Journeys Sisters of St. Casimir
Vol. XXXIV No. 1 Spring 2020
Congratulations, SSC Auxiliary The Auxiliary of the Sisters of St. Casimir was founded by Venerable Maria Kaupas in 1919, and it has continued to provide invaluable assistance to the congregation for over 100 years. The intention of its founding members was to assist in providing for the material needs of the community and to support young women entering religious life. They also sought to fund scholarships for daughters of members who wished to attend St. Casimir Academy, Maria High School, or Villa Joseph Marie High School in Holland, Pennsylvania. For decades, there were
chapters of the Auxiliary in Chicago and the East Coast. Each chapter would work diligently to raise funds and would gather annually to present the fruits of their labors to the Sisters at the Motherhouse in Chicago and at Villa Joseph Marie in Holland, Pennsylvania. Today, the chapters function as one body, but the work goes on. The Auxiliary has always benefitted from a wealth of talent in its leadership. Its founding President, Antanina Nausediene, was instrumental in making the Auxiliary an influential organization, vital to the work of the SSC community.
Mrs. Nausediene, whose photo is on display in the timeline of the SSC Legacy Space, was renowned as a teacher and writer. Her tenure as president was followed, in 1965, by the election of St. Casimir Academy Alumna Mary Rudis ‘32. Antanina and Mary were strong leaders who believed in the value of Catholic education. They also shared a zeal and love for Lithuanian culture and for the charism of the Sisters of St. Casimir. Both women received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal from the Pope for their fidelity to continued on page 3
Auxiliary Leadership team gathered in the Sisters of St. Casimir Legacy Room near a photograph of Antanina Nausediene, founding President of the Auxiliary, on the timeline. From left: Susan Binkis, Paul Binkis, Eleanor Ebert, Ginger Madden and Loretta Ezerski.