IN GRATITUDE FOR HIS GUIDANCE

I would choose Rev. Msgr. Vincent Puma, founder of Eva’s Village in Paterson, N.J. In my early days, he taught me ways to preserve peace of mind, remained a guide for 25 years later, and graced me with a trip to the Holy Land. I would need just a short time to update him on how his former help helped me survive. 

— Sister Irene Novak

Precious Seconds with
Her Beloved Sister

If I had an extra hour with someone, it would be with my sister, Donna, who passed in 2020. I was there with her when she was put on hospice, but the nurse thought she likely had a month to live. Therefore, instead of getting into conversation, I chose to let her rest and just be present to her and her needs. But my dear sister died so quickly — the morning of the second day — and I still feel regret and sorrow when it comes to mind. How I wish I had that special hour!

— Sister Georgette Dublino

WISE WORDS with joan

I think I would spend an extra hour with Sister Joan McMullen. We used to have wonderful discussions about books, especially those by Victor Frankl, Soren Kirkegaard and, most of all, our favorite, Nikos Kazantzakis. So often I recall two quotes from the latter author, who I “met” through Sister Joan. 

“I said to the almond tree, ‘speak to me of God,’ and the almond tree blossomed,” is the first. The second came when Zorba the Greek was telling his friend what he thought about God's mercy. The friend asked why, if God is so merciful, God never forgave Satan. Zorba’s simple answer, “Because Satan never asked for forgiveness.” 

I'm sure that after all these “years” in eternity Joan would have many more insights to share. 

— Sister Nancy Celaschi

FATHER-DAUGHTER TIME

ONE MORE VISIT

I would like to spend time with my father. I didn't grow up with him in my life. I had only two short visits with him a couple of months before he died, so even one more hour would be nice.

— Sister Pat Brennan

I miss my parents, Abelardo and Aurelia. I would spend my special hour with them, just visiting and talking with them.

— Sister Yolanda Escamilla

travelogue with a twin

I would spend that extra hour with my twin, Sister Bernadette Giba. I miss her so much — it’s like a part of me is not here. I would show her all my pictures of our relatives that I met in Slovakia so she could see them and know something about them. We grew up not knowing them personally. This one hour would also bring us closer to our mother and father because they came from Czechoslovakia.

— Sister Rosalia Giba

storytime with a special soul

There are many people who come to mind, but I am choosing my brother-in-law, Gabby. He was a loving husband, devoted father and beloved gramps. He was a diehard Philadelphia Phillies fan and is probably celebrating now that they’re in the World Series. My brothers always said we could not have gotten a better person. He willingly took care of my mom and dad without complaining. He spent his time coaching and watching sports. I so loved listening to his stories, but he, too, was a great listener. Love and prayers, Gab.

— Sister Jean Makovsky

OF FATHERS AND FOUNDRESSES

If I could go back in time and spend one hour of time with someone, it would be with my father. I was very close to him, but we never really spoke much, so I have many unanswered questions about his early years and that of his family. Since dad loved gardening and looking at flowers, I would take him to a beautiful garden setting, perhaps Longwood Gardens in Philadelphia, and ask him the questions that remain in my heart without answers. I would also take time to thank him for being my stronghold in life and to let him know how much he meant to all of us.

Likewise, if I could spend an hour with someone in our communal history, it would be with Antonia Lampel, our foundress. I would spend the time with her at our Generalate (international headquarters in Rome), show her pictures of our many convents and Sisters, and ask her if our way of life now is what she envisioned for us. I also would ask her for guidance as to where we should place our energy into the future and how we can reignite our fire of commitment.

— Sister Frances Marie Duncan

words left unsaid

I would love to meet with my Mom and Dad. There are so many questions that I would love to ask them about their lives in Slovakia that I never asked them. I was the youngest of seven children (actually nine, since two died at an early age). I left home at 15 to enter the convent. I never really told them what great parents they were or thanked them for all they did for us. I never told them enough how much I loved them. I tell them now, but it would be nice to speak to them face to face.

— Sister Anita Kuchera