Sisters of Providence honor elder sisters

“You certainly have fed the soul of the Congregation,” Sister Denise Wilkinson said. “We love and celebrate you.”

Sisters of Providence General Superior Sister Denise Wilkinson was talking to 31 sisters, all aged 90 and over, who were recognized for lives well-lived at a “90s Party,” in the dining hall at Providence Hall on the grounds of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., Monday, Aug. 4.

The afternoon began with the singing of “The Bells of St. Mary’s,” followed by the welcome from Sister Denise.

Father Daniel Hopcus provided a blessing before all sisters and guests in attendance sang songs together.

All 31 sisters who attended were then recognized through their birthdays and the corresponding seasons. Sister Marianne Mader and Sister Donna Butler also recited poems for each season. Sister Donna wrote both poems she recited.

The 31 sisters sat with a sister companion at 14 tables situated in dining hall.

For Sister Rose Marita Riordan, who has been a Sister of Providence for 75 years, she was grateful.

“It’s been a wonderful 75 years,” Sister Rose Marita said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s a wonderful life and that is true.”

Sister Marceline Mattingly, who has been with the Congregation for 81 years, echoed those sentiments.

“It’s been a most wonderful life,” Sister Marceline said. “I can’t imagine anyone turning down an opportunity to be a Sister of Providence. The spiritual life, I’ve enjoyed a lot.”

Sister Richard Bussing, who has been a Sister of Providence for 74 years, said a lot has changed in those years.

“I’ve always been very, very happy,” she said. “But it’s more interesting nowadays.”

Sister Francis Edwards, who has been a sister for 72 years, said any woman thinking of religious life should strongly consider it.

“He’s (God) worth it,” she said.

The afternoon also coincided with General Councilor Jenny Howard’s birthday so all who attended sang “Happy Birthday” to Sister Jenny.

All in attendance also were served punch and refreshments.

In addition to Sister Marceline, Sister Francis, Sister Rose Marita and Sister Richard, Sisters Dorothy Marie Ahern, Catherine Arkenberg, Agnes Arvin, Mary Loyola Bender, Margaret Louise Bernard, Jane Bodine, Bernadette Mary Carroll, Adrian Marie Conrad, Mary Imelda Coulup, Kathleen Mary Gay, Eileen Clare Goetzen, Mary Terence Haag, Anne Krause, Lourdes Kline, Mary Esther Lane, Mary Michael Lager, Rita Lerner, Marilyn Therese Lipps, Helen Dolores Losleben, Mary Rodger Madden, Francine McGriffin, Edwardine McNulty, Marie Victoria Podesta, Annette Schipp, Marie David Schroeder, Regina Shaughnessy, Miriam Clare Stoll, Alexa Suelzer, Charles Ellen Turk and Rosalie Marie Weller were all recognized.

Sister Ann Casper and Sister Mary Michael Lager

Sister Agnes Arvin and Sister Marie Grace Molloy

Sister Joann Quinkert and Sister Catherine Arkenberg

Sister Joan Kirkpatrick and Sister Rita Lerner

Sister Mary Terrence Haag and Sister Susan Dinnin

Sister Marilyn Trobaugh and Sister Mary Loyola Bender

Sister Mary Esther Lane and Sister Joyce Brophy

Sister Mary Moloney and Sister Marceline Mattingly

Sister Su-Hsin Huang and Sister Rosalie Marie Weller

Sister Alexa Suelzer and Sister Suzanne Smith

Sister Suzanne Smith and Sister Francis Edwards

Sister Mary Imelda Coulup and Sister Mildred Giesler

Sister Ann Casper and Sister Mary Roger Madden

Sister Charles Ellen Turk and Sister Mary Maxine Teipen

Sister Marilyn Therese Lipps and Sister Mary Ann Lechner

Sister Noralee Keefe and Sister Eileen Clare Goetzen

Sister Jane Bodine and Sister Elizabeth Meyer

Sister Marie Victoria Podesta and Sister Florence Norton

Sister Annette Schipp and Sister Mary Jo Stewart

Sister Loretta Maureen Gansemer and Sister Richard Bussing

Sister Betty Donoghue and Sister Bernadette Mary Carroll

Sister Jane Gibson and Sister Miriam Clare Stoll

Sister Rose Marita Riordan and Sister Mary Ann McCauley

Sister Helen Dolores Losleben and Sister Dorothy Ellen Wolsiffer

Sister Kathleen Mary Gay and Sister Jenny Howard

Sister Rita Clare Gerardot and Sister Anne Krause

Sister Ann Stephen Stouffer and Sister Regina Shaughnessy

Sister Edwardine McNulty and Sister Maureen Ann McCarthy

Sister Laurine Haley and Sister Francine McGriffin

Sister Dorothy Marie Ahern and Sister Kathryn Koressel

Sister Marie David Schroeder and Sister Louise Schroeder

Karen Sagraves and Marian Richardson

Marianne Frey and Marie Keyes