Sister Marietta Fahey, Celebrating 50 years as a Sister of the Holy Family

I entered the Sisters of the Holy Family, July 1, 1960, because I felt deeply loved by God and I wanted to commit my life to helping people and families come to know how deeply they are loved by God.  That, really, is all I wanted to “teach”.   The spirit and works of Holy Family resonated in me.

Through various ministries, I have been graced to discover how God works in the hearts and lives of people, no matter the difficulties, darkness, distress.

I experience that holiness is very ordinary; it is living daily life from one’s deepest convictions, hope, love.  It is the ongoing integration of personal growth stages and spirituality.  It is not only coming to believe in God, but in oneself, living all one is created to be and making a difference in our world.

I discovered that God works in and through me, in very ordinary ways, especially through my listening heart, my capacity to “be there” to assist a person or group in exploring their own journey through discernment and teaching tools for growth.  As one person grows the family grows!

“Vocation is that place where my deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.”
~Frederick Buechner

YES!    My delight is to meet others wherever they are on their journey and accompany them in the discovery of their deep gladness. I love to see their goodness and giftedness overflow to meet some of the world’s deep needs.

And I learned a long time ago:   “They all really belong to YOU!”  (Jn.17:9)  so I do what I can and then entrust them all back to the Heart of God!

Marietta Fahey   2/2010

I came to know myself as SHF through the eyes of the people also:

-   “You are our sister”

-   “You are our pastor”

-   “You listen.”

-   “You love our family”

-   “Your way of living simply, with beauty, shows me how to do the same.  And it doesn’t have to cost lots of money.”

-   “You are there for us”

Sister Angela Persano

My years as a Sister of the Holy Family are a Mystery.  Wanting to be a Prima Ballerina was my dream from early childhood.  God had other plans!  “Follow Me.”  In turn He gifted me by allowing me to praise Him through Liturgical Dance.  His melody has resounded within me these past 50 years and evoked within me a symphony of “yeses” as I could see His reflection not only in the eyes of the children as I taught them Catechism, but also in the hearts of their parents.  My ministry for the last 17 years in the Finance Department is another “yes” as I look upon the wisdom that comes with age.  I thank my family and friends who have always inspired me to do God’s will.  I am especially grateful to the late Msgr. Bernard J. Moran who also gave me much inspiration enabling me to continue to devote myself to His service.

Sister Loretta, in 2010 Celebrating her Golden Jubilee

The next morning you head south for Fremont, California.  When you arrive in Fremont it is about one in the afternoon and you need to have some refreshment before you head for the Holy Family Motherhouse.  There is a small restaurant on Mission Boulevard so in one goes to get some lunch. I meet a young man who is interested in my Harley and wonders if I am interested in selling it.  I say that I am if I decide to enter the Sisters of the Holy Family since I have not totally made up my mind if I am or if I will get back on the Harley and ride into the sunset heading this time to the north.  The young man gives me his phone number and tells me to call him if I want to sell it.  After lunch I get on the Harley and head for the Sisters of the Holy Family Motherhouse and pull into the driveway off Mission Boulevard and race the motor one last time before going on the property.

As I come down the hill and around the corner I see some nuns on the front steps and I think that I should exit but something tells me to continue.  I go to the front of the building, park my bike, get off, take off my helmet and shake out my hair.  I put the helmet on the bike and unzip my jacket and look up and the sisters are all staring at me.   Then I really wanted to leave but they were speaking to me and I could not get away.  By the time I got to them, one of whom I find out was Mother Perpetua, had her mouth open and was in a state of shock or wondering what she had gotten into with this biker coming into the convent.

I began to feel even more uncomfortable and wanted to crawl away and take my bike and leave, but it was too late.  The Sisters invited me in and gave me a drink and some cookies since I must be thirsty and hungry after being on the bike.  I explained to them that I had just had lunch but that did not do any good and they told me that good Holy Family Sisters always had good appetites.  We talked for a while and then Sister Teresita came and they talked for a while, and then they told me that I would be staying with Sister Teresita’s sister until it was time for me to enter.

I called the young man that I promised the bike to and he came and got it.  I went to San Jose with Sister Teresita to meet her sister and brother-in-law and their two boys.  I had a great time while I was there and I entered the Sisters of the Holy Family on January 5, 1960.

And here I am 50 years later after many experiences in Day Home and Parish Ministry and Special Education in the Catholic School System and then retiring from teaching in the Public School System.  I have enjoyed all of these years and am now working in the Archives at the Motherhouse of the Sisters of the Holy Family and enjoying it very much.

Golden Jubiliarian Sister Adrienne Andreani

I thought she was the most beautiful, kind person I’d ever met. From then on I couldn’t wait for summer vacation because that meant four Sisters would be coming for six weeks of instruction in Fort Bragg and Mendocino.

I can still picture Sister Daniel with her cape flowing leading the parade of about 100 children from one end of the town to the other right down Main Street to the Portuguese Hall for classes, singing and all kinds of fun activities. I was probably in junior high when my vacation school experience changed.

The Sisters “adopted” us (my younger sister was always with me) when they arrived each summer We went all over with them and I must say they kept us very busy.  They even took us with them to Mendocino and we loved every minute of our time with the Sisters. Just before the end of vacation school, they took us on a picnic. Looking back we were included in every activity but eating. They were cultivating me all along.

Over the years many Holy Family Sisters touched my life and that of my family and for them I shall always be grateful.

The women and men in the Scriptures, ordinary people like ourselves, also experienced life-changing moments.    Samuel, a young man living his culture and tradition, longing for tomorrow, seeking to discover his way into the future, was surprised, jostled, by “call”, an inner experience which only he could describe.  His life was changed and challenged as he gradually took his place in the service of his people.

Mary, a young woman immersed in her culture and tradition, about to be engaged to a young man named Joseph, had an experience which changed her life.   Contrary to the portrayal of an angel standing at her side (!), Mary had an encounter, a deep interior experience in which she was forever changed.  She was dumbfounded, she questioned, expressed doubt – how can this be – and then she received assurance. Yes, God was doing something new. Go visit your cousin Eliz.    She too has been changed.   Together, they grew into the truth of those life changing moments.  We know well the challenges both women faced as their sons, John the Baptist and Jesus, discovered on their life path.

Another young woman named Lizzie Armer came from Sydney, Australia, with her family into the gold rush culture of San Francisco in the mid 1800’s.   Like many others from all over the world, they too were longing for a better tomorrow.

Lizzie longed for more than gold.  Flowing from some interior encounter, (though we don’t have a picture of an angel standing next to her!) she felt called to enter the Carmelite monastery, to devote her life to God.

In dialogue with her parish priest and the archbishop of the day, she said yes to the needs of the people of SF:  the children and families needing material and spiritual services/support. Her response: “My monastery will be in the streets.‘  And so it was.   Her life was forever changed and challenged as she lived into her longings.

“Vocation is that place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need.” (Buechner)

Lizzie lived her deep gladness, her integrity, in a way other than she had imagined.  Other women joined her.  We are the ones who live today in our culture and tradition and who long for tomorrow.

50, 60, and 70 years ago we Jubilarians  lived life-changing moments in which each of us felt called, invited from deep within, to commit the rest of our life to God and to the people, families, children in the streets whose needs were/are not met by other organizations or institutions.   In our hearts, the words of Fr. John Prendergast resonate:  “You belong to the people.  Remember, consider them first.”

We have lived many consequences of our decisions to belong to the people. In the midst of constant change in society and the global family, we came and we have stayed.   So, what sustains us on the journey?

I invited our Sister Jubilarians to share a SS passage, poem, image that has helped sustain her on the way.  Listen to some of their wisdom:

…. wisdom about  WHO WE ARE:

“God so loved the world that He sent His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”    Jn 3:16

I will espouse you to Me forever; I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy.  I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the Lord.”    Hosea 2:21:22

“You are worth more than many sparrows…I count every hair on your head.   Where your treasure lies, there is your heart….”

…….wisdom about WHAT WE ARE CALLED TO LIVE:

“ I will continue to reveal Your Name so that the love with which You  loved me may be in them and I also may be in them”   Jn 17:26

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because She has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”  LK 4:18

“All I ask of you is to act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God.”   Micah 6:8

“I saw a river which must be passed in order to reach the Kingdom of Heaven and the name of the river was suffering;  and I saw the boat which takes so many souls across that river, and the name of that boat was LOVE!”

M.D.

…… wisdom about WHAT KEEPS US GOING?

“…I place myself into Your hands…my whole being- my soul, my body with my intellect and will.  I offer you all that I am and have;  all my joys, sorrows, my work, my crosses.  I place in Your hands all whom I love, and all who have done good toward me.    I ask only for Your love and grace.”

Morning Offering

“Prayer and love are learned in the hour when prayer has become impossible and your heart has turned to stone.”  Merton

”I know the One in whom I have believed and I am certain He is able to guard all that has been entrusted to me…”     2  Timothy

Finally, listen to some wisdom about our LONGING FOR TOMORROW:

“ Behold, I am doing something new.  Can you not see it springing forth in your midst?”    Isaiah 43:19

“I am not afraid to face tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today, for He walks with me along the way.”

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Our deep gladness, our family relationships, bonds of friendship in community and ministry formed over many years, times of solitude and prayer, help sustain us and our creative activity in the world.

We trust that whatever we have lived will be a small contribution to the future when the vision of the Earth Charter will become reality as the human family grows into:

“…  the awakening of a new reverence for life,
the firm resolve to achieve sustainability,
the quickening of the struggle for justice and peace,
and the joyful celebration of life.”     Earth Charter

Our faces and our bodies have changed through the years! Our hearts have been purified and refined by circumstances and continue to be tended by our God who is Wild Abundance!   We will always belong to the people!

Gathered around this table with all of you today, our hearts are filled with gratitude and openness.

May our lives, all of us here today, witness our

THANKS FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN.

and our YES FOR ALL THAT WILL BE”

Dag Hammarskjold

Jubilee 2010

And Keep an eye out for the Ceremony’s video.

It will soon be up on YouTube and will be

shared on Facebook and our Website!

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Nature’s Bounty!

Vegetable Garden 2010

is busting full of fruit and veggies and flowers!

2010 Jubilarians Celebrate on June 20, 2010

Top row: Sister Josepha Baumann (70 Yrs) Sister Christopher Schmidt  and Sister M. Assumption Cueva and (60 Yrs) and Sister Angela Persano (50 Yrs)

Sister Jo Marie celebrating her 50 years Jubilee

The Sisters of the Holy Family continue to enhance what my parents, with the help of God, instilled in me from infancy. As a Sister of the Holy Family today, I am filled with deep appreciation and gratitude for 50 years of constant formation, love, and guidance in my life’s efforts.

My life has been a life of service, ministering with God’s people in an effort to bring meaning to the lives of others and together bring about a better world. I see ministry as a circle. Each person I’ve encountered has enhanced my own life with meaning and purpose. One can see and feel the hand and face of God everywhere.

Angela Persano

My years as a Sister of the Holy Family are a Mystery.  Wanting to be a Prima Ballerina was my dream from early childhood.  God had other plans!  “Follow Me.”

In turn He gifted me by allowing me to praise Him through Liturgical Dance.  His melody has resounded within me these past 50 years and evoked within me a symphony of “yeses” as I could see His reflection not only in the eyes of the children as I taught them Catechism, but also in the hearts of their parents.

My ministry for the last 17 years in the Finance Department is another “yes” as I look upon the wisdom that comes with age.  I thank my family and friends who have always inspired me to do God’s will.  I am especially grateful to the late Msgr. Bernard J. Moran who also gave me much inspiration enabling me to continue to devote myself to His service.

our Sisters for whom this is a special year of Jubilee!

In 2010, 11 Sisters of the Holy Family celebrate
milestone anniversaries of service as women religious.

Celebrating 70 Years – Joined 1940

Sister M. Josepha Baumann

Celebrating 60 Years – Joined 1950

Sister M. Assumption Cueva

Sister M. Christopher Schmidt

Celebrating - 50 Years – Joined 1960

Sister Adreinne Andreani

Sister Jo Marie Arredondo

Sister Marrietta Fahey

Sister Sharon Flannigan

Sister Loretta Marie Marbach

Sister M. Charleen O’Brien

Sister M. Angela Persano

Sister Teresa Marie Stiegler

Sister Marietta Fahey, Celebrating 50 years as a Sister of the Holy Family

As a SHF I have experienced discovering and deepening values and behaviors that are consistent with my own. In times of solitude and contemplative quiet, in ministry activity, in collaboration, in times of darkness and insight, through painful times that over the years  became quite precious, I get glimpses of the Mystery of our GOD’s incredible LOVE for all creation.  I am entrusted with carrying God to the people and the people to God!

I have been called and I am:  “our sister”, one in the midst of the people on the journey, accompanying persons and families in various stages of relationship and decisions, integrating personal growth and spirituality.

I have been called “our pastor” and knew myself to be listening, guiding, mentoring, recognizing and challenging people to live the best, the truest in themselves.  Together, we have come to know that “my experience of life IS my experience of God.”

I have discovered that “ordinary holiness” is what we are called to live in daily life, believing and trusting that our Trinitarian God always provides (Creator), witnesses and reveals (Jesus), and is energy (Spirit) among us in the here and NOW.

I live our charism “You belong to the people.  Remember, consider them first.”  No matter the difficulty or need of anyone, I see the person’s positive core and know we can find a way through to the other side.   I freely share my gifts and skills as I accompany them.

I find reassurance in Jesus’ own words at the Last Supper with his beloved friends and followers.  When his activity was constrained by others, the authorities, Jesus returned everything and everyone to the Father whom He trusted.   “They really belong to YOU!”  (Jn. 14)      He surrendered all to the power of ongoing Creative LOVE.     I frequently face my own limitations, weakness and return all to the Heart of our gracious GOD!

I continue today to feel called to live integrity and nonviolence in my relationships, decisions and activities.  I stand in solidarity with SHF and with all Congregations of women religious in these critical times.    “Should anyone ask you the reason for this hope of yours, be ever ready to reply, but speak gently and respectfully.”    (1 Peter 3: 15, 16)

My life is an adventure in faith, hope and love far beyond anything I ever asked or imagined!!!

THANKS FOR ALL THAT HAS BEEN! YES FOR ALL THAT  WILL BE! ~ Dag Hammarskjold

Sr. Marietta Fahey
June 2010

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50 YEARS

Sister Marion Castro, SHF

Sister Marion lives at the Motherhouse and helps with the care of her sister who is in ill health and who is also living at the Motherhouse. Sister Marion prays for her Community and for vocations to religious life.

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25 YEARS

Sister Carol Joyce Crater, SHF

Sister Carol Crater’s ministry since 2006 is within the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Family assisting with pastoral care and emergency response with the frail elderly Sisters at the Motherhouse. Sister sees her ministry as a “mission within” after years of parish ministry.

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Sister M. Jacinta Fiebig, SHF

60 YEARS

Sister M. Jacinta Fiebig, SHF

Sister Jacinta seeks ways to live out the Earth Charter. She is involved in the Human Trafficking Program, performs pastoral ministry to Sisters in the Golden Gleaners Community (Care Center), as well as performs pastoral ministry to participants of On Lok Lifeways since 2004.

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Sister M. Helen Hansen, SHF

60 YEARS

Sister M. Helen Hansen, SHF

Sister Helen is 93 years old and continues to pray for world leaders in hopes that they will work together for world peace. Since 1982 Sister has been in residence at the Sisters of the Holy Family Motherhouse in Fremont.

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Sister M. Guadalupe Partida, SHF

60 YEARS

Sister M. Guadalupe Partida, SHF

Sister Guadalupe’s major ministry was serving as a Pastoral Associate in many parishes throughout California. Currently, Sister is a Congregational Councilor on the Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Holy Family in Fremont.

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60 YEARS

Sister Beatrice Ann Rojas, SHF

Sister Beatrice Ann’s ministry is to her family in Los Angeles.

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Sister Marjorie Wakelin, SHF

60 YEARS

Sister Marjorie Wakelin, SHF

Sister Marjorie has been teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in Fremont since 2004. Sister Marjorie is involved in instructing 40 adults through teaching ESL classes to those who only speak one language. There are 11 learning styles, so the other teachers involved and Sister Marjorie teach a curriculum determined by learning style.

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Sister M. Joanna Connelly, SHF

75 YEARS

Sister M. Joanna Connolly, SHF

Sister Joanna is 95 years old and living at the Motherhouse in Fremont. Sister Joanna’s “in house” ministry is placing flowers at Mary’s shrine. Sister also prays for the people of the Diocese. Her special community concerns are SPRED, Social Justice, Human Trafficking and the Earth Charter.

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Sister M. Malachy Hannigan, SHF

75 YEARS

Sister M. Malachy Hannigan, SHF

Besides being a wonderful cook, Sister Malachy has written and published a cookbook of her recipes, which is currently being sold to help support the Community’s ministries. Sister is now 103 years old and devotes her days to prayer and contemplation.

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Sister M. Martin Moran, SHF

70 YEARS

Sister M. Martin Moran, SHF

Sister Martin has a parish ministry to the homebound, as well as her Community ministry at the Motherhouse in Fremont.

Congratulations Jubilarians 2009

75 Years
Sister M. Joanna Connolly
Sister M. Malachy Hannigan

70 Years
Sister M. Martin Moran

60 Years
Sister M. Margarite Apostolo, R.I.P.
Sister Angelina Dutra
Sister M. Jacinta Fiebig
Sister Helen Hansen
Sister M. Guadalupe Partida
Sister Beatrice Ann Rojas
Sister Marjorie Wakelin

50 Years
Sister Marion Castro

25 Years
Sister Carol Joyce Crater

In lieu of gifts our Jubilarians are requesting gifts to:

Heifer Project International
1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202

Nepalese Youth Opportunity Foundation 
3030 Bridgeway, Suite 123, Sausalito CA 94965