Jubilarians dedicate lives to Church through prayer, service

Published: December 5, 2009

Men and women religious are recognized each year as jubilarians for their service to the Church for 25, 50, 60, 70 and 75 years. This year there are 15 sisters and one brother who are marking an important anniversary. Many of them continue today as health care workers, teachers and retreat leaders.

On Dec. 5-6 parishes will collect money for the National Religious Retirement Office during Masses. Ninety-five percent of all donations to the office benefit elderly and frail religious.

In 2009 four religious houses in Arkansas received direct-care assistance from the national office to assist their elderly and infirm members. The grants are based on the order's level of need, age of members, and "self-help factors implemented by the institute."

Fort Smith: St. Scholastica Monastery, with 64 members, got $31,782.38. 22.98 percent of the monastery's retirement needs are not funded.

Jonesboro: Holy Angels Convent, with 44 members, received $19,287.95. 47.45 percent of the convent's retirement needs are not funded.

Little Rock: Carmelite Monastery, with 14 members, received $7,831.51. 79.03 percent of the monastery's retirement needs are not funded.

Subiaco: Subiaco Abbey, with 48 members, received $31,999.31. 91.65 percent of the abbey's retirement needs are not funded.

In 2008 Arkansas parishioners gave $134,538.21 through the collection.

75 years

Sister Cordelia Lange

Sister Cordelia Lange, OSB, a native of Nazareth, Texas, grew up in a large farming family. Inspired by her aunts who were Benedictine sisters at Holy Angels and St. Scholastica convents, she decided to enter the monastery as a teenager.

"There were days I was too homesick, but through prayer and hard work I stuck it out," she said.

She spent her career as an elementary and secondary school teacher in Arkansas and Texas, while earning her master's degree in education at Marymount College in Salina, Kan. She assisted in the monastery formation program for nine years. She now lives in the infirmary, participating in the ministry of prayer, with time for her favorite hobby, doing jigsaw puzzles with her sister, Sister Corinne. Reflecting upon 75 years as a sister, she encouraged young women to stay close to Jesus. "You have to be still and listen to God's voice calling you to help him in a special kind of way," she said. "Don't think religious life is easy, but God will pull you through any difficulty. His love and presence is always there. Jesus said ask and you shall receive."

Sister Annella Reginelli

Sister Annella Reginelli, OSB, a native of Lake Village, was the second youngest of four sisters and five brothers. She decided to join religious life at age 15, inspired by her fifth- and sixth-grade teacher, Sister Jane Frances Brockman, OSB. Her mother, a widow, was very happy to hear Sister Annella's decision. She taught elementary school for 49 years, mostly in seventh and eighth grades and served as administrator of St. Joseph Orphanage in North Little Rock for six years. When the orphanage became St. Joseph Home, Sister Annella assisted with day care until the center closed. She now lives in the infirmary, participating in the ministry of prayer, where she is known for her ready smile and kindly disposition.

"I enjoyed my time as a sister very, very much," she said. "Just being a sister has made me happy."

70 years

Sister Herbert Huber

Sister Herbert Huber, OSB, was born in Oedsbach, Baden, Germany, and immigrated to the United States when she was 6. As a child, she spoke German and English to keep her skills up. After joining St. Scholastica Monastery, she received her bachelor's and master's degrees in German and later received a study grant for an onsite cultural experience of her homeland. Sister Herbert spent many years as an elementary school teacher and German translator. Following her retirement from teaching, she continued to tutor, chauffeur sisters and perform music in long-term care facilities. Sister Herbert, whose sister, Sister Rosarita, celebrated her 60th jubilee last year, now lives in the infirmary and participates in the ministry of prayer. She is an active participant in the twice-weekly senior exercise class. When asked about her years as a sister, Sister Herbert said, "I loved my 42 years of teaching. I appreciated seeing those little eyes excited about learning."

Sister Xavier Perona

Sister Xavier Perona, OSB, a native of Tontitown, was inspired to join religious life through the example of Father Francis Xavier Dollerton, her pastor, and the loving, prayerful vigilance of her parents. After taking her vows as a Benedictine sister and graduating from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Boonville, Mo., Sister Xavier enjoyed a long career as a nurse in community-sponsored hospitals. She also served as outpatient coordinator at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fayetteville. After retiring from the VA, she came back to the monastery as director of the infirmary for six-and-a-half years. Sister Xavier still assists in the monastery, caring for the altar linens and doing household chores.

"I have had a very busy, fulfilling life as a sister," she said. "I worked very long hours during my nursing career, but I am thankful to God for his graces and blessings and to my wonderful Benedictine community for their love and support. Being a sign of his presence in my patients' times of need gave me a happy life."

60 years

Brother Anselm Allen

Brother Anselm Allen, OSB, was born in Little Rock and graduated from Subiaco Academy in 1957. He professed his vows as a monk on Nov. 13, 1959.

Brother Anselm's talents have been used in many areas, especially in maintenance. He is involved in keeping the abbey's electrical system in top condition. He is a metalworker, a plumber and a jack-of-all-trades. For 22 years, he faithfully carried out the daily assignment of abbey mail carrier. He has been manager of the water treatment plant, which serves the abbey and town of Subiaco, and for several years, he was the abbey fire chief.

As a young monk, Brother Anselm was appointed a weather observer for the abbey and town of Subiaco in 1962. In 2009, Brother Anselm was given The Thomas Jefferson Award, the highest and most prestigious award bestowed on cooperative weather observers. In addition, he serves as a volunteer firefighter and "first responder" for emergency medical services.

In 1988, he was named the "Outstanding Water Operator" for towns of less than 5,000 people, by the Arkansas Water and Pollution Control Association.

Sister Cabrini Arami

Sister Cabrini Arami, OSB, was born in Montague, Texas. Her parents were born in Italy and settled in Montague, an Italian settlement known for its grapes and wines.

Sister Cabrini became acquainted with the Olivetan Benedictine sisters who taught at Sacred Heart School in Muenster, Texas. Every Sunday, the sisters traveled to Montague to teach religion to the children.

After entering Holy Angels Convent in Jonesboro and making her profession in 1949, she spent her career as an educator in elementary and secondary schools in Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education and a master's degree in secondary education. Her teaching was interrupted, while she served as the prioress, from 1987 to 1993.

Because of health problems, Sister Cabrini retired in 2001 and presently resides in the infirmary of Holy Angels Convent. After having major heart surgery and recuperation, she continues to attend all community prayers and activities.

"Serving Christ by love and service to my sisters, students and fellow teachers has brought me joy and peace throughout these 60 years of working in the Lord's vineyard," she said.

Sister Audrey Becker

Sister Audrey Becker, OSB, was born in Barling. She received her bachelor's degree from Quincy College in Quincy, Ill., and a master's degree in religious education from Loyola University in Chicago. The jubilarian taught for 40 years in schools in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas. Upon her retirement, she served as assistant director of the retreat center and currently serves as monastery secretary/treasurer. She enjoys swimming and doing jigsaw puzzles in her spare time.

"When I think back over the 63 years I've been at St. Scholastica Monastery, it seems like a very short time," Sister Audrey said. "The real meaning of religious life is changeless -- to seek God in relationships and events. It has been a fulfilling life and I am happy with my choice."

Sister Andrea Loran

Sister Andrea Loran, OSB, a native of Rhineland, Texas, is an expert in the culinary arts who spent her career preparing meals in many of the monastery's institutions. Since 1997, she has been one of the core members of Hesychia House of Prayer in New Blaine. She characterizes her time as a sister as years of prayer and contemplation.

"The values of St. Benedict are still shaping my life with simplicity and prayer," she said. "In reciting the Suscipe: 'Receive me, Lord, as you have promised, and I shall live, and disappoint me not in my hope,' we see that he does not disappoint us, but bids us come to him in loving trust. My life as a sister of St. Scholastica has been very fruitful and rewarding."

Sister Mary John Seyler

Sister Mary John Seyler, OSB, was born, baptized and raised at Sacred Heart Parish in Muenster, Texas.

"Our Catholic faith was the center of my parish, my family life and small area of north Texas," she said.

After teaching for 40 years in small Catholic schools, she retired and began working at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

"The opportunity to minister directly to persons who are vulnerable, in many ways, seems really the opportunity to do Christ's work, in numerous ways, every day," she said.

She spends her time "understanding and practicing good ecology."

"Nature in all its beauty, ferocity and giving is more important than 50 or even 25 years ago," she said.

"Gratitude should and does claim more and more of my daily efforts -- gratitude to my loving God, to my Olivetan Benedictine sisters, my totally accepting family and the many friends I have been privileged to know and love over the years."

Sister Brendan Siebenmorgen

Sister Brendan Siebenmorgen, OSB, was born in Morrison Bluff. Her aunt, Sister Benita Wewers, inspired her to become a sister by sending her a picture of the Sacred Heart. After graduating from eighth grade, Sister Brendan wanted to enter the convent, but, being the oldest of 12 children, she needed to help her parents on the farm. She never forgot her desire to become a sister and a nurse, even while working at a retail/wholesale store. She made her temporary profession in 1949 at age 24. She obtained her nursing diploma from Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, S.D., and worked for 38 years as a health care professional in monastery-sponsored hospitals. Sister Brendan continues to work in the monastery accompanying older sisters to doctors' visits and when they visit the main dining room.

"As Benedictines, we do not travel life's journey alone. We are supported by one another," she said.

She encourages young women who think they might be called to religious life to "come and try it out. God has a plan for all of us," she said. "I thank God every day that he gave me the inspiration to hear his call and the strength to continue his work."

50 years

Sister Noeline Banks

Sister Noeline Banks, RSM, was born in Little Rock and graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy. After graduation, she entered the Religious Sisters of Mercy in St. Louis. She attended Mercy Junior College and graduated from Webster College with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She earned a master's degree in education from the University of Central Arkansas. At Henderson State University, Sister Noeline earned certification in administration.

She taught first graders at St. Alphonsus School and third graders at Holy Name of Jesus School, both in New Orleans. Her third assignment brought her home to Arkansas to teach first grade and she eventually became principal for seven years. She also worked in St. Louis and Amarillo, Texas, before becoming the principal, teacher and assistant principal of St. John School in Hot Springs for 28 years.

In June, seven Sisters of Mercy, who entered religious life together on Sept. 8, 1959, gathered to celebrate at Mercy Health Center in Oklahoma City. On Sept. 19, St. John Parish and school honored Sister Noeline with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Anthony B. Taylor.

Sister Jo Ann Senko

Sister Jo Ann Senko, OSB, who was born in Slovak, first met the Benedictines as a fourth grader in Holy Rosary School in Stuttgart. After graduating from St. Scholastica Academy in Fort Smith, Sister Jo Ann worked for the Stuttgart Daily Leader for four-and-a-half years. In 1956, she left her position as society editor to enter the monastery. She earned her bachelor's degree in home economics from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. She worked as a teacher, prefect for boys in St. Joseph Home, hospital dietitian and social worker for the Diocese of Amarillo. She now works in the monastery as a receptionist and volunteers at Sparks Medical Center in Fort Smith. Reflecting on her 50 years as a sister, she said, "This year I have come to learn about the close, caring God who is right with me, giving me the help and waiting for my responses. That is one aspect of God I have come to know and cherish."

Sister Macrina Wiederkehr

Sister Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB, a native of Altus, has had a varied career, working as an elementary school teacher, parish worker and vocation director. She served in the diocesan diaconate program and spent four years in campus ministry at the University of Arkansas Newman Center. Since 1985, she has been on the St. Scholastica Retreat Center staff. Sister Macrina, the author of seven books on spirituality and a columnist for the Little Rock Scripture Study newsletter, is an internationally known retreat director.

"As I prepare to celebrate 50 years of fidelity to the monastic way of life," she said, "the image that comes to me is that of a comfortable pair of shoes that I have finally grown into. Community living has not always been a perfect fit for me. It has been a bittersweet struggle, and I have often asked myself, 'What am I doing here?' Yet as I look around the circle of sisters who have become my spiritual family, I know this is my home, and I am glad to be here."

Sister Judy Warmbold

A native of St. Louis, Sister Judy Warmbold, DC, entered the Daughters of Charity in 1958 to serve people who are the "poorest of the poor." In 2006 she moved to Arkansas and ministers as a counselor and facilitator of women's empowerment groups at Daughters of Charity Services of Arkansas, two rural health centers in Dumas and Gould. She lives with other Daughters in Gould.

Sister Judy has a diverse ministry history -- teaching in Los Angeles, Chicago and Donaldsonville, La.; director of religious education in North Platte, Neb.; director of rural ministry in the Diocese of El Paso, Texas; vocation director for her community; pastoral ministry with AIDS patients as well as counseling at Catholic Charities in Kansas City, Mo. She earned a bachelor's degree from Marillac College in St. Louis and master's degrees in theology from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and counseling from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, Mo.

25 years

Sister Lisa Griffith

Sister Lisa Griffith, RSM, credits her parents with giving her a loving foundation that was open to the possibility of a religious life.

"My parents have been a huge part of my religious formation -- past and present -- their commitment to each other and to the Church has been a wonderful example," she said. She entered the community in 1984 after two years at Meridian Junior College in Mississippi and took final vows in 1993. She earned a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Missouri in St. Louis and a master's degree in counseling from Creighton University. She is currently working on obtaining administrative certification through the University of Dayton. She has worked at Mount St. Mary Academy in Little Rock for 12 years, where she has served as a counselor and a teacher. She is currently the dean of academics.

When asked how she hopes to inspire today's young women, she said, "I want them to first witness people making a commitment in their lives -- and sticking with it. I also want them to see that we are real people, and that religious life is a very rewarding and life-giving commitment."