JUST Words Vol 12 No 2

D O M I N I C A N S I S T E R S O F S P R I N G F I E L D I L L I N O I S

Compassionate Relationships

Inside this issue: A Mission of Compassion • A Friend In Deed • And More!

Words

JUSTSpring/Summer 2012 | Vol. 12, No. 2

2 | Just WORDS

T H E C O N T E X T

“We urgently need to make com-passion a clear, luminous anddynamic force in our polarizedworld. Rooted in a principleddetermination to transcend self-ishness, compassion can breakdown political, dogmatic, ideo-logical and religious boundaries.Born of our deep interdepend-ence, compassion is essential tohuman relationships and to a ful-filled humanity. It is the path toenlightenment, and indispensi-ble to the creation of a just economy and a peaceful globalcommunity.”

From the Charter forCompassion

C

Dear Readers,

Compassion is the ability to “feel with” the

other. Author and speaker Karen

Armstrong says in a video about the

Charter for Compassion that compassion is

the ability to move “beyond toleration to

appreciation” of our neighbor. This year’s

Community Day was devoted to looking at

the diverse ways we commit to our own

compassionate following of Jesus.

Understanding the root of the word

compassion to “feeling with” another, we

reflect also on the blood, sweat and tears of

the Sisters in the 60’s who laboriously

worked on an annual bazaar to help sup-

port community expenses. Only hindsight

can cause laughter at the baking, sewing,

and behind-the-scenes chaos of preparing

for such a weekend. The collaboration of

all the sisters on missions far and near

helped to fund basic needs of the Sisters

and taught the rest of us the great virtue of

patience under duress. Even today, quietly

and behind the scenes, Sisters gather scraps

for quilts, pillows and handiwork of all

kinds. Metaphorically, the beauty of a quilt

relies on the combination of colors—not

one less significant than another. Often the

dark pieces serve to highlight the vibrant

ones quite like the pieces of glass used in

the chapel windows. Likewise, the beauty

and union of our diverse personalities and

talents come together to glorify God.

JUST WordsSharing the life, mission, and ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.Published three times a year.Vol. 12, Number 2

Dominican Sisters of SpringfieldSacred Heart Convent1237 West Monroe StreetSpringfield, IL 62704Phone: 217.787.0481FAX: 217.787.8169www.springfieldop.org

For inquiries about this publication:Dawn Boyer, Director of [email protected]

For inquiries about vocations:Sister Teresa Marron, [email protected]

For inquiries about the Associate program:Sister Paul Mary Janssens, [email protected]

EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Sister Barbara Blesse, OPDawn BoyerSister Maristella Dunlavy, OPBarbara FuhrwerkSister Kathleeen Gallagher, OPSister Judine Hilbing, OPSister Linda Sue Noe, OPSister Janet Pfile, OPSister Marilyn Jean Runkel, OPSister Catherine Stewart, OPSister Elizabeth Wrenn, OP

SPANISH TRANSLATION SERVICES:Maribel MuellerSister Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP

Barbara Fuhrwerk

Barbara Fuhrwerk is aSpringfield Dominican

Associate living inSpringfield.

II

Spring/Summer 2012 | 3

It’s difficult to live anywhere today without being con-fronted by divisive rhetoric about politics, culture, orreligion. Increasingly, people grow frustrated whenthe common good gets lost in polarizing debate. KarenArmstrong’s Charter for Compassion

(www.charterforcompassion.org) is one response tothis reality. It urges people of all races, nations, andcreeds to make a lifelong commitment to live withcompassion. Its four short paragraphs speak the indis-pensability of compassion in our world. They promotepositive appreciation of cultural and religious diversity.Armstrong’s non-denominational charter asks signersto acknowledge their common humanity throughrespectful and decent speech and action. She deemsthese essential to addressing human suffering, restor-ing a just economy, and creating a peaceful global com-

munity. This same call to compassionate relationships was

spoken and heard over and over in the graced contextof the General Chapter of the Springfield Dominicansin 2009. Since then it has echoed through the Sisters’personal and communal prayer, structured dialogues,through their lives in community and ministry, andeven their newly adopted mission statement. TheFebruary 11, 2012 Community Day—an annual gather-ing for shared study and reflection—served to deepenthe root of what had already been planted. The pres-entation by Caldwell Dominican Sister Honora Wernerreminded Sisters and Associates that when the suffer-ing of others moves us inwardly, compassion is theoutward response. Compassionate relationships with

A Mission

OF COMPASSION

M I S S I O N O F C O M P A S S I O NBY SISTER KAREN FREUND, OP

Sisters Rebecca Ann Gemma, OP, Honora Werner, OP of the CaldwellDominicans, Kathleen Cour, OP and Barbara Blesse, OP

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God, oneself, others, and all creation “are actually programmed into human DNA,” Honora said. Sherecommended several simple practices to live in tunewith this genetic rhythm, beginning first of all withoneself. Take time to:• listen and breathe and think of others—step out of

personal reality for a time and stand in the realityof another

• pause and be aware of possibilities—checkthoughts and assumptions for accuracy

• follow the Golden Rule—assess and trust what theheart knows

• keep the Sabbath—honor time for prayer, respite,leisure, balance—daily, weekly, monthly, yearly

These habits in individuals shape virtues that affectothers: • Justice—option for the poor• Hope—courage in an age of despair• Holy anger—energy to work for structural change• Solidarity—discovery of strength and wisdom in

others• Care of creation—respect for inter-connections

Dominicans, of course, have no corner on compas-sionate relationships that promote the common good.The Spirit blows where it will. Situations aboundwhere the pain and brokenness caused by injustice andgreed cry out for new solutions. People of all races and

creeds and genders find themselves capable of expan-sive ideas and bold speech. It was significant that thisyear’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to three womenfor their work against war and oppression: EllenJohnson-Sirleaf, the first woman elected a head of statein Liberia; her compatriot Leymah Gbowee, whoseorganizational skills helped end Liberia’s civil war; andYemen’s Tawakul Karman, an Islamist journalist andmother of three who called her honor “a victory forthe Arab Spring.” Their creative and highly effectiveapproaches succeeded where traditional methods hadfailed. Deep within themselves they sought and foundthe solutions that were needed and the courage tobring them about. They instinctively knew the truthDominicans strive to live: God’s Spirit longs to bring

Sister Peggy Conway, OP and Sister Claudia Loader, OP

(Left to right) Dominican Associate DaphneSkretvedt, Sister Georgiana Stubner, OP, DominicanAssociate Merlin Skretvedt, Dominican AssociateMary Gulash and Sister Rose Miriam Schulte, OP


peace to those who stop and take a long, loving lookwithin at what is real and true. These brave womenmodel persistence and integrity for anyone striving topromote the Gospel values of respect and mutuality innonviolent, prayerful, and reconciling ways.

Wherever it happens, the work of the Spirit is notaccomplished in a day or a week, a month or a year. Ittakes a lifetime as it deepens and grows. But wherevergoodness or mercy or truth is found, no matter howsmall or how limited, the Spirit of Jesus is present.This Spirit is beyond control, seeking only a receptiveand generous heart. “We never create or earn theSpirit,” says Father Richard Rohr, OFM. “We discoverthis inner abiding as we learn to draw upon our deep-est inner life” (Falling Upward, 90). The compassionthat’s found is the very heart of Jesus’ gift of the HolySpirit. “The love of God has been poured into ourhearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given tous.” (Romans 5:5) To draw further from Sr. Honora’s presentation, “Touching the presence of God in

myself helps me find it in others.” The February Community Day gave Sisters and

Associates an opportunity to share with one anotherand celebrate Dominican life, uniquely lived out byboth vowed members and Associates. Together theystudied the mission to bring the compassion of God toeveryday relationships and beyond. Together theygrew in appreciation of the call to compassionate relationships proclaimed in the Mission of theCongregation:

Called by God into right relationship with all creationand graced by Dominican life and mission,

we compassionately preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sister Karen Freund is a spiritual director in

Warrensburg, MO and at St. Thomas More Newman

Center Parish at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

Dear Friends,

Our Dominican Brother, Meister Eckhart, once wrote, “If the only prayer you said in your life was‘Thank you’ that would suffice.” As a congregation of Dominican women religious, we are mindfulthat we never minister alone. Our partners in ministry enable us to continue the mission of compas-sionately preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We pray in thanksgiving for all who walk with us inministry, who support us in prayer, and who share their gifts for the sake of the mission.

This issue of JUST Words has a new look as well as Spanish translations of the feature articles anda new enclosure. The multi-purpose envelope is our invitation to you to partner with us. You maywant to use it as a vehicle for correspondence with the Editorial Staff or with a particular Sister.Perhaps you would like to share memories and stories of the Dominican Sisters you knew. If youchoose to make a gift in support of our mission, there are several ways that gift may be designated.

Thank you for allowing us to reach out to you through JUST Words. We look forward to hearingfrom you. May our partnership grow and flourish!

Sister Rose Marie Riley, OPPrioress General

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Una misión

DE COMPASIÓN

H

Hoy en día es difícil vivir en cualquier parte sin tenerque ser confrontado por la divisiva retórica sobre lapolítica, la cultura o la religión. Cada vez más, la gentese siente frustrada cuando un bien común se pierdecon debates polarizados. Una respuesta a esta realidades La Carta por la Compasión (Charter forCompassion) de Karen Armstrong(www.charterforcompassion.org), por la cual se instaa las personas de todas las razas, naciones y credos aque se comprometan de por vida a vivir con com-pasión. El documento de cuatro párrafos concisosexpresa la necesidad de compasión en nuestro mundoy nos inspira a apreciar de manera positiva la diversi-dad de la cultura y la religión. La carta no confesionalpreparada por Armstrong, pide a sus firmantes recono-cer la humanidad que tienen en común a través deldiálogo respetuoso y digno al igual que de acción. Ellacree que estos elementos son esenciales para abordar elproblema del sufrimiento humano, restaurar unaeconomía justa y crear una comunidad global pacífica.Este mismo llamado a relaciones compasivas fue discu-tido y escuchado reiteradamente en el contexto agraci-ado del Capítulo General de las Dominicas deSpringfield en 2009. Desde entonces ese llamado se hahecho eco por medio de las oraciones personales ycomunitarias de las hermanas de la orden, por diálogosestructurados, a través de sus vidas en comunidad y desu ministerio, e incluso en su recientemente adoptadadeclaración de su misión. El día 11 de febrero se llevó acabo el Día de Comunidad (una reunión anual para elestudio comunitario y la reflexión) que sirvió para pro-fundizar la raíz de lo que ya había sido plantado. Lapresentación realizada por Hermana Honora Werner,OP (domínica de Caldwell) recordó a las hermanas y

asociados asistentes que cuando el sufrimiento de otrosnos mueve internamente, la compasión es la respuestaexterna. Las relaciones compasivas con Dios, con unomismo, con otros y con toda la creación “son en reali-dad programadas en el ADN humano”, expresó la her-mana Honora. Ella recomendó varias prácticas sencil-las para vivir en armonía con este ritmo genético,comenzando en primer lugar con uno mismo. Tómeseel tiempo para:• Escuchar, respirar y pensar en los demás: abandone

su realidad personal por un tiempo y sitúese en larealidad de otro.

• Hacer una pausa y tomar consciencia de posibili-dades: verifique pensamientos y suposiciones paratener certeza.

• Seguir la regla de oro: valore y confíe en lo que elcorazón conoce.

• Respetar el Sabbat: honre el tiempo para la oración,para respirar, descansar y para meditar diariamente,semanalmente, mensualmente y anualmente.

Estos hábitos en los individuos forman virtudes queinfluyan a otros:• La justicia: opción para el pobre• La esperanza: valor en tiempo de desesperación• La santa ira: energía para trabajar por cambios

estructurales• La solidaridad: descubrir la fuerza y la sabiduría en

los demás• El cuidado de la creación: respeto por las interconex-

iones

Las dominicas, por supuesto, no son únicas en las rela-ciones compasivas que promuevan el bien común, puesel Espíritu sopla donde quiere. Las situaciones abun-

M I S I Ó N D E C O M P A S I Ó NESCRITO POR SISTER KAREN FREUND, OP


dan en donde el dolor y el quebranto, causados por lainjusticia y la ambición, claman por nuevas soluciones.Las personas de todas las razas, credos y sexos seencuentran capaces de desarrollar ideas y hablar concoraje. Fue significativo que este año el Premio Nobelde la Paz fuera otorgado a tres mujeres por su trabajocontra la guerra y la opresión: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, laprimera mujer elegida presidenta de Liberia; su compa-triota Leymah Gbowee, cuya capacidad de organizaciónayudó a terminar la guerra civil en Liberia y en Yemen;y Tawakul Karman, una periodista islámica y madre detres hijos, quien habló de su honor como “una victoriapara la primavera Árabe”. Su creatividad e ideas alta-mente efectivos lograron éxito donde otros métodostradicionales habían fracasado. Desde lo profundo desus seres, buscaron y encontraron las soluciones que senecesitaron, así como la valentía para llevarlas a cabo.Instintivamente, ellas sabían la verdad que las domini-cas se esfuerzan por vivir: el espíritu de Dios deseatraer paz a quienes hacen una parada y se toman eltiempo necesario para mirar con amor dentro de lo quees real y verdadero. Estas mujeres valerosas son mode-lo de la persistencia y la integridad para cualquiera queestá luchando por promover los valores evangélicos derespeto y mutualidad en formas pacíficas, de orantes yreconciliatorias.

Dondequiera que esto suceda, la labor del Espíritu nose logra en un día o en una semana, en un mes o en unaño; sino lleva toda una vida a medida que se va pro-fundizando y creciendo. Pero dondequiera que la bon-dad, la misericordia o la verdad se encuentren—noimporta cuán pequeña o cuán limitada sea—el Espíritude Jesús está presente. Este Espíritu va más allá decualquier intento de controlarlo, buscando solo un

corazón receptivo y generoso. “Nunca creamos oganamos al Espíritu”, dice Richard Rohr.“Descubrimos este gozo profundo a medida que apren-demos a beber de lo más profundo de nuestra vidainterior” (Caída Ascendente Falling Upward, 90). Lacompasión que encontramos es el verdadero corazónde Jesús, regalo del Espíritu Santo. “El amor de Dios seha vertido en nuestros corazones a través del EspírituSanto que se nos ha sido concedido” (Romanos 5:5).En las palabras de la hermana Honora, “Sentir la pres-encia de Dios en mí, me ayuda a encontrarlo en losdemás”.

El Día de Comunidad celebrada en febrero, dio a lashermanas y a los asociados y asociadas que partici-paron, la oportunidad de compartir unos con otros ycelebrar la vida dominica, vivida por miembros con-sagradas y asociados/asociadas comprometidos. Juntosestudiaron la misión que lleva la compasión de Dios atodas las relaciones cotidianas y más allá. Juntoscrecieron en la apreciación del llamado a las relacionescompasivas proclamado en la misión de la congre-gación:

Llamadas por Dios relaciones justas con toda lacreación

Y agaciadas por la vida y la misión dominicanas,Predicamos compasivamente el Evangelio de

Jesucristo.

Sister Karen Freund es la directora espiritual enWarrensburg, Missouri y en St. Thomas MoreNewman Center Parish at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

In Remembrance

Please remember in prayerRochelle Francine Green, April 22, 2012

Loretta Ruel, Springield Dominican Associate, May 1, 2012

I

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Stitched

WITH JOY

P R E A C H E R ’ S W O R KBY SISTER SANTINA DELUCA, OP

In the early days of humankind, many hours of hardwork each day were focused on providing for thenecessities: provisions of food, clean water, shelter andclothing. Our ancient ancestors made clothing fromanimal skins. Later, garments were made by variousfibers being connected, stretched, spun into continu-ous threads and interlaced. By Biblical times, weavingwas a skill known in all the great civilizations; plainwoven fragments have been found dating as far back asthe year 5000 BCE.

The activities of weaving, knitting, quilting, cro-cheting and other needlework evolved along with aneconomy of labor and materials. During the MiddleAges in Europe, guilds were formed to control thequality and training requirements for one to become amaster craftsman. The Industrial Revolution allowedmass production of all sorts of articles. Once purely anecessity, the art of using fibers to create fabric hasbecome an enviable talent and an enjoyable leisureactivity, and hand-made gifts have become treasures,completed with enjoyment and received with delight.

For many Sisters and Dominican Associates, theart of designing and creating handicrafts is a uniqueministry dedicated to God and given to God’s people.These Sisters and Associates employ the work of theirhearts and hands in designing articles that conveybeauty and loving thoughtfulness. Many of them useskills acquired a long time ago, and some have begunprojects that require new skills. There are a variety oftypes of handiwork and a variety of reasons for mak-ing these creations. The gifting of crafts is a ministryopen to everyone who enjoys the skill and desires gift-ing others.

Creating prayer shawls is one form of ministry inwhich Sisters and Associates participate. As prayershawls are being made, the crafters pray for the personwho will receive the shawl. Every shawl is designedwith the intention of that person wrapping himself orherself in a prayerful and comforting place. Theshawls may be given as support to a grieving, injuredor sick person. A recent new ministry distributesprayer shawls to the Marian Catholic High School

Alumni or parents who are ill. This has provided animportant connection for the family and the individualwho receives the gift. One Dominican Associatemakes prayer shawls for new mothers and as gifts forher friends. Lap robes are a similar ministry. These aredonated to nursing homes and to cancer patients.Some of these robes are also used for fundraising proj-ects or sent for sale in the gift shop at St. Dominic’sHospital in Jackson, MS.

“Kissing pillow tops” are a unique gift one sisterembroiders for the families of those serving in armed

Continued from page 11

Quilts sewn by Dominican Sisters. Each quilt is as unique as the individualwho creates it.

T


GO to my Brothers

and Sisters AND PREACH(JOHN 20:17)

The commemoration of the 800 years’ foundation ofthe Order, especially this year, dedicated to“Dominican Women and Preaching,” offers us theopportunity to remember how Jesus sent MaryMagdalene, and with her, each of us as women preachers. It is also a promising time, challenging us to continual fulfillment of this mission. And, of course,it is a time of grace to rejoice in God's faithfulness and trust in us.

THE RISEN ONE URGES: GO!In her encounter with the Risen One, Mary—the disci-ple from Magdala—is challenged to begin a journey.She has to move with and toward a clear purpose.This meant taking the risk of being ignored and/orbeing taken as a foolish woman. It required boldnessin overcoming the formalities of the time about wit-nessing, and called for conquering, once again, herown demons that held her in mourning.

With her, we, as women preachers, are sent overand over again to begin anew with an updated andmeaningful mission and vision; to risk our securitybecause of the ministerial choices we make or thestances we take—as bearers of the resurrection experience—in the face of signs of death that surroundus; to let go of our comforts; and to liberate ourselvesfrom scruples and formalism that bind our creativityand freedom.

The imperative used by the Gospel writer, John,highlights continuity and persistence. As in the case ofMary, our first departure may have been eager, excit-ing, and energetic, but to continue pursuing the goal

requires perseverance to deal with the obstacles. Ourelder sisters are a living preaching of this.

…TO THE COMMUNITY!Mary Magdalene, a member of a community, was sent to her brothers and sisters, to the community.With her, as women preachers, we also are sent topreach from a particular community speaking and acting as community, for love of the community, andon behalf of the community's growth. We have eachother today to challenge us on our journey. Do we letourselves be moved? Do we allow our sisters and community members in our ministries to shake us upand return us to the path? It is in the communitywhere the Magdalene is called to experience the Risen One from now on. Through the experience ofotherness, the embrace of diversity, and teamwork, weare formed as preachers and we experience the NewCreation—Resurrection.

…AND TELL!The mission of Mary confronted silence. Like her, we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of silence in theface of creation's suffering. It would be complicitywith death.

But what do we have to communicate? Ideas?Concepts? Intellectual brilliance? Above all, we mustspeak of our deep experience of God in our midst.

As did the Magdalene, so also Catherine of Sienaand Rose of Lima made their voices heard. Out of love,they even questioned and denounced the lack of faith-

O P C O N N E C T I O N SBY HERMANA MILA DÍAZ SOLANO

Continued on page 11

¡VE a mis hermanos y

hermanas y PREDICA!(JUAN 20, 17)

L

La conmemoración de los 800 años de la Fundación dela Orden, y más aún este año, dedicado a “LasDominicas y la Predicación,” nos regala la oportunidadde hacer memoria del envío de Jesús a MaríaMagdalena, y con ella, del envío a cada una de noso-tras mujeres Predicadoras. Es además, un tiempo prop-icio para desafiarnos en la continua implementación deesta misión. Y ciertamente, un tiempo de gracia pararegocijarnos por la fidelidad y la confianza de Dios anosotras.

EL RESUCITADO URGE: VEEn el encuentro con el Resucitado, María—la discípulade Magdala—es desafiada a ponerse en camino. Esimpulsada a moverse con y hacia un objetivo específi-co. Ello le implicó arriesgarse, a que no le hicieran casoy/o que creyeran que se volvió loca; osadía, para saltaralgunos “formalismos” del proceso testimonial de sutiempo; vencer, una vez más, sus propios demonios quela hacían quedarse en la muerte.

Con ella, mujeres predicadoras, somos enviadasuna y otra vez a re-comenzar el camino con una actual-izada y significativa visión y misión; a arriesgar nues-tras seguridades por las opciones ministeriales quehacemos, o por la posición que tomamos—como porta-doras de la experiencia de la resurrección—frente a lossignos de muerte de nuestro alrededor; a soltar nues-tras comodidades, a liberarnos de los escrúpulos y for-malismos que atan nuestra creatividad y libertad.

El imperativo usado por Juan implica continuidad,persistencia. Como en el caso de María, nuestro primerdespegue puede haber sido emocionante, lleno deenergía, ilusionado. Continuar el camino hacia la meta

nos reta a la perseverancia para no rendirse frente a losobstáculos. Nuestras hermanas ancianas sonPredicación Viviente de esto.

HACIA LA COMUNIDAD…La Magdalena, parte de una comunidad, fue enviada a“los hermanos y hermanas,” a la comunidad. Con ella,mujeres predicadoras, también somos enviadas desdeuna comunidad concreta, nuestro quehacer y que decires como comunidad, por amor a la comunidad y parael crecimiento de la comunidad.

Hoy nos tenemos la una a la otra para desafiarnosen la jornada. Pero, ¿Nos dejamos mover? ¿Permitimosque nuestras hermanas y miembros de la comunidaden nuestros ministerios nos sacudan y nos devuelvanal camino? Es en la comunidad donde la Magdalena esllamada a experimentar en adelante al Resucitado. Enla alteridad, trabajo en equipo, abrazo de la diversidad,nos formamos como predicadoras y hacemos experien-cia de la nueva creación, de la resurrección.

…Y DILES!El envío de la Magdalena enfrentó el silencio. Comoella, no podemos darnos el lujo del silencio ante eldolor de la creación, sería complicidad con la muerte.

Pero, ¿qué comunicamos? ¿Ideas? ¿Conceptos?¿Elucubraciones intelectuales? Ante todo, nuestra pro-funda experiencia de Dios.

Como la Magdalena, Catalina de Siena y Rosa deLima hicieron sentir su voz. Impulsadas por el amor,llegaron al punto de cuestionar y denunciar la falta defidelidad de sus hermanos y hermanas.

ESCRITO POR HERMANA MILA DÍAZ SOLANO

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O P C O N N E C T I O N S

Continued on page 11

Hoy nos urge nuestra manera particular de decir Dios.Nuestra manera de decir Dios se concretiza en unavida sostenible; en la lucha por la defensa, restau-ración y cuidado de toda la creación; en el constanteengendrar la esperanza; en el nutrir y dar sabor a laIglesia con nuestra diversidad en el crear los espaciosde encuentro y ágape; en el estar intencionalmenteembarazadas de Resurrección. Es preciso hacer fiestaporque este don está ya dando fruto en lo cotidiano.

La clausura de algunos púlpitos no detuvo laPalabra ni la puede detener hoy. El Resucitado nosconfía abrir espacio a la Palabra: “Mujer dominica, ¡Vea mis hermanos y hermanas y Predica!”

Hermana Mila Díaz Solano, OP atiende en Perú.

Estudia actualmente Escritura y arqueologia en

Jerusalén.

fulness of their brothers and sisters when needed. Today, we are moved by our particular way of

speaking of God. Our way of speaking of God is made concrete in sustainable living, in the struggle fordefending, restoring, and caring for all creation; in theconstant giving birth to hope; in nurturing and season-ing the Church with our diversity; in creating spacesfor encounter and feast; and in being intentionallypregnant with Resurrection. We must rejoice and celebrate because these gifts are growing in our everyday lives.

The closure of some pulpits did not detain theWord and it cannot stop the Word now. The RisenOne entrusts us: “Dominican Women, go to my brothers and sisters and preach!”

Hermana Mila Díaz Solano, OP ministers in Peru. She is

currently studying Scripture and archeology in Jerusalem.


O P C O N N E C T I O N S

forces. The completed tops are made into little pil-lows. Each family member kisses the pillow and sendsit to the service member who is deployed abroad.Other Sisters and Associates embroider quilt blocksand pillow cases, crochet dish cloths or sew kitchenhand towels, small items for practical use as well aspleasure. Hand-made items such as these are oftengiven as gifts to employees, staff members, family and friends.

A resurgence of interest in fiberwork keeps thisexcellent tradition alive. Every year the llamas atJubilee Farm are sheared and the fiber is collected,sorted and carded into rovings. Rovings are used on aspinning wheel to create yarn for knitting, crocheting

or weaving. This spinning wheel production is oftenshown at ecology or green fairs to the interest of many.Rovings may also be made into hot water felting orneedle felting.

Hand crafted articles originated to meet the basicnecessity of providing clothing and have evolved intobeautiful items that convey the loving thoughtfulnessof the crafter. The Sisters and Associates who are dedicated crafters often minister to unseen recipients.The talents of their hands and hearts benefit and are a blessing to others.

Sister Santina DeLuca, OP lives at Marian Convent

in Chicago Heights and ministers at St. Kieran's School.

Stitched with Joy, continued from page 8

Go To My Brothers, continued from page 9 Ve a mis hermanos, continued from page 10

12 | Just WORDS

Labor

OF LOVE

L A B O R O F L O V EBY SISTER MARISTELLA DUNLAVY, OP

O

Oh, do you remember a long timeago? Well, if not, here is the story!It was in late December of 1966that a group of sisters stationed atSt. Agnes School/Convent inSpringfield, Illinois got together forrecreation one evening and dis-cussed what fun it had been tomake small Christmas trees for theshut-ins in the parish. The recipi-ents were delighted but the sistershad also derived great pleasure inmaking the gifts and presentingthem. The conversation continuedand ultimately concluded with abrilliant idea. Just think, “If every-one in the community could makejust one item, we could sell them tomake money for the new Mother-house!” The St. Agnes sisters wereso excited with their idea that notime was lost. A presentation wasmade to Mother Jeremiah onDecember 28. In her enthusiasticsupport, she put forth one condi-tion and that was that the sisters ofSt. Agnes would assume fullresponsibility for the bazaar. Withresounding affirmation from thissmall band of sisters, the bazaar of1967 was born!

Realize, of course, that the eightsisters living and working at St.Agnes did not give up their dayjobs to make the bazaar a reality.

School went on each and every daywith classrooms of 50+ students.At this point there were only twolay teachers employed, the sisterprincipal was also the 8th gradeteacher and one sister taught fulltime music. The sisters, of course,did church work, taught Latin tothe altar boys (girls were not yet inthe picture), taught religion classesto children from the parish attend-ing public schools as well as inAthens and Sherman and did theirown cooking and cleaning. Manyof them attended evening classes atthe Motherhouse through an affilia-tion with St. Ambrose Collegeand/or took classes at SpringfieldCollege in Illinois.

What was envisioned was asmall bazaar to be held in the fall of1967. What actually developed wasdescribed in one newspaper articleas “the most bizarre bazaar in localhistory.” Somehow the endeavoralmost ran away from its origina-tors. At times, the sisters of St.Agnes felt as though they were“hanging on to the tail of a wildtiger” but loving every minute of it!

The work began in earnest.Sisters made several trips toJackson, Mississippi to collect drift-wood that would be used in makingfloral centerpieces (a local florist


helped with these). Coffee cans were taped togetherand covered to make hassocks. Three gallon ice creamcartons were covered with fabric or contact paper andfashioned into waste paper baskets. Decoupage waspopular at the time and could be found in many sizes,shapes and forms. Knitting needles, crochet hooks andneedles and thread were in constant motion.Anything that was set down, it seemed, was decorated,labeled and a price tag was attached to it.

During the winter and spring months, the sistersheld a monthly “Busy Bee Session” at St. Agnes.Sisters came from a 100 mile radius to work for a fewhours or the whole day on items for the bazaar. Aworkroom was set up so that every sister could find aspot that suited her and her talents. During the sum-mer thirteen sisters were assigned to work exclusivelyon bazaar items and Monseignor Guisti, pastor of St.Agnes, had ten outlets installed in a basement class-room of St. Agnes to accommodate the sewingmachines and ironing boards. He also enjoyed check-ing on progress at least twice a day as he encouragedthe workers. Remember, of course, that all this washappening before central air.

The sisters from Jackson, Mississippi, sent a beau-tiful ceramic nativity set. The sisters from Rogers,Arkansas, sent several imported dolls that had beenhand dressed for the “sale of the century.” Sistersfrom Peru, SA, sent tapestries, wood carvings and dollsdesigned by the people of Peru. Beautiful afghans,quilts, lace tablecloths, aprons, ornaments, ponchos,pillow cases, tree skirts, ceramics, luncheon sets, place-mats, rosaries, oil paintings and leather goods gracedthe tables that eventually overflowed with more than50,000 items!

Father Peter Mascari and his parishioners offeredto host a chicken dinner to coincide with the bazaar.As it turned out – 3,700 dinners were served at GriffinHigh School and the proceeds went to the bazaar – themeal, the preparation and serving were a gift from thepeople of Athens and Sherman.

The bazaar was held in Sacred Heart Academy onOctober 29, 30, 31 and November 1, 1967. It occupiedthe entire first floor, gym and reception area adjacentto the auditorium (which was dubbed “MarshallField’s” as it held the higher priced items). To say it was a success would be an understatement. It was tremendous!

A thank you note that the St. Agnes Sisters circulated following the bazaar read:

“Sincere appreciation is expressed to each of you

who in any way helped to make our Dominican

Benefit Christmas Bazaar such a success. Happily,

we reached our incredible monetary goal of $25,000.

We have, however, experienced an even greater and

more heart-warming achievement.

Sharing joy, enthusiasm and accomplishment

while working with old friends and making new ones

has been a truly gratifying experience. The new

complex will greatly facilitate our work and prayer.

We pledge continued contributions to the educational,

cultural, spiritual and moral development of the

community of Springfield. In this way, we hope

to continue our THANK YOU through the

coming years.”

There were annual bazaars following up throughthe mid-nineties. However, those who are part of history have to agree – there was only ONE BIGBAZAAR – no one is sure that they could have survived a second!

Sister Maristella Dunlavy, OP is Head Sacristan at the

Motherhouse and Director of the Dominican Prayer Card

ministry.

L A B O R O F L O V E

Congrats!

Sister M. Cecilianne Duello, OP Sister M. Cecilianne Duello was recently selected to be therecipient of two awards. Our Saviour Altar & Rosary and the Catholic Daughters of theAmericas, Our Saviour Court #1625 awarded her the “Our Lady of Good Counsel, Woman ofDistinction” Award for the Jacksonville Deanery. Sister M. Cecilianne received the CatholicEducation Distinguished Service Award from Routt Catholic High School on March 3, 2012 during the 8th Annual Winter Ball.

The Mayor of Rogers, AR honored the Dominican Sisters who ministered at Saint Mary-Rogers Memorial Hospital at the Twelfth Annual Rogers Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on May 3,2012. Seven of the 55 Sisters who ministered at the hospital attended the event and accepted theaward, which reads: “Cornerstone Award Presented to the Dominican Sisters and SisterCatherine Dominic (posthumous) in recognition of outstanding service and spiritual presence in the Rogers Community through Saint Mary's Hospital.”

14 | Just WORDS


C I R C L E O F F R I E N D S

D

Dominican Sisters who share some Aurora history areable to say, “Yes, I know her!” Yes, they know ElveraFeltes, born Elvera Schwartz in 1921, affectionatelyknown as Vera.

Vera is proud to be associated with the Dominicansisters. Going back as far as her early married life inAurora, IL, where she and her husband Howard wereparishioners of Holy Angels, Vera has story after storyfrom the many years she has joyfully served the needsof the local Catholic community in Aurora.

Elvera served her country as a WAVE in the 40's.She worked in Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C.Having lost one beau to the war, she subsequently wasinvited to a dance with Howard Feltes; thus began awonderful life. She and Howard raised two boys andtwo girls, and the girls, of course, attended RosaryHigh School in Aurora, IL.

Vera has contributed talent, leadership and love tothe Rosary community for many years. On the trusteeboard, she served in development and she was chair ofthe Rosary Board from 1986-87. In 1980, she steered

Rosary into a new avenue of fundraising. UnderPrincipal Sister Regina Graham, Vera began theAnnual Appeal Drive, which altered the fundraisingeffort considerably. Vera is justifiably quite proud.

Another example of her gifts of time is her currenthelping in the Holy Angels School library once a week.“I get more back from the children than I give tothem!” she remarks. Her volunteerism at Holy Angelsgoes back years to when she helped Sr. M. Lenore withmath and reading in the third grade. Vera rememberswhen her daughter was in school on Locust Street, siteof the first Holy Angels Parish. She is also a long timebenefactor of the Dominican Literacy Center, to whomshe is a dear friend. She currently serves on the Boardof Directors for Rosary High School.

Now that the children are grown and far fromhome, Mrs. Feltes has no intention of discontinuingher love and connection with the Dominican Sisters.We salute this long time friend of all of us, who, inspite of her 90 years, will continue in friendship andgenerosity as long as she is able.

Sister Kathleen Gallagher, OP minis-

ters in elementary education at St.

Peter Catholic School in Aurora, IL.

Vera Feltes and Sister Barbara Blesse, OP at Rosary High School.

A Friend

IN DEED

BY SISTER KATHLEEN GALLAGHER, OP

Nonprofit OrgUS Postage

PaidSpringfield IL

Permit No. 414

Dominican Sisters of Springfield IllinoisSacred Heart Convent1237 W. Monroe StreetSpringfield, IL 62704-1680

A d d r e s s S e r v i c e R e q u e s t e d

D A T E B O O K

June

June 24 Evening Prayer with Preaching, Sacred Heart Convent, 4:15 pm

July

July 1-3 Dominican Faith Camp, Sacred Heart Convent

July 22 Evening Prayer with Preaching, Sacred Heart Convent, 4:15 pm

August

August 18 Day of Reflection for Associates and Sisters, Sacred Heart Convent, 9:00 am

August 19 Evening Prayer with Preaching, Sacred Heart Convent, 4:15 pm

September

September 16 Evening Prayer with Preaching, Sacred Heart Convent, 4:15 pm

Dominican Sources

Whatever God does,

the first outburst is

always compassion.

- Meister Eckhart

Documents

JUST Words Vol 12 No 2