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PRESS RELEASE – Two
Federation Congregations Merge
Contact:
 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
June 28, 2004
Cincinnati – Two congregations who are members of the Sisters of Charity
Federation in the Vincentian-Setonian Tradition, the Sisters of Charity of
Cincinnati and the Vincentian Sisters of Charity of Bedford, took the
final and decisive step in a multi-year merger process at Villa San
Bernardo in Bedford, Ohio, (near Cleveland) Sunday, June 27. During an
afternoon ceremony the 49 Vincentian Sisters of Charity, who formally
dissolved their congregation earlier that day, took vows as Sisters of
Charity of Cincinnati.
“Now the merger becomes reality!” said Sister Barbara Hagedorn, president
of the Sisters of Charity. “As a new congregation we will be forever
changed, but in the transition some essential things remain constant.
Together we will be guided by the love of Christ; we will strengthen the
bonds of Charity given to us from our founder and foundresses; we will
support one another in mission; and we will be always grateful to our
families and friends who continue to support us in our renewed life as
women religious in today’s Church and world.”
With more than 500 people in attendance and the Most Rev. Bishop Anthony
J. Pilla as celebrant, the Vincentian Sisters
processed into the outdoor Shrine of Our Lady of Levocha on the
Motherhouse grounds amid spontaneous applause. In his homily the Bishop
said, “This action today is the fulfillment of what you’ve always been
called to do. It is not an ending, but rather a fulfillment. … The same
spirit is calling you to charity. … Your fidelity to that call is
something we admire and for which we are most grateful.”
Each Vincentian was
called forward by
name. As a group they said their vows as Sisters of Charity. In accepting
their vows, Sister Barbara
Hagedorn said, “The future
of our renewed community begins now. Together,
let us do our best and leave
the rest to God.”
The present and past members
of the Sisters of Charity Leadership Council presented
each new member of the
congregation with a pin and the Constitution.
Vincentian Associate
Joyce Yorkievitz also signed commitment papers as an Associate
of the Sisters of
Charity of Cincinnati during the ceremony.
The merger process
began for the
Vincentians of Bedford in 1991. They began
serious discussion with the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati in 2001.
Following several years of dialogue and interaction, both congregations
voted unanimously in favor of the merger at their respective meetings in
March 2003. The merger of the congregations, who share similar charism and
mission, enhances
their ability to minister in the areas of education, health care, pastoral
and social services as they move into the future.
Sister Christine Rody, who served as general superior of the Vincentian
Sisters of Charity, said that the merger was motivated by a concern for
ensuring a continuity of ministries that the Vincentians began 75 years
ago. “Keenly aware of the pull of the mission of charity,
we look forward to joining another religious community of women who are as
committed to that mission as we are.”
The Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati,
whose Motherhouse is located in Delhi Township, a western suburb of
Cincinnati, is an apostolic Catholic women’s religious community that
exists to carry out the Gospel of Jesus Christ through service
and prayer in the world. Sisters, using their professional talents as
ministers of education, health care, pastoral and social services,
currently live and minister in 18 U.S. states and in Guatemala. They also
sponsor institutions to address education, health care and social service
needs, with particular concern for direct service to the poor. The Sisters
are joined in their mission by 131 lay Associates. Visit the Sisters of
Charity website at
www.srcharitycinti.org.
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