DEAR MARYKNOLL SISTERS

Dear Maryknoll Sisters,

  Recently I attended an incredibly great Mission Institute and got so re-inspired about Maryknoll (having been a novice there in the early 60's) and as a Full Circle member,  I thought, "How can I be even more involved in mission there, at the Motherhouse or even on mission?" One of the sisters there mentioned Maryknoll Affiliates as a possible place for my energies and interests. When I mentioned this to another Full Circle member, my friend from Maryknoll, 1960,Carolyn Grassi, she contacted the Maryknoll Affiliates (in the East Bay California) and learned that they are "officially" sponsored by/connected with the Maryknoll Fathers and brothers, not directly with the Maryknoll Sisters. She also mentioned that, as with the Maryknoll magazine, donations are directed to the Fathers, unless specifically designated for the sisters. Of course, both the magazine and affiliates programs encourage collaboration with the sisters. This information made me stop in my tracks. Is it because I am at a late life stage of wanting Justice! Accountability! Fairness! Truth! to be present in my life? All I knew is that I felt discouraged that I could not be part of the Affiliates because my heart-loyalty is to the Sisters. And so is my pocketbook! Now our question is: is there a way that the Maryknoll Sisters can be full partners in the Maryknoll Affiliate program, that is, automatically have financial equality with any general donations. Also, it would be wonderful for the Sisters to be featured equally in the Affliates web sites, retreat events, etc. I keep asking almost daily, what is my mission? And maybe this is an alternative mission for me; that is, to write this letter and ask these questions, hoping that equality is established in this very important and timely matter as all sisters contemplate new truths.

In Mother Mary Joseph,

  Linda Mary Montano, Sr. Rose Augustine, 1960 along with Carolyn Grassi, Sr. Teresita Marie, 1960