September 3, 2011 - 77th Annual Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help

September 3-4, 2011

For complete schedule, please follow this link.

August 11, 2011 - + SISTER ANGELA KRISFALUSY, OSBM

Sister Angela (Helen) Krisfalusy fell asleep in the Lord early Tues. morning, Aug. 9, 2011 at Mt. Macrina Manor. She had been a member of the Uniontown Province of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great for 74 years.

 

Sister Angela was born in Canonsburg, Pa., the daughter of the late Charles and Helen (Blyshak) Krisfalusy. She entered the community from St. Michael’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Canonsburg, PA on Nov. 21, 1937.  Sister Angela pronounced her First Vows on Oct. 3, 1939 and made her Solemn Profession of Vows on Aug. 28, 1945 in the presence of the late Rev. Msgr. John Powell.

 

During her years in the community, Sister Angela was called to serve in a variety of ministries. Her principal ministry was as a teacher and principal in the many schools then existing in the Metropolitan Church of Pittsburgh and as a catechist in parishes in the summer. Sister Angela served twice in the administration of the Province. While serving in this capacity, she also discharged the duties of house coordinator during one term; during the other term, she served at St. Basil’s Home for Aging women. Before her complete retirement from active ministry, Sister Angela was sacristan at the Monastery as well as chauffeuring Sisters to their appointments.

 

 Even at the young age of 15 years, Sister Angela firmly believed in her call to religious life and followed it faithfully over the course of seven decades. Her niece, Sister Josetta, cites Sister Angela’s example as the inspiration for her own vocation. While living at the monastery in semi-retirement, Sister Angela and her dear friend, Sister Frances could often be seen together, whether helping each other in some task or simply enjoying one another’s company. This relationship continued when both became residents at the Manor, and it was touching to see their care for one another. Sister Frances, without question, was among those who welcomed Sister Angela to her new home.

 

Sister Angela is fondly remembered for a phrase which was often on her lips, undoubtedly coming from her heart. Every translation limps, and this one is no exception. It was a quote she used when faced with a challenge, and one which the Sisters often repeated to her when visiting: “Lord, Lord, who will help us, if not you, Lord!”  This same beloved Lord surely greeted her at her entrance into heaven

 

Sister Angela was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Charles and John and her sister Anna Finney. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her niece Sister Josetta, and several devoted nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery Chapel on Thursday, August 11 from 3:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Parastas Service will be sung at 7:00 p.m.. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Fri., Aug. 12 at 10:30 am in the Monastery Chapel. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.  Stephen E. Kezmarsky III Funeral Home, Uniontown, is in charge of arrangements.                          

August 11, 2011 - + SISTER MADELINE BOBACK, OSBM

Sister Madeline Boback went peacefully home to the Lord early Tues. evening, Aug. 9, 2011 at Mt. Macrina Manor. She had been a member of the Uniontown Province of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great for 63 years.

 

Sister Madeline was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the daughter of the later Michael and Catherine (Krawchak) Boback. A former member of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., she entered the community on Sept.15, 1948. Sister Madeline pronounced her First Vows on Aug. 15, 1950 and made her Final Profession on Aug. 28, 1953 in the presence of the late Bishop Daniel Ivancho.

 

Although her main purpose in entering the community was not to be a teacher; she brought these qualifications with her to the community. She, then, like many others, was assigned to the ministry of teaching and /or principal for a good part of her religious life.  Her many students will testify that, while she was strict as a teacher, she had a listening heart and was well-loved by those who passed through her classes. Sister Madeline could make even Shakespeare palatable with her dramatic readings of his plays. She especially treasured the students of Mt. St. Macrina Academy and looked forward with delight to their visits when they attended the Alumnae Reunions.

 

Sister Madeline was also called to serve in the administration of the Province as Assistant Provincial for two terms. In addition to fulfilling this duty, she also served as Provincial Secretary and School Supervisor.

Her other assignments included editor of the Voice Magazine, assisting with secretarial duties at the Generalate in Rome, the Card and Prayer Department at the Monastery, Parish Office Work in McKees Rocks, Pa., and Administrative Secretary for the Eparchy of Phoenix. She was valued for her discretion and integrity in the fulfillment of all her assignments.

 

Writing about her desire to take the next step in her early years in religious life, Sister Madeline wrote . . .”I rely fully on God’s inestimable Mercy and Goodness. I desire nothing save that His Holy Will be accomplished in me and by me all the days of my life. May it please God in His infinite tenderness to look kindly on my request.”  As Sister Madeline gave her life back to God, this request was certainly granted to the fullest.

 

Sister Madeline was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Catherine. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her sister Sylvia Boback and several devoted nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery Chapel on Sun., Aug. 14 from 3:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. The Parastas Service will be sung at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated on Mon., Aug. 15 at 10:30 a.m. in the Monastery Chapel. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.  Stephen E. Kezmarsky III Funeral Home, Uniontown, is in charge of arrangements.