“Dear Music, thanks for always clearing my
head, healing my heart
and lifting my spirits.”
— Lori Deschene
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“Music expresses
that which cannot be
said and on which it is impossible to be silent.”
— Victor Hugo
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Sister Norberta Kralosky sings along as Sister Georgette Dublino plays guitar during a pre-pandemic gathering of Sisters at Mt. Assisi Place in Pittsburgh. |
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The Enduring Power of Song
Perhaps nothing more effectively conjures emotion than hearing the familiar notes of a song with which we associate — either consciously or usubconsciously — an important event or time in our lives. Just a few notes in, and we are transported back to a wedding day, a school dance, Sunday morning Mass in our childhood parish, times of joy and even times of sorrow. Music is a source of reflection and reminiscence for our Sisters and, for some, it's even a ministry. Read more about what music means to them.
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As the weather begins to cool and create an inviting time to curl up with a good book, we asked our Sisters to recommend their favorite books and authors. |
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Whisked Away by Words
When I was in first grade at Assumption School in Jersey City, N.J., I was blessed to have our Sister Theresa Hanechak as my teacher. From the moment I learned how to form and read words, I was hooked! Reading became one of my passions! All through the years, one of my favorite pastimes and ways of relaxing has been reading any genre that attracts my attention, regardless of author — mysteries, drama, thrillers, historical fiction, etc. When I'm reading, everything around me fades into the background. I do have two favorite spiritual writers: Franciscans Richard Rohr and Murray Bodo. They were both guest speakers at a program on spiritual direction and retreats I attended in 1982. At the time, Murray was writing Clare, A Light in the Garden. In recent years, I heard Richard speak on his book Falling Upward (which I highly recommend), and was truly blessed to have Murray as a team member on Beyond Assisi, the pilgrimage I made in 2014. I highly recommend his recent book Enter Assisi.
— Sister Marie Therese Sherwood
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One-On-One with Our Sisters
Soon September will transport us into fall, foliage and the trappings of autumn.
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September is a time of harvest. What traits within yourself have you come to harvest or strengthen to endure this year’s circumstances?: “Gathering crops, bringing ripe fruits and vegetables into the house remind me of all I have to be thankful for. My faith and trust in God is strengthened by the sight of this beautiful bounty. God is with us, He will answer our prayers. His bountiful love is never-ending.”
— Sister Barbara Ann Webster
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Sister Mary Lou Metro (front center) with her mother and siblings while out for one of the family's Sunday drives in 1939. |
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Sundays in Schenley Park
I have fond memories of my childhood living in Greenfield, a suburb of Pittsburgh. We lived there until I was in second grade, then moved to McKees Rocks. Every Sunday, as a family — Mom, Dad, Ed, Steve, Chuck, Mary Lou and Rita May — we would go to St. Joachim Church for Mass. We would fill the whole bench. Afterwards, my dad would take the family for a Sunday ride. The first stop was the classic main Isaly's store in Oakland, where we would get our favorite Skyscraper ice cream cones or Klondikes. Occasionally dad would drive to Schenley Park. Mom would spread out a blanket, where we sat and had our picnic lunch. We would run and play in the park. There was a small merry-go-round and a large running fountain where we would frolic in the water.
— Sister Mary Lou Metro
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A Song Before You Go
As referenced in the article about our Sisters' musical connections, Sister Norberta Kralosky recommends reminiscing with Heart of Jesus. It's a tune that she — and now you, too — can't get out of her head ... or her heart.
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