Sister M. Laetitia Caulson, IHM
Sister M. Laetitia Caulson, IHM, of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary died on Wednesday, June 15, 2005, at the Marian Convent in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
She was born on May 28, 1904 in Dunmore, Pennsylvania, and given the name Christine. She was the daughter of the late Charles and Mary Ann Burke Caulson. Several years after she graduated from Dunmore High School, she entered the IHM Congregation on January 8, 1929, made her temporary profession of vows on July 31, 1931, and her final profession of vows on August 1, 1934.
Sister Letitia served as domestic at: St. Joseph's Shelter in Scranton, PA, from 1935 to 1937; St. Joseph's Convent in Danville, PA, from 1937 to 1939; St. Cecilia's Convent in Exeter, PA, from 1939 to 1941; IHM Generalate in Scranton, PA, from 1941 to 1943 and 1957 to 1960; IHM Novitiate in Scranton, PA, from 1960 to 1973; Sacred Heart of Mary Convent in Jermyn, PA, from 1973 to 1976; and Holy Rosary Convent in Scranton, PA, from 1976 to 1986. She also served at convents located in New York, NY, and Mount Holly, NJ.
From 1986 until the time of her death, Sister Letitia served as a prayer minister at the Marian Convent in Scranton.
She was preceded in death by four brothers, John, Thomas, Frank and Brother Ronan, CP, and three sisters, Catherine, Sister M. Annchen, IHM, and Mary McHale.
She is survived by nieces and nephews, including Sister Beatrice Caulson, IHM of Gainsville, FL, and Sister Margaret Mary Caulson of Bay Shore, NY, grandnieces and grandnephews.
The funeral was Friday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial at the Marian Convent followed by interment at St. Catherine's Cemetery, Moscow, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made to support the retired IHM Sisters c/o the IHM Sisters Retirement Fund, IHM Center, 2300 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509.
Reprinted from "In Memoriam" section of Journey, Winter 2006 issue
Sr. Beatrice, Sr. Marge and the Caulson Family were blessed to know Sr. Laetitia all their lives. She was a witness to them of one who had committed herself to faithfully serving God and living the way she believed her God called her to live. Her life of prayer and example were a constant challenge to each of us. The following poem was written as a tribute to her for her funeral. We are happy to share it with you.
Laetitia, faithful, quiet, strong!
More than 101 years on life’s earth
journey helped hone in you
steady skills
setting safe, sure path
to heaven’s hearth.
Woman of small physical stature,
of faith strong, secure!
Gathered together today
we honor you!
Now blinded vision, deafened ears,
nor weakened limbs
limit not sight, hearing, nor mobility.
Your spirit soars heaven’s heights
unhampered, free
Bless you, Laetitia,
soul scholar!
Long-lasting length of time
you tended kitchen/soul-fires
fanning table/inner-life flames
with fuel to nourish body/being.
Who knows number of lives affected?
Phrases tripping lightly from your lips
struck chords lasting/deep.
In early novice –training days
as youthful impatience
for kitchen chore completion
churned within,
I stood, longing for leave.
Thinking: beyond,
larger, more esteemed domains
awaited me.
Nearby, sensing my ill ease,
as oft’ is gift
of those close tuned to inner voice,
you stood.
Sidling your way to me,
Wisdom’s words and ways you spoke.
Their truths echoing still,
my ears receive:
“They also serve who only stand and
wait.”
Steadfast friend of God,
your life they speak.
No other way was there!
Setting sights on God’s Will:
pure delight – your care!
Everyday routine: your simple fare!
From this stance and place
you, your life did live,
from its inner breadth and light
to others you did give!
Though mission houses
to which you went seemed few
and kitchen skills seemed
only ones you knew,
Though years and age brought
fewer roads to roam
and only lives you’d touch
seemed those at home,
No nurse, aide, relative, sister, friend
e’re denied
affect your prayerful presence
always had: far and wide!
For years, each visitor familiar words
would hear you say,
as help extended,
gift they offered on their way.
“Thank you! God bless you!”
This mantra its millions’ mark has
made
as no one escaped your presence
‘til these words were prayed!
With your quiet endurance,
your outspoken truthfulness,
your physical presence
for years we were blest!
Now, in God’s eternal Presence,
with all the saints and angels
you take your rest!
And though rosaries galore,
and Masses prayed for our
intentions on earth may cease,
we trust you’ll not forget us
in your new state of peace.
Laetitia,
quiet evangelist, woman of God
in the footsteps of Christ
your life you have trod!
And though no street
nor monument of stone
will e’re mark your fame,
Believe us, we, graced by your life,
will remember your name!
by Sr. Marge Caulson, IHM
