Birthday Celebrations Sinsinawa Style
by Mary Louis Russley, OP
From left: Srs. Ruth Wallin, Liz Premo, and Marce Connolly enjoy a birthday fiesta with a Mexican theme.
From left: Liberty lady servers for a recent birthday celebration included Srs. Dorothy Wreisner, Mary Jane Quinn, Pat Tyson, and Marie Janet Meis. Photos by Sr. Estelle Wiltz.
From left: Srs. Rosa Rauth and Marie Juan Maney play a birthday medley.
Birthday celebrations have long been a part of our Sinsinawa tradition. The warm, time-honored, Italian custom of hosting one’s own birthday thrilled the students and Sisters at Benton and Sinsinawa as Father Samuel Mazzuchelli, OP, marked each Nov. 4. For him, celebration was “a form of praise and thanksgiving to God who provided all good things.”
From his writings we learn there were games and stories, music, and special treats. One Nov. 4 account book entry records his purchase of “gifts for the children.” In another, his entry reads the “purchase of books for Tony.” Like the child whose happiness bursts with joy, Fr. Mazzuchelli’s youthful spirit and love for simplicity ignited the spirits of those around him. He celebrated and honored the gift of life he was given. In the tradition of a good teacher, he shared it with the others.
Our Mound and Villa birthday celebrations are no less joyful and spirited. Creative themes, surprises, and music make for colorful and fun-loving occasions. Standard fare are BLTs and specially-designed birthday cakes. Singing old favorites, seasonal and ethnic songs break open a party spirit for honorees, celebrants, and visitors alike. Apple Alley, written by Cecil Steffen, OP, and the kindergarten Jack-o-lantern song are sung with special affection. Imagine Fr. Mazzuchelli’s joy were he to be among us, carrying forth a custom he cherished! Happy Birthday, Father Samuel!