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Jim Slater 
Feb 07, 2009

Comments:

P.S. The medical mission is Feb 20-28th, 2009.  Thanks.


Jim Slater Email
Feb 07, 2009

Comments:
Please pray for a medical mission trip to El Pregresso, Guatemala.  We will provide medical care to 2500 people over the course of a week through an organization called "Faith-In-Practice"

The mission of Faith In Practice is to improve the physical, spiritual, and economic conditions of the poor in Guatemala through short-term surgical, medical and dental mission trips and health-related educational programs. Our mission is based on an ecumenical understanding that as people of God we are called to demonstrate the love and compassion that is an outward sign of God’s presence among us. Faith In Practice’s life-changing medical mission is to minister to the poor, while providing a spiritually enriching experience for our volunteers.

Blessings,

Jim
Class of '77, Stuart Hall for the Boys, SF, CA.

Alice J. Burns Email
Feb 01, 2009

Comments:
Please pray for the full recovery of Tony, a 22-year old Rochester, NY, police officer who was shot in the back of the head in an unprovoked attack on January 31, 2009.

C 
Jan 29, 2009

Comments:

Please pray for my sons cousin who will be having surgery. Also please pray for my son who has a horrible uncureable skin condition. He is only 7 months old..


Ninette Alsop Edmiston 
Jan 29, 2009

Comments:

Please pray for Jennie Lewis, daughter of Maugerite Crow Lewis, Rosary '67, who was diagnosed with breast cancer on Jan.6 Jennie is 31. She is undergoing chemotherapy and both she and her family could use all the prayers and support we can send them.


AASH National Office Email
Jan 26, 2009

Comments:
Please pray for Sister Dorothy Clark, 67, an alumna of Maryville who died of cancer January 20, 2009. Sister Clark spent most of her life of ministry in Uganda and Kenya. Prior to that she taught at St. Charles (1968-1972). From 1992 until shortly before her death she was chaplain at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center in St. Louis. A Memorial Mass for Sister Clark will be held at the Shrine of St. Philippine Duchesne, 619 North Second Street, St. Charles, Mo., on Saturday, February 21, at 5:30 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of the Sacred Heart, 4120 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO  63108.
Maureen E. Ryan  Email
Jan 22, 2009

Comments:
Please pray for the husband of Joyce Sherman Comfort ('48 HI) a very loyal leader of the Hilltop, St. Joseph, MO alumna.


Jasper "Jack" Allen Comfort, Gladstone, Mo., died January 18, 2009, at North Kansas City Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, Jan. 24, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1401 NE 42nd Terrace, KC, MO, at 11 a.m. with visitation at the church preceding the service from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Burial immediately following in White Chapel Cemetery.

Jack was born March 6, 1915, in Jesup, Iowa, to Jasper Ira and Anna (Lusthoff) Comfort. The family moved to Waterloo, Iowa, where Jack graduated from West High School in 1933. Jack worked in advertising and public relations for several radio stations in Waterloo, Charleston, WV, and Louisville, KY, and also for the Curtis Wright Corp. in Louisville. He then owned and operated a theater in Garwin, Iowa, which led to his becoming a theater broker, with his office in Kansas City. Jack went on to work as a direct sales manager for Walker Towel and Uniform, and retired after 20 years in 1994 at the age of 79. Jack was a former member of Grace M.E. Church in Waterloo, and then St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kansas City. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marjorie Comfort Corson, and her son, Kent C. Corson; his first wife, Beverly Shaw Comfort, the mother of his only child, and his second wife, Wanda Brown Comfort.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 23 years, Joyce Sherman Douglas Comfort of the home. He is also survived by his son, James Comfort (Rose Mary) Lenexa, Kan.; two grandsons, Jeff Comfort, KC, Kan, Chris (Tara) Comfort, Olathe, Kan.; two great grandsons, Gage and Brody Comfort; six stepchildren, Mark (Karen) Douglas, Cypress, Texas, Susan (Dennis) Marx, Carol Price, Stephen (Sharon) Douglas, all of KC, MO, Paul Douglas, Buda, Texas, Laura McGlocklin, Morgan City, La.; 10 step-grandchildren, Ryan (Rachel) O'Maley, Timothy O'Maley, Darci Bateman, Erin Metzger, Michael, Molly and Maddie Marx, Scott and Samantha Douglas, all of KC, and Kate Douglas, Cypress; four step great- grandchildren, Cameron, Carter, David and Adia, all of KC; two nephews, Barry and George Corson, Waterloo; and a niece, Kay Corson Pease, Decora, Iowa. Jack's long life was proof of his firm belief that those who danced and ate chocolate every day lived the longest. Donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, NorthCare Hospice and Palliative Care, or St. Patrick's Catholic Church. Arr.: McGilley Antioch Chapel, (816) 453-7700.


grace coyne Email
Jan 19, 2009

Comments:

For My friends  family Vincent and Lucy Decrescito and Dominique and Chris  that they all have great health or divine healing, happiness, love prosperity and the holy Mother and St Philippine Duchesne and  Jesus Christ blessing in this life and the next amen 


Chunielah Baidin Email
Jan 07, 2009

Comments:

Please pray for me to know and understanding my life purposes. I'm tired and feel hatred in any involvement of relationship. I dont like my way of relationship now.. 


Marcie Amory Email
Jan 07, 2009

Comments:

Dear Friends

 

ELIZABETH ANN PARKMAN

 Elizabeth Ann Parkman was born into eternal life on January 1, 2009. Born in 1910 in Wilmington, Delaware, she and her husband, attorney

Timothy D. Parkman traveled westward to Tucson over 60 years ago. He died in 1961.  Following in her parents footsteps with her many philanthropic activities, she served as a Trustee of Catholic Community Services, the St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation Board, the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities, among others, and was actively involved with Salpointe Catholic High School, as well as many other local charitable and Diocesan causes. She was a founding member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and faithfully served as Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist and Sacristan. A Charter Member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Tucson Diocese, she devoted her many years of service to Church and community, quietly with dignity and grace.

Marcie Amory 


Alice J. Burns Email
Jan 05, 2009

Comments:
Please remember in your prayers Rosemary Malone O'Brien O'Donnell, Newton Country Day '41 and Manhattanville College '45, of Providence, RI, who died December 29, 2008.  Rosemary was predeceased by her first husband Richard O'Brien.  She will be missed by her husband Charles O'Donnell, her daughters Isabel, Leslie, Rosemary, Katherine and Gail, her sons Richard and David, her 9 grandchildren, her sister Maureen Malone Quine (Newton Country Day '50) and brother James.  A Funeral Mass was celebrated January 3, 2009.  Donations may be made in Rosemary's memory to Newton Country Day or Manhattanville College.

Alice J. Burns Email
Jan 05, 2009

Comments:

Please pray for Priscilla A. Durkin (Newton College '65) who died January 1, 2009, following a period of declining health. Priscilla was a dedicated, passionate and compassionate teacher of classics for 33 years at Milton Academy, Boston Latin Academy, Wakefield High School and Boston Latin School.  Please remember too her brother Arthur "Buzz" Durkin and his wife Judy, her brother-in-law Dr. Garrett Orazem, and her niece and nephew.   A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 5, at 9 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Herbert Street, Melrose, MA.    Interment will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in Priscilla's memory may be made to School Sisters of Notre Dame, Department of Mission Advancement, 345 Belden Hill Road, Wilton, CT 06897-3898 or to Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart, 801 South Spoede Road , St. Louis, MO 63131-2699. For directions, obituary or to sign guestbook, please visit: http://www.robinsonfuneralhome.com.


Jessica 
Dec 17, 2008

Comments:

Please pray for my boyfriend.  After 30 years of living with cystic fibrosis and going through the painful experience of a lung transplant he found out this morning that he has a collapsed long.  This man means the world to me and so much more.  Please pray that he get better fast.


Marcie Amory Email
Dec 14, 2008

Comments:

Dear Friends and Family of the Sacred Heart

 

The Arizona Association has just received a request for prayers for our dear friend Dick Ross.  Judy and Dick have been devoted members of the Arizona Association since their move from St. Louis over twenty years ago.

Dick is hospitalized with a serious leg wound as a result of his diabetic condition and hopes are that he will not have to undergo surgery. 

 Judy and Dick are looking forward to celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next week.

With love and thanks

Marcie Amory


Maureen E. Ryan  
Dec 04, 2008

Comments:
Joanne Barranco Steenveld alumna of Sheridan Road was in a terrible accident this past Monday. She had driven three of her friends from St. Gertrude's to a funeral in DeKalb, IL. Afterwards they were headed south in an ice and snow storm. Two woman died soon after the crash and one friend remains in critical condition. Joanne suffered a broken pelvis, broken arm and facial lesions. While no visitors are permitted as of this date, you may email Joanne at St. Anthony's if you wish. Go to the following website: http://www.osfhealth.com/cards/index.html <http://www.osfhealth.com/cards/index.html> and the staff will deliver an email to Joanne for you.

Please pray for all involved in the accident and for a speedy recovery for Joanne and her friend.

Respectfully, Maureen Ryan


Alice J. Burns Email
Dec 02, 2008

Comments:
Please remember in your prayers Mary Ranney, rscj, (Prince Street '30, Manhattanville '59) who died November 26, 2008, at Teresian House in Albany., NY.  Sister Ranney taught for many years at 91st Street in NYC.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Teresian House on December 9.  Interment will be at Kenwood.

Alice J. Burns Email
Nov 26, 2008

Comments:
Please remember in your prayers Elizabeth "Betty" Sweeney, rscj, (Prince Street '33, Manhattanville '37) who died this morning at Teresian House in Albany, NY.  She was predeceased by her sister Helen, rscj.  She will be missed by her sisters Anne Sweeney Johantgen and Jean Sweeney and her three nieces and three nephews and their families.  Sister Sweeney held positions at a number of Sacred Heart schools including both Manhattanville and Newton Colleges.  At this time, arrangements for the funeral Mass have not been finalized.  Interment will be at Kenwood. 

Marcie Amory Email
Nov 15, 2008

Comments:
Please hold one of my oldest and dearest friends, Jill Quinif, in your prayers.  Jill suffered a stroke and is in intensive care at a Phoenix hospital.
Jill is a convert and holds her Catholic belief very dear to her heart.  I know that she will benefit from the prayers of all who know and love her, and will be so grateful to all of the Sacred Heart membership who will offer up their prayers in her behalf.
Thank you with all my heart
Marcie

Alice J. Burns Email
Oct 30, 2008

Comments:
Please remember in your prayers Jean Fay Lamothe, Manhattanville Class of '54, who died October 25, 2008, in hospice near her home in Falmouth, MA, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Jean was predeceased by her husband Edward.  She will be missed by her son Greg (Jill), daughter Dana (Mark Hayes), her six grandchildren and her brother Donald.  Interment Wednesday in Newton Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean's memory to the Stanley Tippett House, 920 South Street, Needham, MA 02492. 

Sandy Bellanca Madigan 
Oct 28, 2008

Comments:
In Memoriam:
Peggy Hickman Wirtz (Stone Ridge '58, Manhattanville '62) passed away on October 10, 2008 in Knoxville Tennessee, 2 days before her 68th birthday. Her obituary may be viewed at http://www.legacy.com/Link.asp?I=LS000118723683X  May she rest in eternal Light and Peace.

Carmen Carrillo Viramontes Email
Oct 22, 2008

Comments:
Maureen Halligan Ibbs passed away in San Antonio, Texas at 2:30 a.m. Sunday October 19, 2008 at 94. She died peacefully in her sleep at home.  Born Mary Josephine Teresa Halligan to Michael and Mary MacAvin Halligan in Dublin, she and her sisters were orphaned at an early age. She attended the Sacred Heart School in Dublin. She is survived by her nieces Sunniva and Oliver Sheridan, Ann and Robin Simmons, Michele and Brian Whelan and nephew Michael Clarke all of Ireland, plus great and great great nieces and nephews in Ireland, England, India and the USA, not to mention legions of other relatives and fans cross the world.
There is a big article on her wonderful life in the last issue of the "Esprit du Coeur".

A Rosary will be recited Friday, October 24 at 7:00 PM in the Angelus Funeral Home Chapel.  Funeral Mass will be offered Saturday, October 25 at 2:00 PM at Our Lady’s Chapel, University of the Incarnate Word Administration Building, with Rev. John Edward Kelly, UIW BA ’76, as celebrant.  Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers:  Jerry Watson, Mendell D. Morgan Jr, Basil Aivailotis, Bob Connolly, Tony Ciaravino, Ron Spana and Ricardo Chavira.

In lieu of flowers donations are requested for the Halligan-Ibbs Scholarship Endowment at the University of the Incarnate Word.


Marcie Amory Email
Oct 16, 2008

Comments:

Dear Sacred Heart Family

Please hold Casey O'Brien, past president of the Orange County association, in your prayers as she undergoes treatment for a severe leg injury.
Casey is a very supportive member of the Western Region and continues to share her time and talent in plans for the upcoming conference to be held in Los Angeles, April 23-26, 2009.

As you pray for those in our membership who suffer from an illness, please continue to remember those in the world who suffer from poverty.

God Bless you all and
God Bless America

Marcie




Marcie Amory Email
Oct 16, 2008

Comments:

Dear Sacred Heart Family

Please hold Casey O'Brien, past president of the Orange County association, in your prayers as she undergoes treatment for a severe leg injury.
Casey is a very supportive member of the Western Region and continues to share her time and talent in plans for the upcoming conference to be held in Los Angeles, April 23-26, 2009.

As you pray for those in our membership who suffer from an illness, please continue to remember those in the world who suffer from poverty.

God Bless you all and
God Bless America

Marcie




Marcie Amory Email
Oct 14, 2008

Comments:
Good Morning Everyone
I ask your prayers for a young woman who has been a dear friend of our daughter's since childhood.
Today she is undergoing a double mastectomy.  She is the mother of three which include a set of toddler twins.
Please include her husband and parents in your prayers.
With love and thanks,
Marcie

Marcie Amory Email
Oct 10, 2008

Comments:
Good Morning Everyone

I write to ask for your prayers for Clare Pratt, our Superior General.  On Sunday night Clare felt unwell and contacted her doctor who advised her to go to the hospital immediately. They diagnosed a small embolism in her right arm and she was admitted into St. John Lateran Hospital (Rome) for treatment and for further tests. They removed the embolism in a simple surgery on Monday and are doing various tests to determine the appropriate treatment.  While it appears that this is not serious, I did want you to know, and ask for your prayer.

 

Please continue your prayers for those families suffering from the drop in the economy.  We are one family in Heart.

With love and prayers

 

Marcie

 


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kht 
Oct 06, 2008

Comments:

Please pray for the financial issues in our country and our world resolve themselves.  Please pray for my husband's health and for an improvement to our situation.  I pray for the ability to come to peace with what life has given me and what shall come in the future.


Patricia Rice 
Oct 04, 2008

Comments:

Please pray for Laura Cobb who graduated from Villa Duchesne in 2005 and now lays in a coma. The college senior was returning from the Washington University Library when a driver in a Porsche crossed the line on a suburban street and hit her. She has been in a coma with her wonderful parents at her side in the two weeks since


Maureen E. Ryan  Email
Oct 02, 2008

Comments:
Marilyn T. Hosty, nee McNichols, 73, of Forest Park formerly of Oak Park, 1956 graduate of Barat College of the Sacred Heart, beloved wife of the late John R. Hosty, Sr.; loving mother of Jeanne (Kent) Eckstrom, John (Barbara), Ted (Sue) and Mark (Jennifer); cherished grandma honey of Zachary, John lll, Morgan and Reagan; fond aunt to so many nieces and nephews; dear sister of Jeanne Jones, Frank McNichols and the late Austin McNichols; and sister-in-law of Patricia Donoghue. Marilyn was a lifelong educator who taught thousands. Visitation 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, 7319 W. Madison St., Forest Park, IL (2 blocks west of Harlem). Funeral 9:15 a.m. Friday, to St. Giles Church, 1045 Columbian Ave., Oak Park, IL where Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Interment Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider Trinity High School Scholarship Fund. Info. 708-366-2200.
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mta 
Sept 26, 2008

Comments:

Please pray that our financial crisis in our home and in our country can be resolved,  I am holding out hope on a job offer that would be so helpful for my family in our time of great need.  I pray that our leaders can resolve their differences in a way that can help our nation regain financial strength.  Finally, I pray for the strength to deal with my illness and its effects on my family and friends and that I may find peace in acceptance of what I have.


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greg Email
Sept 18, 2008

Comments:

please pray for my job stress and to keep me from termination at my job


Marcie Amory Email
Sept 17, 2008

Comments:

Good Afternoon Everyone,

It is with deep sadness that I tell you of the passing of Eugene Witt, husband of our dear Jo Witt, past president of AASH from the Central Region residing in Omaha.

Below is a link to Gene's obituary

http://www.legacy.com/omaha/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=117510210

There is an electronic guestbook for those that want to pass along their thoughts

Please keep Jo and her family in your prayers.

With love in the Sacred Heart

Marcie


Marcie Amory Email
Sept 17, 2008

Comments:
Good Afternoon Everyone
Below is a message sent to the AASH National Board from Kathleen Simon, our southern regional director.  Please continue to keep those who have lost so much due to the devastation of the recent storms and hurricane IKE in your prayers.  Remember, we ar Missionaries of the Heart and must continue to carry on the committment of St. Philippine to help those in need whenever possible.

 

UPDATE ON IKE

 
I have just returned from a Board meeting at the Rosary where of course our concern was focused on our schools in the path of IKE - Grand Coteau and Duchesne in Houston.  Our headmaster Dr. Tim Burns has been in text contact with his contemporaries as both schools and it appears that we have avoided catastrophic damages to both campuses.  We have offered to assist in any way we can from students to housing; from monetary help to hands on help - we will let you know what the needs are for these two schools. Certainly at the Rosary we have walked a mile in their "pumps" and are forever grateful for the entire Sacred Heart Family. Our prayers go out to all of those effected in Galveston/Houston area and Southwest Louisiana.
 
Sister Muriel Cameron has learned that Grand Coteau has "lots" of tree damage and roof damage to the assembly room and other areas of the building.  The damage is said to be significant enough that it is "not something the father's club can fix".  The Grand Coteau website is password protected for parents so I could not get the latest official scoop - but will keep you posted.
 
I can do a little better for Houston - Posted on the Duchesne website - as follows:     IKE NEWS UPDATE

"The campus has lost several trees, but the oak is still standing. The oak did lose a large limb. Damage to the school is limited to water inside the Upper School building in front of the receptionist's desk and the front entrance of the school. The White House lost a few shingles off the roof, but is otherwise undamaged. Power, phone systems, and email are still out. The White House does have a generator which is running essential appliances.

Currently HISD schools are closed through Wednesday. The reopening of school will depend on when HISD reopens and when power is restored to our campus. Please continue to check the Duchesne website for further updates. Memorial Drive in both directions to campus has power lines down across the road in some places and as of Sunday afternoon, some of these lines were still live. Please do not drive to campus until these lines are removed unless it is absolutely necessary."
 
Wishing you love in the Sacred Heart
Marcie Amory

Kathy Email
Sept 11, 2008

Comments:
Please pray for all the people that are having to stay in their homes as hurricaine
Ike hits, keep them safe.


Alice J. Burns Email
Sept 07, 2008

Comments:
Please remember in your prayers Teresa "Terry" Klug Small who died unexpectedly September 3, 2008, in Danbury, CT.  Terry was an alumna of Prince Street ('68) and Manhattanville College ('72).  Terry's Prince Street classmates will remember her for her "wonderful smile and truly genuine, honest manner".  She was predeceased by her husband James.  Interment St. Mary's Cemetery, Milford, MA, September 6.  Memorial donations may be made to the James D. and Terese K. Small Scholarship Fund c/o Fairfield University, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield, Connecticut 06824.

nezel Email
Sept 03, 2008

Comments:

lord god, i am asking ur help to please grant our wishes. Pls pray for my husband in seeking job in singapore right now. He wants to give up because he misses us (his family) so much and already depressed in seeking job in singapore. He is on his 2months in seeking job and until now he hasnt got a job. Please pray for us. Give him the best employer and a good salary, a good health also is very important to him. Thank you so much!


Susan Whalen Email
Sept 02, 2008

Comments:

Please pray very hard for Cindy whose abdominal tumor has begun to grow again. She will restart chemotherapy next week. She has had all of the radiation that she can have so this is a last resort. I thank all of you who prayed for me earlier in the month. I was blessed in that my biopsies were all negative this time.


Berta Fernandez -Hermo Email
Aug 31, 2008

Comments:




As hurricane Gustav approaches the Louisiana coastline, I ask you to keep  in your prayers those who have already been affected by it and those who will be in its path during the following days... Say a special prayer for my dear school, Grand Coteau.
         Berta F. Canto
         class of '62

Roberta Miller Montalbano Email
Aug 31, 2008

Comments:

Last year I requested prayers for my dear friend Marlies Tischer of Germany who has been fighting breast cancer for many years.   However, with her fourth reoccurence she needs our prayers more than ever.  Please pray for her. Thank you.


Hope Gillespie Email
Aug 25, 2008

Comments:

Please pray for Taylor a six year little girl with rhabdomyosarcoma.  The tumor is inoperable.  Thank you.


Lidia & Jon Alexander Polio Email
Aug 11, 2008

Comments:

My prayers are for my family please continue to bless us with health and happiness.  Today specially for Mama Tita in El Salvador.  Please bless always and allow her to live many years healthy.  Esos son los deseos de sus hijos aca en Texas. Dios iluminala te lo suplicamos.  Sus hijos   Lidialexander Polio


Joy Leccese Email
July 23, 2008

Comments:

Please pray for very devoted alum Sue Whalen (Prince Street '62), who will undergo surgery and biopsy on August 7th. We ask that no further surgery or radiation will be required aftewards, and pray for healing, courage and peace for Sue and her family. Thank you all. Joy Leccese (Prince St. 64, Maryville '68).


Marcie Amory Email
July 21, 2008

Comments:
Please hold Joe Watson, son of our devoted Arizona alum, Sally Anderson, in your prayers.
Joe underwent sever foot surgery two weeks ago.  He suffered a heart condition and infection following surgery and is on iv medication for both.  He must undergo further surgery in January in hopes that his ability to walk will be restored.
Please hold Sally and her family in your prayers through this very difficult time.
With love
Marcie Amory

Joy Leccese Email
July 19, 2008

Comments:

Great news! Prayers of thanksgiving are in order - with thanks as well to all of you who prayed for Andrea Meier Bull (see prayer request from 6/23/08). Her diagnosis was clarified, surgery performed, and the results are excellent. Doctors believe she will not see a reoccurrence after radiation treatments are completed. Deo Gratias!


Ninette Alsop Edmiston Email
July 11, 2008

Comments:

Please pray for my nephew, Brian Milici, son of Rosary alum, Ann Alsop Milici, who will be undergoing surgery this month. It is very seriuos and he and his family need al our prayers.


Alice Burns Email
July 06, 2008

Comments:
Please remember in your prayers Sister Anita vonWellsheim (Prince Street '36) who died on June 30, 2008.  She had been living at Teresian House in Albany, NY.  Below is her obituary from the Albany Times Union.

Sister Anita, a peace activist; 89

 

By CAROL DeMARE, Staff writer
Click byline for more stories by writer.
First published: Wednesday, July 2, 2008

ALBANY -- A peace activist who joined the convent at 17 and, after decades of teaching, turned to a second career helping the poor in third world countries died Monday. She was 89.

Sister Anita von Wellsheim, a member of the Society of the Sacred Heart for 69 years, worked in both Nicaragua and Haiti.

She traveled to war-torn Nicaragua with Witness for Peace, a human rights and economic justice organization, where she was one of 28 kidnapped by Contra forces at gunpoint in 1985 and in deep jungle mud made to march up a mountain before being freed after 29 hours.

Sister Anita, a native of Minneapolis, died at Kenwood Convent of the Sacred Heart on South Pearl Street where she had lived off and on during her religious career.

She grew up in Utica and entered the convent in Albany at 17. She ran a religious school in East Harlem and directed inner-city education for the Albany Catholic diocese. For 40 years she was a teacher and administrator.

In her mid-60s, she took on a new career, that of an activist. She traveled to Haiti as a social worker in the early 1990s and wasn't deterred by paramilitary forces.

"She certainly was a very dedicated person and about midway in her ministry years, she became very involved with social justice issues and concern for the poor and was insatiable in her desire to do whatever she could," said Sister Marie Buonato, director of pastoral care at Kenwood. "She immersed herself in Haiti and the Fonkoze."

Fonkoze was a well-known bank in Haiti that provided services to the poor as a means of encouraging self-sufficiency. Sister Anita was a prominent member of the enterprise who helped raise money for it.

"It is not God's will that they should live in such dire poverty and oppression," she said in a 2001 Times Union story. "This is the result of a system that is not just."

Buonato described her friend as "kind of a quiet, gentle person and then suddenly this fire became evident in her passion for working with the poor. She was a very prayerful woman who gave a lot of her time to the contemplative aspect of our life."

Sister Margaret Mary Canty, administrator of Kenwood Convent, recalled Sister Anita's dedication to prayer. "On Monday, she would pray for world peace, on Tuesday for abused children, on Wednesday for women, on Thursday for immigrants," Canty said.

Sister Anita had a soft spot for the less fortunate, and in the 1980s was director of refugee resettlement for the Albany diocese.

"She was a great woman," Canty said Tuesday. "She was an awakener of my conscience. Her heart beat with an immense desire to see justice done in our world, and I know that's true because I have tears as I say it."

In 1998, Sister Anita returned to Albany for good and continued working with local Fonkoze supporters. "She just wanted to have people have the strength of their convictions and she wanted to help you to have those convictions," Canty said.

She was sick only two months before she died, Canty said. "Oh, Meg, I'm going to see the face of God," she told Canty. "When we make our vows this is the kind of woman we hope at the end of our lives we will turn into, so I was privileged to be near her."

Surviving are sisters Maria Teresa Doyle of Clinton, Oneida County, and Elizabeth Dowling of Annapolis, Md. A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. July 8 in the chapel at Kenwood Convent. Contributions can be made to the Society of the Sacred Heart, 4389 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO. 63108.

 


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