Olivetan Benedictine SistersJonesboro, Arkansas 72403-1209

Volume 29 No 1 www.olivben.org WINTER 2012

The opening ceremony of the year-longcelebration of our Quasquicentennial Cele-bration was held on December 13. It waspreceded by a Triduum of prayer on December10, 11 and 12 in honor of our of our patron,Mary, our Heavenly Mother; the BlessedSacrament, to whom our Community has aspecial devotion; St. Benedict, Founder ofthe Benedictine Order and St. BernardTolomei, Founder of the Olivetan Branch ofBenedictines.

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, DD, offeredthe opening Mass and Fr. Vincent Udo,chaplain, concelebrated. Before the closing

blessing, Bishop Taylor invited the HonorableMayor Harold Perrin to the podium to give aproclamation. Mayor Perrin read theproclamation and presented a framed copy toSr. Lillian Marie, concerning the contributionsthe Sisters have made in education, and health-care ministries in northeast Arkansas, especiallyin Jonesboro. The Sisters were based inPocahontas the first 11 years, then relocatedtheir motherhouse (headquarters) to Jonesborofor the past 114 years.

Because the opening ceremony was specificallyfor the Sisters, invited guests were limited to thecommunity Business Advisory Council, including:

Opening of Quasquicentennial CelebrationDr. Warren Shull, Ph.D., Dave Davidson,Charlott Jones, CPA, Guy Patteson and FranDavidson Robinson.

The Knights of Columbus, Council 1702,prepared and served a festive meal. In additionto Tom Gschwend, the following helped inpreparing the meal: Frank Digaetano, RogerDe Roeck, Ken Newberry, Bill Kueter andHenry Gschwend. Wives of the KC’s decoratedthe tables, made desserts and assisted in serving.These included: Rita De Roeck, Barbara

Gschwend, Betty Newberry, Joyce Schmidt,

Opening Mass - Deacon England, Bishop Taylor and Father Udo.

Mayor HaroldPerrin and Sr. Lillian

Marie Reiter

Opening of Quasquicentennial Celebration

Denise Malloy, Betty Newberry, Joyce Schmidt

& Pam UngerankL –R: Bill Kueter, Roger De Roeck, Ken Newberry and Frank Digaetano(Bishop Taylor greeting the KC’s) -Tom Gschwend not pictured.

Continued on page 2

Greetings to allour families andfriends at the begin-

ning of this New Year! This will be a specialyear for us since we are celebrating theQuasquicentennial – the 125th anniversary ofour first Sisters coming from Switzerland toArkansas.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmascelebration, and like most of us are ready tomake some New Year’s Resolutions. St. Paulgives some ideas for these in his letter to theColossians 3: 12-15. “You are God’s chosenrace, his saints; he loves you, and you shouldbe clothed in sincere compassion, in kindnessand humility, gentleness and patience. Bear

with one another, forgive each other assoon as a quarrel begins. The Lord hasforgiven you; now you must do the same.Over all these clothes, to keep themtogether and complete them, put on love.And may the peace of Christ reign in yourhearts, because it is for this that you werecalled together as parts of one body.Always be thankful.”

On the note of thankfulness, I would liketo thank all of you for your Christmaswishes, your prayers and gifts. We greatlyappreciate all. You are daily rememberedin our prayers. May your New Year befilled with many wonderful blessings!

Message FromThe Prioress

���������� VOCATION ACTIVITIES November 17-19, Sr. Mary Clare Beznerattended the National Catholic YouthConference in Indianapolis, Indiana witha group from Blessed Sacrament Parish.This year’s conference theme, “Called toGlory” was attended by more than 23,000young people, priests, religious, bishopsand laity from all over the country.

Those in attendance participated in theMass, talks, and activities with Catecheticalpurposes during the three-day period.“Probably, the most amazing moment wasduring the Lectio Divinia (praying withScripture), with over 20,000 youth, completelysilent,” Sr. Mary Clare remarked.

This bi-annual event is an opportunityfor youth to focus on their Catholic faith,pray, learn about the priesthood andreligious life, and share fun and fellow-ship with other Catholics.

January 13 & 14 – Sr. Elaine Willett andSr. Glorea Knaggs attended the Dioce-

san Women’s Discernment Retreat, held atSt. John’s Center in Little Rock. Duringthe Retreat, the Sisters participated in pre-sentations and visited with young womenfrom the Diocese of Little Rock, who areinterested in religious life.

Please continue to pray for those inFormation Programs and for more vocationsto the Priesthood and Religious Life.

Sister Lillian Marie Reiter, OSB, Prioress

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Denise Malloy, and Pam Ungerank. DianaRuesewald from Weiner, also assisted indecorating and serving. Tim Malloy donatedthe wine and Dorothy Brodell provided alarge cake decorated with the officialQuasquicentennial logo.

Sr. Romana Rohmer was the Emcee forthe after dinner remarks, in which she gavea brief overview of our first Sisters coming

from Switzerland to Arkansas. Afterward,she recognized and thanked all those, whoassisted in the celebration. At. the close ofthe program, Sr. Mary Anne Nuce distributedcopies of Memories and Milestones,” acommemorative souvenir book, written bySr. Henrietta Hockle, giving an overview ofthe history of the Sisters coming fromSwitzerland to Arkansas.

Continue from page 1 Open of Quasquicentennial Celebration

Deserts prepared by ladies

Emcee - Sr. Romana Rohmer

Barbara Gschwend, Diana Ruesewald & Rita De Roeck

New Publication

All those who sent in $10 to have theirname listed in Memories and Milestones. (asFriends of Holy Angels) are eligible toreceive a copy of the commemorativesouvenir book, written by Sr. HenriettaHockle. Pick it up, when you come for openhouse on your respective day (See scheduleon last page), or have someone pick it up foryou. If your name is not listed in the book,and are interested in receiving a copy, pleasesend name and address, along with a smalldonation to cover the cost, and you willreceive a copy. SEND: Attention: Sr. RomanaRohmer, Gift Shop, Holy Angels Convent,P.O. Box 1209, Jonesboro, AR 72403-1209.

HOLY ANGELS CONVENTEchoes published quarterly by

the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters

Sister Henrietta Hockle – EditorSister Glorea Knaggs – Associate Editor

Sister Monica Swirczynski – Proof ReaderSister Marilyn Doss & Sister Miriam Burns – Photos

Sister Thèrése Johnson & Sister Virginia Baltz – Circulation

Master Print Group • Jonesboro, AR – Printing

This year, the Hispanic CommunityService, Inc. chose Sr. Elaine Willett astheir honoree during the MulticulturalDinner and Dance on November 5, 2011.Sr. Elaine began the Hispanic Center in1997 and has continued to work tirelesslyto assist the Hispanics in their struggle tobecome active and productive members ofthe community. In appreciation to Sr.Elaine, Mayor Harold Perrin presented herwith a Key to the City of Jonesboro.

CONGRATULATIONS, SR. ELAINE!

In 1963, the City of Little Rock, Arkansashad 12” of snow and thick icy streets. HolySouls School was closed, so a great numberof neighborhood kids were out with theirsleds, sliding down “H” street, a very steephill by the school. I decided to join in thefun sledding all day long. Going down hillthat fast, resulted in a total whiteout as thespeed, I presume, was at least 60 mph.

At one point that afternoon, while goingdown the hill, I spotted a totally white dogabout eight feet ahead of me. The next thingI knew and heard was a yelping dog, thatflew up above. I headed for the curb androlled over four or five times, yelling,“Where is the dog?” I just knew I had killedit. However, it was already a block awayheading for home. After that for months andyears, I was known as the “Dog Killer Nun.”

That same afternoon parents were outtaking pictures of their kids, and at onepoint, I saw this one man with a pretty finecamera wanting a picture of me going downhill. Not knowing that it was a UPI photog-rapher then, I soon found out in two days.Fan mail and pictures began to arrive dailyfor months, mainly from the East: Chicago,Washington, DC, Massachusetts , Rhode

REMEMBERING THE PAST Sr. Elaine is Honored

Island, Florida and Texas. All were compli-mentary except one. It was on several TVstations, too. My friends in Detroit,Michigan saw it on TV and my Aunt inAustin, TX did also.

I have a copy of the picture in Frenchfrom Toronto, Canada and it was also in the“Stars and Stripes” newspaper in Germany.Since then, the picture has been publishedon a “Calendar of Nuns” and in a bookcalled “Nuns Having Fun.” So much for myfame and celebrity sledding on ice.

PROCLAMATION BY MAYORIN REGOGNITION OF THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF THE

OLIVETAN BENEDICTINE SISTERS IN JONESBORO

WHEREAS: The City of Jonesboro is blessed with an abundance of outstanding organizations andvolunteers who give tirelessly of their time, energy and financial resources to improve the qualityof life here and throughout all of Northeast Arkansas; and

WHEREAS: Among those organizations and volunteers, there are few who can match thecommitment, compassion, vision and impact of the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters and the work theyhave so tirelessly accomplished through Holy Angels Convent; and

WHEREAS: The Community has its origin in Switzerland, by 1887, four Sisters had relocated toPocahontas to start a convent and school, and in 1898, the Sisters officially relocated the conventto Jonesboro; and

WHEREAS: In response to a Malaria Fever epidemic in 1900, the Sisters were persuaded to opena hospital in Jonesboro, to help alleviate the suffering here in Northeast Arkansas, opening St.Bernards Hospital in July of that year; and

WHEREAS: The Sisters continue their commitment to seek God through prayer and work, and toproclaim Jesus Christ and the Gospel through service to each other in Community, hospitality,healthcare and other Apostolic works: and

NOW THEREFORE; I, Harold Perrin, by the authority duly invested in me by the citizens ofJonesboro, and the State of Arkansas, do hereby recognize and honor

THE OLIVETAN BENEDICTINE SISTERSFor 114 years of partnership and leadership, and encourage citizens in Jonesboro, Craighead Countyand throughout Northeast Arkansas to join us in offering a prayer of Thanksgiving for all they havedone and will continue to accomplish for our region and our communities.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of the City ofJonesboro, this 13th day of December in the year of our Lord 2011.

Harold PerrinMayor of Jonesboro

UPCOMING EVENTSMarch 20 Investment of Postulant

Eve of Feast of St. Benedict

March 21 Benedictine Day Quasquicentennial

ANNIVERSARYSALE

During 2012, our 125th AnniversaryYear, we will have a SALE on the limitednumber of copies of the 332 page, full-length history of the Jonesboro Benedictines,On High Ground, written by Sr. HenriettaHockle and published in 2004. Pick it up,or have someone else pick it up for you, forthe SALE PRICE - $10.00. If you need tohave it shipped, please include an additional$4 to cover cost of shipping and handling.Contact: Sr. Romana Rohmer, GIFT SHOP,P.O. Box 1209, Jonesboro, AR 72403-1209.

Mayor Harold Perrin & Sr. Elaine Willett

A Day to Remember,” by Sr. Monica Swirczynski

Sr. Monica Swirczynski (1963)

Prayers and Sympathy

* We extend sincere sympathy andprayers to the McCullum and Hess familieson the death of Natalie McCullum Hess,(alumna ’47), who died on Dec. 1, 2011.

N D S M D

CS

ML

OLIVETAN BENEDICTINE SISTER, INC.HOLY ANGELS CONVENT NEWSLETTERP.O. DRAWER 1209JONESBORO, ARKANSAS 72403-1209

“Return Service Requested”

NON-PROFITORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 102JONESBORO, AR

Revised Quasquicentennial-ScheduleRevised Quasquicentennial-Schedule

BENEDICTINE OBLATESOF HOLY ANGELS CONVENT

Oblates of St. Benedict associate themselves witha Benedictine Community in order to strengthentheir baptismal commitment and enrich theirChristian way of life. Anyone interested in joiningthe Oblate Program of Holy Angels Convent, pleasecall or write:

Sister Mary John Seyler, OSBPhone: 870-243-2440.

or mail to:P.O. Box 1209

Jonesboro, AR 72403-1209

125th Anniversary – Olivetan Benedictine Sisters in Arkansas – 1887-2012

Calendar of Events and Dates

2011Dec.10, 11, 12 Tridiuum in preparation for opening of Quasquicentennial YearSat.- Sun. Holy Hour Honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary – Blessed Sacrament.

Mon. St. Benedict and St. Bernard Tolomei.

December 13 FOUNDERS DAY – Opening of Quasquicentennial CelebrationTuesday 124th Anniversary, of our Foundation in Arkansas. Mass &

Dinner- Bishop and Community.

2012March 21 FEAST OF ST. BENEDICT – Mass and Luncheon – Special Guests:Wednesday Abbot General, Superior from Switzerland & All Benedictines

July 4 SISTERS OF HOLY ANGELS DAY - Community CelebrationWednesday Vespers, Picnic at Frierson State Park

July 11 SOLEMNITY OF ST. BENEDICT – Jubilee Day: Mass, Luncheon,Wednesday Special Guests: Relatives of Honorees

August 15 FEAST OF ASSUMPTION OF MARY - Final Vow Day - Mass & Wednesday Luncheon - Special Guests: Relatives of Honorees

Afternoon Reception: Guests: Friends of Community

October 2 FEAST OF HOLY ANGELS at 11:00 a.m.– Mass and Luncheon – Tuesday Guests: Oblates, Former Members & Immediate Family Members and

those who provide transportation.Afternoon Reception and Tours – 2: 00 p.m.Special Guests: Hospital Administration, Governing Board and Foundation Board.

October 12 38th ANNIVERSARY OF CONVENT DEDICATION – Mass &Friday Luncheon – Special Guests – Diocesan Clergy

November 25 OPEN HOUSE - RECEPTION & TOURS – 2:00 p.m. – Guests:Sunday Parishioners, Hospital Employees, Volunteers, Medical Staff &

Ministerial Alliance.

December 13 CLOSING OF QUASQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONThursday Community Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving for all God’s blessings

during these 125 years.