Outpouring of Community Support Helps Nuns Acquire New Van
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- Published on Sunday, 25 August 2013 15:03
They didn't ask for help, but when word got out in Ave Maria that the 12-yearold van belonging to the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist was barely drivable, help began arriving anyway.
"Our doorbell has been rung almost daily this past week and when it does, there has either been an anonymous envelope or a smiling Ave family with a gift to help cover the expenses of purchasing a new car," said Sr. Teresa Benedicta, one of the five nuns who live in a convent on Milano St. in Hampton Village.
In a week, those conations totaled more than $7,000, enough for the sisters – with some help from their mother house in Ann Arbor, Mich. -- to acquire a new Honda Odyssey van. In photo at right, Sisters John Paul, Albert Marie, Mary Martha and Maria Veritas in their new Honda Odyssey van. In photo at left, the old van. A non-working window had to be covered with plastic during the frequent rains, and the air conditioning didn't work, among other problems.
"It kind of reminded me of that scene at the end of the movie It's a Wonderful Life, where people in town just do what they can, without thinking much about it, to help someone who has given so much to the community," said one donor who, like other who commented for The Ave Herald, wished not to be identified.
"The presence of the Dominican sisters factored heavily in our decision to move to Ave Maria," said another donor. "They are such a beautiful expression of our Catholic faith lovingly and resolutely put into action."
Many, but not all, of the contributors have ties to the Rhodora J. Donahue Academy, where the sisters have taught since the school opened in the fall of 2007. "The sisters give so much to this community and we are happy to share in their mission," said one Donahue mother.
"Whenever the Sisters drive our new minivan in the future, we'll see more than just a car but also the love and generosity of the people of Ave Maria," Sr. Teresa Benedicta said. "That love is felt by us daily and it is such a joy to be able to serve here. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to all who have given to us: financially, with their prayers, with their constant support. Please tell everyone that they have the Sisters love in return and that we daily pray for the families who live here...In fact, I like to think that our new car will be a moving prayer for Ave Maria because our hearts will be so filled with gratitude whenever we drive it!"
The Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist is one of the fastest-growing order of nuns in the United States. This week, 20 young women will enter the order, Sr. Teresa Benedicta said, and earlier this year, 16 women completed their first year as novices and became postulants. Among them is Sr. Mary Consolata, daughter of Robb and Laurie Klucik of Ave Maria.
The order also has been in the news lately because of the release of an album of religious music, Mater Eucharistiae. The 15-track album, recorded live from the sisters' chapel in Ann Arbor, features songs in both English and Latin, and includes ancient chants, polyphony and original compositions. Some pieces are accompanied by the organ, trumpet and chimes, while others are sung a capella.
The album has been on Amazon.com's best selling list since its debut. It was featured recently on CBS This Morning (segment can be viewed by clicking here) and can be ordered online at the Sisters' website by clicking here.
Anyone wishing to contribute toward the purchase of the van can send donations care of local attorney Robb Klucik at Dominican Sisters of Mary, c/o Robert L Klucik Jr. PA, 5072 Annunciation Circle #326, Ave Maria, FL 34142.