24 May 2013

Chimes Online
Keeping in Touch in our One World

 


Mission and Ministry Experiences from our
Provinces/Delegations/Missions
A VISIT TO REMEMBER

On May 2nd we welcomed our dear Superior General Sister Mary Kristin and two of her Assistants, Sister Maria Alcídia and Sister Mary Sreeja, to Canoas. The Provincial House was joyfully decorated in welcome. We had gathered to mark the month of the fiftieth anniversary of the foundation of Our Lady of Aparecida Province in Canoas. The presence of the General Government gave a special shine to the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Province on May 13th.  Click here for full text. 
 VOCATION PROMOTION IN PERU

On June 4th, at the request of Archbishop Miguel Ector Cabrejos Guidarte, the city of Trujillo, Peru, held an exhibition of the Religious Congregations of the Archdiocese, 

It is a healthy tradition to offer to young people the opportunity to meet in a public area with different paths of life, including consecrated religious life, a way of complete dedication to others according to the mission of each congregation.

The Sisters of Notre Dame of the Our Lady Aparecida Province – Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, participated in this exhibition. In an area marked by a banner of Saint Julie Billiart, who is dearly loved in Brazil, they shared with the people a little of the history of the foundation of the Congregation and its presence in the world. 

Little by little the crowd approached the sisters, looking, reading, and asking: 
• Where is this Congregation from? 
• Does it exist here in Trujillo? 
• What do the words Notre Dame mean?

In the public square our first missionaries in Trujillo, Sister Maria Roselaine Diel, Sister Marian Terezinha Garcia, Sister Maria Loreni Kauer, and the Postulant Sharon, spent the whole morning answering questions, telling a little of the history of Saint Julie Billiart and of the Congregation of Notre Dame to the Peruvians. They then invited the young people above 15 years of age to a meeting in the Maria Auxiliadora Residence, in Salaverry, in October, 2012.

During the exhibition some interviews were given for both TV stations and local newspapers. Like Saint Julie we, Sisters of Our Lady, known as Sisters of Notre Dame, want to proclaim "Oh! How good is the Good God”!  

 
FINAL PROFESSION IN INDONESIA

January 15th, 2012, was a day of grand celebration in Our Lady of Good Counsel Province as Sister Maria Yohana, Sister Dina Maria, and Sister Maria Yuliana pronounced their final vows. The ceremony, held in the St. Peter’s Church, was presided over by Bishop Mgr. Julianus Sunarko, SJ, Bishop of the Purwokerto Diocese. The Sisters of Pekalongan and surrounding cities joined in the Liturgy and the celebration with family and friends. 

With Sr Robertin, l to r: Sister Maria Robertin, Provincial, Sister Maria Yohana, Sister Maria Yuliana, Sister Dina Maria, Sister  Regina Maria, Tertian Directress
SISTER HONORED FOR MINISTRY IN ACRE

At the direction of the Chief Executive of State Power, the Governor of the State of Acre, Dr. Tião Viana, presented the Badge of Honor of the Order of Star of Acre to Sister Maria Nelda Luiza Möhlecke. This Badge of Honor was granted to Sister M. Nelda Luiza Möhlecke because of the exceptional merit and notable contribution of her work in Brazil and in the State of Acre in particular. The Sisters of Notre Dame of the Passo Fundo Province, Brazil, have served in this state since 1971.
Sister M. Nelda Luiza received the Badge of Honor on January 25th, 2012, together with the Bishop of the Diocese, Mosé João Pontelo. Congratulations, Sister, for your work and dedication to the people of Brazil, especially to the State of Acre.
SISTER MARIA BERTILDE HARTMANN – HONORARY CITIZEN OF THE CITY OF SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

Sister Maria Bertilde, SND, is one of 16 foreigners living in Korea who have been especially committed to the Korean people. For their commitment, they were awarded the honorary citizenship of the city of Seoul on Friday, October 28, 2011, by the mayor of Seoul, Park Won-soon. Among those honored, Sister Maria Bertilde was the only woman, the only German and the only religious. 
This ceremony was the first official act of the mayor who had just been elected the day before. All media were present and transmitted the ceremony to millions of people in manifold ways. 
The 16 chosen citizens who come from 12 different countries of origin, were first given an orange sash and then accompanied to the stage. In a short portrait a speaker introduced each person and his or her special field of dedication. Read more.
VISIT TO NICARAGUA
by Sister Marie Manning, SND, Chardon Province

This year, to celebrate “Mission Month” I visited our SND missionaries in Jinotega, Nicaragua. These are some of my impressions. Picture Sisters Charlotte, Roseanna, and Dolores in their very small home where neighboring children frequently spill through the open door: coming for youth ministry, catechetical sessions, or English lessons; seeking a listening ear, or sharing the fruits of their gardens (which our sisters then share with others in need). It is very evident how much the “Nica” children and adults love our sisters. As one commented, “Never before have sisters lived among us and walked with us.”  Our sisters’ presence is, indeed, a sign of God’s goodness and provident care to a people whose country has been ravaged by wars, foreign interventions, natural disasters, and poverty.   
SNDS IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA 
CELEBRATE 50 YEARS

In 1961, four courageous Sisters of Notre Dame from the province of Mary Immaculate in Toledo, Ohio, USA, followed the invitation of the Bishop from Mt. Hagen to establish a mission in Papua New Guinea. They started out teaching boys, and then opened a boarding school for girls and a number of other schools. Today 13 national PNG sisters along with missionary sisters from Toledo are involved in programs to empower women, in supporting people impacted by AIDS and in promoting education and catechesis for all. 
The following is an account of the jubilee celebrations offered by Sister Marietta Widman, the superior of the Holy Trinity Delegation in PNG:
“No single written account can do justice to summarize our celebration of SND’s 50 years presence in Papua New Guinea, especially in the Western Highlands Province, but the following is an attempt to capture the highlights.
 

THE GOODNESS OF GOD SHINES IN THE HEART OF CRUZEIRO DO SUL, ACRE, BRAZIL

Forty years ago seven brave and courageous Sisters of Notre Dame set down their feet in Acre. They were women attracted by the goodness of God and his provident care. Called by Jesus Christ, they consecrated their lives to continue the mission of Jesus. Marked with a missionary spirit, these women desired to follow the example of Jesus. They went as missionaries to this unknown territory.

 Forty years later, on August 13, 2011, the people of Cruzeiro do Sul honored and publicly recognized Sister Maria Inete Della Senta, who was one of the first missionaries and who died in 2004, and acknowledged the presence and appreciation of the Sisters of Notre Dame. The Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame was commended for its important service to health, education, and evangelization in the whole state of Acre. 

 Read more.

ECHOES FROM THE VISIT OF THE
SUPERIOR GENERAL TO THE PROVINCE OF OUR LADY APARECIDA – Canoas 
The Superior General of the Sisters of Notre Dame, Sister Mary Kristin Battles, visited Brazil to become acquainted with the country and the mission of the Sisters. The General Assistants Sisters Maria Alcídia, Maria Julindis and Mary Sreeja accompanied Sister Mary Kristin.

Sister Renete Maria Cocco, Provincial Superior, in the name of all the Sisters welcomed them warmly and accompanied them on their visits.
From 12th to the 29th of April they visited some schools and activities in different places.  
PILGRIMAGE FOR YOUNG WOMEN—A ROME APPROACH
From May 11-19, 2011, Sister Rita Marie Schroeder, Sister Marilyn Marie Ellerbrock (Toledo Province) and Sister Kathleen Mary Hine (Chardon Province) hosted a Rome/Assisi Pilgrimage for young women (ages 18-34).  The nineteen pilgrims came from Northwest Ohio, Michigan, Florida, New York and Northeast Ohio. We were warmly welcomed by our Sisters at the Motherhouse who made it possible for us to stay at Casa Santa Rita during our time in Rome. We were able to visit many of Rome’s sacred sites including a tour of the Scavi (the burial place of St. Peter) located below St. Peter’s Basilica. For our day in Assisi, we were delighted that the Brazilian Pilgrim Sisters and the Korean Tertians were able to join us for the day.  A free evening provided an opportunity for dinner with our Sisters at the Motherhouse. The final evening before departure the young women provided some entertainment for the sisters.
SR. MARY KATHERINE FEELY RECEIVES CATHOLIC SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD
Three staff members at the Center of Concern received 2011 Harry A. Fagan Roundtable Award. Father Jim Hug, Jane Deren, and Sister Mary Katherine Feely received the award for their exemplary contributions to the achievement of the Catholic social justice vision through the Education for Justice Web Project. The Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Directors presents the award each year to a person or persons whose work, in the tradition of Catholic social teaching, has led to significant progress towards greater social justice and dignity for all members of society at the national or international level. Father Jim Hug, Jane Deren, and Sister Mary Katherine Feely received the award during the Roundtable’s Annual Symposium on February 12, 2011 at the beginning of the Catholic Social Ministry Gathering in Washington D.C.
PRAISE TO THE LORD FOR THE 40 YEARS OF NOTRE DAME PRESENCE IN ACRE

The dream to care for God´s poor and suffering people in Acre became a reality over 40 years ago. God surprised us in strange and wonderful ways as the dream, nurtured by hope, became a reality. 
In 1970, Henrique Rüth, Bishop of Acre, met Sisters M. Boaventura and Odete in the United States, and with insistence asked for Sisters to help in the evangelization of his Diocese. Welcoming the call, the process began.

SISTER M. ROSE BERNARD IS HONORED BY PNG GOVERMENT

Just before Christmas last year, Sister Mary Rose Bernard (Groth), a long-time missionary, was notified that she had been nominated for a medal from the Papua New Guinea government.  The reception of this medal would make her a Member of Logohu  (an honorary Order for honoring people who have made laudable contributions to Papua New Guinea and its people). Logohu is a Motuan word for the bird of Paradise, the national bird.  Sister was reluctant to accept the award, but the sisters of her house urged her to accept it as an honor for the church and for the congregation.  So she sent in her acceptance. 

 
A NEW CALL TO MISSION AMONG THE MASAI PEOPLE OF SIMANJIRO, TANZANIA

In 2005, the assistant parish priest of Njiro, Fr. Karduni, invited the Sisters of Notre Dame from Tanzania to Simanjiro, a remote Masai village, 140 km from Arusha. During the initial visits to Simanjiro, the Sisters were very touched by the welcoming spirit of the people and their eagerness to have them stay and minister in their village. The villagers shared with the sisters about the great need for educating their children since for generations they have been excluded from education and other benefits of development. After much discernment and study as well as repeated visits to the village, we decided to accept the invitation of the Masai people to “pitch our tent” among them in Simanjiro.

 National or Province/Delegation/Mission Events

SISTER MARIA ELECTIS CELEBRATES 107 YEARS OF LIFE

Sister Maria Electis was part of the group of German missionaries who came to Brazil. She celebrated her 107th birthday on March 23rd.
For 49 years she worked in a Psychiatric Clinic in the South of Brazil where she dedicated her strength to the women´s floor endearing herself to the sick, the doctors and the staff. She had a special manner in dealing with more difficult patients. 

PILGRIMAGE WITH JESUS IN TANZANIA, AFRICA
By Sr. Mary Rashmi, SND

Yes, Jesus brought me to Africa when I had resisted saying there is enough to be done in India! He has journeyed with me ever since, manifesting Himself in and through our people and through varied events. When I faced challenges He strengthened me, when I discerned He enlightened me. He is my ‘Mission and my Vision’ as I move ahead with Him as a woman disciple! I began my mission by organizing rural, marginalized women into self help groups with an aim of empowering them towards self-reliance and leadership. The women have shown steady growth by taking new initiatives and steps to bring about transformation in the society. As I look back I have much to be grateful for. Motivating the rural women to be ‘agents of transformation’ in the society, we have been able to move ahead.
 

ND Chimes Has Returned!


The ND Chimes was a wonderful vehicle of our international communication for many years that kept us informed about the various ministry activities of our Notre Dame world. We would like to invite you to send us short articles of congregational interest about your ministry involvement, formation and vocation activities, special celebrations, etc. Share with our Notre Dame world the good news of the vibrancy of our charism and mission and the wonderful things that God is doing through our congregation that all may have life to the full.

Please send your stories to Sister Jaculin Manders here at the Motherhouse: sr_jaculin@hotmail.com. Sister will edit the contributions as needed for publication on our restructured Rome website. Your articles should be no more than one page long, in Arial 12, single space. When possible please include 3 or 4 photos (jpeg files) to illustrate your story. We look forward to connecting our world wide Notre Dame family through our traditional Chimes once again. 

 
 
 Formation Corner
  


A New Song from the Philippines
On October 1, 2011, the Sisters of Our Lady of Good Counsel Province of Indonesia had great reason to celebrate.

Two more postulants, Charito de los Santos and Prescilla Magada, were invested as novices of Notre Dame in the Philippines. Our “First Sisters” of this mission now number five: four novices and one Junior Professed. 

Korean Tertians on Pilgrimage to our Origins
Being in Rome is already like a dream but visiting the German Province and meeting sisters there was yet another big blessing for us Korean tertians. Not only because we can find the roots of our congregation there but also because our Korean Province was started by German sisters. That is why we look at our German sisters with much appreciation.
Our first destination was Mülhausen where Sr. M. Mechtilde had been waiting for us with a full schedule to help us learn more. After some previews with maps, slideshows and sister’s explanations on historical backgrounds, we started our firsthand experiences of all that we learned. 

 



United States Formation Gathering

At least once each year, the Sisters in initial formation and the formators in the four United States provinces come together for a national gathering.  This year, the gathering was held at the Provincial Center in Covington from December 31, 2010 – January 2, 2011.  Sister Betty Finn, SC was invited to facilitate the weekend on the topic of “Building a Better Community by Being a Better Community Member.”  Sister explored with the group the personal responsibility each member of the community bears in developing communication skills, recognizing and honoring differences, and contributing to the good of the whole.

Along with large and small group sessions with the facilitator, there was also the opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Sisters of the Covington Province and experience their hospitality. An important part of the weekend was time for socializing and renewing relationships. This annual meeting also provided the formators the forum to discuss formation issues and plan for future gatherings.  The weekend concluded with a special prayer service during which names were drawn for a particular prayer partner during the coming year.

Investment and Profession in The Philippines

 October 1, 2010, the anniversary of the establishment of the SND presence in the Philippines, was the occasion of a joyous investment and profession of our first Philippina Sisters. Our dear novice, Sr. Jean-Marie professed vows for one year. Our two postulants received their religious names and clothing and the congregational Crucifixes before the Eucharistic Celebration. Postulant  Joan is now Sr. Maria Tereze and Postulant Eddielyn  is Sr. Maria Tania.
              
 


Happy Birthday,
dear Sisters!
January
  • Sr. Mary Francis Dirr, Covington * January 9, 1922
  • Sr. Mary Sheila Felix, Covington * January 15, 1915
  • Sr. Maria Burkharda Pöhler, Coesfeld * January 22, 1923
  • Sr. Maria Margarita Vossen, Tegelen * January 24, 1915
  • Sr. Maria Emmerenza Niemann, Coesfeld * January 24, 1923
  • Sr. Mary Virginia Wenninger, Toledo * January 25, 1918
  • Sr. Maria Alidia de Roos, Tegelen * January 26, 1920
February
  • Sr. Maria Gesina Bahlmann, Coesfeld * February 1, 1912
  • Sr. Maria Frederika de Vroedt, Tegelen * February 2, 1923
  • Sr. Maria Adila Centenaro, Passo Fundo * February 5, 1922
  • Sr. Maria Juliane Ostermann, Coesfeld * February 12, 1922
  • Sr. Maria Angelis Schröer, Coesfeld * February 14, 1919
  • Sr. Maria Elmara Altevers, Canoas * February 21, 1914
  • Sr. Maria Hilda do Sacramento, Passo Fundo * February 26, 1923
  • Sr. Mary Evangelita Spechthold, Covington * February 27, 1917
  • Sr. Mary Immaculee Heinl, Toledo * February 27, 1922
New Publications by SNDs
Just Because: Prayer Poems to Delight your Heart
by Sr. Melannie Svoboda, SND

Time to Say Goodbye: My Grief Workbook
by Sr. M. Kathleen Glavich, SND

Lichtblicke - Leben wecken, Hoffnung schenken
by Sr. M. Reinhildis Gehring, SND
 
 
 
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