Sr. Elsa

In the Spring of 1949, I received the grace to make it known to my mother, my desire to enter the Sisters of Christian Charity. Prior to this announcement, I had been feeling deeply to move in this direction. However, there was a hesitancy and fear to make this special step in my life. In our small parish church, Immaculate Conception, New Oxford, Pennsylvania, there was above the altar of sacrifice a very simple and clear canvas painting of Mary going to the temple. I always thought she was about my age when she gave herself to God. Also, the tabernacle at the time was still anchored on the altar of sacrifice, directly under the painting. I felt a strong invitation coming from Jesus within the tabernacle. I wanted to stay and never leave. It was something like Mount Tabor in the Scriptures. However, I did not see, I only felt and felt so deeply. After that a fear came over me. At this time in my life, I had a strong devotion to St. Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus. And so, every night with my prayers, I prayed that this desire to give myself to God in religious life would leave me. It seemed that the more I prayed, the stronger my desire grew. I decided to let go of my fears and pursue religious life.

After making all the preparations with our Sisters in McSherrystown, PA, and receiving a letter of permission from the Provincial Superior, Mother Augustilde, in Mendham, New Jersey, I entered the Sisters of Christian Charity on September 4, 1949. This was the most memorable turning point in my life. I never doubted that this was God’s plan for me, because my thoughts kept going back to that first invitation from him in the tabernacle. During all these years since my investing of August 21, 1950, when I received the habit and my religious name, God has recreated me over and over again in His love and invitation to serve Him in religious life.

My service in the church was that of a teacher of young children. I taught for 45 years in our schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Florida. Afterwards, I retired from being a full-time teacher, and I had various assignments such as part-time teaching, library work, cooking for the Bishop of Harrisburg, and visiting the homebound. My last assignment was in St. Nicholas Parish, Wilkes-Barre, PA where where I celebrated my 70th Jubilee on June 20, 2020. After 10 years of service at St. Nicholas Parish, it was time for complete retirement to our Motherhouse in Mendham, NJ. Looking back, God has clothed me all these many years in his grace. In the theme of my 70th jubilee I pray: Benedicamus Domino! Let us bless the Lord!