Celebrating Our Past - Proclaiming Our Future
1906 - American Province - 2006

On March  25, 2006, the Feast of Our Lady's Annunciation, the Sisters of St. John the Baptist initiated a year-long celebration to mark 100 years of mission and ministry in America.  Bishop John Flesey, representing Archbishop John Meyers, was the main celebrant and homilist for the afternoon Eucharistic Liturgy held at St. Lucy Church, Newark, NJ, the foundation site for the American Province. Approximately 30 priests concelebrated the Mass. Nearly 800 people - Sisters, former Sisters, families, friends, colleagues - filled St Lucy's Church for a joyful celebration of remembrance and thanksgiving. 

Approaching the Church under an overcast sky, the entrance procession was heralded by trumpets and led by two banners: one created for the Beatification of the Community's Founder, Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco; the other designed for the Centennial Anniversary. Preceding the Sisters in the Entrance Procession were the Executive Board of the  Baptistine Lay Associates and representatives from each of the Sisters' apostolic locations.

Leading the Sisters into the Church were Sr. Ermelinda Cordasco, CSJB and Postulant Jennifer Raimo. Sr. Ermelinda, who carried the relic of the Founder, is the oldest living vocation from St. Lucy's Parish.  Sister is celebrating her 75th anniversary as a Baptistine this year. Jennifer is the newest member of the American Province, having begun her postulancy in September 2005.


Sr. Lois Darold, CSJB, Chair of the Centennial Committee, welcomed  everyone. The joy of the celebration was deepened by the presence of: M. John Marie White, present Superior General, M. Claudia Porzio and M. Immacolata Vicidomini, former Superior Generals, and Sisters representing countries where American Sisters have served. With the exception of Sr Thecla Chico, a missionary in Brazil for over 65 years, all American Sisters stationed in other countries returned to the American Province to participate in this historic anniversary. 

The Scriptures were read by M. John Marie and Sr John Agnes, Provincial Superior. Msgr. Granato, pastor of St. Lucy's, proclaimed the Gospel and later spoke with heartfelt appreciation of what the 100 years of the Sisters' presence had meant to himself and to the parishioners. The Intercessory Prayers were led by Sr. Mary Faith Chanda, Sr. Claudette M Jaszczynski and Patricia Nilsen, Lay Association Board President. The Offertory gifts were presented by the former American provincials: Sr. Margaret Mary Chiffriller, Sr. Loretta Marie Florio, and Sr. Mary Cecile Swanton. Joining them was Sr. Francis Marie Frank whose association with St Lucy's School both as a faculty member and principal goes back almost 50 years.

In his powerful homily Bishop Flesey called for remembrance of those Sisters through whose wisdom, courage and openness to the Spirit the first Baptistine ministries in the United States were established. In his remarks Bishop Flesey also alluded to the day's Feast of the Annunciation. He challenged the Sisters and all who share their charism to act in the spirit of  Bl Alfonso Fusco and of our Blessed Mother to meet the formidable needs of the times, offering faith, hope and compassionate love to God's people.

Throughout the Mass the hymns were sung congregationally led by cantor Janet Natale and accompanied by John Miller, organist for Sacred Heart Cathedral. The Congregation was assisted by members of the Cathedral Women's Choir and the St. Lucy's Men's Choir. Sr. John Agnes brought the celebration to a close with words of  thankfulness and praise. 

After Mass all were invited to a Reception in the Archdiocesan Center. Featured on the reception walls was a pictorial timeline depicting the Sisters' various ministries. During their years in America the Baptistines have worked in orphanages, schools, parishes and nursing homes in 34 locations in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Mississippi. Also, American Sisters have served in Italy, Brazil, Chile, Zambia, Canada, India and the Philippines. 

Throughout this Centennial year each of the Sisters' local apostolates will hold its own Centennial celebration. The Centennial observance will conclude in December during the annual Advent Day of Prayer when the Sisters will recommit themselves to mission and ministry as they begin their next 100 years here in America.

 NB - Photos are courtesy of Ed Thornton Studios and Janet Somma Hammel.