As we close out our 150th jubilee year we see that December has always been a busy and active time, often, of course, highlighted by the various traditions of Christmas.
1923--Stella Niagara—Little did we think that Mother Leonarda was standing on the very threshold of eternity. She had been feeling rather tired and had a cold for which reason she had slept in the infirmary for some days but no one thought that she was in any danger. She remarked to Sr. Berchmans that she felt tired enough to die even before Christmas, but Sr. Berchmans made nothing of this remark. On Sunday, Dec. 16, Mother went to her room after Mass and put all her correspondence in order. (She had visits from Sisters Paula and Emmanuel from Buffalo. When they were leaving S. Leonarda told them, “We shall not meet again in this world, but . . .” and pointed to heaven. By later that evening M. Leonarda spoke of being very, very tired and soon after being helped to bed by S. Berchmans, she hemorrhaged and soon died.) The Sisters were stunned by the suddenness of it all. Mother Gerard was in Ohio at the time, but she hurried home on receiving the news and brought Mother Dorothy with her. Mother Leonarda was laid to rest by the side of Mother Cecilia and next to the great Crucifixion group. . . . The North American Province will ever be greatly indebted to Mother Leonarda, and her name should not be forgotten.
1934—St. Anthony’s Convent, Sacramento, CA—In preparation for Christmas, our children brought supplies for Christmas baskets to be distributed to the poor. They responded so generously and nobly that many families were made happy on that day by the well-filled boxes of provisions which found their way into the homes of the needy. Surely God will reward such charity.
1953—St. Paul’s Convent, Athens, OH—The first Christmas program in the history of St. Paul’s School was presented on Sunday evening, December 20, at 7:30 o’clock. Children in Grades 1 and 2 gave a choric recitation, “A Child at the Crib,” and sang two numbers, “How Far Is It to Bethlehem,” and “Christmas Bells.” Grades 3, 4, 5, 6 united to present “The True Christmas Story.” As a narrator read the Gospel according to St. Luke appropriate Christmas carols were sung and tableaux depicting the Gospel story were presented.
1995—Newburgh Community, Buffalo, NY—December 15: Christmas tree decorating was the community activity today. Gerry was the main trimmer since Terri is allergic to fresh pines. She did a wonderful job straightening, lighting, and decorating our tree—the light needed readjusting and once again Gerry came to the rescue with a new string! Gerry definitely deserves the “elf of the year” award as Santa’s best helper.
2023—San Damiano Community, Amherst, NY—December 11: All three provinces had a shared prayer service on Our Lady of Guadalupe at 6:30 EST. Mike Zobel came to put up our outdoor lights and multipointed star.