Olivetan Benedictine SistersJonesboro, Arkansas 72403-1209

Holy Angels Echoes

Volume 30 No 1 www.olivben.org Winter 2013

This year commemorates the fiftieth an-niversary of the opening of the Second Vati-can Council. In his Apostolic Letter, “PortaFidei,” dated October 11, 2012, Pope Bene-dict XVI declared a “Year of Faith.” Thiscommemorative year will conclude on No-vember 24, 2013. The Vatican Council IIwas opened by Pope John XXIII on October11, 1962, and closed by Pope Paul VI on De-cember 8, 1965. During the council, sixteenmajor topics were discussed by Bishops fromall over the world. The first of these topicstook shape in the moving and pivotal docu-ment entitled, “Dogmatic Constitution on theChurch.”

In his Apostolic Letter, Pope BenedictXVI urged all Catholics to deepen their faithby reflecting on the sixteen documents pub-lished at the conclusion of the Council. Thisyear also marks the twentieth anniversary ofthe publication of the Catechism of theCatholic Church. Catholics are asked tostudy and reflect on the Documents of Vati-can II and the Catechism so that they maydeepen their knowledge of the faith and growin holiness.

The Sisters at Holy Angels are using twoconcurrent programs, one of which is a se-ries of presentations on the Council, by Fa-ther Leonard Wangler, OSB, Prior ofSubiaco Abbey. His conferences are pre-sented alternately, by a second program, dur-ing the monthly Recollection Weekends,with a series of DVDs from the DiocesanMedia library. This program includes thefollowing titles: “Genius of the Heart,” “In-spired Awakening,” “Human Dignity,” and“A World Transfigured.”

In addition to these two programs listed,the Sisters are also reading the Documentsof Vatican II during the recitation of theLiturgy of the Hours.

YEAR OF FAITH

On December 13, 2012, the Sisters ofHoly Angels Convent celebrated theclosing event of the 125th AnniversaryYear, commemorating the date of our firstSisters coming from Switzerland toArkansas in 1887. They arrived inPocahontas in the twilight of the eveningin a wagon, with all their belongings, tobegin their ministry in Arkansas.

To commemorate this eventful day, and in memory of the goalof our founding Sisters, Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament washeld from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on that day. This preceeded the solemn Masscelebrated by Monsignor Scott Friend, Vicar General for the Diocese.Following the Mass a festive meal was prepared and served by the Knights ofColumbus, Council 1702 of Jonesboro. Sr. Mary John Seyler prepared theprogram and was emcee for the evening.

The Oblates, under the direction of Sr. Mary John, served the meal. Sr. RomanaRohmer assisted in decorating the tables with individual cupcakes, each toppedby a candle. At the close of the meal, the candles were lighted and the twoSeminarians, (Jeff Hebert and Patrick Friend), who accompanied MonsignorFriend, sang Happy Anniversary to the Sisters.

In conclusion of the program, all the Sisters joined in singing, “Bless ThisHouse,” as a way of praising God and asking for His continued blessings andguidance to this community in future years.

Knights of Columbus, who

prepared the meal.

Holy Angels Oblates, who served the meal.

Closing of Quasquicentennial

NOTICEPlease note: our P.O. Box Number hasbeen changed to 1209, so please use thatnumber in the future.

If you move or have a change in youraddress, please notify Sr. ThereseJohnson in Circulation Department,Holy Angels Convent, P.O. Box 1209,Jonesboro, AR 72403-1209.

THANK YOU!

Msgr. Scott Friend, VG, with Seminarians Patrick Friend & Jeff Hebert

St. Bernard Health Care is continuingto meet the needs of the times. After com-pleting the Phil and Flo Jones HospiceHouse in 2009, the Health and WellnessCenter in 2011, and the Neonatal Unit in2012, St. Bernards is now embarking onerecting a special care Unit for Alzheimer’spatients. This Unit will be constructed aspart of a new assisted living facility at2217 West Parker Road. St. Bernards Vil-lage acquired the 23.25 acres of land fromthe city of Jonesboro for $500,000.

Brian Rega, Director of Senior Hous-ing at St. Bernards Village stated that theArkansas Health Service Permit Agencyhas approved up to 116 beds for the newfacility. “We’re looking at starting with 30beds dedicated to Alzheimer’s”, Rega said.“The rest will be assisted living Level II.”

“Level II assisted living allows a facilityto provide more additional nursing and

Greetings to allour familiesand friends at

the beginning of thisNew Year! I prayed that your Christmas

and New Year celebrations would bringyou closer to God and to your family.

During this Year of Faith, which beganon October 11, 2012, one way to grow inlove of God and in our faith is by silence.Silence of the mind is opening it to truthand knowledge of God in prayer and incontemplation. We ponder the marvels ofGod in our minds, by closing our mind toall untruths, distractions, destructivethoughts, rash judgments, false suspicions

of others, and revengeful thoughts anddesires.

“Silence of the heart is gained byloving God with our whole heart, mind,and strength, as God loves; by desiringGod alone and avoiding any and allselfishness, hatred, envy, jealousy andgreed.” As we grow in our silence ofmind and heart, God will become moreof a reality as we journey through life.

God bless you as you travel toward adeeper, joyful love of God and bring Himto all whom you meet in this life.

N.B. Quotation from: Total Surrender,by Blessed Mother Teresa.

MessageFromThe Prioress

Sister

Lillian Marie Reiter, OSB

St. Bernards Auxiliary, who served refreshments

OPEN HOUSE & TOURS

HOLIDAY TREATOn Saturday, December 29, two former students of St. Michael School in

West Memphis provided a special holiday treat for the Sisters at Holy Angels.Robert Thorne and Michael Clegg provided a Kentucky Fried Chicken andPizza lunch for the Sisters.They wanted to do something for the Sisters forhaving taught them at St. Michael School many years ago. THANK YOU!

supportive services than what is permittedat the existing St. Bernards Villagebetween Highland Drive and WilkinsAvenue,” Rega stated.

“While some local nursing homesserve Alzheimer’s patients, they are notunits as part of assisted living,” Rega said.“An architect has begun planning for thenew facility. We’re going through oursurveys and drawings and deciding whatexactly needs to go in this building andhow it’s going to be laid out. Plans shouldbe announced in about six months.”

Tour Guides: Sisters Glorea Knaggs,Therese Marie Kintzley, Mary Beth

Hackley & Deborah Coffey

Meeting the Need

HOLY ANGELS CONVENTEchoes published quarterly by

the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters

Sister Henrietta Hockle – EditorSister Glorea Knaggs – Associate Editor

Sister Monica Swirczynski – Proof ReaderSister Marilyn Doss & Sister Miriam Burns – Photos

Sister Thèrése Johnson,Sister Virginia Baltz& Sr. Mary Anne Nuce – Circulation

Master Print Group • Jonesboro, AR – Printing

In commemoration of our 125th

Anniversary, an Open House was heldand tours were given on November 25,from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Holy Angels.Invitations were extended to localParishioners, Hospital Employees,Medical Staff, Ministerial Alliance,Volunteers and Friends.

Sister Mary Anne Nuce and theHospital Volunteers hosted the event andserved punch and cookies. The HospitalFoundation under the direct ion ofMarilyn Hummelstein furnished theflowers for the occasion.

Tours of the Convent were given bySr. Deborah Coffey, Sister ThereseMarie Kintzley, Sr. Mary Beth Hackleyand Sr. Glorea Knaggs. A large numberof people enjoyed visiting with theSisters and taking tours of the Convent.

DEC. 2, 2012 – Sr.Romana Rohmer gave atalk at Immaculate Con-ception Parish inBlytheville on the

ministry of our Sisters in their Parish forseventy-one years, from 1915 to 1996.Sr. Therese Marie Kintzley assisted her.

DEC. 6 – A number of Sisters attendedthe annual Doctors’ Christmas Party atSt. Bernards Auditorium.

DEC. 8 – Father Mike Sinkler hosted aChristmas luncheon at his home for theSisters of the Pastoral Care Departmentat St. Bernards.

DEC. 9 – Many Sisters enjoyed theafternoon Christmas party at the home ofDr. Warren and Martie Shull.

DEC. 13 – Total Joint Luncheon washosted by St. Bernards for all those whohave had hip or knee replacementswithin recent years.

DEC. 18 – Children of Blessed SacramentSchool presented their annual Christmasplay. Several sisters attended.

JAN. 8, 2013 – Southwest Church ofChrist hosted the sixth annualCommunity Prayer Service for Peace.Six Sisters participated in this event ledby five different church leaders.

JAN. 14 – St. Bernards held a tour of thenewly purchased property on which theAlzheimer’s Unit will be built.

JAN. 19-20 – Sr. Mary Clare Bezner andteens from Blessed Sacrament Parishparticipated in the all-night vigil andMarch for Life held in Little Rock.

JAN. 20 – Sr. Miriam Burns, Sr. CeciliaNguyen, and Sr. Glorea Knaggs attendedthe March for Life in Little Rock.

ACTIVITIES

On Thursday, December 20, the annual Christmas party for Convent Employees washeld. To open the program, Sandy Seay and the Choral Group presented a medley ofChristmas songs. Each employee then received a bonus check and a gift for theirservice to the Community.

Our Business Manager, Warren Shull, Ph.D. has completed 9 years of dedicatedservice.

In the Infirmary Department, Betty Buhrmester leads with having completed 25years of service. Others in the Inf irmary Department and years of employmentinclude: Brenda Westmoreland - 8; Norma Flores - 7; Barbara Graves – 1 year andChristine Walker- substitute.

In the Nutrition Department: Lorie Skinner leads with 14 years of employment.Others in that department: Bonita Jones – 9; and Denise Riley -2.

In the Maintenance Department: Keith Kemper leads with 17 years of employment; others in department: Ray Kemper – 8;and Milton Bryant – 8.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL OUR EMPLOYEES.

Theresa Parish would be feasible for a DayCare. Mr. Weaver, the owner, gave her areasonable price and Sr. Philippa receivedpermission from Mother Julia Pruss topurchase the property. On August 16, 1976,Little Angels Day Care opened with elevenchildren. Sr. Philippa had one finger on theorgan and one setting up the Day Careaccording to State and County regulations.I could not have done it without her help.After all the off icial business and un-announced inspections were completed, wecould relax and pursue our religiousmissions together.

Sr. Philippa was a most joyful and fun-loving person. Many times, Sr. Philippa andI took trips together. We enjoyed sight-seeing trips to Washington State and manynational parks and monuments, such asMount Rushmore and Crazy Horse in SouthDakota, Yellowstone and many other historicplaces. I was able to take a close-up pictureof a bear, standing by the car, only inchesaway from the window. I got a splendid pictureof a big brown spot - the bear’s tummy. Sr.Philippa enjoyed telling the story andshowing the picture for years.

Sr. Philippa felt her best accomplishmentwas saving the statues of the angels at St.Andrews Cathedral, when those in chargewere ready to throw them into the dump. Sr.Philippa was a special person in my life andin the lives of many others.

Remembering the PastBy Sister Dominica Wise

125TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

Back row – L to R: Sr. Dominica Wise, Sr. De Porres Polk & Sr. Deborah Coffey.

Front: Sr. Henrietta Hockle, Sr. Romana Rohmer & Sr. Mary Anne Nuce.

How do you tell a lifetime of events of aspecial person in your life from 1944 to Aug.4, 2004? Although Sister Philippa Wavrickwas the Mother Superior from 1954 to 1966,my memories began in 1944, when she wasmy music teacher.

In 1963, Sr. Philippa appointed me as cookfor St. Andrew Day Care. On March 2, 1966,as events unfolded, I became the assistantcare-giver to Sr. Regina Willett, the Admin-istrator, while remaining the cook. Sr.Philippa kept in close contact by phone tokeep me from becoming discouraged bycooking and baby care. In August, Sr. Reginawas sent to Louisiana and I was assigned asfull-time day care administrator until some-one else could be found.

This temporary assignment developed intoa 40 year full-time assignment. Sr. Philippabecame my mentor, guardian angel, com-forter, advisor, and friend.

In 1966, when Sr. Benedicta was electedMother Superior, Sr. Philippa was free to re-turn to her love – teaching music in LittleRock. She and I worked together at St. An-drew’s for ten years. She taught me how toproperly keep records of admissions and gen-eral accounting procedures.

In 1976, Bishop McDonald planned to sellSt. Andrew’s School property so we neededto look for a new place to move. Sr. Philippalocated a one-half acre that had not gone onthe market. She thought the property in St.

Special thanks to all the members of the Quasquicentennial Committee, whoplanned and prepared for the events during the anniversary year. The followingserved on this committee: Sr. Romana Rohmer, Chairperson, Sr. Henrietta Hockle,Sr. Mary Anne Nuce, Sr. Dominica Wise, Sr. De Porres Polk, and. Sr. Deborah Coffey,

EMPLOYEE CHRISTMAS PARTY

MEETINGS

N D S M D

CS

ML

OLIVETAN BENEDICTINE SISTERS, INC.HOLY ANGELS CONVENT NEWSLETTERP.O. DRAWER 1209JONESBORO, ARKANSAS 72403-1209

“Return Service Requested”

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 102JONESBORO, AR

We extend sincere sympathy andprayers to the following who

have lost a loved one recently:

Perdzock Family on death ofOblate Mary Perdzock, who diedon Dec. 26.

Sr. Lenore Dust and family ondeath of brother, Joe Dust, whodied on Dec. 23.

Spin-A-Thon for NIC Unit

Sympathy &Prayers

December 2-6 – Two womenfrom Louisiana discerning avocation to Holy Angels Convent made return visits.The women participated inprayer and activities with theSisters. Please remember them inyour prayers.

January 4-6 – A group of six youngwomen participated in a “Come and See”Retreat Weekend at Holy Angels Convent.The women listened to talks by variousSisters, participated in Mass, Liturgy of theHours, meals and recreation with thecommunity.

January 11-13 – Sr. Mary Clare Beznerand Sr. Glorea Knaggs attended the SecondAnnual Diocesan Women’s Discernment

VocationActivities

Retreat held at St. John’s Center in LittleRock. During the Retreat, the Sistersparticipated in presentations and visitedwith young women from the Diocese ofLittle Rock who are interested in Reli-gious Life.

Please continue to pray for those information and for more vocations to thePriesthood and Religious Life.

On January 11 & 12, St. BernardsAdvocates sponsored a 24-hour“Spin-a-thon,” to raise funds for themedical center’s new Neonatal Inten-sive Care Unit that was opened at St.Bernards in March. Two divisionswere included: bicycle riders andwalkers.

Sr. Marilyn Doss was chairpersonfor the walking division, securingwalkers and sponsors for this event.Twelve Sisters participated in thewalking division. Employees at theMedical Center, Stone’s Pharmacy,Convent Employees and others weresponsors. Congratulations to Sr.Marilyn Doss the Sisters’ Team forwinning First Place!

IN GRATITUDEThe Sisters of Holy Angels join together in express-

ing appreciation to all the generous benefactors whocontributed to the 2012 Annual Appeal. Proceeds fromthis appeal will go toward replacing the roof on the 38year-old convent complex.

At this time, we also wish to thank all the donorswho brought food, drinks and other gifts to the Sistersat Christmas time, and to those who brought seasonalgarden produce throughout the year.

L to R: Cheyenne Jordan, Estefania Olivia, Fatima Gomez, Jennifer Calvario, Paige Dill and Jadie Stoverink

& Sr. Mary Clare Bezner. (Front: Guests - Baby Clara and Emily Dill)

BENEDICTINE OBLATESFOR HOLY ANGELS CONVENTBenedictine oblates associate them-

selves with a Benedictine Community tostrengthen their Baptismal commitmentand enrich their Christian way of life.

Anyone interested in joining theOblate Program of Holy AngelsConvent, please call Sr. Mary JohnSeyler at (870) 243-2440, or write toher at address listed for the convent on1st page.