Caritas - Spring 2022

Caritas Spring 2022 ...the Love of Christ impels us A publication of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Caritas From Our Provincial is published by the Office of Mission Dear Friends, Advancement for the Mary, Queen of We recently gathered in Connecticut Apostles Province of the Apostles of the for our first-ever Lights of Faith dinner Sacred Heart of Jesus. with guest speaker Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York. Spring 2022 Edition The joy in the room was palpable as Cardinal Dolan encouraged us to be Sr. Barbara Thomas, ASCJ Christ’s light for others and to bring a Provincial Superior presence of healing and hope. More than ever, we come to realize that Sr. Mary Lee, ASCJ we can make a difference in the lives of Vice Provincial others when we can share hope. This becomes possible only through prayer, Sr. Colleen Therese Smith, ASCJ which is the essential anchor of our lives and the source of that Director of Mission Advancement much-needed hope. As we consider the tremendous human suffering present in our world today, what steadies us? Is it not through prayer Vanessa Pereira and the knowledge of God’s sustaining love that we find hope and Director of Marketing & Communications peace? Blessed Clelia knew her anchor was “God alone,” as she took these words as her motto. In this year we have dedicated to the Sacred Editors Heart of Jesus, we pray that you will come to know and understand Vanessa Pereira ever more fully God’s tender love and mercy. Sr. Colleen Therese Smith, ASCJ In this edition of Caritas, we highlight what devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus means in our day-to-day lives, and we feature one of Design and Photography our Sisters whose ministry to the incarcerated demonstrates Christ’s Vanessa Pereira love and compassion in action. With great excitement, we announce the opening of the diocesan Contributed Photos investigation by the Church into an alleged miracle through the Andrius Banevicius (pgs. 4 & 5) intercession of Blessed Clelia Merloni. We continue to seek her Sr. Doretta D'Albero, ASCJ (pg. 3) powerful intercession as we pray to her for your intentions. Aaron Joseph (pg. 7) Let us continue to join our hearts and hands in praying for one Cyndi Mahne (pg. 11) another and for our world. May the Heart of Jesus continue to be ASCJ Provincial Archive (pg. 8) your source of hope, and His love the anchor that steadies your heart. United in His Heart, Printing Gateway Printing Services Sr. Barbara Thomas, ASCJ Provincial Superior Please contact the Office of Mission Advancement at [email protected] for address changes or questions. On the Cover His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, poses with Sr. Colleen Therese Smith, ASCJ (Director of Mission Advancement) and Sr. Barbara Thomas, ASCJ (Provincial Superior) at the Lights of Faith dinner on April 6, 2022. Story on page 6. (Photo by Vanessa Pereira)

To Give Ourselves in Love A reflection on Sacred Heart Spirituality in the Modern World What does it mean when we say we are “devoted to “What matters to your heart, Lord? How can I become your the Sacred Heart?” Can our relationship with the Heart in the world?” Sacred Heart of Jesus make an impact in our lives and We see clearly in the Gospels what matters to Jesus: the those around us? poor, the forgotten ones, the sinners seeking forgiveness, Devotion to the Sacred Heart was born on Calvary, when and those the world seems to spurn. In our current world, Jesus offered his life for us, and his heart was pierced by one torn by war, racism and injustice, we continue to ask the soldier’s lance. His wounded heart has traditionally Jesus, “How can we bring your love and be the ‘ray of symbolized Christ’s merciful love for us, a love that has no tenderness’ Mother Clelia challenges us to be?” limits and has the power to transform us. The devotion We must not allow our hearts to grow cold or indifferent to was popularized in the 17th century by St. Margaret Mary the violence and blatant disregard for human life. United Alacoque, a French nun to whom Jesus appeared and with the Heart of Christ, we carry the weight of human revealed his heart, pierced and bleeding while burning with sinfulness. Yet, deeply trusting in the power of love and love for all of humanity. Christ’s passion and resurrection, we can be instruments of But what exactly does Sacred Heart spirituality look like God’s healing and hope. This is what devotion to the Sacred today? Is devotion to the Sacred Heart just something that Heart of Jesus looks like. Ever mindful of God’s love for us belongs in in the 17th century, or can it shape our lives in a and for each and every person created by God, we mirror meaningful way? As Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the same love and mercy that has been lavished upon us. Sacred Heart spirituality is at the center of who we are, and Mother Clelia teaches us how to build that civilization of so it is perhaps incumbent upon us to invite our friends love when she writes: “The love of Christ poured out in our and supporters to consider framing their lives by this hearts urges us to love our brothers and sisters even to the fundamental understanding of the power of God’s love. point of taking on their weaknesses, their problems and Mother Clelia writes, “Love transforms the lover into their difficulties. In a word: even to the point of giving our the person loved.” Sacred Heart spirituality is manifested very selves.” Let us give ourselves in love, for it is Christ’s by a union of our hearts with that of Jesus. When we power in us that will heal the wounds of our world. love someone, what matters to his/her heart matters to us. Praying with an awareness of God’s mercy and love Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you! gradually transforms our own hearts, making them more Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in your love for me! and more like his. And so we find ourselves asking Jesus, 3

Fr. Robert Villa and Sr. Jerilyn Hunihan explain the symbolism of the Lenten liturgical color of purple before Mass is offered at the Willard Cybulski Correctional Institution in Enfield, CT. (Photo by Andrius Banevicius) REPARATIVE LOVE Sharing the Love of the Heart of Christ Behind Prison Walls A Connecticut native, Sr. Jerilyn Hunihan has been ministering in prisons for the past 25 years. Although it is not always easy, she strives to be a healing presence to both the incarcerated men and the correctional staff working alongside her. ““Every one of us Sr. Jerilyn Hunihan was in 7th grade when she started writing letters has a sinful side; to Gene and George. But these were not ordinary pen pals—they God alone knows were inmates at Joliet Correctional Center in Illinois. our crimes, and Her older sister Marilyn had been corresponding with Gene and George we all need as part of a college criminal justice class. One day, Marilyn allowed forgiveness. Sr. Jerilyn to read the men’s letters, setting in motion a chain reaction that eventually led Sr. Jerilyn to prison ministry. - Sr. Jerilyn Hunihan, ASCJ “I could not get enough of their letters,” Sr. Jerilyn recalled. “I am still not sure how my dad actually agreed to this, but he gave me permission to 4 start writing to them.” Although she did not realize it at the time, a seed had been planted in her heart. It was that experience that sparked her passion for helping others. “Looking back, I learned that I could make a difference in someone else’s life,” she said.

A Long Road programs aimed at helping end the cycle of incarceration, It would be many years before Sr. Jerilyn even stepped foot prisoner artwork is exhibited at various venues across the state. in a prison. Like many Apostles, she started her ministry in “I love being able to celebrate the talent and creativity of our Catholic education and spent 35 years in the classroom. She incarcerated sisters and brothers,” she said. taught from Pre-K through 12th grade at schools in New Sr. Jerilyn doesn’t only support the needs of the prisoners; York, Pennsylvania, Missouri and Connecticut. she also ministers to her colleagues, from the wardens to the In 1997, while ministering at Sacred Heart Academy, she correctional officers. joined Sr. Carolyn Severino for a volunteer training session \"I am proud to be a supportive presence for my colleagues,\" at the New Haven Community Correctional Institution in she said. \"I have great respect for the work they do.\" New Haven, CT. Following the session, she and Sr. Carolyn committed to volunteer at the facility. Sr. Carolyn chose to A Healing Presence volunteer within the Religious Service Unit while Sr. Jerilyn While prison may not be the ideal work environment for many, pursued a volunteer role within the Education Unit where she Sr. Jerilyn feels at home in her ministry. That does not mean served as a tutor. the work is easy. There have been times when she has had to She continued to serve as a prison volunteer for 10 years until meet with people who have “committed terrible crimes.” In she joined the Connecticut Department of Corrections in those challenging moments, she relies on God’s mercy and the 2007 as a part-time religious services chaplain at Hartford charism of Blessed Clelia Merloni which calls each Apostle to Correctional Center (HCC), a short-term jail for men bring the reparative love of Christ to others, especially to the awaiting trial or sentencing. Sr. Jerilyn ministered as both poor, broken and marginalized. a part-time chaplain and a part-time teacher for four years “Every one of us has a sinful side; God alone knows our before transitioning into a full-time position at HCC. crimes, and we all need forgiveness,” she said. “If we truly “I would be teaching religion to 6th graders one day, and believe that our God is a God who forgives, even the worst the next, I was teaching a Bible study class to new inmates at of us can be saved.\" Hartford Correctional Center,” she said. “It certainly made Sr. Jerilyn has witnessed real transformation in the hearts of my weeks very interesting!” men to whom she has ministered. She has seen men go from Sr. Jerilyn remained at HCC for nearly 15 years, during which having no faith and showing no remorse for their actions, to time she was promoted to the rank of associate chaplain. In breaking down in tears during prayer and seeking forgiveness. 2021, she was transferred to Willard Cybulski Correctional It’s that reparative love of Christ that drives Sr. Jerilyn in her Institution in Enfield, CT, a “Level 2” facility that houses men ministry every day. who are preparing to re-enter the community. “I try to be a healing presence to the men,” she said. “They know As Associate Chaplain, Sr. Jerilyn oversees all the faith they can speak freely to me as a chaplain while I accompany traditions within the prison and supervises a team of them behind the walls of prison, and I have been blessed to be a chaplains, which includes a Catholic priest, a Protestant part of sacred moments of healing inside those walls.” minister, an imam, a rabbi and a Native American chaplain. While much of her work is administrative, she makes time to tend to the spiritual needs of the prisoners. She conducts weekly Catholic prayer opportunities such as Lectio Divina and Bible study and is available to meet with those who request to speak to a chaplain. “Getting out of the office and interacting with [the inmates] makes my day,” she said. “I am privileged to get to know them as real people, not just the statistic of someone who was convicted of a crime. I have found a family here and consider these men my brothers.” Another bright spot in her ministry is the prison arts Above: Imam Mohamed Haidara, Fr. Robert Villa and Sr. Jerilyn program. She has taught several classes and enjoys helping the discuss the day’s activities. (Photo by Andrius Banevicius) men channel their creativity. Through a collaboration with Community Partners in Action, a nonprofit that provides 5

Shining Lights of We were honored and blessed to welcome His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, as the guest speaker for our first-ever Lights of Faith fundraiser on April 6, 2022. Distinguished Catholic speaker and writer Kerry Alys Robinson led the event as our emcee. More than 280 guests joined us for this joy-filled and inspiring evening, including Archbishop Leonard Blair, Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt, and Bishop Peter Rosazza of the Archdiocese of Hartford; Bishop Michael Cote of the Diocese of Norwich; and Clockwise from top left: Cardinal Dolan greets guests upon arrival; Cardinal Dolan is seen with Archbishop Leonard Blair and (L-R) Sr. Mary Lee, Vice Provincial, Sr. Colleen Therese Smith, Director of Mission Advancement, and Sr. Barbara Thomas, Provincial Superior; Lights of Faith committee members Annette and Michael Vasaturo and their guest Jim Cantey speak with Cardinal Dolan; Sr. Justine Reina Praxedes sits with Jeff McKenzie and Todd and Tami Ingersoll; Kerry Robinson speaks before dinner. 6

Faith priests and religious from across Connecticut. The event raised funds to support the education of our Sisters in formation, the care of our retired Sisters and our mission of evangelization in Waterford, Ireland. Photo by Aaron Joseph Clockwise from top right: Cardinal Dolan addresses the room; Sr. Colleen Patricia Mattingly sings an Irish blessing accompanied by Sr. Elizabeth Doyle, Art Bellucci, Sr. Mary Grace Giaimo and Sr. Christina Skelley; Bishop Peter Rosazza, Sr. Clara Johnson and Art Bellucci share a laugh; a candid moment of Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop Leonard Blair and Bishop Juan Miguel Betancourt; students of The Griffith Academy perform an Irish step dance. 7

THEN Now Top: Archive photo of Sr. Mary Grace Giaimo (left), Sr. Lisa Florio and Sr. Alice Legan as novices in the early 1980s. Bottom: Sr. Mary Grace Giaimo, Novice Directress, is pictured with our three novices (from left) Sr. Patricia Young, Sr. Clara Johnson and Sr. Allison Zink. 8

In her role as Novice Directress, Sr. Mary Grace Giaimo serves as a teacher, guide and mentor to the three women currently in the Novitiate. It brings to mind fond memories of her time in the Novitiate, which has both changed and remained the same. She compares her years as a novice in the early 1980s to the experience of our novices today. The Novitiate today is essentially the same as it Needless to say, technology has advanced tremendously was for me, but several particulars have changed. since I entered. I remember learning in the Novitiate First of all, the Novitiate is currently located in the latest technology—word processing on an Apple II a separate house on the Provincialate grounds (known computer! We never had to learn how to moderate use of as the Stone House). In my time it was located within social media as the novices do now. Once again, I admire the Provincialate building, which brought different their commitment to that responsibility and their mature responsibilities. For example, we were charged with appreciation of the value in doing so. In formation, cleaning much of our side of the building, which included especially the Novitiate, contact with family and friends is the long hallways, the chapel, the main laundry room and somewhat limited. For us, that meant fewer phone calls, the Novitiate itself. That meant learning how to use the visits and letters. In one sense, the experience of that buffer (which we banged into many a wall and doorway!), limitation was starker for us since we had no possibility stripping and waxing floors, and washing lots of windows. for the occasional email or text. But on the other hand, But unlike the current novices, we did not cook or do candidates today are accustomed to near constant contact grocery shopping. All the communities of the house ate with others. It makes me wonder if their experience of from a common kitchen, where two sisters did all the limiting themselves is even starker in many ways than it cooking. We regularly assisted them in preparing meals, was for us. but we were not on a cooking and shopping rotation as the Despite the many differences in the practical realm, novices are now. the focus of the Novitiate remains on prayer, study and Another noticeable difference is the size of the novice experiencing the Apostle way of life while learning the groups. Although the groups were becoming smaller by meaning of our vows and practicing the skills needed for the time I was a novice, they were still generally larger community living. It requires a certain separation from than they are now. There were seven or eight of us in the activity and even relationships so that the novice can give Novitiate. Now there are two novices living in the Stone priority to nurturing her relationship with God in an House and one on mission. When I entered the convent, it atmosphere of greater recollection. While Novitiate life was still common for young women to enter immediately is today a little less structured than it was in the past, it or soon after high school. My group was somewhat of continues to maintain the structures that help the novices an exception to that, but now nearly every woman who to internalize the values of religious life and verify their comes to us has completed college, some with advanced call. Novices still have the sacred responsibility of caring degrees and most with work experience. Many lived on for the chapel as sacristans, and they are still called upon their own for some years before entering. to serve the community in many practical ways— and In the past, most of the new candidates had attended they do so generously. Apostle schools or knew the Sisters personally in some I find myself quoting my own novice directress often! way. Most candidates today find us on the internet She was and still is an example of a true religious, or through other means and know us personally for especially in her prayerfulness, selflessness and her rock- a relatively short time before they enter. All this has solid faith. She was never afraid to tell the truth that had changed the approach we take to formation in order to to be told, challenging us to live more authentically. I address and respect the varying needs and life experience often wonder how she was able to be so attentive to all of the candidates. It also brings different challenges to of us when she had more than twice as many novices as the young women entering. I truly admire the extra effort I do! I think of her often in many of the situations I face they make to adjust to living in community after having and hope that I can approach them with at least some been independent for a significant amount of time. It is of her wisdom. I was blessed in all my directresses, all also beautiful to see how they love and absorb the Apostle prayerful Sisters who love the Congregation and live charism, even though they may not have known any their vocation with conviction and integrity. If I can be a Apostles until recently. That to me is a sign that God has similar example to my novices, I will be grateful to God. truly called them! 9

ClotsoerSainthood Church Opens Investigation into Alleged Miracle Attributed to Mother Clelia On March 10, 2022, the Church officially opened an investigation into an alleged miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Clelia Merloni. The alleged miracle occurred in the summer of 2020, less than two years after Blessed Clelia was beatified. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? The alleged miracle is thoroughly studied by a scientific and theological commission in the Diocese of Rome where this proposed miracle occurred. This diocesan process consists of many interviews and visits to medical facilities and could take up to several years. Once the diocesan process is completed, the proposed miracle is studied by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints with its own scientific and theological commission. Once that research is concluded, the vote of this commission is forwarded to the episcopal members of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints whose affirmative vote is then communicated to the Holy Father. Should the miracle be verified and the Holy Father give his consent, the Pope would then sign a Decree of Miracle, leading to canonization. Interestingly, the Church teaches that the Holy Father himself does not make the person a Saint. Rather, he declares that the person is with God and is an example of a follower of Christ worthy of our imitation. The Road to Canonization Clelia Merloni born Congregation opens Mother Clelia Clelia Merloni is beatified in Forli, Italy cause for Mother Clelia's declared “Venerable” at the Basilica of St. John beatification by Pope Francis Lateran in Rome, Italy Mother Clelia dies in Rome, Italy May 30, 1894 March 14, 1951 May 21, 1999 January 27, 2018 March 10, 2022 March 10, 1861 November 21, 1930 June 18, 1990 December 16, 2016 November 3, 2018 Clelia founds Congregation of the Miracle attributed to Mother Clelia named Diocesan Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Mother Clelia: Pedro “Servant of God” investigation opens de Oliveira Filho is into alleged miracle Jesus in Viareggio, Italy cured of Guillain-Barre Pope Francis approves and signs attributed to Blessed Syndrome in Brazil Decree of a Miracle, completing Clelia's intercession process for beatification

Sr. Veronica Marinari works on a Campus Ministry project with students at Cor Jesu Academy. (Photo by Cyndi Mahne) Sister states: California and Rhode Island. lived her life. Her motto, “God Alone,” God provided! Her very first mission was present in the way she lived her sent her to Sacramento, CA, where she life. She was a woman of great courage taught at St. Charles Borromeo, and and vision who responded with God’s her second mission brought her to St. grace to the needs of the time. As a Snapshot Rocco School in Johnston, RI. Since young Sister, I took on the personal then, Sr. Veronica has remained open motto of “Love Serves.” I try to live this to serving wherever needed, which so daily, imitating Blessed Clelia’s zeal far has also included Tallahassee, FL, for sharing God’s love and giving of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, PA. oneself in service to others. Sr. Veronica Marinari, ASCJ What do you most enjoy about your What do you hope to impart to the ministry? young women at Cor Jesu? Sr. Veronica Marinari doesn’t know a Being an extrovert, I love interacting I hope our girls know that they stranger. Her outgoing personality with people. I have met wonderful are loved and loveable, that they and kind, affirming nature make her a people all over the country, many of are beautiful, and that they are beloved presence wherever God leads whom I still hear from. My ministry empowered to share with others the her in ministry. Currently, she serves as has taken me to places I never thought love of the Heart of Christ through Campus Minister at Cor Jesu Academy, I would like to go, and I have been their words, actions and service. our all-girls Catholic high school in St. pleasantly surprised. Our God is a God Louis, MO, where she ministered twice of surprises and Divine adventure; What brings you joy? before as a teacher. His plan for me has never ceased to Interacting with people brings me Her life of ministry has taken her surprise and bless me. great joy. My ministry in education across the country on what she calls has been life-giving because of the a \"Divine adventure.\" Before entering How is Blessed Clelia’s charism people whom I have met. As this the Apostles, she aspired to visit two reflected in your ministry? Divine adventure continues, I am Clelia’s charism of love, service and grateful to God for His many blessings reparation were integral to the way she to me and to my sister Apostles. 11

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 2155 295 Benham Street Hamden, CT 06514 www.ascjus.org Facebook.com/ascjus @ascjvocations @ascjus Mission Statement We are Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, consecrated women of the Church. Impelled by the spirit active in each of us and faithful to the charism of Blessed Clelia Merloni, we seek to make the compassionate Heart of Christ better known, loved and served. We do this by personal and communal witness to the Gospel, commitment to growth in holiness, and ministry to the people of God. PRAYER FOR UKRAINE We join our hearts to those of the people of Ukraine. We join our hands in prayer for peace and courage. Mother of God and our Mother, to your Immaculate Heart we solemnly entrust and consecrate ourselves, the Church and all humanity, especially Russia and Ukraine. Accept this act that we carry out with confidence and love. Grant that war may end and peace spread throughout the world. - Pope Francis, Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary