In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Macrina, CSC
(Helen Mary Wrobel)
Birth: December 6, 1908
Profession: August 15, 1930
Death: December 22, 2007

Sister Macrina, Helen Mary Wrobel, was born December 6, 1908—99 years ago. She was one of 10 children of Peter Wrobel and Mary Wisieski Wrobel and is the last of her generation to enter heaven.

Macrina received her education at St. Hedwig School, South Bend; Saint Mary's Academy, Notre Dame; and Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame. She was a true South Bend (Indiana) native.

She entered the community in February 1928, received the habit August 1928, made first profession in 1930 and final profession in 1934. Sister Macrina was the "clown of the band" in the novitiate, which was known as the famous "51" because of its many unconventional antics. If the novitiate walls could talk, we would hear some wonderful and entertaining stories.

Sister Macrina spent almost 60 years doing what she loved best: teaching the children in the elementary schools of the Midwest. Among her most valuable teaching traits were creativity and discipline, demonstrated in the innovative way she used whatever creative media was available at the time. She got her students involved in using their own creative abilities to develop anything that would enhance their learning. The students knew what her expectations were and they tried to measure up to her high standards. Besides teaching the academic subjects, she also instilled in them other character-building skills—leadership, a sense of commitment, working for the common good and generosity. However, she never embarrassed them regarding their level of performance, but challenged them with her classic question, "What can you do best?"

Her artistic ability was evident in the beautiful bulletin boards in her classroom as well as through the beautiful cards she painted. This talent was shared with others as gifts for feasts and special occasions.

She was devoted to the missions, and many remember the many hours of planning and fundraising activities that resulted in the thousands of dollars she made to help the missions. Her generosity and sense of helping others was modeled for her students at this time.

We cannot forget her skills in training altar servers—they were the best trained in the whole diocese, even the bishop of Gary was heard to acknowledge that fact. Her strong sense of perfection and dependability was passed on to these young men who to this day remember her training well. She was so thorough in her preparation and her effort to instill dependability that she even consulted the parents about serving schedules to be sure there were no conflicts.

Sister Macrina's faithfulness, fidelity and dependability were her hallmarks for doing what she said she would do, and as a good community woman she had the reputation for getting things done and organizing projects down to the last detail.

Early Saturday morning Sister Macrina walked into the arms of God and must have been greeted with "you have been a good and faithful Sister of the Holy Cross, now receive your reward." Macrina, may you rest in peace.

Written by Sister Thomas Anne Haugh, 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.