Events
Gala Fundraiser
Dr. Kevin M. Cahill, an infectious disease expert, has been a friend of missionaries for many decades. This special event in New York City honored him and supported the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate. A simple missionary lunch of bread and soup was served. Patty McDonald, wife of Officer Stephen McDonald who was shot many years ago, was the master of ceremonies.
A plaque of appreciation from the Parish Visitors of Mary Immaculate was presented to Dr. Cahill. We thank all who, in so many ways, made this event possible, and most of all we again thank Dr. Cahill.
Final Vows
On the feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Mother, Sr. Maria Josephine Ojobor professed her final vows at our convent in Nigeria, amidst much rejoicing. We wish her many blessings of holiness and apostolic fruitfulness for many, many years! Congratulations, Sister!
Bus Pilgrimage
A busload of friends from the Rome, New York area came to Marycrest on May 17 for their annual pilgrimage. Many of them remembered our Sisters from the years we served in St. John the Baptist parish in Rome, New York, and several were relatives of our foundress, who grew up not far from Rome, New York. The day included Mass, lunch, a May crowning of Our Lady, songs by the Sisters, and a raffle. The power outage from the recent storm didn’t dampen spirits! May God bless all our loyal friends, these and all others!
Presentation in Elkart, Indiana
Sr. Theresa Marie recently gave a presentation on the life and times of Mother Mary Teresa Tallon, our foundress, as well as her heroic virtue and the steps on the path to canonization. Our foundress had been a Sister of the Holy Cross before beginning our community, and she had been stationed in Elkhart, Indiana from 1913-1915. While there she taught in St. Vincent de Paul parish school and was encouraged by the pastor, Father Francis Jansen, in her desire to found a new community of Sisters.
Vocations Summit
A vocations summit for the Staten Island section of the Archdiocese of New York was held on April 16. A panel composed of three Sisters and three priests responded to questions from the teens. Sr. Theresa Marie, P.V.M.I. was one of the panelists. Let us pray for these teens and for all who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life!
Final Vows
Sr. Maria Leah Japos, P.V.M.I. pronounced her perpetual vows on January 25 in the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Makati City, Philippines. January 25 is the anniversary date of our foundress’ inspiration to begin our religious community, so this date was doubly special for us this year. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was the main celebrant of the Mass, and Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales and a number of other priests concelebrated.
The pictures show the crown of roses, symbolizing the crown of heaven we will receive if we are faithful to our vows, the crucifix ring, and the mission crucifix which we receive on this day, symbolizing our perpetual dedication to Jesus crucified as a holocaust for the redemption of the most abandoned souls.
We rejoice with Sr. Maria Leah and wish her many years of happiness, holiness and apostolic fruitfulness. Congratulations, Sister!
First Vows
On this day, the feast of the Presentation of Mary, Sr. Rebecca Miriam Lasota pronounced her first vows. Sister is from Queen Creek, Arizona, and her family was able to be with her for this special occasion. Congratulations, Sister, and may you have many happy, holy years as a Parish Visitor of Mary Immaculate!
OUR LADY OF FATIMA
This year commemorates the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. We had an evening of prayer at our motherhouse, and it included an outdoor procession with the image of Our Lady of Fatima, Exposition, a talk, the rosary, and Benediction. Many persons attended and many of them took advantage of the opportunity for confession. May we all heed the call of Our Lady of Fatima for prayer and sacrifice!
A NEW NOVICE
Today, on the birthday of the Blessed Mother, we welcomed postulant Rowena into the novitiate in a simple and touching ceremony. She is now Sr. Maria Rowena. Pictured with her in one of the photos is Mother Maria Catherine, our general superior, and Sr. Carole Marie, novice director. To quote from the ceremony, “Let us pray that the Lord Jesus bless Sister Maria Rowena with the spirit of Mother Mary Teresa, giving her strength to go forward in following His call.”
On the same day, Sr. Jhoan Marie renewed her vows at Marycrest and Sr. Mary Imelda renewed hers in the Philippines. God bless all of you!
FIRST VOWS
In Nigeria, Sr. Leona Marie had the privilege of professing her first vows as a Parish Visitor of Mary Immaculate. We don’t have her photo, but we’re sure her smile was radiant on this blessed day.
A little over a week earlier, on the feast of the Assumption, August 15, Sr. Theresa Marie renewed her vows. Sisters, God bless you both and grant you many graces through the intercession of Our Lady!