Holding on to Our History

Part of the work of our oral historian has been to recapture meaningful reflections and experiences from the lives of the major superiors of our IHM Congregation who were in office from the days of Vatican II until the present and to bring them to life once again. Mindful of our pre-chapter focus on qualities of a leader, we offer the following reflections.

In past interviews by Sister Sheila Reilly, Sister Janice Barry reflected on Mother Beata Wertz, (1961-1974). Sister said, “Mother spoke often about the courage of the Sisters in accepting changes. Her wisdom and the contributions made by her council members helped us to manage the turbulent times.” Sister Celesta Sinisi said, “Mother imbibed the spirit of Vatican II within herself and then gave it to others. Her practical wisdom stemmed from her leadership in willingness to take risks and adapt to the “signs of the times.”

Sister Anne Fulwiler said, “The 70s were turbulent years…. Trying to be compassionate and understanding of each person’s position is what really kept us going as a unit. One of the things I did when I took office was to write to the Oblates. Ever since I was a postulant and read some of Sister Immaculata Gillespie’s letters about the Oblates’ Mother Theresa, I felt guilty that we didn’t know them better. So I wrote to them and apologized for the neglect… I was pleased when Sister Anne Munley invited their Mother Superior to be on the Marywood College Board of Trustees.

Sister Michel Keenan shared about her attendance at the UISG (Union of International Superiors General) meetings in Rome. “No matter where the superiors of the 800 congregations worldwide were from, they were more or less on the same page. American Sisters were more concerned about the size of their communities and worried they were getting smaller. [But] an African Sister said, “I think we do great work for God with 69 sisters.” Sister Michel said “I think that was a lesson we needed to learn.”

Food for reflection today.