Sister Mary Eve Felesi Makes Perpetual Vows

Sister Mary Eve Felesi, from the Solomon Islands, made her perpetual vows as a Missionary Sister of the Society of Mary at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham, MA, USA on June 30th, 2018.

Mary was one of a group of six Sisters in Temporary Vows who have been participating in a Program of Ongoing Formation from October 2017 to July 2018 here in the USA.  The Sisters are from six different countries of origin: Togo, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands.  They had each been missioned in other countries: Madagascar, Senegal, Italy, Vanuatu and Colombia.

These months were a time of deepening reflection on our way of life as consecrated religious women, living the vowed life in an apostolic missionary congregation and in the spirit of Mary, mother and first disciple of the Lord. The Sisters also began online studies towards a degree in Theology from the International Dominican University during this time.

It was with great joy that we were able to celebrate the perpetual vows of Sister Mary towards the end of this Program.  Sister Georgeanne Marie Donovan, our congregational leader, was present to receive the vows.  Father Ken Thibodeau SM was the main celebrant and homilist, and Father Denis Wheatley OFM, our pastor, and Brother Damian Johnson OFM joined in the celebration, along with many Sisters from the area and friends who had gotten to know the Sisters through their volunteer work at St Mary’s After School Program and at the Maristhill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

We are very grateful for all those people – near and far – who have supported Sister Mary and the other Sisters here by your prayers and by the help you have given in so many ways.  May the Lord and His Mother bless you all!

“Formation for Formators” Gathering in Rome

Sisters from all over the world who are engaged in welcoming and forming new members of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary gathered in Rome from July 5th to 26th to renew our own understanding and commitment to this vital service within the congregation.  Sister Georgeanne Donovan, our congregational leader, and the members of her Council had prepared the meeting, and all four Regional Leaders were also active participants.

Topics included “Membership and Non-negotiables in Religious Life”, “Criteria and Evaluations”, “Culture and Mission”, “Accompaniment of the New Member”, “Ongoing Formation for Sisters in Temporary Vows”.

Despite the terrible heat of this July in Rome, and the lack of air conditioning, this was a very lively gathering.  Listening to those with experience, small group sharing, learning from others, working together, role playing, case studies – many different teaching and learning techniques helped to make this a memorable experience.

Praying with the Gospel of each day, liturgical celebrations, and time for personal integration helped each one to center herself on the call from God that was at the origin of her vocation – a gift that continues to be given in the world of today. Our challenge is to recognize and foster that gift in new members who come from and are sent on mission in the rapidly changing world of today.  May the Spirit who energized this gathering continue to be with us as we “set out again.”

STUDENT APPRECIATION CELEBRATION IN SAN BERNARDINO

Campus Ministry Cal State University San Bernardino (CSUSB),

Student Leaders Appreciation Evening, 2016/2017 school year.

The Student Leaders Annual Appreciation Evening took place on Friday, May 26th at the SMSM place in San Bernardino. We opened the evening with the celebration of the Eucharist by one of CSUSB alumni, Father Manny Cardoza.

Student leaders from CSUSB Palm Desert and University of Redlands were also present, as well as 2 representatives from our Marist Laity and the Samoa Ministry in the diocese.  In all, 31 people attended including Sisters. Lorreta Raass and Joan Bernich from La Quinta.

Those of you who have been to our house in San Bernardino would agree that the house cannot comfortably hold such a big number. Thank God for the porch on the side of the house. The students put up a couple of easy-ups for the altar and the music ministry. The rest of us were on the grass and in the covered area. Even the garage had a share of colorful and glittering lights for decoration. The students’ spirit of great joy, celebration and enthusiasm permeated the evening. The weather was pleasant and comfortable, considering this time of the year. As one of our students said, “Great things happened when God mixes with us, sister”!

The joy-filled evening ended with Certificates of Appreciation for the outstanding leaders of the year, presented by Sr. Pesio Iosefo and Fr. Manny Cardoza. After the final blessing from Father, each one present received a token of appreciation.  The students – and Father - did not want the evening to end!

Sister Pesio Iosefo smsm,
Campus Minister