Musings, News and Quotes relative to the Society of the Sacred Heart and its Alumni ... past, present and future. This blog also has links to other Sacred Heart websites. One feature is a list of books by Sacred Heart alum authors.
"Then and there standing beside a bed of blue hyacinths, the word of God came to me and I saw it all."
Today, the Society of the Sacred Heart and schools all over the world refer to this day as Blue Hyacinth Day. It was on this day, 140 years ago that after much discernment Janet Erskine Stuart made a life changing decision to enter the Society of the Sacred Heart at Roehampton.
Janet, born in 1857, was the youngest child of the Reverend Andrew Godfrey Stuart, the Rector in Cottesmore, Rutland, England, and a priest of the Church of England. At the age of 21, Janet had converted to Catholicism and considering her father’s reputation this decision was most likely not well received. The 1881 census records show Janet as a “visitor” living in the civil parish of St. George at 27 Curzon St., London, England, with William Ross, a flax spinner, and his wife Harriet.
The above image entitled "Regent's Park" depicts the site where, on May 6, 1882, Janet felt the presence of God and her decision to enter the Society of the Sacred Heart became clear to her. Regent's Park was abloom at this time of year with tulips, daffodils, and fragrant hyacinths. This was her aha moment as she exclaimed, "then and there standing beside a bed of blue hyacinths, the word of God came to me, and I saw it all."
In London, Janet had met a Jesuit priest, Father Gallwey who suggested that she spend time in prayerful reflection with the Religious of the Sacred Heart in Roehampton. Father Gallwey would later write to the nuns that “If Miss Stuart should offer herself for the Society, she should not be refused. She is the most complete person I have ever known.”
On September 16, 1882, Janet Erskine Stuart entered the noviceship, and soon after taking her final vows of profession in 1889, Mother Stuart was named Mistress of Novices; in 1894 she became Superior Vicar. On August 27, 1911, after the death of Mabel Digby, RSCJ, Mother Stuart was elected the Sixth Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart.
The 20th Century offered Reverend Mother Stuart the ability to see the RSCJ communities modernized with electricity and the telephone. Despite being cloistered she traveled the world incognito becoming acquainted with many of the RSCJ in their communities. Her personal visits had a long and lasting impact on the religious sisters she met. In the late summer of 1914, as the German occupation of Brussels began Mother Stuart left her administrative offices in Ixelles, Brussels and traveled back to Roehampton where she arrived in poor health. Janet Erskine Stuart died on October 21, 1914 and is buried in the Sacred Heart Chapel in Roehampton.
Over a century since her death, Janet Erskine Stuart’s essays, poems, and published works, continue to inspire to this day. So, on May 6th, Blue Hyacinth Day was established by the Society of the Sacred Heart to commemorate Janet Erskine Stuart’s experience in Regent’s Park.
Rosemary O'Neil, Sacred Heart alumna of Sheridan Road, class of 1942 and Maryville University, class of 1946, passed away peacefully at her home in Evanston, IL on April 14, 2020. The video is a collage of photos taken at various Sacred Heart events culminating in 2013 when Rosemary was the recipient of the AASH Cor Unum Award and a week later attended the Alumnae Reunion at Sheridan Road.
The Cor Unum Award was established to pay tribute to alumnae and alumni who have embraced the philosophy of the Sacred Heart in their everyday lives. The meaning of Cor Unum is “one heart”, taken from the motto of the Society of the Sacred Heart: "One heart and One mind.”
Some recipients are well known and their achievements monumental. Others have lived quieter lives devoted to dedication and service. All are among those whom St. Madeleine Sophie and St. Philippine Duchesne would proudly claim as true Children of the Sacred Heart.
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Jane Cannon and Rosemary O'Neil
Omaha ~ April 13, 2013
From the 2013 Winter issue of Esprit de Coeur:
In the tradition of Sacred Heart alums, Rosemary O'Neil has devoted much of her life to service and volunteerism on behalf of both religious and other Sacred Heart alumnae, as well as community and cultural organizations in the Chicago area. Following graduation from Maryville, Rosemary was Assistant Registrar for the School of Speech at Northwestern University, later becoming administrative assisant at a brokerage firm. She "retired" in 1964 when her employer retired, and began devoting herself to the full-time role of volunteer.
Active in AASH, Rosemary attended her first Biennial Conference in 1951 at Cincinnati, and since has attended several more. She promoted the 1986 AMASC Conference in Japan, which she attended.
Rosemary has served on a number of Boards including Madonna Center - a Chicago mission serving Italian immigrants; Christ Child Society; Chicago-Lake Forest Alumnae Association; Maryville College Alumnae Association. She was honored by Maryville with the Alumnae Loyalty Award.
Rosemary received the Sheridan Road - Catherine Seiker, RSCJ Award afer she was "drafted" by Sr. Seiker to refurbish old school photo albums and help identify alums in the photographs. She also produced the 50th Anniversary of Sheridan Road - a celebration that included a Mass and reception on the Feast Day of St. Madeleine Sophie
Whether it was serving as assistant editor of the AASH Newsletter or volunteering at an inner-city settlement house, Rosemary O'Neil exemplifies the qualities that have earned her a 2013 Cor Unum Award.
Rosemary's dear friend, Jeanne Burke O'Fallon presented her Cor Unum Award as follows:
Cor Unum Award
Associated Alumnae and Alumni of the Sacred Heart
Rosemary O’Neil
At four of the last five AASH conferences we have honored a Rosemary. With Shakespeare we ask, “What’s in a name?” And it is Shakespeare, in a very different context, who answers: “Rosemary -- that’s for remembrance. Pray, love, remember.” These words summarize the glorious life of Rosemary O’Neil, who prays fervently, loves deeply, and always remembers.
Perhaps we can gloss over the skill and dedication Rosemary brought to her distinguished career as an executive secretary as well as her tireless service to the Madonna Center for Italian immigrants and the Christ Child Society in Chicago. That allows focus on her long life as a True Child of the Sacred Heart.
Lovingly welcomed by Mother Agnes Regan in 1938 to a wonderful world at Sheridan Road, and expanding her horizons and sealing solid her character in cherished years at Maryville College, Rosemary has given back in loyal remembrance ever since. She organized archival photos, chaired an anniversary celebration, and helped reopen a chapel at Sheridan Road. At Maryville she was instrumental in raising $100,000 to endow a scholarship in memory of Mother Marie Odéïde Mouton.
We should thank her beloved Mother Mouton for nurturing Rosemary’s trademark way of being thoughtfully forthright. When she worried her candid remarks could seem uncharitable for a Child of Mary, Mother Mouton reassured her: “Rosie dear, you are more sophisticated than some.”
This sophistication, or frankness, makes Rosemary a valued advisor and is a joy in broad friendships, often formed at these very conferences, since 1951, and strengthened by her apostolate of the telephone. Her comments send one to the dictionary or a notebook, or into mirthful laughter. She amuses rather than irritates those whose views might not be hers as, for example, she refers to the city she has loved and served all her life as “The People’s Republic of Evanston.” The renowned architect of the area is always referenced as Frank Lloyd Wrong.
One scene might capture Rosemary’s life of loving, generous remembrance. During the 2005 Chicago conference, she gathered thirteen alumnae friends for dinner. Toward the end of a beautiful evening she went ‘round the table and, without a note or a flaw, paid glowing tribute to each guest. Her words were so enchanting that she had us all wondering if such a profusion of virtue had ever before been assembled.
Our humble honoree tried to decline this award, saying that others have done great things while she has just done things “person to person, one to one.” Yes, Rosemary, as you have prayed, loved, and remembered, your life has been one to one, one heart to one heart.
One heart – Cor Unum. You have lived Cor Unum and sursuum corda – lifting up our hearts and leading us all to the Heart of God.
Jeanne Burke O’Fallon
Omaha, April 13, 2013
Rosemary and Jeanne Burke O'Fallon
It was in 2005 as we planned to host the AASH Biennial Conference in Chicago, when I called Rosemary and asked if she would consider hosting a home dinner, that I became aware of the many Sacred Heart alums that she held near and dear. Rosemary didn't hesitate to offer to host a dinner as long as it was on her terms. Instead of actually hosting at her home, Rosemary told me she would provide me a list of guests to be invited to The Casino Club, which happened to be the most exclusive club in the city and within walking distance of the Drake Hotel where the out-of-town attendees would be staying. The photo below shows the merry group surrounding their gracious hostess on the evening of April 21, 2005.
Pictured: Barb Lopiccolo, Rosemary, Sue Schumann and Standing L-R: Airlie Ogilvie,
Louise Dunn, Jeanne O’Fallon, Kiki Rothing, Patricia Kolojeski, Nancy Agnew,
Frances Asam, Olga Rome, Rosemary Gidionsen, Patsy Sheehan, Joan Downey
The last time most of Rosemary's out of town friends saw her was in Omaha as we bid each other farewell on Sunday, April 14, 2013 when the 39th AASH Biennial conference concluded with Mass and everyone headed home. How ironic that seven years later on April 14th, would be the date that Rosemary would join her brother Bill and parents. Rosemary may you rest in eternal peace. You are homeat last!
To view the published obituary for Rosemary O'Neil -click here
November 18, 2018 will mark the close of the Bicentennial celebration of the Society of the Sacred Heart in the United States and Canada. In 1818, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne and four companions arrived in St. Charles and within days opened a school in a log cabin, the first free school west of the Mississippi and the beginning of the Society’s mission of education in the Americas. This festive Eucharist will include the premiere celebration of the Mass in honor of St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, RSCJ, composed by Michael Joncas for the occasion.
The Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of Saint Louis, will be presiding.
The above icon was commissioned by Sacred Heart Schools Chicago and the original hangs in their Chapel. by Artist and Iconographer Patricia Reid, RSCJ
November 10, 1852 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat:"I come to say farewell to you, though God alone knows the moment when death will come. There is much I should like to say to you about the suffering I have caused you - if you were less indulgent and I were in a condition to express myself better. But God has humbled my pride by loss of memory and continual forgetfulness. I humbly beg pardon for all the suffering I have caused you. I think I shall never do so again.
Taken from the book: "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"
Philippine was known to sleep under the stairs in
this closet at the convent in Florissant (see below).
The chair is filled with prayer requests left by visitors.
November 9, 1834 ~ Philippine Duchesne writes to Madeleine Sophie Barat: "I am a worn out instrument, a useless walking-stick, fit only to be hidden in a dark corner. God allows every circumstance to deepen this impression in my soul. I have never drawn people's confidence and the same condition prevails here at Florissant now. But here I have more spiritual help than I would have anywhere else in the United States. This is all I ask for the remainder of my life."
Taken from the book: Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne
Editors Note: The above photo was taken in 2011 when I and fellow alums serving on the AASH Board went with Sr. Margaret Munch, RSCJ to tour the convent in Florissant, MO. More info on the convent in Florissant ~ A closet under the stairs in the hallway of the convent was used by Mother Duchesne as a makeshift bedroom. She reportedly slept on a straw mattress with a ragged blanket in the closet to be close to the chapel.
November 7, 1852 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to St. Madeleine Sophie Barat:"My heart yearns to call up all the dear names of the past, but memory fails me. My sight, too, is very dim, Reverend and beloved Mother, send me your blessing for a happy death, for death is really chasing me."
Taken from the book: "Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne"
November 6, 1835 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to Mother Adeline Boilvin, RSCJ: "All I desire is retirement, silence, the forgetfulness of creatures, and the grace to remain until death near the shrine of St. Francis Regis (at Florissant)."
Taken from the book:Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne
Editors Note: In 1834 Philippine was transferred to Florisant again as Superior and lived there until 1842 when she returned to St. Charles, Missouri, to spend the remainder of her life. To learn more about the special place that Philippine referred to in her letter to Mother Boilvin -click here
November 5, 1818 ~ Mother Duchesne writes to St. Madeleine Sophie Barat,I have found the greatest consolation in receiving the blessing of the Holy Father. I am persuaded that God had His designs in bringing us here. Already pictures of the Sacred Heart adorn several churches, for I have revived my old talent for painting and making paper flowers, and we have made decorations for several tabernacles.
Taken from the book:Through the Year with Philippine Duchesne
Sending my very best wishes to all alumnae/i for a Happy Feast of the Sacred Hearttoday! I am especially thinking of and praying for the RSCJ all over the world who renew their vows on this special day. Below is a beautiful prayer found in a small book entitled Special Devotions Compiled for the Children of the Sacred Heart.
Prayer to the Sacred Heart
By St. Madeleine Sophie
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I come to Thee because Thou art my only refuge, my only but certain hope.Thou art the comfort for all my sufferings, the remedy for all my miseries, the reparation for all my losses, the expiation for all my faults, the supplement for all that is wanting to me, the certainty for all my demands, the infallible source, for me and for all, of light, strength, benediction, constancy and peace.I am sure that Thou wilt not weary of me, that Thou wilt not cease to love me, to aid and protect me, because Thou lovest me with an infinite love.Have mercy on me, then, according to Thy great mercy, and do with me, and in me, whatsoever Thou wilt.I abandon myself to Thee, with full confidence that Thou wilt never abandon me.Amen
Photo taken of the Sacred Heart statue located at Mount Anville (Dublin, Ireland)
OUR AMERICAN VOICE®, a model civics leadership program for elementary and middle
school aged students will host its 9th Annual Summit in Springfield, Illinois on May 2, 2017. Over 250 students representing 23 schools from urban and rural communities across the state of Illinois are expected to attend. The purpose of the Summit is to share and celebrate their success and accomplishments. The OAV students are eager to share their projects with each other, meet their legislators and tour the capitol in Springfield. However, due to the cost of transportation, meals, etc they need your financial support and have created a GO FUND ME page.
The OAV program sponsored by the Barat Education Foundation teaches students the four core principles of civic engagement and gets them immersed in working on projects that matter to them, their school and community. These school initiatives completed in collaboration with community agencies and elected officials include: Cleaning and beautifying their community center; Creating a Safety program for their school; Implementing a tutoring program for students; Installing filters in all school water fountains; Purchasing a handicap ramp for school library stage; Raising $20K to make their playground handicap accessible; Setting up a free library for students in lower grades; and Starting a recycling program in their community.
"Our OAV participants with the guidance and support of their teacher/facilitators have worked diligently to make a difference and to positively impact their communities," says Sheila A. Smith, Barat Education Foundation CEO and Chair. "We are pleased to host this summit to recognize their achievements and contributions as young citizens and are indebted to Edward and Chris Kazemek whose generous donation to the Foundation is helping launch the #OAVsummit2017GO FUND ME campaign. Our OAV students would appreciate your financial support and help in spreading the word."
The following schools currently participate in the OUR AMERICAN VOICE® program:Emerson, Hiawatha, Irving, Komensky, Pershing and Piper Elementary Schools, Freedom and Heritage Middle Schools in Berwyn; St. Philip Neri and Robert Healy Elementary, Providence Englewood Charter in Chicago; Clearview Elementary & Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep in Waukegan; Prairie Trail in Wadsworth; Hester Jr. High in Franklin Park; DuBois in Springfield, Riddle in Matoon; Oakwood Jr. High in Danville; Arcola Jr. High ; Lester in Downers Grove; Washington Jr. High in Rock Island, Spenser Crossing Intermediate School in New Lenox; and Littlejohn in Dekalb.
“...knowledge and understanding about our system of government is not something that's handed down in the gene pool. You have to learn it."Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
The Barat Education Foundation is an independent 501(c) (3) organization that develops and seeks support for innovative scholarships and entrepreneurial educational ventures which reflect the deep commitment to: intellectual, spiritual, and ethical values; empowerment of women; social awareness that impels to action; and the building of community. For further information and/or to help support the BEF, please visit www.thebaratfoundation.org
Barbara Dawson, RSCJ (photo taken on May 25, 2013 in Atherton, CA)
August 2, 2016 ~ Today in Nemi, Italy the Religious of the Sacred Heart at their 2016 General Chapter meeting announced that Barbara Dawson, RSCJ current provincial of the United States - Canada Province has been elected as the 17th Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart. Sr. Dawson will succeed Kathleen Conan, RSCJ (2008-2016) as she becomes the third American to serve consecutively an eight year term as Superior General. The first American elected was Clare Pratt (2000-2008) a native of Washington, D.C. General Chapter 2016 began on July 7th and will conclude on August 10, 2016.
Sister Dawson who is currently serving a fourth term as Provincial in the United States-Canada province, is an alumna of Lone Mountain College, now University of San Francisco where she also received her law degree. She earned a masters degree in international comparative education from Stanford University. For further background info: click here
St. Madeleine Sophie, wonderfully chosen by God to make the Divine Heart of Jesus known and loved, and ever faithful to that apostolate, accept this day our confidence and prayers in proof of our allegiance. Guide us in the path of meekness and humility; set our hearts on fire with the zeal with which thine own was devoured; protect us, that we may deserve to see our names written in that most Sacred Heart, and to make in It our home for time and for eternity.
July 31 ~ Celebrating the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola via a Morning of Reflection organized by the Ignatius Volunteer Corps of Chicago is fast becoming my annual mid-summer treat to myself. I so enjoyed the first retreat hosted last year at St. Ignatius College Prep that I looked forward to attending this year; the theme was "Pragmatic Mysticism: Ignatius Loyola and the God of Now" led by Fr. Pat McGrath, SJ. During the break it was a pleasant surprise to run into fellow Sacred Heart alumna, Sr. Mary Bernstein, RSCJ who currently is working at Josephinum Academy. On a sunny morning in July it was a pleasure to enter the gate of St. Ignatius College Prep and walk past the beautiful flowers into Tully Hall. To learn more about this great venue with its meaningful location and why I like it so much click here.
Kudos to Christine Curran, Chicago Regional Director of IVC and Jackie Fitzgerald, Program Associate and their many helpers who once again organized a very successful and enjoyable morning followed by a delicious box lunch.
June 30, 2016 ~ Today a very treasured friend, mentor, former English professor and fellow alumna of Barat College celebrates her 90th birthday. Yes, it is true Sr. Martha Curry, RSCJ is celebrating her 90th birthday! This past Sunday many friends and family members gathered to kick off this milestone celebration with Martha and her fellow RSCJ community in Hyde Park. What an enjoyable afternoon we all had as we reminiscent and paid tribute to her.
For those who still wish to purchase a copy of Sr. Curry's book, BARAT COLLGE: A Legacy, A Spirit and A Name - click here for more info.
The above statue of Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat is located in the Sacred Heart Chapel in Roehampton, England. The statue was donated by former pupils in 1925 after her canonization and the buildings that were bombed are held in her hands.
MER with Sarah Burke at Carnivale Restaurant
attending a Legal Reception for Special Olympics
Sacred Heart Goal #3: "A Social Awareness which impels to action"
I ran into Sarah Burke (Sacred Heart alumna of Woodlands Academy) and current board member of Special Children's Charities, Special Olympics Chicago at a Legal Reception for Special Olympics hosted on January 28th at the Carnivale Restaurant. I asked Sarah why she got involved in this particular charity and she responded: "I am involved in Special Olympics because I believe every one of us should have the opportunity to live full lives. Special Olympics brings athletes together through athletic competition but friendship, joy and fun are the ultimate goals. There is no better feeling than knowing that Special Children's Charities/Special Olympics Chicago support athletes and their families experience all that our City, State and World have to offer."
This Sunday, March 6th, marks the 16th annual Polar Plunge, a fundraiser for Chicago Special Olympics' sports programs and athletes. The weather in Chicago promises to be a balmy 50 degrees. There is still time to support this very worthwhile cause. To learn how you too can make a difference by jumping into Lake Michigan and participating in the Chicago Polar Plunge - click here#MAKEASPLASH FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHICAGO!
Previous Polar Plungers have included Sacred Heart alumnaLady Gaga (91st NY) as well as, Taylor Kinney, Vince Vaughn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Jimmy Fallon.
To view additional photos click on the photo album link (right column of my blog)
Alumnae from Josephinum Academy, various Sacred Heart Academies and Colleges, as well as, many of Chicago's finest civic and corporate leaders eagerly arrived to the Union League Club of Chicago on Tuesday, February 16th to attend Josephinum Academy's annual Winter Lunch.
Supporting Scholarships for Exceptional Young Women
Kudos to Co-Chairs: John and Ellen Engel & Kevin and Janice Lee, along with their stellar Host Committee: Michael and Cathy Brennan, Doug and Lee Ann Hoover, Ben and Maureen Kelly Ivory, Alan and Janet Lougee, John and Liz McEnaney, Rich McMenamin and Patty Mulvihill, Kenneth Venzant and Desiree Pepper-Venzant, R. Matthew and Jacque Simon, Robert and Jean Spence.
The highlight of the luncheon was Keynote Speaker, Elizabeth Hartigan Connelly, Sacred Heart alumna and former Board Chair of Sacred Heart Schools Chicago (her alma mater) who spoke eloquently on Women in Leadership.
The student Keynote Speaker, Stefany Rendon, is a current senior at Josephinum Academy and member of the Peace Exchange. Stefany having applied to nine colleges plans to study sociology and was returning from a college visit when a delay at the airport prevented her from joining us in person. As a member of the Peace Exchange, last summer Stefany traveled to Nicaragua exploring solutions for peace and nonviolence with community leaders and other student activists.
Stefany was named an Illinois State Scholar this past December and is the president of Josephinum's National Honor Society. She was also featured in the Allstate "Good Starts Young" film series about her involvement with the Peace Exchange. While we were not able to personally meet Stefany we were treated to a clip of the "Good Starts Young" Chicago's Peacemaker film which premiered at the Aspen Ideas Festival.
Josephinum Academy is an all-girls Catholic high school located in the heart of Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. It is one of twenty-four Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in the United States and Canada. For 125 years, "the Jo" has been educating and empowering young women to become confident, faith-filled leaders. Every day young women travel from 40 zip codes around the Chicagoland area to receive the quality education that prepares them for college and life after academia.
Currently 88% of students receive additional financial aid and/or scholarship support
Josephinum will offer 60 scholarships (nearly $330,000) to the incoming Class of 2020
100% of 2015 graduates were accepted to college and awarded $6.9 million in merit-based scholarships
Save the Date: October 1, 2016
Gala Co-Chairs: Celeste and Alan Denton & Maureen and Ron Sippel ask you to mark your calendars and plan to join them and Keynote Speaker: Archbishop Blasé Cupich in supporting Josephinum Academy at the Intercontinental Hotel for dinner and dancing on Saturday, October 1, 2016
