One Ministry at a Time
A Multicultural Ministry
Rome, Italy
Sr. Mary Ewens receiving the Eucharist from Pope Benedict XVI
Sister Mary Ewens, OP (Ruth), is director at the Jubilee Community Centre in Rome, Italy, a residence where Sisters from developing countries studying in Rome can find a supportive community offering regular prayer and help with studies, health problems, scholarships, and adjustment to life in Italy. “My ministry as director of the centre is the most satisfying of my 50 years in religious life,” said Sr. Mary. “These Sisters will be the future leaders of their communities.” This year, a group of 35 Sisters is part of this center, hailing from China, India, Vietnam, Lithuania, Mexico, Burundi, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, the Congo, Rwanda, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Educating Educators
Madison, WI
Sr. Margaret O’Brien teaching at Edgewood College
Sister Margaret O’Brien, OP (Mary Agnese), is a student-turned-teacher at Edgewood College, Madison, WI. “Many changes have occurred, but the mission remains the same—‘educating students for meaningful personal and professional lives of ethical leadership, service, and a lifelong search for truth,’” said Sr. Margaret. As a professor in the education department, she teaches three instructional resources and media classes to undergraduates, focusing on showing students how they can integrate technology into the classroom curriculum. She also supervises more than 100 student teachers each semester.
Volunteering at St. Dennis
Madison, WI
Sr. Marie Cagnoni reading with children
Sisters Alfonso Glancey, OP, and Marie Cagnoni, OP (Bertrandine), minister at St. Dennis School, Madison, WI, doing a number of different tasks. Sr. Alfonso teaches 3rd-graders cursive writing in the classroom and answers phones, makes photocopies, runs errands, and comforts children with bumps and bruises in the office. Meanwhile, Sr. Marie gives school tours, teaches math facts, reads to kindergartners, and prays with students. She also serves as spiritual advisor to a group of six each year. “The Lord is calling me to do this,” said Sr. Marie. Sr. Alfonso agrees, adding, “I like to see the kids’ happy faces. I hope they see the happiness in my face, too.”