23 May 2013


General Visitation in Africa


December 26 through January 26 Sisters Mary Kristin, Maria Alcidia, Mary Shauna and Mary Sreeja were on visitation in Africa. It was a rewarding experience to meet the new candidates and to spend time with the postulants and novices in formation in Njiro (Arusha) Tanzania. In all there are currently 37 candidates: 21 in Mozambique, 10 in Uganda and 6 in Tanzania/Kenya. In the international novitiate there are 11 novices and 13 postulants. We have 18 African sisters who have made temporary vows and 4 African sisters who have made their perpetual profession. There are 39 sister missionaries; 20 from Patna, India; 9 from Passo Fundo, Brazil; 8 from the United States (5 from Covington, 2 from Thousand Oaks, 1 from Chardon); 2 from Coesfeld, Germany.


It was wonderful to see all the expansion that has taken place since the last Africa Conference held in Uganda in August of 2011. In Tanzania, Notre Dame School is adding a boarding facility, an orphanage is under construction and the sisters have started a new ministry among the Massai. In Mozambique an elementary school is in the first stages of development and the sisters have undertaken the administration of the Archdiocesan Secondary School in Jécua. In Uganda a new preschool has grown rapidly and is being expanded to accommodate 90 students. Our good and provident God is blessing us in many ways.






The Motherhouse Community wishes everyone Happy Christmas!



Standing: Sisters Cormarie (Covington), Mary Patricia Dorobek (Toledo), Mary Tripti (Patna), Mary Kristin Battles (Thousand Oaks), Mary Jaculin Manders (Toledo), Marie MuYoung Cho (Incheon), Maria Alcídia Guareschi (Passo Fundo), Maria Julindis Melis (Coesfeld), Mary Sreeja (Patna), Mary Shauna Bankemper (Covington), Gina Marie Blunck (Thousand Oaks), Maria Canisie Skrabanja (Tegelen), Maria Elke Baumann (Coesfeld), Maria Josefa Cramer (Coesfeld), Mary Karlene Seech (Chardon)
Kneeling: Sisters Maria Moses Kim (Incheon), Marie Insun Kim (Incheon), Deisi Maria Naibo (Canoas), Linda Marie White (Toledo), Mary Supriya (Patna), Maria Kharita Kuil (Pekalongan), Mary Jolene Flynn (Covington), Marie Emma Kim (Incheon)



Sister Mary Kristin’s first experience of Papua New Guinea


Sister Mary Kristin, our Superior General, and Sister Mary Sreeja, one of the General Assistants, just completed the General Visitation to Holy Trinity Delegation in Papua New Guinea. They were with our sisters from November 15 through November 30, spending time in Kumdi, in Banz and in Mt. Hagen. The visitors were welcomed enthusiastically by sisters and other local people, and they were impressed by the wonderful work that is being done in the Delegation. In Kumdi, Notre Dame Secondary School educates 700 young women each year. This boarding school is one of the best in the country and provides quality education in the Western Highlands. During the time of visitation the high school celebrated graduation for close to 300 students from grades 10 and 12. Sister Mary Kristin gave the graduation address and was able to encourage the graduates to "make a difference in our world." In Mount Hagen, four of our sisters work for the Archdiocese in key positions: as facilitator for the Better World Movement, as financial controller for the Catholic school system, as public health nurse for aids patients, and as teacher at the Cathedral parish school. In Banz, our sisters sponsor two institutions, Shalom Care Center and Maria Kwin Resource Center. Shalom Care Center provides testing, medications and counseling for aids patients. Patients are also offered the opportunity for respite care so they can get good rest and nutrition in a nurturing environment. The Shalom Care Center provides many community programs in its efforts to educate the public about aids prevention and the importance of screening and taking medication if infected. Maria Kwin Resource Center is located on the same property in Banz. Here several of our sisters provide programs that train participants in life skills. This center can accommodate up to 60 persons overnight and is a valuable resource to the surrounding area. One sister is very involved in helping rural farmers begin fish farms. She travels throughout the country training villagers with her team of experts. This provides a good livelihood in the poorer areas. During the two weeks Sisters Mary Kristin and Mary Sreeja were able to conduct the SND Forward Leadership Workshop which was well received by all participants. The two weeks were filled with experiences of new life that the sisters bring to the people in their ministry as well as an abundance of life in nature all around, and concluded with a wonderful Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey, stuffing and homemade pumpkin pie!





Holy Cross Province in Passo Fundo, Brazil, 

celebrates 75 years


On Sunday, November 18, about 220 SNDs from the two Brazilian Provinces gathered in Passo Fundo to celebrate the Jubilee of Joy of the Holy Cross Province, established in 1937. Here are the words of Mother Maria Antonie in her Christmas letter to the sisters in Brazil, in 1936: "I would like to announce to you the great joy that our communities in Brazil now form an autonomous Province with the Provincial House and Novitiate in Passo Fundo and dear Mother Maria Valeriana as Provincial Superior. All of you, dear Sisters in Brazil, belong to the new Province of the Holy Cross."


During the joyful mass, presided by the auxiliary bishop of the Diocese, significant events in the history of the Province were brought to mind, highlighting different aspects and personalities and naming very specially the missionaries from Germany who brought the seeds of Notre Dame to Brazil, as well as the 8 Provincial Superiors who led the Province towards the future during these 75 years. The bell brought from Mülhausen in 1928, and now erected in the courtyard of the Notre Dame School, echoed happily during the song of Glory.

A wooden statue of Saint Julie Billiart which belonged to the Novitiate in Mülhausen and was brought to Brazil in 1973 was one of the attractions of the historical display of photographs and objects telling the Province´s story of 75 years.

Our deep gratitude and recognition:

  • to the good and provident God, who blessed and guided us during these 75 years of sowing, nurturing and harvesting ND fruits;

  • to Sr. Mary Kristin, Sr. Maria Alcídia and the general government for their support, prayer and gift;

  • to Sr. Mary Sujita, who sent a supporting message for the day;

  • to Sr. Mary Joell, who gifted us with her extra special presence and words of encouragement and gratitude;

  • to Sr. Renete Maria and all sisters of the Our Lady of Aparecida Province, Canoas, who were part of the Holy Cross Province for 25 years until they became an independent Province.

We are all excited and looking forward to next year, when we will celebrate 90 years of the presence of the Sisters of Notre Dame in Brazil.

Passo Fundo, November 18th, 2012



Jubilee of the Coesfeld Crucifix


This year in the city of Coesfeld a jubilee is being celebrated which is of interest to the Sisters of Notre Dame. Seven hundred years ago, the Coesfeld Crucifix was first mentioned in official documents. 
Sunday, September 16, was the date of the yearly big procession with the crucifix, in which a replica of the crucifix is carried along the big way of the cross and an outside Mass is celebrated at the so called Small Chapel. During the procession, many medals that have been given as votive gifts by individuals and groups are attached to the crucifix.

In the jubilee year of our Congregation, 2000, we have also added a medal. The round, silver plaque is visible in the center of the photo (hanging on top of a large rectangle). On the front it shows the first seal of our Congregation with an M in the center, surmounted by the cross and surrounded by 12 stars and the hearts of Jesus and Mary, as well as the words “Kloster zu Unserer Lieben Frau in Coesfeld“ [Convent of Our Lady in Coesfeld]. On the reverse side the inscription reads „1850 – 2000, Danke für 150 Jahre Schwestern Unserer Lieben Frau“ [Thank you for 150 years Sisters of Notre Dame]. In addition to a number of our German sisters, also Sister Mary Kristin Battles and Sister Maria Julindis Melis were in attendance, representing the general government, as well as Sister Mary Amala from Patna, India, and Sister Amelia Maria Weschenfelder from Passo Fundo, Brazil, who were in Coesfeld for a conference regarding our Spiritual Center. 

During the week preceding the procession, among other special events, homilies about the significance of the crucifix were offered in the parish church of St. Lamberti. Homilists were invited who had worked in the parishes in Coesfeld. On Tuesday, September 11, during the Mass at 5:00 pm, Sister Maria Elisabeth Siegbert, SND, offered a meditation on the crucifix. The text can be downloaded here. 






Indian Congregational Pilgrimage 2012


On September 13th, 2012, eight pilgrim Sisters, six from the Patna Province, India,  one from the Bangalore Province, India, and one from the Holy Spirit Delegation, Tanzania, were warmly welcomed to the Casa Madre Community, Rome, after the first part of their enriching Congregational pilgrimage in Germany, Tegelen, and Namur. 


The long awaited Congregational Pilgrimage began to be a reality for the eight Indian Pilgrims as they were welcomed at the airport in Düsseldorf, Germany on September 1st by Sister Maria Regina and Sister Maria Hilligund from the Coesfeld Province. Sister Maria Hubertine, their experienced and efficient guide, led them through the heart throbbing history of our Congregation at our founding place. They were moved with emotion as they sat and prayed under the Coesfeld Crucifix, where also our first Coesfeld sisters spent many hours. 

On September 5th they were heartily welcomed by Sister Maria Birgit and the local community at Marienhain, Vechta. Sister Maria Christa, their cheerful guide, gave them tours of the Professional schools on the property and several other places and churches. Of course a visit to the Liebfrauenschule, the oldest school of our congregation which is located in the city centre, was also included.

On September 8th they were gladly welcomed by Sister Maria Helma and the community in Kloster Mülhausen, which was our motherhouse from 1888 until 1947. Sister Maria Mechtilde as their efficient guide planned every detail of the trips and briefed them with handouts and power points.

The visit to Notre Dame de Namur was indeed an enriching experience for each of them. Praying  in front of the relics of St. Julie, our Spiritual Mother, motivated and strengthened them to live out her charism and daring spirit.
The Pilgrims were happy to visit the city of Cologne that upholds a magnificent Cathedral and 24 churches around it. They were amazed to see how well the cities and churches which had suffered much destruction during World War II are reconstructed and maintained.

In the Tegelen, the Netherlands, Sister Maria Odilia and her community were waiting for them. They spent some time visiting elderly Sisters’ quarters, garden and cemetery and prayed in the chapel.

With the assistance of Sister Mary Sreeja and Sister Mary Supriya from the Generalate the pilgrims will spend the remaining two weeks of their journey in Rome having a spiritual renewal. They will explore and appreciate the richness and beauty of Roman culture at the center of the Catholic Church and enjoy the company of the Sisters in the Casa Madre Community. They have already had some wonderful experiences visiting and praying at St. Peter’s Basilica, Mary Major and  John Lateran. The pilgrims are certain that more surprises and blessings are waiting for them as they visit Subiaco, Assisi and other places in Rome. The Indian Pilgrims extend their heartfelt thanks to all those Sisters who have contributed to making this pilgrimage a great reality to cherish.

In the picture left to right: Sister Mary Satya (Tanzania), Sister Mary Sunila (Patna), Sister Mary Rosilin (Bangalore), Sister Mary Mridula (Patna), Sister Mary Nidhi (Patna), Sister Mary Arpana (Patna), Sister Mary Nitya (Patna), Sister Mary Pratibha (Patna)






Work on the Spirituality Center Heritage Exhibit continues

Sisters Mary Kristin, Maria Julindis, Maria Anneliese, and the committee working on how we will tell our Congregational Story and what will be exhibited are meeting in Coesfeld, Germany, from September 14 to 17. Representatives of the Spirituality Committee who met in Rome during August and the professionals engaged to help with the project are also present.  

Pictured left to right: 
Sr. Maria Margret Koch, Coesfeld, Sr. Amelia Maria Weschenfelder, Passo Fundo, Sr. Maria Hubertine Germann, Coesfeld, Sr. Mary Amala, Patna, Sr. Maria Anneliese Stelzmann, Coesfeld, Sr. Mary Kristin Battles, Generalate, Sr. Maria Julindis Melis, Generalate, Sr. Maria Georgi Wieborg, Coesfeld, Sr. Maria Ambrosa Meurer, Coesfeld, Sr. Marie Teresita Kim, Incheon, (with her back to the camera: Sr. Maria Almuth Göke, Coesfeld; not visible: Sr. Maria Mechtilde Kotterik, Coesfeld)





Visit to Campos Novos


During the time of Visitation in Brazil Sister Mary Kristin, Sister Maria Alcidia, and Sister Mary Sreeja visited Campos Novos where our sisters are in ministry in the local parish. Campos Novos is a place of great importance to all Sisters of Notre Dame because it was here in 1950 that the third miracle for the canonization of St. Julie took place. At the time our sisters were working in the hospital there and were direct instruments in providing the means for St. Julie to intercede for a poor farmer dying of cancer. A brief summary of what occurred follows.

On September 29, 1950 a poor farmer by the name of Otacilio Ribeiro, age 29, arrived at the hospital. He had a very large tumor in his abdomen. Because his condition was very serious Dr. Jahn Martins Ribeiro (not related to Otacilio) said it would be necessary to perform surgery immediately. During surgery when the doctor saw how advanced the tumor was he closed Otacilio’s incision and informed the family that he had only a few hours to live. On September 30, three of our sister nurses, Sister Maria Ludvine, Sister Maria Bardona, and Sister Maria Adelaide placed a relic of Mother Julie on the abdomen of Otacilio and began a novena with him for a cure. 

On October 1, 1950, one hundred years to the day of our founding as a Congregation, St. Julie interceded for Otacilio and he was completely cured of his terminal cancer. This was a miracle and a confirmation for us as spiritual daughters of St. Julie: a third miracle for the third Congregation following her spiritual path. 

Today, the hospital room where this miracle occurred is a small chapel which has been restored recently by the Canoas Province. The altar is placed directly over the spot where Otacilio’s hospital bed had been. (See picture)

Otacilio and his daughter Julie (born after the miracle) along with Dr. Riberiro attended the canonization of St. Julie in Rome in 1969. 






Visitation in the Rome Delegation


The official visitation of the Sacred Heart Delegation here in Rome took place from August 19th to August 25th. Sister Mary Kristin, Sister Maria Alcidia, and Sister Maria Julindis enjoyed this time with the sisters at Via Como sharing information on the growth and activities of the Congregation. There were community discussions concerning our SND spirituality as well as planning for the future. Good meals, spirited conversations, and the simple joys of being together marked this brief but rich time of visitation.
News from the International Leadership Meeting in Indonesia 
Another unit of the meeting of the general administration and all provincial and delegation superiors of the Sisters of Notre Dame was completed on March 10, 2012. The last several days offered the time to discuss important topics as we move into the future. Prior to the meeting, the general government had made a lot of material available to the participants who were invited to discuss it with their respective council members. Much work was done in small groups and then shared in plenary sessions. Thanks to the workshop on contemplative dialog which opened this meeting, our discussions were animated, peaceful, and fruitful. Sister Mary Kristin will be able to share some of the results with all the Sisters of Notre Dame in early April.

In addition to the meetings, a number of informative and cultural items were offered: The children from a nearby SND kindergarten came and danced and sang for us and presented a beautiful rendition of Indonesian culture; we watched a DVD on the eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010 and its consequences; we were offered insights into the Canoas Province’s new mission in Peru; we saw a video featuring the Covington province in a DVD on the “Year of Women Religious” a year of celebration proclaimed by the Bishop of the Covington Diocese; we were taken to an English lesson in the provincial house in Incheon, etc.

The coming days until March 15 are dedicated to learning more about the Indonesian culture and visiting the provincial house of our Indonesian sisters in Pekalongan. We are looking forward to very enriching experiences and then count on your prayers as we travel all around the world to return to our homes.



SND International Leadership Conference in Indonesia

March 1, 2012, marked the beginning of the international leadership conference for which 23 SNDs (+3 translators + one secretary) are assembled in Tawangmangu, Indonesia, where the sisters of the Pekalongan Province run a retreat center. This facility in combination with the wonderful hospitality of our Indonesian sisters offers a perfect gathering space for the general administration and provincial and delegation superiors from all over the world. Today’s opening Mass was celebrated by Bishop Julianus Sunarko, SJ, of the Purwokerto Diocese. Before entering into the discussions of the topics at hand, the participants of the meetings were offered insights into the Indonesian country and its culture as well as the history and ministries of our sisters here. In the afternoon, Sister Mary Kristin gave her opening address. For Sisters of Notre Dame, the text is available in the reserved section. This will be followed by a workshop on contemplative dialogue of three days, given by Steven Wirth, President of the Center for Contemplative Dialogue in Indiana. This workshop introduces skills for dialoguing from a non-defended position and other skills valuable for leadership. 



Tri-Congregational Meeting 2012

The General Councils of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, Amersfoort, and Coesfeld have been meeting every two years. This year's meeting, hosted by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur at their Generalate in Rome, took place February 13th-16th. Our days together were spent in prayer and reflection, discussion on religious life, and input on inter-faith dialogue. The energy and enthusiasm we experienced reflect the conviction that the flame of goodness birthed in St. Julie's vision continues to burn brightly in all three Congregations. The Namur General Council consists of four American Sisters and one Sister from the Congo. Four Indonesian Sisters make up the General Council of the Amersfoort Sisters. Our General Council is the most International! A joint statement on the outcomes from the meeting will be published in the near future.





SND African Conference held in Uganda
Every three years the East African Conference has been convened. The Fourth SND East African Conference was held in Uganda during the week of August 20. It was a wonderful gathering of missionaries and national sisters from Uganda, Mozambique, Kenya, and Tanzania with the general government. The Conference was held at the "Conference Center" near Lake Victoria. All were energized as each unit reviewed what is happening in East Africa in our missions and in formation as well as planning for the future. There are twenty five (25) native sisters in East Africa. Nine participated in the Conference - six sisters from Uganda, two from Tanzania/Kenya, and one from Mozambique. All the missions have candidates, postulants and novices in formation. The SND future in East Africa is looking very good in spite of all of the challenges encountered regularly. The conference participants stayed at the new formation center in Mpala, right outside of Entebbe. The participants were transported to and from the Conference Center each day by bus or in a van. The whole group took an overnight trip to the bush in Buseesa to visit St. Julie School and Notre Dame Senior Secondary, where we started in Uganda. The conference group left on Sunday to return to Mpala in the bus rented for the trip and got stuck on the mud road about 45 minutes into the trip. It had rained during the night and again that morning, making the roads very dangerous. In spite of the difficulties in travel, the Conference participants returned safely to Mpala and eventually to their respective missions. Sisters Mary Kristin, Maria Julindis, and Marie Emma stayed on in Mpala for a few extra days while Sister Maria Alcídia accompanied the sisters to Mozambique, Sister Mary Sreeja to Kenya and Tanzania, and Sister Mary Shauna stayed on in Buseesa. 



Opening of the Year of Faith


On Thursday, October 11, 2012, the Holy Father Benedict XVI presided at the Eucharistic celebration at 10 am, on St. Peter’s Square marking the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council and launching the year of Faith. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and the Primate of the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, together with over 400 cardinals and bishops were among those attending. The solemn mass was enriched by several signs: The long solemn entrance procession, the enthronement of the Holy Scripture used during Vatican II and the consignment of seven final Messages delivered at the close of The Council by Pope Paul VI.


In his homily Pope Benedict XVI reminded us to enter more deeply into the spiritual movement of Vatican II and live its true meaning. He added that its true meaning was and remains faith in Christ, the apostolic faith, animated by the inner desire to communicate Christ to individuals and all people. He also mentioned that if today the Church proposes a new Year of Faith and a new evangelization, it is not to honor an anniversary, but because there is more need of it, even more than there was fifty years ago!


Among the thousands gathered from all over the world at St. Peter’s Square on Thursday were some of the Sisters from our International Community in Casa Madre who participated in the celebration with much joy and enthusiasm. In preparation for the Year of Faith, the Casa Madre Community has taken some resolutions. One of them is to watch and reflect on a series of DVDs on faith. The Sisters are looking forward to the opportunities this year will provide in terms of Spiritual growth. 



Spirituality Committee


BACK: Sister Maria Alcidia, Sister Mary Kristin, Sister Mary Shauna MIDDLE: Sister Maria Almuth, Sister Maria Julindis, Sister Mary Kathleen, Sister Mary Renee FRONT: Sister Mary Amala, Sister Maria Benedetta, Sister Mary Sreeja, Sister Marie Emma, Sister Amelia Maria


The General Government - Sister Mary Kristin, Sister Maria Julindis, Sister Maria Alcidia, Sister Mary Shauna, Sister Mary Sreeja, and Sister Marie Emma along with Sister Mary Amala Moloparampil (Patna), Sister Amelia Maria Weschenfelder (Passo Fundo), Sister Maria Almuth Goeke (Coesfeld), Sister Maria Benedetta Gurschler (Rome Delegation), Sister Mary Kathleen Burns  (Thousand Oaks), and Sister Mary Renee Nienaber (Covington) met from August 5 to 15 at the Generalate to prepare a program that will take place in the new Spirituality Center in Germany.  The program will consist of a two week workshop and a one week retreat centered around our SND spirituality. The writing committee began the work during the ten days in Rome and a smaller group will continue the work during the next few months.



Meetings in the Philippines


Sister Mary Kristin, Sister Maria Alcidia, and Sister Gina Marie, from the Generalate, spent three weeks in the Philippines from July 8-26, 2012, meeting with the sisters and attending to business. Sister Mary Kristin and Sister Maria Alcidia were joined by Sister Marie Aquina, provincial from Incheon, and Sister Maria Robertin, provincial from Pekalongan, for a four day meeting focused on our International Formation Program in Bataan. Sister Marie Julia (Incheon), Novice Directress and Sister Maria Monika (Pekalongan), the new Assistant Novice Directress, joined the meetings. A new direction for the formation programs was discussed and decided upon. A fifth day of meetings focused on Stella Maris Retreat Center and expanding our ministry to the local Church. During this time Sister Gina Marie was able to work with the sisters regarding financial records and the Quick Books accounting system.
During the second week of the visit Sister Maria Alcidia worked with Sister Marie Julia and Sister Maria Monika to build a teamwork approach to the formation program. Sister Mary Kristin and Sister Gina Marie proceeded to Iloilo to visit the sisters and then on to the Island of Guimaras to see the completion of the new high school classrooms at Notre Dame Academy. 

Sister Mary Kristin, Sister Maria Alcidia, Sister Gina Marie, Sister Maria Robertin and Sister Maria Monika spent the final week in the house in Manila which the Congregation is renting. They visited potential universities where our sisters from Asia can study English and earn higher degrees in formation, Missiology, and theology. Much was accomplished despite the challenge of traveling and meeting in monsoon weather conditions.

Picture: Sister Mary Kristin and Sister Maria Alcidia with the Novices in Bataan.



Historic Final Profession 

in Nairobi, Kenya!


On the 2nd of June, 2012, in Nairobi, Kenya, the Holy Spirit Delegation had the most beautiful and meaningful historical event of the Perpetual profession of Sister Mary Christine, Sister Mary Pascalia, Sister Mary Elizabeth and Sister Mary Magdalene. Prior to this wonderful day the Sisters spent six meaningful months in Patna, India, for their tertianship program which included a 30 day retreat.

Most all the Sisters stationed in the Holy Spirit Delegation were able to attend the celebration. The Sisters from Tanzania arranged a bus trip to Kenya and arrived on time for the Holy Mass and then returned to Tanzania the same day. It was also a joy to see four of our dear Sisters who were able to join us from Uganda. For the whole congregation it was a land mark in the history of our mission in Africa. We thank the good God for the blessings we received through our congregation. 

Congratulations, Sisters! The entire world wide Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame shares in your great joy! God bless you!


Photo:
Left to right:  Sister Mary Beena, Provincial Superior of Patna, India, the four newly Perpetually Professed Sister Mary Christine, Sister Mary Elizabeth, Sister Mary Pascalia and Sister Mary Magdalene, and Sister Mary Mukti, Superior of the Holy Spirit Delegation and Junior Directoress.




Till we meet again, dear Indonesian Sisters and Friends,

God bless you, and thanks for all!!


International Leadership Conference Ended


After one more very enriching week in Indonesia, the participants in the International Leadership Conference have returned to their respective home countries. From March 11 – 16 we visited our convents, schools and hospital in Yogyakarta, Pekalongan, and Jakarta and famous Indonesian treasures like the Prambanan Temple, the Sacred Heart Shrine in Ganjuran, the Batik Museum in Pekalongan, “Taman Mini Indonesia Indah” [Miniature Indonesia], Sea World, and the Cathedral of Jakarta, where the Bishop offered us a warm welcome. Everywhere we went we were welcomed enthusiastically with music and dancing, were offered delicious snacks and meals and were treated to precious souvenirs of the Indonesian culture to take home with us. Everyone feels very blessed to have been able to experience Indonesia and its beautiful people.

Now Sr. Mary Kristin, Sr. Maria Alcidia, and Sr. Mary Sreeja are staying in Indonesia for the official visitation to the Pekalongan Province. Sister Mary Kristin wishes to share the following message:

“Dear Sisters, Associates and Friends, in the name of all the International Leadership Conference Participants I wish to thank each one of you most warmly for your prayerful support during the past three weeks. We felt it very much as we were discussing and discerning some important matters at this time. I will share some of the results with you soon. Please keep the prayers coming as the Mother of Good Counsel Province in Indonesia is the first province to have its general visitation.

Soon we will celebrate the Patronal Feast of our Congregation, the Annunciation of the Lord, this year on March 26. May we all seek to be open to the challenges and blessings God puts in front of us each day, and remain receptive to God’s tender love enfolding us always, so that we, like Mary, bring Christ to others. (cf. Const. Art. 2)

A joyful Patronal Feast to everyone and blessings on your Lenten journey!”




More Indonesian Conference News

On March 5, the first unit of the SND International Leadership Conference in Indonesia came to an end. For 3 ½ days, Steven Wirth introduced the members of the conference to the art of Contemplative Dialog. He helped them become aware of how often the contact with others is influenced by assumptions and taught them methods to verify if those correspond with the facts. He introduced the sisters to some techniques that can help engage in conversation across polarities, starting out by acknowledging the positive goals each value aims to achieve. All agree that this workshop was a valuable experience and a good preparation for the discussion of the topics which will be addressed in the days to come and many are thinking of ways to share what they have learned in these days with their sisters at home.

For the afternoon the Indonesian sisters had prepared an outing to the Sarangan Lake. Four vans took the sisters high up a mountain from where they could enjoy a magnificent view of the mountains surrounding them, and then down again on the other side where the lake awaited them. Some walked all the way around the lake in about an hour, while others enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere at the shore. Some enjoyed watching the many Indonesians engaged in typical holiday activities like playing badminton, going horseback riding and taking boat tours on the lake. This relaxing afternoon was an opportunity to regain strength for the coming days of the meeting.


Installation of Sister Maria Dominique as Delegation Superior

Congratulations to Sister Maria Dominique de Vroedt and the Regina Virginum Delegation, Tegelen, Netherlands. On January 7th  2012, the Tegelen unit changed from a Province to a General Delegation and Sister Maria Dominique became the delegation Superior. All the Sisters and many employees from the Delegation gathered in the Chapel of the Delegation Center for a 2:00 p.m. Mass marking the new beginning. Sister Maria Julindis Melis, represented the Generalate. A reception followed during which Sister Maria Dominique thanked Sister Maria Sylvia van der Aa for her 18 years of dedicated service as Provincial Superior. Sister Maria Julindis spoke in the name of the Congregation expressing gratitude to Sr. Maria Sylvia and her team for their generous service throughout the years, wishing the newly installed leadership team God’s abundant blessings as they begin their new ministries.   






General Government Experiences Korean Culture

The General Government concluded its Asian travels with two weeks in South Korea. There the Council changed light clothing for warm coats, gloves and scarves. While the weather was cold the atmosphere in each ND convent was warm and welcoming. Touring included homes for the elderly, a number of kindergartens, the Rehabilitation Center, RPP (Religious Pedagogical Practice) Center, Bakmun Elementary School, parish ministries and the unique ministries of sister artists. One highlight was visiting the newly established ecological farm. Short visits to the province's two missions were also included. As the General Government headed for the airport to travel back to Rome on December 23rd, snow began to fall. It was the perfect ending of six wonderful weeks in Asia. The general team agreed that the learning experience made each encounter invaluable. Each member of the team is most grateful to Sister Mary Sandhya, Sister Mary Beena, Sister Marie Aqunia and their teams and the sisters of their provinces for their hospitality.


General Government Concludes Visit to India

The past two weeks the general government has been in the Patna Province in the north of India. It is in Jamalpur that the seeds of Notre Dame were first planted in India in 1949, by sisters from the Chardon, Ohio, USA Province. Hearing stories of the pioneer sisters and visiting the sites of the first foundations in India has been informative and inspirational. The same spirit of missionary enthusiasm, creative fidelity and love for the poor motivates our sisters today. Seeing the variety of ministries--formal education in schools, health clinics, and women's empowerment programs has been an invaluable learning experience. During their time in Patna the general team was able to be present and support the sisters during the difficult time after the tragic death of dear Sister Mary Sabeena. With grateful hearts the sisters said goodbye to India and journeyed toward the rising Sun as they traveled to South Korea on December 9th.


General Government in India

The general government has been in India since November 10th. They began their visit in the Visitation Province at the provincial center in Bangalore in south India. Their travels took them to all but two houses of this province. The sisters were able to visit Notre Dame schools, see village social work and view the area our sisters helped restore after the tsunami. They have been exposed to the rich culture and traditions of India through many of the welcome programs given in their honor at our schools. This visit has necessitated overnight train rides, longer jeep expeditions and a few flights. With all this travel, things have gone amazingly well. The sisters are now in the Assumption Province, Patna, learning about life in northern India. Within a few days they will be in Jamalpur where the congregation first planted the seed of Notre Dame in India. Commenting on their trip Sister Mary Kristin said, "We feel very much at home in India and feel we are on holy ground. In many ways this experience has been a pilgrimage for us. Our sisters are so welcoming and we are in awe of the wonderful work they are doing for God's people”.

May 1, 2012 Health Care Conference Report


Participants to the SND Health Care Conference began to arrive in Covington, Kentucky, on Wednesday, April 26th. Forty two sisters (42) from Indonesia, Korea, India, Germany, Brazil, and the United States are gathering in the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province from April 30 to May 10 for the first Sisters of Notre Dame Notre Dame Health Care Conference. The goal of the Conference is to help us articulate how we live our charism in the ministry of Health Care. The Conference opened with greetings from Sr. Mary Kristin via technology. Sister is unable to attend the Conference since she is leaving on May 1 for the visitation in the Canoas Province. Sister Margaret Mary Gorman, the provincial of Christ the King Province, gave the opening address on "Charism and the Health Care Ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame." Sister spoke on charism and how our charism has been expressed through our founding story and continued in our ministry of health care. The sister participants were asked to share their experiences in health care showing how our charism continues to be expressed today through the service of our sisters. The diversity of sisters from different areas of health care, different cultures and experiences enriched the discussions. In the midst of so much diversity, the common thread holding all together is the vibrancy of our Notre Dame charism.


Health Care Conference – Report 2

The first phase of the SND Health Care Conference concluded on Saturday, May 5th, 2012. On Friday, May 4th, the participants spent the day integrating the following experiences: a presentation on our charism and the health care ministry; a visit to St. Charles Care Center with presentations on End of Life Issues, Palliative Care, and Wholistic Health; and a visit to St. Claire Regional Medical Center and presentations on Global Health issues. A Writing Committee had been formed to listen to the discussions throughout the week and to discern what the participants were saying about our charism as expressed through the ministry of health care. The participants affirmed a statement to be presented to the Congregation as well as determining the "next steps." Saturday, May 5th, offered the participants time to celebrate all that had been accomplished during our short time together as well as a visit to Mother of God Church, the site where the SND's first ministered in Covington, and to St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral. The day concluded with a province gathering to enjoy the Kentucky Derby Horse Race together. It was a blessed and graced week. The participants left on Sunday, May 6th, traveling to the Chardon and Toledo provinces for short visits in each.  [Click here for Conference Presentations]
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