Sharing & Caring Winter 2021

Sharing & Caring Volume 31 Number 3 • Winter 2021 Sisters of the Precious Blood • Dayton, Ohio • www.preciousbloodsistersdayton.org

Our Ministry in Chile

From the President’s Desk

Dear friends and family,

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s I sit down to write my column today for Sharing & Caring while staring out the window, observing the snow falling and the beauty of the ground covered with sparkling snow, I can’t help but think about the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. I love nature, especially flowers, and I enjoy contemplating the sizes, shapes, color and all the little details of each of them. We have some bird feeders in our backyard, and it is so interesting to become familiar with the birds that visit: what they like to eat; how they eat; which ones can eat together on the feeder and which ones can’t; which ones only eat off the ground. God created an overwhelming amount of diversity in plant and animal life. God also created an overwhelming diversity of human life.

When I speak of diversity of

We as Sisters of the Precious Blood believe that just as nature is precious in the sight of God and in ours, so too is each and every person.

— Sister Edna Hess human life, I realize we have much in common: how our bodies function, and our ability to reason, speak and feel, for example. However, at the same time, our body shapes and sizes are different; we speak different languages; we 2

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have different colors of skin; we eat different foods.

In this edition of Sharing & Caring, you will find an article about the Sisters of the Precious Blood’s ministry in Chile, as well as the story of some Sisters who journeyed to Europe to visit places important to our Congregation’s foundress, Maria Anna Brunner — as well as the first Sisters, some of whom came to America to serve the German immigrants in northwest Ohio. Whenever we leave our town or city and go to another, we encounter a new environment and new ways of doing things. If we leave our country, we may also discover people speaking a different language, wearing different clothes, eating other kinds of food, having a different color of skin or type of hair.

When I think of what it must have been like for our first Sisters to come to this “new land” — which was not developed like the country they came from, where they had to begin from nothing, where they encountered native peoples — I think it must have been a culture shock.

They must have been happy that they could communicate with the German immigrants who already lived there.

When I think of what it must have been like for our first Sisters who went to Chile, I know they went without knowing Spanish because they were going to teach in an English school. However, these brave women learned Spanish in order to communicate with the parents of their students, the man at the meat market, and

the people selling produce in the open market, as well as the children to whom they taught religion on the weekend.

These courageous women were welcomed by the people they went to serve; they came to love these people, to accept them as they were and are.

Then I think of our country at this time, where so many can’t accept a person whose skin is a different color; a person who speaks another language; a person who thinks differently than they do; a person who wants to come to our country for a better life. We as Sisters of the Precious Blood believe that just as nature is precious in the sight of God and in ours, so too is each and every person. May we heal division, hate and violence, whether it is directed toward God’s Earth or God’s people. 

Sister Edna Hess President, Sisters of the Precious Blood

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hen I took this job a few years ago, I did not expect to learn about African cultures or how to obtain a U.S. visa. I never thought I would follow the news on travel bans so fervently, or use Google Translate so much. I assumed I would be working with women in the United States and, honestly, I pictured white women. But, as with most things in life, the Holy Spirit has pleasantly surprised me.

In my first few months as vocation ministry coordinator, I began walking alongside a young woman from Cameroon who is discerning religious life. This young woman is now one of several women I talk with regularly. Four of these women were not born in the U.S. They are part of different countries and cultures, and they found the Sisters of the Precious Blood online or heard of the Congregation by word of mouth. But their interest in the Community shows that the Precious Blood of Jesus has no boundaries.

Our foundress, Maria Anna

Established in 1989, Sharing & Caring is published quarterly by the Sisters of the Precious Blood, Dayton, Ohio, to communicate news of the Congregation and Precious Blood Spirituality, and to promote the Sisters’ mission.

All editorial content and photographs in Sharing & Caring are copyrighted. For reprint permission, please contact the communications coordinator.

Brunner, was quite the traveler for her time, often setting out for long walks through the mountains to attend Mass or visit shrines. In 1833, this widowed mother of six even journeyed on pilgrimage to Rome from her home in Switzerland. And in 1844, the first three pioneer Sisters of the Precious Blood in America found themselves immersed in a new culture in the Midwest.

Today, we continue to cross boundaries. Sisters of the Precious Blood have been in ministry in Chile and Guatemala for decades. Sisters also serve in ministry for shorter periods of time whenever and wherever they are needed — such as Sister Marita Beumer and Sister Ann Clark, who last year aided migrants in El Paso, Texas. And Sisters cross cultural boundaries right here at home, serving new residents arriving in the Dayton area from around the world.

In the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and even with stringent immigration regulations in place, technology has allowed us to reach

out farther than ever before, even when we are all stuck at home. As we hear from women from a number of different countries and cultures I find myself asking a lot of questions and doing a lot of listening, so that I may meet them where they are — personally, culturally and spiritually. I’m grateful for their patience with me as I continue to navigate cultural differences as well as the complexities of differing time zones, technological capabilities, embassy regulations and international travel.

The Holy Spirit continues to call women from across the globe, from Cameroon and Madagascar, from Chicago and Haiti, toward the reconciling presence of the Precious Blood of Jesus. May we be granted the pioneering spirit of Mother Brunner and the early Sisters to travel with these women — not on ships, but on planes; and not on horseback, but through a labyrinth of immigration laws and paperwork!  Story by Jenna Legg

CPPS Mission Statement Urged by the redeeming love of Jesus the Christ and rooted in Eucharistic prayer, we Sisters of the Precious Blood proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.

phone: (937) 715-9580 email: mbodine@cppsadmin.org

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Progressive Printers Inc., Dayton, Ohio

Editorial Content Mary Knapke, Communications Assistant

Address communications to: Office of Communications Sisters of the Precious Blood 4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426

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Contributing writers: Jenna Legg, Vocation Ministry Coordinator; Sarah Aisenbrey, Archivist

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Vocations

Christ’s Precious Blood knows no boundaries

News

Mount St. Joseph University receives gift from Sisters of the Precious Blood

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ount Director of Sister Karen. “The Mission Integration monetary gift will Sister Karen Elliott’s provide us with religious community, the support for three Sisters of the Precious Blood, years to make our have made a significant monMission Ambasetary gift to Mount St. Joseph sadors a robust University. The gift supports program that is the University’s providing adtransformative for ditional staffing and increased our University. programming for the evolving The trust of my Mission Ambassadors ProSisters and their gram, as the number of misbelief in and supsion ambassadors increases port of the miniswith each incoming freshtry of mission is man class. The Office of Misan inspiration that sion Integration, under Sister will forever remain Karen’s leadership, adminisin my heart. I give but also the missions of both ters the Mission Ambassadors thanks to God for the support the Sisters of Charity and the Program, which is now in its of the Sisters of the Precious Sisters of the Precious Blood,” second year.

Blood both in prayer and in she said. “I am blessed every “In alignment with our misfinances.” day to work with one of the sion, the Sisters of the Precious Michelle Arnold, assistant amazing Sisters of the Precious Blood are honored to further director of mission integraBlood, and through her friendthe mission of Mount St. Jotion, also weighed in on this ship, I have met several other seph University through supimpactful event. “I am so Sisters in her community. I porting the Mission Ambassathankful for the generosity am profoundly dors Program,” grateful for the said Sister 'The trust of my Sisters and their belief in gift of friendMargo Young, and support of the ministry of mission is an ship, prayer and of the Sisters treasure that the of the Precious inspiration that will forever remain in my Sisters of Sister Blood Leaderheart. I give thanks to God for the support Karen’s comship Team. “We believe it is esof the Sisters of the Precious Blood both in munity have shared with us. sential to engage prayer and in finances.'

Most of all, I am with and mentor young people in — Sister Karen Elliott truly thankful for Sister Karen, their faith develas a friend, and as a leader and opment and encourage their that the Sisters of the Precious true believer in what we can service to others, motivated Blood have shown the Mount accomplish with the mission by concern for the common with this gift. I am humbled ambassadors."  good.” by their faith in the Office of “I am filled with gratitude to Mission Integration to not the Sisters in my community only live the mission of the Story by University Communicafor their tremendous support, university through the work tions, Mount St. Joseph University; generosity and prayer,” said of the mission ambassadors, contributed photo 4

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efore coming to the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago, I lived in areas with socioeconomic privileges.

During my first weeks here, I remember a sort of culture shock. I tried to wrap my mind around meeting a single mother who was trying to take care of her children, find childcare so she could work, pay bills, put food on the table, and keep the house together. My heart broke hearing about the fear people around me experience day to day aware of the violence that surrounds them. As I became more aware of these challenges, I also started to see the beauty in the strength and vulnerability that people shared so freely every day.

Five months later, when asked to reflect on my time here, the first thing that comes to mind is genuine love. The love I see people treat one another with and the love that connects with the hospitality, hope, and healing I’ve seen at PBMR is inspiring. This is clear as mothers and the youth introduce their friends and family members to the larger PBMR family. It has been a blessing to see how safe spaces make it possible for people to walk through life together, build relationships, and receive services to move forward.

In my time here, developing relationships has by far been my favorite part. The youth who come to the center often remind me of my siblings. We try different recipes making pizza, cookies and pie. We

spend time playing basketball, going to the lake, and getting into some deep conversations.

I leave every conversation in awe of their perspective and insight. The first time we went to the lake, the guys were sharing their experiences with police. One mentioned he was willing to bet that at some point, the cops would stop us to make sure I wasn’t being kidnapped. Another day, a group of us were sitting around the table and someone asked what my friends and I would talk about. It led to a conversation on how everyone was doing mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

As always, they surprised me with their answers and suggestions. Someone commented that a walk helped him when he’s upset or stressed and many mentioned music — two things that I can relate to.

“What would you do if someone you loved was murdered?” two young men asked casually one evening. I had never considered this before, but it became clear they had thought about it for years. We talked about living in a way to honor the loved one, being there for family, and the pain of losing someone. We discussed violent and nonviolent options and what the repercussions could be. They explained that for them, retaliation comes from a place of love and protection, rather than the revenge and anger I was expecting. One of the young men felt he would be responsible for stopping whoever was inflicting harm because if he

Ministry

Genuine Love

didn’t, they could do it again to someone else. He seemed conflicted as he explained, “Then his people would come after me, and my people after his people...”

I continue to think about these conversations. A year ago, I never would have asked any of these questions about protection, safety, police or profiling. It seems cliché, but I wonder what Jesus would have done. I imagine Him meeting Zacchaeus where he was and acknowledging his human dignity. It reminds me of what I have learned about restorative justice: that people need to be able to speak their truth and have their voices heard in a space where everyone is treated with respect.

It provides a safe space to address issues, hold people accountable for their actions, give everyone a chance to heal, and an opportunity to repair relationships. It provides a space for relationship, friendship, care and, most of all, genuine love.  Story by Maggie Roth, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation Intern

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Archives

Inside the CPPS Archives – CPPS This column showcases artifacts or documents from the CPPS Archives in each issue of Sharing & Caring.

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he Sisters of the Precious Blood have a deep connection to their roots, both spiritually and physically. They have been visiting significant sites in their history for decades, including: Mother Maria Anna Brunner’s birthplace (in 1764) in Reckenkien, near Muemliswil, Switzerland; sites in Rome where the Congregation of the Precious Blood was founded by St. Gaspar

del Bufalo (1815) and where Mother Brunner visited on a pilgrimage and deepened her devotion to the Precious Blood (1832-1833); the ruins of the Castle Loewenberg where the Congregation was founded in 1834; the Benedictine Monastery at Mariastein which is the namesake for Maria Stein, Ohio, the location of the Sisters’ original motherhouse; the Precious Blood Convent in Schellenberg, Liechtenstein;

and Mother Brunner’s original burial place in Sagens, Switzerland. The following are two stories of pilgrimages taken by Sisters of the Precious Blood to their roots in 1990 and 2010.

In the summer of 1989, Sister Anna Maria Sanders was the Administrator at the Maria Stein Center. “Sometime in Story by Sarah Aisenbrey

Sisters Frances Kleman, Anna Maria Sanders, Rose Margaret Broerman, Martha Bertke, Canice Werner and Joyce Ann Zimmerman with group on trip; photo provided by Sister Martha Bertke.

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early summer of 1989 I received a communication that a tour group from Mariastein, Switzerland, would like to visit Maria Stein, Ohio. The group included the Abbot and Guestmaster of Mariastein Benedictine Abbey and about 30 other people from the surrounding area,” she said.

Sister Anna Maria and several other Sisters hosted the group for several days in October 1989. The tour group continu-

ously invited the CPPS Sisters to return the visit to Mariastein, Switzerland, so Sister Anna Maria put out a call for anyone interested to make the trip. These beginnings led to six Sisters — Martha Bertke, Rose Margaret Broerman, Frances Kleman, Anna Maria Sanders, Canice Werner and Joyce Ann Zimmerman — making a pilgrimage to Switzerland in October 1990. The priest opened the welcome

Mass for the Sisters by saying, “You have come to the source from which your foundation in America got its name, Maria Stein. … At this holy Mass we thank [our Mother Mary] … for her blessing for yourself and for Maria Stein in Ohio.”

During their 10-day trip, the Sisters visited various locations with importance to the Congregation’s history, as well as Austria and Germany. Sister Joyce Ann Zimmerman wrote

Left, welcoming Sister Anna Maria and the group; top right, Sisters Canice Werner, Rose Margaret Broerman, Joyce Ann Zimmerman, Martha Bertke, Anna Maria Sanders and Frances Kleman with Abbot after Mass on Sunday; bottom right, inside St. Mary’s Church in Sagens. Mother Brunner was buried here at the front of the center aisle before the Communion railing. Photos provided by Sister Martha Bertke

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Archives

Travel to the Roots of the Congregation

Archives

of the trip, “The reception by the [Benedictine] monks at Mariastein was fantastic and it renewed my interest to explore the relationship between Benedictine spirituality and our own.” After returning to the United States, Sister Martha Bertke wrote, “I drove back to Sandusky, Ohio, filled with gratitude for a wonderful experience.”

In 2010, Sister Jean René Hoying made a trip to Switzerland as a Golden Jubilee gift from friends in Denver, Colorado. Over six days, she visited Germany, France and Switzerland with several friends and her sister, Rita. Sis-

ter Jean René recounts her favorite experience on the trip: “Part of one day was spent visiting Maria Anna Brunner’s roots.

Of course, this was the highlight of my entire trip. I will always cherish the memories that linger while visiting where Maria Anna Brunner lived, prayed

and ministered to everyone she met. … I felt like I was walking on ‘Holy Ground.’ ” 

Top, Nancy Frank and Sister Jean René appreciating an imprint of one of the Stations of the Cross on the side of the Castle Loewenberg; bottom, Sister Jean René searching for the ruins of the Castle Loewenberg. Photos provided by Sister Jean René Hoying

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very spring, the CPPS Archives puts up a display for the Sisters to enjoy in the second-floor rotunda of Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton. Past displays included the lives of Mother Brunner and Father Brunner; artwork made by Sis-

ters; and publications written

by Sisters. The current display features drawings by Sister Eileen [M. Cephas] Tomlinson of the Sisters’ first Ten Foundations in the United States. A binder put together by Sisters Maryann Bremke and Noreen Jutte accompanies the display.

It features printouts of a PowerPoint presentation Sister Maryann gave on the Ten Foundations in 2019 marking the 175th anniversary of the Sisters of the Precious Blood in the United States.  Story and photos by Sarah Aisenbrey

Clockwise, from top, the rotunda at Salem Heights has display cases on both sides of the entrance to the library; the binder put together

by Sisters Maryann Bremke and Noreen Jutte; illustrations by Sister Eileen Tomlinson of Minster and Egypt, Ohio — part of the first ten foundations.

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Archives

Rotunda Display at Salem Heights

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“Very beautiful years” Sisters of the Precious Blood continue ministry in

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ister Maria Luisa Miller grew up in Ottoville, Ohio, where some of her schoolteachers were Precious Blood Sisters; in the eighth grade, her teacher Sister Leonita Westerheide asked if she had ever considered being a Sister. That seed grew, and young Maria Luisa left Ottoville in 1950 to attend high school as an aspirant at Fatima Hall, the Congregation’s former school in Dayton.

She entered the Community in 1954 and soon after put in her name for consideration as

Chile

a missionary to Chile. After teaching in the U.S. as a young Sister for nearly a decade, Sister Maria Luisa was called back to Dayton in 1965 to take Spanish classes at the University of Dayton and begin preparing for mission in Chile.

“My mother was a stay-athome missionary, and my missionary vocation came from her,” Sister Maria Luisa said.

“She did all sorts of things to raise money for the missions, and we prayed for them and read about them.” Her mother also knew the Congregation’s

On the cover, Sister Maria Luisa with sixth grade class, ca. 1980; above, Sister Maria Luisa in Curacaví, 1985.

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superior, Mother Aquinas Stadtherr. “I think because my mother had had Mother Aquinas as her teacher in Ottoville, and Mother Aquinas would be with us in Chile, my parents were comfortable with my going so far away.”

She arrived in the country, along with Sister Marita Beumer, on February 11, 1966.

“It was a special date in Chile, as the Chilean Sisters had been received into the novitiate and made first vows that day — so that was especially memorable,” she said. Sister Maria Luisa spent 19 years teaching elementary students at St. Gaspar School, founded by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1954. Sisters of the Precious Blood had joined the faculty beginning in 1957.

All the Sisters’ ministries, which included teaching, catechesis and pastoral ministry, were interrupted to Story by Mary Knapke with Sarah Aisenbrey; photos from the CPPS Archives collection. Thank you to Sister Maria Luisa Miller for assistance with translation.

In addition to symbols of the cross and chalice and images of the Madonna adorning the walls of churches and homes, often a picture of Maria Anna Brunner, the fundadora de las Hermanas de la Preciosa Sangre, holds a place of honor. …

So begins A Mission of Love / Una Misión de Amor, written by Sister Helen Weber in 2007 to mark half a century of ministry in Chile by the Sisters of the Precious Blood. Today — through numerous changes in the church and society, and still in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic — Precious Blood Spirituality continues to be a life force in Chile’s Christian communities and in the lives touched by Sisters through the years.

varying degrees by a bloody military coup in 1973, led by General Augusto Pinochet.

In the months and years that followed, thousands of people were killed, disappeared, tortured or imprisoned. Sister Maria Luisa said that in the early years of Pinochet’s dictatorship, a nightly curfew meant that Sisters and parishioners were not able to hold pastoral meetings in the evening.

Even so, the Sisters continued to carry out their ministry and share Precious Blood Spirituality with the people. That sharing took root in Groups of Prayer and Friendship, numerous small Christian communities that have taken on Precious Blood Spirituality. “The groups developed over time,” Sister Maria Luisa said. “The people captured the spirituality and wanted to continue it.

“The church was very close to the poor,” she said, noting that the bishop himself lived in a very small house and was very active pastorally.

The Latin American bishops had mandated that religious

become one with the people.

“The work was very beautiful.”

After serving for two years in the small city of Curacaví, she returned to Santiago in 1987 to serve as the Congregation’s coordinator there. She also conducted many different types of ministry, including working for the Conference of Men and Women Religious. Since retiring in 2011, Sister Maria Luisa has stayed active in pastoral and retreat ministry.

Sister Maria Luisa said she has also enjoyed the camaraderie and collaboration of the

Family of the Precious Blood in Chile, a coming together of the Chilean Sisters of the Precious Blood, a diocesan community founded in Chile in 1887; the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, who first arrived in 1947; and the Sisters of the Precious Blood, who first arrived in 1957. The congregations along with the laity have activities, retreats and faith sharing.

Throughout her many ministries in Chile over the past 55 years, she said, “They have been very beautiful years working with the Chilean people.”

Sister Maria Luisa’s third grade religion class, 1983.

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he setting sun, reflected on the snow-peaked Andes Mountains, cast a rosy glow over the sprawling city of Santiago, Chile. Slowly, in homes large and small, artificial lights replaced the sun’s radiance announcing the completion of another day. Throughout the country, in cities, towns and villages, in homes, local chapels and parish churches, many Chileans turned to their evening devotions to the Precious Blood of Jesus.

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ister Marita Beumer also arrived in Chile, along with Sister Maria Luisa, on Feb. 11, 1966. She spent a decade there, which she said had a profound impact on her life and ministry.

A native of St. Peter parish near Fort Recovery, Ohio, Sister Marita taught primary school in Indiana and Ohio before going to Chile. “Shortly after arriving in Chile, I was immersed in a culture and language previously unknown to me, which enabled me to broaden my worldview,” she said. “The experiences with the Chilean Sisters, people and culture have enriched all parts of my life and have given me an awareness and sensitivity to be more intercultural.”

In addition to her intercultural experience, being engaged in a variety of ministries and congregational duties served as “springboards” for her life back in the U.S. One of these ministries was the involvement with Comunidades Eclesiales de Base, Basic Church Communities, in a priestless

Sister Marita drinking from a cow’s horn to celebrate the 25th Jubilee of Sisters in Chile with Sister Carmelita Monnin, 1982.

“The inspiration of the integrity and authenticity of the leadership of the Chilean church and my experiences with the farmworkers/campo and the Basic Church Communities were and are bedrock for my ministry in the United States,” she said. Indeed, after leaving Chile in 1976, Sister Marita ministered with Spanish-speaking communities in

'The experiences with the Chilean Sisters, people and culture have enriched all parts of my life and have given me an awareness and sensitivity to be more intercultural.' ­— Sister Marita Beumer area of Santiago called a diaconia. “In one of these areas of about 100,000 people, little by little the groups met in homes for our weekly gatherings of evangelization, trying to reach as many as possible. Then the people became the ‘missionaries’ among their own,” she explained.

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Arizona and California. Today, she continues to minister with the Spanish-speaking at St. Mary Catholic Church in Dayton.

In the first three years of her mission in Chile, Sister Marita taught third grade at St. Gaspar School. “Teaching was in English,” she said. “It was the

second language for the boys and in third grade, their grasp of English was minimal. And I didn’t yet know Spanish!”

In 1969, she was assigned to the Congregation’s Novitiate house in Santa Ines and became administrator of the Community’s small vegetable farm; she also supervised the completion of construction of a new, large novitiate building.

In the evenings, she helped with literacy classes for farm workers in the area.

In 1972, Sister Marita was elected Vicariate Coordinator, and the Santiago Archdiocese asked the Congregation to take responsibility of the parish located in Los Bajos de San Augustin, near Santa Ines.

“Most of the Sisters agreed with this new ministry in the church. Sister Rosalina Gonzáles became the coordinator of the parish and received permission from Rome to baptize, witness marriages and preach when a priest was not available,” Sister Marita

Top, Sister Marita teaching confirmation class, ca. 1980; bottom, Sister Marita with group, 1975.

explained. “Usually once a month a priest from a neighboring parish came to our parish. In that campo area of the Archdiocesan Vicariate there were several parishes similar to Los Bajos that had religious Sisters in charge.”

At the same time, the political situation in the country was intensifying. After a trip to Dayton in the summer of

1973, Sister Marita discovered upon her return to Chile that “there was literally nothing in the Sisters’ kitchen refrigerator because of all the scarcities and political squabbles. They had a large bag of rice and beans from which they were making their food.”

On Sept. 11 that year, the president was deposed in the coup led by General Pinochet,

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and a military dictatorship took over. “As an everyday occurrence, I was in the line waiting for bread when it was announced over loudspeakers.

Foreigners had been frowned upon, but we tried to be prudent and give hope to the people. This was our first experience of ‘war’ — lockdowns, curfews, being watched — that extended for months and some for more than a year,” she said.

Most foreigners, especially from other South American countries, were deported or asked to leave, and many retreat houses became places of refuge. “Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez, an example for me of Jesus on Earth, asked the superiors of women’s and men’s congregations to help with the refugee resettlement.

Another new ministry for me!”

Sister Marita said. “Many of the refugees had to look for a different country rather than their own. With United Nations coordination, we communicated with the refugees and took them where they needed to go for interviews or in order to leave Chile for resettlement in a refuge country.

Their stories were unforgettable as we talked with them and drove them around, trying to give them hope and avoid a stop by the police.”

Through all her experiences of teaching, catechesis and supporting their Chilean neighbors in times of crisis, Sister Marita, like others, felt that her faith and her call to mission was upheld by a love for the people.

“What encouraging memories to be and feel with the groups as their stories unfolded and their lives began to be put together again — to be Church!”

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ister Regina Albers spent a decade in Chile, from 1968 to 1980, and like Sister Marita, she said her experience had a lasting impact on her faith and her worldview. After her time in Chile, she ministered to Hispanic communities in Michigan and Ohio and ultimately returned to west central Ohio in 2001. There, she organized Spanish-language Masses and formed relationships with people working in Mexican restaurants, often helping them prepare for sacraments.

“I think what was the biggest gift for me that came of my experience in Chile was that I learned Spanish extremely well, which rather surprised me. I didn’t know that I would do that,” she said. “It was also the love of the people — I even became the godmother of two children.”

Sister Regina carried out a variety of activities throughout her ministry in Chile: She taught at St. Gaspar School and in the village of Purranque; carried out pastoral work, helping people prepare for sacraments; and served as coordinator at Los

Sister Regina Albers on her bike getting ready to go into the country to teach and bring the sacraments, 1976.

spiritual experience to see the faith of those people,” she continued. “They had a very deep faith. Because the priest could only come occasionally, people really didn’t get to know him

'I always felt respected in Chile and I never had difficulties in the classroom. I really do feel that the people appreciated us, what we did.' ­— Sister Regina Albers Bajos de San Augustin, the “little country parish” outside Santiago where Sisters took responsibility for pastoral activities.

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very well. I remember this one gentleman was dying and he wanted so much to have the last sacraments. But the distance …

I just knew there was no way we could get the priest to come

in time. And so, I prayed with the man and told him that God would take care of him. These things were difficult to handle when you knew that the priest couldn’t be there.”

Sister Regina said she learned to be adaptable, bicycling from village to village to help parishioners prepare for marriage or baptism, or provide whatever spiritual support was needed. Families often invited her to stay for a meal while she was with them. “I knew that if I didn’t eat what was on the table, they would think I didn’t appreciate it. So, whether I liked it or not, I ate what was on the table! I learned not to be a picky eater,” she said.

Top, Sister Regina Albers with a child at her farewell from Chile celebration, 1982; bottom, St. Gaspar view from above, ca. 1960.

At the same time, she relied on her faith not only in guiding parishioners, but also in her dayto-day life, praying to St. Joseph to protect her from the dangers

of traveling alone through the countryside every time she prepared to go out on her bike for the day. She recalls that on one occasion, she stopped by a

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home and guard dogs began to charge at her — until she said aloud, “St. Joseph, protect me.”

All eight dogs continued barking, but stopped and hunched down on their hind legs.

“And you know, the strange thing was, I had no sense of fear,” she said. “It was God’s gift. It told me St. Joseph loves me and God protects. I have no doubt.”

While growing up in Egypt, Ohio, Sister Regina often heard stories of the missions from the Precious Blood Messenger. “Every month they had a story about Chile. I am not certain why, but my mother would read some of those stories after supper. And I would listen and think, ‘Wouldn’t that be something to go down there?’ I never dreamed I would actually go.

“I think that is where my vocation started, too — my thinking about it while listening to those readings. I really don’t know why my mother did that. But I enjoyed listening to them. I wouldn’t have sat down and read them myself at that age.”

Like Sister Maria Luisa’s parents, who knew the Sisters and were supportive of the missions, Sister Regina’s parents knew some of the Precious Blood priests who had been in ministry in Chile. “And then when I was asked to go, I didn’t have difficulty in saying yes; I was willing to go. It was amazing to me that I would be asked,” she said.

“I loved teaching,” she added. “I always felt respected in Chile and I never had difficulties in the classroom. I really do feel that the people appreciated us, what we did.”

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ister Edna Hess, the Congregation’s current president, first ministered in Chile from 1977 to 2003. After serving on the congregational Council in Dayton for eight years, she returned to Chile in 2012 and stayed there seven more years. She came to Dayton in 2019 to begin her term as president.

In Chile, she taught at St. Gaspar School and carried out pastoral outreach and catechesis on the weekends. She also worked for the Conference of Men and Women Religious, teaching English to seminarians and New Testament to postulants. In pastoral ministry, she worked with catechesis, youth groups and women’s groups, some of which continue to this day; she and Sister Maria Luisa also helped direct weekend retreat programs for laity.

Originally from Carthagena, Ohio, Sister Edna’s earliest introduction to missionary life came from Extension magazine, a periodical about the missions that her grandmother received in the mail. “I loved to read it, and I always thought I’d like to be a missionary,” she said. She left home at the age of 14 to attend school at Fatima Hall as an aspirant to the Sisters of the Precious Blood. “That was already a major change because Dayton was ‘the big city,’ ” she said. “So I’d had some introduction into living in a city — but going to Santiago was like changing worlds.” At that time, Santiago was about 15 times larger than Dayton.

Despite her interest in missionary life, the prospect of learning another language struck her as exceptionally challenging. Even so, before 16

Sharing & Caring

Top, Sister Edna with students at St. Gaspar, 1983; bottom, Sisters Edna and Maria Luisa processing with group at St. Gaspar, 1998.

making her final vows, Sister Edna made a 30-day directed retreat focused on being open to what God was calling her to do. “After that, it seemed like I happened to keep meeting people from Chile. And because I’d also always had that missionary desire, I spoke with the Community’s president at that time and she said,

‘Go ahead.’ So I went.”

She arrived four years into the military dictatorship, and an indelible impression was left by some of the images and experiences of that era — such as the violent, often bloody, protests against the dictatorship that took place in the early 1980s. “You saw armed military on the street, which was

Top, Sister Edna with student, ca. 1990s; bottom, Sister Ceil Taphorn visit ca. 2010s; top row from left, Sisters Edna, Noemi Flores, Rita Manriquez, Maria Luisa, bottom row from left, Sisters Carmelita Monnin, Ceil, Dorothy Schmitmeyer.

a shocking experience. And I quickly learned that you had to be very careful about where you expressed your thoughts and opinions, because at that time people could denounce you.

“But the Catholic church really supported the families of those who went missing; it really stood against the military dictatorship. Because of that,

many people participated in the church,” she said.

Many of the scary experiences during the dictatorship were not talked about because “we didn’t want to worry the Community or our families — if they had known some of those situations, they would have been so worried.”

When asked why the Congregation didn’t call Sisters back to

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Dayton, Sister Edna said the Community’s leadership team may not have realized the extent of the dangerous conditions in Chile at that time.

“However,” she added, “I don’t think we even thought about coming back home. We felt we were accompanying the Chilean people to recover their democracy.”

In spite of those hardships, Sister Edna said the Sisters carried on with their ministry. “The leadership of the Archdiocese spoke against the military dictatorship and approved our support of parishioners who had problems with the government. We felt safe because we knew the church had our back. And so catechetics and Masses went on as if life were normal.”

Today, there are many things Sister Edna said she misses about Chile. “I miss looking out and seeing the mountains.

And the people are very welcoming. People will bend over backwards to help you. It’s a more relaxed culture than ours; the person is more important than efficiency,” she said.

Through 34 years of ministry in Chile, Sister Edna said the biggest impact the experience had on her was that it brought her to a deeper love of Precious Blood spirituality. In the midst of the political protests, the cry of the blood was very real, with “a lot of killing and death, and shedding of blood,” she said.

And even as the protests and the shedding of blood in the streets subsided, the spirituality of “blood as life” deepened for her through faith sharing and study with other religious communities and the laity.

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S

ister Ann Clark spent just under one year in Chile, from September 1979 to May 1980 — but even in that relatively short period of time, she, like others, felt that the experience had a powerful impact.

“It helped me to appreciate many things. Our Sisters in Chile all worked very hard,” she said. “I was impressed with how much Precious Blood Spirituality meant to them.

They learned about it, shared it, and they lived it.”

Spending time in Chile during her novitiate also helped her appreciate both the universality of the church and how it adapted to each culture — and allowed her to learn to appreciate other cultures, and how much learning a new language “opens up your world.”

“I went along with the Sisters when they went to their ministries,” she explained.

“I went to St. Gaspar School occasionally with the Sisters who taught there. I went with Sister Regina when she went on her pastoral visits. I went with Sister Mary John Scenery from Chile, 2007; Sister Madonna Ratermann photo. Inset, Sister Ann Clark in Chile, ca.

Brandewie when she visited 1979-80. and took Communion to the sick. I spent some time in Los Bajos de San Augustin with where Sister Carmelita Monexplained. “I had an excellent Sisters Rosalina, Marifé Hellnin, Sister Noemi Flores and experience.”

Sister Mary While she was discerning 'It helped me to appreciate many Anne Wester- ministry in Chile, her discernheide did ment called her to minister to things. Our Sisters in Chile all pastoral work. Hispanic people in the U.S. worked very hard. I was impressed I also lived She earned a master’s degree in the central in Hispanic Ministry and with how much Precious Blood house with served in that area for many Spirituality meant to them.'

Sisters Doroyears. Currently in Dayton as a thy Schmitmember of the congregational — Sister Ann Clark meyer, Maria Council, she and Sister Marita man and Iris Flores, where Luisa, Cyria Huff, Pilar More- traveled to the U.S. border with they did pastoral work. I spent no and Mary John. They all Mexico to minister to migrants some time in Froilán Roa, had different ministries,” she in 2019.

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of the Precious Blood.

The Precious Blood Sisters in Chile recently moved to a new house within Santiago and became parishioners in the Parish of St. Isabel of Hungary; due to the pandemic, they have not yet been able to start any pastoral care, but Sister Rita said they look forward to becoming more active in the future. Despite the pandemic, in November last year, Sister Rita was able to join the Archdiocese as a subdirector in the Department of Biblical Animation for pastoral care, working remotely.

Sister Rita said that these current challenging times “have given me the most life and hope, and have strengthened my faith, by joining the Bible Department and participating in an online Bible course.

Sister Rita Manriquez working with youth, 1998; bottom, These experiences Top, Sisters Edna, Rita and Maria Luisa during the 60 years in Chile have given me celebration, 2017. the opportunity to delve into the Word of the “With a grateful heart I Lord and renew some knowlthank the Lord of Life for calledge — and also reflect more ing me to live in the Congrecalmly on the unconditional gation under the Spirituality and deep love of God the Faof the Precious Blood, which ther and his saving project for has filled my life with many our humanity. divine graces and joys — such Winter 2021 19

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riginally from Valparaiso in Chile, Sister Rita Manríquez Silva said that as a young woman, she took part in different vocational encounters with other congregations and participated in a secular institute for three years.

“But there was always something that was missing in the spiritual; my heart said there is something else. When I met the CPPS Sisters, what attracted me most was the Spirituality of the Precious Blood and their charism around the Redeeming Love of Jesus,” she said.

She met the Sisters in 1989 through vocational meetings made in conjunction with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood and spent over a year getting to know the Congregation. “After this experience, I withdrew from my job and entered with the Sisters, even though many people told me it was crazy to leave such a safe and stable job.”

Over the past 27 years, Sister Rita has served in several parishes in Santiago, specifically in the Municipality of La Florida, performing pastoral services such as children’s catechist for First Communion and youth pastoral adviser, and accompanying participants in retreats and conferences for Precious Blood spirituality groups, accompanying small Christian communities, preparing youth for confirmation, supporting Ignatian weekend retreats and many more. She also used her gifts as a secretary at the Conference of Men and Women Religious and in the Archdiocese of Santiago.

Most recently, in 2019 she accompanied the Fraternal Aid Team of the Parish of Our Lady

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as having met and lived with my Sisters, different experiences in our pastoral ministry in the different parishes, having learned from them how to transmit the Spirituality of the Blood in different ways. These experiences have brought

many joys to my life.”

In closing, Sister Rita asked to share a prayer “born of a grateful and joyful heart that my Lord of Life gives me every day.”

M

y God and Lord, my heart is full of gratitude for all that I have lived during these years in the Congregation of Your Precious Blood.

Lord, my heart rejoices with you for all the gifts and I thank you for receiving freely all you send me to put at the service of my brothers and sisters.

My Lord, may my heart be full of hope and dreams and always be aware of your loving presence.

My Lord, may your all-encompassing Redeeming love sustain all my Sisters of our Congregation that, as women Consecrated to your Precious Blood, we may continue to shed the perfume of your Saving Love so that many more may live this fullness of Joy and Gratitude. Amen.  Right, the banner created for the 60 years in Chile celebration, 2017.

Happy Birthday In each issue of Sharing & Caring we recognize the birthdays of the Sisters of the Precious Blood.

Congratulations to the Sisters celebrating spring birthdays.

MARCH

5 6 12 13 23 27

Jane Francis Hoffman Mary Lou Schmersal Nancy Kinross Dorothy Koenig Rose Margaret Broerman Martha Bertke

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7 9 11 13 13 15 17 20 20 22 24 27

APRIL

Rosemary Goubeaux Virgine Elking Alice Schoettelkotte Maureen Mangen Joyce Ann Zimmerman Mary Yarger Karen Elliott Kathleen Kelly Genevieve Volk Linda Pleiman Jean René Hoying Maryann Bremke

3 6 11 13 20 22 22 23 23

MAY

Mumbi Kigutha Deb Huss Thelma Wurzelbacher Rose Helene Wildenhaus Arlene Hirsch Lou Ann Roof Benita Volk Mary Ellen Lampe Nancy Recker

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ister Maria Luisa Miller learned to crochet while attending school at Fatima Hall, the Congregation’s former school in Dayton. That skill remained with her over the years, and about four years ago, she began crocheting in earnest. She most often makes baby blankets.

“It’s something that’s easy to do while watching TV in the evening,” she said. “It can also be a very prayerful activity.”

She initially made some blankets for family members. She then also began to make them for parishioners — particularly the Haitian immigrants who had settled in the area. Tens

of thousands of Haitians have migrated to Chile over the past two decades.

“Sometimes they didn’t have much for their babies, so it was just something I could do to try to help them,” she said. Sister Maria Luisa has served in mission in Chile since 1966.

Sister Rita Manriquez, also in Chile, makes a variety of crafts that she has learned by either watching others or watching YouTube videos. She enjoys designing bracelets, rings, pins and angels; paints mandalas; makes blankets and ponchos; and makes greeting cards, especially for birthdays

or anniversaries of the Sisters.

“All these crafts I have performed as therapy that helped me relax when I had a lot of work, and it is also a method of contemplation,” she said.

She gives almost all her creations to others. “I often make crafts while thinking lovingly about the people to whom I will give them, and thanking God for them in my life.

I always believe in thanking God for the opportunity, time, materials and means I have to perform these works that I give with great affection.”  Story by Mary Knapke

Background, baby blanket by Sister Maria Luisa, contributed photo; left, crafts by Sister Rita, Michelle Bodine photo; right, Sister Maria Luisa crochets while her sister's dog, Sparky, watches; contributed photo.

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Palettes of Prayer

Creative pursuits of all types allow us to express thoughts and feelings that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. Color, form, texture or sound can take us to a place beyond language as we continually seek transcendent experiences that elevate, challenge and inspire.

Many Sisters of the Precious Blood make art and crafts, and while the forms of their creations vary widely — carving, painting, quilting, singing and many more — they share in common a means of communion with others, and a way to reflect the beauty of God.

In Brief

In Brief Precious Blood Sisters have been busy with a variety of recent events. In all that we do, we strive to continue to fulfill our mission to proclaim God’s love by being a life-giving, reconciling presence in our fractured world.

Endings and New Beginnings: CPPS Sisters in Cleveland, 1908-2020 The Sisters of the Precious Blood have over a century of history in Cleveland, Ohio. The Sisters began their ministry in Cleveland at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in 1908 with four Sisters. At its peak in enrollment in 1953, the school had 1,273 students. Over 150 Sisters had been in ministry at Our Lady of Good Counsel when it closed in 1986.

Sisters were also involved in other ministries in Cleveland and the surrounding areas. They were students and professors at local colleges and universities; speech therapists; music teachers and tutors; domestic arts professionals; and hospital directors, to name a few. With the move of Sister Mary Ann Mozser to Salem Heights, our central house in Dayton, in November 2020, the Sisters closed their 112-year ministry in Cleveland. —Sarah Aisenbrey, CPPS Archivist December 16 — The Sisters at Emma Hall, at the Maria Joseph Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, had a virtual Christmas party with Council and the Salem Heights Sisters. The Emma Hall Sisters each had an iPad so they could visit virtually with everyone.

The Sisters were happy to see one another, catch up and send Christmas wishes and joy!

January 13 — Sister Terry Maher appeared on national television on CBS This Morning. Reporter David Begnaud spoke of how Sister Terry ministers to COVID-19 patients in their final hours of life. We send our prayers of gratitude and support Sister Terry’s way as she continues to walk this journey day after day with terrified patients and families suffering through the devastating effects of the coronavirus.

January 20 — The Sisters of the Precious Blood congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration. In this time of division and unrest in our country, we pray for our country and for our elected leaders. May division become unity and the unrest lead to peace with reconciliaTop, convent renovation at Our Lady of Good Council, Cleveland, Ohio, August 1949. Left side: Sisters Mary Estella Raub and Laurene [Mary Liliosa] Hemmelgarn. Right side: Sisters Mary Phyllis Esser and Mary Doreen Inkrott; CPPS archive photo. Second, Sister Albertina Laux poses with Christmas cakes she made at Our Lady of Good Council, Cleveland, Ohio, in November 1965. Sister Albertina was the cook at Our Lady of Good Council from 1963 to 1977; CPPS archive photo. Third, Sister Edna Hess celebrates Christmas with the Sisters at Emma Hall via Zoom; Sarah Aisenbrey photo. Bottom, Sister Terry Maher ministers to COVID-19 patients; CBS This Morning photo.

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January 29 — The Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center (IJPC) sent a letter of thanks to the Congregation for our recent donation. Their 2021 calendar, Nuns Just want to Have FUNdamental Rights for All, features Sister Mary E. Wendeln in the month of February! The calendar serves as a reminder of the incredible work of religious sisters in Greater Cincinnati, many of whom are connected to IJPC. Top, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris; contributed photo. Second, the Intercommunity Justice and Peace Center 2021 calendar features Sister Mary E. Wendeln in the month of February; contributed photo.

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In Sympathy We offer sympathy to Sisters of the Precious Blood who have recently lost family members, and to the families of former Sisters who have died, and we offer prayers for our communities and the world.

Sister Ann Merkle (deceased) on the death of her sister, Rosemary Dillon, on December 19, 2020.

Sister Adeline Mertz on the death of her brother, Bernard Mertz, on December 20, 2020.

Sister Patty Kremer on the death of her brother, Marty Kremer, on January 2.

Sister Mary Yarger on the death of her mother, Marilyn Yarger, on January 21.

Sister Barbara Brown on the death of her sister-in-law, Darla

Brown, on February 16.

Remembering Nancy Rosencrants Emery, (our former Sister M. Frances), died on December 25, 2020.

Virginia (Falvey) Frankenberger, (our former Sister M. Michael Francis), died during the week of January 3.

Prayers For the guidance of the

Holy Spirit for President Biden, Vice President Harris and all our government leaders.

For those suffering from COVID-19, those ministering to them and those assisting with the vaccines.

For consistent prayer to overcome systemic racism.

For the healing of our country.

For the people of Texas and those affected by the recent cold spell and storm.

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In Brief / In Sympathy

tion. This is a daunting task to be accomplished over time, with each person doing their part. We must all begin today. Not to be overlooked is the coronavirus pandemic that is now ravaging our country. Only with citizens and leaders working together will we be able to “establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” (Preamble to U.S. Constitution). We renew our commitment to the common good. We pray daily that the healing may begin and that the United States will be, once again, a light to others in our world.

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID DAYTON, OH Permit No. 966

4000 Denlinger Road Dayton, OH 45426-2399

Scenes from Salem Heights

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1) February 9 — Because our Sisters living at Salem Heights have been in quarantine for the past year, they are still able to gather together for activities, prayer, meals and, occasionally, even special events like the Nifty Nineties party. Sisters in their 90s recently celebrated together — including Sister Laura Will (M. Clarus), a newcomer to the exclusive club who turned 90 last summer. Sister Eleanor McNally (M. Thomas) gets a special pass to the party, though she's not in her 90s — she turned 102 in December. From left, Sisters Pat Dieringer (M. Agnes Claire), Laura Will, Nancy Wolf (Lisa Marie) and Ruth Ann Meyer (M. Giovanni). Sister Maryann Bremke photo 2) February 11 — Precious Blood Sisters and staff members were grateful to receive their first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 90 vaccines were given to all Sisters at Salem Heights, as well as any interested Sisters in the Dayton area. All employees and the priests who minister at Salem Heights were also included. Thank you to Sister Judy Kroeger for her determination in getting Salem Heights on an official list for vaccine distribution. From left, Sister Nancy Wolf, JoAnne Dole and Sister Eleanor McNally. Contributed photo 3) February 16 — The Sisters at Salem Heights enjoyed a Mardi Gras celebration with word games, puzzles and slices of King Cake. Sister Helen Weber (M. Herbert) was crowned the Mardi Gras queen after finding the baby Jesus in the cake. Kim Jaynes photo 24

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