What city do you currently live in?
I live in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.
What inspired you to become a sister?
The life and picture of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus inspired me to become a sister.
When and why did you join the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I started aspiring in 1986 while at university and made my first profession on April 8, 1994. Monk Gerald Ezeodili directed me to SSND through Sister Virginia Brien, SSND whom he met while studying in the USA saying, “I love their lifestyle. They care about people”.
Did you have a career before joining SSND?
Yes, I was a primary school teacher and undergraduate student before joining SSND. I have a Masters in guidance and counseling.
What is your current ministry with SSND?
I am a counselor in Our Lady of Apostles Girls’ College, Akwanga.
Has your ministry in SSND taken you to other cities, countries, or continents? If yes, do you mind sharing something about your experience?
Yes. My ministry took me to Rome for Sedos Programme and on a sabbatical to San Antonio, Texas where I encountered so many sisters, brothers, and priests from other congregations. We shared our experiences, cultures, joys, and challenges with religious life. It was a wonderful experience for me.
What do you like to do in your free time? Hobbies, interests, etc.
I like to read interesting books, take care of farms and gardens, and play games.
Are you currently involved with any committees of SSND? Have you been involved in any committees in the past?
I have been a delegate in the Province of Africa, and I was among those who participated in the first all African meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. I served as vocation, affiliate, and temporary professed director as well as an area leader in Nigeria.
What do you feel is the most important thing for people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I want people to know that we are very hospitable and care for the needy, especially women and youth.
What do you love most about being a SSND?
Our hospitality is one of the things I love most about being a SSND.
Finish this sentence: I am proud to be a School Sister of Notre Dame because…
we collaborate with others in making Christ visible with our lives.
What is your favorite memory from your time with SSND so far?
My favorite memory is the way I was received by sisters the first day I visited the SSND convent. My encounters with the sisters, especially Sister Antoinette Naumann and late Sister Sharon Dei, are also special memories for me.
What are your special talents or skills?
Cooking, farming, helping others to grow, reading, project management, coaching, decision making, and team work
What is something that many people may not know about you?
Many people see me as an introvert, but I am more of an extrovert than they think.
What inspired you to become a sister?
My grade school teachers were School Sisters of Notre Dame. They were great teachers and seemed happy. I had visited my mother’s cousins who were sisters.
When and why did you join the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I went to Caroline Academy, the SSND high school for those considering religious life. I felt that if God was calling me, I needed to give it a try.
Can you please share with us your academic background or degrees/certificates?
BA from Mt. Mary in Elementary Education; MA in Religious Studies from Mundelein College, 4 units of Clinical Pastoral Education and then National Association of Catholic Chaplains certified chaplain.
What is your current ministry with SSND?
In June, I completed 13 years of volunteer ministry at the Arizona/Mexico border. I was also a religious volunteer at the state prison. Now, I tell people that I am taking a “contemplative pause” before I explore my next opportunities to serve.
What ministries have you served in prior to now?
Teacher of intermediate grades
Retreat leader at TYME OUT youth ministry center
Milwaukee Province Vocation Director
Intern, Clinical Pastoral Education and Hospital Chaplaincy, Children’s Hospital and St. Michael Hospital, Milwaukee
Milwaukee Provincial Council
Sabbatical of Spanish study and living with SSND in Latin America
Program Director of SSND International Program at Generalate in Rome
Volunteer at the border in Douglas, Arizona/Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. During those years I was also editor for the Milwaukee Province Monthly newsletter and spent three years, part-time, in the first North America Interprovincial Vocation Team.
Would you mind sharing something about your experience ministering in other cities, countries, and continents?
Living and working within an international environment is very stretching and enriching! I feel that I have been open to adventure in my life and so I have been open to a variety of ministry invitations—as you can tell from my list above. Each has provided gifts that I could use in the services needed in the next situation.
Living in Rome, experiences in Latin America, a month in a Yukon river-village of Alaska, and especially my last years in the binational, bicultural community of Douglas, Arizona and Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, have taught me the value, truth, beauty, and wisdom of diverse perspectives—about most things in life. Perhaps it is a part of growing older that a sense of “being right” about whatever is not SO important. So many factors inform our present-day opinions, decisions, and actions—religious beliefs, cultural tradition, life experiences, political persuasion, education, geographical surroundings, etc. I hope that I have learned to listen more and not jump to conclusions and judgments. There is much to learn from those who have experienced life differently, trying to see the world through others’ eyes. I hope that my relationships, especially with those who have struggled, have grown and continue to stretch my compassion, patience, and awareness.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I have many interests and hobbies. I play guitar (especially for liturgy) and enjoy photography and making cards with photos. I have been a mime-clown with the name of Heart-Shine. I sew and crochet, have a vegetable garden, and enjoy camping. My latest big camping adventures were to the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho, national parks in Utah, Yosemite, and the Chiricahua Mountains that were 1 ½ hours from our home in Douglas.
Are you currently involved with any committees of SSND?
It is a privilege to have served most recently on the Preparatory Commission for our General Chapter, which will be held in Rome this coming October.
I’ve always been interested in social justice; I serve now on our SSND Anti-Human Trafficking committee and have served on our PDIC (Personal Development in Community) committee.
What do you feel is the most important thing for people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
We are an international congregation that is experiencing much membership growth in Africa as our numbers diminish in the northern hemisphere. There is a natural life-cycle evolution for religious life. Right now, we are in a phase of readjusting and transforming in response to the changing needs of our world. Our charism is a gospel response to society’s needs. I believe that the world today needs the charism of Jesus’ invitation to be agents in creating oneness—unity, wholeness, fullness of potential, community—building on a vision of ALL inter-connectedness. Delving into the challenges of Laudato Si can be part of working that evolution.
What do you love most about being an SSND?
I would not trade any of my 55 years of life as an SSND. Community living, meaningful ministry experiences, a multitude of relationships that have supported and challenged me, wonderful opportunities for spiritual enrichment and growth—all have made me who I am today.
Is there anything unique about yourself that not many people know?
I’m the oldest in a family of 16 children, so my immediate growing family is about 100 in number! The first great, great niece was born last November.
What inspired you to become a sister?
As I was growing up, I was a legionary. There we reached out to many through our service. During that, a religious sister visited us and encouraged us, as she was also a member. After that encounter, I felt that by becoming a sister I would be able to continue with this service to humanity.
When and why did you join the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
I began postulancy in 2003, made my first vows in 2007, and my perpetual profession of vows in 2016.
Did you have a career before joining SSND?
Yes. I was working in the hospital as a midwife before joining the congregation.
Can you please share with us your academic background or degrees/certificates?
I have a nursing degree.
What is your current ministry with SSND?
I am serving in our postulancy, joining with young women who desire to join our congregation in the province of Africa.
What ministries have you served in prior to now?
I have worked with children and adults in need at an orthopedic training center in Ghana where people come with different mobility challenges. There they are helped to be able to walk and empowered to move on in life.
Has your ministry in SSND taken you to other cities, countries or continents? If yes, do you mind sharing something about your experience?
My ministry has moved me to many places. After just one year of profession. I was sent to Kenya for training. From Kenya I was send to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States and now I am back to Kenya again for service to the congregation. All has been a great experience of growth and has made my world wider.
What do you like to do in your free time? Hobbies, interests, etc.
I enjoy reading storybooks/novels, doing different kinds of artwork such as bead making, candle making etc.
Are you currently involved with any committees of SSND? Have you been involved in any committees in the past?
Currently I am not involved in any committees, but I just finished preparing for the general chapter in May 2023 together with four other sisters across the congregation.
What do you feel is the most important thing for people to know about the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
We desire to change the world through empowering the vulnerable and making the world one as we witness through our living interculturally.
What do you love most about being a SSND?
We are women of courage and stand out in the crowd because of our exposure.
Finish this sentence: I am proud to be a School Sister of Notre Dame because…
I have been empowered and I am striving to empower others.
What is your favorite memory from your time with SSND so far?
My favorite memory is going on vacation with my community members.
What are your special talents or skills?
I am hardworking and sacrifice for the common good.
What has been most challenging for you as a SSND?
As SSNDs we believe in dialogue which when followed keenly, bears beautiful fruit at the end. However, it takes time, patience, and perseverance.
Anything unique about yourself that not many people know?
I enjoy giving myself to others for the sake of the Kingdom.
My life in SSND thus far…….
Following searches on Ancestry.com and having my DNA tested, I discovered that I am 49% Irish, the rest is Welch, Scottish, European and a couple percent Jewish. What an incredibly rich mixture that makes up Sister Eileen Donohoe!
I was educated by the wonderful Ursuline Sisters in Cork. In the 1950’s, two SSND went to Ireland canvassing for vocations. The bishop they approached informed them that there were enough women’s congregations in the country. So, that was that! They did however speak at a few Masses and a family friend was so taken with their story she decided to enter in Lingfield, Surrey, England. A year or so later my sister followed and in 1964 I entered, feeling drawn to the charism of Mother Theresa. My sister and her friend left the community some years later and are now happily married with children and grandchildren.
Entering in England I needed to follow the English education system and during the next few years, I was a high school teacher in northern England, London and Lingfield where I ended up as the head teacher. During my last year there, we handed the junior and secondary school over to lay management. The decision, though the right thing to do, pulled on our heart strings. The sisters had established the school and we had ministered there for 40 years. The School is thriving and I have been invited back a few times to speak at the Foundation Day service.
Following a couple of sabbaticals in the United States, I became a parish sister for 20 years in Huyton, Merseyside, just outside Liverpool. There I led sacramental preparations for the parents, offered bereavement workshops, prayer groups for couples, women’s groups for young mothers and for senior women. Weekend retreats were also popular.
I was invited to cover as a chaplain for a woman who was on maternity leave at Hope University, Liverpool. During that time, our Canadian Province chapter of elections took place. I was elected to leadership. It was with a heavy heart I folded up my life and moved to Waterdown, Ontario. This ministry certainly was a learning curve, but my past lived experience, which had been so enriching, helped greatly. The four years was eventful to put it mildly. During my term I visited our sisters across Canada and those living in England, Ghana and Kenya. I treasure these events.
The last two years of our term was given over to preparing the Canadian Province to accept the invitation to join the Atlantic-Midwest or Central Pacific Provinces. Their invitation and generosity of spirit was overwhelming. A new chapter began and amidst the pain of our province ceasing to exist, we continue to support one another in the ways we know how.
Following my four-year term in leadership, I returned to England and am now a volunteer chaplain at a local hospital and spend time at a hospice nearby. I love this ministry. Additionally, I visit the housebound and keep up with others by phone. I also attend many funerals and 90th birthday parties, etc.
I have had a blessed life, a few bumps and scrapes, plenty of laughter and a few tears which make up the tapestry of my life.
Sister Betty Ann Myers
What inspired you to become a sister?
I grew up in a small town, and in our small rural grade school of four classrooms, we had sisters as our teachers. During vocation week each year, we had religious come speak to us about different vocations, especially religious vocations. When I was in third grade, as the sister was talking about her religious vocation, something resonated with me. The sisters witnessed to me that they are human and do things that I like to do. Their prayer, dedication, love and concern for each person signified what religious life should be about. They were happy women who were fun to be around. I loved spending time with the sisters before and after school and helped them do whatever they needed done.
When and why did you join the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
When I was discerning between the religious orders of Sisters of the Most Precious Blood and School Sisters of Notre Dame, I joined SSND because I was so impressed with their dedication, welcoming spirit and charism. The St. Louis Motherhouse was beautiful and impressive, and the spacious grounds with all the lush green grass and huge trees reminded me of home.
I entered SSND in 1968 after attending a year of college at Southeast Missouri State College (now University). I wanted to major in physical education (P.E.), and knew if I entered religious life, I probably wouldn’t be able to teach P.E. However, God kept sending me different signs and messages during this year that confirmed it was time to leave Southeast Missouri State and enter SSND.
After I entered, I earned my bachelor’s degree in American studies from Notre Dame College in St. Louis and began teaching. I experienced the best of both worlds—being a sister and teaching physical education to students in small grade schools.
What is your current ministry with SSND?
My present ministry is SSND Community Care Coordinator in skilled care at The Sarah Community in Bridgeton, Missouri. I moved into this ministry in 2003 following many years of teaching and administration. I tell people that I moved from teaching “the little ones” to working with the old but young at heart. A friend tells people that I am the sisters’ den mother. I’m the sister’s advocate and take care of all their needs. I do everything a family member would do for their parents. It is a joy and privilege doing this ministry and getting to know each sister’s family and keeping in communication with them. It’s also such a blessing to be at a sister’s bedside when God is journeying with her and when God calls her home.
What ministries have you served in prior to now?
I began my primary teaching experience in grade three at the end of a school year when I went to fill in for a sister who needed to study Spanish so that she could be missioned in Honduras the following year. What a beginning for me as a new teacher to come into a school and complete an academic school year! I learned very quickly how to juggle teaching and all the end of school forms, report cards and everything else that had to be completed for the students and the classroom.
I then became a full-time teacher for grades one and two at St. Joseph School in Cairo, Illinois, from 1972-1974. Here I learned what all is involved in having two grades in a classroom—how to keep one grade busy while teaching the other. In August 1974, I received a phone call from the Provincial Council asking/telling me that I needed to move because another sister needed to teach at St. Joseph because it was a one-floor building. My classroom was ready for the new school year because it was three weeks before school was to start. With tears and in the vow of obedience, I quickly packed my things and moved to my next school, St. Bridget’s in Pacific, Missouri. School was just two weeks away. How quickly transitions happen! I had seven wonderful years from 1974-1981 at this school and still keep up with those students and parents today.
I soon made another move to another diocese, Jefferson City, Missouri, where I ministered from 1981-2000 in three different schools: Holy Family in Freeburg, Missouri (1981-1987); St. Joseph School in Westphalia, Missouri (1987-1994); and Visitation Inter-Parish School in Vienna, Missouri (1994-2000).
At Visitation, I had the opportunity to start a kindergarten class. This was a great addition to the small school. I was the administrator and each day I taught classes from kindergarten through eighth grade. The class preparations, paper grading, and all that goes into a teaching day were very taxing, plus all the administration duties. I had some very long days and nights, especially with evening meetings tacked on. The parents were very supportive and worked very hard to keep the small school going. We were an inter-parish school because we had students attending from neighboring parishes that had no Catholic school. These parishioners, along with the pastors, helped finance our school. The working relationship among the parishes was phenomenal.
Teaching the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist to grade two was always a highlight of mine. I loved preparing the children for their First Holy Communion. We did so many exciting activities. The Friday before their special day, we would make bread together. Each child would bring a pan and we would make rolls for their family. The children loved to watch the dough rise. Each child was so excited and proud to take their rolls home to share with their family on their First Holy Communion Day.
From 2000-2003, I ended my formal teaching career returning to the Archdiocese of St. Louis at All Saints School in St. Peters, Missouri. All Saints School was a much larger school with two first grades, teacher aides, a planning period and no administration duties. I just had to teach my 20-plus students! I am still part of All Saints Parish, and I have the privilege of seeing my students, their parents and teachers.
Has your ministry in SSND taken you to other cities, countries or continents?
I had the opportunity and privilege to go to Honduras twice with a group of Notre Dame High School students from St. Louis. These trips I will never forget. It was an eye opening and stretching experience for me. I thought I had seen poor here in the United States, but nothing like what I experienced in Honduras. The people had very little, but they were always so happy and wanted to share with us what they had. I came home a changed person and realized that I had way more than I needed.
What do you love most about being a SSND?
I have community and am not alone because there are always SSND to be with and who support me. I have the opportunity to get to know sisters from all over the world. I have had opportunities during the summers to teach religious education to children in public schools and share with them about religious life.
What are your special talents or skills?
Cooking and baking—some call me “Sister Betty Crocker.” I love baking for the sister and preparing foods for them that they like and don’t always get. I enjoy fixing and repairing things. Sometimes I’m also referred to as “Sister fix-it.”
Anything unique about yourself that not many people know?
While I was teaching, I would sometimes volunteer over the summer at the Motherhouse in St. Louis. One summer I spent time in the cemetery blow torching and steel brushing the metal crosses so the names and dates could be seen on them, and then I’d repaint them.
I also used to be a softball player. I was the catcher on my high school team and played at Southeast Missouri College before entering religious life.
Sister Rosemary Howarth
And now after 57 years of consecrated life in community and mission, I thank God for the life, love and blessings that I continue to receive as a SSND. It has been life-giving for me to be aware of “what stirs my heart, [and the heart of the congregation,] and to make room for it.” (adapted from Joan Chittister, OSB) Continuously listening to God and responding in freedom has enlarged my heart, expanded my world view and heightened the awareness of who I am [who we are] in God’s amazing universe, and how we are called to collaborate with God in building the reign of God here and now in so many and diverse ways.
God blessed me through the people of Villa El Salvador, Perú, who, over eight years, taught me how to read and live the Gospel from the ground up and what it really means to work for justice together and to be in solidarity with people living on the margins. They challenged my values that were rooted in my single story as a white North American missionary and taught me a theology of liberation that was rooted in Jesus’ deep desire that all creation be treated with respect and dignity to build the reign of God right here and right now.
God blessed me through the 25 novices whom I had the privilege to accompany for four years in Canada, seven years in Perú and four years in our congregational novitiate in Rome, Italy. They reinforced for me the profound mystery of God’s unique call to fullness of life and the invitation to listen with the ear of the heart to discern the movement of the Spirit in their lives and in mine. Together we learned the real meaning and concrete challenges of intercultural living in community for mission, walking in the footsteps of Jesus and in the spirit of Mother Theresa, and working for a more just and human world for all in God’s amazing universe.
God blessed me and carried me through serving the congregation as General Superior from 1998-2008. Our SSND charism and mission took on new meaning as I experienced our sisters serving in many diverse ministries in over 30 countries. Together we crossed the threshold into the 21st century. Symbolically, the eight sisters of the General Council carried the names of all our members through the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s in Rome, praying for creative fidelity to our charism for the nearly 5,000 sisters of the living community at that time, knowing that we will continue to unfold and be challenged by the new millennium. Those 10 years for me were a time of grace and blessing, of stretching and transformation, both personally and communally.
God indeed blessed me again, calling me to a new time of solidarity with refused asylum seekers in London, England. For five of my eight years in England, I worked with the great staff and volunteers at the Jesuit Refugee Service. I was challenged to live simply and trust God deeply as so many of our asylum-seeking friends needed to do. Resilience was my word for them as each one was welcomed to our drop-in center where a unique multicultural community of refugees, staff and volunteers worked on becoming a community of friends and defenders of human rights.
And now, after living nearly half of my religious life outside of Canada, I have come back home to Ontario. God continues to bless me by being with my Canadian sisters who shaped my early years with SSND. Currently, I am giving service as a volunteer with Hospice Waterloo Region, being present to those who choose to come to hospice and to their loved ones who accompany them as they prepare to go home to the loving embrace of the creator who gave them life.
Life-long learning has truly revealed to me that, “just to be is a blessing; just to live is holy.” (Abraham Herschel) Whether new to religious life or in the golden, diamond or ruby jubilee years, or simply quietly waiting for God’s call to come home, SSNDs have an energetic sense of being in mission until we offer to God our final “yes.” I realize, again and again, the many blessings that God has given to me in SSND and to us as an international congregation journeying together - sisters, associates and colleagues.
In gratitude, I celebrate that I [we] have been “called and consecrated by God within the church for a radical following of Jesus Christ…and I [we] are sent in the power of the Spirit to continue Christ’s mission, to proclaim Jesus, to be transformed and to transform our world, bringing all to that oneness for which Jesus Christ was sent.” (You Are Sent, C 48)
Sister Ginny with her great grandson, Noah.
Can you please share with us your academic background or degrees/certificates?
As a single mom, I went to Milwaukee Area Technical College and received my associate degree in nursing. I then proceeded to get my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Alverno College and advanced classes at the Medical College of Wisconsin. I worked in various hospitals and nursing homes in several positions, including director of nursing at a local nursing home.
When and why did you join the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
While working at a nursing home, I said to my co-worker one night, “There has to be more to life than this!” She asked, “Have you ever heard of the SSND associates?” She and her sister partner invited me to join them at an associate weekend event. I eventually covenanted with the associates in 1992. It was a turning point in my life. I loved being a part of this group. I made friends and commitments, including spiritual direction with Sister Sharon Roedl.
After several years, a group of associates attended a workshop exploring how to start a “community.” I shared this experience with my director and told her it didn’t really fit for me. Most of them were teachers, and I was in health care. She asked me if I had ever considered becoming a SSND. I was a bit shocked and said to her, “Sister Sharon, I have been divorced, I have children, and I am 50 years old.” She replied, “Well, perhaps you might check into it.” After a time of reflection, I called the vocation director and asked, “if the order would consider a woman who was divorced, annulled, had four children and was older.“ She said, “Ginny, are you talking about yourself?” I said “yes.” She suggested I come in and talk. That was the beginning of life as a professed SSND. In 1995, I sold my house, moved into community and became a postulant. My novitiate was in St. Louis in 1997. I took my first vows in 1999 and perpetual profession in 2003.
What ministries have you served in while a SSND?
After my novitiate in St. Louis, I was asked to consider studying to become a jail chaplain . Again, after some time of reflection, prayer and preparation, I became a chaplain at the House of Correction in Milwaukee and then accepted a position as chaplain at the Kenosha Jail and House of Correction. I ministered there until I retired in 2008. It will always hold a special place in my heart.
I was a teaching assistant with one of our sisters after I retired from prison chaplaincy for a couple of years. Currently, I have been labeled as an “Uber driver” for SSND. I am blessed by many of my sisters who need a ride or companion to medical visits and/or procedures. I can be a second pair of ears and sometimes ask clarifying questions with medical personnel. It also gives me an opportunity to get to know the sisters on a one-to-one basis.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I don’t have a lot of free time between my ministry with my SSND family and my involvement with my blood family. I love to work on Happy Color on my tablet. It is similar to what we used to call paint-by-number, except it is done on the computer. No paint, no mess; just pretty pictures when I am done! I carry my tablet with me wherever I go and “paint” while I am waiting in the car, office, clinic, etc. I have gotten a few of my sisters hooked on it too.
I also meet once a week with one of our sisters in Slovenia for tutoring. We have been meeting for several years now and have become good friends.
What has been most challenging for you as a SSND?
The most challenging part for me as a SSND is balancing time with my vowed family and my blood family. That has worked out best when I can integrate the two of them into my life activities. A card I received at Christmas says it best, “Family is not just blood.”
All of my “former” lives have led me here today. For this, I am most grateful to our loving God.
Sister Comfort Anum
What inspired you to become a School Sister of Notre Dame?
Can you please share with us your academic background or degrees/certificates?
My first degree was an associate's degree in social development which I got from Plateau State Polytechnic in Nigeria. I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, and a certificate in peace building from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I possess a Master of Science in professional counseling from Mount Mary University and a certificate in spiritual guidance from the Siena Retreat Center in Racine, Wisconsin. I have engaged in different professional development programs that have enabled me to further my education in my fields of study.
What is your current ministry with SSND?
I have just completed my studies from Mount Mary University and have returned to my home country Nigeria. Currently I am at Hillside Nursery and Primary School to help me transition into the Nigerian system of education and the whole system in general. I am hoping to share the knowledge I have acquired in the United States to empower those I am called to serve.
What ministries have you served in prior to now?
Before I left for further studies, I had several experiences in three countries in Africa. When I was a postulant, my weekly ministry was at the Akwa Ibom State prison with women. The gift of working with those women at the prison broadened my understanding of what the prison was meant for and to empower them after serving their term in prison. It was then I realized the many injustices in our prison system. It was a gift for me to be there. I also served at the Nsawam Orthopedic Center in Ghana where I worked with children who were traumatized from war. Some of the children lost arms and legs and had other issues which the Center made efforts to attend to. My time there was a blessing for me. It helped me to be grateful for the opportunities I have had in my life knowing that any of those children could have been me if not for the grace of God. After I was professed in 2009, I was sent to Nigeria to serve as a teacher at one of the diocesan schools. I taught first through fifth grade physical health education. It was in this ministry that I got my call to study early childhood and counseling. I met children who needed more help beyond academics. This ministry graced me with the ability to listen deeply and look beyond what I see. Alongside this ministry, I was working at the Akwa Ibom State correctional institute for delinquent children. I taught life skills and counseling. This experience enabled me to see some of the external forces that could affect the development of a child. This ministry confirmed my call to serve children in my society.
I was also missioned to Kenya to minister at the Notre Dame Children Outreach Project Nylienga in Kenya. This ministry was a gift because it opened me to another side of a culture that I did not know. This ministry took me deeper into understanding the needs of our world and how circumstances can change everything. I saw myself as a servant called to serve less-privileged children. I moved to Nigeria to serve at Notre Dame Girls’ Secondary School in Mkar. I served as a school matron. Here I was called to oversee the welfare of the students. I got to meet the students where they are and had a good relationship with them. This ministry gave me the gift of understanding myself deeply and my call as a School Sister of Notre Dame. The challenges I had at that time strengthened me and challenged me to listen to what God was calling me to do. My call is a call beyond just being a School Sister of Notre Dame. I am grateful for all these experiences.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to watch movies and listen to music. I love to travel around making new memories, and I love crafts like crocheting and felting.
What do you love most about being a SSND?
We work together as a community not letting our differences hinder us from proclaiming the Gospel. I am proud to be a School Sister of Notre Dame because I educate anywhere I find myself, and I am open to learning when an opportunity arises.
Sister Rose Cecile Espinos (right) was delighted to have Sister Martin Radež, General Council, visit Marian Village in Chicago, Illinois, in April 2022.
What inspired you to become a sister?
When I was five, my family moved to Chicago, and I entered first grade at Santa Maria Incoronata School where I met my first School Sister of Notre Dame. Prior to that, I had met the Holy Cross Sisters, the Italian Sisters of Providence and my aunt’s Congregation of Good Shepherd. I did not understand the distinction of the different orders or Congregations, but knew they were special people who did wonderful work with a smile for those in need.
One of my earliest calls to religious life was a summer program with the Sisters of Providence. They would teach girls how to crotchet, do crafts and sing and play games along with the nursery program they organized. I heard a story about how St. Clare of Assisi ran away to become a nun and was much impressed. When I asked what I had to do to become a nun, the response from one of the sisters was ”come and see.” So, several days later, with my newest dress and my doll, I went off to the convent and surprised the sister at the door. I said I came to join her and become a sister. After a little talk between the two of us, she called my parents to pick me up. I was sad and cried that my offer was not accepted, and so I returned home.
When did you join the School Sisters of Notre Dame?
Preparing for high school, I felt the call again and asked if I could go to the aspiranture. After much discussion with my parents and my eighth grade teacher, I went off to St. Mary’s Academy in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Continuing the process of formation, I entered the candidature and postulancy in Milwaukee and was received with the name Sister Rose Cecile, my mom’s name in reverse.
What is your current ministry with SSND?
Presently, I am retired and living at Marian Village in Homer Glen, Illinois, which is southwest of the city of Chicago. I am one of 14 SSNDs who live here. We have a wonderful relationship with the other residents and participate in all the activities that are offered. I, though retired, offer my services to our sisters, chauffeuring them to doctors, hospitals and meetings.
What ministries have you served in during your time as a SSND? What memories stand out to you?
I spent most of my early years teaching first grade in Menasha, Wisconsin, and Chicago, then moved to junior and senior high school in Dekalb, Illinois. After 3 years of principalship and part-time teaching, I was called to a year of renewal study in the ARC program in Rome. What a wonderful experience to have the time and experience with other young sisters to study theology and spirituality in the center of the religious world.
When I returned from the year of study, I was appointed Novice Director along with two other directresses. I spent four years in this role in Hinsdale, Illinois.
A year later, I requested an international mission in Guatemala. I did a year of pastoral ministry in Rio Bravo, and then was asked to begin a novitiate program with a single novice in Mexico. Unfortunately, the novice did not stay, and we continued the formation program in Guatemala with vocation awareness and a postulancy. Returning home, I spent three more years teaching Hispanic pre-seminarians English so that they could pass the entrance exams for the seminary.
Then I spent two years in Pedro Juan Caballero on the border of Paraguay and Brazil. Again I was called to formation work and joined the Brazilian directress in Sao Paolo forming a Portuguese/Spanish Novitiate. I fulfilled five years and again returned home.
I felt we could open an English as a second language (ESL) program in Chicago for the new immigrants coming into the area, especially women, who were isolated and sealed in their homes because they couldn’t speak the language. Once we got the ESL program with one-on-one tutoring, the women suggested we also help their children, many of whom had problems with math and reading and understanding. So, we planned an after-school program for children ages 6 to 13. We called this SSND-sponsored organization Corazón a Corazón, and it is still in operation today.
Another intercultural program which touched me was the South Sudan experience helping teachers learn English and then assisting them to teach the language in their schools. I was sent to Old Fangak in the northeast part of the country. We taught English, composition, science, math and some skills of health and morals. Old Fangak was about the poorest place I had ever encountered. I had lived in and seen poor families among migrants here in the States and among the poor of Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Brazil, but Old Fangak was a whole different experience. Our evening meal consisted mainly of rice or pasta cooked on a small 12-inch Weber grill. Fish was prevalent since a tributary of the Nile ran along the western edge of the town. This tributary also served for bathing and washing of clothes, etc.
All these wonderfully challenging and memorable experiences blessed me with a love for people, their music, dancing, language and customs. How they live ready for whatever comes into life. All is a gift from God and is accepted and used to bless whatever and who ever came into their life. It has left me gifted, and ready as well, to give to others whatever and whomever I meet.