Partners in Giving - Summer 2020

“It is easy at times to lose faith, but believing and trusting in God helps me get through situations that are out of my control.”

Myriah Di Petrillo, R.N. Mary Help of Christians Academy, Class of 2012 Story on page 23

P artners in G ivin G

Summer 2020 • www.salesiansisters.org

Sr. Mary Rinaldi’s Letter Dear Friends, Our foundress, St. Mary Mazzarello (1837-1881), used to tell the children in her care, “Laugh and play and dash about as much as you like, only be careful not to say or do anything that would be displeasing to God.” We Salesian Sisters take her advice to heart, which is why we are deeply saddened to have to suspend our in-person summer camps due to the pandemic. However, we are making the best of a most extraordinary situation by launching a Virtual Salesian Camp for grades 1-8 on June 29. We promise to be present to our young people this summer by offering wholesome and fun activities to “sing, play, and pray.” See pages 4-5.

The pandemic has also disrupted our annual celebration of the Salesian Sisters who celebrate jubilees of their religious profession – a record 15 this year (see pages 6-10).

We promise that, God willing, we will honor them with a terrific party next summer. Sadly, one of our Jubiliarians, our dear Mother Ida Grasso, passed away on May 24, the Feast of Mary Help of Christians (see page 15).

We continue to pray fervently for the health and safety of our heroic First Responders like alumna Myriah Di Petrillo on our cover, and of course for all of you.

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 E-mail: SalesianPartners@gmail.com Website: www.salesiansisters.org Social Media: https://linktr.ee/salesiansisters Cover & page 23 photo by Jeff Rhode/Holy Name Medical Center

2 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

Please continue to pray the Novena

“I

invite you to pray the Novena to Mary Help of Christians until this emergency is eradicated,” requests our Mother General, Sr. Yvonne Reungoat, FMA. “This is 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.’”

Our Provincial, Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, invites everyone to join the Salesian Sisters throughout the Eastern United States and Canada and continue to pray this Novena every day.

Simply pray three “Hail Marys” with the invocation, “Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.”

Thank you, and God bless you!

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.

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

From making face masks to extending ministries online

Salesian Sisters adjust, respond to pandemic

A

s the coronavirus pandemic spread across the world, the Sisters of the Eastern United States and Canada continued to respond to the emerging needs of their local realities with generosity and creativity.

Although all the schools in our St. Joseph Province were closed by government mandate, learning continued through online platforms such as Google Classroom, Showbie, and Zoom meetings. The Sisters uploaded daily lessons, videos, and activities to keep their students engaged and progressing in their studies.

Religious Education programs and Youth Centers stayed in touch with their families through e-mail and video resources, while the Sisters who are aware of past pupils serving in the medical sector, or those who are high risk for transmission, elderly, or homebound, reached out to offer daily prayers and encouragement.

with the faith and each other as well as alleviate some of the isolation caused by the pandemic.

The extra time the Sisters have had “at home,” because so many ministries were shut down by the pandemic, afforded a precious opportunity to strengthen bonds through extra recreation, faith sharing, and creative activities. For Holy Week, our Provincial, Sr. Joanne Holloman, produced a series of daily “goodnight” reflections to accompany retreat talks given by Cardinal Sean O’Malley, O.F.M. Cap., of the Archdiocese of Boston.

Thirty-seven Sisters joined in the unconventional, yet

Proud members of the Passaic County, NJ, Police Force wear the face masks sewn and donated by the elderly Salesian Sisters at the St. Joseph Provincial Center.

As each community received donations of food and supplies, resources were shared among them. At the Provincial Center, the Sisters produced nearly 1,000 handmade face masks and delivered them to local hospitals and police stations that experienced a supply shortage.

In many places, it has been difficult or impossible for the Sisters to attend Mass due to diocesan restrictions and risk of infection. In some places, like St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ, the Sisters serve as the parish technicians for livestreaming the daily Mass for the parish. Schools and youth ministries livestreamed Eucharistic Adoration and faith sharing opportunities for their young people, giving them a chance to connect

deeply meaningful, retreat experience that embraced the significance of Holy Week, the suffering caused by the pandemic, and the essential mission of the Salesian Sister to be a sign of God’s love, even when creative fidelity demands she find new ways to live her mission.

It is the hope of the Sisters that these initiatives and prayers will be a source of comfort and encouragement for their local communities and a source of stronger communion in our Province. We look forward to returning to the classroom and youth centers and applying the skills and wisdom gained during this extraordinary time with even greater zeal to our Salesian mission.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

– Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 3

“Seeing the World with New Eyes”

Salesian Summer Camp will go on – online!

S

alesian Summer Camp is a cherished tradition in our Province – and the Salesian Sisters are determined that boys and girls will not miss out on wholesome fun this year. Since pandemic restrictions will not allow us to host our traditional camps – and have even meant the closing of the Salesian Youth Center Camp in Tampa, FL – the Sisters have come up with an alternative: a virtual summer camp.

A virtual way to “Sing, Play, and Pray.”

As shown on the opposite page, “Salesian Explorers: Seeing the World with New Eyes” will be held online from June 29 until July 24 for boys and girls in grades 1 through 8.

“Our virtual camp will be combination of live Zoom

interactions with activities campers can do at home,” says Sr. Christina Chong, a camp organizer. “We will offer dance classes, how to juggle, magic tricks, and much, much more. Campers from throughout our Salesian Family are invited to join in the fun!”

Registration is now open on the dedicated website, www.salesiansisterscamp.org.

“As financial situations may be difficult for some, parents and guardians can choose the rate that works best for their family,” Sr. Christina notes.

Donations are welcome to offset programming costs.

To make a gift, please visit www.salesiansisters.org/ summer-camp-donate. Thank you!

“W

e had to adapt quickly to the pandemic and use our creativity in our various ministries,” reports Kathleen Deighan, (left), one of eight Salesian postulants (second year vocation students) based at St. Dominic Parish in Bellflower, CA. “We organize different virtual events for our parish such as praise and worship Adoration, the Stations of the Cross, and prayer services to celebrate our Salesian Saints,” she continues. “Along with the efforts of the rest of the Salesian Family around the world, Don Bosco’s idea of ‘oratory,’ or a place to gather young people, has gone virtual!”

Their own vocation formation has not been neglected. “We joined the millions of students who now use the virtual world for their classroom. Facetime, Zoom, and Google Hangout are among some of the programs we’ve used. We are grateful for today’s advanced technology that makes long- distance learning possible.”

4 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

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

Congratulations, Sisters,

on your blessed Jubilees!

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA

Sr. Inez Molano, FMA

Sr. Catherine Novo, FMA

75th Anniversary

70th Anniversary

70th Anniversary

“M

y parents were married in Sicily and settled in Paterson, NJ during the difficult years of the Depression. We were five children in a very happy family, but that happiness did not last long.

When I was six years old, my Mom died.

What could my Father do? My sister Domenica, 4, and I were placed under the care of the Salesian Sisters, who ran St. Michael’s Orphanage in North Haledon (which became Mary Help of Christians Academy).

Everything was fine with us as long as our Father promised to visit, and that he did.

“From that eventful day, I became a permanent part of Mary Help of Christians, not only the school, but Our Lady’s Salesian family, as well. We were well loved by the Sisters who felt that, because we lost our mother, we were entitled to special care. My years of service to the young people in five different states fulfilled my every desire to do God’s will.”

“I

“I

was born in Tuta, Colombia, one of four children. My mother was widowed very early in her marriage; in fact, I did not know my father, as I was an infant when he died. My mother was a schoolteacher, and we children were able to go to school on the scholarships our father had earned for us.

was born in Turin, Italy, one of five children. My parents had a little farm at San Rocco, Monta d’Alba. My father died when I was two, and I was sent to Turin to live with my grandmother. When I was 12, I read the life of St. Thérèse, the Little Flower.

I wanted to be like her.

“In my junior year, we moved to Bogotá. We found the perfect Salesian school, Colegio Maria Auxiliadora. Meeting the first Sister was like meeting a loving mother. I saw such a rapport between the Sisters and the girls. It seemed they were their relatives or nieces. Before long, I wrote to my mother telling her I had applied as a candidate to be a Salesian Sister, and dreamt of the missions very early in my formation.

“My family was so poor that when I was 14, I went to work for a family as a maid.

It was there that I met the Salesian Sisters when I began attending the Sunday Oratory.

I entered the convent in 1947, made my vows in 1950, and wrote my petition to go to the missions. After two years, I was finally sent to the U.S.

“During my 70 years of profession I have served as a missionary to the young in Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Alabama. Everything has been a grace and blessing from my Loving Father!”

6 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

“I am so grateful to God, Our Lady, my superiors, and the good example of all my Sisters who enabled me to offer 70 years of service to the little ones, who are my joy. I am grateful to still offer the little services I can to God and my Sisters, and blessed to have three living biological sisters.”

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

O

ur cup runneth over for Salesian Sisters who celebrate jubilees of 40 years or longer in 2020! We proudly recognize 15 Jubilarians whose fidelity totals an incredible 840 years of loving service and a continued “Yes” to God’s call in our Congregation and in the Catholic Church. Sadly, the pandemic prohibits us from holding our annual celebration, but we will do so in July 2021, God willing. God bless you, Jubilarians!

Sr. Carmen Morales, FMA

Sr. Catherine Altamura, FMA

Sr. Estelle Johnson, FMA

65th Anniversary

60th Anniversary

60th Anniversary

B

orn in Mexico, Carmen came as a precious gift from God to her wonderful Christian parents.

She recalls that praying was as natural as breathing in their household at a time in Mexico when persecution of Catholics was at its highest peak.

When Carmen was in her teens, a Salesian Sister came to her town to speak to the girls of religious life. The Sister captivated Carmen’s heart and she spoke of her desire to serve God. Carmen felt that God was indeed calling her name. The young girl became Sr. Carmen in 1955, and two years later, came to the United States.

Sr. Carmen’s sense of humor and her practical jokes delighted the Sisters and young people as she served the Lord cheerfully in California, Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Her hospitality is legendary!

Everyone knows that Sr. Carmen’s cooking is not only for sustenance, but is also a work of art.

T

he eldest of six children, Sr. Catherine recalls her childhood in Molfetta (Bari), Italy as an atmosphere of love and serenity. “On my First Holy Communion Day, I always remember with joy my experience of receiving Jesus for the first time,” she recalls.

“With fervor, I promised myself to Him forever.” After the hardships of the war, Catherine met the Salesian Sisters in 1949 through her religious education teacher.

The Altamura family emigrated to the U.S. in 1955. In 1957, with her parents’ blessing, Catherine arrived in North Haledon to begin her initial formation as a Salesian Sister.

Sr. Catherine gave herself lovingly to her assignments, serving as principal in schools in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Prayer is her mainstay. She learned this well from her parents’ deeply Christian and committed marriage. “I, too, find my deepest strength in prayer,” she says.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

“I

was born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada. My family suffered the death of my father at an early age. This sorrow always remained with me.

When I was 12, a Salesian priest came to open a boys’ school in our parish.

He became my spiritual director. My older sister, Roberte, had already made her choice to become a Salesian Sister.

After two years, my own call to the religious life was realized with the help of this holy priest.

“These 60 years of religious Salesian life leave me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God, the Blessed Mother, my family, and the Institute. I consider myself privileged to have served and educated the young in both the United States and Canada with the hearts of Mother Mazzarello and Don Bosco.

Truly, “The Lord has done great things for me!” (Psalm 126:3) Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 7

Congratulations, Sisters,

on your blessed Jubilees!

Sr. Elizabeth Russo, FMA

Sr. Mary Ann Zito, FMA

Sr. Catherine Hurley, FMA

60th Anniversary

60th Anniversary

50th Anniversary

B

orn in San Giuseppe Iato in Sicily, Elizabeth was the oldest of five children. Poor job opportunities in Italy following World War II made it difficult for her father to find work.

Since her mother was a U.S. citizen, the family emigrated to New York in 1954.

Elizabeth had come to know the Salesian Sisters through the Salesian Bulletin in Italy.

Once in the U.S., she located the Sisters and began her formation. In 1960 she made her first profession and was stationed in North Haledon where she took charge of the wardrobe and laundry.

Sr. Elizabeth’s 60 years of profession were spent assisting children in the various schools and camps from New York to Florida, California to Alabama, cooking for the communities and working as a seamstress.

These days Sr. Elizabeth is often found in the chapel, Rosary in hand, offering her ministry of prayer.

S

r. Mary Anne’s story began in the 1940s when the Salesian Sisters put a notice about Mary Help of Christians Academy in the Brooklyn Tablet newspaper.

Two sister cousins answered that ad; one would become Sr. Agatha Cosentino. Mary Anne followed her two cousins to Mary Help. God had set the scene perfectly.

What drew Mary Anne to the Salesian Sisters? The Sisters were with the girls every moment, joining them at chores, games, and outings.

More than once, late at night, there would be a girl not feeling well. Sister would come from her cubicle at the corner of the dorm, dressed in her habit, to see what she needed. She would remain at the girl’s bedside until she fell asleep. Mary Anne kept these incidents close at heart.

To live amidst the Salesian life in practice was foremost in her decision, and Sr. Mary Anne is immensely grateful for every minute of her 60 years of profession.

8 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

“F

or as long as I can remember, I had always known that I belonged to God,” says Sr. Catherine, who grew up one of eight children in Linwood, CA. There her parish bookstore lent young Cathy a book on religious orders, and she saw a picture of the Salesian Sisters.

She was captivated by their smile and their youth work. She met the Salesian Sisters when her brother, Michael, went to Don Bosco High School in Bellflower, CA. In 1966, she left for Haledon, NJ to continue her formation to become a Salesian Sister.

Young people across five states have experienced Sr. Catherine's gifts of leadership and scholarship.

Her spirituality has blessed many who attended retreats, workshops, and conferences at Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Newton, NJ. She would say, “I often think of us as ‘porters,’ the ones privileged to welcome others into this place of peace and prayer.”

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

Congratulations, Sisters,

on your blessed Jubilees!

Sr. Clare Kennelly, FMA

Sr. Betty Ann Martinez, FMA

Sr. Beatrice Valot, FMA

50th Anniversary

50th Anniversary

50th Anniversary

B

orn in Indianapolis, IN, Sr. Clare is the fifth of six children. Her loving parents taught that life is worthwhile when lived in faith and in honest, hard work done for others. This sustained her and the family when her brother Gregory died from cancer as a young teenager.

Clare discovered the Salesian Sisters in a book given to her by a guidance counselor at her Catholic high school. She says she was attracted to the mission of the Salesian Sisters because of their joy, optimism, and cheerfulness. Today, Sr. Clare’s gratitude brims over as she sees God’s grace and tremendous love for her during the journey traveled, with the help of her fellow Sisters, over these 50 years.

Sr. Clare’s smile is one of the characteristic trademarks of her personality: Her face lights up and her laugh is infectious.

Where there is a group of persons having a wonderful time, Sr. Clare is bound to be there among them.

“I

was born in Hondo, TX, the eldest of four children. From a very young age my parents and grandmother nurtured my faith in God and devotion to Mary.

I was aware of my call to be a Sister when I was four years old.

When I attended the Salesian Sisters’ new school in San Antonio, I liked what I saw. An older Sister, Sr. Margarita Moreno, interviewed me. Her kindness was winning. A much younger Sister, Sr. Celia Ramirez, had an enthusiasm, smile, and interest that won me over. I told my mother, “I want to be a Sister just like her!” Daily, my vocation got stronger roots as it was being formed in the Salesian spirit. I simply wanted to love and serve God. “I finished high school at Mary Help of Christians Academy, and in 1970, I made my First Profession. Joyous years of service to the young followed these fifty years. I thank God for the models of the Salesian Spirit who nurtured the beginnings of my Salesian life in action.”

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

“M

y life began in beautiful Southern California when my two brothers welcomed a baby sister. My parents were good Catholics and religious people who instilled their precious values in their children.

When I was in the fifth grade, the desire to become a Sister was foremost in my mind. In 1965, I first met the Salesian Sisters who lived five miles from my house – and I did not know it.

“My teaching assignments as a Sister began in New Jersey, then Louisiana, California, Florida, and finally Canada. In Surrey, where I presently am, my joy is to serve God’s people by visiting the elderly and bringing them Communion as well as moderating a Seniors’ Group (OWLS) in our parish.

“I am truly grateful for my 50 years of religious life. I pray I continue to live the values I first learned in my family and my religious family. God has blessed me in so many ways.”

Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 9

Congratulations, Sisters,

on your blessed Jubilees!

Sr. Susan Bagli, FMA

Sr. Karen Dunn, FMA

Sr. Lou Ann Fantauzza, FMA

40th Anniversary

40th Anniversary

40th Anniversary

S

r. Susan learned the art of nursing at an early age, as her father was a doctor and her mother a nurse. Susan, the eldest girl of 12 children, found fulfillment in helping her mother care for the rest of the children. Here she learned how to see the needs of others, patience, sharing, and forgiveness.

These qualities, and her strong yearning to love God deeply, brought her to Salesian life.

Sr. Susan has served in a variety of ministries, from teaching in elementary and high schools to caring for the Sisters at St. Joseph Provincial House. At Mary Help of Christians Academy, she enabled the Health Care Connections Program to excel to the point of having this program recognized as a “Best Practice” by the Paterson Diocesan Schools Office.

Sr. Susan looks back over her religious life with gratitude to God, her parents, family, her Salesian Sisters, collaborators, and all the young people.

“D

“I

on’t forget! Say it with a smile.”

That was the advice given by her father to Karen and her classmates preparing to become Salesian Sisters in 1977. She always has.

was born in Atlantic City, NJ, long before my seacoast home became a casino town. As the youngest of four, I always enjoyed the great attention of the world around me.

Faith and religion were a priority in Karen’s Rockville Centre, NY family, with loving parents and three siblings. She understood even as a small child that Sisters were special people who belonged only to God.

My first encounter with Salesian Sisters was in Sunday religious education classes. When I was in seventh grade, I began to attend St. Michael School, and that was it. I fell in love with the Sisters and the good they were doing for us. We kids were always in the convent, and it seemed the real work the Sisters had was to be with us youngsters. I knew I wanted to be like them. By the end of high school, I realized God was calling. How could I refuse?

After high school and a stint in the “real world,” Karen began her formation with her friend (and future Sister), Susan Bagli.

As a Salesian Sister, she has always been willing to make time for the young people whom the Lord has called her to serve. Whether as a teacher, principal, or Provincial, she has maintained the balance she learned from her parents, family, and Sisters with whom she lived these past 40 years.

We are blessed by her hearty laugh, good-natured spirit – and smiles taught by her Dad.

10 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

“My love has always been for little people (being one myself). After assignments in New Jersey and Florida, I am presently principal of St. Theresa School in Kenilworth, NJ, where I continue to serve my beloved young people as well as others.”

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

Now more than ever

Please Adopt a Sister!

E

Time to cut the cake!

Sr. Rosalie Di Peri (75 years) is one of 15 Jubilarians this year.

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.

CVV: _____________

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 11

Changes just made to U.S. tax law

R

Great news for your 2020 donations!

ecent changes made to U.S. tax law will offer added incentives to individuals and companies to make charitable donations this year, including gifts to the Salesian Sisters for the benefit of their mission to young people.

These changes to what and how much can be deducted mean that, for many people, donations to the Salesian Sisters will provide you with greater tax savings than before. There are also benefits for corporations. As always, check with your tax advisor.

On March 27, President Trump signed into law, under the CARES Act, tax benefits to individuals for the 2020 calendar year. Under Sections 2204 and 2205, Charitable Contribution Deductions for Individual Tax Returns are changing. Here are the details: • Anyone who gives up to $300 will receive a deduc­ tion on their tax return, regardless of whether they itemize deductions or not. In the past, you needed to itemize deductions to get a deduction for charitable contributions, but now virtually anyone can take a deduction of up to $300.

BACK IN THE DAY

• For those who itemize deductions, you can now deduct your total charitable contributions up to 100% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). In the past, your total deduction was limited to 60% of your AGI. There are some limitations, such as donor-advised funds. Check with your tax advisor.

“Today, on the day of Mary Help of Christians, I address an affectionate and cordial greeting to the Salesians,” Pope Francis said on May 24. “I recall with gratitude the spiritual formation I received from the sons and daughters of Don Bosco.” In 1949, Francis and his brother, Oscar, were enrolled as boarders at a Salesian school in Argentina.

(Photo by Don Bosco Salesian Portal)

F

our sisters from the same family pose with Sr. Frances Principale in North Haledon, NJ, in 1943. Sr. Frances holds a sad distinction in our Province: she is the youngest Salesian Sister to pass away, at just 22 years of age in 1945.

On the 75th anniversary of her passing, Sr. Frances is remembered for her enthusiasm and smile. “She was delighted when she was assigned to teach the little ones who were residents at North Haledon,” her friend, the late Sr. Frances Gumino, recalled in 1995. She loved music, and whenever possible would gather the girls around the piano and teach them songs. “How beautiful it must be in Heaven,” Sr. Frances would exclaim, “where there is always music and the singing of lovely songs.”

Sr. Frances met her fatal diagnosis of Hodgkin’s disease with rare courage. “Well, if God wants me, I’ll go,” she said. “But I have done so little. I have just begun.”

Dear Friends: A message from Sister Joanne

Do YOU want to be a hero?

A

s I write this article, I am on day 71 of “shelter in place,” and it is very possible by the time you get to read this I will be on day 85. As I have lived through these days, I’ve found myself living a different rhythm of life, not traveling around the Province, attending meetings, or social gatherings, and it seems that one day is melding into the other. I find it difficult to know what day it is, let alone the date.

This déjà vu feeling of thinking I’m always doing the same thing makes me wonder if God is trying to tell us something about the value of each moment and offer us an invitation amidst these difficult days.

In the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day,” Bill Murray plays Phil Connors, a jaded TV weatherman sent on an assignment to Punxsutawney, PA to cover the annual Groundhog Day festivities.

He is annoyed that he has to pretend to care about a “rat,” as he calls the groundhog, that has no influence over the weather. Unfortunately, every time he goes to sleep, he wakes up to a repeat of Groundhog Day, living the day over and over again until he learns the simple joys of life and lets go of his bitterness and unforgiveness so his heart no longer remains stuck in the same “day.”

lining, in letting us catch up on projects and hobbies we have set aside and enjoy doing.

I am not denying the fact that this pandemic has also caused great pain and financial worry to most. But I also know there are so many examples of ordinary people living in a selfless, heroic way in spite of the difficulties. Hopefully we will only go through a pandemic like this once in our lives. If that is the case, let’s live these difficult days well.

How can we make this frustrating and often scary experience bring out the best in us, the hero within?

“We can live our own personal ‘Groundhog Day’ heroically.”

Just like the character, Phil Connors, we have an opportunity to find the best in our perhaps frustrating situation. I have been asking myself:

A hero can be defined as someone who puts others first and has good moral ethics. Heroes do good acts because they are good to do, not because they expect a reward, or fame, or praise from others.

Jesus is the ultimate model of a hero.

For me, our past pupils, benefactors, Adopters, and family members are heroes, for not only providing for their loved ones, but making significant efforts to provide for those in great need. I am sure there are so many heroes among us, especially in our own families.

Who are some everyday heroes you’ve encountered during this pandemic? How have you found yourself acting heroically, and surprised yourself in doing it?

Sixth-grade zebras, How have I taken this extra time to have honest and Arianna, Being heroic doesn’t have to be complicated. Story after conversations with my family and friends, even if it Elissa is are on the move! story has reached me of our readers being heroic in virtually? How have I spent more time in conversation small and big ways. I’m also proud that my Sisters used with God, which is what prayer really is? their extra time each day to pray for all affected by the pandemic, to make masks for hospitals, and to create Perhaps in the past we felt “too busy” to pray, but now activities to keep our young people engaged. Although many of us find ourselves with “too much time” on we might feel stuck in our personal “Groundhog Day,” our hands. Maybe there’s an invitation to grow in our we can live that “Groundhog Day” heroically. relationship with God hidden within this extra time.

Have I taken time to do something for myself, like read a book, finish a quilt, cook, or paint a room?

It is very possible that this “shelter in place” has a silver Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Once the “shelter in place” ends, and life returns to some semblance of normal, living heroically may become more normal for us, and we may realize see HERO on page 16 Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 13

Memorials

A Love That Lasts Forever

Received between March 28 & May 31, 2020 Sr. Gloria Machado, FMA Mr. & Mrs. Charles Bordonaro

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

$

Carolyn Ashley Ms. Patricia Yee Bernice Titmus Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Walsh Mr. & Mrs. Frank DiMartino Ms. Jamie Lawson Ivy Realty Services, LLC Mr. & Mrs. Ed Rucki Mr. Giulio Mastropasqua Joanne Leo Dorothy Bagli Mr. Declan Mansfield & Shelly Hayden Ms. Frances K. Steiner Mr. & Mrs. David J. Hess Mrs. Diva Muller Mr. Fernando Garip Mr. William J. Curtis, Jr. Mr. & Mrs. Larry Fink Mr. Robert E. Bassett Salesian Sisters’ Partners Circle Board Mr. & Mrs. David McAleer

Name – DECEASED

Bernadette Firetto Mr. & Mrs. John Oliva

Name – LIVING

Richard Gallo Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeVita

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

Please make checks payable to SALESIAN SISTERS

14 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

Julliette DeVita Kehoe Ms. Mary Ann Mullin Mr. & Mrs. Joseph DeVita Mr. & Mrs. Jack Hainthaler Michele DeVita Donna DeVita

Barbara Jackson Salesian Sisters Villa Madonna School Family Rose A. Rinaldi Mr. Jonathan Gates Mr. & Mrs. Kevin O’Leary Mr. & Mrs. Doug Leonard Mr. & Mrs. Mark Anderson Mr. & Mrs. Art Greif Col. & Mrs. William R. Holzapfel, USMC Ret. Mr. & Mrs. David McAleer Mario Ralph Provenzano Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Provenzano Richard Ornburn Mrs. Katharine Reiter Clement Oropallo Mr. & Mrs. Marie Walker

Tributes Received between March 28 & May 31, 2020 Sr. Rosalie Di Peri, FMA, on her 75th Jubilee Dr. Joe McAleer Sr. Virginia Dickey, FMA Mrs. Roseann Mosseau Sr. Ofelia Lozano, FMA Cynthia Perez Fidalgo Evans

Lillian Brunetti Mr. & Mrs. Donald Leak Mr. Wally Brunetti

Mary Help of Christians Ms. Ann Torcicollo

Mary Torcicollo Ms. Anne Marie Torcicollo

Jean Oropallo Ms. & Mr. Marie Walker

Mario Nardi Ms. Teresa Gutto

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

Provincial Superior, educator, missionary

Rest in peace, Mother Ida Grasso, FMA

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he Salesian Sisters mourn the passing of Mother Ida Grasso, who died on May 24, the Feast of Mary Help of Christians, at the St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ. She was 95 years old and this year celebrated the 70th anniversary of her profession as a Salesian Sister.

Mother Ida was born in 1925 in Bra, Italy, the second of five children. Her father worked with the Italian Railway System, and her devoted mother was a housewife.

When Ida first shared her thought of a religious vocation, her family was not happy. Divine Providence intervened when, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of her parents’ marriage, the Salesian Director, Fr. Salvatore Foti, SDB, was the celebrant for the occasion and a family guest. He took the occasion to speak to Ida’s father.

“With four daughters, Mr. Grasso, could there be one for the Lord?” he asked. Ida responded, “Yes, maybe.”

Fr. Foti suggested she meet the Salesian Sisters.

Sr. Ida made her profession in 1950 and was sent to the missions in Mexico, in order to apply for residency in the United States. Her first assignment in the U.S. was at Mary Help of Christians Academy. “For the first few months I was assistant to the boarders and tried to understand and learn some English from them in conversations or during recreations,” she recalled.

Over the years she served at several other schools, including Corpus Christi School in Port Chester, NY. In 1965, at just 40 years old, Sr. Ida was named

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orothy J. Bagli, the mother of Sr. Susan Bagli, passed away in Franklin Lakes, NJ, on April 24, age 94. She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Vincent Bagli, founding member of the Partners Circle and past Chairman. They were married for 61 years and proud parents of 12 children, 20 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Many found in Dorothy a mentor, friend, motherfigure, and towering support. Her legacy lives on in her good works and the beautiful family she built.

Provincial Superior of the United States Province, which gave her the affectionate title of “Mother.” She oversaw 45 communities and works in the U.S. and Canada. In 1975 she was named Provincial Superior again, this time in Great Britain. At the end of her six-year term, Mother Ida was sent to Rome to be the Superior of the Pontifical University “Auxilium.”

In 1988 Mother Ida was asked to resume her missionary work, this time in Africa, specifically in Kenya, with the charge to unite some of the houses and works in East Africa in order to form the first African Delegation. The following year, she was given the additional responsibility of Directress of Novices.

“My life was lived in the poverty of my humanity,” Mother Ida once said, “but it was enriched by God’s loving Presence and the maternal support of Mary Help of Christians, always and everywhere. To the good Lord my thanks – always!”

In 2015, Mother Ida returned to the U.S. amid the joy of the Sisters who had known her. However, her vision and hearing were very impaired, and gradually dementia began to cause confusion and forgetfulness.

These were years of great physical and moral suffering.

She prayed and offered all to Jesus, uniting herself to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass daily in the chapel in the St. Joseph Provincial Center. To a Sister who tried to be close to her and help her during meals, Mother Ida confided her challenges and sufferings, but always ended by saying, “Va bene così. Il Signore vuole così.”

– “It is okay. This is how the Lord wants it.”

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egundo Teran, the father of Sr. Teresita Teran, passed away on April 9 in Wayne, NJ, age 91. A native of Ecuador, Segundo and his wife, Esther, had two daughters, Teresita and Margarita. The family immigrated to the United States and settled in Paterson, NJ. Segundo is remembered for his joy-filled and peaceful spirit, always welcoming each Salesian Sister as if she were a cherished member of his own family.

SALESIAN SALESIAN SCHOOLS SCHOOLS !!

On the Journey with Sister B

Time to invite your inner child to come out

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hen I was a child, all I longed for was the must become like little children (Matthew 18:3). He anticipated freedom of being an adult. doesn’t mean we need to throw tantrums or be picky From a child’s perspective, adults were about our food. Jesus wants us to embrace the joy of these all-powerful beings with money, the ability to the “now,” like children do, trusting that God will give drive anywhere they wanted, and who had control us everything we need, moment by moment, and to be over their lives. As a child who often hoarded the okay with whatever happens. Like children, sometimes pennies I found on the ground just to afford a piece we will get hurt by life, but as a good Father, God is of bubble gum from the machine at the grocery store, always there to help us through, Band-Aids and all. the idea of being an adult seemed like such a glorious thing. I remember pressing my nose to the side of the As we emerge from our homes once the “stay at home” Subway sandwich counter, straining on restrictions are lifted, invite that child to my tip-toes to see just over the glass, and come out, too. I think we can all learn a lot thinking, “Someday, I will be tall enough from children, which is why Jesus said that “With trust to see over the counter!” – and now I am enter the Kingdom of Heaven, we must comes the gift to so tall, others cannot see over me. When become a little child.

I was that age, I don’t remember being of peace.” afraid of anything, nor did I have much I know this pandemic has been scary. sense of time. Each day was part of the We’ve lost people we love, our formerly “now” I lived. stable finances are wobbly, and so much seems uncertain. But what hasn’t changed is God’s love and Now, as an adult, I have to fight so many anxieties, and care for us. My hope is that as the years pass, my heart control feels more of an illusion than an ability. Adults grows younger and freer rather than older and more are not as all-powerful as I thought they were. With bound by insecurities. God has never betrayed my trust this pandemic and lockdown, I’ve recovered a bit of my in His love, although sometimes I have not understood grade-school self as I’ve often lost a sense of the days, His plan or what He has permitted – but what little and looked forward to the mail delivery as I once did child perfectly understands everything their parent the ice cream truck. A letter from a friend or a surprise does? That is where the trust comes in, and with trust stash of rare tea sent by a former colleague restores my comes peace – the gift I wish for all of us, and pray for sense of glee in the simple things of life, like the smell of every day. ink on paper and the warmth of a steeping brew.

– Sr. Brittany Harrison, FMA, is the Social Media Coordinator for the Province and Now I better understand Jesus when He tells us we Editorial Manager of Partners in Giving.

HERO continued from page 13 we weren’t being heroic after all – we were simply living as Christians should, following the example of Jesus, who gave everything for us.

Being a mediocre Christian isn’t being Christian at all. We either follow Jesus or we don’t. I hope during these days we’ve rediscovered our faith, reconnected

16 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

with the Lord, and let heroic living be our way of Christian living. This won’t be the only difficult time we face, but with the Lord, we can face anything with courage, generosity, and peace. Please know that my prayers and those of the Sisters are always with you.

– Sr. Joanne Holloman, FMA, is the Superior of the Province of St. Joseph 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 (such as the current COVID-19 pandemic). 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 three 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

10 Welcome

INDIANA Mrs. Beatrice Lightfoot NEW JERSEY Tony Amato Family The Carini Family Mr. Anthony Petrocelli Ms. Roberta Ruocco Ms. Celeste Tripi Mr. Vincent Waraske --NEW YORK Mrs. Pearl Kalikow

new or upgraded Partners Circle Members so far in 2020!

FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. James Millar --NEW JERSEY Anonymous

Partners Circle “Friends”

Annual gift of $5,500

Christopher & Corinne Schiavo & The Shepherd & the Knucklehead Pub Joseph & Rita Weiner --NEW YORK Mr. John Cassara Beruta & James Dell’Orto

Annual gift of $11,000

Shown in RED

Partners Circle “Partners” FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Javier Baldor PC Lydia & John Oliva Mrs. Beverly Rohde --NEW JERSEY Mr. & Mrs. Tony Chernalis Joanne & Al Daloisio Mr. Robert Harkins Maria L. Lopez Mr. Bill McLaughlin PC

Partners Circle “Stewards”

Annual gift of $3,300

CONNECTICUT Mary Bridget Gaine --FLORIDA Dr. Idalia Lastra --MASSACHUSETTS Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Clair PC --NEW JERSEY Christopher & Gemma Chong

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Mario & Arline Monaco --PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Vincent DeBow

Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 17

Partners Circle “Founders” Annual gift of $2,200

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

Our 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.

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 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 FLORIDA Mr. & Mrs. Donald Hofmann Anne & John Bedlek James Construction Co., Inc. Joseph & Claudine Mr. & Mrs. Anthony M. Laino Caballero PC Michael & Mary Losurdo Terrell & Joe Clark Mrs. Faith Menard Dr. Andrea & Sean Farrier PC Mrs. Maureen O’Halloran Aida Yglesias Jurado Robert & Constance Sumas Mr. & Mrs. Jim Major Mrs. Carolyn Young Dr. Patricia Mergo --Mr. & Mrs. Frank Middendorf NEW YORK Robert Nocek Ms. Lea Battiato Mr. & Mrs. Rob Obbink Jo Ann & Joseph Ms. Marianne O’Doherty Caracappa PC Mr. Fredy Padovan John W. Lombardi & Family Gene & Linda Perez The Sabatine Foundation Mr. Nick Suszynski PC ARIZONA Mrs. Ann Marie Forster --CALIFORNIA Mr. & Mrs. Robert Obenberger --CONNECTICUT Linda & Peter Christiansen PC Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Zichichi

18 • Partners in Giving • Volume 30 • Issue 3

Mr. & Mrs. Angelo Silveri NORTH CAROLINA Chester & Monica Michewicz

Dr. Allyson & Mr. Kevin Hardy

PENNSYLVANIA Mr. & Mrs. Bob Danch

Partners Circle “Associates” Annual gift of $825

CONNECTICUT Mr. Michael Guarnieri PC Dr. Joe McAleer PC --FLORIDA Declan & Paula Mansfield Anne & Fred Michaels Rene & Phyllis Rodriguez Mr. & Mrs. Terry Wood --NEW JERSEY Mr. & Mrs. Greg Scott Theresa E. Unanue

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

Partners Circle “Members” Annual gift of $550 ARIZONA Anonymous --CALIFORNIA Joanne & Geraldine Rizzuto --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 Mr. Joseph Tomaino Ms. Maria C. Torreiro Ron Yates --GEORGIA Mr. Charles Fantauzza --ILLINOIS The Mills Family --INDIANA Andrea Dealynn Sandra M. Freeman --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 Mr. Walter Lazarcheck Mrs. Margaret Reilly-Antalec --NORTH CAROLINA Mr. & Mrs. Paul Liotard

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 Circle “Quarter Century Club” Annual gift of $250 CALIFORNIA Mr. Richard Suda Rev. Paula T. Webb --CONNECTICUT Mrs. Eileen G. Hahnenkratt Mr. Patrick J. Waide, Jr. Anonymous --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) Vietmeier --MARYLAND Adrienne & Albert Marra --NEW HAMPSHIRE Mr. & Mrs. Thomas DiMicelli --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 Mr. & Mrs. Charles Curcio Megan & J.T. Hunt Ms. Peggeann Larywon Mrs. Carolyn Mesler --OHIO Anonymous

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

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 in Giving • Summer 2020 • 19

SALESIANSCHOOLS !

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, Naples, FL – Unable to celebrate and honor our seniors the way we intended, St. John Neumann had to quickly come up with a backup plan!

Over a two-day period, Sr. Pat Roche, principal; Dr. Donna Noonan, vice principal; and the Salesian Sisters piled into the Neumann bus and visited every senior’s home. With the windows down and music playing, they handed out diplomas, caps and gowns, yearbooks, cool Don Bosco (wearing a mask) t-shirts, and cookies. Most important of all, each graduate signed their name (right) next to their future school! Joining in the fun above are Sr. Carmen Peña, Dr. Noonan, Sr. Katie Flanagan, Sr. April Cabaccang, and St. Pat. Congratulations, Celtic graduates!

CORPUS CHRISTI HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL, Port Chester, NY – Through the generosity of benefactors, Salesian Sisters in Port Chester have been purchasing and delivering diapers and groceries to school families in need. Loading up the car to make a delivery are Sr. Lise Parent, Sr. April Hoffman, Sr. Boram Lee, and Sr. Liz Ryan.

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

VILLA MADONNA SCHOOL, Tampa, FL – Graduation may have been taken away by the pandemic, but that didn’t stop the celebration! The Sisters and staff members surprised each of the eighth-grade graduates by stopping at their houses the week of May 11, bringing a lawn sign and balloons to the party.

Here Sr. Mary Jackson, Sr. Joo Yun Park, and Sr. Marisol Guzman, along with teachers, salute graduate Emma Do as family members join in the fun!

ACADEMY OF OUR LADY, Marrero, LA – Academy of Our Lady faculty and staff took to the streets to surprise the class of 2020. In an expression of love, hope, and pride, yard signs were gifted to seniors to celebrate their time at the Academy and their future. Though their senior year has not gone as planned, these young women have persevered and stayed positive during such a challenging time due to COVID-19. God bless you all!

Above, Academy of Our Lady faculty members Sr. Lillian Foxx and Sr. Florine Lagace, and Academy principal Sr. Michelle Geiger, were excited to visit senior Leigha Cox and deliver her Class of 2020 yard sign.

At left, Academy senior Julia Mai was surprised to see the congratulatory sign in her front yard.

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 21

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indergarteners at Villa Madonna School in Tampa, FL created their own May Altars in honor of Mary at their homes. John Paul (left) placed flowers in front of his statue of Mary outside with a few special pictures.

Preston (below) and Jaylah (right) colored pictures of Mary for display.

Well done, kids! Our Lady, pray for us!

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ryce has been raiding our refrigerator for fruit and vegetables to grow,” reports his proud mom, Cherilyn Bayne. After some online research and soil purchased by his parents, six-yearold Bryce (right), who attends St. Anthony School in Hawthorne, NJ, has successfully grown plants from seeds, including tomato, apple, pear, and pumpkin. Bryce diligently tends to his plants every day, making sure they are getting the right amount of water and sun. A green thumb certainly starts young!

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he COVID-19 pandemic has not disrupted the Women’s Ministry at the Don Bosco Center in Markham, Ontario, Canada. “Sr. Theresa Samson, Sr. Pierrette Carpentier, Sr. Cora Beboso, and Sr. Pat Melanson make us feel at home. It’s a great environment for us to go deep into retreat,” says Jean Ko Din (right, leading a Zoom meeting). “Sr. Theresa never fails to give us a good word at the start of our session.

The Sisters call it a ‘Goodnight Thought’ to all of us.”

As the ministry ventured online during Lent, it set three goals. “First, we asked each other to be bold and hold the other to a high standard so that they, too, can want that high standard for themselves,” Jean explains. “Second, we wanted to be generous with our friendship and allow others to be generous with theirs, too. Third, be ambitious and want more out of the relationships that God has brought into our lives.” Jean strikes a hopeful note as the world begins to emerge from the pandemic. “As much as we found comfort in this ministry during Lent, we have to allow for this season to end in the same way that Lent makes way for Easter. This version of a mini-Church has to make way for the real Church and real life.” To that we can all say, Amen!

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

Alumni Spotlight

With God and each other, we will prevail!

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2012 graduate of Mary Help of Christians Academy in North Haledon, NJ, Myriah Di Petrillo caught our attention during the first weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic. The determination and tiredness seen in her eyes, protected by a medical shield and her face covered in a mask, revealed a woman of strength and courage facing an overwhelming situation.

We recently spoke to Myriah about her life as a nurse at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, NJ, and how her Salesian roots have influenced her life and work.

How did attending a Salesian school help you to become the woman that you are today?

Mary Help taught me the true meaning of their motto: “Beauty, Truth, and Joy.” I always took beauty as kindness, so it helped shape me to do the most good for those around me. Truth meant to always to be honest with myself and who I was. Joy to always look at the bright side. I attempt to follow these principles every day even in the midst of the pandemic. It helps me to never lose track of who I am.

I loved the stories they would tell me. Ever since I can remember, I was always fascinated by the medical field and had a strong desire to help those around me.

What is the best part about being a nurse?

There are so many great things about being a nurse, it is difficult to choose one. I love making a difference in someone’s life by helping them heal and stay healthy. It is the best feeling in the world when someone is discharged. I love listening to my geriatric patients’ stories. We have so much to learn from them!

Myriah Di Petrillo, wearing protective gear (above) and her off-hours look (below).

What is the role of faith in God in your work as a nurse?

I try to take God with me wherever I go. It is easy at times to lose faith, but believing and trusting in Him helps me get through situations that are out of my control. Every night, I find a prayer I can say that is most relevant to a specific challenge or concern I had faced during the day. A Scripture that is staying with me during this difficult time is from Psalm 46:1-2: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

Why did you want to become a nurse?

My mother and my grandmother were both RNs.

What is your advice to anyone considering entering the nursing field?

There are going to be wonderful moments in nursing, and there are going to be upsetting moments, but stay focused on doing your absolute best for people and then you will make a difference in many lives. Stay true to yourself and be confident. Never be afraid to stand up for what is right or inquire about what you think is best for your patients.

How has being a nurse during the COVID-19 pandemic affected you and your family?

It is touching for me to hear people call me a hero and have appreciation for the work I am doing. I want people to understand that nurses have always been brave and cared for people in dangerous situations, and we will not stop doing that!

I think the pandemic has made me into a stronger and more confident nurse. It has made me grow more appreciative of the ones I love, so much so that I sacrifice seeing them to protect them from catching the virus in case I am carrying it.

I keep telling myself that humanity has gone through so much already and, with the help of God and each other, we WILL get through this!

Visit us online! www.salesiansisters.org

Partners in Giving • Summer 2020 • 23

Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco Province of St. Joseph of the Eastern U.S. & Canada 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