Infused Us With a Sense of God
November 29, 2009
Catherine Cornue
Syracuse, NY
My education was shaped by some of the most intelligent, dedicated women anyone would ever meet. The Dominicans (Amityville) at St. Thomas the Apostle in Woodhaven, Queens, taught huge classes of children – and somehow we learned in spite of the large numbers.
In high school, we were privileged to be taught by five different communities, each specializing in certain subjects.The Sisters of St. Joseph (Brentwood) taught religion, Latin, Spanish and English; Dominicans taught Math, Science, German; Daughters of Charity taught History and Economics; Sisters of Mercy were the artists and musicians; Daughters of Wisdom taught French. In an all girls’ high school in Brooklyn (Bishop McDonnell Memorial) these women challenged us to be the best we could be, while recognizing our different abilities. They also knew how to have fun and inspire school spirit, giving us time to sign nominations for our principal to win the “Principal of the Year” – and he did! 
Each of these women infused us with a sense of God, with the beginnings of our own spiritual journeys, by being present to us. It wasn’t so much what they did, as much as who they were. Of course there were some teachers that we liked better than others…but we always respected each Sister for the lives they led.
As an adult, my life and ministry have been enriched by two communities: the Franciscans and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I have been extremely blessed to be taught by and work with many of these incredible women. They have built on my early formation, encouraged my ministry, deepened my spirituality and have exemplified what it means to be a disciple of Christ. I am honored to call many of them friends and am proud to serve by their sides.
Thank you to all the Sisters who have been a part of guiding me to be the person I am today!
November 29, 2009 at 7:16 pm
I want to add my voice to the voices of so many in expressing gratitude for the work and dedication of women religious since the beginning of our country. In Kentucky women religious were a part of the initial foundation of the first diocese west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Sisters of Loretto, the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the Dominican Sisters and The Ursaline Sisters, The Mercy Sisters, The Little Sisters of the Poor and others came forth to support the work of the pioneer church, educating the young, nursing the sick, caring for the orphans, and doing many works of charity, mercy,and compassion.
In my own life I was privileged to be educated by the Mercy Sisters, the Ursalines of Mount St. Joseph, and the Sisters of Charity. These sisters not only taught us the subjects of the curriculum, but they cared about us, encouraged us to use the gifts we had been given, nurtured self-respect and a sense of service and community-mindedness all based on a deep faith in the living God and Jesus.
I am glad to be able to take this opportunity to say Thank You to the women of these communities for all the good work they have done through the years and for all they have done for me in my life. I believe and know deep in my heart that they will shine like the stars in the heavens and be blessed for all the good they have done! I thank them and I thank my God for them!