ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF 2021 MINISTRY GRANTS
Joan Mumaw, IHM, President and Chief Administrative Officer, Friends in Solidarity, Inc.:
Please see Joan’s letter attached to this edition of Bridges.
Barbara Buckley, RSM on behalf of the Solidarity Teacher Training College in South Sudan:
“Attached is our latest newsletter from the Solidarity Teacher Training College. Although this year had it challenges, the school graduated 41 teachers ready to build capacity among the people of South Sudan. It should give you some idea of how your donation is being used at the school. Thank you for working with us.”
Mary Galeone, RSM, Preston Center of Compassion:
“I want to thank you for your community’s generous support of our work. We received [the grant] for our ESL program which will help immigrant adults learn English skills which will open up new opportunities for themselves and their families. Your partnership has already had practical effects with our students and will continue to do so.”
FUNERAL OF SR BEATRICE BONIN RJM
On Tuesday, July 13, about 30 parishioners, family members and sisters gathered at St. Martha Church in Plainville, MA to celebrate the life of Sr. Beatrice (Sr. Bea) Bonin RJM. The attendees were warmly welcomed by Fr. Joseph Mozer, pastor.
He introduced Srs. Michelle Authier RJM and Diane Dube RJM who spoke of the life of Sr. Bea. Diane shared memories of Bea’s loving presence to the boarders at Villa Augustina School in Goffstown, NH. Michelle shared reflections on her retirement years and her devotion to the community as well as the circumstances of her quick passing.
This was followed by the celebration of the Eucharist, concelebrated by Fr. Joe and Fr. Lambert, the Parish Associate, with readings and hymns reminding us of Bea’s beautiful life. The Pastor, Fr. Joe gave an inspiring homily on the reading from the Song of Songs, chosen for this liturgy relating it to Sr. Bea.
The burial took place at St. Jean Baptist Cemetery in Bellingham, MA. The two priests Fr. Joe and Fr. Lambert attended. The committal was led by Fr. Lambert in an abridged version of his African style. It closed with the singing of O Mon Jesus-Marie, a touching ending to a beautiful celebration.
– Sr. Diane Dube RJM
