The General Visitation in the Queen of Apostles Province, USA, occurred from 9th to 25th August 2024. Sr. Josephina D’Souza, the Superior General, and Sr. Malgorzata Wyrodek, the Vicar, arrived at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, welcomed by Sr. Izabela Świerad and Sr. Sahaya Mary Ambrose from the community in Laurel, MD.
The American Province, with fifteen sisters, is dispersed in three communities with the institutions: Pallottine Renewal Center in Florissant, MI, St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, MD, and Pallottine Foundations of Huntington and Buckhannon. Despite the low membership number, sisters are still actively involved in apostolate and ministry: hospitals, schools, parish, pastoral work, and administration.
The community in Laurel was first on the visitation schedule. Sr. Josephina’s time was filled with meetings, beginning with each sister and the community, visiting Pallotti High School, and conversing with its President/Principal, Mr. Jeff Polumbo, and Mr. Rick Willson, SVPHS board chair. Sisters also met Fr. Larry Young, St—Mary’s parish priest. On Sunday afternoon, the Sisters visited the beautiful National Basilica of Immaculate Conception and JP II Center in Washington, DC. They continued sightseeing on Monday, going downtown to glimpse the Washingtonian monuments such as the White House and Capitol.
On Wednesday, the two Sisters traveled with Provincial Superior Sr. Danuta Przybyłek to Huntington, WV, to participate in Sr. Joanne Obrochta’s 70th Jubilee celebration on August 15th. In the following days, Sr. Josephina and Sr. Małgorzata dedicated time to the convent and infirmary community members. They visited the Pallottine Foundation and met with the staff. They also spent some time in the St. Mary’s Medical Center. They met senior leadership representatives such as COO Ms. Angie Swearingen, Mission Integration VP Mr. Greg Creassy, and Support Services VP Mr David Sheils.
Sunday, August 18th, was a long travel for the Sisters to the Pallottine Renewal/ Retreat Center in Florissant, Missouri, where the lay board and staff members gave a powerful testimony of their ministry continued as the Pallottine Sisters’ legacy.
Another day was devoted to a visit to our house in Buckhannon, WV, where Sr. Francesca Lowis is the only Pallottine Sister still involved in pastoral work and ministry at St Joseph’s Hospital once belonging to the American Province.
During separate meetings, all the essential matters were brought to the attention of our Provincial Superior, the Council, and the corporate treasurer.
As a conclusion of the General Visitation, almost all the sisters of the American Province (except the sick) gathered in Huntington. Beginning with adoration in the hospital chapel and reflection prepared by Sr. Elizabeth Monsanto, Sr. Josephina invited Sisters to share their thoughts on our legacy and the future of the Province. Sister expressed her appreciation for the sisters’ dedication, collaboration, and involvement in many apostolates. All were enthusiastic about the possibility of inviting new sisters to the Province. You all are very welcome! The assembly ended with Sr. Josephina’s encouragement to look to the future with hope and faith. Our strength is in prayer and trust in the Lord.
Afterward, we received the message that Sr. Diane Bushee /89/was in critical condition. Her death on August 23rd united Sisters in prayer and reflection, directing our thoughts to all deceased Sisters who built this Province with solid faith and determination.
The visitation was surrounded by an atmosphere of peace and joy. Thanks to Sr. Josephina and Sr. Malgorzata for your time and attentiveness to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Text: Sr. Izabela Świerad, SAC
Photos: Sr. Josephina D’Souza, SAC and Queen of Apostles Province, USA
