Sisters of Providence, Holyoke, Massachusetts Fall 2018

At the Power of Women

Launch party: (from left)
Providence Sisters Elizabeth
Oleksak, Julie Crane, Ruth
McGoldrick, Kathleen Popko,
Margaret McCleary, Mary
Caritas Geary and Madeleine
Joy. Photo courtesy of Snap Shots
Unlimited Photography.

and Central Massachusetts, along

with nursing schools, homes for
the elderly, the orphaned and
unwed mothers.” Noting that, “In
the last 100 years, members of
the congregation have brought
New book revealing women’s influence their work into the 21st century,”
she directs readers’ attention to a
on society cites six Sisters of Providence

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1969 photo of Sister Mary Cari-
he Republican pre- Among the women featured tas and to a lengthy presentation
miered its newest heri- within the book’s 278 pages of of her past and continued health
tage book “The Power detailed text, eye-catching pho- care contributions. She identifies
of Women” at a festive tos and graphics are six Sisters
book launch held October 18 at of Providence—Foundress See New book, page 8…
the Log Cabin, Holyoke. Edited Mother Mary of Providence
by regional historians Wayne Horan and Sisters Julie Crane,
Phaneuf and Joseph Carvalho III, Mary Caritas Geary, Margaret
the book showcases over 1,000 McCleary, Mary Peter Meckel,
women the two regard as stand- and Kathleen Popko.
outs from among the legions
of women who helped shape Commending foundress
the region’s society since the Author and journalist Anne-
1600s until today. According to Gerard Flynn’s chapter on
Phaneuf, “This book was writ- Women in Healthcare commend-
The Sister Joan Mullen, SP,
ten mostly by women, for women ed Mother Mary of Providence Community Wellness Room
and to women” and celebrates for the guidance she gave the SPs was dedicated on October 26.
what was a long and trying strug- in their establishing “…in the Story on page 5.
gle for equality. late 1800s, hospitals in Western
New Sister of Providence Associate Louise Cooper (left) poses Sister Senga Fulton holding
with her mentor and friend Sister Ruth McGoldrick following the ceremony. the ritual’s symbolic lighted candle
during the Sisters’ renewal of vows.
Missioning Day saw Louise Cooper
welcomed to full Associate status interconnectedness as one human

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community, noted Sister Kath-
isters of Providence and commitments this year. She cited leen, is another sign of hope.
Associates gathered at some of the harsh realities of liv- During the rituals that fol-
Providence Place on Sep- ing in these extraordinary times lowed, the Sisters renewed their
tember 23 for Mission- where “the very foundations upon vows, affirmed their commit-
ing Day ceremonies. The annual which we have built our lives ments to the Congregation’s
event celebrates the life of Saint seem to be crumbling” and also Chapter calls, and listened as
Vincent de Paul, SP patron, and noted the signs of hope she sees Sister Kathleen missioned them
offers Sisters and Associates emerging in the chaos. to their current ministries. In
the opportunity to re-dedicate Whether the challenges are turn, Associates reaffirmed
themselves to the Congregation’s the result of nature—hurricanes, their pledges to continue their
charism and mission. floods, fires—and the human mis- relationship with the Sisters of
In the day’s introduction, SP ery that follows in their wake, or Providence by living out the
President Kathleen Popko wel- in issues like the divisive political Congregation’s charism of reveal-
comed those gathered and spoke climate or the sexual abuse cri- ing God’s Providence through
of the context in which Sisters sis, hopeful signs are occurring as who they are, their prayer, and
and Associates are renewing their people are responding. Coming their vocation.
together as one, they are helping
each other time and time again Welcoming a new Associate
Correction during weather disasters. They Another highlight included the
Apologies to Megan McKenna, keynote are running for elective office— Congregation’s welcoming of
speaker at Women of Providence in especially women—or pursuing Louise Cooper to full Associate
Collaboration’s most recent Providence voter registration and speak- status. Sister Ruth McGoldrick
Event, who was misidentified in one ing up and speaking out in the had mentored and guided Louise
of two Tracings articles in our summer #MeToo and Black Lives Matter during the program’s two-year
2018 issue. We sincerely regret movements. orientation/integration process.
this error. The growing recognition Commenting on their experience,
—Editor of our interdependence and Sister Ruth shared, “It has been
2 tracings
 In Memoriam
Please pray for

Associate Deacon Terrance

O’Connell, ASP
October 9, 2018
6 years an Associate
The blessings Sisters and Associates bestow on one another is
always a significant part of the traditional Missioning Day ceremony.

a great joy for me to accompany She added, “Sister Ruth showed

Louise on her journey. She has a me how to be Providence to oth-
great love for the Sisters and our ers and for this I am grateful.”
charism and has given evidence Asked why she sought to
of that by her kindness to the become an Associate, she
Sisters, and by her participation responded: “Through prayerful Sister Marita Callahan, SP
in the liturgical and other events reflection I felt drawn to unit- October 20, 2018
here at Providence Place. Her ing more closely to the Sisters’ 70 years in religion
great generosity is a sign of her way of life and to sharing their
commitment to service.” values in accordance with the “The faithful shall abide
Louise, too, spoke of her grat- charism of their foundress and in with God in love.”
itude to Sister Ruth whom she the spirit of their Community. I –wisdom 3:9
described as “…an inspiration, expect nothing, but would benefit
role model and guiding light.” greatly from their prayerful sup-
port, their continued friendship lived at Providence Place since
and companionship.” 2016. Prior to retirement, she
lived in Easthampton and taught
Detailing the Candidate process for several years at the paro-
As a Candidate, Louise immersed chial school on the junior high
herself in the SPs’ history, school level. She then worked for
charism, spirituality, mission and 20 years at Smith College in the
ministry, attended congregational Registrar’s Office.
events, Associate meetings and She was on the planning com-
retreats and New England Region mittee that helped merge East-
Associates Gatherings. She hampton’s three former ethnic
served meals at Kate’s Kitchen, parishes—Notre Dame du Bon
helped at a St. Luke’s tag sale, Conseil, French, Sacred Heart,
visited Sisters living at Mary’s Polish, and Immaculate Con-
Jim Clifford, ASP is pictured in Meadow, and served in the Sis- ception, Irish—into Our Lady of
the background as Connie Canata, ters’ chapel as lector and Eucha- the Valley Parish, where she is a
ASP signs her recommitment paper. ristic Minister. Widowed, she has member.
Fall 2018 3
Birthday trip brings back nostalgic
memories of life on the farm

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hough author Thomas Lisa Careau, niece, says her Aunt
Wolfe’s book title claims Connie (Sister Marty) worked a
“You Can Never Go Home bit before entering the Sisters of
Again” that does not deter most Providence but her Aunt Rose
folks from walks down memory (Sister Adrianella) “was only 17,
lane. Such was the case when, so really grew up with the Sisters
in celebration of her 87th birth- of Providence.”
Adrian Grisé with his daughters,
day, Sister Mary Martin de Por- Sister Mary Martin de Porres (left),
res Grisé (Sister Marty) and two Sharing memories his “Connie,” and Sister Mary
friends rode up a street in New Both sisters are quick to share Adrianella, his “Rose.”
Braintree to see her family’s for- some of their fondest childhood
mer home and dairy farm. Its 315 remembrances. Sister Marty The two Sisters of Providence
acres are no longer farmed, but remembers the time she woke up look back on heartbreaking
the setting, complete with a barn startled to feel the house shak- times, too. They lost Theresa at
and stately Victorian farm house, ing. The quivering was not from age 16, their mother as a young
remain intact. The mountain- earthquake tremors, but because woman, and their brother Billy,
framed vista is spectacular. her dad’s bull was rocking the their dad’s “right-hand man,”
Sister Marty and Sister Mary right back corner of the house, their grandmother, and their aunt
Adrianella, her one remaining trying to scratch his back! as well. All were waked right in
sibling, are two of the 12 chil- Sister Adrianella says her the family home. Then there was
dren born to their parents, Adrian younger sister Theresa had a a devastating fire that resulted in
and Ella Grisé. In their grow- favorite cow named “Suzie.” lost cows and a barn burned to
ing up years, their father’s Sun- When Suzie produced a calf, Sis- the ground.
nyside Farm was dotted with two ter Adrianella was already in the The property is quite removed
large barns, cows, chickens, pigs, convent. Missing her, Theresa from the town’s center, so at
horses, fruit trees, berry bushes named the calf “Rose Marie” in times there could be a sense of
and vegetable gardens. her honor. isolation. “I used to be so sad
when the school year ended. It
meant I wouldn’t be seeing my
friends, except maybe at church,
until the fall,” said Sister Marty.
The entire family pitched in to
do the hard farm work. Though
the girls were not expected to
milk cows, they were counted
on to feed the chickens, retrieve
the eggs, round up the cows, cut
grass, harvest hay, and help with
cooking and housework. All and
all, though, when the two sisters
reminisce, more often than not,
it is on warm, wonderful fam-
Sister Mary Martin de Porres standing in front of her childhood home. ily memories they share of their
young lifetimes “on the farm.”
4 tracings
 Community
Wellness Room home.” In this way, Pelland con-
tinued, “the Sisters of Provi-
dence legacy would be lived out
through the years by you, our
residents, and those who come
after you.”
Residents are now using
the bright and spacious refur-
bished room as quiet space for
Providence Place’s wellness
programs—Tai Chi, yoga, medita-
tion, poetry, and regularly sched-
uled life enrichment programs.
Sister of Providence President Kathleen Popko and Providence Place
Executive Director Richard Pelland unveiling the room’s dedication plaque. Adding insights
At the ceremony, Sister Ruth
New community wellness room McGoldrick, SP President dur-
named to honor Sister Joan Mullen ing the planning for Providence

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Place, shared her insights on the
rovidence Place dedi- chair of the construction com- room’s namesake. “Sister Joan
cated its new Sister mittees for Providence Place was a woman of quiet strength
Joan Mullen, SP, Com- and Mary’s Meadow and Sister and compassionate presence. As
munity Wellness Room Joan’s “…deep desire in convert- a nurse, physical therapist, con-
on October 26. Executive Direc- ing Providence Mother House gregational leader, and friend,
tor Richard Pelland opened the into Providence Place…to cap- she touched the lives of many,
program saying, “There are ture the community spirit deeply many people. She was fully
people in our lives we can’t for- rooted in this sacred space… .” present to each…who found her
get. Sister Joan Mullen is one She hoped that “this spirit would approachable, understanding and
of those people.” He went on take birth in the hearts of those
to recount her contributions as who would call Providence Place See Community wellness, page 8…

Guests in the filled-to-capacity room included five of Sister Joan Mullen’s family members. Seated with four SPs in
photo at right are (from left, beginning third from left) her niece Joy Brooks, nephew David Brooks, family friend
Debbie Braman and great nephew Justin Brooks. Sister Joan’s great niece and godchild, Emily Brooks, also attended.
Fall 2018 5
Sisters serve mission through board or more additional ones. Each
devotes time and energy to many
and committee service

F
organizations beyond the Sisters
rom the dawn of the Ministry Corporation (SPMC), of Providence as well.
Sisters of Providence’s and several related Boards and These include, for example,
1892 foundation to the committees. Sister Kathleen’s current ser-
present day, Sisters serv- vice on Trinity Health’s Board
ing on the SP Executive Coun- Listing SPMC members of Directors in Livonia, Mich.,
cil have held the responsibility Established in 2017, SPMC’s and the Governing Board of the
of serving as both the leaders member corporations include Women of Providence. Sister
of this religious Congregation Genesis Spiritual Life and Con- Caritas serves on the Trinity
and also as the Board of Direc- ference Center, Inc., Providence Health Of New England Board
tors of the civil corporation, the Ministries for the Needy, Inc. in Hartford, Conn. and St. Joseph
Sisters of Providence, Inc. In (PMN), Providence Place, Inc., of the Pines (SJP), in N.C., the
both instances the Sisters work Mary’s Meadow at Providence Board of Trustees at Mercy
to assure that the Congregation’s Place, Inc., and other properties. Medical Center, and others.
mission of communicating “hope Two other corporations—The Several members of the Con-
to those in need through minis- Hillside at Providence, Inc. and gregation are active Board
tries of healing…” is carried out. Hillside Residence, Inc.—are members as well. Sister Ruth
Sisters presently holding under development and remain McGoldrick (SP President 1993-
these offices are Sisters Kathleen under the aegis of Sisters of 2001) is on the SP Finance and
Popko, president, Mary Cari- Providence, Inc. Investment Committee and on
tas Geary, vice president, and Currently these SP leaders the SP Continuing Care Trust
Senga Fulton, secretary/treasurer. are serving together on ten SP
Additionally, they fill roles relat- or SPMC Boards or committees, Continues next page…
ed to the Sisters of Providence and as individuals on up to three

Sisters of
Providence
serving on
Boards and
Committees

Sister Julie Sister Senga Sister Mary Sister Mary Martin

Crane Fulton Caritas Geary de Porres

Sister Margaret Sister Ruth Sister Geraldine Sister Elizabeth Sister Kathleen
McCleary McGoldrick Noonan Oleksak Popko

6 tracings
 Keough and
Tremble now Jill Keough and Michael
serving mission Tremble are serving
on the mirror Board
of SP boards for Providence Place

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and Mary’s Meadow at
ill Keough and Michael Providence Place.
Tremble are the two new-
est members serving on Heights in West Springfield, physiologist, he was head
the Providence Place, and prior director of operations strength and conditioning coach
Inc./Mary’s Meadow at Provi- at Mont Marie in Holyoke. for Columbus Crew Major
dence Place, Inc. Board in Tremble is Executive Vice League Soccer in Columbus,
Holyoke. President of Valley Commu- Ohio, managing all aspects of
Keough is executive director nications Systems, Inc., (VCS) team strength, fitness, and nutri-
of Greater Springfield Senior Chicopee. He joined the com- tion. He developed an intern-
Services, Inc. (GSSS), and a pany in 2012 first managing ship program that resulted in
corporator for Mason Wright VCS’ Massachusetts State con- intern placements within the
Retirement Community, both tract accounts and then serv- National Basketball Associa-
in Springfield. Prior to GSSS, ing as team leader for the sales tion, National Collegiate Ath-
she was executive director team managing all strategic letic Association and Major
for Landmark at Monastery accounts. Earlier, as an exercise League Soccer.

Sisters serve mission through board answers, “At this stage in the
and committee service Congregation’s history, we have
a wealth of experience and wis-
…continued from page 6 Sister Mary Martin de Porres is dom to share, and I am always
Committee as well as the Pro- on the Associate Core Commit- humbled by how much lay mem-
gram Committee for Genesis tee and the SP Endowment Trust bers value our presence.” She
Spiritual Life and Conference Committee, and Sister Geraldine says Sisters greatly value the role
Center. She recently served on Noonan—another Associate Core of the lay Board members who
the Mission Committee at Mercy Committee member—is on the “bring new insights and dedica-
Medical Center and the Trinity Providence Place/Mary’s Mead- tion” to the work.
Health Of New England Mission ow at Providence Place Board.
Integration Committee. Sister Margaret McCleary, Stressing mission effectiveness
It is noteworthy that the other PMN founder (1980) and Pres- Sister Ruth continued, “Boards
five SPs currently serving in ident Emeritus, serves on the must keep up with society’s fast
Board and committee capaci- Ministries’ Board, and Sis- pace and issues,” because both
ties—Sisters Julie Crane, Marga- ter Elizabeth Oleksak, found- are “key to achieving mission
ret McCleary, Geraldine Noonan, er of Genesis Spiritual Life and effectiveness.” While it is true
Mary Martin de Porres, and Eliz- Conference Center (1976), is an that “changes come with each
abeth Oleksak—have histories of Emeritus Trustee on the Genesis new issue under consideration,
experience as SP Councilors on Board. what remains constant,” she
the SP Executive Council. Asked for her perspective on stressed, “are the mission and
Sister Julie Crane—a member the continued value Sisters’ input values of each Board, and the
of the SP Associate Core Com- makes on Boards and commit- dedication and expertise of their
mittee—serves on the SJP Board. tees, Sister Ruth McGoldrick members.”
Fall 2018 7
New book revealing women’s influence
on society cites six Sisters of Providence
…continued from page 1 care I knew right away the min-
Sister Caritas as a woman who istry of the Sisters of Provi- Sister Joan
“has dedicated her life to advanc- dence would be its core. Their Mullen
ing the health care ministries of hospitals and other facilities
her congregation and to advocat- cared for many families through
ing for affordable and accessible generations.” Community
health care for all.” She high- She continued, “My great aunt wellness room
lights Sister Caritas’ 17 years was a Sister of Providence and
of leadership at Mercy Medical I viewed these religious women honors Sister
Center that modernized the Cen-
ter’s delivery of care, particularly
early on as women actively
involved in life beyond their own
Joan Mullen
in the area of cancer. Community. This perspective …continued from page 5
was reinforced when as a writ- compassionate. She added, “Sis-
Acknowledging several Sisters er I came to meet the Sisters of ter Joan was very intuitive and
Other Sisters of Providence Providence I mentioned and the had great patience with long pro-
included in Flynn’s writing legacy of their founder Catherine cesses…never losing her sense of
are Sister Julie Crane, who Horan. I saw firsthand how focus and humor. These quali-
established Healthcare for the Sisters Julie, Mary Peter and ties, as well as her deep trust in
Homeless; the late Sister Mary Margaret made sure that those God’s Providence, enabled her to
Peter Meckel, who founded Open who had nothing had food, shel- live out daily the grace of ‘being
Pantry’s Loaves and Fishes Soup ter and other care.” Providence’ to all she met.”
Kitchen, the Jefferson Street Sisters of Providence Presi-
Shelter, and the Calhoun Street Representing the Community dent Kathleen Popko joined
Shelter; and Sister Kathleen She added, “It is not that these Pelland in unveiling a plaque for
Popko, who laid the ground work women are alone in their accom- the Community Wellness Room
for the Sisters of Providence plishments but it is the contin- featuring a photo of Sister Joan
Health System’s integration, uum of ministry they represent and a record of her ministerial
with two other health systems, in the communities they served. life. Also the back wall of the
“into a more collaborative and A continuum that Sisters Mary room includes the lettering for
pioneering model of delivering Caritas Geary and Kathleen Sister Joan’s words: “Community
care, known in 1998 as Catholic Popko extended at the institu- is…about nurturing, renewing
Health East.” tional level so what was SPHS and deepening the life we have.
Another, Sister Margaret helped form what is today one of In doing so, we become more
McCleary, founded Providence the largest Catholic health care authentic, more joyful, compas-
Ministries for the Needy in systems in the country.” sionate and understanding.”
Holyoke with its Kate’s Kitchen Concluding, Flynn reflected,
(serving community meals), “I suspect none of the congre- Praying together
Loreto House (providing tran- gation’s early members—many In a blessing composed by Sister
sitional housing for men), and immigrants without much educa- Margaret McCleary and led by
Broderick House (offering sin- tion—could envision how their Sister Ruth, residents and guests
gle room occupancy housing for ministry would evolve. But they prayed, “God of Providence”
men). had a vision that empowered shower “blessings and grace in
Flynn told Tracings, “When them to preserve against all odds abundance upon all who enter
asked to do this piece on health at times, and to succeed.” here.”
8 tracings
 colleague break rooms, four rest
rooms, an exercise room, and
technology space. A 45-space
parking lot was added at the north
end of the de Paul Center as well.

Completing impressive project

According to Sister Kathleen,
“The transformation of this con-
siderable second floor space—in
In a break room on the second floor of the de Paul Center are such a short time—is impressive
(from left): Roger Korell, John Wesolowski, Sister Kathleen Popko, to behold. It took significant coor-
and Randall Locklin.
dination of the various trades,
collaboration among the parties
Second floor refurbishment completes involved, and diligent oversight
to achieve this fine outcome.”
total renovation of the de Paul Center She added, “With the completion

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he SP Development Team bedrooms, outdated rest rooms, of this project, the entire de Paul
credited with directing former chapel and other office Center facility is totally renovat-
the renovation of the de spaces previously utilized by the ed and fully occupied.”
Paul Center’s entire second floor Brightside ministry, now situated Wesolowski added, “This is
(approximately 12,000 square at nearby Providence Hospital. a wonderful accomplishment for
feet)—is feeling a sense of accom- By September the work on the Sisters of Providence to bring
plishment. And well they should. HVAC, plumbing and electrical this human service agency and
It was only in April that they first work was at peak levels. Contrac- other health service entities into
learned of the Center for Human tors were installing information the building.” Other tenants in
Development’s (CHD) interest in technology systems, dropping the building include Mercy LIFE
leasing the floor as office space ceilings, constructing walls; and (PACE) program, a Program of
and of CHD’s hope to move in installing an air handling unit on All-inclusive Care for the Elderly,
sooner rather than later! the building’s roof. The transfor- on the ground floor, and Trinity
The Development Team mation included freshly-paint- Health At Home (home care and
included Sister Kathleen Popko, ed and carpeted offices, meeting hospice) and Mercy Care Alli-
SP President; John Wesolowski, rooms, a conference room, two ance, all on the first floor.
the SP’s CFO; Roger Korell,
Providence Place’s Director of
Plant Operations; and Randall
Locklin of Locklin Construction,
general contractor for the project.
The non-profit CHD provides The location
a broad range of critical social of the newly
and mental health services to constructed and
18,000 clients. lined parking lot
By late June, Wesolowski outside the CHD
offices offers a
reported, “The build out of the view of Providence
space is starting immediately.” Place and Mary’s
The first phase involved demo- Meadow.
lition of the building’s former
Fall 2018 9
 Stunning photo calls atten-
tion to the mural surrounding
the ceiling of the sanctuary’s
baldachino, as well the art on
the baldachino’s cap and under
cap. All chapel photos on these
adjacent pages are courtesy of
SPierce Photography of Indian
Orchard Mills.

During their research, Farn-

sworth and Tatman learned that
during the D’Ascenzo Studios’
time, the stained glass market in
Massachusetts was dominated by
Chapel art integral to research for a few prominent Boston studios,
book on D’Ascenzo Studios leaving D’Ascenzo Studios with

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only a limited number of stained
ean Farnsworth and San- chapel,” Tatman told Tracings. glass projects in the Bay State.
dra Tatman were on a quest Most of our research so far had Tatman added, “And, unfortu-
this past summer, one that concentrated on D’Ascenzo nately, not many D’Ascenzo dec-
led to their desire to visit stained glass, and we published orations projects have survived,
the Sisters of Providence’s cha- an article on the glass in 2017 in probably due to the high costs
pel at Providence Place. The two the British Journal of Stained of restoration and the changes
are co-authoring a book on the Glass. However, as we pro- in ecclesiastical standards for
D’Ascenzo Studios of Philadel- gressed toward a monograph on decoration. Imagine our delight,
phia, the same studios respon- the Studios, we discovered on the then,” she continued, “when we
sible for the decorations in Our D’Ascenzo job cards a number viewed the Sisters’ chapel online
Mother of Sorrows Chapel. Farn- of projects cited, not as projects and then were allowed to visit in
sworth is an independent stained on stained glass, but as ‘decora- person.”
glass historian, and Tatman is the tions,’ meaning, we discovered,
retired executive director of the mural paintings.” Among those Examining the art
Athenaeum of Philadelphia. files were files on the Studios’ While examining the chapel’s
“Jean and I were excited decoration work in the Sisters’ decorative art, the two paid spe-
and surprised to see the Sisters Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel. cial attention to the impressive
mural on the ceiling surround-
ing the sanctuary’s baldachino,
the images of Saints Cecilia and
SP Archivist
Phyllis Ladd
Gregory in the choir loft, and the
(left) discusses art in the chapel’s upper jubes
D’Ascenzo (galleries). Tatman added, “Oth-
Studios archi- ers of D’Ascenzo Studios’ mural
val materials projects we visited have been
with co-authors
Sandra Tatman obliterated by later applications
(center) and Jean of plain paint, but at the Sisters’
Farnsworth. chapel, this process was not in
evidence.”
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 Area photographer captures prize
pictures during chapel photo shoot

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rofessional architectural upper portions of the chapel’s
photographer Stephanie very top row of stained glass
Pierce says she was cap- windows, and, height-wise, the
tivated by “the uniqueness and stained glass windows on the
beauty” of the Sisters of Provi- ground floor. It’s near impossi-
dence’s chapel at Providence ble to get straight shots or close
Place from first seeing it, and ups of these without the help
then photographing it three years of a sturdy lift, scaffolding, etc.
Nicola D’Ascenzo, founder
of D’Ascenzo Studios, Phila- ago. Since her hobby is pho- So trying to work around that
delphia. Photo courtesy of The tography, she spends her work always presents a challenge no
Athenaeum of Philadelphia. days and days off the exact same matter the locale.”
way—with camera in hand—and Another challenge occurs
feels her hobby photography is when the camera picks up reflec-
Tatman noted, “Not only have more rewarding since it allows tions from the chapel’s light fix-
these decorations survived, they her a creative freedom not always tures. “Though the camera’s
have been magnificently restored, possible during commercial polarizing filter helps with the
a massive achievement on the assignments. glare,” she explained, “it can only
Sisters’ part considering this Pierce had her second photo do so much.”
complicated and detailed mural shoot of the chapel last August. Pierce noted that places of
program. All other mural proj- “I wanted to photograph more worship are “personal spaces”
ects we see must be compared to than what I previously captured and that for her, the specifics in
that in the Sisters’ chapel, which in my wide shots. And, I wanted the Sisters’ chapel’s design that
sets a high standard for this type to push a new camera to its limits most intrigue her are the ivy pat-
of D’Ascenzo project.” to see what it could do.” tern surrounding the main altar,
She went on, “The design the patterns in the chapel’s ceil-
Visiting other churches parts that still elude me, cam- ing fixtures, and the pedant style
While in the state, they viewed era-wise, are the artworks on the light fixtures.
three churches in the Boston and
central and western Massachu-
setts areas. Farnsworth previ-
ously viewed Studio projects at
Folger Shakespeare Library in
Washington, DC and St. John the
Divine Church, and several oth-
ers in New York City.
The two are hoping to con-
tinue their research with trips
to Detroit where there are sev-
eral churches and a magnificent
mausoleum. They were surprised
to find D’Ascenzo commissions
across North America, and to Art in choir loft includes images of Photo of a jube (gallery) depicts
discover a group in Cuba, one in Saints Cecilia, patron of music, and image of Saint Theresa, Little Flower
Japan, and one in Venezuela. Gregory, reformer of church music. of Jesus, and ceiling decorations.
Fall 2018 11
Office of Communications non-profit org.
Sisters of Providence us postage paid
5 Gamelin Street
Permit #786
Holyoke, MA 01040 Editor & Director of Communications:
Springfield 01152
return service requested Patricia St. Amand, ASP
Media & Publications Specialist:
Christine Cox
Contributing Photographers:
Sister Margaret McCleary, SP
Elizabeth Wilda, ASP
Communications Advisory Committee:
Sister Kathleen Popko, SP, President
Sister Mary Justin Crowley, SP
For questions, comments or address
changes, contact: Communications
Office, Providence Place, 5 Gamelin
Street, Holyoke, MA 01040- 4080.
Phone: (413) 536-7511, ext. 2558
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.sisofprov.org

NERA Gathering

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P Associates Gail Furman
and Fran Popko, facilitators
for New England Region
Associates’ Annual NERA Gath-
erings since 1994, engaged Sister
Rosemary Wrinn and Associate
Linda Chagnon of the Sisters of
Saint Joseph of Chambery, West
Hartford, as the presenters for
Saint Vincent Hospital remembers its this year’s Gathering.
Held at Mercy Hospital,
roots at 125th Anniversary liturgy

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Springfield, the 24th Annual
ister Kathleen Popko, SP Both expressed their gratitude NERA Gathering drew par-
President, Sister Mary to the Sisters of Providence, ticipants from nine Congrega-
Caritas Geary, VP, and founders of the Hospital, and tion’s—31 Associates and eight
Sister Madeleine Joy, made mention that the Sisters’ Sisters.
Worcester native, represented the legacy continues at the Hospital The presenters’ topic “Abba
Congregation at Saint Vincent today, now carried forth by Blesses Our Small Gifts” was a
Hospital’s 125th Anniversary dedicated laity. segue into the day’s main mes-
Mass of Thanksgiving. The Sisters of Providence sages of Abba’s “abundant love”
The liturgy was celebrated established Saint Vincent Hospi- for humanity, and that Abba
September 4 at Saint John’s tal—originally named House of gives “all that is needed and
Catholic Church in Worcester Providence—in 1893, their first then some” to those who ask.
with The Most Reverend Robert new mission following their 1892 The question for today’s Associ-
McManus, Bishop of Worcester, incorporation as an independent ates, they noted, is not about the
presiding. Monsignor Peter Congregation in the Springfield future of Associate programs, but
Beaulieu, long time Hospital Diocese. In 1900 they opened the rather, “How do Associates carry
chaplain, served as homilist. former Saint Vincent Hospital the charisms of their respective
School of Nursing. Congregations into the future?”
12 tracings