Sisters of Charity of Nazareth News

Chandapura Retreat

2013-05-16T09:43:00.001-04:00

Carrying out the mandate given at the Province Assembly 2012, a year of retreats was launched in Bangalore Province by Provincial Ann Palatty, SCN, and Vice-Provincial Sheela Palamoottil, in the presence of 34 SCNs and candidates congregated in front of the Assembly Hall on May 2, 2013. The first one of these retreats was held at Chandapura from May 3–10, 2013. The Theme chosen for this sacred time was: REKINDLING THE FIRE OF ZEAL TOWARDS TRANSFORMATION IN SCN LIFE AND MISSION.

There were 25 SCNS belonging to the local communities of Banakal, Kakkavayal, Madiwala, Musunuru and 14 junior sisters who participated in the retreat. A two day workshop on self introspection and sharing helped the members to enter into the retreat fully. The retreat materials based on Scripture, SCN Constitutions, Assembly proposals and the Challenges emerged from the Scientific Survey of the Province moved the participants to reflect, pray, share, reconcile, let go of the past and to envision new ways of living in community and mission. A spirit of silence and prayer prevailed in the entire campus. Enkindled by the spirit of St. Vincent and Catherine, the retreatants desiring prophetic zeal, seemed ready to reach out to poorest of the poor.

On the last day of the retreat 15 Junior Sisters renewed their vows during the evening liturgy. As a part of the final ritual all the retreatants were anointed and sent forth to proclaim the Good News to the world.

The members of BLR Province like to place on record, their appreciation and deep gratitude to Shalini D’Souza,SCN, chairperson of the committee for her availability, facilitation and guidance during this first retreat in Chandapura.

BLR Resource Team:
SCNs Bridget Kappalumakal, Beena Chirackal, and Ann Moyalan

News from Nazareth Academy in Gaya

2013-05-15T09:54:00.000-04:00

Rangoli Competition

Around 150 students from class six to 10 took part in the Rangoli competition at Nazareth Academy, Gaya, on May 4. Their colorful production filled the auditorium, stage, open lobby, and the spacious concrete grounds in front of the convent and the administration block of the school. The audiences were spell bound as they went around admiring the blooming talents of the young artists.

Various competitions are held throughout the year to develop the unique talents of each child.

Swearing ceremony of the student Council

The new student council was installed at Nazareth Academy, Gaya, during a special ceremony on April 16. From the chapel with a lit lamp, the newly elected leaders went in procession for the school assembly. One by one, they lit their candles from the lamp and placed them on two decorated stands. The lamp symbolized Christ, the source of all light, who would guide them in their new role as leaders. Principal Sophia Joseph, SCN, Vice Principal Seema Monippallikalayil, SCN, and teachers pinned the leadership badges on each student council member.

The leaders made a solemn promise that they would perform their duties, carry out their responsibilities faithfully, and become the ideal students that they would like to be. The Oath ceremony concluded with the school song, "Jesus of Nazareth who loves us all … when we proudly call Nazareth Academy."

Sonali Sonamoti Soren, SCN

Revitalizing Summer for Juniors in Bangalore Province

2013-05-15T09:01:00.000-04:00

Juniors who gathered for the programme in Bangalore this summer

On April 22, 15 SCN Juniors gathered in Nazareth Convent, Chandapura, for their annual summer gathering which turned out to be one of the best we ever had. It was an immense opportunity for us to be part of the theological reflection on “New Way of Being Women Religious in the Asian Context” given by Shalini Mulakal, PVBM, the pre-assembly workshop by Inigo Joachim, SSA, and the community retreat. Each of these gave us a very deep interaction with the elders and senior sisters of our province which was both enlightening and enriching. The coming together of the juniors offered us a healthy blend of sharing that came from experiences in the communities from educational institutions and from challenging missions.

Throughout these days of workshops and retreat, we were led in to a deeper understanding of our call to religious life. It brought within us an awareness of "Where we are? What we seek? Who we walk for?" The challenging life experiences of all the resources persons that including SCNs Shalini D’Souza, Bridget Kappalumakal, Ann Moyalan and Beena Chirackal were inspiring. We once again were called to recommit ourselves to living out the mission statement, especially in the area of embracing multiculturalism and risking our lives in the mission of Christ, our model.

On the last day of our retreat, with joy in our hearts, we once again renewed our commitment to the SCN way of life. With all the preparations we had had over the past 20 days, our renewal of vows had special meaning in our call to this vowed way of life. The final phase of the programme was a well cherished picnic to the scenic Nandi Hills of Mysore.

As we part once again to our respective places of ministry, we carry with us the invitation to be Jesus, Mother Teresa, Mother Catherine and Vincent de Paul in our lives. We also move on with a spirit of love to be in Jesus’ mission through a life of contemplation, compassion and action. We feel the call to be transformed and to be prophetic transformers of the society.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to Sister Beena who planned this programme meticulously. Our gratitude also goes to Sister Ann Palatty, our provincial, Sister Sheela Palamoottil, vice-provincial, and all the sisters in the Chandapura community for the innumerable ways in which they guided and supported us.

Young SCNs in Mysore

Most of all to Jesus our brother we give thanks.

Written by Mary Bincy Joseph, SCN

Final Vows in Mokama

2013-05-14T13:02:00.002-04:00

SCNs Grace Binita Tuti, Jayanti Marandi, Kitamai Catherine Sinku, Manisha Bara, Olive Ekka, Sheela Barla, Sushila Telra and Tarcisia Hembrom made their final vows at the Convent chapel in Mokama, India, on May 11. Carlette Gentle, SCN, was also present for the celebration.

View more on Facebook.

Mobile Health Camp in Nepal

2013-05-14T09:09:00.003-04:00

Cecilia Simick, SCN, shares the following from her mobile health clinic in Nepal:

Dear Friends,

Greetings! I am sharing some of the pictures of the mobile health camp conducted in the remote village of Jajarkot. Dr. Rita Bhandari who works with INF Surkhet was very supportive and dedicated in joining us in the care of the patients. We are grateful to her. During the monsoon season it is too difficult to be able to travel to these villages.

In the village Balua of Jajarkot District in Nepal, Dr. Rita Bhandari and our team team took care of 205 patients, some had to be referred to the hospital and rehabilitation center for further treatment. The ferry which was supposed to take us over the Bheri river was out of order so we had to cross over the hanging bridge and get another vehicle to the village. We had to fight with bed bugs and other creatures at night, but we also enjoyed fishing in Cheda river to cool ourselves after the hard and hot day's work. Dogs and pigs too were swimming to cool themselves. We did have a great day and thank God for his care and protection all the way through.

Sister Cecilia Simick crossing the river.

Dr. Rita and Janga taking care of the patient with cyst

This was the ferry which was broken due to overloading.

St Mary's Center at Special Olympics

2013-05-14T04:35:00.001-04:00

We received the following update from S. Kitty Wilson who ministers at St. Mary's Center, Louisville, KY:

Just wanted you to know that St. Mary's Center track and field players participated in the Special Olympics KY today. They chose to participate in the 100 Meter dash and/or 100 Meter walk, the 4 x 100 Meter Relay race, and softball throw. All 5 of our players (4 females, 1 male) were given special ribbons for 1st, 2nd,3rd, and/or 4th place winners. They were excited, elated, and were awesome. Coaches (myself included), parents, and volunteer helpers were present to encourage them on. There were about 250 participants all together from 11 agencies with the stands filled with family and friends applauding them. It was a privilege for me to be invited to give the invocation prayer.

The picture includes: S. Kitty (volunteer coach), Dorma (mother of Zay and volunteer coach), Zay (student of SMC/player), Holly (student/player, holding sign: St. Mary's Center team is called East End Independents), Sonja (player), Zack (player, holding sign), David (high school volunteer), Courtney (player), Daniel (high school volunteer), and Mary Ann (Coordinator of Special Olympics for SMC. Not pictured: Kyle (Coach)

Mokama Nurses Alumni Gathering in Delhi

2013-05-04T13:31:00.002-04:00

On the 20th of April when the sun was still shining bright in the afternoon, Nazareth School of Nursing Alumni gathered for their annual meet at Father Agnel School, Gautam Nagar, Delhi.

About 50 of us from far and near were present for the event. 30 of them were alumni and the rest were their family members. Registration, meeting, greeting, and reminiscing the glorious past at Mokama took about an hour for all to get settled before the actual meeting.

The gathering was officiated by welcoming the chief guest Sr. Mary Stella, SCN, the special invitees Mrs. Alka P Roy from IGIMS Patna and Mrs. Dipti Choudhary from Asansol, West Bengal, (both NH Alumni) and Sisters Cassilda, Stella and Nirmala SCNS as well as Mrs Rosamma Jose, Matron, Kapoor Hospital Delhi and Mrs Philomina Thomas PHD, President of the Association, Sr. Tutor, AIIMS, Delhi by Mrs. Molly Das, the secretary. There after the Lighting of the lamp was done by the chief guest and the dignitaries on the dais. An Inspirational prayer service with a power point presentation invoking the Spirit of God to fill the place and the hearts of each one present renewed and revived the spirit of all gathered. At the end of the Prayer service, “The Nurses Pledge" was renewed which brought nostalgia and tears to many eyes.

Mrs. Philomina Thomas in her welcome speech urged the need for support and continuity and invited the younger members to join hands with the present executive team and the Board members. Sister Bridget Kappalumackal and all her effort for forming the Alumni Association was recalled with gratitude. An activity report of the Association was presented by Mrs. Molly Das, the secretary. The treasurer, Mrs. Aleykutty Joseph presented the finance report. Special activity of the year was sponsoring the education of a high school girl from Ashakiran, Dharuhera. A picnic lunch cum farewell to Sr. Bridget Kappalumakal and welcoming Sr. Nirmala Mulackal as the patron were other events of the year. Regular meeting of the Office bearers took place every 3 months. Getting connected with the alumni at various states of India, US and UK through face book activity were exciting events of the year which brought lot of good memories to those active on face book.

Sr. Mary Stella, the chief guest in her keynote address spoke about maintaining the quality and standard of their profession. She congratulated the group for their effort to start the association and encouraged them to widen its membership and activities and establish a strong bond between the far and near ones as well as the young and old. Sister reminisced the memories of the good old days at Mokama and gave an update on the happening at Nazareth Hospital. They had many queries about the school of nursing, different people and the future of the hospital etc. This was addressed by Sr. Mary Stella and Sr. Nirmala.

Sister Nirmala Mulackal, the Patron of the group spoke about the continuity of the Association and asked the group about it and all were very positive about it. Sharing of leadership and taking responsibilities was emphasized and the election procedure followed. Some of the Older members were re elected and few new members were elected to the various posts. Refreshment and more informal meeting and getting into their own groups and having a good time with each other brought laughter, fun and jubilation at the gathering. The Finale was posing for a group photography and individual cluster group photos. All left with the hope and deep desire of making a pilgrimage some day soon to their beloved Shrine of Our Lady of Divine Grace at Mokama and the Alma Mater, with their families. It indeed was a delightful time together!

Written by Sister Nirmala Mulackal

A Farewell at Gurgaon

2013-05-02T23:06:00.001-04:00

Members of the Governing Board of Asha NIID Society, Gurgaon, Children and Staff bid farewell to Mrs. Reena Nabhore, MSFS (Movement of St. Francis Savior) Collaborator in our mission and ministry to the socially challenged children for the past 10 years and the Coordinator of Asha Niwas from Oct 2011. A meaningful and very moving prayer service was conducted by the children and the staff under the guidance of Sister Agnes Tudu. The simple , affectionate prayers, filled with sentiments, gratitude and appreciation for all that was done by Reena for the children to give life, dignity and love, expressed by each child present there brought tears to the eyes of every one present. She was a companion, team worker and a responsible member of the Asha Niwas family in whose loving and tender care every child experienced her as a “mother and an aunt” and every one who came there felt welcomed.

Mrs. Reena in her thank you speech expressed here deep appreciation and gratitude to all the Sisters of Charity who nurtured and nourished her life at Asha Niwas. She said that in spite of the many opportunities and offers she had to work, she chose to stay at Asha Niwas because of the family spirit, the spiritual atmosphere and the dedication of the Sisters. She found it was a challenging and growing ministry and she is happy and proud today that the mission has grown. She feels that now the ministry can thrive without her physical presence. She also stated that although she was leaving physically, her heart and soul will be with the children and the centre. By God’s divine plan she will be staying closer to the home for the girls and she assured Sr. Agnes and staff of her continued assistance and help whenever needed. She also expressed her sincere gratitude for the support, love, recognition and appreciation received from all the sisters, co workers and the children. She said that all the sisters whether they were from India and abroad, as well as the many visitors whom she came to know over the past 10 years have left an un erasable imprint in her heart and she has only pleasant memories, deep love and sentiments of joy in her heart as she takes leave to the most loved service at Asha Niwas. Mrs. Reena requests your precious and valuable prayers for her good health and wellness.

Miss Nargis one of the senior girls presented her with a written thank you (Abhinandan Pathr - a letter of gratitude). Gifts and Bouquets were also presented by the members of the Asha NIID society and staff. . A delicious lunch was served which was enjoyed by all.

By Nirmala Mulackal, SCN

First nursing home in the world to become Working Group member

2013-04-26T08:42:00.001-04:00

Louisville, Kentucky's Nazareth Home is the first nursing home in the world to be accepted as an organizational member of the Working Group. Nazareth Home has met the Working Group membership requirements and strives to embody the seven values of the Working Group: compassionate action, effectiveness, connection, wisdom, integrity, responsiveness, and responsibility.

Nazareth Home is a 168 bed long-term care and Rehabilitation Center that is the first facility of its type in the world to be accepted as an organizational member of the International Working Group on Compassionate Organizations.

Sisters celebrate 193 years in Owensboro Diocese

2013-04-22T11:04:00.003-04:00

By LAUREL WILSON The Daily News

Though Sister Katherine Hanrahan, 88, only lived in Bowling Green for three years, the city made an impression on her during her time as principal of St. Joseph School from 1963 to 1966.

“I loved Bowling Green,” she said. “It was an interesting place.”

Hanrahan is a member of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, a congregation of Catholic sisters headquartered in Nazareth, a community several miles outside of Bardstown. The SCN has about 600 members in communities throughout the world, where they work in fields such as education and health care, focusing on the disadvantaged. Founded in 1812, the SCN had a presence in Bowling Green from 1863 to 1971, establishing and teaching at St. Columba Academy, a Catholic school that served Bowling Green until St. Joseph School opened in 1912.

A special eucharistic celebration Thursday honored the SCN’s 193-year presence in the Owensboro Diocese. Sister Mary Eula Johnson, the only member of the SCN in the diocese today, spearheaded the festivities at St. Stephen Cathedral in Owensboro, which included a procession, presentation of the SCN’s history and Mass led by Bishop William Medley.

“It’s a celebration for the sisters, but it’s also a celebration for the people who have been with us for the last 200 years,” Johnson said.

Sister Rita Davis, who grew up in Bowling Green and attended Western Kentucky University before joining the SCN, participated in the Owenboro presentation. She graduated from St. Joseph School, where she was taught by sisters from the SCN.

“It was just so small that we were more like family than a big school,” she said.

Davis attended WKU for several years before joining the SCN in 1966 at age 21.

“God was in my life,” she said. “I just felt like there was something more.”

As a sister, she has worked as an English as a Second Language teacher, founded a shop that promoted local artists and started a visitor center at the SCN’s motherhouse in Nazareth, where she still works today.

“It’s been an interesting life,” Davis said.

Though Johnson is the only remaining sister in the Owensboro Diocese, the SCN’s presence can still be felt in the region, as students taught by the sisters remain in the area, many of whom became leaders in their communities, Hanrahan said.

Jan Lange, current principal of St. Joseph School, was a student at the school from 1962 to 1976. Several of her teachers during that time were SCN members and she remembers taking field trips to visit the motherhouse in Nazareth. The sister who taught Lange in first grade got her thinking about becoming a teacher.

“I just think it was the way she made learning fun,” Lange said.

The Rev. Patrick Reynolds, priest at St. Thomas More Church in Paducah, was also taught by the sisters at St. Joseph School in the 1960s.

“They had a special knack of instilling in me a sense of awe,” Reynolds said.

Even at a young age, he had an inkling he might want to be a priest, in part because of the sisters’ deep reverence of the priesthood.

“They instilled in me a sense of piety, a love of prayer,” Reynolds said. “I think they had that impact on a lot of people.”

He remembers when Hanrahan was principal of St. Joseph School.

“She was absolutely marvelous,” he said. “She radiated a sense of joy.”

Hanrahan grew up in Louisville and attended Holy Name School, where many of the teachers were members of the SCN.

She soaked up everything the sisters taught her and by high school, was considering becoming a sister.
“That just made me think that I could make a difference in people’s lives,” Hanrahan said. “At the end of that time, I was kind of toying with the idea of being a sister.”

In addition to Bowling Green, she served in several other places across Kentucky before receiving a master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago and becoming a pastor’s associate in Richmond, Va.
“It was a ministry that women were just getting into ... it was exciting,” she said.

After retiring, Hanrahan moved to the SCN’s motherhouse in Nazareth, where she lives now.
“I’ve had a really interesting career ... It’s been a great gift to be part of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and part of its 200-year history,” she said.

Diocese to celebrate 200-year-old order

2013-04-18T11:00:00.000-04:00

Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer; April 18, 2013
by Angela Oliver

Though the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth are based in the Archdiocese of Louisville, their missions have not been restricted by city limits.

The Diocese of Owensboro will host the Eucharistic Celebration of Thanksgiving to honor the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth's presence in the diocese at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Stephen Cathedral, 610 Locust St. It is open to the public.

"The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth became fixtures of the Catholic communities of western Kentucky, first as part the diocese of Bardstown," said the Most Rev. William Medley, bishop of the local diocese. "The celebration gives our local church an opportunity to express gratitude."

The program will begin with a re-enactment by a Charity sister as Mother Catherine Spalding, who founded the order in 1812. Sister Eula Johnson will then present the early history of the order and a video of its modern missions. A Mass will be at 10:30 a.m.

The order spread to Union County, which is now within the Diocese of Owensboro, in 1820. Their work within the diocese includes establishing St. Frances Academy, which became Owensboro Catholic High School in 1951.

The Sisters of Charity also formed and staffed schools at St. Stephen, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, among other missions in the area.

"We've been a part of the Diocese of Owensboro for a long time," Sister Eula said. "Many of us still live and work in western Kentucky. It means a lot to us."

Sister Eula became a sister in 1951 and retired from the Boulware Mission two years ago. She lives in Owensboro.

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth also live and work in 19 other states, Belize, Botswana, India and Nepal.

From their focus on the poor to their nursing missions for soldiers effected by health epidemics during the Civil War and World War I, Sister Eula said the sisters have been true to Mother Catherine's vision.

"Her vision was for us to always respond to the most pressing needs of the day," she said. "We take in orphans, form schools, help AIDS patients ... the needs change with the times, but we continue to try to meet up to her standards."

The order celebrated its 200th anniversary with many events where the sisters are located. Though the anniversary year has passed, Sister Eula said the sisters keep the milestone in mind.

"It's important to look back and appreciate our history," she said. "To exist and see worldwide influence for 200 years — that keeps us motivated in service."

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish Feeds the Hungry

2013-04-17T12:22:00.001-04:00

Blessed Teresa parish in Louisville, Ky., partners with Dare to Care, a program that feeds the hungry in Louisville. Every two weeks a truck brings food to the parish and around 40 volunteers come to serve the people of the Fairdale area who are in need. Over 200 people drive through the pavilion and receive fresh produce and commodities to help them get through the month. Betty Blanford, SCN, coordinates this program. Since December the program gained around 15 teenage volunteers from the local high school in Fairdale. They include many new immigrants to the US who also benefit from this program.

Volunteer Program Raises Over $2,300

2013-04-15T12:34:00.000-04:00

Sister Luke Boiarski and Felicia Rowe of the SCN Volunteer program held a raffle drawing today in the Motherhouse dining room at Nazareth, Ky. The prize to be given away, a pair of tickets in the grandstands for one of the greatest sporting spectacles in the country, the Kentucky Derby. Sister John Ann Kulina drew the winning ticket, Shannon Donahue of New Haven, Ky. She and a guest will enjoy Derby Day at Churchill Downs this year sitting just past the finish line. Over $2,300 was raised in this effort for the SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program which will go towards supplies in rebuilding communities in Belize, Appalachia, New Orleans, Botswana and and other regions.

The SCN Lay Mission Volunteer Program, sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, invites lay women and men of all ages and religions into service with economically challenged people in Belize, Appalachia, New Orleans, Botswana and and other regions. Future volunteer opportunities are always available. Contact Sister Luke today.

Visit to SCN Ministries in Delhi

2013-04-08T13:01:00.000-04:00

These photos were shared by Carole Kaucic, SCN, sister of Louis Kaucic who recently visited SCNs in and around Delhi.

One of the many amazing ministeries that the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth (SCNs) are up to around the world are these two homes for girls in Delhi. The first & smaller one houses nine girls aged 5-14 who are children of sex-workers. The sisters give them shelter, nurturing & love & their mothers are so happy their daughters are being taken care of. The mothers visit periodically & even the pimps are supportive. Now, I know you can count, so you know there are way more than 9 kids in the photos below and there are boys too. These other kids are children of poor contruction workers in the area who come each day as kind of a day-care system. Their parents live in plastic tents in slum areas & this daily reprieve for the kids with all this love & nurturing from the Sisters & staff does wonders for them ... as I'm sure you can imagine. Back to the 9 girls. Once they reach a certain age, they go to the larger housing unit about 30 miles away.

That's Sr. Agnes (or Aggie) watching over her flock. The kids welcomed John & I openly & enthusiastically & were a delight to be with.

Here they are again, cute as a button!

Sisters Cassie, Agnes & Nirmula (forgive me Agnes for taking a photo of you with your eyes closed!). Sr Cassie & Nirmula do the fund-raising in Delhi to support these two missions, not easy in a city with so many poor. Their hospitality & openess with us were wonderful.

Here's the big housing unit, a newly constructed large building that can house up to 150 girls (there are about 70 there now) once they age out from the smaller house you saw. It's a little forbidding in it's construction design, but built to last! The girls seemed very comfortable being here. They go to nearby public schools for their education.

John & I with the dedicated staff of the larger home.

Here's where the girls sleep, dorm style. They each have their own locker to keep any personal possessions. The older girls look after the youngest ones too...

The building is somewhat isolated. They grow some vegetables along with flowers on their acreage so the girls have daily duties around helping out there too. The big challenge is figuring out how to transition them from this to a meaningful existence in the world (no real funds available at this point to help them with housing, job training or community college). We're brainstorming with the sisters to see how we and other friends might be of help with this transition challenge...

Here the girls are playing a simple "knock the rock pile over" game. Many of the girls sport very short haircuts as you see here.

Sister John Loretto Visits St. Mary's Academy Students in Panama

2013-04-04T15:39:00.003-04:00

John Loretto Mueller, SCN, was the resident advisor for the boarding students who came from parts of Central and South America to St. Mary's Academy in Leonardtown, Md. Recently the class of 71' and 72' held a reunion in Panama, a location central to them. The class, who considered Sister John Loretto their "Mother away from home," invited her to join them in Panama. Sister John Loretta said she enjoyed the trip very much and loved spending time with the girls. She is pictured sitting, surrounded by the classmates, in the center of the photo.

You're Invited - SCN Mass in Owensboro

2013-04-03T14:29:00.000-04:00

All are invited to attend a Eucharistic Celebration of Thanksgiving for the SCNs’ presence in the Owensboro Diocese on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Owensboro, Ky. A presentation, including a brief history of the Congregation and a procession, will begin at 10:00 am followed by a Mass at 10:30 am with Bishop William F. Medley. A reception will follow.

PHOTOS: On Oct. 13, 2011, thirty-four Sisters of Charity and Associates made a trip to visit a few of the sites in the Owensboro Diocese where missions were first established by the Congregation. Stops included St. Frances Academy, Owensboro - 1849; St. Vincent Academy, St. Vincent - 1820; St. Ann School, Morganfield - 1912; St. Rose Academy, Uniontown - 1872 (later named St. Agnes).

Camp Maria Begins Shoreline Preservation Project

2013-04-02T13:43:00.001-04:00

Four cranes arrived Easter weekend to begin the process of preserving Camp Maria's shoreline. Led by the Army Corp of Engineers, this project will improve the shoreline which runs along Breton Bay in Maryland.

Camp Maria Retreat Center, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, strives to provide an atmosphere of prayer, hospitality and simplicity in a peaceful, natural environment for retreats and various types of renewal programs. Our facilities are available to those who seek to strengthen and deepen their commitment to God, the Church, and to God's people throughout the world.

International Women’s Day Celebration and Graduation Ceremony

2013-04-02T10:08:00.001-04:00

Nazareth Mahila Samiti, Seelampur, Delhi

Over five hundred women and children clad in glittery colourful salwars and sarees assembled at the ground near Nazareth Mahila Samiti Training Centre on March 21 to celebrate the International Women’s Day and to participate in the graduation of the trainees from the skill training centre. The chief guest on the Occasion was Mrs. Hajan Shakhila Ajmal, The Councillor of Municipal Corporation, in Delhi.

The theme of the year, “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum” was highlighted by the various speakers. Mrs. Sandhya, an NGO and social activist spoke about the need for awakening to the social realities and “‘fight “ for their rights as enlightened women who are educated and knowledgeable.

Nirmala Mulackal, SCN, spoke about 5 helpful “mantras” to remain as empowered women living up to their full potential and work toward transformation of the society they live in and make a difference.

Use every opportunity to its maximum.
Not to be afraid but be daring and speak out the truth and stand for your right always.
Every woman must know about her self worth.
Have faith in oneself, that is the greatest power.
Recognize your abilities and use them to there optimum level.

The NGOs from the CARE Nidhi, collaborators with Nazareth Mahila Samiti, highlighted the need for wellness and health which are essential for women to be effective at home and in the society.

The graduation ceremony of 11 girls from the tailoring and mehndi training sections brought added joy and celebration on the occasion. Sister Nirmala distributed the certificates. The families of the girls and all present were proud of their performance. The chief guest and the speakers expressed their appreciation and congratulated Stella Kaiprampatt, SCN, and the staff for their tireless effort in education and empowerment.

A colourful cultural program with inspirational, powerful skits depicting the various domestic and gender violence and discrimination was staged by the women and young girls students of the centre. Dances of different culture added to the gaiety and the celebration of the day which was doubly enjoyed by the audience. Hats off to Sister Stella and the staff of Nazareth Mahila Samiti who continue to liberate, educate, motivate and empower the “Purda Clad women” who are ordinarily shy and secluded. We can proudly say that with the continued effort and education by Nazareth Mahila Samithi the women in the area have been transformed and most of them are aware of the power that is within them and can stand up and face the public and speak for their rights.

Present at the function were Fr. Poulose Mangai, S.J., professor at Vidya Jyoti college, Delhi. Cassilda Castell, SCN, Stella Mary, SCN, Mrs. Jessy Joseph, an executive from the Public sector, UCAN news reporter, collaborators from different NGO groups and brothers from Vidya Jyoti Theologate, who assist the staff in the Non Formal Education program.

Story written by Nirmala Mulackal, SCN

Louis Kaucic Visits School for Disabled in Nepal

2013-03-29T11:46:00.001-04:00

Here's Suma Muthukattuparampil, SCN, in her office at the school for the mentally disabled in Katmandu, Nepal. There are over 90 children who are bused daily (some are on the bus for up to 2 hrs just to get to the school). Those parents who can, pay a small tuition, those who can't, well, Sister Suma finds a way. The staff are really dedicated in their work with these kids. Most are profoundly handicapped or autistic and the thing they want, need and get the most is love and a supportive environment. Sister Suma is the head administrator, but it''s clear her greatest joy is when each child finds a way to visit her during the day.

This delightful girl visited while we were there, she was VERY happy to be in school that day. Sister Suma spends as much effort educating the parents on how to understand and care for their child, particularly the autistic ones. There was virtually no support in Nepal for this segment of the population prior to he SCNs opening this school in '78.

Sister Suma greets each of the kids as they get off the bus. From there, they go to a group assembly for some easy exercises before going to their respective classrooms.

Big hugs from each kid are a requisite start to the day. They seemed exuberant but she said they were much lower key that day due to strangers being around (that would be John & myself).

This group is working on spelling out the alphabet. The teacher said it can take 6 months to learn a couple letters. The teachers make about $150 a month for all their hard work.

This guy was one of my favorites. A few of the kids & staff had just gone to Seoul, South Korea, early in 2013 for the Special Winter Olympics and Asis (RIGHT) decided to try snow-shoeing as a sport (he had never even tried it prior to getting to Seoul) and ended up winning the Gold Medal. Sister Suma made sure the local papers wrote up the story, so the school has it's very own hero!

These photos were shared by Carole Kaucic, SCN, sister of Louis Kaucic.

Inter-Community Novitiate

2013-03-27T14:53:00.001-04:00

L to R: Liz Wendeln, SCN, Mary Pat Lenahan, SCL, Marie Flowers, SCN Novice, Sheila Taylor, SCL and Laurie Parker, SCL Candidate.

During a 4 day break between Inter-Community Novitiate classes in St. Louis, Srs. Liz Wendeln and Marie Flowers travelled to Kansas for a visit with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. They received a warm Charity welcome including a reception and tour of the Archives, motherhouse and college. They shared dinner and prayer with the new formation community which recently welcomed SCL Candidate Laurie Parker. Marie spent an evening with the local community at the Xavier House of Discernment. The following day she visited several SCL ministry sites including the Seton Center and the Catholic Worker house. This was an excellent opportunity to develop ”Charity Connections” and share formation and ministry experiences.

Community Retreat

2013-03-27T09:44:00.001-04:00

On March 14th 2013, SCNs at Nazareth Campus gathered outside the Mokama chapel to launch a year of retreats. Carrying out the mandate given at Province Assembly 2012, the Province Leadership of Bangalore and Patna Provinces appointed a Resource Committee to put together materials based on SCN Constitutions, Scripture, Assembly Proposals and the challenges that emerged from the Scientific Survey of the Province. The first of these retreats was held at Mokama March 14-21 and members of the Nazareth Convent and Ashirvad North local communities entered into the experience of the workshop. The theme of the retreat was: Rekindling our zeal towards Transformation in SCN life and Mission.

Seventeen members participated in the retreat. After a two day workshop which prepared the participants for the retreat itself, members prayed, reflected, discussed on topics such as the historical, social economic and religious context of Asia/India. This was in keeping with the call of the Assembly to look at ways of how the SCNs in these provinces can reflect the spirituality of Asia/India in their life styles, prayer forms and formation. Other topics included bridging the inter-cultural and inter-generational gaps, embracing our cultural diversity, befriending our growing edges, examining our prophetic zeal and challenging ourselves to minister at the margins. The concluding sessions were on the spirit of Vincent, Catherine and the the Charism of Charity.

Written by: SCNs Marceline Indwar and Shalini D’Souza

Siblings at Vincentian earn WPIAL honors

2013-03-22T12:00:00.001-04:00

Joe Koch / Tri-State Sports & News Service

Rich and Debbie Marusic joined other proud parents recently in the stands of Palumbo Center for the WPIAL basketball championships ... but for them, the experience has become somewhat "routine."

For the Marusics, all five of their children have competed for a WPIAL basketball title as Vincentian Academy students.

On March 1, they watched son Robbie help coach Vincentian to a WPIAL Class A boys championship with an 86-74 victory against Clairton.

The next morning, the Marusics were back at Palumbo Center to watch youngest daughter Sarah come off the bench in Vincentian's 53-46 victory against Serra Catholic to claim the WPIAL Class A girls title.

The parents and their five children -- Rich, Becky, Rachel, Robbie and Sarah -- watched proudly as the Royals struck gold in both WPIAL championship games. For this McCandless family, it marked yet another trip to a District 7 finale.

The Vincentian boys bowed out in the PIAA tournament in the second round, losing a tough 92-85 decision to Bishop Carroll last week. The Royals finished 26-2, with both losses coming against Carroll of Ebensburg.

The girls team advanced to the PIAA championship game at noon Saturday in Hershey where it will play Tri-Valley. The Royals defeated Bishop Guilfoyle, 45-40, Tuesday in the semifinals.

Three of the Marusics -- Rich, Becky and Rachel -- played on Royals teams that lost in the WPIAL title game. But Robbie was on the 2011 squad that defeated Lincoln Park, 67-61, for the championship.

Sarah was on the Royals varsity team a year ago as a freshman when Vincentian rallied to beat North Catholic, 54-50, in the 2012 championship game. But she missed the playoffs when she sustained a broken hand about a month before the title game. This year, she came off the bench when the Royals won the girls championship for the second time in a row.

"It's been one of the highlights of our lives," said Rich Marusic, the co-owner of Ruby's Dry Cleaners and Sparkle Cleaners. "It's something you can share with the kids. It started with Rich, and we would take the younger ones to watch him. It's gone full circle because now the older ones are watching Sarah. It's been an incredible bonding experience."

Debbie Marusic appreciates the on-court achievements of her children. She has watched them play since each was in the fourth grade.

"The outcome didn't matter," she said. "We are just so proud of them just to get [to Palumbo Center]. Not a lot of people get to experience this. It's been incredible. I was just as nervous for all of them from Richie to Sarah. I've grown to love [basketball] and to love watching them as they've grown and matured and what it's taught them."

Rich, the Marusics' oldest son, graduated in 2005 and was on the Vincentian team that lost to Sewickley Academy, 56-39, in the WPIAL championship game. He played for current North Hills coach Buzz Gabos. He said there never was any pressure for his younger siblings to get into basketball.

"They [got into it] on their own," he said of his siblings. "We've always been a basketball family. My dad was involved. [My parents and siblings] always came to watch us play in grade school and things like that. It was just in their blood. That's the way we are."

Becky Marusic, who played on the 2007 team that lost to North Catholic, 61-35, in the girls championship game, had the interesting circumstance of playing for three coaches in four years.

Jenny Miller was the coach in Becky's first two years, and Sam Salih took over when she was a junior. Current coach Ron Moncrief started his tenure in the 2006-07 season, Becky's senior year. Change, she noted, was a constant.

"Three entirely different systems," she said. "You didn't get to transition [from one year to the next."

Becky played one season with younger sister Rachel, who gave up basketball after the 2007 season to focus on her interest in the school's arts program.

North Catholic maintained the edge while the two older Marusic sisters were playing, but Rachel said she could see momentum starting to shift.

"They had so much potential," she said of the Royals. "Just seeing the younger talent on the team coming up, I could tell that we were going to beat [North Catholic] at some point. Absolutely, we laid the foundation. It's cool to see from when I was playing to now and seeing the girls on Sarah's team and what they've been able to accomplish."

While the older three Marusics did reach the title game, victory was out of their respective grasps by double-digit margins. All of that changed with the Royals boys team of 2011 as Robbie came off the bench in Vincentian's victory against Lincoln Park. He received his second gold medal last week as the team's ninth-grade boys coach and a varsity assistant for coach George Yokitis.

Winning as a coach was a wonderful experience, Robbie said, but it pales to the enjoyment of the one he has as a player.

"That [2011 championship] meant a lot more because I knew that even though I wasn't putting the points on the board or getting rebounds, I was pushing my team on and off the floor to become better," he said. "Because I was physically a part of [the team], that was an amazing moment. As a coach, I had a much different role."

The youngest Marusic, Sarah, could wind up with the most WPIAL medals in her family as a player. The Royals girls team loses just one starter from a squad that improved to 26-1 with a first-round PIAA victory against Keystone, 58-31, last Saturday at Gateway. Vincentian defeated Berlin Brothersvalley in a second-round game last week, also at Hempfield Area High.

She and her fellow sophomores have set a goal.

"We want to leave in our senior year with four WPIAL titles and three state titles," Sarah said. "We still have a lot of work to do, and we need to make sure that we take it one game at a time and get to that goal like it's [pieces to a puzzle]."

She's also mindful of what has taken place with her siblings and what it will mean when they have family reunions decades from now.

"I can't put it into words how awesome it will be that we're going to be able to talk about something we've been able to experience," Sarah said. "It has brought us closer as a family and how special it has been to each and every one of us."

Holy Father, we ask you …

2013-03-22T08:58:00.002-04:00

@pontifex Holy Father, we ask you to consider the gifts & faith of women & appoint them to significant roles in the Curia & Vatican offices.
— SCN Family (@scnfamily) March 22, 2013

Vincentian Academy Girls Advance to State Finals

2013-03-20T13:33:00.001-04:00

Sophomore guard Brenna Wise scored a team-high 16 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and had four blocked shots to lead Vincentian Academy to a 45-40 victory over Bishop Guilfoyle on Tuesday in a PIAA Class A semifinal game at Indiana High School.

Senior Abbey Bartoszewicz chipped in with 14 points, 10 rebounds and four steals.

“I'm very proud of the girls for how hard we worked all year,” Vincentian coach Ron Moncrief said. “We had three goals we wanted this year, being the section title, WPIAL title and this was our third team goal this year.”

Vincentian (29-1) will play District 11 champion Tri-Valley (27-3) in the championship game at noon Saturday at Giant Center in Hershey.

“If you're still playing at this time of the year, you still have to be a good team,” Moncrief said of Vincentian's opponent. “I'll sit down tomorrow and do my research and get ready for Tri-Valley on Friday.”

SCNs Host Medical Camp

2013-03-19T15:31:00.000-04:00

In recognition of International Women’s Day and World Tuberculosis Day, SCNs in India helped organize a free Medical Camp for women at Nazareth Hospital, Mokama, on Sunday, March 17, 2013. SCNs collaborated with IGIMS and Civil Surgeon. More than 250 women came to the camp in which several highly respected doctors from IGIMS provided consultations and check ups. Diagnostic facilities were also made available courtesy of Civil Surgeon, Patna through the Mobile Van.

An inauguration of the camp took place and included invoking the blessing of God by lighting a lamp. Sister Usha, the Administrator, welcomed the doctors and the many women who came together in spite of rain and having to take off from work during peak harvest season. Dr. Rajesh Kumar Singh, Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology and Palliative Care Specialist, IGIMS, Patna, commended the initiative as well as the hard work of Dr. Shanti James, SCN, as he acknowledged that Dr. Shanti had prompted him and his team of doctors to collaborate for the cause of the rural women of Mokama and surrounding areas. The doctor also spoke to the women gathered about the importance of timely screening and therapy for cancer. Those gathered were also educated about tuberculosis and treatment. Mrs. Renuka Devi, Chairperson, Mokama Nagar Parishad, encouraged the women to avail prompt treatment and to take charge of their own health and wellbeing. Among the doctors present from IGIMS were Dr. Priyanjali, Dr. Kavita, Dr. Nutan, two nurses, and a technician.

A mobile van provided by a Civil Surgeon of Patna, Dr. Lakhinder Singh, consisted of a team of eight members, a doctor, lab technicians, an X- ray technician and a pharmacist.

Story submitted by Dr. Shanti James, SCN