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Sr. Ermelinda Cordasco, C.S.JB. - An Educator for All Ages
As St. John Villa Academy celebrated its 85th Anniversary, it recognized one of its stellar faculty members - Sister Ermelinda Cordasco, C.S.JB.Amazingly, Sister (102 yrs.) has taught at the High School in every decade since the school opened. Although no longer in the classroom Sister still tutors on a one-to-one basis in both Italian and Spanish.
Sister thrives on treasuring the past while enjoying the challenges of the future and delights in keeping up with family, friends and alums via her e-mail.
Recently, local TV Channel NY1 named Sister its "Staten Islander of the Week . Learn more about this remarkable Sister and the spirit of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist by viewing Sr. Ermelinda's interview featured on: NY1.
Sr. Ermelinda is 102 years young and going strong!
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God's loving Providence.
Celebrating 80 Years as a Baptistine Sister!
Born in Newark, New Jersey, on March 19,1931 Sr Ermelinda in the presence of her family, friends and Baptistine Sisters received the habit of the Sisters of St. John the Baptist in the novitiate at St. John Villa Academy, Staten Island, NY and began a remarkable life's journey with her God and God's people. After professing her vows, Sister was assigned to teach the First Grade at St. John Villa Academy where she taught for many years in both the Elementary and High School departments until the early 1950's. In 1968 Sister's vocation took her to live and minister for 6 years in Chile. In 1974, Sister returned to Saint John Villa Academy, Staten Island - where she resumed teaching in the High School . Sister has the distinction of having taught at SJVA in every decade since the High School has been opened!
After all these years of dedicated service, one would think that Sister is enjoying a restful retirement. Not so. Sister tutors Spanish or Italian on a one to one basis and subs in the convent office. During this time Sister prays as she knits caps for newborns at Richmond University Medical Center. When not busy with "duties" Sister heads for one of the convent computers to check her ever-arriving e-mails from family and friends. And primary of all her activities, Sister is often found sitting quietly in the presence of her God, remembering all those who have entrusted their needs to her prayers.
Sr Ermelinda is not only embraced by her family and Community, but by all those over these many years whom she has adopted into her heart. Indeed, in her 80 years as a Baptistine Sister, she has lived the words of our Founder, Bl. Alfonso Maria Fusco: "The scope of our lives is to sanctify ourselves through love."“My students are like my children”, Sister states.