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CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF SERVICE IN ST. THOMAS, VI
An overflowing spirit of thanksgiving and remembering characterized the
March 28-30 celebration in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, honoring the 75 years
our community has served at Sts. Peter and Paul School.
On Friday evening, a gala "Red Ball" was held to honor past principals and
administrators at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Hotel. The ballroom, awash in red
décor and formal dress, was filled with approximately 300 guests, including
school alumni, parishioners, and former/present faculty members. Eleven
former principals who had served over the past four decades, were the
honorees - 5 laypersons, 2 religious, and four of us - Sr. Margaret Nulty
(71-76) Sr. Marguerite Brennan (74-78) Sr. Maria Magdalena Studer(78-85) and
Sr. Ann Carmela Olive (78-88).
In keeping with the VI love for ceremony and ritual, each honoree was
announced, escorted into the ballroom and presented with an inscribed
memento which read, "Because you served, we are Sts. Peter and Paul School."
It was very evident in the remarks and responses throughout the evening that
the Sisters of Charity had consistently maintained standards of academic
excellence, highlighted in the achievement of Middle States Accreditation
during Sr. Magdalena’s term as principal of the high school. Additionally,
it was noted more than once how the graduates had been instilled with a
sense of responsibility to the larger community.
The "Red Ball" which had been initiated as a fund-raiser for the school, was
a financial success largely due to the efforts of 8 women identified as
"Ambassadors" who worked to sell the $100 tickets over many months. These
women were in turn recognized and each crowned with tiaras and titles during
the evening program. The proceeds also included a $25,000 check for the
school contributed by a single donor. Travel and hotel expenses for the
honorees were also underwritten by a parishioner.
The specific commemoration of the 75 years of service (1933-2008) took place
on Sunday, March 30 at a special Mass in the Cathedral of Sts. Peter and
Paul. Sr. Margaret Annina Confoy, the only Sister of Charity remaining on
St. Thomas, did the planning and implementation of this event, with
long-distance assistance from Sr. Ann Carmela. The names of all the sisters
who served in St. Thomas, living and deceased, were listed in the Mass
booklet. Then at the Offertory as each name was read, a procession of
alumni, parishioners, teachers, (including Val Berry, Seton Associate) came
forward to place a flower for those living and light a candle for those
deceased. Former members who served in St. Thomas were also acknowledged
with a petition of gratitude. Gathering the legacy and lives of all the
sisters who had contributed to the mission and ministry at Sts. Peter and
Paul was a very moving experience which engendered a felt sense of communion
with past and present.
Addresses by two alumni, who were also graduates of the College of St.
Elizabeth, underscored a deep appreciation for the values and learning they
had received at Catholic School. Dr. Gwen Marie Moolenaar (CSE ’62)
commented that, "…the sisters as a group of women did not settle for the
commonplace, nor have any patience for mediocrity or misbehavior…" And Lillia King, (CSE ’70) recalled how the words of the Latin motto, "Deus est
Caritas" which were inscribed on her high school class ring, still resonate
today in her heart and exemplify the faith and values which were instilled.
Two women who had given many years of loving service at the Convent were
also honored at the Mass, receiving flowers as part of the prayer ritual –
Amy Williams and Ethelyn Beyers ("Cookie"). (pictued on page 4 - l to r -
with Sr. Magdalena - center) Both are still living on the island and were
very happy to be re-united with sisters they had not seen for 20 or 30
years.
The present Convent where Sr. Margaret Annina lives (right next to the "old"
Convent which is now the Chancery building) was the gathering place for
those of us who were privileged to attend the weekend events. In addition to
the four former principals, the Congregation was represented by Sr. Janet
Lehman and Sr. Elizabeth Cahill, who were quickly engaged in assisting with
many logistics. Also included in these gatherings were Sr. Regina Coll and
Lorena Tyson (formerly S. Ellen Clare) who had been missioned on St. Thomas
in the ‘60’s.
Having supper together the night we arrived provided the opportunity for
each of us to re-connect and begin some of the story-telling which extended
over the weekend. Then on Sunday evening, we again met to share a meal and
marvel over the blessing of the whole experience.
It was very evident that Sr. Margaret Annina is very much loved and
appreciated by the people.
At both the "Red Ball" and the Anniversary Mass, she was acknowledged and
thanked for her presence and effectiveness in carrying on the Community
legacy and spirit of service.
Each of us looked back over the weekend events with full and grateful
hearts. Sr. Magdalena reflected that "It was a homecoming for me; a family
reunion. After talking with some alumni and Board members, my hope for Sts.
Peter and Paul School has been renewed." Sr. Marguerite said, "While it was
very apparent that we had influenced the people of the VI, it was also
apparent that the folks of St. Thomas have a lasting place in the hearts and
minds of the sisters too." And Sr. Ann Carmela noted that, "Until this kind
of gathering, you don’t realize the impact our ministry has had and how it
has spanned generations."
An appropriate summation and conclusion of the whole experience was
illustrated by a lovely bookmark included in the Mass booklet, designed by
Sr. Anne Haarer, quoting the words of Mother Seton: "Look up and be
thankful for the good that yet remains." Deo Gratias!
Sister Margaret Nulty
Box 476, Convent Station, NJ 07961 973-290-5345
