By Catholic Sun staff
Editor’s note: Their ministries have been many and varied, switching specialties and changing locales — submitting completely to God’s will. “I have made this my life’s purpose,” one of them says. Another says she “never regretted giving my heart totally to Jesus. … My heart is full of gratitude.” The Catholic Sun asked this year’s jubilarians to write a little about their lives as religious sisters in fields including education, administration and pastoral care. Here are their stories of friendships gained and blessings received.
The Diocese of Syracuse recognized 16 religious jubilarians with a special Mass on May 6 at Immaculate Conception Church in Fayetteville. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia was the principal celebrant; Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Cunningham and other priests present concelebrated.
Thirteen Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, one Sister of Mercy and two Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary were acknowledged. Their jubilee anniversaries ranged from 40 to 75 years.
“Together, these jubilarians represent — are you ready? — 1,000 years of service to God and to God’s people,” said Sister Katie Eiffe before Mass began. A round of applause followed. Eiffe is the vicar for Religious and director of Synodal Planning.
After Mass, the jubilarians and their guests were treated to dinner.
Meet the jubilarians!
75 years
Sr. Valerie Boone, OSF
Sr. Valerie Boone, OSF is celebrating 75 years as a Sister of St. Francis.
No further information was available. She was not able to attend the celebration.
Sr. Robertine Palladino, OSF
Sr. Robertine Palladino, OSF, celebrates 75 years of service to our Lord and her communities. Although unable to attend the celebration, Sr. Robertine shared some reflections and memories in an interview with Sr. Norise Kaiser.
Sr. Robertine entered the convent on her 20th birthday. Her mother was distraught and said that as Robertine got in the car to go to the Motherhouse, she felt that her life was lost. Her daughter was going away from her. Her heavy heart gradually melted away as the Sisters would bring word of her daughter’s well-being and activities in the Novitiate. When Sister Robertine’s mother would visit her daughter to deliver vegetables and eggs to the convent, she began to understand her daughter’s commitment to holy life.
“Are you still sorry that I entered the convent?” Sister asked her mother. She replied, ‘You’re OK. You are the only one I don’t worry about — knowing that you are happy and taken care of.’” Sr. Robertine said her life in the convent has been a good one.
Sr. Myra Richards, OSF
As a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Sr. Myra has served as a teacher at various schools, and as Director of Volunteers at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Coordinator of Spiritual Services for senior sisters at Jolenta Convent, and in community service at the Franciscan Villa, each in Syracuse.
She writes: “As a Pilgrim of Hope, I was given an opportunity to teach children and adults, work with the wealthy and the poor, to care for the sick and elderly in two of our homes for the aged. Wherever I ministered, I was warmly welcomed. My ministry gave me the opportunity to work in many states, and I traveled to Italy three times, where I worked across the street from Pope John Paul II. Working in our Pensione, a home for travelers, afforded me the thrill of meeting people from all over the world.
I do not take my 75 years as a Religious for granted. I want to thank my Franciscan community, my parents and the marvelous people who entrusted their children to my care and supported me in all my endeavors. I will be eternally grateful to everyone whose lives touched mine. I especially thank the priests, who for 75 years brought me Jesus, the Love of my Life.”
Sr. Margaret Woods, OSF
Over the years, Sr. Margaret served in various ministries including education, religious education, pastoral care and charismatic renewal. She spent time as a teacher at Immaculate Conception School in Fayetteville, as a catechist at St. Peter’s Church in Utica, St. Anthony’s Church in Chadwicks and St. Mary’s in Skaneateles, where she was also the director of religious education.
“For 75 years, I have been blessed by being able to reach out to God’s cherished people as I spoke to them about God’s unspeakable and enduring love for each of them. In turn, I was gifted by their return of many blessings and promises of prayer,” she wrote. “I thank the dear Lord for my parents and family who encouraged me with their unquestionable support. In praise of God, I say AMEN!”
70 years
Sr. Mary Obrist, OSF
Although unable to attend the celebration, Sr. Mary shared a few thoughts on her life with Sr. Norise Kaiser, OSF.
“Among the various aspects of religious life, and being a Franciscan, community stands out for Sister Mary … being together at work and living with the support and camaraderie of [her] sisters,” said Sr. Norise. “It is the fulfillment that comes from putting the emphasis on the other and treating each other with respect.”
Sr. Miriam Joseph Teresi, OSF
Before retiring in 2018, Sister Miriam served a variety of ministries in her religious life, including as an elementary school teacher locally in Syracuse, Utica, Fayetteville and Kirkville as well as in Albany, Tampa, Fla; Hoboken, NJ; Sarasota, Fla. and Bayamon, Puerto Rico. She was a parish minister in Long Beach, Calif. and also a chaplain and patient representative at St. Mary’s Hospital in Long Beach. When she first retired, Sr. Miriam settled at St. Francis Convent in Hawaii, but in 2020, she returned to Syracuse. She now resides at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse.
“I enjoyed working with God’s people in all the years of my ministry,” she shared.
65 years
Sr. Michaeleen Cabral, OSF
Sr. Michaeleen Cabral, OSF is celebrating 65 years as a Sister of St. Francis.
No further information was available. She was not able to attend the celebration.
Sr. Nancy Emerick, OSF
Although she was unable to attend the celebration, Sr. Nancy has enjoyed 65 years as a Sister of St. Francis, Sr. Nancy has served in a wide variety of ministries, including as director of religious education at St. Francis of Assisi and Sacred Heart Parishes in Auburn; Assumption Parish in Syracuse; and St. Anthony Parish in Lorain, Ohio. She was a parish minister at St. Michael’s Parish in Central Square and a resident at the Ecclesia Center in Girard, Penn. She taught at Tyburn Academy; St. Rose of Lima School in North Syracuse; St. Margaret’s School in Mattydale; Mt. Carmel School in Utica; Holy Family School in Syracuse; Our Lady of Sorrows School in Vestal; and St. Anthony of Padua School in Camden, NJ.
Sr. Nancy also served as a librarian at St. Matthew’s School in East Syracuse and ministered at the Franciscan Place at Carousel Mall (now Destiny USA) in Syracuse. Her community service included time at St. Anthony Convent in Syracuse, and she was also a sacristan at the Franciscan Villa in Syracuse.
Sr. Laurita Kelly, OSF
Sr. Laurita Kelly, OSF, who was unable to attend the celebration, served for 65 years in the field of education in Florida and throughout the Syracuse area. One of her first assignments was as an elementary teacher at St. Joseph’s School in Amsterdam, NY. She also served at St. Anthony’s School in Utica, St. Rose of Lima School in North Syracuse and Holy Cross School in Dewitt. Sr. Laurita was also the principal at St. Mary’s School in Minoa and an academic intervention specialist at Our Lady of Pompei/Cathedral Academy in Syracuse.
Sr. Joselle Orlando, OSF
As a Sister of St. Francis, Sr. Joselle has used the gifts that God has given her in many and varied ministries, including as a teacher, administrator, choral director and director of religious education at many schools; as a retreat facilitator, vocation minister and teaching artist.
She writes: “Blessings galore! Reflecting on over 65 years as a Sister of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities fills my heart with such gratitude — first for the blessings of a faith-filled Italian family who planted the seeds of love and caring. I am blessed to have been called to enter the Sisters of St. Francis and for the gifts of my sisters in Community; I am grateful for those colleagues I have met and worked with; students I have been privileged to teach and influence these many and wonderful years; all those experiences working with others while facilitating retreats using the arts as prayer; praising God through the gift of music as a cantor; and now, teaching senior citizens by sharing my love of the arts.
But my greatest blessing is the influence of our dear Saint Marianne Cope, whose dedication and love of the poor outcasts waiting for death due to Hansen’s Disease, followed God’s will and echoed her love of St. Francis to hopeless souls. I have been truly blessed!”
60 years
Sr. Helen Ann Charlebois, IHM
In her 60 years as a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sr. Helen Ann’s life has been always in service to Catholic Education. She has served as an elementary school teacher in Goldsboro, NC; Providence, RI; Bridgeport, Conn.; Dundalk, Md.; Silver Springs, Md.; Harlem, NY; and at Cathedral Academy at Our Lady of Pompei in Syracuse. Sister Helen Ann also served as a high school teacher in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and in Pittsburg, Penn.; as Principal in Sayre, Penn. and Archbald, Penn.; in Center Muriches, NJ; and at Cathedral Academy at Pompei in Syracuse; as Administrator in Manhasset, NY; and as Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools in Syracuse from 2000-2003.
She writes: “How more blessed can a blessed life be when your Jubilee Year is the same as the Church’s. It highlights the specialness of your service to God’s people. As an educator, I have been able to share Jesus’ good news to his children, especially when they were preparing to receive the sacraments. In supporting them in their faith journey, mine has always been enriched and deepened. Rejoicing all around!”
Sr. Ida Gregoire, RSM
As a Sister of Mercy of America, Sr. Ida has served in many roles within the health care system in Albany and Syracuse. She was a healthcare educator for the Arthritis Foundation and an LPN and RN at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany before moving to Syracuse to continue her ministry as a public health nurse for the Onondaga Health Department. Her other positions included serving as a nursing supervisor at the Menorah Park Jewish Home.
Sr. Ida, originally from Cohoes, NY, said after advancing her education, she left Albany in 1979 and found employment in Syracuse. “It seems appropriate that this Jubilee is happening during our Church’s Year of Hope,” she said. “Our foundress, Catherine McCauley, left us this purpose — ’If you see a need, do it.’ I have made this my life’s purpose. I hope to continue seeking, finding and addressing the needs wherever I am. Syracuse, for now, seems right. My promise to all of you is: I’m not finished yet.”
Sr. Patricia Larkin, OSF
Sr. Patricia Larkin, OSF, served in a variety of ministries in New Jersey, New York City and the Syracuse Diocese. She was an elementary school teacher in Hoboken, NJ, Baldwinsville and Utica. She served as a childcare worker at Covenant House in New York City, and program director at Brady Faith Center, the Alibrandi Center at Syracuse University, and as retreat center director at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Hastings on the Hudson and Stella Maris Retreat Center in Skaneateles, to name a few of her many ministries.
Reflecting on her vocation and religious life, Sister Patricia said, “My life as a Sister of St. Francis has never been boring. I have served and worked in places I could never have imagined. Many times, I held several positions at once, but God’s grace has always made it possible,” she said. Sister said that she can’t believe she is marking 60 years of service. “The time has flown by and it’s been a joy to have wonderful, spiritual co-workers and housemates. I am so grateful to God for his abundant grace.”
40 years
Sr. Dolores Bush, OSF
Sr. Dolores Bush, OSF, has served the people of God in a variety of positions, including pastoral ministry and religious education at St. Patrick’s Parish in Jordan and as a daycare provider at the Gingerbread House in Syracuse before serving as a religious education instructor at St. Ann’s Parish in Syracuse. Sister Dolores also acted as director of Franciscan Northside Ministries in Syracuse and the surrounding areas. She currently works at the Franciscan Villa.
Sr. Mary Theonilla Chukwu, IHMMC
As a member of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Christ, Sr. Mary has ministered in Ghana, West Africa and the United States.
Reflecting on her vocation and religious life, St. Mary shared: “The thought of celebrating 40 years of consecrated life is simply surreal! I’m not sure where the years have gone. … It has been quite a journey — scary, challenging, fulfilling — but worth it. A little girl once learned I took the vow of poverty and screamed ‘Who does that? Are you nuts?’ Seriously, it takes some level of ‘insanity’ to embrace the life of total self-giving. A sweet wave of heavenly insanity.
“I definitely have shed many tears and some dark nights of the soul, but NEVER regretted giving my heart totally to Jesus. Nothing in the world can be more fulfilling than to live clothed in the Nothingness of existence; feeling I belong to everyone, yet to no one but God! My heart is full of gratitude to everyone God has allowed to grace my path in these 40 years of Love Journey with the Master Jesus.”
Sr. Donna McGarltand, OSF
Currently a member of the leadership team for the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities, Sr. Donna has served in a wide array of ministries, including as a pastoral associate at St. John Neumann Church in Lubbock, Texas, as director of formation for her community in Puerto Rico and as director of St. Francis Center for Respite and Rehabilitation in Cayey, Puerto Rico.
Reflecting on her vocation and life as a Sister of St. Francis, Sr. Donna wrote: “A particularly meaningful chapter of my ministry was the 10 years I spent serving those with Alzheimer’s Disease in Puerto Rico. During this time, I encountered the profound vulnerability of those affected by this illness, and in them, I saw the face of Christ in a unique way. Caring for these individuals and their families challenged me to grow in compassion and patience. Each day was a new opportunity to show love in the smallest of gestures — whether through a gentle touch, a word of encouragement or simply being present. This ministry taught me the importance of being a witness to the dignity of each person, regardless of their condition. I learned that even in the midst of confusion and loss, the love of God remains constant, and that love is always transformative.”
