By Charlotte Raftery, SC
I am so touched in my most important ministry right now by the gift and privilege of visiting my eighty-nine-year-old brother, Dom, at St. Joseph Nursing Home. He is such an example to me, so accepting of his situation. He never complains. I am able to bring him things he needs and enjoys – clothing, food, desserts, cigarettes when he runs low, so he can have his smoke three times a day.
God continues to surprise me in my being able at age eighty-five to function on my own, and to be able to comfort others and be of service in many ways. I am the “Prayer” for local communities, and I coordinate and lead the hymns for the community daily Mass, using the gift of voice God has given me.
Living here at the Mount is living the “hundredfold” surrounded by all this beauty and so many blessings. I live in the spirit of “to give is to receive,” that sharing keeps up happier than not, being available to comfort in small ways in the “give and take” of everyday life.
It is in Baptism that God calls. Vocation to religious life means being chosen. I trust that the future of religious life and our Mission is in God’s hands. Lay people are continuing our work. It is a privilege to be among people, be touched by others, to be in community and just to share life, prayer and support.
I loved your conversation today, Sr. Theresa. It is very inspiring and meaningful to our lives as we journey forward each day with our dear Lord. The challenges mount as we age and yet love and hope carry us. How wonderful that your dear brother has you to love and comfort him as he gives you purpose each day to minister to him.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and life with us.
And those of us who had you as a teacher will always remember your Latin classes filled with stories and translations that sparked the interest of teenage girls. You had a respect for your students when your kindness outweighed your discipline.
We cannot forget the greatest gift you shared with us. Your voice was absolutely beautiful and we enjoyed that human spirit that made you such a role model.
We have not forgotten.
Latin was my favorite class because of you. Your voice was angelic.
GOD BLESS HIM & YOU FOR ALL YOUR KINDNESS.
One of the saddest moments in my life is when my family moved from the Bronx and I couldn’t continue my Latin studies with you. You made it a living, breathing language for me. Amo, am as, am at. So happy I found this post. So happy you are still bringing joy to others as you always have.
I knew Sr Gravino as a young girl in the Bronx and at Cathedral high school.I remember her beautiful voice and am glad that she is still singing. God Bless
Ruthanne Farrell Sullivan
Hi Sr. Theresa,
When my last Christmas cards came back, I thought I might never be able to reach you. It was then that my husband, Joe, suggested looking on line, and here you are. You had such an impact on my life the one year that I taught at Mount St. Vincent’s in Tuxedo Park. God worked in his own way to give me peace at a particularly difficult time for me, and brought me to you. I’ll never forget your beautiful voice singing “Ave Maria” at my wedding. And here we are, fifty years later. I hope you are well and avoiding the difficulties of this very strange year! Joe and I, the 4 kids and the 11 grandkids, all are well, happy and healthy. I’m going to try sending a card to the Mount in hopes of finding you again.
Hello Sr. Theresa. Because of you, I became a Teacher of the Deaf and have had a long career of 35 years. You threw the stone in the pond and the ripples continue to flow. Thank you for that gift. Much love to you.