Partners in Giving - Spring 2020

Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

P artners in G ivin G

Spring 2020 • www.salesiansisters.org

Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s Letter Dear Friends, Our world has changed. No one could ever have predicted the savage march of the coronavirus pandemic across the globe. The Salesian Sisters – like all of you – are sheltering in place, and our schools and ministries are closed (although we continue to teach our students using online tools). Our most vulnerable Sisters at the St. Joseph Provincial Center are strictly quarantined – but sewing face masks for First Responders! We thank God that no Sister has suffered as of yet, although we are aware of many Salesian friends who are bravely battling the virus.

Please be assured of our prayers. We invite you to join us in praying daily the Novena and Consecration Prayer shared on these two pages.

We are reminded of St. John Bosco and his heroic efforts when cholera ravaged Italy in 1854. While ministering to the sick, he also comforted the boys in his Oratory. “We should also place ourselves, body and soul, in the hands of the Blessed Virgin,” he told them. “If the cholera is caused by contagion, we need a remedy, and none is better than the Queen of Heaven whom the Church invokes as the help of the sick.” To this, we reply, simply, “Amen.”

Peace, and stay safe,

PARTNERS IN GIVING is a bimonthly magazine published by the

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 New! E-mail: SalesianPartners@gmail.com Website: www.salesiansisters.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/Salesian.Sister

2 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

A Novena to pray Mother Yvonne Reungoat, FMA, the Mother General of the Salesian Sisters and the successor of St. Mary Mazzarello, has sent this message to the entire Salesian community:

“I

invite you to pray the Novena to Mary Help of Christians until this emergency is eradicated. I know that several communities have already started it with faith and I thank you very much. This is also a way to feel close to the people who are suffering because they are affected by the virus and their families ... Don Bosco suggested to pray to the Madonna of “difficult times” with this Novena.

He encouraged us that, ‘If you want to get graces from the Holy Virgin, make a Novena.’”

In response to the Mother General’s invitation, the Sisters of our Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern United States and Canada are praying a daily Novena to Mary Help of Christians that will continue until the end of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.

Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, Provincial, invites everyone to join the Salesian Sisters in these daily prayers by simply praying three “Hail Marys” with the invocation, “Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.”

Editorial Board Dr. Joe McAleer, Editor Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Director of Development Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, Editorial Manager Theresa Anderson & Anna Anderson, Copy Editors Federal Tax ID # 22-6043753 © 2020 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.

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Recalling St. John Bosco and the 1854 cholera epidemic

Salesians consecrate the world to Mary Help

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s 2020 brought the world the dreaded coronavirus, COVID-19, the Salesian Family has responded, as we always have, by turning to our patroness, Mary Help of Christians.

weeks caring for the sick and burying the dead. Our Lady protected those who entrusted themselves to her.

Inspired by similar sentiments, the Salesian Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, SDB, the successor of Don Bosco as head of the Salesian family, invited all Salesian Priests, Brothers, Sisters, young people, Cooperators, and all other members of the Salesian family to join him in entrusting the world to Mary Help of Christians on March 24, her monthly commemoration, for the intention of ending the coronavirus pandemic.

This isn’t the first time we have faced a devastating epidemic, going as far back as to the time of St. John Bosco and the cholera outbreak in Turin, Italy, in 1854. Among his students and Salesians, Don Bosco sought volunteers to help care for the sick and suffering, a difficult job with a disease as unpleasant as cholera.

Promising they would not catch cholera if they remained in God’s grace, wore a medal of Our Lady, and prayed every day for her protection, Don Bosco found more than 40 volunteers from among his ranks of boys. Not one became sick, although they spent

The Prayer of Consecration (below) can be prayed daily, as the Salesian world continues to invoke Our Lady’s protection and help.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us!

Prayer of Consecration of the World to Mary Help of Christians

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ost Holy and Immaculate Virgin Mary, our tender and powerful Mother of Christians, we consecrate ourselves entirely to you, so that you may lead us to the Lord. We dedicate our spirit to you with its thoughts, our heart with its affections, the body with its feelings and all its strength, and we promise to always want to work for the greater glory of God and for the salvation of souls.

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eanwhile, O incomparable Virgin, you who have always been the Mother of the Church and the Help of Christians, continue to show yourself thus, especially these days.

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nlighten and strengthen bishops and priests, keep them always united and obedient to the Pope, infallible teacher; increase priestly and religious vocations so that, also through them, the kingdom of Jesus Christ is preserved among us and extend to the very ends of the earth.

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e ask you once again, sweet Mother, to always keep your loving eyes on the young exposed to so many dangers, and on the poor sinners and the dying.

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e for all, o Mary, sweet Hope, Mother of mercy, Door of heaven. But we also beg you, O great Mother of God, for ourselves. Teach us to copy in us your virtues, especially your angelic modesty, your profound humility, and your ardent charity.

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Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

ary, Help of Christians, make us all gathered under your Mother’s mantle.

rant that in temptations we immediately invoke you with trust: in short, let the thought of you – so good, so kind, so dear, the memory of the love you bring to your devotees – grant such comfort that it makes us victorious against the enemies of our soul, in life and in death, so that we can come to be your crown in beautiful Paradise. Amen.

Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 3

Doing their part to help in the crisis

Sisters sew face masks for First Responders

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s a response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and in consideration of the needs of First Responders and front-line medical personnel for protective face masks, the elderly retired Sisters at the St. Joseph Provincial House in Haledon, NJ, sprang into action, and quickly gathered materials to make masks.

On two floors of the house, sewing machines whirred away as fabrics in every pattern at hand were formed into double- and triple-layer masks to help protect their fellow New Jerseyans from the coronavirus. From simple patterns found online to more complex face masks fitted with hospital-grade fusible interfacing inserts, each Sister at work gave the masks her personal touch. Completed masks were donated to local hospitals.

Sr. Livia Setti concentrates on the detailed work.

In addition to making masks, the community of Sisters have dedicated themselves to two hours of daily Eucharistic Adoration in response to Pope Francis’ invitation to prayer. The Sisters see it as a way of being in solidarity with the people whom they’ve ministered with and served over the years.

No place or face is forgotten in their prayers, as the Sisters pray for healing and deliverance from the virus.

Sr. Carmela Termine, above, and Sr. Rufina Delgado, left, are happy to be sewing for a good cause!

4 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne

The duties of the “Crown”

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ave you heard of or watched the Netflix show, “The Crown”? It offers a glimpse of the life of royalty through the characters of the House of Windsor, specifically the current Queen Elizabeth. It follows her from her youth, as she assumes the throne as a young, but strong-willed queen, weaving together the story of her country, the weight of her royal duties, and the cast of characters that have shaped the United Kingdom.

of us. In fact, Jesus said that if we want to be recognized as members of His Kingdom, we need to remember that in each suffering person He is hidden, for, “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, that you do to Me” (Matthew 25:40).

During these days of the global pandemic, we want you to know that your Salesian Sisters are close to you in prayer and in love. Although we cannot physically be there with each of you, we ask God to send you all of the help and healing you and your loved ones need.

What must it be like to be royalty or the sovereign of a nation and wear “the crown”? Most of us, at one point or another, have wondered what it would be like to live in such extravagant Please let us know how you luxury. Most children seem “During these days of the global are doing. E-mail, call, or to express this innate desire write to your Adopted Sister. for royalty, as they play pandemic, we want you to know with paper crowns and that your Salesian Sisters are close to Let her know how you are and if you need any special stick swords to defend their you in prayer and love. Although we prayers. We all may be “kingdoms”. Being royal isn’t all beautiful ceremonies cannot physically be there with each “sheltering in place,” but that does not mean our hearts and crown jewels, however, of you, we ask God to send you cannot connect. as it also means great all of the help and healing you responsibility. Recently, in the Just as royalty before us has news, we have seen the mixed and your loved ones need.” faced hard times and guided reaction to Prince Harry and their countries to safety, Meghan Markle wanting to together we will do the same. In times like these, take a step back from their royal duties. From “The people look at Christians to see if we live the charity Crown” and the news, we’ve learned being royal means and generosity that our religion claims. Not all of us being available to serve the people, having the courage may have financial means, but a kind word, a phone to make decisions in difficult situations, and often call, an offer of a little extra food, and the comfort of facing battles few have faced before. simple human contact (even if it must be digitally), can go a long way. We may be unable to attend Mass With the spread of the coronavirus, which itself means or find ourselves unable to leave the house, but love “crown” virus, the Salesian Sisters have felt a great cannot be restricted by state mandates; love always responsibility, as members of the Kingdom of God, finds a way to express itself. to place ourselves at the service of those suffering and in need. We have started sewing face masks for First In the name of the Salesian Sisters, I wish you and Responders (at left); spending extra time in Adoration your loved ones the peace of Christ that His Crown of and prayer for the safety of our family, friends, and Thorns won for us upon the Cross. As we look to the benefactors; and each community has looked at supplies promised Easter, both on earth and in Heaven, we can and food and has tried to share them with others. take joy in knowing that no suffering, no virus, and no sorrow will separate us from Him. God bless!

These simple actions to help others, or Works of Mercy as you may have heard them called in – Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, is the Superior Catechism class, are the hallmark of a Christian, a of the Province of St. Joseph follower of Christ the King who gave His life for all Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 5

An online resource for news and prayers

Let’s keep in closer touch via the Internet!

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ere’s your one-stop Salesian Sisters’ online resource! Visit https://linktr.ee/salesiansisters and you will find:

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his year’s Adopt a Sister Luncheon, which was scheduled for March 13 on Villa Madonna Campus in Tampa, FL, had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus.

More than 200 guests were planning to come for a Friday lunch to see many Sisters who were coming to visit. See you next year!

Thank you to all of those who volunteered their time, sent a donation, and had planned to come.

Stay tuned for next year’s luncheon, as it will be an even bigger event, celebrating 30 years of the Adopt a Sister Program!

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s we hope you are aware by now, the coronavirus forced the cancellation of our annual Spring Party at Mary Help of Christians Academy on April 26, as well as the Dames of Mary Help’s annual fundraiser, “Sip, Shop & Support” on April 30. See you next year! But please know the need remains! If you are able, please make a donation to support our students and their school. Please use the enclosed envelope, or visit www.salesiansisters.org. Thank you!

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he 10th annual Fr. Peter M. Rinaldi Awards Dinner, “A Decade of Angels, A Decade of Dreams,” will be rescheduled from its original date of April 25, due to the coronavirus. Watch for details on the new date and place soon!

Proceeds from the gala evening, including dinner and a silent auction, benefit programs, tuition aid, and robust technology for Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School in Port Chester, NY. This year’s honorees will be Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, Christina McAleer, and Michael Borrelli.

For more information, please call (914) 937-6904 or e-mail cchrsdevelopment@gmail.com.

6 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

Sr. Emilia Kassab writes a special letter to one of her Adopters, assuring her of her prayers.

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

Now more than ever

Please Adopt a Sister!

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specially in these uncertain times, please consider joining our friends of all faiths who have experienced the transforming power of prayer and loving friendship with a Salesian Sister, every day of the year, through our Adopt a Sister Program. Whether the Adopted Sister is for yourself, a family member, or a friend in need of spiritual strength, you will find comfort knowing that your intentions will be remembered each day by your spiritual prayer partner. And it makes the PERFECT gift, especially for a wedding, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, birthday, anniversary – any occasion!

Please complete the form below, visit us online at: www.salesiansisters.org, or call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you, and God bless you.

Irma Hatfield of Tempe, AZ, who had adopted the late Sr. Mildred Zanetti, now has two new Adopted Sisters – Sr. Mary Rinaldi and Sr. Esther Cruz!

CVV: _____________

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 7

Now more than ever

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

Please give us this day

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s there a better gift in these troubling times than a day of prayer? Do you have a happy occasion you would like to be remembered? The Salesian Sisters will celebrate with you. Is it a time to commemorate a less-than-happy occasion? Let the Sisters help. Have you someone to thank?

All of us will multiply this gratitude to that special person.

So, please “Give Us This Day”!

Any and every event or person or situation that merits special attention will be publicized on a bulletin board outside our chapel on your special day. All the Sisters, on that day, will pray for that person/event and for the person who requests prayers for the day.

Our Lord has assured us, “Where two or three are gathered in My Name, I am among them.” What better assurance can we have? Let this exchange of prayer be an example of our concern and love for one another.

At the St. Joseph Provincial Center, which is now closed to visitors due to the coronavirus, Sr. Rosalie Di Peri keeps up with the latest news.

Thank you, and God bless you.

Give Us This

Day

Please give us this day/these days in 2020 in honor of my special request(s):

Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope.

Thank you!

8 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

On the Journey with Sister B

A lot of darkness now, but a lot of light, too

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ake a moment to contemplate the cover of Partners in Giving; we chose it with great intention. For this issue, I was tasked with finding or taking a photo that could connect with our readers during this time of the global pandemic. I was really puzzled – how do I relate a photo of the Sisters to the coronavirus?

When looking at the cover, do you find the photo beautiful? Confusing? Too dark? Does it leave you with questions like, “Who is that Sister and what is she doing?”

Good. Our goal was to make you stop for a moment and think. American artist James Turrell said, “Light is not so much something that reveals, as it is itself the revelation.” Think about that. What is the light revealing in this photograph? To what does the light and the Sister’s gaze direct us? What is the revelation?

as he is the master of this style, or the photography of Ansel Adams. In looking at their works, I’ve always been drawn to the interplay of darkness and light, probably because it reminds me so much of my experience of life itself – darkness and light, dancing together to weave my story and yours.

We had just finished an hour of Adoration one Sunday. I had clicked various photos of the Sisters at prayer, but I wasn’t happy with the results. I noticed, however, that the sun was starting to pour through the windows, and after all the candles were extinguished, the chairs it touched were glowing – and one of the Sisters was glowing. Chiaroscuro – darkness and light.

“How do I relate a The resulting photo was what I was photo of the Sisters looking for – the power of prayer, of during this dark time, was shining to the coronavirus?” faith through.

This global pandemic has been both terrifying and frustrating. Most of us have been ordered to “shelter in place,” and some of us are even separated from loved ones who are being treated for the coronavirus. There’s a lot of darkness going on, and I don’t like it.

At the same time, there is a lot of light – neighbors reconnecting after years of isolation, people turning to their sewing machines to make face masks for First Responders whom they haven’t even met, and a sense of national unity brought about by a disease that we are all determined to overcome.

With the coronavirus, the light and the darkness are woven together, as they usually are in life.

In art, this blending of light and darkness, or playing with shadow, is called chiaroscuro, an Italian word that literally translates to “light-dark”. If you’re stuck at home, take some time to Google the art of Caravaggio,

We hope the cover gives you some inspiration and a reminder that through the darkness of this pandemic, there is still light; there is beauty. Now we have the (forced) opportunity to spend more time with our families, the chance to pick up hobbies we set aside, and the gift of silence as the roads are less abuzz with traffic. If we don’t see any light in this darkness, perhaps it’s because we haven’t opened any blinds.

Read a book, take some photos, learn a new skill, watch some movies you’ve wanted to see, organize the basement, and/or call the person you’ve been meaning to call since last Easter.

I don’t know how long this dark pandemic will last, but I do know this – if we open our eyes, we’ll find the light, and that light will give us the courage and strength to carry on. Be sure of my prayers!

– Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Sr. Brittany is the Social Media Coordinator for the Province and Editorial Manager of Partners in Giving.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 9

Memorials

A Love That Lasts Forever

Received between February 3 & March 27, 2020 Sr. Gloria Machado, FMA Ms. Lolita Fernandes

You can honor a cherished relative or friend with an everlasting gift of love – a memorial.

Our Partners in Giving Memorials & Tributes give you the opportunity to comfort those who have lost a loved one or to commemorate a special occasion.

This gift lives forever, joining our loved ones to the prayers of the Salesian Sisters while supporting their good works.

The name of your loved one will appear in our Partners in Giving magazine – a priceless gift to those you love.

Give the gift that lasts forever.

Enclosed is my Memorial/Tribute Gift of: ____ $25

____ $20

Memorial for Tribute for

____$15

$

Name – DECEASED Name – LIVING

Sr. Jeanette Puglisi, FMA Dr. and Mrs. Anthony S. Puglisi Sr. Mary Palladino, FMA Mr. & Mrs. Alfred Durante Thomas Agnes Rosalie and Grace Polizzi Andrew Torcicollo Ms. Ann Marie Torcicollo Bob Hunt Ms. Susan Hunt Robert Salter Ms. Angela T. Larca Mr. Joseph Papa & Ms. Marylee Pratnicki Charles Valentine Mr. Robert H. Sorbanelli, Jr. Salvatore L. Leone Mrs. Christine Lopez Florence O’Donnell Ms. Carol Kasper Barbara J. Carter Karen Tokarz

Dr. Antonio Castro Mr. & Mrs. Riley Hogan, Jr. Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle National Board of Trustees Madeline Altamura Mr. Constantine Rakkou Beth Hrubala Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Grossano Nancy L. Elwell Mr. Wesley Elwell & Family John R. Glover, 66th Birthday Dr. Joe McAleer

Tributes Received between February 3 & March 27, 2020 Sr. Grace Ruiz, FMA, on her birthday Mrs. Roseann Mosseau Sr. Virginia Dickey, FMA, on her birthday Mrs. Cheri Brinkman

Occasion Please send an acknowledgement to: Name Address My Name Address Detach & mail in the enclosed envelope.

Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS

10 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

Prior to social distancing, Sr. Christina Chong and local youth cleaned and landscaped the grounds of Camp Auxilium in Newton, NJ, in preparation for Spring and responding to Pope Francis’ call for greater ecological awareness.

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

From Cuba to the United States

Sr. Gloria Machado, FMA, 91

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r. Gloria Bertha Machado, FMA, passed away peacefully on February 26 at the St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ. She was 91 and was professed as a Salesian Sister for 64 years.

Gloria was born on July 4, 1928 in Camaguey, Cuba, the youngest of eight children. Her mother Elena was a decisive woman with deep faith, able to guide her children along the right path, rooting them in the holy fear of God. When Gloria expressed her decision of wanting to consecrate herself to the Lord to help young people and was ready to begin her formation to religious life, some felt she was too attached to her mother. The Salesian Provincial, Mother Amina Arata, told Gloria, “From this day forward, I will take the place of your mother.”

Many years later Sr. Gloria could say that Mother Amina had kept her word and, in fact, she owed her vocation to this good Superior. She made her first profession in 1949 at Guanabacoa.

By 1961, the political climate in Cuba had greatly changed, as Fidel Castro confiscated the 11 schools owned by the Salesian Sisters and made it impossible for them to exercise any form of ministry. Arrangements were made to transfer the 83 Cuban Sisters to the United States. Sr. Gloria was assigned with three other Cuban Sisters to Our Lady of Mercy in Baton Rouge,

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r. Marie-Paule Micheline Bertrand, FMA, passed away peacefully on March 18 at the Hospital Santa Cabrini in Montréal, Canada. She was 81 and was professed as a Salesian Sister for 61 years.

Micheline was born in Champlain, Quebec, the youngest of five children.

“My family was a welcoming place, open, strong, and secure in our faith,” she recalled. “As a family, we all participated in evening prayers, the family Rosary, and High Mass on Sunday.”

In high school, a Salesian priest gave Micheline a small journal with pictures of St. Mary Mazzarello and writings about the Salesian Missions. This left her with the immediate desire to follow her lifelong dream to consecrate herself to the Lord and the

LA. She found herself surrounded by students who vied with one another to teach her English!

Next she was sent to Santo Domingo, then to Puerto Rico, where she remained for 12 years.

Over the next thirty years, Sr. Gloria served faithfully at St. Joseph Parish and School and Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL; and at Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ. “I am so glad that I can help young girls to know how wonderful life truly is, especially the life as a Salesian Sister of St. John Bosco,” she said.

Sr. Gloria was an artist, and for many years she was in charge of the art program at summer camps in North Haledon, NJ, Tampa, and Miami, FL. She was also a sacristan, and, with her artistic talent, the chapel was always decorated with flowers arranged with exquisite taste. She loved to crochet, and often made beautiful afghans as gifts for benefactors.

missions. In 1958 she made her first profession in North Haledon, NJ. Sr. Micheline taught elementary school in Atlantic City, NJ; Reading and Easton, PA; and in Port Chester, NY, before returning to Canada in 1968. There she served in New Brunswick before teaching for many years in Montréal.

In addition to teaching, Sr. Micheline generously served her communities in Canada as an animator, bursar, and economer. From 2003 to the present, she continued to work with the Salesian Sisters’ General Mission Office in Rome, coordinating the “Auxilium Project,” sending donations of money to the most needy communities of Salesian Sisters around the world.

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efore school closed in March, students at Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL, began the month with a rousing performance of Disney’s Lion King Jr. Under the leadership of Ms. Roxana Harst and many volunteers, our annual school musical was once again a huge success! All students in the school took part in the Friday shows, and the main cast shown here had the full stage on Saturday. They learned lines from seven different African languages, and even sang in Swahili, Zulu, and Spanish! Apart from the professional costumes and backdrops, which were rented, everything else for the play, including the makeup, was done by volunteers.

Congratulations and bravo, everyone!

Above, the Kindergarten Exp

At left, Emma (Grade 8) as Rafi

plorers were all smiles waiting for their cue!

fiki greets Darren (Grade 5) as Young Simba.

Sixth-grade zebras, Elissa and Arianna, are on the move!

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL PARISH, Surrey, British Columbia – O, Canada! Before schools closed in March, Sr. Hae-Jin Lim (right), from the Salesian community of Surrey, joined local high school students (above) on a trip to learn about the culture and history of indigenous people in the Northwest Territory, including the Tlicho people in Behchoko, 1,300 miles north of Surrey – and a whole lot colder! The trip was designed to be a gesture of truth and reconciliation, as the students were immersed in the historical experience and culture of the indigenous tribes of Canada.

“Education and relationships are the key to understanding and peace,” Sr. Hae-Jin says. “The trip was intended to encourage future generations to honor the rich cultural traditions that form the indigenous Canadian people and to keep their reality in mind as future leaders in the country.”

Mary is very much present among the indigenous peoples in Canada.

The group heard about Tlicho efforts with the Canadian government to protect and regain some rights of the First Nations people. A tribal elder taught the traditional way of winter fishing, and the group experienced the wilderness through an exciting dog sled ride.

14 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

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he Salesian Sisters Partners Circle was founded in 1991 to provide unrestricted funds for urgent needs of the Salesian Sisters and their mission. These include support for capital needs, scholarship assistance, technology upgrades, and funds for those unforeseen situations that require immediate attention. Your annual contribution to this fund empowers the Sisters to continue their mission: To Provide Financial Assistance and Volunteer Services to the Salesian Sisters and to the Young People in their Care for the Advancement of Education, Vocations, and Community Life.

The fire which destroyed the Chapel at Mary Help of Christians Academy in May 2018 underscored the vital importance of the Partners Circle Fund, enabling the Sisters to respond quickly in an emergency.

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There are nine levels of membership, starting at $250, which are listed on these four pages. PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees, a group of talented lay people who advise the Sisters on distribution of the fund. Won’t you consider joining this dynamic group as we enter our 30th year? Please call us today: (877) OUR-NUNS. Thank you, and God bless you!!

The Joseph J. McAleer, Sr. Heritage Society Major Bequests California Richard Meissner, Meissner Manufacturing Florida Dorothy & Dr. Vincent Bagli Josie & Ray Campo Anne & Joseph Garcia PC Ann Lowry Murphey Angel Oliva Family The Dorothy Thomas Foundation

Partners Circle “Stewards”

Annual gift of $11,000 Florida Mr. & Mrs. James Millar New Jersey Anonymous

Indiana Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot New Jersey Tony Amato Family The Carini Family Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske

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Welcome

new or upgraded Partners Circle Members so far in 2020!

Shown in RED

New York Mrs. Pearl Kalikow

Partners Circle “Partners” Annual gift of $5,500

Florida Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor PC Lydia & John Oliva Mrs. Beverly Rohde New Jersey Mr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis Joanne & Al Daloisio Mr. Robert Harkins

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Maria L. Lopez Mr. Bill McLaughlin PC Christopher & Corinne Schiavo & The Shepherd & the Knucklehead Pub Joseph & Rita Weiner New York Mr. John Cassara Beruta & James Dell’Orto Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 15

Partners Circle “Friends”

Welcome new 2020 members in Red! PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees

Annual gift of $3,300

Connecticut Mary Bridget Gaine Florida Dr. Idalia Lastra Massachusetts Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC

New Jersey Christopher & Gemma Chong Mario & Arline Monaco Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

Partners Circle “Founders” Annual gift of $2,200 Connecticut Christina & David McAleer PC Florida Mr. & Mrs. Cooper Carlisle John & Pat Connors Anthony & Diana Ekonomou Lowry Murphey Family Foundation Mrs. Kathleen Medore Mr. & Mrs. Mark Oliva PC

New Jersey Marilyn & Dale Livi Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Massood Mr. & Mrs. Michael Massood Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Papetti Rose Perone Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Pfeifer PC Maria Sturchio New York Jordon Carroll

Anthony & Geraldine Dell’Orto Mr. Ian H. Graham Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Scala Pennsylvania In Loving Memory of Sr. Adeline Salvetti, FMA South Carolina Mr. & Mrs. Tom Aldinger

Partners Circle “Benefactors” Annual gift of $1,100 Arizona Mrs. Ann Marie Forster California Mr. & Mrs. Robert Obenberger Connecticut Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Zichichi Florida Anne & John Bedlek Joseph & Claudine Caballero PC Terrell & Joe Clark Dr. Andrea & Sean Farrier PC Aida Yglesias Jurado Mr. & Mrs. Jim Major Dr. Patricia Mergo Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf Robert Nocek

Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink Ms. Marianne O’Doherty Mr. Fredy Padovan Gene & Linda Perez Mr. Nick Suszynski PC Georgia Mr. Robert Reiter Massachusetts Mr. & Mrs. Neil Holmes Deirdre Kelleher New Jersey Ms. Debi F. Debiak Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Della Cerra Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Granatell Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann James Construction Co., Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Anthony M. Laino Michael & Mary Losurdo

16 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

Mrs. Faith Menard Mrs. Maureen O’Halloran Robert & Constance Sumas Mrs. Carolyn Young New York Ms. Lea Battiato Jo Ann & Joseph Caracappa PC John W. Lombardi & Family The Sabatine Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri North Carolina Chester & Monica Michewicz Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Bob Danch Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

Partners Circle “Associates” Annual gift of $825

Connecticut Dr. Joe McAleer PC

New Jersey Theresa E. Unanue

Florida Declan & Paula Mansfield Anne & Fred Michaels Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Terry Wood

Welcome new 2020 members in Red! PC denotes a member of the Partners Circle National Board of Trustees

Partners Circle “Members” Annual gift of $550 Arizona Anonymous

Illinois The Mills Family

Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec

California Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto

Indiana Andrea Dealynn Sandra M. Freeman

North Carolina Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard

Connecticut Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Edward F. Goin Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Mosey Florida Dr. Kenneth Alonso Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, in memory of Ana Maria Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Baldor, Jr. PC Mrs. Trudy Carey Dr. & Mrs. Antonio Castro Dr. & Mrs. Emilio Echevarria PC Mrs. Leslie Garcia PC Mr. & Mrs. Luis Garcia Dr. Giacomo & Mrs. Judy Guggino Joseph Phillip, Jr. & Julia Jones Mr. James D. Leone Mr. & Mrs. Mark S. Reynolds Alina M. Roces Rudy Rodriguez Hon. & Mrs. E.J. Salcines PC Mr. & Mrs. David Smith Ms. Maria C. Torreiro Ron Yates Georgia Mr. Charles Fantauzza

Louisiana Mr. & Mrs. George LeBlanc Massachusetts Ms. Josephine Petrillo Mr. & Mrs. Theodore Reading New Jersey Anonymous Tiziana Anello, M.D. Larry & Mary Anne Condit Ms. Anita Cronk John J. Eccleston Mr. & Mrs. Michael G. Ferrito Dr. & Mrs. Louis Gambetta PC Joann Giamonco Teresa Gutto Mr. James Lane Laura Cosentino Mannarino Mrs. Diva Muller George & Jeannie Pavlik Mrs. Christine Peragallo E.N. Sarantis New York Michael & Jeanette Altamura Mr. & Mrs. Jack Betwarda Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Clair Mrs. Rose Mary Clair Ms. Claire Dell

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Ohio Mr. & Mrs. Dale Kovach In memory of Mr. Fred Mastrogiovanni Ginnie Sitdham Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Brian Clair Ms. Kate Clair Barbara (Levings) Hedgecock Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Piotrowski Tennessee Mr. Terence P. Clair Virginia Mrs. Dominique Faust Dr. Evelyn Garcia & Michael Maurer Karl & Laura Zauner Washington Mr. Keiran C. Clair Washington, DC Ms. Arina Grossu PC

Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 17

Partners Circle “Quarter Century Club” Annual gift of $250

California Mr. Richard Suda Rev. Paula T. Webb

Vietmeier Maryland Adrienne & Albert Marra

Connecticut Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt Mr. Patrick J. Waide, Jr. Anonymous

New Hampshire Mr. & Mrs. Thomas DiMicelli

Florida Mr. & Mrs. Jon Barry Amanda Clair Kurt & Laura Badertscher Mr. & Mrs. Manuel Fernandez Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Fierman Mr. & Mrs. Edward Gomez, Jr. Mrs. Elsa Gutierrez-Janulonis Amy & Kevin Jarman Mr. & Mrs. John Mangin, Jr. John H. & Pauline Pedrero Mr. and Mrs. Paul Schmid Mrs. Raymetta Stowers Jim & Rita (Zoppo)

New Jersey Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Amatuzzi Collins & Hogan Families Mr. & Mrs. David Hess Theodore & Lynda Leo Ms. Mary Bernadette Mazauskas Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Nowak Gregory & Stephanie Monaco Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Obetz Mrs. Mary Ann Ryan Anna & Richard Spalckhaver Mr. & Mrs. Michael Testa Karla T. Villarin Mr. Edward M. Zambrano New York Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Collison

Welcome new 2020 members in Red! Mr. & Mrs. Charles V. Curcio Megan & J.T. Hunt Ms. Peggeann Larywon Mrs. Carolyn Mesler Ohio Anonymous Pennsylvania Mr. & Mrs. Fred A. Cairoli Mrs. Judith Falcone Lichty Mrs. Eileen Seeburger South Carolina Elizabeth Craig & Michael Reeves, Jr. Tennessee Mr. & Mrs. Robert Greenwell

Partners Circle Board Annual Meeting

Essential items funded, North and South

O

ut of an abundance of caution due to the coronavirus, the Annual Meeting of the Salesian Sisters Partners Circle National Board of Trustees was held by teleconference on March 14. Chairman Dennis Clair convened the meeting, and Sr. Joanne Holloman, Provincial Superior, offered a prayer for the speedy recovery of all those suffering from the virus.

Treasurer Joseph Caballero presented a financial report, and praised Sr. Mary Rinaldi and her Development Office staff for a very productive year. The vital Partners Circle unrestricted fund remains sound, but new members are needed, now more than ever.

The main order of business concerned requests from the Province from the Partners Circle fund. The

18 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

following items were approved unanimously: • Financial support for the Vocations Ministry and the Formation of new Salesian Sisters.

• Funding for a much-needed new fire alarm system for Mary Help of Christians Academy, as well as new Clear Panel presentation screens in the library and classrooms, and a bid proposal for new public bathrooms in Sacred Heart Hall.

• The purchase of two recreational utility vehicles for use on campuses in Haledon and Newton, NJ. • A matching challenge grant for the Villa Madonna Pavilion & Beautification Project (see page 23).

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SALESIANSCHOOLS !

Alumni Spotlight

Meet Peter Jean-Marie, a “model” student

W

hile a student at St. John Neumann High School in Naples, FL, Peter Jean-Marie, class of 2015, first became interested in the fashion industry when he began modeling at 16 for brands like GAP. As a model, he got a glimpse inside the industry that would capture his imagination, and realized that one day he wanted to start his own label and model his own designs.

water,’ and here I am, still wave-walking!”

After Peter’s brand, Peter Jean Marie, was launched with his first tie collection, he was soon given the nickname “Millennial Mogul.” The label focuses on menswear and will soon include womenswear.

Peter recently received media attention in his local Naples for securing shelf space in the Ritz Carlton Hotel, a prestigious addition to his Coastland Center Mall popup store, where he normally sells his ties and bowties, each handmade from high quality imported fabrics (like “Frozen Vine,” right). He hopes to find a way to break into the New York City fashion market and world soon.

As a high school sophomore, Peter encountered the Salesian Sisters when they took over the administration of his school. Some of his favorite memories were attending a Christian music festival with the Sisters and having the opportunity to play the drums during the school Masses.

“Peter was and is strong in his Christian identity,” recalls Sr. Brittany Harrison of her onetime theology student. “In high school he kept a journal where he would record sermon notes and favorite Scriptures.

He was active in sports and friendly with everyone; humble, but driven. When he told me he wanted to go into fashion, I knew he would make it. I’m so proud of him, and following his meteoric rise from college student to having his own label has been incredible.”

Peter hasn’t had the easiest time getting his brand off of the ground. No one knew who the young designer was. One naysayer, a former manager at a retail store where Peter worked after graduating from Miami International University of Art & Design, told Peter he’d never make it as a designer until his clothes were in his store. “Instead of being scared,” Peter reflects, “I had faith like Peter in the Gospel, and ‘walked on

As Peter continues to succeed in spreading brand awareness and expanding his line, he offers this advice to other young people with a dream: “Simply be dedicated to whatsoever you happen to be interested in. Be the best version of yourself.”

Great advice, Peter!

If you’d like to support a young designer, Peter’s products can be seen and purchased at his website, www.PeterJeanMarie.store. He can be followed on Instagram: @PeterJeanMarie.

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Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 19

NATIVITÉ DE MARIE, Cornwall, Ontario – In collaboration with the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall in Canada, the Salesian Sisters, seminarians, and diocesan workers hosted their version of “World Youth Day” on March 7 in Cornwall. The local celebration consisted of games, activities, lunch, a missionary talk, and Eucharistic Adoration.

Akin to a Salesian Oratory experience, the youth expressed joy as they participated in the activities and exhibited silence and peace during the culminating time of Adoration. Pictured above with participants are Sr. Guerline Joseph (kneeling, left), Sr. Lise Guitard, and Sr. Joyce Bermejo (kneeling, right).

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – The Academy’s annual spring fundraiser, “Baskets & BBQ Bash,” was held on March 7, before the closure of school. Attendees enjoyed delicious food, an Easter egg hunt, pictures with the Easter bunny, great music, and fantastic prizes. The Academy Dad’s Club, the Papa Penguins, hosted a car show during the event. At left, attendees perused the baskets and decided where to put their tickets, while Sr. Florine Lagace chatted with volunteers.

20 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

Please call us toll-free: (877) OUR-NUNS

SALESIANSCHOOLS !

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL – Just in time for Lent, Villa Madonna’s Dad’s Club made their famous Gumbo as a fundraiser.

It was frozen in containers and sold in the car pickup line by Dads Adrian Tillman and Lee Glasser, with help from the Dancing Crab (Jeffrey Abril)!

CORPUS CHRISTI HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY – When Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, visited in January during Catholic Schools Week to bless the Blessed Laura Vicuña Campus (the former Holy Rosary School), he was delighted to meet the second graders and offered lucky Brayden Rivera his zucchetto cap.

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Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 21

SALESIANSCHOOLS !

MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS ACADEMY, North Haledon, NJ – Talk about high fashion! Students in Mary Help’s first semester Fashion Arts course were busy this school year, creating mood boards for trends and inspiration for their Autumn/Winter 2020 collection.

They took a class trip into New York City to visit Mood Fabric in the Garment District, to select fabrics to execute their designs.

Mood Fabric was made famous by the television fashion show, “Project Runway.”

BACK IN THE DAY

During the second semester, before school closed, students were busy in the Florence Aurea Fashion Design Center at Mary Help, draping, pattern-making, and constructing their designs on dress forms. Bravo, young designers!

22 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 2

W

ith this issue, we begin a new section called “Back in the Day”.

We will share with you a historical photo from our Province that we hope our readers will enjoy.

In this issue, we get a glimpse of Sr. Louise Passero conversing with students at Mary Help of Christians Academy sometime between 1967-68. These conversations form the basis of our Salesian educational method, for through them we get to know our students so we can lead them closer to Christ.

Can you identify the students in the photo?

If so, please e-mail us: SalesianPartners@ gmail.com.

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The Villa Madonna Pavilion Project

SALESIAN SCHOOLS !

A race to the finish line to keep our kids safe!

E

ven though Villa Madonna School has closed due to the coronavirus, we continue to plan for the future, and our campaign for The Oliva Family Pavilion & Beautification Project continues.

Many Florida schools have invested in building an openair covered pavilion for year-round use. Ours will provide school and community access to the playground and sports courts, no matter the weather conditions, and without the health risks of sun overexposure.

In today’s world of grandparents aging gracefully, this fully-accessible structure, with convenient restrooms and water fountains, will provide a spacious and

comfortable venue for all family members to gather, be a part of sporting events, and even attend outdoor Mass.

The Salesian Sisters Partners Circle is our latest donor, with a generous matching gift. In cash and pledges, we are now 75 percent towards our goal! Please join us!

With your help, this much-needed new pavilion will benefit our children today and for generations to come.

Thank you, and God bless you!

Naming opportunities are available. Please call Theresa Anderson, Director of Development, for more information: (813) 205-3195.

During Villa Madonna’s Spirit Run to raise money for the new Pavilion (shown below), teacher Mrs. Deidre Semeyn helped the littlest to the finish as the eighth graders gave them high-fives.

Please detach and mail this form in the enclosed envelope. Thank you!

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Partners in Giving • Spring 2020 • 23

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Province of St. Joseph Development Office 659 Belmont Avenue, North Haledon, NJ 07508-2397

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Hanover, NH Permit No. 8

chool buildings may be closed due to the coronavirus, but education continues with the help of virtual classrooms and talented teachers like Sr. Elfie Del Rosario of St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ, who is leading a virtual class with her three-year-old students (one of whom is at left). From religion to science, Sr. Elfie is creatively helping parents to keep their children engaged and learning, even at home. This is just one part of the Salesian Preventive System of education, where an engaged young person is a happy and safe young person.