A Saint for the 21st Century By S. Georgia Kitt
A
s interest in Servant of God S. Blandina Segale continues, the following article offers insight into the current happenings related to her cause for canonization and S. Blandina herself. She continues to be an inspiration to many as more and more immigrants, healthcare workers, educators, and even prisoners, are learning of her life, her escapades in the Southwest and the social services she established in Cincinnati, after gaining the confidence of the Italian immigrants.
In August, co-producers, Tomas Sanchez and Mark Steinig, and Allen Sanchez, petitioner for S. Blandina Segale’s cause for canonization, presented Sisters, Associates and Segale family members with a special showing of “At the End of the Santa Fe Trail,” a television series based on the life of S. Blandina.
The past two issues of Intercom updated readers on the early Santa Maria Community Services history, first begun in 1897, and highlighted some of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati who followed in the footsteps of S. Blandina and her blood sister, S. Justina, meeting adult language, educational, health- and job-related needs. Always, then and now, home visits, problem solving and community organizing were essential to their success. In the institutions she founded almost one century ago, besides Santa Maria, both St. Joseph’s Children’s, Albuquerque, and San Antonio parish, Cincinnati, still reflect Blandina’s determined, can-do spirit these many years later. She lived the Sisters of Charity motto: the Charity of Christ Urges Us. S. Blandina is most certainly a ‘Sister To All!’ She gave her life to do good to others. She seemed to influence people most when she entered into their everyday world; we see that throughout her journal, At the End of the Santa Fe Trail. In her encounters we find her reaching out to unlikely people and places with acceptance and love. In the present we find the pilot for her TV series being circulated to those who might be interested in buying the rights. In late August the co-producers of the pilot, Tomas Sanchez and Mark Steinig, came to the Motherhouse to offer a special showing of the pilot, “At the End of the Santa Fe Trail,” to Sisters, Associates, and Segale family members. Input from the viewers was requested as they begin to consider future episodes. From the canonization group working on her cause it seems that they have completed their current work. The Second Diocesan Inquiry has been completed (November 2016) and all work is now in the hands of the Roman Postulator and the Congregation for the Cause of the Saints. Allen Sanchez, CEO of St. Joseph’s Children’s and petitioner, tells us that the miracle phase of her life holds great interest for the Vatican personnel assigned to her case. When writing or speaking about S. Blandina in public we are to address her as Servant of God Blandina Segale, SC. We ask that you continue to pray to her for her intercession. As the petitioners for her cause, Allen Sanchez and the Board of St. Joseph’s Children’s are asking that Blandina be made the patron of immigrant children and universal health care. She could be the patron of many 21st century issues and persons – persons being trafficked, brick-builders, refugees, community organizers. We might ask ourselves: Where do I see charity needed? Can I bring Servant of God Blandina Segale’s spirit there? VOLUME III, 2017
Intercom is the quarterly magazine of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. This apostolic Catholic women’s religious community exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service and prayer in the world. Approximately 280 Sisters are joined in their mission by 203 Associates (lay women and men). Sisters, using their professional talents as ministers of education, health care, social services and environmental justice, live and minister in 23 U.S. dioceses and in two foreign countries. They also sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor.
Intercom Staff Editor
Erin Reder Graphic Design/Layout
Michelle Bley Director of Communications
S. Georgia Kitt Executive Council Liaison
S. Mary Bookser Advisory Board Members:
Veronica Buchanan S. Mary Ann Flannery S. Tracy Kemme S. Joyce Richter Debbie Weber Vicki Welsh Letters to the editor, articles and photos are welcome. The staff reserves the right to edit for space and readability. Make submissions to: Communications Office 5900 Delhi Road Mount St. Joseph, OH 45051 Phone: 513-347-5447 Fax: 513-347-5467 Email: erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org Subscriptions: $15 per year
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