On September 4, 2010 FMM communities, families and friends gath-ered at Fruit Hill to celebrate the final profession of

Franciscan Missionaries of Mary USA Province Volume 40 No. 3 Fall 2010

My Hoa Nguyen, fmm

To Anh Bui, fmm.

We are called...

Sister Lois welcomes all to the celebration.

Choir- Sts. John & Paul Church, Coventry

Fr, Khoa, OFM , (brother of My Hoa) receives the incense during the offertory procession.

Sign of Peace - FMM Sisters

Receive this Crucifix, sign of your missionary calling ...

Profession of Vows

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Editors Notes Going green is the name of the game internationally, nationally and locally. Church leaders, governments, secular groups, neighborhood associations, grass roots efforts are spearheading efforts to save our environment. His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recently wrote a message in which he writes: “We hold, therefore, that there is a dire need in our day for a combination of societal sanctions and political initiatives, such that there is a powerful change in direction, to a path of viable and sustainable environmental development.” He officially established the date of September 1st, - the beginning of the ecclesiastical year - as a day of prayer for the protection of the environment, declaring it to the plenitude of the Church throughout the length and breadth of the world. He writes: For our Orthodox Church, the protection of the environ-ment, as a divine and very good creation, embodies a great responsibility for every human person, regardless of material or fi-nancial benefits. The direct correlation of the God-given duty and mandate, to work and preserve, with every aspect of contem-porary life constitutes the only way to a harmonious co-existence with each and every element of creation, and the entirety of the natural world in general. The Orthodox Church emphasizes the significance of the Eucharistic and ascetic ethos of their tradition that manifests their most important and most crucial unique contribution toward the proper and universal struggle for the protec-tion of the natural environment as a Divine Creation and shared inheritance.(Taken from the message of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew) The Green Pope Benedict XVI has embraced environmentalism. He is using church teachings to urge Roman Catholics to take care of the earth. Did you know that the Vatican is actually the world's only sovereign state that can lay claim to being carbon-neutral. That means that all greenhouse gas emissions from the Holy See are offset through renewable energies and carbon credits. The city-state's ancient buildings were outfitted with solar panels intended to be a key source of electricity, and an eco-restoration firm donated enough trees in a Hungarian national park to nullify all carbon emitted from Vatican City, which takes up one-fifth of a square mile. In this issue of Sharings you will read some of our efforts to go green. Since 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, the Mis-sion Resource Center has prepared a prayer service entitled “Time for Creation.” Every Sister will have a copy of this prayer. Please let us know of your efforts to “go green” and we will share it in later communications. We CAN make a difference.

Rosemarie Higgins, Maryann Alukonis, Anne Turbini, fmm

NEXT ISSUE: WINTER

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In a Letter of Recommendation written by Virginia’s Aca-demic Advisor at Mt. St. Mary’s College in 1986, Sr. Janice Dionne wrote, “Sr. Virginia is one of the most determined persons I have worked with. She knows what she wants, what she must do to reach her goals and explores all means at her disposal in the attain-ment of these goals. …She is an enthusiastic talker and listener who is eager to help others.” This reflection of Virginia corresponds with Article 79 in our Constitutions which says, “The Virgin Mary is fully the one who has given life. From her we learn how to love as we realize our vocation as women in the disinterested gift of ourselves so that the life of others may grow.” We may wonder if Virginia ever reflected on these words of Blessed Mary of the Passion who wrote “The one who has the most love has the first place; the more one is in the service of God and neighbor in love and charity…the more one becomes selfless.” (NS 49) This surely describes Virginia as she became involved in her ministries with children, young adults and the elderly. She gave 100% of herself wherever she was missioned. On February 9, 1903 Blessed Mary of the Passion wrote, “…everyday we are preparing for and every moment we are working for this first glance of Jesus upon our soul and our first glance at Jesus.” The past few years of Virginia’s life were her final preparation for these glances. Jesus, in His final call to her, has glanced lov-ingly at Virginia and, she in turn, has glanced at her Be-loved whom she has loved and followed throughout her life. May we continue to give thanks for the gift Virginia has been in our lives.

PROVINCE NEWS Summer Session Our four sisters in temporary vows, T o Anh Bui, Annie Nebres, My Hoa Nguyen and Cathy Tshitenge were joined by the three sisters from Canada, Karen Corera, Ludmilla Grabetz and Arlene Van Zyl, for a session on conflict resolution presented by Sr. Carol Flaherty. This was held in the Peace Barn June 21-25. From June 27-July 3 Sr. Mary Petrosky guided them in a retreat based on the theme “Covenant”. Srs. Pauline Gilmore and Isa-belle Ravaoarisoa who accompany the Religious of Temporary Vows were with the group during these two weeks.

Our Deceased Sister & Relatives Virginia Marie Daly, fmm (M. Timothy of Jesus) Born to Eternal Life August 22, 2010 Stanislaw Malec, father of Halina Malec, fmm Alice Connors, sister of Emilie Duchaney, fmm Carol Duchaney, sister-in-law of Emilie Duchaney, fmm

Our Sick Sisters Alma Dufault, fmm is in Elmhurst Rehabilitation Center for rehabilitation after a serious operation. Gilberte Belhumeur, fmm suffered a fractured knee dur-ing the summer and after rehabilitation at Cherry Hill Nursing Facility, she has returned to the FMM Assisted Living Residence to continue her recovery. Her lifetime of walking great distances has aided her ability to walk again. Theresa Conway, fmm is doing well with her treatments at this time and is very grateful for the care, concern, prayers, cards,

Eulogiy Virginia M. Daly, FMM

Almost 65 years ago Virginia responded to God’s call by entering the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary here at Fruit Hill. At 18 years of age Virginia’s love of/for God knew no bounds. In our FMM Constitutions Article 10 states: “Mary, marveling at God’s gratuitous gift, atten-tive to listen to the word and keep it, open to the needs of others so as to bring them to her son, is the inspiration for our life of prayer.” This was Virginia’s attitude and mission throughout her life. Those who benefitted from her devotion and care - from the children in East Boston, at Kennedy Memorial Hospital, in Divine Providence Shelter, at Mt, St Francis Orphanage and School and the elderly at the Fruit Hill Day Services and her sisters in community - were constantly brought to Jesus through her prayer.

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Sr. Rosemarie Higgins has been re-elected as coordi-nator of Our Lady of Lourdes community. Sr. Anne Dundin, who after many years in the Province of Korea, has been officially missioned back to the US Province. Anne is a member of Trinity Community. She continues to assist with driving sisters to appoint-ments, teaching ESL, and possibly working with the Korean community in Providence. Sr. Maureen Conway moved to Holy Name Convent in Manhattan. Maureen has been accompanying her sister Theresa to her doctors’ appointments and treat-ments. Sr. Beatrice Cote has been missioned from Trinity Com-munity to Queen of Peace Community. Sr. Ana Lina Garcia has been missioned to Trinity Com-munity and become a member of the Assisted Living Residence. Sr. Thi Truyen Nguyen arrived from her home visit in Vietnam to join our province. She has been missioned to us from the Generalate House in Rome. Truyen will do ESL studies with Anne Dundin at Fruit Hill and will be a member of Trinity Community. We will also welcome Sr. Maria do Lourdes Lopez Munguia from Mexico. On August 28 she pronounced her final vows. Her arrival date will be delayed as she has some other work to complete in Mexico. Sr. Nga Thi Le is missioned to the Province of Australia. Nga has moved to Myriam Community while waiting to see what transpires with her visa for Australia. While in the Bronx She will begin to computerize the archives. Sr. Cathy Tshitenge was sworn in as an American citi-zen on September 17. As soon as she receives her passport she will leave for her temporary service in arctic region of Arviat, Canada. She will join Srs. Dorica Sever and Annette John of the Canadian prov-ince. On October 4 our pre novices, Kyong-Ha Vim and Thuy Nguyen will enter the inter-province novitiate in Gati-neau, Canada, Pat Barrett, Pauline Gilmore, Mary Pet-rosky and Lois Pereira will be there for the Entrance Ceremony. The address for Kyong and Thuy is: 90, rue Jogues Gatineau, QC J8Y 4E6 Canada

Welcome to Thi Truyen Nguyen, fmm On September 5 Truyen arrived at JFK to begin a new path on her FMM journey. She was met by Noreen Murray and Nga Le. Tru-yen has been missioned to the United States Province. She en-tered the FMM pre-novitiate in Vietnam on December 31, 1995. Before her entrance Truyen com-pleted her nursing studies with a major in community nursing. She made her final profession in Viet-nam in 2005 and in December, 2006 Truyen was mis-sioned to the Generalate House and gave service in the infirmary at Grottaferrata. Earlier this year Sue and the General Council missioned Truyen to the US prov-ince. Truyen’s parents and her ten brothers and sisters (8 sisters and two brothers) are all living in Vietnam. Three of her sisters are religious in local congregations in Vietnam. Truyen enjoys gardening, going for walks, reading, and learning new languages!!! She speaks Vietnamese, Italian and is doing well in English. She will go to Fruit Hill to have ESL lessons with Anne Dundin before beginning studies for her RN here in the US.

New Citizen

On September 17, the feast of the Stigmata of Francis of Assisi was also National Constitution & Citizenship Day. Sr. Nga Le came with me as I took part of the Naturalization Ceremony and became a United States Citizen. The weather was beautiful and we took the Metro to The New School in Manhattan. The ceremony started around 10:30am in Tishman Audi-torium. There were 168

people who took part in the oath of Allegiance from 48 countries and became U. S Citizens. The keynote speaker was Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York and the president of The New School, named Bob Kerrey, gave the congratulatory remarks. As I put my right hand up and recited the Oath of Alle-giance, I was filled with joy and a grateful heart to God and my parents who have sacrificed so much for my

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siblings and I to get a better education and life in U.S. Especially my father Maurice Tshitenge with his faith in God and the Blessed Virgin Mary by his side never wa-vered and tirelessly went to the Immigration in the Congo to apply for seven visas and it was finally granted to him. We came together as a family in 1994. As I received the certificate, I thought of all the people sitting in the auditorium each one with their struggles as they reached to this journey to be part of the Ameri-can dream not freely given to them but they worked hard and sacrificed so much to arrived to this point was a dream come true for all of us present. I would like to thank Sr. Noreen, for her service throughout the years to accompanied and processed all the immigra-tion papers for me and all the sisters who came before me and for Sr. Nga, for taking the time to come and cheered me on at the New School and all of the sisters for your prayers, support and Citizenship greeting cards on this special and memorable occasion. Thank you very much, Cathy Tshitenge, fmm Conditional Baptism Franciscan Hospital for Children Many premature infants face challenges with growth and development in their early months. Meet six month old Violet, our miracle baby. She’s receiving care at the Franciscan Hos-pital for Children’s In Patient Rehabilitation Unit where she is participating in the Feeding Program for infants who need special nutritional support. Violet received Conditional Baptism ( wearing her great grand-mother Baptismal gown) at the hospi-tal at the request of her family. Violet is scheduled for surgery and will be headed home at last.

Eagle Scout Project

Tom Anzovino, an Eagle Scout Candidate and his 30 member scout troop will be doing two projects on the Fruit Hill property. A lasagna garden will be con-structed around the Calvary Shrine. You may ask “what in the world is a Lasagna garden?” Lasagna gardening is a no-dig, no-till organic gardening method that results in rich, fluffy soil with very little work from the gardener. The name "lasagna gardening" has nothing to do with what you'll be growing in this garden. It refers to the method of building the garden, which is, essentially, adding layers of organic materi-als that will “cook down” over time, resulting in rich, fluffy soil that will help your plants thrive. Also known as “sheet composting,” lasagna gardening is great for the environment, because you're using your yard and kitchen waste and essentially composting it in place to make a new garden. Over the summer, we have been collecting the materi-als for this project; cardboard, newspaper, peat moss, cut grass, compost. We have received a donation of peat moss and expect a donation of good loam. We plan to use perennials already available on our prop-erty, some bushes growing in the “tree nursery” and a donation of Rose of Sharon saplings. Thanks to a do-nation from the Forest Sustainability Project Stimulus award received by the RI Tree Council we have funds for plantings in the Lasagna garden. Bill Motte sanded, repaired and painted the crucifix at the Calvary Shrine and repainted all of the statues . The area of the garden is 36 feet by 60 feet. The second scout project is mulching a large perimeter around all of the trees planted since 2005. They will begin with the trees planted this year and those most at risk for damage by mowers and weed whackers.

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THANK YOU Dear Sisters, In the name of the families of my sister Allice and sis-ter-in-law Carol, we thank you for all the Masses, prayers, kind words and messages of condolence you sent us at the death of our loved ones. They will be dearly missed. Thank you again, Fondly, Emilie Duchaney, fmm ROSLYN, NY At last we have our back yard back - and what a beautiful yard it is! When construction for the new Dematteis Pavilion first began a number of years ago, our back yard was one of the first areas to be dug up. We have not had much of a back yard since then. The project of a back yard for us was a little low on the list at the time because of other needs. Finally this year the work was able to be begun. The family of one of our very generous donors offered to take care of all expenses of such a yard/garden and wished this to be done in memory of Sr. Jean Pignone, FMM. As work on the yard went on we kept abreast of each day's progress as we had a first class view from our convent windows. The men worked fast and well... ..first the clearing of the area, laying the concrete for the paths, planting the trees that circle the area for pri-vacy, flowers and plants (including butterfly bushes), lawns put in place. A small piece of soil was left free for a vegetable garden. Then last of all the gazebo arrived. The gazebo had been made by the Amish people and when it was brought here it was "all in pieces"...literally. Two young Amish men accompanied the delivery and were the ones to put the pieces alto-gether. It was amazing how they knew exactly how and where each piece fit, even the smallest. Their work was perfectly done, beautiful, a real masterpiece. A few butterflies have made their appearance, but news among the birds seems to travel fast and it is uplifting to look out the windows early in the morning

and see them on the lawn in large groups looking for breakfast or around the bird feeder. We already have fruits from our vegetable garden...cucumbers about a foot long, egg plants and figs. For the first time as a complete community we gath-ered on Labor Day to enjoy our new back yard by and outdoor barbeque supper, with Vita Marie our main chef. A GREAT DEAL OF construction and remodeling continues to be done here at St. Francis Hospital. One of these areas is the North Entrance to the Vizza building and the roadway that runs along that area. A short time ago when the workmen were digging there they came upon a statue of our Blessed Mother. It was about 3 % feet high. Apparently it had been buried there some time ago. It was a lovely statue even though it needed a bit of cleaning up. It was a wonder the statue was not chipped or broken in any way when the workmen were digging and came across it. We began trying to find out some story in connection with the statue, we did not have to wait long or go far to seek this informa-tion. It was Virginia Ptak who solved the mystery. She recognized the statue and told us it had been in our old convent that had been torn down to make room for the new. Virginia even remembered the corner of the hallway where the statue had stood as she had often stopped there to say a prayer before to our Blessed Mother. This statue will not have to be Mmod again because one of the Hospital employees saw it and asked if she could have it for her garden - we were delighted. So the statue departed to a new home where it will re-ceive loving care.

Cathy Boudreau, fmm Connie Russo and Ashley

checking out our new back yard.

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I BELIEVE IN GUARDIAN ANGELS

To visit Denver and the Rocky Mountains has been one of my dreams. When I knew that Mary Petrosky would go to Denver for the Ninth Franciscan Forum: “Dying, As a Franciscan.” So near Las Cruces, I wanted as her FMM sister to go and be pre-sent at her talks. A friend of mine who was willing to go with me so I would have company and someone to share in the expense, had a stroke after Sheila had procured the reservations. To cancel the reservations was an ordeal; therefore I got on the road by myself. The trip was long and the weather between Las Vegas and Raton was bad: when the sky got very black, and the wind became strong (I learned later the wind was at 60m/h). I thought a tornado was coming, but it was only a torrential rain, almost like hail. Arriving at Denver, I realized that I had misplaced the information and address for Mary’s talk. I thought, no problem and got my cell phone…only...I could use it only in New Mexico! Thinking that Mary’s talk was at the Denver University, there I went…but which building was the Forum? I stopped the car and saw a student getting out of his car, banana in one hand, lunch box in the other, and book under his arm. I asked him if he could help me: first to find a parking place, then a way to find Mary P. In the elevator I realized that Chris (my guardian angel’s name) is a librarian who studied in Belgium, so I felt like I had found a brother! Then we began to search for the address and a cell phone of someone who would answer, as Mary’s gave us the answering machine. Finally, my guardian Angel did find the right place, the address and the name of the building I needed to go. He got the direc-tions for me, and after more than an hour of searching and e-mailing and calling, I was again on the high-way, with five lanes of traffic on both sides and exits every few minutes. The traffic was unbelievable but the drivers are so careful and helpful (my license plate has Las Cruces in big letters!)

Her talks were excellent, and I was so proud of being there showing that we care. I stayed with Mary for the two talks which the audience appreciated very much. Then I went back on the high way. My trip to the Rocky Mountain National Park was beautiful. I had to stop for a herd of elk moving across the street for their lunch, then had to stop again when they returned to their habitat. I had a photo taken before a wall of rocks. The next day I read a newspaper article that a rock had fallen from the wall and killed a young girl. The people of Denver are very helpful, gentle and re-spectful. But the best of all of them was Chris, my Guardian Angel. Now I have a good friend in Denver. Sr Marie-Paule Willem FMM

Potpourri from Las Cruces: Greetings from the Southwest! Despite a very hot summer, some noteworthy events hap-pened in our part of the country. Nancy and I attended the goodby picnic for Fr. Miguel Briseño, OFM Conv. at Holy Cross Retreat House. Fr. Miguel will be new pastor at O.L. of Mt. Carmel Parish in southern El Paso, where the Tigua tribe migrated from New Mexico. He has been replaced in Las Cruces by Fr. Tom Smith, OFM Conv., who will be not only be the new director of Holy Cross Retreat House, but also, like Fr. Miguel did, will help out with Sunday Masses at St.Albert's and St. Albino's. On the evening of Sept. 4, Sr. Nancy joined the Basilian Fathers at St. Albert's to welcome a new Associate (candidate) for the Basilian Fathers who graduated from NMSU last year and who, during his college years, played the piano at Newman student Masses. The past year Steve taught at Albuquerque and final-ized his decision to join the Basilians. The ceremony included evening prayer, and then all went to Fr. Mitch's bungalow for a reception. Steve's parents were there, as well as some of his former classmates from the campus and Newman Center. On September 19th, the parish will celebrate in a special way the Be-atification of John Henry Cardinal Newman!

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Sr. Marie-Paule is getting settled into her new morning ministry at Immaculate Heart Cathedral, where she replaces Deacon Lou Roman as pastoral associate (he is now new Chancellor of the diocese). She also does some ministerial tasks previously done by a deacon who recently passed away with cancer. In addition, Marie-Paule continues her afternoon and evening ministries at O.L. of Health and brings Holy Commun-ion to women inmates at the Detention Center once a week. As for my own part-time ministries, I am spiritual assi-tant for a group of local Secular Franciscans. Two new members were professed in August, with Fr. Miguel receiving their promises. This group is very active, but as yet has only women members! Unfortunately a young man interested in joining us passed away last year. This term my English classes at the community college include several older students who recently lost jobs in the current recession. They wisely chose to study towards a degree while waiting to find new work; in this way they will be better prepared for the future in today's competitive job market. Rivers Academy, where I have been tutoring at-risk teenagers, held a lovely graduation ceremony Sep-tember 1st in the auditorium of the public library. Sev-eral students were promoted to the next year of high school, after completing an intense summer program that included a week-long science workshop spon-sored by the university. Five received their high school diploma, with family and friends present as well as Judge Macias, who was largely responsible for secur-ing state government aid for this program. The gradu-ates all wore caps and gowns—three gowns from Goodwill Thrift Store, two from daughters of staff mem-bers, and the hats hand-made by instructors! As Mrs. Nema Le Cuyer, the director, explained, the current program welcomes teens from 11-17 who have been in the juvenile detention center or substance abuse programs. But it also welcomes young single parents who dropped out of high school, and four of these graduates now earned a high school diploma to prepare for their own future and that of their young children. Two were a young couple who had been together for four years (since they were 13!). Credit must be given to the young man for assuming co-responsibility of his child's care, even though the baby has health problems. As one speaker said, Rivers accepts teens whom no one else will, but through a strong policy of love,

values, and individual attention, all the counseling, group therapy, and academic tutoring received pays off in producing confident young men and women who are willing to go out and face the world again as good citizens. Sheila Patenaude, fmm

Sisters in Temporary Vows from the United States and Canada

Dealt With Conflict Resolution As conflict arises in any type of situation especially in community, the sisters in temporary vows undertook this challenging topic through a week-long workshop conducted by Sr. Carol Flaherty, fmm. Here is what each sister had to say about the workshop: Peace and All Good to All, it was a very insightful and enriching experience to have the workshop on Conflict Resolution given by Sr. Carol Flaherty, Fmm. Listening to each sister share their experiences and tools they used on how to deal with conflicts was very helpful to me. Sr. Carol not only provided us with various materials regarding the theme but she pro-vided us with concrete examples of conflicts in which we could all relate to such as conflicts between two or more sisters in community life. One of the skills, I have learned from the workshop is that finding common ground throughout a conflict or disagreement builds goodwill and help the two or three persons involved in the conflict to work towards a resolution. Our common ground, is our fmm charism, where our positive en-ergy flows with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. During the week, I reflected on a passage regarding commu-nity life. This can be found in chapter three from our Constitution, which says that, “Through ten-sions, failures and progress, we live a mystery of death and resurrection, experience forgiveness and learn from others how to love Christ more.” On that note, I would like to thank Srs. Lois, Pauline and Carol for their support and prayers as I continue to grow in God's love for in fmm vocation and the Institute. - Cathy Tshitenge, Fmm The most valuable insight that I received from this ses-sion on conflict resolution I believe, was a greater knowledge of my needs in situations of conflict and that my need may be in complete contrast with another’s need. This fact (that I was completely un-aware of) often intensified feelings of frustration in

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previous encounters. With this realization, I can ap-proach future situations of conflict with a new out-look. I am extremely grateful for the insights received while discussing with the younger sisters of both Can-ada and the US and also for the guidance of Sr. Carol. I praise and thank God and both provinces for this gift of being together. - Arlene van Zyl, fmm I like the different styles of conflict resolution that Sr. Carol presented. Knowing the five styles (avoiding, accommodating, collaborating, compromising and competing) gives me options as to what appropriate style to use in a particular situation. Since conflict starts because of our negative feelings and emotions, through the workshop I am now able to neutralize my emotions before I even react to what was said or done. Thank you very much, Sr. Carol for such a won-derful sharing which I can use whenever and wher-ever I go. – Annie Nebres, fmm What touched me most is Sr. Carol put the session to-gether hours of work. The willingness she had to share her knowledge and herself of how to become better FMMs of tomorrow. I thank God for Carol of showing how to follow the steps of conflict resolution. The steps helped me have an open mind, a new vision and new thinking of ways on how to solve conflicts in everyday life. – Ludmilla Grabetz I really enjoyed and learnt much from the session. Conflict is inevitable, and knowing how to resolve them in a constructive manner, will help us greatly in our

lives as FMM sisters. As we spoke openly about con-flicts which we faced in our daily lives we were given tools and resources which could help us to stay calm and focused. It was interesting to learn about the dif-ferent styles of conflict resolution and to identify my own style. When faced with a conflict our usual re-sponse is to ‘fight or flight’ this session helped us to understand that there are other ways of dealing with conflict and by controlling the situation and exploring options we could eventually find ways to resolve it. Thank you Sr. Carol for the time and energy you put in to help us learn about conflict resolution. It was a won-derful session and one which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Karen Corera, fmm Good insights came to me as we did several exer-cises during the workshop. One activity that I really like was when we were given several steps on tearing a piece of paper while we kept our eyes closed. How surprised I was to see how each of our papers where torn and shaped differently. There were two pairs who ended up with the same shapes while the rest had unique shapes. From this exercise, I learned that even though we are given the same instructions, the way people perceive the instructions vary. And because of different perceptions, I learned how to respect each ones opinions and ideas without clinging on to my own expectations. This helped me understand others and accept others’ differences. Thank you, Sr. Carol for making the workshop fun and applicable to our daily lives. – To Anh, fmm

My Hoa and To Anh all smiles on their last participation in the TPRs’ session as they move on to taking their final vows.

Sr. Carol Flaherty, fmm lectured on Conflic Resolution to the sisters in temporary vows.

In a few minutes, Ludmilla and Cathy worked together to come up with a theme, name. This group dynamics made the sisters aware of conflict resolution process.

Karen, Annie, To Anh and Arlene whipped up a song and dance number to highlight their group name and theme. Team build-ing activities help the sisters work together in a fun way.

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Las Cruces When both Marie-Paule and Sheila are away the house and

Ginger our dog become my respon-sibilities. Easy enough to keep up the house but Ginger is another story. Ginger loves to be with people and so she follows me every where I go in the house. All this is not bad especially seeing that I can get my exercise by taking her for a walk every day. The neighborhood had lovely places to walk. The arroyo, on the other hand, offers many challenges for walkers. Sometimes Ginger

chooses the neighborhood and other times the arroyo. One day Ginger chose the arroyo. Walking for a little while through water runoffs I was challenged trying to make her understand that we could not go into the deep runoff. I was able to finally get her to turn around to go home. As we walked through bushes and cacti we saw many rabbits and birds. Suddenly from one of the bushes a small hawk flew at Ginger with a “caw” and claws extended. Ginger stood looking at the attacker as I yelled. My shout scared the hawk away, thank goodness. This little dog that barks at carriage wheels, trucks, people, etc. hadn’t even whimpered when she was in danger of being a meal. We were able to continue on our way home. As we were walking I lectured Ginger on what she should and should not bark at. Later that day a child went by on a skateboard and Ginger barked her head off. I guess the lecture did no good.

Nancy Cabral, fmm

Going Green Before going green was so emphasized and imple-mented, we Franciscan Missionaries of Mary at Fruit hill and throughout the province have been there. You have read about the tree project and recycling efforts as examples. The latest project was “Operation Grapes.” John Campanini who is the technical advisor for the RI Tree Council and the project director for the stimulus award for Forest Sustainability Project sent his “Green Team “ to assist in picking all of the grapes and doing some pruning. A team of six members har-vested eight 5 gallon buckets of delicious grapes.

Back L-R: Pauline, Craig, Frank, Kate Squatting L-R: Chris, Rob

Karen, Cathy, Arlene and Ludmilla sang as they raised the candles dur-ing the retreat after the week-long workshop. Sr. Mary Petrosky led the group with a theme on “Covenant.”

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Two Teams of Sisters and Staff separated good grapes from the stems for washing, cooking, mashing and straining.

Team 1: Therese A. , Ana Lina, Elda, Rosalia, Josie

Team 2: Therese L. Mary B., Therese A.

Not Pictured are those who cooked, mashed and strained the grapes to make delicious, pure grape juice; Wayne, Barbara B. and Rosemarie. What a co-lossal mess!

News in The Breeze Using $13,000 from its Forest Sustainability Project, the Tree Council led a beautification effort, which included planting 40 shade and ornamental trees as well as 50 shrubs at the school, Evans Field on Smith Street North Providence, and the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary on Fruit Hill. All of our 2010, new trees and their plant-ing were a donation from this award.

2010 Alumna of the Year Norma A. Piccirilli DiLibero ’81 Norma is a member of the Fruit Hill Day Program Board of Direc-tors. She is a generous benefac-tor of our various programs and projects. She regularly attends the Tuesday Bible Reflection held in the Mission Resource Center. Her service and contributions to the college are nu-merous. Named the Honor Roll Recipient for the Gen-eral Studies degree in 1995, she also served the col-lege as an officer of the Alumni Association, long-time Foundation board member, fund-raiser, donor, and cheerleader. We Join RI College in honoring Norma DiLibero for her service, dedication, and generosity

El Paso, Texas A group of thirty mothers and daughters came to our house for a "nun run", (visits to different convents to learn about religious life.) the girls ranged in age from toddlers to older teenagers and all were home schooled. Marie gave an overview on vocations and she and Beatrice shared some of their personal stories. Our young friend Carina came to help us . She is seven-teen years old and told the group why she hopes to be a missionary sister. Many in the group had ques-tions and some expressed a personal desire to some-day enter religious life. It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm in the girls. After a break with snacks we all went to the chapel for a short prayer service with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Then the group piled into cars to visit two

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more religious communities. It was a very positive ex-perience for all of us. A short time later seven of the Mothers returned to have a special evening for themselves with Adoration and supper (each Mother brought a cov-ered dish - delicious!). This time Yen was with us and shared some of her story. The Mothers told how much Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament meant to them. One woman who is attending a RCIA program, men-tioned how it was by an invitation to Adoration that led her to become a Catholic. She touched all our hearts when she told us that she did not know how she could ever live without the Eucharist. The ex-change that evening was very beautiful and we look forward to another evening with them. Yen, Beatrice and Marie, fmm Millbrook, NY These last months being with our young people we have been treated to many visual delights. We invite you to this world of simplicity and joy!

Anne Turbini, fmm

Sabbatical 2010

Back Row: Keiko Kataoka –Japan; Helena Jeong-Korea; Maria ThiTri Trien Cao , Vietnam; Mary Broadley & Patricia Cullen, Australia Front: Lynette Macahilig, Philippines; Mary Zacharia-Chenai, India; ToAnh Bui & My Hoa Nguyen USA originally from Vietnam

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