* (Sisters of Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent-de-Paul, in English.)
There’s something "special" about Soeur Martha-Helena!! She has a bursting heart. Ask her about her husband—she just squints all up and says, “I love, love, love my Husband!!” Jesus, that is.
Here is a genuinely happy woman. She wanted to enter the community at 14 years old. 'Twas told to wait until 18—to when she fully knew and understood what she would be giving up. She feels that all her needs are met in Jesus.
Sister Martha-Helena was born and raised in Columbia. There was a call for someone to go to Montreal, Quebec, Canada to serve the Latino poor there. This is her mission.
RHOnda and Sister met on the Metro (underground subway). I, RHOnda, immediately fell in love with her. Her face is so pure, good and welcoming. She also reminded me of my adventures as a Mennonite sister…
We decided, in ten minutes, that I could teach her English—once per week at the Sister House. TOny was waiting for me, as usual, at our Metro station. He, too, fell immediately in love with Sister.
RHOnda and Sister have enjoyed LAUGHING sooo much during our weekly lessons. We both really bring out the joy and good cheer in each other! And, she’s very fond of her Catholic/Protestant Rhonda… (She’s “prayin’’’, eh!!)
RHOTO has had a wonderful time helping Sister serve the Poor. She organizes a large Bazaar (twice a year). This Bazaar not only helps the customers buy inexpensive--but all very nice—things, but also puts all the proceeds back into the Parish to feed the poor.
RHOnda worked for several days as “Inspector 12”. If the clothing wasn’t nice enough (i.e., no stains, holes, etc.), it was disposed of. You can’t imagine the number of garbage bags FULL of items that were donated for the Bazaar. Sister has many, many friends, and she knows how to handle them!! She’s a superb organizer.
TOny helped to verify that all the electronic equipment worked properly.
RHOTO helped as sales people the days of the Bazaar.
We also had the great opportunity to meet Alba, Marina, Velma, Victor and others… Wonderful, fellow volunteers from Argentina, Columbia, Montreal, Peru, Uruguay and Vietnam!!
RHOTO took a lesson out of this experience. "La vie est belle!!" We are so very happy and blessed!! It does not take many, materialistic things to satisfy someone. Simplicity is the guideline here. Caring, loving and being in community does not mean we must master each other's native language. We spoke Spanish, French and English—all together--and had fun learning new-sounding words!!
Oh, there’s the phone ringing… “Hello! Oh, hello Sister!! You need help tomorrow morning? If WE’RE not tired? SURE!!” Well, if Sister Marta-Helena is not tired, RHOTO’s not tired!!
There’s something "special" about Soeur Martha-Helena!! She has a bursting heart. Ask her about her husband—she just squints all up and says, “I love, love, love my Husband!!” Jesus, that is.
Here is a genuinely happy woman. She wanted to enter the community at 14 years old. 'Twas told to wait until 18—to when she fully knew and understood what she would be giving up. She feels that all her needs are met in Jesus.
Sister Martha-Helena was born and raised in Columbia. There was a call for someone to go to Montreal, Quebec, Canada to serve the Latino poor there. This is her mission.
RHOnda and Sister met on the Metro (underground subway). I, RHOnda, immediately fell in love with her. Her face is so pure, good and welcoming. She also reminded me of my adventures as a Mennonite sister…
We decided, in ten minutes, that I could teach her English—once per week at the Sister House. TOny was waiting for me, as usual, at our Metro station. He, too, fell immediately in love with Sister.
RHOnda and Sister have enjoyed LAUGHING sooo much during our weekly lessons. We both really bring out the joy and good cheer in each other! And, she’s very fond of her Catholic/Protestant Rhonda… (She’s “prayin’’’, eh!!)
RHOTO has had a wonderful time helping Sister serve the Poor. She organizes a large Bazaar (twice a year). This Bazaar not only helps the customers buy inexpensive--but all very nice—things, but also puts all the proceeds back into the Parish to feed the poor.
RHOnda worked for several days as “Inspector 12”. If the clothing wasn’t nice enough (i.e., no stains, holes, etc.), it was disposed of. You can’t imagine the number of garbage bags FULL of items that were donated for the Bazaar. Sister has many, many friends, and she knows how to handle them!! She’s a superb organizer.
TOny helped to verify that all the electronic equipment worked properly.
RHOTO helped as sales people the days of the Bazaar.
We also had the great opportunity to meet Alba, Marina, Velma, Victor and others… Wonderful, fellow volunteers from Argentina, Columbia, Montreal, Peru, Uruguay and Vietnam!!
RHOTO took a lesson out of this experience. "La vie est belle!!" We are so very happy and blessed!! It does not take many, materialistic things to satisfy someone. Simplicity is the guideline here. Caring, loving and being in community does not mean we must master each other's native language. We spoke Spanish, French and English—all together--and had fun learning new-sounding words!!
Oh, there’s the phone ringing… “Hello! Oh, hello Sister!! You need help tomorrow morning? If WE’RE not tired? SURE!!” Well, if Sister Marta-Helena is not tired, RHOTO’s not tired!!
* This is the only photo you’ll EVER see of Sister sitting. (She fell and was laid up for two weeks.)
RHOTO 
2 comments:
Hmmm...a Catholic/Protestant Rhonda with a past as a Mennonite sister??? That's an interesting angle :) .
My best friend when I was growing up had a Mother who was Mennonite. Her father was, too, (but was ex-communicated--quite a story there). I have very fond memories of her mom being the coolest Mennonite mom I've ever known. None of her 6 kids became Mennonites though. And then her mom left the church eventually too. My friend and I used to laugh about the church differences. The Mennonite church had AWFUL singing and my friend, Susie, was absolutely petrified when it came time to shake hands for the Sign of Peace in my church (Catholic). Until she got good at it and was proud of her faux Catholicism that she could pass as a parishioner. I never could get the hang of singing the Mennonite tunes, though, when I went to church with her LOL. We used to roll our eyes at how off key everyone was.
The musings of 12-year old girls...
Were the Mennonites with whom you were acquainted Holdeman Mennonites--ladies wear black headcoverings/men wear beards? I've NEVER met a Mennonite who does sing beautifully!! They sing four-part harmony, eh...
Wondering... Thanks for visiting!! Drop by for tea anytime, eh!
Rhonda in Montreal (PR)
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