Salesian Sisters West - Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco

Salesian Sisters
of St. John Bosco
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
CONNECTIONS
Western Province, USA
Celebrating Youth, Building the Future
August/September 2008
Joyous Renewal of Vows
ubilarians celebrated their Centennial year anniversaries on August 10, at Our Lady
J
of the Lake University Chapel in San Antonio, Texas, followed by a reception for family and
friends. Our Jubilarians (on left starting in the back row) are Sr. Cecilia Henry, 40 years;
Sr. Kathleen Curd, 40 years; (Middle Row-Left) Sr. Irene
Tapia, 40 years; Sr. Rachel Crotti, 40 years; (Front left)
Sr. Elizabeth Villanueva, 25 years; (Front right) Sr. Jane
Sanchez, 60 years; Sr. Esperanza Rodriguez, 60 years;
Sr. Elvira Mansoor, 50 years; Sr. Carmen Palacios,
40 years; (Middle) Sr. Emma Stefanoni, 40 years; and
next to Sr. Emma, the Provincial, Sr. Sandra Neaves.
We were also blessed with the presence of our brother
priests and bishops, Most Reverent Oscar Cantú,
Jubilarians
Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Antonio,
Renew Vows
and Most Reverend John Yanta, Bishop Emeritus of
Amarillo,Texas.
Visit our website at www.salesiansisterswest.org
From Colorado Springs
God’s Word Travels to the Plains
by Sr. Patricia King, FMA
The Salesian Sisters stationed
in Colorado Springs take the idea of
bringing God’s Word to the children
and people of the plains seriously. For
the past four years the Sisters have
conducted Vacation Bible Schools in
various parts of the Diocese. This year,
their activity brought them to Colorado Springs proper, Calhan, Cheyenne
Wells, and Burlington.
The first session took
place for the children of Holy Vietnamese Martyrs in Colorado
Springs, the second in St. Michael’s parish, Calhan and the third
in Sacred Heart parish, Cheyenne Wells. “Aha!” was the
keyword as children of the areas
moved through “Power Lab”, a
well-balanced mix of prayer,
liturgy, activity and play, and
learned that love of God and
neighbor can be a joyful
thing.Teenagers and parents
assisted, acting as counselors
for the younger members.
For five evenings, after a day with the children at
Cheyenne Wells, the Sisters traveled to Burlington where
they conducted catechist formation classes for St.
Catherine of Sienna Parish and St. Charles Borromeo
Parish following the program, Echoes of Faith Plus.
The Sisters were edified by the yearning of the adults
for God’s Word. After a full day’s work for both Sisters and
participants, all took part with a desire to become better
informed about the Church and its teachings.
In each area where the Vacation Bible School and
Catechist Formation Classes were held, it was gratifying to
hear the request for a continuation of the activities and
instruction. God’s Word had a receptive audience both in the
Springs and on the Plains!
2
Getting ready for the day
Summer Camp
Western Province
Summer Camps
Engage Youth and
Children in a
Variety of
Activities
From Louisiana and Texas westward to Colorado,
Arizona and Califormia, children and youth experienced the
adventure, fun, and
friends of the Salesian
Summer Camps this
past June and July.
Over 13 different summer camps were held
and over 500 children participated. Just look at the
faces of not only the children, but the Sisters, too.
Everyone looks forward to the Salesian Summer
Camp Programs all year.
Thank you so much for your generous gifts
that made the camps not only possible, but available
to more children as well. God bless you.
3
Education Fund Golf Tournament
Presents the
2008
Salesian Sisters Centennial
Golf Tournament & Silent Auction
When:
Monday
October 20, 2008
Where:
Hyatt Regency Hill
Country Resort & Spa
San Antonio, Texas
Start Times:
Registration: 11:00 am
Start Time: 1:00 pm
Prizes:
Hole in One-Vehicle
Closest to the Pin
Longest Drive
Door Prizes
Hospitality Bags
Raffle
Silent Auction
-Autographed Painting
of Arnold Palmer
-Greg Norman Gear
-And much much more!
4
Province News
Sisters Renew Vows
August is such a month of celebration for the Sisters. On August
4th, six Sisters renewed their temporary vows. Each Sister makes temporary
vows for one or two years for a maximun of six years and then makes
perpetual profession.
Relatives, friends, and fellow Sisters witnessed the love and strength
of each Sister as she individually professed her renewal of vows and pledged
herself to Christ through Mary, Help of Christians.
GOLF Tournament
Register online @
www.salesiansisterswest.org
(left to right, top) Sr. Jeanette
Palasota, Sr. Lourdes Lujano,
Sr. Sandra Neaves, Provincial,
Sr. Cynthia Salas, Sr. ThienAnh
Khong, Sr. Diep Pham, and
Sr. Vuong Do .
- PRIZES !!!
- SILENT
AUCTION
- BOX LUNCH
- RAFFLE
- AWARDS
DINNER
JOIN THE
FUN!!!
100% of Proceeds from Tournament and Silent
Auction benefit the Salesian Sisters Education
Fund. This fund aids families in providing a solid
Catholic Christian education for their children.
Novices
Make
First
Profession
Novices Michelle Van and LanVy Tran make
their first profession after a two year novitiate in Italy.
Family and friends joined them in celebrating their
love, commitment, and joy.
Western Province Directory 2008-2009
Mary Immaculate Province
6019 Buena Vista St.
San Antonio, TX 78237-1700
(210) 431-0090
Sr. Sandra Neaves - Provincial
Sr. Rachel Crotti - Provincial Secretary
Sr. Barbara Campbell- Provincial Treasurer
ARIZONA
St. John Vianney Convent
15 Loma Linda Blvd.
Avondale, AZ 85323
(623) 932-2652
St. John Vianney School
(623) 932-2434
Sr. Roble Cavazos - Animator
Sr. Ignacia Carrillo - Principal
Sr. Theresa Murillo - Economer
Sr. Teresita Delgado
Sr. Vuong Do
Sr. Michelle Van
CALIFORNIA
St. Dominic Savio Convent
9758 Foster Rd.
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 866-0675
St. Dominic Savio School
(562) 866-3617
Sr. Theresa Sironi - Animator
Sr. Josephine Ochoa - Prinicpal
Sr. Diana Filipas - Economer
Sr. Rita Fantin
Sr. Vittoria Graziani
Sr. Phuong Nguyen
Sr. Emma Stefanoni
St. Mary’s Convent
430 South St. Louis St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(323) 268-0465
St. Mary’s School
(323) 262-3395
Sr. Kathleen Curd - Animator/Economer
Sr. Ana Bui - Principal
Sr. Mary Lou De La Vega
Sr. Nora King
Sr. Adela Lozano - (St. Thomas)
Sr. Stella Tafoya
Sr. Rose Zanella
6
Corpus Christi Convent
61 Francis St.
San Francisco, CA 94112
(415) 587-7015
Corpus Christi School
(415)587-7014
Sr. Martina Ponce - Animator/Principal
Sr. Rosa Hoang - Economer
Sr. Rita Bailey
Sr. Celine Lomeli
Sr. Elvira Mansoor
Sr. Lucy Yuen
Salesian Sisters Convent
605 Enos Lane
Corralitos, CA 95076
(831) 728-4700
Salesian Sisters School
(831)728-5518
Sr. Carmen Botello - Animator
Sr. Charlotte Greer - Principal
Sr. Quyen Pham - Economer
Sr. Silvia Castillo
Sr. Claudette Germain
Sr. Mary Mullaly
Sr. Cesira Pierotti
Sr. Lena Pinto
Sr. LanVy Tran
Sts. Peter & Paul Convent
632 Filbert St.
San Francisco, CA 94133
(415) 421-7354
Sts. Peter & Paul School
(415)421-5219
Sr. Ann Cassidy - Animator/Vice Principal
Sr. Kathleen Gibson - Economer
Sr. Jean Erickson
Sr. Antoinette Pollini
COLORADO
Our Lady of the Snows Convent
2403 Marlborough Pl.
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(719) 632-4463
Sr. Marie Gannon - Animater
Sr. Patricia King - Economer
Sr. Theresa Jones
To remove for use, just open staples, lift out page and fold b
Western Province Directory 2008-2009
LOUISIANA
Our Lady of Prompt Succor Convent
134 Fourth St.
Westwego, LA 70094
(504) 340-4292
Our Lady of Prompt Succor School
(504) 341-9505
Sr. Deborah Walker - Animator
Sr. Thuy Huong Nguyen - Economer
Sr. Guadalupe Gomez
TEXAS
Mary Help of Christians Convent
10 East Del Mar Blvd.
Laredo, TX 78045
(956) 791-8617
Mary Help of Christians School
(956) 722-3966
Sr. Suzanne Miller - Animator/Principal
Sr. Lourdes Treviño - Community Economer
Sr. Amparo Uribe - School Economer
Sr. ThienAnh Khong
Sr. Ofelia Lozano
Sr. Carmen Palacios
Sr. Trini Reyes
St. James Convent
402 Nunes St.
San Antonio, TX 78225
(210) 533-9659
St. James School
(210) 924-1201
Sr. Mary Link - Animator/Principal
Sr. Maria Luong - Economer
Sr. Josephine López
Sr. Hope Rodríguez
Sr. Cynthia Salas
St. John Bosco Convent
5630 West Commerce St.
San Antonio, TX 78237-1313
(210) 432-8008
St. John Bosco School
(210) 432-8011
Sr. Rosann Ruiz - Animator/Principal
Sr. Juanita Chavez - Community Economer
Sr. Refugio Gallardo
Sr. Esther López
Sr. Gloria Mar - VIDES
Sr. Margaret Natal
Sr. Carmen Nieto
Sr. Jeanette Palasota
Sr. Jane Sánchez
Sr. Josephine Sánchez
backwards to have a two-sided directory for 2008-2009.
St. Mary Mazzarello Convent
2109 East 2nd Street
Austin, TX 78702
(512) 474-2312
Cristo Rey Religious Ed Center
(512) 478-1766
Youth House
(516) 478-1766
Sr. Elizabeth Villanueva - Animator
Sr. Maria Becerril - Economer
Sr. Guadalupe Medina
Sr. Dolores Riojas
FMA Provincial House
6019 Buena Vista St.
San Antonio, TX 78237-1700
(210) 432-1919
Sr. Irene Tapia - Animator
Sr. Ngan Do - Economer
Sr. Julia Anguiano
Sr. Suzzette Arante
Sr. Guadalupe Arroyo
Sr. Ida Chagín
Sr. Alice Fusco
Sr. Rosalba García
Sr. Angelina Gómez
Sr. Refugio Gómez
Sr. Angelita Guzmán
Sr. Cecilia Henry
Sr. Jane Jasso
Sr. Kathy Keane
Sr. Lourdes Lujano
Sr. Carmen Martínez
Sr. Olga Muñoz
Sr. Diep Pham
Sr. Celia Ramírez
Sr. María de la Luz Reyes
Sr. Fernanda Rossi
Sr. Assunta Sánchez
Sr. Mary Tamayo
Sr. Victoria Trejo
Sr. Sara García
Sr. Mary Greenan
Sr. Ana K. Nguyen
Sr. Thuy V. Nguyen
7
2008 Centennial Jubilarians
60 Years
Sr. Esperanza
Rodríguez, FMA
50 Years
Sr. Jane
Sánchez, FMA
Sr. Elvira
Mansoor, FMA
40 Years
Sr. Kathleen
Curd, FMA
Sr. Cecilia
Henry, FMA
Sr. Irene
Tapia, FMA
Sr. Rachel
Crotti, FMA
40
Years
25
Sr. Emma
Stefanoni, FMA
8
Sr. Carmen
Palacios, FMA
Years
Sr. Elizabeth
Villanueva, FMA
2008 Centennial Jubilarians
Every life is marked by anniversaries, and religious life is no
exception. As Brides of Christ, we honor you, Sisters, for you
make Jesus’ love manifest in the world. There is a beautiful
quote of unknown origin that best expresses this .... Thank you
Sisters, you are “the gloves God wears to touch us.” May God
continue to bless each of you.
Before I entered the convent my
question was: “How can I make a
return to the Lord for all the good He
has done for me ? “
After 25 years of Religious life, I still
wish to remain ‘a living monument of
gratitude’ to Mary Help of Christians —
continuously thanking God through
Mary.” -Sr. Elizabeth Villanueva
This jubilee has been a time of special
reflection. forty years I have been so richly blessed by
God’s providential and delicate love. Many people in
many lands have deeply touched my life.
My Salesian
religious life has been
filled with surprises and
adventures. Even amid
the inevitable ups and
downs of life I can use the
words of St. Paul and
say with gratitude,
enthusiasm, conviction
and joy, “Everything is
grace!” -Sr. Rachel Crotti
What an honor to
be able to celebrate
my 40th anniversary of
religious profression
with my companions
and Sister jubilarians!
The unforgettable day
was packed.
The events of the day presented an
unending sea of faces representing those
whose lives we have touched over the years
and who, in turn, have definitely touched
ours.I am grateful to each and everyone and
promise the gift of prayer and fond
rememberance.
-.Sr. Kathleen Curd
Salesian Sisters
of St. J ohn
100 Years in the USA
Bosco
Be a Part of the Dream; Share in our Works!
We invite you to join us in seeking donations for tuition to assist deserving families in our Catholic schools, “camperships” to provide the means for less
advantaged children to attend our summer camps, care for our beloved aging Sisters, and the many diverse needs of our expanding works.
Seize the Dream!
Be part of the life mission of the
Salesian Sisters
in “nurturing” Don Bosco’s
dream for the next 100 years!
Sales
ian SSis
is
ters Centennial - US
Salesian
isters
USAA
1908 - 2008
A Saintly Heritage
St. John Bosco, the great apostle of youth and patron “It is not enough to love the children;
of educators, was known for his extraordinary dream - visions
they must know that they are loved.”
as to what would be his life’s work and ministry. His first dreamSt. John Bosco
vision, and the one that left a lifelong imprint, took place at the
age of nine. In it, Christ appeared, telling young John that He
was entrusting needy youth to his care, and that these youth must be won over not by violence, but by charity.
When John Bosco asked how this might be possible, Jesus replied, “I will give you a Teacher,” at
which time Our Lady appeared before him. Thus began the future dream, the Salesians of St. John Bosco.The
official beginning of St. John Bosco’s work in 1851 was followed by the founding of the Salesian Fathers and
Brothers, who now serve youth worldwide.
When Don Bosco and St. Mary Domenica Mazzarello founded the Salesian Sisters in 1872, he fulfilled
his dream of establishing what he termed “A Living Monument” to his Mother and Guide, Mary Help of
Christians, in gratitude for her many graces and favors. Rather than dedicating a monument of stone to her,
he wanted to build a “living” everlasting monument of gratitude, one which would tangibly bring the love of
Mary to the world by living out the Salesian mission and charism. He named this religious congregation the
“Institute of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians,” also known as the Salesian Sisters of St. John
Bosco.
Celebrating Youth…Building the Future
About Us
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters o) minister in countries worldwide,
on every continent and, internationally, we form the second largest community of religious women.
Internationally
* Salesian Sisters:
14, 745
* Regional Provinces:
81
* Convents/Centers: 1,488
Western Province of Mary Immaculate
* Salesian Sisters: 105
* Serving youth in: Arizona, California, Colorado,
Louisiana, Texas, and Nuevo Laredo, Mexico
Mission Statement
We, the Salesian Sisters, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, are a religious community of women
founded by St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello. Our mission is to provide a Christian education and formation for
the young, with special attention to the poor and women at risk, to joyfully proclaim the Good News to all cultures, and
to promote the regeneration of a more just and human society.
11
Salesian Sisters
of St. John Bosco
Western Province, USA
Daughters of Mary
Help of Christians
Development Office
6019 Buena Vista St.
San Antonio, TX 78239-1700
Ph: (210) 431-4999
Fax: (210) 431-0944
sswdevelopment@sbcglobal.net
CONNECTIONS is designed
especially for our Salesian Family
and Friends. It is produced by the
Salesian Sisters Development
Office Western Province, USA
CONNECTIONS Editor
Nanette E. Dion
Assistant Editor
Sr. Olga Muñoz, FMA
Contributing Photographers
Sr. Rachel Crotti, FMA
Nanette E. Dion
Sr. Sandra Neaves, FMA
Sr. Mary Mullaly, FMA
Animators
CONNECTIONS welcomes your comments, photos, and newsworthy articles.
However, the editors reserve the right to edit material for publication.
Remember the
Gift of Prayer
Perpetual Mass Card ....$25.00
Single Mass Card....$15.00
Available at the Sisters’ Convents, on-line at
www.salesiansisterswest.org
or by calling 210-431-4999
Provincial Council
Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco
Institute Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
Development Office
6019 Buena Vista
San Antonio, TX 78237
Sr. Sandra Neaves, FMA
Provincial Superior
Address Service Requested
Sr. Patricia King, FMA
Provincial Vicar
Sr. Barbara Campbell
Provincial Treasurer
Sr. Rachel Crotti, FMA
Provincial Secretary
Sr. Suzanne Miller, FMA
Consultor
Sr. Josephine Ochoa, FMA
Consultor
Non-Profit
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