Voices and instruments lifted praises to God during the September 8 installation of the 2019-2024 General Administration of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Members of the Family of Holy Cross, loved ones, co-workers and acquaintances gathered in the Church of Our Lady of Loretto at Saint Mary’s to rejoice with and welcome seven sisters to their new leadership roles.
The new leadership members are Holy Cross Sisters M. Veronique (Wiedower), president; Sister Pushpa Teresa Gomes, first councilor; Sister Catherine Osimo, general secretary; Sister Esther Adjoa Entsiwah, councilor; Sister Kathleen Moroney, general treasurer; Sister Mary Tiernan, councilor; and Sister Suzanne Brennan, councilor.
Sister Sharlet Ann Wagner, first councilor of the Congregation’s 2014-2019 General Leadership Team, opened the installation ceremony and called forward the incoming General Administration. Sister lectors then recited the Congregation’s 2019 Direction Statement, the themes and language of which echoed throughout the ceremony.
Songs of praise punctuated the preceding celebratory Mass, where lyrics, Scripture and other texts were shared in multiple languages, reflecting the international and intercultural identity of the Congregation, as well as the new administration. Drawing from the Scripture readings, celebrant Father Thomas Bertone, CSC, spoke of the costs and the promises of discipleship, and the assurance of God’s presence at every step.
Sisters Sharlet, Angela Golapi Palma and Brenda Cousins then affirmed the new leadership members’ commitment to their charge. The three outgoing team members presented gifts of lighted candles in sconces to the members of the General Administration as these words were spoken: “As a sign of your acceptance of your call, and of our pledge to support you during your term, we give each of you this candle as a reminder of the light of the Spirit which guides our global desire for healing and wholeness. May God ignite in us all the fire of wisdom and understanding, insight and counsel, compassion and courage.”
The assembly gathered extended a blessing upon the new team at the close of the installation rite: “May our Creator God nourish and comfort you. May Christ who is the way, the truth and the life sustain you with compassion and love.”
We welcome our new leadership and pray that they will be blessed in their ministry together!
