Recently many people of the Diocese of Fort Worth and beyond gathered for the Mass of the Resurrection of Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN. Sister's life and ministry over the course of many years influenced so many in their love of Sacred Scripture, their ability to speak and write well, their learning of Catholic Social teaching, their involvement in prison ministry, and their young sisters formation in community. The list goes on and on. This past year, Sister St. John completed a joyful, faith-filled and informative narration of the history of the Sisters of St. Mary of Namur in Texas entitled A Little Good.
I was privileged to spend time with her in the last months visiting, praying, and learning as well. She helped me, by her example of religious life and our many visits to learn so much about the history of the Church in North Texas. For that, I will be eternally grateful. Her Mass of the Resurrection was attended by many priests, religious, and lay faithful. Msgr. Michael Olson of Holy Trinity Seminary preached, and I was the principal celebrant and gave a brief reflection at the end of Mass. I will share my reflection, but will also ask one of the Sisters to write about Sister St. John for this entry. May the Word of God, which you loved so much Sister St. John, continue to inspire us in the mission of making the Lord known, as you did for so many!
Reflection for the Mass of the Resurrection for
Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN
Sister St. John Begnaud, SSMN
Dear friends, Sisters of St. Mary and all present today,
For me, this is a moment of blessing and privilege to share some reflections and thoughts with you today as we celebrate this Mass of the Resurrection for Sister St. John. Over the years she had become a friend, teacher and sounding board for me. I would say that she joined what I would call the "procession" of Women Religious that have had an impact on my life and ministry: Dominican, Ursuline, Hospital Sister of St. Francis, Daughter of Charity, and now the Sisters of St. Mary.
As I write these words this evening, I am looking out from my Cathedral office at the St. Ignatius Academy building. It is all lit up, and at night seems to have a more eternal and unchanging sense about it. It is through this venerable edifice, a witness of history, that many times I find my life to be centered at the end of a day-where I go to play the piano, read or reflect, and think. It is in this building that I first met your community, and through the memories contained in its walls, and the pictures that it once held of the pioneer religious and their students, memories we find recounted in the words of Sr. St. John's book: "Despite these challenges, on September 3, 1885, Sr. Anastasis Keme, superior of St. Xavier Academy in Denison, accompanied Sisters Claire Markley and Patricia Dwyer to the new site. They were joined a few days later by Sister Adolphine Dalton, Sister Camille Clara, and Miss Mollie Kirby to complete the faculty....[on the times]....“In spite of the difficulties, the sisters found their place in the local community .... And, the sisters went on teaching/preparing the children for a changing world…"
Through these words of Sr. St. John, I felt I came to know (and to be part of, in some way) the history of the life of the faith here in North Texas. Through all of you present here today, that knowledge has grown, and through Sister St. John herself, I was gifted with a perspective of history and faith... from the first days of the Sisters of St. Mary, through the recent history of the Diocese of Dallas, Dallas-Fort Worth, and then Fort Worth. And these are all woven together by the hand of God, I know.
In these past years she worked with me on a number of projects and mutual efforts such as: The Diocesan Pastoral Council, Prison Ministry, UD History, proof-reading for me, correcting my English and reflecting on my UD commencement address I gave several years ago. We spoke of the lives of the Saints, we exchanged books and letters, and above all, shared our love of the Word of God.
I remember some of the stories that we shared:
- The walk to St. Ignatius - stopping to get a coke from Sr. Mary Thomas
- Her choice of religious name
- "The museum piece" - just a few weeks ago...
Most of all, I am very grateful for the times in recent months when we had the chance to pray and converse, and when I was able to celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick. She was also a great comfort to me, with her health struggles, when my mother was in the last months and days of her life.
Sister St. John closes her book A Little Good with the phrase: “Responding together to the needs of the time, each generation answers the same call to announce the Good News of God's Kingdom." I believe, each in our own way, with our lives and vocational stories, know that Sr. St. John has journeyed with us in that mission. She surely did with me, and for that I thank her and all of you. May this Mass of the Resurrection, and the Faith that it proclaims in the Risen Lord, the Promise of Eternal Life and the Communion of the Saints, urge us on to that very same mission.
AMEN
A Reflection by Sister Yolanda Cruz, SSMN
I am very grateful to have been invited by Bishop Vann to write a reflection on our beloved Sister St. John Begnaud, who has recently gone ahead of us to join with our Lord Jesus Christ in the fullness of life. It is truly an honor to be able to share a few of my personal thoughts about such a passionate and enthusiastic person, sister and friend. Sister St. John transitioned with such ease from joyful, down to earth, witty, funny, clever and deviously mischievous to “scholar and teacher” speaking about profoundly intense subject matters, scriptures, social justice issues and shedding deep theological reflections while probing the hearts, minds and spirit of all who would be around her. No doubt that Sr. St. John lives on in the hearts and lives of so many that she touched, near and far. I mostly admire and will always remember her humility, joy, simplicity, deep faith and spirituality, with such a desire to share her knowledge ALWAYS and spontaneity.
Sister St. John had strong convictions based on her fidelity to the Church, Sacred Scriptures and a witnessing the Merciful Christ which coupled with her willingness to share her wisdom-filled thoughts so generously, openly and respectfully helped accentuate her being a religious of great integrity and compassion. She possessed a relentless drive to work for the suffering and the poor, and advocate for them with “anyone who could do something about the matter at hand” and impact change. She had the unique gift of depth of vision, always eager to learn more, read something new, and hear different views on issues…and play a good game of cards at the end of each evening! She was a delight and treasure to know and surely will be dearly missed. I suspect she is keeping heaven on their toes and being an advocate for us! With my love, admiration and prayers for you dear Sr. St. John. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace!
- Sister Yolanda Cruz, SSMN