Written on: February 28, 2020
GNSHAssociates: Submitted by Angel Conicelli, GNSHA
Philadelphia Area Associates acknowledged Black History Month in February by learning about black women whose selfless actions were influential during their particular era. Associates plan to incorporate further studies at meetings to focus on the lives of other similar women and men.
At the February meeting, Associates read about Mother Mary Lange. (pictured here). We will read about Thea Bowman at our March meeting and will discuss how the actions and contributions of these members of society serve as examples for everyone, and how they parallel with St. Marguerite’s life.
The Plaza Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart had a Meet the Neighbors and Eat Desserts night on February 12, 2020. This was the second evening of its kind at the Plaza. At this gathering recent additions, Sisters Mary Dee Smith and Mary Joan Elias, were introduced.
It’s a nice way for the Plaza Social Club members, many of whom have become good friends to our Sisters, to have a chance to converse informally over sweets and treats with the Grey Nuns. More Photos here
The Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart and Sisters of the Redeemer will host a joint art show on Saturday, May 16, from 1-7 pm. Art by Sr. Bridget Connor, GNSH will be sold to benefit AWE. The event will be held at SPARK! 521 Moredon Road, Huntingdon Valley, PA. The event is free.
This month, the Prayer Service took place on Ash Wednesday. Sr. Diane Bardol explained the similarities between the Christian season of Lent, the Muslim season of Ramadan and the Jewish feast of Yom Kippur. Each in their own way invite us to remember to be who we are called to be. Sisters Diane and Cathy Bleiler marked the foreheads of any resident or guest who wished. The words they used were these: “Remember that you are stardust- light up your world.”
Local Representative gets 100%
“In 2019, NETWORK recommended 10 ‘Yes’ votes for the House of Representatives to Mend The Gaps in our nation. This legislation would support LGBTQ+ rights, raise wages, reduce drug prices, protect Dreamers, and secure our democracy. We are grateful to the 190 Representatives who earned perfect scores in 2019 and encourage all elected officials to continue working for justice through our federal policies.” from NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Justice.
One of the Representatives receiving a perfect score was Brendan Boyle (PA,2nd). Congressman Boyle represents all of the Philadelphia-area GNSH in Congress. Sister Diane Bardol as Social Justice Coordinator arranged a visit to his office on Friday, February 21 to present him with the NETWORK certificate.
Accompanying her were Sisters Bridget Connor and Cathy Bleiler who are pictured here along with Boyle aide, Anthony Bellmon. To read more about the criteria for Network’s award and which bills were introduced, click here.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY and Feast Day!
Happy Birthday and Feast Day to our Sisters who will celebrate their special day in March:
Sr. Helen Martin (5); Sr. Jean Scharf (7); Sr. Patricia Eileen McKeon (9); Sr. Kathleen Woody (20); Sr. Mary Courts (22); Sr. Marie Cecile Egan (25– FD); Sr. Marlene Butler (27). May the year ahead hold many blessings for each of you!