News from Blessed Sacrament
Magnificat!
Sister Christa Gesztesi’s profession of first vows at Sacred Heart University’s Holy Spirit Chapel on August 20, 2022 was a moment of great joy for her family, friends, and Sisters of the Congregation, as well as for Christa herself. We wish her many blessings as she continues her journey of love and service.
Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish 175th Anniversary
Among those gathered in the grotto for the Eucharistic celebration on August 21st in Bourbonnais, Illinois were former CND Sister Claire McElroy, Associate Alicia Parkinson, several Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary Sisters, and Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters Kathleen Murphy, Betty King, Darleen Mayo, Regina DeVitto, and Mary Anne Foley.
Sisters Regina and Betty enjoyed meeting their former student from St. Jude the Apostle Elementary School, Bishop Ronald Hicks, who presided at the Eucharist.
A display recognized all the pastors as well as the Congregation de Notre-Dame principals of the parish school, and the Congregation received a beautiful painting of the church “in appreciation for your dedication” to the parish. After over 121 years, Sisters of the Congregation de Notre-Dame will no longer be serving in the area.
Associate Relationship by Maria Cabello
Ritual of Welcome for Candidates
On June 25, 2022, a Ritual of Welcome was held at the Provincial Office. Sisters and Associates attended the prayer service and welcomed Diana and Kathleen as Candidates for Associate Relationship.
Diana attends the Wilton, CT group.
Kathleen attends the Ridgefield, CT group.
We thank Dorothy, local leader for the Ridgefield group, who has been coordinating the Initial Formation process for these two candidates with Associates and Sisters from the Ridgefield and Wilton groups.
Praying for Peace in Ukraine and our world through the Rosary
Associate Marylin from West Haven, CT has dedicated her time, talent, and resources to making rosaries. Over the years, she has made some for the students at the religious education classes in her parish. She gives them to people she meets and that express interest in the rosary.
This spring she began making rosaries for peace in Ukraine and the world. Those rosaries were given to a Ukrainian parish so they could sell them to raise funds so that they could send clothes to Ukraine. She prayed for peace in Ukraine and the world as she was making them. Marilyn also made what she calls a “World Mission Rosary”. In this rosary each bead represents a country.
Associates Enjoy Summer Gathering at Sacred Heart University
On Saturday, August 20, 2022 several Associates attended the annual Summer Gathering with the Congregation de Notre-Dame Sisters. The energy flowed through the room as Sisters and Associates greeted each other. The Associates enjoyed the time they spent with the Sisters. This was a time of listening to each other and connecting with one another. It was a joyous time!