In Loving Memory...
Sister M. Gertrude, CSC
(Monica Catherine Sullivan)
Birth: May 28, 1928
Profession: August 15, 1949
Death: September 9, 2004
Sister Gertrude endeared herself readily to so many persons with whom
she lived and ministered that appreciation of her many gifts brings a
spontaneous expression of gratitude.
We are surrounded by God’s limitless generosity in such a variety of
ways – through persons, places and events. In an extraordinary way, we
have experienced this wondrous love of our Creator through the person of
Sister Gertrude (Monica Catherine Sullivan).
Monica, the daughter of Raymond Francis and Isabell Catherine Sullivan
was born in Afton, Iowa, in 1928; in 1942 the family moved to Los Angeles,
California. Monica was one of six children, three of whom survive her:
Sister Raymond Mary of Queen of Peace Convent at Saint Mary’s; Rosemary
Dodds of Long Beach, California; and Sister Kateri of the Immaculate Heart
Community, Los Angeles. Gertrude’s brothers, Eugene of Iowa and Robert of
California, predeceased her.
To attempt to express all that Sister Gertrude has been and continues
to be for those privileged to know her, be it as a family member, a
congregational member or a friend, one dominant quality permeates all: her
deep faith, a faith which enabled her to say “yes” to God
throughout all events. This is not to suggest that there were not
struggles in this acceptance of whatever might lie ahead, but it is to
affirm that with quiet, sustained hope, she responded with peaceful
readiness to do God’s will. Gertrude’s often-repeated words, “Here is
where we trust the Lord,” reflect this conviction. A review of the
obediences presented to Gertrude over the years identifies so clearly her
energetic, joyous commitment to “Whatever the community needs, I will
do.”
Her ministries were varied: elementary teacher and principal;
studies in Rome; directress of the postulate, the novitiate and the
scholasticate; ombudsperson at Holy Cross Hospital, Mission Hills;
pastoral care and administrative minister in North Hollywood; religious
superior in our convents in Washington, Indiana, Utah and California; and
her more recent ministry at the Women’s Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Gertrude’s dedication to all these obediences attested to her
understanding and sensitivity to others. Gertrude’s was a loving service
built on her strong belief that “caring is a beautiful thing,” especially to the sick and the elderly. Her most powerful witness has been
here at Saint Mary’s as she dedicated herself to the ministry of prayer
and unconditional acceptance of a debilitating illness.
The wonderful family spirit that characterized the home of Raymond and
Isabell Sullivan is the heritage of all their children and grandchildren.
Monica Catherine seemed to cherish and radiate this valued gift in a
unique way as was evident during family gatherings, especially summer
vacations at the beach, where fascination for waves, shells and sand was
shared simply with her nephews and nieces. At these annual family
gatherings she acquired a wonderful appreciation of “drama” as
she attended and applauded original plays produced by the creative younger
generation.
A core value with Gertrude was that of humor; she took full advantage
of every opportunity to express it. It is well known that Gertrude had an
abiding affection for donkeys; there are a couple of versions as to how
she acquired this fascination for the animal. A reliable source affirms
that on one occasion Sister Ceciliana, her dear friend, brought to
Gertrude’s attention the fact that occasionally she displayed some
characteristics that are identifiable with this remarkable animal. Over
the years Gertrude’s preserving loyalty to the donkey was strengthened by
this lingering concept: “If the donkey was the preferred mode of
transportation of Jesus, its companionship is good enough for me.”
Enlivened by a joyous, loving spirit, she “quietly practiced what
others sometimes only preach about.” This was the experience of the
members of the 1970 profession band. As Gertrude’s spirituality deepened,
she garnered new insights; in 1998 during her sabbatical year at Sangre de
Cristo Retreat House in New Mexico, Gertrude was attracted to Saint
Thérèse of Liseiux. Among her notes was found this quotation: “Jesus does not demand great actions from us but simply surrender and
gratitude.” Have we not witnessed during these last months striking
evidence of her fidelity to this truth? Indeed, Gertrude did surrender in
an extraordinary manner; she expressed gratitude throughout an
overwhelming illness. Her joyful spirit and good humor continued until
last Thursday afternoon when she peacefully entered heaven, where her zest
for life continues, unceasingly.
Written by Sister Patricia Ann Thompson, CSC
Memorial contributions
may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry With the Poor Fund,
Saint Mary’s, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556.
|
|
