In Loving Memory...

Sister M. Davida, CSC
(Katherine McKenna)
Birth: April 14, 1917
Profession: August 15, 1941
Death: January 3, 2008

Today we come together to try to capture the essence of the life of our Sister Davida, to catch the spirit that was grace for many people.

Life began for her in the heart of New York City when Katherine McKenna, called “Kay” by her family, was born to Francis McKenna and Mary Fehling on April 14, 1917. In addition to a twin brother, she had another brother and four sisters—one of whom, Sister Christopher, also joined the congregation—and what she described as “a bunch of relatives.” Her autobiography indicated that when she reminded her twin brother that she was born 10 minutes before him and was his elder, his reply was, “You look it.”

In her autobiography Sister Davida summarized the four years of her life after graduation from high school, first in the garment industry and then the advertising world of Madison Avenue. Thus, she experienced a spectrum of the best and the worst as she mingled with many on the streets of the city. At this point her autobiography gives a very poignant image of what formed her personhood. She said: “Finally, the Lord’s urging brought me to the decision to leave my wonderful family to enter the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. It was a decision made after several years of struggle between the love of and for a fine young man and the call to religious life. Thank God, the Lord won.” Within these brief statements of life experience we find the foundation of a truly human person.

The accumulation of responses from people who knew Davida had great consistency: her joy, her faith, so loved by people, especially young students; great personality that made people immediately comfortable; a depth of spirituality; compassion for the needy; awareness of her need for physical involvement in the leisure of swimming, dancing, basketball. Lake Joy grew out of her vision, as did the original Lakeside houses.

To grow in spiritual maturity, a balance is needed, as exemplified by the two gifts described by author Philip Sheldrake: the gift of growth in full humanity and the growth in relationship with God, which are intimately linked. Davida understood the words of John’s Gospel: “As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us … so that they may become completely one so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” This is the eternal dance, the union with God, which Davida embraced.

Finally, this integration of New York savvy and spiritual freedom becomes evident in a final episode of her life story. Mary Kozinski, nursing supervisor for the 4th floor, has an inimitable ability to tease and cajole her patients with great love. Just a few days before Davida’s death, she said to Davida, “Sister Davida, did you say your Office today?” and Davida fired back, “It is none of your damn business!”

Davida, you left us laughing and we rejoice with you as you enter THE GREAT dance!

Written by Sister Olivia Marie Hutcheson, 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.