June, 2008
While I’m out of town this week, Mary Treacy will fill in for me. Enjoy her blogs. Possumus!
- Sister Irene
June 26, 2008
Happy Sesquicentennial!
Another example of the ways in which the story of the CSJs is inextricably linked with the story of Minnesota emerges from the Sesquicentennial celebration. In early May the St. Paul Pioneer Press posted their list of ten great Minnesotans, ranging from Henry Hastings Sibley to Hubert Humphrey and George Mikan.
Noted, too, are the CSJs, noted for their “five hospitals, two orphanages and parish schools attended by more than 17,000 students” as well as the College of St. Catherine, St. Joseph’s School of Music and St. Mary’s Health Clinics.
The journalist, David Hawley, even remembered to include the school safety patrols!
The work of women religious throughout the state is also noted in the Minnesota Historical Society Sesquicentennial exhibit and the accompanying book, Minnesota 150!
— Mary Treacy
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June 23, 2008
Women and Spirit
Last week I had the opportunity to meet with Karen Kennelly, CSJ, to learn about an historic project with which she has been involved. Karen is a scholar (most of what I know about Medieval and Renaissance I learned under her tutelage at the College of St. Catherine). She has also been at an administrative leader at the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Because of these ties she is the ultimate local source on an exhibit-in-progress that I feel we should all explore at this early date.
The exhibit, Women and Spirit, sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, is still in the works. The support has been strong in terms of content, including resources and artifacts, from the 14,000 communities of women religious. Moreover, it has strong financial support from the community at large. Potential venues include Ellis Island and the Smithsonian — make no small plans!
One component of this massive project is a traveling exhibit. That exhibit includes a module for incorporating local history of the impact of women religious.
It’s exciting to think of the possibilities! With the women religious of Minnesota identified as one of the treasures currently included in the Minnesota Historical Society’s Sesquicentennial exhibit, we know there is interest in the stories.
My mind is racing.
— Mary Treacy
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June 20, 2008
Working for a Free Press
For the past several days I have been deeply immersed in a series of meetings related to the National Conference on Media Reform. There are varying accounts of the gathering of 3,500 advocates in Minneapolis, a conference sponsored by Free Press.
My take is clear — information access, including media reform, access to government information, ownership of the tools of communication are justice issues. More than this, and a positive reality, is that are lots of individuals and organization that share that understanding and are committed to that basic tenet. I tried hard to connect with as many as possible. There are just some of the contacts I made that inspired me and give me hope:
Much more — on media literacy, legal issues, the role of faith-based organizations and must more. Many of the programs are available online through the Free Press. Though local mainstream media coverage was lacking, the conference is receiving considerable national attention. Keep an eye on post-conference developments. An informed people will prevail.
— Mary Treacy
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June 17 , 2008
Remembering Tim Russert
There has been an aspect of celebration in the recent untimely death of Tim Russert that keeps resurfacing in my mind. Because he died just before Father’s Day — and because he provided an outstanding model of the institution — Russert is remembered not only as a journalist but for his exemplary role as father and loving son.
The tributes deal also with his faith, his religious education, and his love for Sister Loretta.
Concepts of the work ethic, integrity, loyalty, lending a hand, the welfare of the community and the world — all that had a familiar ring. I found myself listening with tearful joy — mostly joy that journalists, historians, clerics continue to testify to the character of the man and his heritage. Many of us are reminded to be openly grateful for our similar heritage. My father, many years deceased, bore a strong resemblance to Big Russ — and I know I had at least a dozen Sisters Loretta in my life (enough so I know where the plural goes….)
The tributes to Tim Russert remind me of my good fortune and the gratitude I owe to so many. Russert had the grace and talent to express his love and appreciation with elegance.
The same might be said of the thoughtful words of Joan Chittester. Please read her comments and follow the links.
— Mary Treacy
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