upon being questioned as to whom she was talking about, she responded, “Our Lady! She told me that she was coming for me soon. She told me that I have to wait for a little bit longer. She was so beautiful!”
hen I first discovered St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello, I was charmed and inspired by their dedication to the service of the young. I could see myself as a participant in youth groups or classrooms. However, that all changed when, in 1985, after years of study to become an elementary school teacher, I was asked to complete some more courses to become a registered nurse. I was assigned to St. Joseph’s Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ. In this capacity I would be serving our elderly and infirm Sisters who had, indeed, spent many years actually serving young people! Whether I am taking vital signs; doing physical assessments and treatments; reviewing medications; making appointments; driving Sisters to their appointments; updating medical records; working with insurance and coordinating schedules of assignments; or supervising our helpers – it all contributes to the saving work of souls. Here we work as a team for holistic health care and preventive medicine. The developmental task of achieving positive adjustment to aging and adapting to diminished health are goals that come along with the aging process. Life review is an important part of healthy aging. Our Sisters love to reminisce. Stories from past experiences are welcomed and readily shared. Experiences especially revolving around the classroom or community life are enjoyed by all. I have had the joy and opportunity to observe our Sisters as they reminisced. Once, a recently-ordained Bishop was informed by the Sister sacristan that they were going to celebrate the Mass of St. Joseph the Worker. “Who is that?” he asked. Sister escorted him
Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org
This has been the case for several of our infirm Sisters as they moved toward the light at the conclusion of their earthly journey. I have seen our aides and volunteers become close to the Sisters entrusted to their care. They celebrate their birthdays, assist them lovingly, and follow their funeral Masses, often with tears in their eyes.
At the St. Joseph Provincial Center, Sr. Virginia Dickey (standing, center) is joined by Sr. Louise Passero, Sr. Catherine Altamura, and Sr. Mary Palladino.
Being at the St. Joseph Provincial Center means living an adventure among consecrated educators. Every Sister continues her role as educator in the work that she does foremost by her example of loving fidelity. All is offered up for their salvation.
“Our phone rings often with requests for prayers. We are the vibrant and effective ‘Powerhouse of Prayer’ for those in need!”
Our phone rings often with requests for prayers. After all, we are the vibrant and effective “Powerhouse of Prayer” and intercession for those in need!
into the side parlor and explained, “You work. I work. He works!” He never forgot this. Many of the stories handed down are centered on Mary and her presence, guidance and protection. She remains for us the “Teacher without whom all wisdom is foolishness.” A Sister aide told of her experience of walking into the room of an elderly Sister who was rapidly declining and getting
Did I know or even suspect that there would be such joy in serving this segment of our “population”? Probably not to this degree, but as I finger my Rosary, laugh with those who are still among us, and close the eyes of the dying, I am grateful to the Lord and His Mother Mary for having called me to this mission. With joy in my heart I can say that I owe all to Mary Help of Christians. – Sr. Virginia Dickey, FMA
Partners in Giving • Christmas 2016 •
17