Carmelite Events

Story Contribution: Sr. Catherine Angeline, O.Carm.

Photo Courtesy: Sr. Carol Nolan, O.Carm.

Sister Mary Catherine Angeline Hinkle renewed her religious vows in the presence of her local Prioress, Sr. Michelle Anne Reho, O.Carm. and Fr Jack Siberski, SJ MD as celebrant.  The homily was  based on the readings personally chosen by Sister Catherine with the theme on "The Greatness of God's Merciful Love - To Jesus through Mary." The liturgical celebration used the Votive Mass for the Renewal of Profession. Sr. Catherine is currently missioned at Saint Patrick's Manor in Framingham, MA.

Story & Photo Contribution: Sr. Kevin Patricia, O.Carm.

Sr. Luke Mary Angeline renewed her vows on August 30, 2020 in the presence of her local Prioress Sr. Bernadette Therese, O.Carm., Fr. Paul Richmond, O.Carm. and her fellow Carmelite Sisters. Sr. Luke Mary's brother was also present for the liturgical celebration.  Sister is currently missioned at Saint Patrick's Home, Bronx, NY. 

Sister Mary Ellen Bernadette O.Carm. passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, August 27, 2020 at Ozanam Hall, in the 64 ^th year of her religious life. Sr. Mary Ellen had been receiving excellent skilled nursing care at Ozanam Hall since April of 2018.

Elsie Rodrigues Magano was born on April 21, 1932 in Fall River, MA to Manuel and Mary (nee Souza Rapoza) Magano, also of Fall River.  In addition to her parents, Sr. Mary Ellen was predeceased by her sister, Sr. M. Francis Clare of All Saints.  Having entered the Congregation on September 7, 1956, Sr. Mary Ellen professed first vows on October 2, 1958 and final vows on December 8, 1962.  She was assigned for very short periods of time in several missions but served the longest at Catholic Memorial Home, Fall River, MA (1976-1986); St. Patrick’s Residence, Naperville, IL (1986-1988); and Ozanam Hall, Bayside, NY (1988 – 2020).

Trained as a C.O.T.A., Sr. Mary Ellen’s various ministries included activities, bookkeeping, data entry for MDS, and various clerical positions. A woman of multiple talents, Sister was a member of the Community Choir for many years, where she shared her gorgeous, crystal clear singing voice.  Sr. Mary Ellen played the organ and the guitar, and she and Sr. Francis Clare enjoyed attending the National Pastoral Musicians Conference each year until their health prevented traveling.  Sr. Mary Ellen was also very artistic and designed the beautiful logo for St. Patrick’s Residence, which was introduced during the transition from Joliet to Naperville and is still in use today.  Some of her favorite things were counted cross stitch, jigsaw puzzles, visiting Avila and, of course, as a true Fall River native, eating lobster.

The Lord invited Sr. Mary Ellen to join him in heaven, and she gently slipped away to meet her heavenly spouse.  May her beautiful voice join in with the choirs of angels for eternity.

On August 15, 2020, our Postulant Sr. Katie Nicosia, was received into the Novitiate and will begin her formation as a Canonical Novice. The Reception Ceremony was held at Saint Teresa's Motherhouse in Germantown, New York. The Avila Sisters were present as well as invited Sisters from the Homes where Sister Katie spent her Postulancy (St. Patrick's Manor in Framingham, MA) and where she volunteered (Carmel Richmond, Staten Island, New York).  Father Jim Hess, O.Carm. was the celebrant.  Sister received her Carmelite habit and her name in religion- Sister Michelle Elizabeth Marie, O.Carm.

We thank God for this beautiful gift to our religious community and pray that many more young women will be drawn to give of themselves in service to God and His Church!

Congratulations, Sr. Michelle Elizabeth Marie, and may your journey in Carmel be blessed!

PHOTO COURTESY: Sr. Theresa Marie, O.Carm.

PHOTO COURTESY: Sr. Christopher Jude, O.Carm.