Sister Cecilia Kristek

MARCH 1, 1893 - JULY 15, 1952

Sister M. Annette (Constance) Kuchta, OSF, died on April 14, 2007, in Pittsburgh, Pa. She was 72 and in her 53rd year of religious life.

Sister M. Cecilia (Mary) Kristek was born on March 1, 1893, in Ceska Trebova, Czechoslovakia. An only child, Mary lost her mother when she was just 18 months old. Until age 6, Mary’s own health was a constant problem. She attended the local grade and junior high school from 1899 to 1908. She also took private lessons in violin playing, French and art needlework. She continued her education in a Vincentian boarding school at Svitava.

For some time after, she helped her father in his business establishment. Due to her musical talent, her father gave her an extensive education in a musical academy and a music conservatory at Prague. She used her musical skill in various ways, including playing in the Royal Orchestra at the Court of the Russian Czar.

However, her pious and simple soul was not satisfied with these honors. For several years, she had a secret longing to consecrate her skill to the King of Kings and to enter religious life. While studying at Prague, she was boarding in an institution of our Sisters; therefore, later she entered as a postulant in Slatinany on April 16, 1913.

Having been equal to this sacrifice, God asked a still greater one of Mary and her father, whom she was never to see again. In October 1913 while still a postulant, she was sent all alone to America to join our Pioneer Sisters in the Pittsburgh area. She simply mentions in her diary written on the ship how, one day, being overcome by homesickness, she took her violin out of the trunk and played until her tears ceased to flow.

Her first work in America was in Tarentum, Pa., where she assigned as an organist until June. After school was over she went to St. Gabriel Convent in Pittsburgh, Pa., to prepare for the novitiate. On July 24, 1914, she received her religious habit at St. Gabriel Church in the presence of Most Reverend Regis Canevin, Bishop of Pittsburgh, and Reverend Mother Xavier Furgott. Sister Cecilia made her first vows on July 26, 1915. After novitiate, she remained another year at St. Gabriel, where she assisted Mother M. Louise in playing the organ and giving music lessons.

In 1916, Sister was sent to a new mission in McKees Rocks. Here, between intervals, for 17 years as organist and teacher, she endeared herself to all because of her affable ways. On August 8, 1924, she made her final vows. Neither her parents nor her relatives were present to share her joy, but this did not sadden Sister. On the contrary, she admitted that she was unusually happy with Christ alone. It was often thus. When in her last years she was confined to bed, she never complained, but smiled cheerfully and suffered patiently in silence.

Her activities from 1928 to 1929 consisted in being organist and music teacher in the newly opened Mount Assisi Academy. From 1929 to 1933 she was superior, organist and teacher in McKees Rocks; 1933-1934 organist at Mount Assisi Academy; 1934-1936 superior, organist and teacher in Tarentum; 1936-1939 McKees Rocks; 1939-1940 Tarentum, with the same duties. Sister spent 1941 in Barnesboro and the following two years in Ambridge, before returning to Barnesboro.

Due to illness, Sister was transferred to Mount Assisi Academy in February 1945. While there, her health improved and she was given charge of the choir, music lessons, and even the duty of portress. Because of her business ability, she was also appointed Provincial Bursar.

God deigned to try Sister Cecilia with poor health practically all her life. Yet she tried to perform her religious and other duties as well as she was able. She was a good Religious — loyal, obedient, unusually humble and simple. Her life was hidden, unostentatious. Even when others sometimes made her a target of their jokes, she was not offended, but answered all with a pleasant smile. She loved to use her musical talent in the service of God and the community. She also trained others to sing and play. All the Sisters remember her playing the violin, especially on Easter and Christmas and other feasts, thus adding to the solemnity of the occasions.

Her lingering illness became serious in summer of 1952. After spending time in the hospital in McKees Rocks, everyone expected her to return home. Then suddenly on July 15, the Community received news that Sister had died due to heart failure. The funeral took place on July 17, 1952. Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.

Sister Cecilia is buried in St. Francis Cemetery at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh, Pa.