May 2008: Our four Sisters who will celebrate their 75th Jubilee In 1933, a loaf of bread cost seven cents and a gallon of gas cost ten cents. It was also the year that construction began on the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore National Memorial was dedicated, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his inauguration speech that featured the phrase, “The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself,” and the chocolate chip cookie was invented. For the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis, 1933 marked the First Profession of Vows for our four Sisters featured in this story. They, along with 30 other Sisters who have gone on before them, knelt before the Bishop and dedicated their lives to the service of God and professed the vows of poverty, obedience, and celibate chastity. On June 21, 2008, we will celebrate with these Sisters and our 11 other Jubilarians as they recommit themselves to the service of God as Hospital Sisters. Sister Angelista Miosga (born on November 2, 1911 and pictured top left) When I was 19, I left my home in Oppeln, Silesia, Germany to become a missionary in America. The journey to America took two weeks by boat, and I knew that God was leading me to America. My first impression of New York was how big and vast it was. When the invitation came in 1949 for volunteers to serve in Japan, I submitted my name because I had seen pictures of the destruction from the atomic bomb. I wanted to do my part in helping them heal and I stayed for 52 years – loving every minute of it. Years ago our motto was “All for Jesus” and now that there are fewer Sisters, I want to lovingly pass this motto to all who work with us. I pray it will serve as a comforting reassurance during difficult times as you realize that you are doing God’s work. As you care for one another, remember that we are all created in God’s image. See the face of God in who you are caring for. Sister Christella Misch (born on January 14, 1914 and pictured top right) At age 17, I remember running onto the boat because I was leaving my home in Silesia, Germany to come to America to be a missionary. We journeyed for 10 days, and somewhere along the journey, I began to question what I was doing. I did not want to eat, and I could not sleep. I soon realized that this was the devil tempting me and making me question what I was doing. However, when I saw the lights of New York City from the harbor, I knew that the Lord had guided me through this storm and brought me to where I belonged. America was beautiful, and I was at home! When I professed my vows 75 years ago, I professed them for life. This was what God led me to do. And so I would ask those who work with us to remember that you have been given a wonderful calling from God to serve the patients and their families. Each job that you do is done for the Lord. Be happy and find joy in your work – no matter what it is or how difficult. Throughout my life, whatever came my way, I accepted it. I have prayed “In thee have I prayed. In thee I have hoped. I shall never be confounded.” And best of all, I never was. Sister Gabrielis Hu (born on November 11, 1911 and pictured bottom left) When I decided to become a Hospital Sister, I gave thanks to God for giving me the wisdom to follow Him. Even in the difficulty of leaving my homeland China in 1949 and coming to America, I remembered what my father always told me: never worry - because worrying does not change anything. God will take care of things as He ordained. Whatever you do be cheerful, happy, and satisfied. Always remember that the Lord has ordained His plan for all eternity, and therefore we are resigned to it. Be faithful to where you work and take whatever comes…always trust in God because He will help you. Sister Georgene Tappa (born on February 2, 1911 and pictured bottom right) Before I began the 8th grade in Stiles, WI, I knew that I wanted to be a Sister and a nurse. Well, I became a Sister but instead of a nurse, I became a dietician! I have had lots of enjoyment in my Religious Life and my work. One of my fondest memories was working at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Chippewa Falls, WI) with Joe Oberweis. We had a lot of fun working in the kitchen. I always knew that I was doing something that was necessary in my work, and this is so important for everyone to always keep in mind. Everyone contributes in some way in making things happen in the care of the patient and their family. As I celebrate my 75th Jubilee, I am humbled by God’s graces in my life and how He has kept me going all these years. I am also grateful to St. Joseph who has always been my pal and got me to the Convent and kept me here. I remember thinking that God called me to Religious Life and said ‘don’t waste time, you are getting older!’ I encourage everyone to pray and to persevere in the work that God has planned for you. Their Vows On June 21,2008 our Jubilarians will raise their right hand and renew their vows before Sister Jomary Trstensky, Provincial Superior, their Hospital Sisters, family, and friends. They will recite these words: "Fully confident in God’s help, I resolve to devote my life to an intense following of Christ Jesus. Therefore I vow to almighty God before here present and before you, Sister Jomary, to live forever in poverty, obedience, and celibate chastity according to the Rule and Constitutions of the Hospital Sisters of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis. I place myself completely at the disposition of this Community for the service of the Church.” The Bishop will respond: “And I, on the part of Almighty God if you observe these things, promise you life everlasting, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” Congratulations to all our Jubilarians We give thanks to all our Jubiliarians for their service to God and His people. In addition to Sisters Angelista, Christella, Gabrielis, and Georgene, we also will celebrate with: Sister Joel Jacobi (70 years), Sister Anna Clara Rick (60 years), Sister Cabrini Harasimowicz (60 years), Sister Chaminade Kelley (60 years), Sister Joseph Wu (60 years), Sister Leonardine Sconzert (60 years), Sister Marie Chang (60 years), Sister Paschal Cheng (60 years), Sister M. Paulette Collings (60 years), Sister Renelle Brueggemann (60 years), and Sister Viola Swoboda (60 years). Congratuations to our Sisters!

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