by Sister Daisy Kabuleeta, CSC
Diversity in our Congregation makes us grow together much stronger and with much greater vision. This was once again revealed during the 2018 Tertian Program. Spending time together during the summer studying and interacting with the sisters at the motherhouse allowed us to not only build personal relationships but also learn about culture from a local perspective. Cultural exchange often involves adapting and learning about a new environment.
Twelve sisters from Uganda, Bangladesh and Brazil participated in the Tertian Program from July 23 through September 1 at Saint Mary’s. In attendance were Sisters Mitali Mree, Joyce Rozario, Mina Theresa Nongmin, Maria Lotica Palma, Linda Veronica Gomes, Tuli Drong, Sheshanti Margaret Nokrek, Daisy Kabuleeta, Jamuna Magdeline Gomes, Conceição Nogueira dos Santos, Sheema Purification, and Rosevania de Oliveira Pimentel.
Saint John’s on the Saint Mary’s campus was a great home for Tertians. We freely played, told stories, cooked different foods and, of course, had fun enjoying one another.
The classes offered during the program were rich with information. The Tertian Program was planned by Sister Sharlet Ann Wagner. Sister Mary Tiernan facilitated the six-week program. Members of the General Leadership Team presented workshops: Sister M. Veronique (Wiedower), “Contemporary Issues in Religious Life,” and Sister Brenda Cousins, “Inter-cultural Living & Mentoring.” Other workshops and their presenters included “Midlife Transitions,” Sister Lynn Levo, CSJ; “Father Moreau and the Vows,” Brother Joel Giallanza, CSC; “Pastoral Skills,” Sister Maureen Grady; “Living the Vows with Integrity,” Sisters Joan Marie Steadman and Mary Louise Full; and “Compassionate Listening,” Sister Marianne Farina. The program concluded with an eight-day directed retreat at Lindenwood Retreat Center in Donaldson, Indiana.
The Tertian Program helped me feel connected to my sisters/bandmates who are in different countries since I do not have a bandmate in my own country. It also helped me live life to the fullest and appreciate the precious gift of religious life. During the program, I learned the importance of being able to learn from my sisters and the value of spending time together as one family though from different countries. Getting along with other sisters is necessary and this has made me more sensitive to others’ needs. The program offered us a great way of enhancing our own openness and creativity through deep sharing and creating space for each participant.
Sisters Sharlet and Mary Tiernan, the Leadership Team and all our sister presenters, please accept our sincerest thanks for the hospitality and your excellent support. Your efforts contributed substantially to the success of the program.
