The stories behind our sisters’ patron saints
Sister Pamela Mae Geiger
My patron saint is Mary, especially the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth. I chose this feast because like Mary I want to be a Christ bearer to all those I meet along the way during life.
Sister Patrycia Sweeney
St. Patrick is my patron saint. I chose him because my mother wanted to name me Patricia at my Baptism but she was too sick to attend. My aunt, my mom’s sister, suggested to the priest to name me after one of my grandmothers. My aunt got to him before my dad arrived, so the priest listened to her since she was my Godmother. So, at investment, I chose Patrycia as my name and St. Patrick as my patron saint, as that is what my mom had wanted at my Baptism. I had to spell it differently because no one was allowed to duplicate spellings of anyone in the congregation at that time, hence the Y in place of the I.
Sister Richardlyn Jones
My patron saint is St. Joseph the Worker. The reason I chose him because the name Richardlyn is my dad’s name “Richard” and I have 8 brothers but my dad did not want anyone named for him since he did not like the nicknames. Richard means the “wise and good leader” and St. Joseph the Worker is a very good leader and a worker. My dad worked his whole life to raise all 11 of us and I found St. Joseph to be a very good patron.
Sister Shauna Bankemper
My patron saint is St. Pope John XXIII. I chose him because he is the pope to call the Second Vatican Council. There was much about Pope John that everyone was attracted to, like his courage to call the Council and the energy that resulted from the changes that followed. When John XXIII was canonized, October 11 was designated as his feast day, the day he called the Second Vatican Council.
Sister Rita Geoppinger
My patron saint is St. Rita of Cascia. Rita was my baptismal name and my father, in particular, liked the name and chose it for me so this is what gives it a special meaning for me. However, I do like this saint as the patroness of lost and impossible causes. Her married life was very difficult with an abusive husband. After 18 years, Rita softened his harsh demeanor but he was eventually murdered as a result of past political feuds. Ultimately, her two sons were also killed trying to avenge the murder of their father. This turn of events left Rita free to become a religious sister which had been her heart’s desire from her childhood. She reminds me that patience and perseverance pays off.
Sister Mary Pat Kenney
I chose St. Patrick for my uncle Pat, who was an inspirational figure in my life and always exemplified kindness and unwavering support.
Sister Mary Luann Bender
My patroness is Mary under the title of her Immaculate Heart. It’s because the love of a mother, symbolized by her heart, that I chose Mary under this title, and I pray to Mary, that I may imitate her love, her compassion and her closeness to Jesus.
Sister Debra Wischmeyer
My patron saint is St. Anthony of Padua. I chose him because he is the first saint that I recall praying to as a child because I was always losing things. He is a great friend of mine! Sister Lourita WarkenAs the years go by since I entered the Sisters of Notre Dame, my respect and desire to honor Mary under the title of Our Lady of Lourdes has grown. I am drawn to Mary because of her great faith and how she lived out her faith throughout her entire life. Lourdes is that place where people go because of their faith andtheir love for Mary. I pray that my faith grows under Mary’s guidance and direction. Sister Joann SchlarbaumSt. Joan of Arc is my patron saint. She was extraordinary and also very mingled with the ordinary. She was a young peasant woman and at the age of 13 she heard voices. And they continued for about four or five years. She led armies and conquered military leaders. Her undertakings are always conducted in the name of the King of Heaven. She knows where she is going, but not always, and sometimes that is the case with me. I don’t always know where I am going but God is always there and always leading.She leads the French into battle and how does she fight, with strength and determination and not from herself but always from God. My life is always that I try to take my undertakings in the name of God. She always takes counsel from God and that to me was so important, to listen to God’s word and voice. At her trials, she told the judge that the voices told her to leave everything to God. That again is what I try to do, surrender everything to God. He is in charge, He guides my life. On May 31, 1431 she died at the stake. She died by suffocation and her last glance was to the crucifix and she said, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” and that is what my voice wants to say also, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.” Sister Joyce Maria Brennan
I chose the 3rd Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday. Mary is my model in being ready to respond with ‘yes’ to what God wants of me. The word Gaudete in Latin means “rejoice” and my name is Sister Joyce!
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