Aug. 3, 2016

Bishop LaValley’s homily for the Farewell Mass for the Ursuline Sisters at St. Andre Bessette Parish in Malone July 17

On June 17,1898, the Feast of the Sacred Heart, Mother Stanislaus Janisse accepted the invitation from the Second Bishop of Ogdensburg, Bishop Gabriels, “for religious to carry on work in this large and struggling diocese.” 

We were a young diocese, only 26 years old, when Mother Stanislaus arrived in Malone with three companion nuns.  Just six months later, the Ursulines opened their Academy, a day and boarding school, with an enrollment of 100 pupils.   Deep faith, tremendous courage and strong perseverance characterized these four valiant women. 

From the very early days, the Sisters also taught religion in both Notre Dame and St. Joseph parishes and, later, St. John Bosco, as well.  This tiny nucleus of four dedicated women developed into a whole network of holy women who served so faithfully the folks of our beloved North Country. 

Beginning in Malone, establishing St. Joseph’s Academy and teaching at Notre Dame Parochial School, they also led religious instruction in the parishes.  Their catechetical ministry stretched out to Burke, Bangor, Constable, Trout River, Sciota, Redwood, Black Brook, Fort Covington, Raymondville, and Witherbee. 

As I was reading some of the history of the Ursulines, I came upon their Statement of Purpose: “the inculcating of a thirst among the young for a higher knowledge in literature, science, art, and the virtues of domestic economy, charity and patriotism.” 

Their mission did not end when our Catholic schools closed.  Reading the sign of the times through the decades, they have been a great gift in their service in other diocesan ministries. Beyond the formal education ministry, the Ursulines served as school guidance counselors, pastoral associates, Home Health Aides, HOSPICE volunteers.  They’ve served on our Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities –where I first met Sister Teresa Byrne, worked in the diocesan Department of Worship and the Deacon Formation Program-where I first met Sister  Maureen Welch, as well as lovingly serving the needs of the marginalized in social outreach ministry. 

These sisters enabled and encouraged the laity to form Christian homes and families imbued with Christian ideals. 

The Ursuline sisters live their charism so faithfully as they weave their personal contemplation of Christ with their apostolic works, each enhancing the other.  

Today’s familiar Gospel story of Mary and Martha illustrates so well that charism of integrating contemplation and active ministry.  The love discovered and embraced in their personal relationship with Jesus is enfleshed, made real, within the sisters’ community life and in their apostolic ministries.  

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes: “It is Christ whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ” – how closely do these words reflect the ministry of the Ursulines these many years in our diocese! They’ve been about the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

These sisters met courageously the challenges and struggles of a fledgling diocese and were instrumental in the proclamation of Jesus Christ and the growth of the Church, particularly here in the Northern Tier.

In the homily he delivered here in Malone on the occasion of the Ursuline’s centennial anniversary celebration, Bishop Loverde cited a popular phrase of years ago that is just as appropriate on this occasion: “For all that was, thanks; for all that will be, yes.”

We do give thanks to God today for the presence of the Ursuline Sisters here in Malone and in our diocese these past 118 years.  We do give thanks to all the Ursuline Sisters beginning with Mother Stanislaus Janisse and her companions and their many faith-filled successors, including Sisters Sheila and Teresa, whose absence we will greatly miss, for enriching the faith of generations of families here in our beloved North Country.

A couple of years ago, I attended a Bishops’ Meeting in New Orleans.  Before Mass at the cathedral, we visited the Old Ursuline Convent in the French Quarter of New Orleans which is now a beautiful museum with wonderful photos of Ursuline Sisters sharing their faith through the years, in so many ways and settings.  Their inspiring legacy was on display.

You and I see and experience that legacy in the faces of faith of those who call the North Country “home” and we give thanks to Almighty God for their presence among us. 

With gratitude and much love in our hearts for the Ursulines, we say thank you and promise our prayers, particularly at the altar. 

From our own pastoral experiences, we know that times come when change becomes necessary.  But we know dear sisters, that as you say “yes” to all that is to come, the Lord will reward you for such loving ministry among us and that He has nothing but good in store for those who trust and love Him.  You have chosen the better part and we have been blessed in the process. 

Ursuline farewell: end of an era

By Suzanne Pietropaoli
Staff writer

Malone -  An era ended here on July 17th.  One hundred and eighteen years after the first Ursulines arrived in Malone to establish Catholic schools, a capacity crowd filled Notre Dame Church to bid farewell to Sister Teresa Byrne and Sister Sheila Murphy.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Terry LaValley, joined by pastor Father Joseph W. Giroux, parochial vicar Father Scott A. Belina, and former pastor Msgr. Dennis J. Duprey. 

Among the many Ursuline sisters present for the occasion was their Provincial, Sister Jane Finnerty. In her welcoming remarks, she praised the many sisters who labored so long in northern New York.

“They have adapted with courage and graciousness, Sister Jane said. “With the departure of these sisters who have served so faithfully, the Ursuline spirit lives on in the vibrant presence of Ursuline Associates (Malone and Witherbee) and in the alums who hold dear their Ursuline education.

“We are grateful to all who supported our ministry here, and we carry all of you in our hearts,” she said.
These feelings were certainly reciprocated by the many who came to say goodbye. 

‘They gave us something precious’
Mary Hart was educated, K-12, by the Ursulines. “It was very moving to see the sisters here today,” she said. “They gave us all something precious. The sisters were always flexible and willing to listen. Thank God they were here when we needed them!”

Sandy Marshall, too, feels blessed by her Ursuline education: “My siblings and I just loved the sisters. They taught us well, but they also cared about us and encouraged us. They made school a happy place.”
Alum Dan Benware connects his happy memories with the day’s events. “I am overwhelmed by the history of these women in this community, by all they have done. With the sisters, ‘We remember; we celebrate; we believe.’ “

Deacon Bryan Bashaw has a special reason to remember. “Because of my vision problem, only the Ursulines would take me in kindergarten—and they kept me through all twelve grades,” he said. “Their patience and help made all the difference for me and allowed me to get a very good education.  I owe my life to them!” 

Alum Neil Seymour agrees that the Ursulines were great teachers. “It is very touching to see so many sisters here today. The Ursulines contributed so much! They gave us a fine education, but also built up our faith. I am very grateful for all they have done. And they were like a second family to me since Sister James and Sister Cecilia were my dad’s sisters and we visited often.”

Neil’s daughter, Colleen Scott, has fond memories of these great-aunts: “They tutored me, taught me to make rosaries, and to crochet—and that was all outside of school! It is very moving to be here today; the Ursulines will be very much missed!” 

Sue Walsh is likewise saddened by their departure. “I have seen these women and the great good that they do in this community. I have been inspired by them!”

Alum Judy Pelkey notes that, “The Ursulines are really irreplaceable. They taught me so much about our faith. Without them, I might not be involved with the Church today.”

Ursuline Associates
Judy recently joined the ranks of Malone’s Ursuline Associates, lay people who participate in the spirituality and good works of the order: “The Ursulines have had such an impact on this community. I wanted to be part of this group that carries on their work.”

Bonnie Willette relates a similar story. “We appreciated the chance to go to Catholic school, and the nuns were so kind to us. I loved them all and am grateful for my education. I was happy to think that, with the Associates, I could have a small part in carrying on their tradition.”

Cheryl Learned, too, joined the Ursuline Associates as “a welcome opportunity to reconnect with all the goodness I received through the sisters, especially their excellent academic and spiritual formation. Now it is our turn to bring forward the tradition of St. Angela.” 

Donna Hanus connected readily with the Associates more than a decade ago. “The Ursuline Associates brings together women of faith and encourages us to share our faith—with one another and with others. Our monthly meetings—whether for prayer, a common meal, or a spiritual program—really help us grow.”

For St. Joseph Sister Mary Eamon Lyng, “The Ursulines were our fellow-religious in Malone for many years, and they always made us Sisters of St. Joseph feel welcome. We shared daily Mass with them.

“The Ursulines had a wonderful ministry in Malone and leave behind a strong legacy of faith,”  she said.
Father Belina also recognizes the Ursuline legacy and acknowledges their departure as “a sign of the times. I am very sorry to see them go.”

Father Giroux, too, recalls “the deep and lasting impact of the Ursulines on our local Catholic community.” 

Of the last two sisters to serve in Malone, he says, “Sister Teresa and Sister Sheila have become part of the fabric of St. Andre’s Parish: bringing communion to the homebound, assisting with liturgical ministries at Mass, coordinating the local Ursuline Associates—always teaching the ways of faith and justice not only in word, but in the witness of their lives.

“We will miss the sisters,” Father Giroux said, “but we send them with our prayers and gratitude!”

“Thank you all for your love, your dedication, and your prayers,” Sister Teresa Byrne concluded in her final remarks. “This is the age of the laity. You are the ones who will ‘carry’ the Church in this area.

“You, the baptized, are the bearers of the Christian message,” Sister Teresa said. “You are the ones who by your lives of charity and fidelity bear witness to Jesus Christ. In (St.) Angela’s words: To God alone the glory.”