2012 Seniors Speak

The following articles were written by Catherine Smith.

April 18, 2012
Appreciation in the Capitol

Washington, DC -- Wiping out on black ice and feeling motion sick in an eight-hour bus ride is nothing compared to the excitement of going to the Capitol (Washington DC).  Not only did we hit warm weather (relative to the Northeast) and get to see important monuments and visit free museums, but we had nice meals with people full of gratitude for our work.

In mid-February some Regnum Christi women and the Legionaries of Christ in Washington DC decided that an appreciation dinner for the consecrated women was in order.  As plans evolved, the size of the local community of 10 consecrated women was just not large enough. Within a matter of days the consecrated members at Mater Ecclesiae College in Rhode Island were informed of the invitation: “We’re going to Washington DC!”

Thirty-six formation center members – all that were able – boarded the bus in the snow-chilled hours of Friday morning. With a good chunk of the weekend spent on a bus, Saturday was the day for the consecrated women to enjoy, and enjoy they did, thanks to all those working behind the scenes in hours of planning.

“I had never felt such guidance from the Holy Spirit as I did in planning this weekend,” said Jacqueline Gonzalez, a consecrated woman who lives in DC. “Our wish was that the consecrated members in formation experience the apostolic dimension of our vocation, since it is not complete until we give love and receive love through souls and our mission.”

We awoke to the smell of bacon on Saturday morning.  But before enjoying a delicious breakfast, we joined the local Regnum Christi women in making a Holy Hour of Reparation, held every first Saturday of the month at Our Lady of Bethesda retreat center.  A lively breakfast followed, attended by fifty consecrated women and eighty Regnum Christi ladies.  While people chatted and ate their bacon, eggs, and pancakes with syrup, some of the ladies gave testimonies of gratitude.  The MEC choir in turn sang a few songs, all immersed in a uniquely feminine atmosphere of laughter and tears.

“I was thinking as I watched them, that they are true witnesses to Christ, and this alone is a powerful sign to a tired and cynical world,” said Melanie Baker, one of the ladies who helped organize the event. “They are full of joy, optimism and hope, and that makes a very powerful statement despite their youth and inexperience.”

Next we grabbed packed lunches and hit the town.  Under a friendly sun, we broke into small groups and headed off in every different direction, walking to the Smithsonian museums and the impressive monuments of American history.  The city had much to offer with its water views, scenic drives and rich architecture.

The noise-filled bus arrived back at the retreat center with enough time for the MEC students to get ready for the evening festivities held just for us. Five o’clock began with an hour of hors d´oeuvres and drinks, served with a smile by the local Challenge Club and Leadership Training Program members.  A three-course roast beef meal followed.  Then came a litany of testimonies

by Legionary priests and mothers and daughters who have worked with and been impacted by the consecrated women in Washington DC.  Also featured throughout the night were door prizes, poetry readings and music.

The group stayed up late, as young adults do, snacking, talking and playing the guitar.

Besides getting to sleep in, we found Sunday morning held more surprises.  Mass was concelebrated by six priests and served by three brothers of the Legionaries of Christ community in DC. Fr. John Hopkins, LC gave an inspirational homily. 

“Plans changed almost daily, and there were several kinks to work through, but it transpired as it did in an incredibly joyful way, because it wasn’t about anyone’s ideas,” said Caroline Lucas, a member of the consecrated community in Washington.  “It was about fulfilling our goal of making our little sisters feel so loved and needed by Christ, by us, and by those who have been touched by the vocation we have.”

Before leaving DC, the bus bound for Rhode Island stopped at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. There we made a consecration to Mary as a group at the shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes and sang the Ave Maria.

“It helped me to renew my trust in Jesus, especially at this time in our history, knowing that we follow in the footsteps of the ‘yes’ of Our Lady, who despite all trials, held fast to the Lord’s will with faith, hope, and love,” said Laura Kuhlman, a senior at MEC.

“I am so grateful for all those whose work and prayers made the weekend such a success,” said Cecilia Azcunaga, director of the formation center in Greenville. “I would like to thank especially the ladies of Regnum Christi, the Legionary of Christ community, the team of consecrated women in DC, the owner of the bus company who provided a bus and driver free of charge, the cooks, and the Challenge and LTP members who served us. We definitely experienced their love and appreciation!”

March 1 , 2012
Yet to be Determined

The biggest event of the year at MEC does not make an appearance on the calendar. Yet according to the student body, it is the most exciting event of the year.

While many college graduates face an uncertain future, the class of 2012 at Mater Ecclesiae College is soon to be presented with a rare reality: guaranteed work and no pay.

 Still to be determined for months yet is the country, city, house, community, apostolate, schedule, bedroom, and climate where the graduates will eventually reside. And if that is not shifty enough, they hardly have a chance to get ready.

“We find out sometime in June.” notes Therese Maher, a senior at MEC. “Last year the seniors found out where they would go and what they would do the day after their graduation.”

Sound dismal?

The joy and conviction written on their faces replies a hearty “no”.

“We’ve given all to Christ and the Church.” says senior Stephanie Pangtay "It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do because we’re not seeking a life of success but a life of service.”

Nevertheless, feelings are mixed regarding departure day for the soon-to-be graduates.

“It will be hard to leave but it’s exciting to start the next chapter of our consecrated life out there in the apostolate” says Carolina Tavares.

Fellow senior Mary DeGoede feels a “healthy blend of excitement and apprehension” in the face of what is to come. On the other hand Laura Kulman shivers at the memory of seeing a senior burst into tears at the breakfast table after dropping, of all things, an apple on the floor. It’s no wonder the rising graduates are a little nervous.

The big day doesn’t feature on the official MEC calendar, not only because its date is unknown, but because departure day has already begun. The charge of tears, planes and rent-a-car’s of the event pale in comparison with the quasi-atmosphere which has already emerged, “This will be our last Christmas together” … “We have to savor this moment together while it lasts” … “Where do you want to go…where do you think you’ll go…?” The real question is: should a cap be put on a woman’s emotions?

Lauren Hawkesworth, the MEC dean of student affairs has worked with four classes of graduating seniors. Having had her fair share of drama she offers this explanation:

“After spending four years together at a small live in college they get to know each other so well and come to love each other so much that it’s hard to let go. They’re not blood sisters but share deep spiritual friendships that they’ll keep for life”. However, she is not oblivious to what goes on, “You’d think limbs are being severed without anesthesia”. Consecration of life, a vocation which the MEC seniors share, doesn’t exempt them from the nerves and excitement that the universal class of 2012 share. Mystery is on the horizon as they prepare to go face to face with the unknown. The hope in the students and faculty at MEC is that the graduates will find their feet soon enough in their new cities and works of apostolate. After all, they have entrusted their lives to the Master who sent his disciples to the ends of the earth, promising “to be with you always, even until the end of time.” (Matt 28:20).

February 2 , 2012
Somethings Don't Change

Country life in New Zealand differs considerably from city life, as I’m sure it does in the States. I had firsthand experience of both. I grew up in a quaint town of no more than 500 people where a cow once blocked my bike path to school, milk was delivered to our mailbox, we went through a variety of back yard and indoor pets, sheep included. It was only at 12 years of age that I discovered the “bonk” was actually pronounced “bank”.

Sweet food – a child’s life – was a rarity in my home. My diet consisted mainly of home grown vegetables and quality meat, mostly donated by country folk to “the minister and his family”. Not only was every “treat” carefully and evenly divided among four children, but as soon as any such food was discovered on the shelf, it was keenly devoured within the hour. Why? Desperation – my daily lunch box contained a honey sandwich and some carrots; no chips, no candy, no juice. Forget McDonald’s happy meals and Coldstone. It was a traumatic experience to which I attribute my current sweet tooth.

We moved to the city when I was a teenager. This brought new and fabulous dietary benefits. My high school friends and I went through a number of food fads; Subway, chocolate licorice… – items never to be found on the shelves in my old town.

Exposing these personal facts leads me to introduce the idea that some things never change, no matter where you’re from.

Experience as head of the kitchen at Mater Ecclesiae College has taught me that no matter the nationality or background, chances are college students have a strong tendency towards sweets; candy, chocolate, cakes, ice cream. I’m not at all against this. I try to alternate a sweet dessert with a healthy one on the menu. What gets under my skin though is when the special item purchased for an upcoming feast day or special occasion is opened or even disappears, even though carefully placed out of sight in the pantry. The nerve! This means that the quantity needed for everyone in the house is compromised.

What is to be done? A trap will catch a mouse but not a rational being. A security camera is a little too extreme for these circumstances. Besides, we’re talking a little bit of food, not someone’s credit card. Yet the problem remains; what is to be done?

I recently heard about Amy Sutherland’s book “What Shamu taught me about Life, Love, and Marriage: Lessons for People from Animals and their Trainers”. In it Amy shares numerous examples of working with her husband to get his annoying habits in check. If the title doesn’t make it obvious, her success with him is based off the animal training techniques (Shamu is a dolphin).

It must be noted that Amy doesn’t believe her husband is a dolphin. If I ever had the tendency to value an animal above a human being I’ve certainly lost it now. As a convert I’ve wholeheartedly adopted the Catholic belief that every person is created in God’s image and is essentially good. Forgiving thieves has been part of my journey. Like Amy, it helps to look beyond surface behavior: the culprit(s) stealing from the pantry are, perhaps, in fact not stealing at all. Did they know that the nutella was for the next feast day breakfast? Of course not. Naturally, they discovered something to be enjoyed. And in our house, this enjoyment is rarely taken for ones own but generously offered to many others. And so the thief is acquitted. Who am I to condemn again?

If I search my memory I find that there has been one simple method that has worked quite well – for any mother like mine that might be interested – and that is labeling. It’s one of those things in life where you know something has worked in the past, but you just haven’t been consistent with it, like diets and exercise. Apparently, if someone knows what something is intended for they will follow instructions. If the vitamin waters say “for a sick person” they aren’t touched. Voile! The dolphin obeys.

November 1 , 2011
MEC Faculty - The Kitchen

What are names like Big Al and Ricky doing in the vocabulary of students at Mater Ecclesiae College, who are consecrated women? What motivates a college student to put on multi-colored leg warmers and a worn jacket on a daily basis through all seasons of the year, just to spend quality time with these guys?

These are good and valid questions.

Senior Ale Curiel knows Big Al the best. Unless he is sick, she has a first hand experience of his -10oF average temperature when packing frozen goods into his shelves. During the three minutes it takes for his light to warm up, Ale enters a dark and misty cave, advancing like a brave Antarctic explorer. Leg warmers come in handy in such circumstances.

Ricky, on the other hand, is lovingly cared for by senior Therese Maher. Although the identical twin of Big Al, Ricky is a little more accommodating – temperature wise – for the simple reason that he is a fridge. However Ricky is no less work than Big Al on order day… make that every day.

In October 2010 I became intimately involved with the appliances and general running of our college kitchen. Now, a year later, I would like to share some of my experiences there.
           
In the 23 years of my existence prior to consecrated life, I never imagined working in a commercial kitchen. It all began when I was called one day from my duties in the reception area and asked to “help out” in the kitchen. This was a relatively small change in my life plans.

“Sure, I can help in the kitchen.”

I love order and cleanliness. My first day on the job was a radical change from what I was used to; a morning meeting, many people, another language, “we don’t have any carrots…”, “I forgot to thaw the meat,” and last minute rush. A day or two went by. No one said it exactly, but I started to figure out my role little by little. I was invited to help plan the menu for Thanksgiving. No big deal. Then the head of the kitchen showed me how to make the menus for the college. I wonder why I need to know this. Within a week I was co-head of the Mater Ecclesiae College kitchen and three months later, head.
           
Never considering myself a born leader, I’ve learned many lessons in the kitchen. First of all, consecrated women live and work on a tight budget. This requires careful planning and crafty ideas.

Second, we receive weekly donations in large quantities, ranging from pineapple cottage cheese to enough boxes of cappuccino mix to last a lifetime. This requires imagination and, at times, a sense of humor.

Third, regardless of budget or donations, we like a balanced and nutritious diet. Hence, each day must cover all the food groups and repeating any type of food twice in two days is a big no no.

Forth, while the kitchen can be a novelty for some, those of us who work there require motivation from time to time. Motivations range from the salvation of souls to M&M cookies.

Fifth, I explain the daily menu to our kitchen workers who speak mainly Spanish. Not only have I learned a little more Spanish, but I’ve learned that in order to avoid events such as three giant marshmallows sitting on top of mashed sweet potatoes, I ought to go and ask for translation help from my kitchen team members.

Sixth, I, Catherine, New Zealander, decide what over seventy people of various nationalities eat three times a day. This requires humility as, due to the aforementioned lessons, I can’t manage things as I would like to.
           
“I’ve got you covered.” The last lesson stands on its own. Just as a head can’t do much without a body, teamwork has proven itself to be a human invention the kitchen team is most grateful for. From the one that has a sweet tooth to the one who prefers things salty, together we have brought about many a fine meal. A priest told us in our freshman year “If you can cook an omelet you can run a school”. I don’t feel ready to run a school, but in any case, I am grateful for the kitchen experience. Why? I’ve discovered what an older sister of mine – St Teresa of Avila – meant when she said, “God walks even amidst the pots and pans”.

October 10, 2011
To be at His side

To what extent should we conform ourselves to another’s will? When we hear such requests as, “pass me the salt, please” and “could you pass me the remote, dear…” it’s only natural that we oblige. But imagine being told that you are to leave your country for an unknown amount of time. Mexican Andrea Moreno started packing her bags on August 16, 2008 when told by her religious superior, “You are going to live in Greenville, RI.” only an hour following her consecration to God.

Reflecting on that experience, she isn’t bitter about it. In fact, carrying out that request was for her “an invitation from Christ to make my decision for him more radical.” 
           
Andrea had one of those typical Mexican Catholic upbringings. Her education in the faith began in the home where the seeds of her vocation were sown.

“I always wanted to give more, and my parents were a very good example of generosity.” The frequency of the term God’s will in her house and the friendship with Jesus that began early in Andrea’s life, deepened this sense of respect for God and her desire to help others. When she was just six years old she participated in family missions during Holy Week. Experiences such as these led her to offer her assistance to “a poor person in the streets, or hungry little children, or a mom crying…” As she grew she realized that these desires to help others were not so common among her friends. Slowly she began to understand that God had a special plan for her life and that it was only a matter of time till she would find out what it was.
           
Developing a strong and personal friendship with Jesus is something essential to the spirituality of Regnum Christi and to Andrea. A major step in her discovery of her vocation was at the first and most intimate encounter with Jesus of her life. At her First Communion when she was eight years old, she “simply told Jesus in my thanksgiving after communion that I was so happy, that I wanted to be his friend and that I wasn’t going to leave him alone, no matter what would happen and that I wanted to be at his side. My surprise came when I heard Jesus saying ‘that’s very nice of you, but I am the one who wants you to be mine for ever.’” Who says that it’s hard to teach kids about God?
           
She doesn’t remember her first meeting with the consecrated women of Regnum Christ.  From a young age the consecrated women stayed at her house on their road trips through Chiapas. Looking back she realizes those visits allowed her to see the lifestyle of these women up close.

“I could see their prayer life and the way they treated each other. I knew them as normal people who were tired or hungry and who would laugh and cry.”

Perhaps it is for this reason that this life of total dedication to God “always attracted” her. Maybe that’s why she decided to spend her high school years at a boarding school run by the consecrated women, established specifically to enable young girls to discern a possible vocation. It was here that God confirmed Andrea in the path she was already walking, that of total consecration to him. It was also here in her senior year that God put her vocation to the test; she struggled with the fear that she would not persevere in her vocation when she found out that her brother had left the seminary. Yet, as suffering can make us or break us, she realized that “the only solution was to make a concrete and real act of trust.” And she doesn’t regret it.
           
Today Andrea is a senior studying full time at Mater Ecclesiae College in Rhode Island, USA. At the end of this year, having completed the four prescribed years of formation, she will receive a new destination and mission. While she loves the companions in consecrated life that she has grown with over these first four years, she feels ready to be sent out. It is just one more step on the path God chose for her when he created her. For her, it is the continuation of “a real adventure of letting Christ be my only security.”