December 6, 1936 – July 23, 2016
Sister Guadalupe Maria departed this life on July 23, 2016 at Our Lady of Fatima, Saratoga, California. She celebrated 81 years of life and 61 years of her religious profession.
April 5, 1941 – July 21, 2016
Sister Anne departed this life on July 21, 2016 at her home in Silver Spring, Maryland. She had celebrated 75 years of life and 56 years of religious profession.
At the Conference on the History of Women Religious (CHWR) in June, Susan M. Maloney, SNJM, PhD (Southern CA) presented two papers on her biographical research on Anita M. Caspary, IHM. The first paper dealt with the historical significance of Caspary’s life as the only woman in U.S. history to hold the positions of mother general of a Catholic order of Sisters and the founding president of an ecumenical community. The second presentation discussed the transitions in the spirituality of Caspary. Linda Fuselier, SNJM (South Bay), Fran Kearney, SNJM (San Francisco) and Rosemary Everett, SNJM (South Bay) also attended the four-day conference.
CHWR is a group of approximately 400 scholars and archivists from the fields of history, religious studies, women’s studies and sociology. International membership includes scholars from the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Belgium, France, Japan and China. The group meets triennially to discuss new research in the field.
In conjunction with the conference, Santa Clara University opened a special exhibit featuring selections from the professional papers of keynote speaker Sandra Schneiders, IHM. Among Sandra’s resources were books written by Elizabeth Liebert, SNJM (East Bay) and Mary Boys, SNJM (Seattle).
December 27, 1933 – July 12, 2016
Sister Delores Shaw, SNJM departed this life on July 12, 2016, in Spokane, Washington.
Sister Delores celebrated 82 years of life and 61 years of religious profession.
Southern California Associates Densy and Greg Chandra were among four San Bernardino Diocese recipients of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross Award, the highest honor bestowed upon laypersons by the Vatican. Greg and Densy are active in many parish and diocesan ministries including building and development, Asian-Pacific ministry and social concerns. Densy served as a national delegate to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Asian Pacific Ministry for more than 10 years. She is the coordinator of the Diocesan Migration Mass. The couple belongs to the Equestrian Order of the Knights and Ladies of the Holy Sepulcher, which provides for the needs of the Church in the Holy Land. They are also regional advocates for Catholic Relief Services.
January 15, 1923 – June 27, 2016
Sister Anne McCluskey, SNJM departed this life on June 27, 2016, in Spokane, Wshington.
Sister Anne celebrated 93 years of life and 72 years of her religious profession.
Over 100 administrators and staff members of the Oakland Diocesan Chancery Office gathered for a luncheon on June 22 to honor and thank Barbara Bray, SNJM (East Bay) as she retires from her ministry as Superintendent of Schools. Bishop Emeritus John Cummins offered the invocation. Bishop Michael Barber and Assistant Superintendent Linda Basman spoke in glowing and grateful terms of Barbara’s gifts of servant leadership, her creation of a “community of schools” in the Diocese and her mission-driven and child-centered service during her 38 years of educational ministry in Oakland. She served as principal in two parish schools, assistant superintendent and superintendent.
In recognition of her 40 years of service to DePaul Housing Management of Albany, NY, Joan Byrne, SNJM received the “2016 Outstanding Contribution by a Senior” award from the New York State Office for the Aging. Sr. Joan also received a citation from the New York State Assembly, presented by Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy, and a “Proclamation Honoring Sister Joan Byrne” from New York State Senator Neil D. Breslin. Click here to read the New York State proclamation honoring Sr. Joan.
On May 10, 1868, six foundresses arrived in San Francisco after a long journey from Longueuil. The Sisters of Mercy welcomed them with strawberries and cream. This was a special treat for the Canadian Sisters, who were not accustomed to having strawberries so early in the year. We honor the arrival of these foundresses every year on Strawberry Day by sharing strawberries with students and colleagues.
Villa Maria del Mar retreat center in Santa Cruz, CA held their “Meet Me at the Villa” fundraiser on May 18 which included a reception and dinner for 135 guests. There was an auction of golf packages and travel that raised additional funds for the Villa. It was great fun for all. Learn more about the Villa at: http://www.villamariadelmar.org/