Today we celebrate Memorial Day the traditional opening of the summer season. Memorial Day always marks holiday barbecues, going to the beach, visiting with friends and family. But it means so much more. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers placed flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Over the years the celebrations have grown and taken on new meaning. One of the flowers I always associate with Memorial Day is the poppy. When I was reading about Memorial Day I came upon the poem which inspired the use of this flower. I share this poem with you.
In Flanders Fields
John McCrae, 1915.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
When I read this powerful poem I thought about the many lives that have been affected by war. Perhaps today is a good day for us to pray in gratitude to all those who served and all those who continue to serve today. May they always know our gratitude and support as they continue the struggle for peace, life and liberty.
Sr. Pat
Monday, May 31, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Reflection on an Ursuline Education
Today we celebrate St. Philip Neri! As I prayed this morning I could not help but think back on my education at St. Philip Neri school in the Bronx. Memories of those days on the Grand Concourse flooded my mind. As I looked back on those days I was reminded of the great teachers I had and how they influenced my life. I also recalled my friends and classmates. Many of us who were educated at SPNS(during my time)have fond memories of Srs. Annunciata, Catherine Marie, Julia, Clare, Maura,and Josephine. We owe a great deal to these women who set us on the right path for life. May we always make them proud!
Sr. Pat
Sr. Pat
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Happy Birthday to Our Church!!!
Happy Pentecost!!
Today is the day we celebrate the apostles receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is when they started going out and spreading the Good News of Jesus to all the people. In as sense, it is the start of the Church.
I have always been taught that Pentecost is the Church's birthday. When I was a child, my grandmother, mother and I would celebrated by having an ice cream cake or special treat and talking about the Holy Spirit's gifts. These gifts include Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Courage, Knowledge, Prayerfulness and Wonder. What awesome gifts. I am so thankful for these gifts and want to use them to better the world. Right now I especially need Courage for some of the life changes and transitions I need to undergo. I'm especially thankful for the gift of Wonder because it keeps joy in my life.
Which gift of the Holy Spirit do you especially need now?
Which gift of the Holy Spirit are you especially thankful for?
Enjoy the Church's Birthday Celebration!!! I hope the Spirit visits you in a new energizing way.
Sr. Jeannie Humphries
Today is the day we celebrate the apostles receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is when they started going out and spreading the Good News of Jesus to all the people. In as sense, it is the start of the Church.
I have always been taught that Pentecost is the Church's birthday. When I was a child, my grandmother, mother and I would celebrated by having an ice cream cake or special treat and talking about the Holy Spirit's gifts. These gifts include Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Courage, Knowledge, Prayerfulness and Wonder. What awesome gifts. I am so thankful for these gifts and want to use them to better the world. Right now I especially need Courage for some of the life changes and transitions I need to undergo. I'm especially thankful for the gift of Wonder because it keeps joy in my life.
Which gift of the Holy Spirit do you especially need now?
Which gift of the Holy Spirit are you especially thankful for?
Enjoy the Church's Birthday Celebration!!! I hope the Spirit visits you in a new energizing way.
Sr. Jeannie Humphries
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Schools Unite for a Cause
On Saturday, May 15 2010 Ursuline’s Breast Cancer Awareness Club joined forces once again with Iona Prep for the 3rd annual “Paws for the Cause” walk to raise awareness and money for the Think Pink scholarship fund and for various cancer organizations. The event will took place on the Iona Prep track and was joined this year by the S.A.D.D. clubs from both schools. The S.A.D.D. club also raises funds for various support groups and works diligently to raise awareness about the dangers of destructive decisions.
The Pause Walk kept its old traditions and add some new ones. The clubs sold merchandise including tee-shirts, bracelets, sweatshirts, magnets, etc. Pink ribbon cookies were baked and generously donated and delivered by Zeppieri’s Bakery will be on sale again this year. Grace Ann Accocella Pensiero, class of ’89 and a breast cancer survivor prepared chocolate treats for the event. For the first time the walk was held in the evening. Registration was at 5:00pm and the walk began at 6:00pm. Candles were lit in memory of those who have suffered or who have passed on from breast cancer or drunk driving.
Another first for the Paws for the Cause Walk was “team-making.” The purpose of the teams was to have people get together with their friends and come up with a catchy or meaningful name for their team. Ursuline’s co-presidents, Katherine Valentino, Katie Manfredo, and Julia Nasti, came up with the name “Presidents in Pink” for their team. Each team was encouraged to raise at least fifty dollars to support and raise awareness for breast cancer. This was a fun way to get people involved in this stride against a disease which plagues one in eight people in our society. Yes, men do get breast cancer!
The Breast Cancer Awareness Club members along with the help of club moderator, Mrs. Joan Brescia, have worked really hard to create an event that underscores two high schools coming together to make something right. A great time was had by all with a DJ, bands, food and a leisurely stroll. The Ursuline Cheerleaders kicked off the walk with a BEAT CANCER Cheer and warm-up. Thanks to all who donated their time, money and effort to making this year’s walk a really fantastic and successful one!
By Katie Manfredo
Co-president BCAC
The Pause Walk kept its old traditions and add some new ones. The clubs sold merchandise including tee-shirts, bracelets, sweatshirts, magnets, etc. Pink ribbon cookies were baked and generously donated and delivered by Zeppieri’s Bakery will be on sale again this year. Grace Ann Accocella Pensiero, class of ’89 and a breast cancer survivor prepared chocolate treats for the event. For the first time the walk was held in the evening. Registration was at 5:00pm and the walk began at 6:00pm. Candles were lit in memory of those who have suffered or who have passed on from breast cancer or drunk driving.
Another first for the Paws for the Cause Walk was “team-making.” The purpose of the teams was to have people get together with their friends and come up with a catchy or meaningful name for their team. Ursuline’s co-presidents, Katherine Valentino, Katie Manfredo, and Julia Nasti, came up with the name “Presidents in Pink” for their team. Each team was encouraged to raise at least fifty dollars to support and raise awareness for breast cancer. This was a fun way to get people involved in this stride against a disease which plagues one in eight people in our society. Yes, men do get breast cancer!
The Breast Cancer Awareness Club members along with the help of club moderator, Mrs. Joan Brescia, have worked really hard to create an event that underscores two high schools coming together to make something right. A great time was had by all with a DJ, bands, food and a leisurely stroll. The Ursuline Cheerleaders kicked off the walk with a BEAT CANCER Cheer and warm-up. Thanks to all who donated their time, money and effort to making this year’s walk a really fantastic and successful one!
By Katie Manfredo
Co-president BCAC
Saturday, May 15, 2010
An Amazing School Production
On Tuesday of this past week, I attended a school production of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory". It was put on by the Cooke Center Academy students in SoHo, NY. All of these high school students have special learning needs. However, that is not what you noticed during the production. Rather you saw enthusiasm, enjoyment, smiles and well-learned lines and dances on all the students' faces. What a great show and accomplishment!!!
It was so wonderful to see the children performing. That was due to the hard work of dedicated teachers who encouraged, assisted children with learning lines, movements, dances, songs and creating the set design. There are so many good people connected with this place and I'm glad to be working for the organization. Check us out at www.cookecenter.org.
What great work of dedication do you see in your lives??
Sr. Jeannie
It was so wonderful to see the children performing. That was due to the hard work of dedicated teachers who encouraged, assisted children with learning lines, movements, dances, songs and creating the set design. There are so many good people connected with this place and I'm glad to be working for the organization. Check us out at www.cookecenter.org.
What great work of dedication do you see in your lives??
Sr. Jeannie
Monday, May 10, 2010
Celebrating 365 years of Religious Profession!
On Saturday, May 8th five of our sisters celebrated the anniversary of their religious profession. Three were celebrating 75 years and two were celebrating 70 years. The celebration took place at Andrus on Hudson, a nursing home where twenty six of our sisters live. These five women have served in many different ministries. From teacher, to missionary, principal, advocacy for the poor, and even a travel agent.
It was wonderful to gather as a province and celebrate with a liturgy and luncheon. The witness of these women over the years has been an inspiration to many people. They continue to minister to others through their ministry of prayer. We wish them all Ad Multos Annos.
Sr. Pat
It was wonderful to gather as a province and celebrate with a liturgy and luncheon. The witness of these women over the years has been an inspiration to many people. They continue to minister to others through their ministry of prayer. We wish them all Ad Multos Annos.
Sr. Pat
Friday, May 7, 2010
Our Lady's Garden
On April 22nd, the day before Earth Day, students from Mount St, Ursula and residents of Serviam Gardens met to weed, cultivate and plant in Our Lady’s Garden which lies between the school and Serviam Gardens. There are beautiful plants now that enhance this special space and are signs of all that flowered in the shared conversation and activity that day.
Led by Dr. Tiwari, Chairperson of the Science Department, students and residents together cleared the land and planted a small tree and many flowers. Each person was able to chose a special flower to plant and students and residents hope to tend their own part of the garden in the days to come.
When asked what they had learned, the freshmen remarked
• about realizing that “weeds grow faster than plants” ,
• that it was enjoyable to “learn about different ethnicities and cultures by working with our Senior Citizen neighbors.”
• that, “even though we worked hard, it helps our school look pretty and we have a memory and can look forward to coming back in years to come for alumnae reunions and finding our plants and trees still here.
Dr. Tiwari, chairperson of the Science Department, directed this whole effort and students said that he made it educational and entertaining at the same time.
Written By Sr. Alice Marie Giordano, osu
Led by Dr. Tiwari, Chairperson of the Science Department, students and residents together cleared the land and planted a small tree and many flowers. Each person was able to chose a special flower to plant and students and residents hope to tend their own part of the garden in the days to come.
When asked what they had learned, the freshmen remarked
• about realizing that “weeds grow faster than plants” ,
• that it was enjoyable to “learn about different ethnicities and cultures by working with our Senior Citizen neighbors.”
• that, “even though we worked hard, it helps our school look pretty and we have a memory and can look forward to coming back in years to come for alumnae reunions and finding our plants and trees still here.
Dr. Tiwari, chairperson of the Science Department, directed this whole effort and students said that he made it educational and entertaining at the same time.
Written By Sr. Alice Marie Giordano, osu
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Felix Cinco De Mayo
Greetings to all!! Best wishes for a spectacular day!! Thinking of our sisters in Mexico and hope they are celebrating Cinco de Mayo in grand style. How will you celebrate today???
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