by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Feb 20, 2021 / 09:10 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis has recognized the heroic virtue of three Italian religious sisters who died from Ebola in Africa during the 1995 outbreak. Sr. Floralba Rondi, Sr. Clarangela Ghilardi, and Sr. Dinarosa Bellerini were members of the Sisters …

Sister Patricia Murray, SNDdeN (formerly Sister William Marie) April 10, 1926- January 9, 2021 Although Donna McGargill’s Servant Song was copyrighted long after Pat Murray’s Entrance and profession in Notre Dame, it seems to capture what was in her heart back then: “What do you want of me, Lord? / …

by Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Feb 6, 2021 / 05:20 am MT (CNA).- Pope Francis Saturday appointed a Spanish priest and a French religious sister as under-secretaries of the Synod of Bishops. It is the first time a woman has held a position of this level within the general secretariat …

Sister Damienne Grismer, SNDdeN July 6, 1929 – January 15, 2021 “My daughter, what I ask with all my heart for you and for your sisters is a very great simplicity of heart and soul in all your behavior, the great liberty of the children of God.” (Saint Julie Billiart, …

Sister Mary Jo D’Amico, SNDdeN May 26, 1931 – January 12, 2021 “You do more good by training one good teacher than by looking after a hundred boarders.” (Saint Julie Billiart, p. 67, To Heaven on Foot) Mary Josephine D’Amico was the oldest child and only daughter in a close-knit …

Sister Anne Denise Blake, SNDdeN August 14, 1929 – January 5, 2021 By her own account, Anne Denise’s introduction to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur was an artistic rendering of St. Julie’s mantra How good is the good God. There it was, front and center, in her freshman …

Lansing, Mich., Jan 29, 2021 / 03:46 pm MT (CNA).- The Diocese of Lansing offered its condolences and prayerful support after the coronavirus hit a religious retirement home this month and nine nuns died. Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing issued a statement Jan. 28 expressing sorrow over the deaths and …

Sister Genevieve Moran, SNDdeN February 22, 1926 – January 8, 2021 True charity has for its basis, above all, the spirit of faith. This spirit of faith makes us see, respect, love and serve Our Lord Jesus Christ in each one of our Sisters. The spirit of faith makes all …

Sister Gwen Koza SNDdeN May 4, 1927 – December 29, 2020 Mildred Gwendolyn Koza was the oldest child of Thomas and Mildred Koza. Gwen’s father died before Gwen’s third birthday, leaving her mother with Gwen and a newborn baby. Mrs. Koza left Gwen with her paternal grandparents in Michigan City, …

Sister Mary Margaret Fischer SNDdeN June 28, 1927 – December 17, 2020 Mary Margaret Fischer, the fifth child and third daughter of a working-class family, was born just in time to have vivid memories of growing up during the Great Depression. Her parents were both of German descent. Her father’s …