Events
GENERAL CHAPTER AND ELECTIONS
The General Chapter of the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, held every five years, opened on June 16. Elections were held on June 27 and 28. Bishop Gerardo Colacicco presided at the election of the General Superior, and Mother Maria Catherine was re-elected as General Superior. General Councilors elected were Sr. Mary Josita, Assistant General Superior, Sr. Carole Marie, Sr. Ann Marie, and Sr. Dolores Marie. Please pray with us for those elected and for God’s blessings for the years to come.
Obituary
On May 30 Sister Dolores Augustine, PVMI went home to God. She entered the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate 79 years ago in 1943 and would have been 100 years old in August. Born in Minnesota, throughout her years of religious life she served in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Scranton, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Chicago, as well as having various assignments within the convent.
She is the last Sister to have lived in the community during the lifetime of the foundress, Servant of God, Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, who died in 1954.
May God grant Sister Dolores Augustine eternal peace.
First Vows
Sr. Debra Marie Comins of Cleveland, New York professed her first vows as a Parish Visitor of Mary Immaculate on May 6, the birthday of our foundress. A number of priest friends, as well as her family, joined the Sisters in rejoicing with her on this special day. May God grant her many happy and holy years as a Parish Visitor!
ENDING OUR CENTENARY YEAR
August 14 was the final day of the 100th year since we were founded by Servant of God Mother Mary Teresa Tallon. We had many plans to celebrate this year, however, God had different ones. At Marycrest Bishop Edmund Whalen, Father John Paul CFR, Fr. Mario Esposito, O. Carm., Fr. Chris Argano, Fr. Jack Arlotta and Fr. Killian McCaffrey celebrated a Mass to mark the occasion. It was attended by Marycrest Associates and two of Mother Foundress’ living relatives. God provided a beautiful day, after the threat of rain.
The next day, August 15, we began our 101st year! A number of the Sisters attended the 10:15 Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Mother Maria Catherine spoke briefly after communion and two of the Sisters, Sister Mary Josita and Sister Maria Arlene, did the readings at Mass. This is the link to view it: https://youtu.be/jBz9YCtKP1U
Please pray for us as we strive to continue to remain faithful to the original vocation and the contemplative-missionary charism given to Servant of God Mother Mary Teresa Tallon. May God send us many more vocations so that we may continue to fulfill our mission in the Church!
Jubilee
Sister Carole Marie Troskowski, former general superior of the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate, celebrated her 60th anniversary on July 2. Sister grew up in Albany, New York and had been active in the Legion of Mary before entering the convent.
The Sisters, as well as a number of her family members, were happy to share this special day with her. May she have many more happy and fruitful years as a Parish Visitor!
Perpetual Vows
On June 24, the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, the Parish Visitors had a great reason to celebrate. Sister Jhoan Marie of Tacloban, Philipppines and Sister Mary Imelda of Bicol, Philippines made their Perpetual Profession of Vows at our motherhouse in Monroe, New York.
Fr. David Rider was the principal celebrant, Fr. Tom Byrnes, the homilist, and the following priests concelebrated the Mass: Fr, Chris Argano, Fr. Jack Arlotta, Fr. William Damroth, Fr. Eric de la Pena, OFM Conv., Msgr. Philip Franceschini, Fr. Dennis Gill, Fr. Kevin Hanlon, M.M., Fr. Robert Pinnisi. They were assisted by Michael Coleman, a seminarian currently assigned to Sacred Heart in Monroe. Fr. Reynor Santiago joined in the celebration later in the day.
Sr. Jhoan Marie will serve God’s people from our Pennsylvania convent, and Sr. Mary Imelda will continue to be missioned at our Philippines convent.
As you can see, the new “Brides of Christ” were radiant. Please pray with us for many more young women to follow their example and say “yes” to the call of Jesus!
Special Mass
This date was the 30th anniversary of the beginning of the Sisters of Life, a community which was founded by Cardinal O’Connor at our motherhouse, Marycrest, in Monroe, NY. Bishop Edmond Whelan offered a special anniversary Mass for them, preceded by a Holy Hour and fellowship. After the Mass the two communities had a festive meal together.
Two Parish Visitors were formation directors for the Sisters of Life during their first year, while the Sisters of Life lived at our motherhouse before moving to the Bronx. One of the photos pictures shows Sr. Rita-Mairelenes, one of the formation directors, with some of the Sisters.
Appreciation Day
On April 20 we hosted Bishop Gerardo Colacicco, Fr. David Rider, Fr. William Damroth, Fr. Reynor Santiago, and Fr. Kevin Hanlon, who have celebrated Mass for us at Marycrest. It was our way of saying thank you to them for their spiritual care for the Sisters. (Several other priests who also celebrate Mass at Marycrest were unable to attend.) A Eucharistic Holy Hour which concluded with Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament was followed by free time for the priests to relax together. They joined us for Evening Prayer and Rosary. After a special dinner, the we sang songs that had been written in their honor. May God bless all our priest friends!
February 4-7, 2021 FOCUS Conference
Seek 21 was this year’s FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) conference. With the pandemic, it had to be done virtually, with youth taking part from where they lived, around the country. Our Pennsylvania Sisters were able to join the group of participants at Cathedral parish in Philadelphia. May God grant that much fruit comes from this conference!
Final Vows in Nigeria
We rejoice with Sr. Mary Anthonia Okpikuma, who made her final vows on this day. To give oneself to God forever–what a beautiful offering! Besides the crown of roses and the crucifix ring, the mission crucifix received at final vows is a sign of our perpetual dedication, that we will be a “willing holocaust for the redemption of the most abandoned souls.” May God’s grace and strength be with Sr. Mary Anthonia forever!