Edition No. 232—May 17, 2023 

Votes and voices: The tent is expanding

by Colleen Gibson SSJ

Reprinted with permission from Global Sisters Report

Read Sister Colleen Gibson SSJ's latest article in the Global Sisters Report: " Votes and voices: The tent is expanding

We certainly should rejoice in those whose voices and votes will be counted and included at the upcoming Synod of Bishops. The question is: How are we going to enlarge the space of our tents at other levels too?

Click here to read Sister Colleen's article

Villa Zoom—Light and Darkness

by Julie Gabell, SSJ Associate in Mission

Death in the minds of many is a taboo topic. Fear of the unknown can choke our thoughts and leave us gasping for words. Those who have mourned a loved one know this feeling first-hand. When it comes down to our own death, however, the screen often goes blank, and we place reality in some far corner of our mind. This plays out all wrong for, once birthed into life, death is the most certain reality that each one of us must ultimately face.

In the past two weeks the Villa has laid to rest five Sisters, leaving a void where once vibrant women contributed to the wholeness of Community. We who truly believe, know that their presence remains among us—inspiring, encouraging, and waiting until we, too, shall join their ranks. By the same token, still others trust that death will not claim them any time soon and they avoid what they know is reality. Though we look to the positive, deep down we realize that we have no control over our passing. We are all going to die: it’s just when, where, and how. 

As we age, we can’t help but feel that death is creeping closer. We move more slowly, remember less, and struggle more. Though we each deal with these setbacks in our own way, hard times are inevitable. Look to them with self-compassion and curiosity for the best is yet to come. Read a good book, play a new game, make a new friend, or take a long walk. As long as we live, life still waits for us to embrace it. The trick is for us to breathe deeply and move on.



As Earth blossoms anew, we are reminded that nature, too, has its dark moments of death and loss. But flowers still bloom, and bushes surge to life even after the coldest and darkest of winters. This resurgence reminds us that we are not alone as we are caught in the remarkable recircling of life. During times of great sorrow, when the world morphs from life to death and back again, take heart. We are witnessing the resilient beauty that is God in our lives.

Service Awards & Retirement Celebration

Chestnut Hill College

April 28, 2023

William W. Latimer, Ph.D., M.P.H., President, Chestnut Hill College, welcomed faculty, students, staff, family and friends to the annual Service Awards & Retirement Celebration, held in the East Parlor on April 28, 2023.

Among those retiring:

Catherine Nerney SSJ, Ph.D. Director of Institute for

Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Associate Professor of Religious Studies

Merilyn Ryan SSJ, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics

Rita M. Scully SSJ, M.A. Associate Professor of English

Recipients of Service Awards included:

60 Years: Mary Helen Kashuba SSJ, D.M.L.

Professor of French and Russian

Foreign Language and Literature Department

15 Years: Marie Leahy SSJ, Ed.D.

Chair, Undergraduate Education

Associate Professor of Education

Congratulations to all the honorees!

Pictured from left: William W. Latimer, Ph.D, M.P.H. and Mary Helen Kashuba SSJ

Pictured from left: Cathy Nerney SSJ and William W. Latimer, Ph.D, M.P.H.

Pictured from left: Marilyn Ryan SSJ and William W. Latimer, Ph.D, M.P.H.

Pictured from left: Rita Michael Scully SSJ and William W. Latimer, Ph.D, M.P.H.

Pictured from left: Marie Leahy SSJ and William W. Latimer, Ph.D, M.P.H.

Celebrating Sister Volunteers

Saint Joseph Villa

April 27, 2023

April 27, 2023, the Villa community celebrated Sister volunteers with a beautiful tea party! 

A special thanks to Norwood-Fontbonne Academy for a wonderful performance for the sisters. It was wonderful that they could be a part of  this special day.

We are so incredibly grateful for everyone who helped make the day special, and especially for our Sisters’ service throughout the year.

Congratulations, Chestnut Hill College Class of 2023!