We gather at this wake service in memory of Sister Redempta and to celebrate her life. Agnes Anne Lengerich was born August 7, 1910, the second oldest of seven girls and seven boys, to August Lengerich and Ellen Rumschlag in the farming community of Decatur, Indiana. The farm is still in the family today and run by a nephew.
Sister Redempta and her blood sister, Sister Eymardine (Estella Rose), entered the novitiate in 1930 and together continued the rite of passage as religious when they received the habit in 1931, made first profession in 1933 and final profession in 1936. Even though many of their relatives were Sisters of St. Agnes from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the Lengerich girls chose to enter Holy Cross, a choice for which the congregation is most grateful. The story is told that when Mr. Lengerich brought his daughters to the novitiate, the superior said that she was sorry to be taking two of his daughters, and he replied, “I have 12 more children at home.” The Lengerichs were and still are a very devoted, caring family evidenced by the fact that more than 20 relatives are here to honor Sister Redempta’s life.
After first vows, Sister Redempta was assigned to the Holy Cross Sanatorium in Deming, New Mexico, where she served in the laundry and kitchen. Her baking skills were the joy of the patients — especially her breads, coffee cakes and cinnamon rolls. After six years in Deming, she returned to Saint Mary’s where she first took charge of the laundry, then moved on to preparing the meals for the priests. She was ready to move wherever there was a need, so when asked to take over the infirmary kitchen, she gladly did so. Her next move was to the convent store/sewing room where she helped with cutting out and sewing the habits for the sisters. Flexible as she was, she also spent 14 years in the print shop.
Some of us remember Sister Redempta’s days of service in the large convent kitchen where she always ran from task to task — she never seemed to walk. She was the one who offered to lift all the heavy pots and pans. If the walls could talk, they would tell of a quiet, unassuming woman who saw needs and took care of them. “I’ll do that!” was the motto she lived by.
Sisters Redempta and Eymardine were like two peas in a pod, very loving and devoted to each other. For their golden jubilee they enjoyed a wonderful trip to Rome, Lourdes and Fatima and later, a trip to Washington, D.C. These unexpected “specials” were funded by friends and former students. In retirement they grew closer together, praying every day at 3:15 p.m. the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and many times the Liturgy of the Hours. They were loyal and devoted to each other, but never left out other Sisters of the Holy Cross or family members. They were quiet, prayerful, hardworking women.
As her health failed, Sister Redempta moved to the convent and continued her ministry of prayer, which was always an integral part of her religious life. Even in failing health, she spent hours crocheting and used the proceeds to help the poor. Sister Redempta was a very private person and despite her pain, was a peaceful person. Her faith was deep and simple. The night before she died she kept kissing the scapular and reaching out to be sure I was there.
Early Wednesday morning Sister Redempta took God’s loving hand and she joined Sister Eymardine in the reward of heaven where she would be pain free. May you now be at peace, Sister Redempta, and thank you for a life well lived and for your quiet, prayerful example.