| "The Lord has been good to me! Praise Him my soul"...for 50 years of Religious Life Sister Virginette Rypniewski | |
These lyrics to a song written by Sister Virginette Rypniewski threaded their way through the celebration of her 50th Anniversary of religious life on October 4, 2008 at the Generalate Chapel in Rome, Italy. Father Brian Crawford, OSJ, chaplain, and Father Albert Anuszewski, OSST, a friend of Sister Virginette, celebrated the Mass of Thanksgiving.
Music has been an integral part of Sister Virginette's life from childhood on, and the metaphor of music – like variations on a theme - was evident in abundance throughout the day. With songs, chimes, a mini-concert, feasting, and celebration we "hallowed the fiftieth year" and gave praise to God for her many years of life and service in our congregation. | |
A native of South Bend, IN, and a gifted musician, Sister Virginette declined a scholarship to the Chopin Academy of Fine Arts to enter the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth in 1958. She spent her novitiate at our international novitiate in Albano, Italy, and professed her First Vows in 1961. Returning to the United States, Sister completed her professional studies and eagerly embraced a ministry in education for over 36 years. She has served as teacher, guidance counselor, and principal in various schools in Indiana and Illinois. Before her election to the General Leadership Team of our congregation in 2001, Sister served for three years as Assistant Provincial Superior of Sacred Heart Province in Chicago, IL.
We have been greatly enriched by Sister Virginette's many gifts and we echo her joyful praise: Indeed, ' The Lord has been good...' to her and to us... for calling her to Nazareth! |
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