April 2013 eChips - Wheaton Franciscan

eChips
Electronic Newsletter for and from the Wheaton Franciscans
April 2013
Volume 5, Issue 4
WITH OPEN HEARTS
Sr. Marge Zulaski
I believe that “with open hearts” expresses our communal intention for
a wholehearted engagement in relationship to all that is. This means
choices to live wholeheartedly as we move forward in hope.
To be in relationship to all that is both light and dark in the world
involves suffering. Margaret Wheatley in her recent book So Far from
Home states a somber truth: “greed, self-interest and coercive power
are destroying the very life force of the planet,” and she observes
that “destructive forces are happening everywhere with escalating
intensity.” With open hearts, we connect with the experience of pain
and suffering of the world as it is. There’s a Carolyn McDade song
with words by poet Adrienne Rich that arouses in me a sense of pain
and grief for the world. My heart is moved by all I cannot save; so
much has been destroyed. We can embrace the experience of sorrow
because at the same time we sense a connection with the suffering of
all living things. Such openness to the suffering of our world nurtures a
depth of compassion in our hearts.
We choose to go forward with hearts open to the energies of love.
We hold in our hearts God’s generative love. While we can observe a
dominance of greed and abusive power in our country, we live in the
spirit of Francis and Clare, creating an economy of relationships by
recognizing good in others and by fostering collaborative efforts for
building communities that elevate the human spirit. Building community
continues to be a radical work for our time.
At the Christine Center, I find that days are full with details that require
attention so that a sacred space that generates growth, healing, and
spiritual deepening can hold true. While tending to practical matters
from my “to do” list, I am generally not aware of focusing on building
community for those who come. Yet, many people express joy at their
experience of community here. I say, there is a greater Presence
at work and I am happy to participate in tending a space for God’s
illuminating grace.
Our Wheaton Franciscan community remains strong because of
the many ways we express our need and offer what we can to one
another. This involves ongoing conversations and many expressions
of support and comfort. For me, ordinary words are experienced as
blessings: I trust you … I see your goodness … I believe in you … I am
sorry that I’ve caused you pain … I love you. When we are engaged
with community and relationships, we come closer to the reality that
“all is one,” a reality from which all new life arises.
2013 BRAZIL CELEBRATION
Sr. Maureen Elfrink
What a thrill it was to be traveling to Brazil after an absence of 7 years. I left
January 27 with Sr. Diane Przyborowski and Sr. Mary Ellen McAleese from
O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, IL. After a 5-hour trip, we arrived in
Manaus, where it was very hot. It did not take us long to go through customs,
even though Sr. Mary Ellen’s bags were the last to arrive. We arrived in Santarem
at 5:00 a.m. and Sr. Martha Friedman and Sr. Alice Reckamp were waiting for
us. While riding to the Motherhouse, I could see many changes in the darkness -more land cleared for more houses. We arrived after the Sisters finished morning
prayer. We greeted everyone and some of them left for work. We ate breakfast
and went to rest. After the evening meal we visited and played games. Sr. Mary
Lou Wirtz and Sr. Sheila Kinsey joined us the next day from Rome, Italy. It was
good to see them.
From left: Sr. Mary Lou Wirtz, Sr. Nazare
(25th Jubilee), Sr. Martha Friedman (60th
During the days before the celebration we had time to visit and see other places
Jubilee), & Sr. Sheila Kinsey
in Santarem. This was a new experience for Sr. Diane. We went to the novitiate
to have lunch with the novices and see the new building, which was built a
short time ago. At meals we enjoyed the Brazilian food, especially the fruit-like
mangoes, cupuacu, and the cerola juice. Preparing the Cupuacu was another new
experience for Sr. Diane.
The new Bishop Flavio of the Santarem Diocese is a Claretian Missionary from
Italy. He stopped by for a short visit.
On February 1, Mass was in the Motherhouse chapel. Two novices were received
and one Sister renewed her vows for three years. A special breakfast was served
after the ceremony. The special celebrations took place on Sunday, February 3, at
Our Lady of Grace Church. Dom Flavio was the main celebrant. We all marched in
behind the banner that was created for this occasion. Sr. Nazare, our first Brazilian
Sister, celebrated her Silver Jubilee. Members of her family were here from Belem.
Novices getting ready for the party!
Sr. Martha celebrated her 60th Jubilee and her 50 years presence in Santarem.
We also celebrated the 50-year Mission that became a Region 25 years ago. After
the Mass all were invited to a special meal in the courtyard of our Motherhouse.
Later that day we relaxed and visited with one another and watched the celebrants
open their gifts.
During the trip, we went to the feira (market for fresh fruits and vegetables) and
stopped at the fish market. We also took a boat ride on the river to see where the
Tapajos and Amazon Rivers meet but do not mix. On February 5, we were invited
for Mass at the Franciscan Fathers Convent. After Mass we had breakfast with
them to celebrate the birthday of Fr. John Schweiters.
Later that day, Sr. Diane and Sr. Mary Ellen were taken to the airport to board the
plane for the return trip to the United States. During that week I spent time getting
to know the new members and renewing friendships with the others. It was very
helpful to be able to speak Portuguese. The novices are learning English so they
practiced with me.
From left: Sr. Maureen Elfrink,
Sr. Alice Reckamp, Sr. Diane Przyborowski,
& Sr. Martha Friedman
During the visit with the Sisters it was good to see the enthusiasm they have for
their continuous growth and development. They know there will be challenges
ahead that will be met with the graces of God. The Region is growing slowly but
surely.
On Februray 12, Sr. Mary Lou and Sr. Sheila left for Rome, Italy, and I left the
same day for the United States.
I am grateful to have had this opportunity for this visit. I could see the growth in
the city and in the community. It was a little sad to leave because I did not know if I
would ever see them again. Yet with today’s technology it is easy to keep in touch.
2
Meeting of water!
Amazon River (upper right)
Tapajos River (upper left)
CELEBRATING NEW LIFE!
CM Jeanne Connolly
Congratulations
to CM Shirley
Justin-Wolff
and her
husband, John,
the proud
grandparents of
Sam. Sam was
born February
4, 2012, in Haiti
and was adopted CM Shirley Justin-Wolff and her husband,
John, with their new grandson, Sam
by Shirley’s
daughter Paula and her husband Shawn. Shirley
shared a couple of pictures as well as this message
about Sam’s long-awaited arrival.
“Here is Sam ... arriving
in Wheaton, IL, on
March 4th from Haiti en
route to his new home
in Denver. Sam is alert,
inquisitive, determined
and babbling in French
Creole. Quite a cute
guy and a little serious,
especially about his
Sam ready to eat and already
food and his sleep (a
interested in the White Sox.
huge plus for Mom and
Dad)! They spent 36 hours with doting grandparents
and are now in Denver adjusting to becoming
a threesome. I think they’ll do just fine! We are
heading out there mid-April, just to make sure!!!
Thank you all for your prayers, concern and support.
We feel so blessed for Sam and you in our lives!”
Paula Wolff and Shawn Morrison, Sam’s ecstatic parents.
KENNY HAYLES BECOMES A U.S. CITIZEN
Sr. Mariette Kalbac
Kenny Hayles,
a 16-year
employee of
the Wheaton
Franciscan
Sisters, was
sworn in as a
U.S. citizen in
Chicago, IL,
on Thursday,
January 31,
2013. Kenny was
born September
29, 1956, in
Jamaica and
came to the
U.S. in 1978.
He has been a
legal permanent
resident until
now. He is one
Kenny (left) receiving certificate.
of 8 siblings, 5
of whom were born in Jamaica and 3 in the U.S.
Kenny, his mother, and siblings live in the Aurora,
Illinois area.
Kenny married Antoinette Simmons, a native
of Chicago, on March 19, 1994. They have 2
daughters, Ashanda Shanice and Kasheila Cerita; a
stepdaughter, Damisha; and a stepson, Khamandi.
Kenny was tutored for two years by Sr. Mariette
Kalbac, a Wheaton Franciscan Sister and literacy
tutor at People’s Resource Center. Also teaching
Kenny was Sr. Yvonne Wiza, a Wheaton Franciscan
Sister who is a skilled teacher of phonics, reading
and writing. Kenny showed unusual diligence and
perseverance in becoming literate and learning U.S.
history so that he passed the citizenship test on the
first try on January 17, 2013.
The Sisters and associates at Our Lady of the
Angels Motherhouse celebrated with Kenny and his
family on Valentine’s Day. His great accomplishment
was marked with a cake decorated as a flag and ice
cream; red, white, and blue balloons; and a patriotic
top hat for our honored guest. We are proud to have
another U.S. citizen in our midst.
Congratulations Shirley, John, Paula, and Shawn
and welcome little Sam!
THANK YOU!
New life is such a blessing. Thank you for sharing
yours with us.
Lauren and I want to thank you for your incredible
support you showed us through our father’s illness
and death. We are so grateful to each of you.
Dear Sisters and Covenant Members,
Sr. Pat Norton and CM Lauren Master
3
IN MEMORIAM
UNITED STATES PROVINCE
Sister Pat Norton and Covenant Member Lauren Master’s father, James Norton, died on Thursday, March 7, 2013.
DUTCH PROVINCE
Sister Bonaventura, Johanna Maria van Vliet, died on Thursday, March 14, 2013.
INDONESIAN PROVINCE
Sister Maria Silvia Simbolon, FCJM, (born Romia Maria Nurhaida Simbolon) died on Tuesday, March 26, 2013.
2013 UPCOMING EVENTS
May 4
May 31 - June 1
Robert Makowski Room
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tau Center program offered by
Franciscan Action Network
Our Lady of the Angels Auditorium
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Who are the Wheaton Franciscans
Presentation
May 5
Covenant Conversation Circle
Jubilee Room
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
May 6
Viewing the World Through A
Franciscan Lens
June 3-7
Provincial Council Meetings
Clara Pfaender Room
May 13–16
June 7
Feast of the Sacred Hearts of
Jesus and Mary
Our Lady of the Angels Chapel
3:30 p.m.
Clara Pfaender Room
June 29
Midwest Kindred Spirits Workshop
Our Lady of the Angels Auditorium
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Provincial Council Meetings
Jubilee Celebration
Our Lady of the Angels
Motherhouse
11:00 a.m.
WELLNESS BASED ON GOD’S
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
RETREAT SCHEDULE
May 19
Conference
6:00 PM
May 20 - May 24
Conference
9:00 AM
Eucharist
11:00 AM
All events will be held in the
Our Lady of the Angels Chapel.
Contact Alice Carroll to register at
630/909-6643 or email
acarroll@wheatonfranciscan.org.
The registration deadline is
Friday, May 10, 2013.
Wheaton Franciscans
26W171 Roosevelt Road
Wheaton, IL 60187-0667
(630) 909-6600
www.wheatonfranciscan.org
Layout and Design, Katie Chambers, kchambers@wheatonfranciscan.org
Editor, CM Jeanne Connolly, jconnolly@wheatonfranciscan.org
eChips is produced monthly by the Wheaton Franciscans for Sisters, Covenant Members, and interested friends and partners.