Intercom Articles
Intercom Winter 2009
A Year-Long Celebration: Seton Legacy of Charity 1809-2009
By Donata GlassmeyerThe 200th anniversary of the founding of the American Sisters of Charity by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton began in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 – the feast day of Elizabeth Seton - at the Mount St. Joseph Motherhouse.
The liturgy marked the beginning of a year-long celebration honoring the life and accomplishments of a remarkable woman.
Three individuals who have served the Sisters for many years were awarded the 2009 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award during the celebration of the Jan. 4 Mass. The Congregation’s highest honor was bestowed on Debbie Kaegi, S. Margaret P. McPeak, CSJ, and Victor Hugo Guevara Ortega.
Debbie Kaegi was recognized for 27 years of service at St. Joseph Home of Cincinnati, a facility dedicated to the compassionate care of children and adults with severe mental and physical disabilities. Debbie has held a number of positions throughout the years, including direct care staff person, unit manager, assistant program director, and presently as staff development/volunteer/safety coordinator. Debbie’s length of service to St. Joseph Home is exemplified in her wealth of knowledge of the Home’s history, which she used to compile a written and pictorial history in preparation for the Home’s 135th anniversary celebration in 2008.
“The presence of love and charity that the Sisters have brought to St. Joseph Home throughout the years make all the difference,” Debbie said.
Sister Margaret P. McPeak, CSJ, was recognized for serving more than 30 years as an associate professor at the College of Mount St. Joseph, Cincinnati. She has been the chair of the humanities department since 1997.
Her nominators explained, “Peg’s stewardship of the mission [of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati] is legendary. As a teacher of philosophy, along with her leadership skills, Peg has been among the pioneers to develop challenging curriculums such as Western Civilization: the Age of Faith; the Age of Protest, the Age of Ideology and the Age of Uncertainty.” Peg also has contributed to the weekend college and interdisciplinary programs such as the women’s studies program.
“Through her gentle guidance, Peg has mentored many new faculty members toward the highest professional standards,” the nominating committee said. “She is highly respected at the College among colleagues and alumni.”
Victor Hugo Guevara Ortega was recognized for his support, promotion and maintenance of the ministry and spirit of the Sisters of Charity in Manazo, Puno, Peru, for 32 years. When the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati arrived in Peru in 1976, Hugo inspired the people to trust the Sisters and helped the Sisters understand the Quechua culture. When the Sisters left in 1996, Hugo continued as coordinator of the “Educate a Child,” lunch and religious education programs and the women’s cooperative that the Sisters initiated. Hugo was unable to attend the ceremony. S. Mary Barbara Philippart accepted the award in his absence.
“Hugo is so grateful to receive this award,” S. Mary Barbara said. “He has great appreciation for the Sisters of Charity.”
S. Barbara Hagedorn (second from right) congratulates the 2009 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recipients (left to right) S. Mary Barbara Philippart (accepting for Victor Hugo Guevara Ortega), Debbie Kaegi and S. Margaret P. McPeak during the celebration of Mass on Jan. 4 – the Feast Day of Elizabeth Seton.
(From left to right) Sisters Pat Malarkey and Fran Trampiets attended the reception following the Jan. 4 liturgy at the Motherhouse chapel.
(From left to right) Sisters Helen Miriam Gunn, Grace Ann Gratsch and Joseph Ellen Noppenberger and Associates Mary Bradley and Ethel O’Connor enjoy each other’s company at the reception.
(From left to right) Sisters Montiel Rosenthal, Joyce Richter and Mary Ann Humbert participate in the celebration of Mass on the feast of St. Elizabeth Seton.
Sisters and Associates from Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Walsenburg, Colo., celebrated the Feast of Elizabeth Seton with a prayer service and renewal of commitments at the chapel at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs.
