Letter of Support for Maryknoll Sisters

Following the April 18, 2012 release of the Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF—formerly known as the Holy Office of the Inquisition), members of the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers who participate in the bi-weekly discussion group "Common Table" debated at length what, if any, response was merited from our side of the road.

After a few sessions, a draft letter went out to all Society members asking for input. Correction were made. Objections were raised. Some thought this matter was strictly between the CDF and the LCWR, to which the Maryknoll Sisters belong, but since the Maryknollers were not singled out, that it was none of our concern. One said the Sisters were quite capable of defending themselves.

A few sided with the CDF (we are, after all, Maryknollers) and thought any letter of support was misguided. A few thought our letter was too strong; others not strong enough.

Finally, an edited copy was set to Society members to sign if they so wished. Others were encouraged to write and send their own letters in their own words, and several men did this, I am told.

The letter was composed on August 8, the Feast of St. Dominic (patron of the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic) and finally sent with 104 signatures to Sr. Janice McLaughlin, president of the Maryknoll Sisters Congregation on September 8, the Nativity of Mary. (Four more men have since emailed me to add their names, so that brings the total to 108).

Below is the text of the letter and the response by Sister Janice.


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Statement in support of the Maryknoll Sisters from Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers

We, members of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, express our unconditional support for and solidarity with the Maryknoll Sisters during this Centenary of their foundation.

For one hundred years we have worked side-by-side with them to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ among the poorest and most vulnerable of God’s people, both here and overseas.

We add our voice to that of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in lauding the Sisters’ unselfish sacrifice, dedication and service to others, especially the less fortunate, marginalized and outcasts of society.

The Sisters’ lives and witness therefore make other aspects of the CDF Assessment all-the-more perplexing, as it casts doubt on their integrity and loyalty to the Church.

In the noblest American tradition of open discussion and honest dialogue, and with solid conviction that our faith can stand the rigors of robust debate, the Sisters do not fear listening to speakers who express differing points of view.

The Sisters risk their safety, health and lives, and willingly forgo privilege, prestige and power, to live the Gospel and follow the laws of Christ in a most pastoral way. The unprecedented outpouring of public support attests to their effectiveness.

We therefore, the undersigned members of the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, are confident all things do indeed work together for good. A just resolution to this controversy, as that between Peter and Paul, will show the world we are all truly Christ’s disciples in our love for one another.

August 8, 2012

Feast of St. Dominic

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RE: Letter of Support

McLaughlin, Janice

Sent: September 11, 2012

To: Veneroso, Joe

What a great way to begin the day! I’ve passed on your message to the other members of the team.  We are deeply appreciative of your solidarity and will send our response to all 104 of you soon! The world would be a better place if we all had brothers like you.

Peace and joy,

Janice

Maryknoll Turns 100

With trumpets, violins, timpani, organ, piano and a thirty-five-member choir, Ms. Lucille Naughton led a congregation of 400+ in singing "Non nobis, Domine, sed nomine tuo da gloriam " (Not to us, Lord, but to your name give glory) as 63 Maryknoll concelebrants processed in ahead of Superior General Ed Dougherty.

The two statues of SS. Peter and Paul on either side of our main altar sported huge red stoles, as is the custom in the Vatican on this day, according to Father Mike Walsh.

Sr. Janice McLaughlin, president of the Maryknoll Sisters, read the first reading for the solemnity of the Apostles Peter and Paul. Mr. Sam Stanton, from the Maryknoll Lay Missioner leadership, read the second reading and newly ordained Fr. Rodrigo Ulloa-Chavarry proclaimed the gospel.

Fr. Dougherty then gave a homily befitting a whole century of service. Despite feeling like 100 years, it was actually only twenty-eight minutes long (but who's counting?). Interestingly enough, "Doc" tapped into his inner Baptist preacher and had the congregation repeatedly respond with "Yes, we would!" to several incantations beginning "We would like to thank..." To wit, all Maryknollers, living and dead, all Maryknoll entities, Maryknoll affiliates, Maryknoll associates, Maryknoll benefactors, Maryknoll employees, and Maryknoll men in formation were all feted.

Towards the end of the Mass, County Executive Rob Asterino (cousin of Maryknoll Father Bob Asterino, Hong Kong) spoke a few words of congratulations and shared how as a boy he actually worked one summer in our social communications department. He declared Wednesday, June 29, 2011 as Maryknoll Appreciation Day in Westchester and formally presented "Doc" with the framed proclamation.

The entire ceremony not only was streamed live via Channel 15 to the men at St. Theresa's, but it was also videoed by former lay missioner Mr. Mike Lavery from the archdiocesan communications department.

After Mass the throng migrated out to the tent in the quadrangle where our Sodexo staff once again outdid themselves in presenting foods from around the mission world. Among our many guests were Gloria and Carl Price, relatives of our co-founder, Father Thomas Price. They did the honors of blowing out the candles on Maryknoll's birthday cake.

In a corner of the dining room, a huge screen showed a DVD prepared by Br. Kevin Dargan and Ms.Maureen Toohey of Channel 15 with vintage photos and Fr. Emile Dumas' voice reading the words of founder Bishop James A. Walsh.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the presence of about 12 very polite and pleasant protesters who stood outside with signs in support of Fr. Roy Bourgeois and women's ordination. Several Maryknollers went over and chatted with them and found them to be very sincere and dedicated. They also passed out a statement which I shall include in tomorrow's blog.

Today belongs to Maryknoll.

Sr. Janice & Food for Thought

Sr. Janice McLaughlin, president of the Maryknoll Sisters, spoke this afternoon to an overflow crowd of Maryknollers in the Founders Room about her 2009 Orbis book, "Ostriches, Dung Beetles and Other Spiritual Masters." The author of several books, Sr. Janice considers this her most spiritual book.

How did this book come to be? Although she didn't realize it at the time, It ended up being her farewell gift to Zimbabawe.

As a child Janice was always interested in nature. She remembers looking at tadpoles or going fishing with her father on the lakes and rivers around her native Pittsburgh. Waiting to get a fish to nibble was her first experience of contemplative prayer.

With her assignment to Africa (Rhodesia) she was overwhelmed with the beauty of nature and the people, with their faith, their joy and their hope in the face of terrible oppression. Visitors to her mission in the millennial year inspired her to see as much of Zimbabwe as possible. About the size of Texas, Zimbabwe has about nine million population. For New Year's they drove to Lake Kariba and visited the game parks.

All along the way to Victoria Falls they saw magnificent wildlife. Janice listened to the game guides, who explained animals and plants and was struck by the description of the baobab tree and how it survived in dry, hot climates and can live for more than 1,000 years. When it gets a disease, it expels it from within, leaving a gaping hole yet healed. Janice wondered whether we could do that spiritually. She began to take notes.

Janice also learned to appreciate the lessons taught by animals from her dog in Africa.

Lions are playful and enjoy leisure. They are family-oriented.

Zebras are each original. Like Maryknoll Sisters, there are no two alike. Babies can find their mothers even in a huge herd.

Elephants live in matriarchal families and they truly never forget. They communicate with sounds imperceptible to humans from a distance of 50 kilometers. They mourn their dead. They gently caress their deceased and leave. After a year they come back to find the bones and do a dance with them. Elephants separated from their families go rogue.

Giraffes symbolize flexibility. Their agile tongues get around thorns to get to tender leaves. They regulate their blood flow when they drink. They have much to teach missioners about being adaptable.

Wildebeest exemplify cooperation. They give birth together. This assures some will not be eaten.

Herd animals cooperate in keeping watch and helping all avoid danger and get through hard times.

Rhinos are examples of stability and this unfortunately makes then easier to shoot. Poaching is on the rise in East Africa and the rhino may disappear in less than 100 years.

The hornbill shows unconditional love. The male seals its mate into the hollow of a tree where she and the babies are totally dependent on the male. Her chapter on the hornbill begins the book and is the most personal for Janice. Her neighbor in Pittsburgh was a policeman who had to take care of his sick wife and their daughter, working two jobs, dedicating himself totally to their well-being.

When she was imprisoned in Rhodesia and faced the death penalty, she felt the comforting presence of God. Like the female hornbill imprisoned in the tree, she was totally dependent on God for her survival. She doesn't think people need to wait till they are arrested to experience this loving presence of God.

Zimbabwe means "House of Stone" and one can see rock formations from the Rift Valley. These formations were used for thousands of years as places to worship. Africa makes you appreciate the wonders of life and nature.

A poor man from Zimbabwe was one of two artists who illustrated the book. She learned he died recently of cerebral meningitis. So many of the people she knew and worked with on Africa have since died of AIDS or other debilitating disease. Yet despite all the suffering, there is a peace and tranquility that emanates from Africa.

Lastly, the dung beetle Janice sees as perseverance, never giving up, forging ahead despite overwhelming odds---like writing this book! Each chapter comes with discussion questions and suggestions for action.

Her book is on sale in the Maryknoll Gift Shop for $11.60