Growing up in Chinatown and Little Italy, I had the great fortune to be introduced to the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill when I attended Manhattan’s prestigious Cathedral High School. I immediately became curious about the Sparkill Dominicans because they were unlike the Sisters from other religious congregations. They were so happy, fun-loving, down to earth, full of life. They made learning fun and perhaps most importantly joy seemed to be their charism.
I believed then, as I do now, that the people we are attracted to come into our lives for a reason. They help us come to revelations about our own lives. And then in turn, these revelations help God reveal his life plan for us.
I was a member of the Dominican Convent of Our Lady of the Rosary Congregation for 11 years. My years in the community were a source of great joy, knowledge, inspiration and action. I became a teacher and taught in St. Augustine’s and St. Anthony’s Schools in Rockland County for many years. I was also involved with the young teenagers in Young Christian Servants groups (YCS), and community outreach, as well as many more congregational endeavors.
It was a transformative experience for me! An indelible spirit was instilled in me. I watched as, not only my life but, many lives were touched and enriched by the very depth and breadth of theirs. They were like angels, providing light and inspiration as we journeyed together along the path of our lives. After 11 years as a Dominican Sister, I felt God’s call once again. I left the vowed life, but I quickly learned that it would never leave me.
I have been an associate for 40 years now. It is the path on which I have continued my journey, and it has afforded me the opportunity to belong to something greater than myself. My life as an associate has grounded my life in truth and service to others, while giving me a deeper sense of myself, and my place in the world. Along the way, I have continued to be blessed by the Sisters’ charism of joy.
Knowing the sisters and sharing in their mission and prayer life has enhanced my own spirituality and my whole life, especially my 40 years as an educator. My faith and trust in God throughout my life has been unwavering. As I look back, I see that God has shown me the way and has directed me to be exactly where I am supposed to be.
And the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill have given me the confidence to stand up and lead, to teach, to preach, to be a caretaker and friend, and above all, to seek the truth in all things. The Dominican Sisters of Sparkill are the connection to the person I am, and the God in me. I love the Sisters. They are the family who has accompanied me on my life’s journey. And for this reason, I have chosen to remember and support these wonderful women in their ministry endeavors. Upon my death, a financial bequest from my estate will be given to the Sparkill Dominicans. It is an expression of my gratitude for all the blessings I have received and for their presence—like angels lighting the way—as I journeyed through life. I am most grateful and so honored to have had the Sisters in my life! May God continue to hold them in the palm of his hand. Amen!