News & Reflections

For Sister Mary Grace, Holy Week 2020 was to be the threshold of her entrance into the life for which she yearned. Her last words to Sister Ruth, Provincial, were “I want to go to heaven.” In mid-afternoon of Holy Wednesday, April 8, 2020, she got her wish. She had received the Mystery of Holy Anointing earlier in that week, and so she was well prepared to meet Jesus to whom she had dedicated 63 years of her life.

Sister Mary Grace (Marion) was born in Dunmore, PA, the daughter of the late John and Mary Margaret (Lesko) Skuban. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil from St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church in Taylor, PA on October 1, 1957 and received her Final Profession of Vows on August 25, 1963 in the presence of the late Very Rev. Msgr. Basil Smochko.

As a Sister of St. Basil, Sister Mary Grace was called to a variety of ministries. Sister had been on the staff of Mt. Macrina Manor as an LPN in direct nursing care and later, in medical records. She had also served at the Byzantine Catholic Seminary, at Mt. Macrina House of Prayer, as Activities Director at St. Basil’s Home and as a substitute teacher. At the monastery, she served for a number of years as monastery sacristan, as well as assisting with the health care of the Sisters and in clerical and other supportive services.

Her final years were spent as a resident at Mt. Macrina Manor. At the Manor, until Sister Mary Grace was no longer able to do so, she participated in the Divine Liturgy and other services planned for the residents’ spiritual nourishment and refreshment. One cannot forget, either, her daily praying of the rosary. One of her requests was to have the rosary she prayed on with her on her final journey.

Sister enjoyed taking part in the activities offered at the Manor; she was a familiar figure at the sing-along on Sunday morning, and whenever there was Bingo, she was there, too. She was always quick to thank those who visited, accompanied by a smile and “God be with you!”

Following is a reflection Sister wrote upon completing a sabbatical program. “The Lord is my Shepherd . . . He takes care of me and my needs better than I can ever do myself. That He has such great love for me is really overwhelming! For this, I am most grateful. It gives meaning and purpose for my life’s journey . . . It lets me know I am solidly grounded in His love.” These thoughts, spoken from Sister’s heart are the best way to portray her life! Now she lives even more fully in a heavenly sabbatical!

Sister Mary Grace was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers, John (Eleanor), Andrew (Julie), and Joseph (Kay). She is the last surviving member of her immediate family.

The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated privately in the Monastery Chapel on Tuesday, April 14, by Rev. Jerome Botsko, Monastery Chaplain. There will be no public viewing.

Donald R. Crawford Funeral Home, Hopwood, is in charge of arrangements.

Dear Friends,

Because of the rapidly evolving health risks associated with COVID-19, for the protection of our Sisters, our employees and the public, the Religious Gift Shop and Mt. Macrina House of Prayer have been closed until further notice. General public access to Mount Macrina Manor nursing facility has been suspended until further notice.

We ask that you keep in touch with our Sisters at the monastery through phone and mail rather than visits.  We are grateful to God that there are no current cases of COVID-19 within our community of Sisters.

We are sorry for the impact this may have on you, and we thank you for your help and understanding during this time. We know that God gives us the grace we need to get through every difficulty and obstacle, and we rely on his help during this pandemic.

We ask that you join us in our prayers to Our Mother of Perpetual Help that she may intercede with her Son, the Divine Physician, to stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and challenges.

God is with us,

Sisters of Sisters Basil the Great

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST!

Dear Friends AND Fellow Pilgrims,

How can we not be filled with joy after experiencing the peace and blessings of our

85^th Pilgrimage in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help!

Each Pilgrimage is like a wonderful concert.  It begins as a single “note” as we meet to determine the theme of the pilgrimage.  During the following weeks and months, additional “notes” are added, creating the melody of celebrants, homilists, programs and speakers.  Come spring, the working “musicians” come to add their touch by cleaning, weeding, planting, organizing, ordering, and preparing the welcoming notes of hospitality in a spirit of service.

It all comes together with the arrival of our pilgrims from toddlers to teenagers, from young adults to seasoned seniors.  They all add their blend of prayers and praise, petitions and needs.  Finally, the spiritual concert rises from the prayerful grounds of Mount St. Macrina to the ears of Our Lord and his dear Mother, Cause of our Joy.

Thank you, sincerely, for being a part of this special “concert.”  May its beautiful strains continue to echo within you throughout this coming year.  Be assured that a daily prayerful “refrain” will be offered for you rising from the hearts of all of us, the Sisters of St. Basil.  We will await your return for the 86^th pilgrimage that will include a celebration of our century of service to the Byzantine Catholic Church.

With our love, prayers, and gratitude,

Sister Ruth Plante, Provincial

and the Sisters of St. Basil

Very early in the morning of Monday, August 12, 2019, Sister Ann Fedyszak (formerly Sister Aloysius) completed her earthly life and awoke to the dawn of her new life in the heavenly Kingdom. Sister Ann had been a resident of Mt. Macrina Manor just days shy of seven years, and it was from there that Jesus called her to Himself. She had been fortified earlier in the week by the Holy Anointing, accompanied by the faithful presence of her sister, Sister Margaret, and by the prayers of her Sisters, Sister Ann waited patiently for the Lord to come calling.

Sister Ann was born in Warren, OH, the daughter of the late Elias and Anna (Volchko) Fedyszak. She entered the Sisters of St. Basil in Uniontown on September 15, 1954 from SS. Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church in Warren, OH. Sister Ann made her Final Profession of Vows on August 21, 1960 in the presence of the late Very Rev. Msgr. John Gernat.

Sister Ann’s life as a Sister of St. Basil spanned 65 years of dedicated service in a variety of ministries. For about 18 years, she served in the teaching apostolate. Sister Ann was then assigned to help establish the Office of Religious Education in Pittsburgh where she was noted for her significant contribution to the Catechetical Ministry. This ministry which was well-loved by Sister took a back seat when she was elected as Assistant Provincial for the community.

Retreat Ministry then engaged Sister’s energy for seven years until she was called to part-time ministry in both the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office and Holy Ghost Parish in McKees Rocks, PA. This part-time ministry in McKees Rocks developed into full time Pastoral Ministry for ten years. At a time when physical disability would cause many to retire, Sister Ann’s strong will stood her in good stead as she continued to give her all to her ministry.

In 2006, when it became apparent that she could no longer do so, Sister Ann returned to the monastery; however, continuing to serve in Pastoral Ministry at the Manor for another five years. Finally, as a resident at the Manor, Sister Ann was known for ministering to others. She was especially faithful in visiting community members when they were journeying toward eternity.

Sister Ann wanted to be remembered for her deep faith, and it was surely this which was the hallmark of her life. Though she could no longer be present with the community as they prayed Matins and Vespers, these liturgical service books were her faithful companions even up to her final days.

Sister Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary (DeSantis) and her brother John. In addition to her Sisters in community, she is survived by her brother Joseph and her sister, Sister Margaret. Relatives and friends will be received at the Monastery Chapel on Sunday, August 18 from 3:30 pm to the time of the Parastas Service which will be sung at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Divine Liturgy will be celebrated by Archbishop William C. Skurla on Monday, August 19 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in the Dormition Section of Mount Macrina Cemetery.

Donald R. Crawford Funeral Home in Hopwood, is in charge of arrangements.

In a spirit of gratitude and with great joy, the total community of the Sisters of St. Basil gathered in Uniontown to celebrate the 405 years of dedicated service to God on July 30, 2019. Each of the Sisters in her own unique way expressed her commitment to be a praying, healing and life-giving presence in our Metropolitan Church and in the world beyond.
Sister Mary Ann Vasilchek, as the senior of the group, celebrated 75 years as a Basilian Sister. Sisters from the Monastery joined in celebration with Sister at Mt. Macrina Manor since failing health did not allow her to be present at the Monastery celebration. In the Manor Chapel an abbreviated service of the Akathist to Our Mother of Perpetual Help was sung by the Sisters Following this, all gathered in the Oaks Dining Room to congratulate Sister Mary Ann, to enjoy refreshments and to share stories.
70^th Anniversary
Sister Theodosia Alishofski, Sister Theresa Bavol, and Sister Petronilla Puhak marked 70 years of joyful service as Sisters of St. Basil. Serving for most of their religious life as teachers in the parish schools, each Sister then moved on to parish and/or pastoral ministry.
Sister Theodosia is presently serving in parish ministry in Wilkes-Barre Pa. and surrounding parishes. While visiting the sick is the primary focus of this ministry, Sister also is involved in catechetical ministry in the parish. Sister Theodosia’s gift as an iconographer is evident in the many icons that can be seen around the monastery.
After serving in parish schools for close to fifty years, Sister Theresa and Sister Petronilla are both now sharing their gifts of compassionate care at Mt. Macrina Manor. There, each Sister brings a ray of light to the residents who look forward to their presence. This same spirit also brings comfort to the families of residents, especially when the Lord comes to take their loved ones home to himself. Both Sister Theresa and Sister Petronilla share with the residents of the Manor, the same loving presence that were theirs as teachers.
 60^th Anniversary
Sister Elaine Kisinko and Sister Carol Petrasovich also began their ministry as Sisters of St Basil in the educational apostolate, both serving as teacher and principal for a number of years. Other and varied ministries then became part of their lives which included serving on the Provincial Council.
Presently Sister Elaine serves as secretary to Metropolitan Archbishop William Skurla, the third Archbishop whom she was called to serve in this capacity. Added to her responsibilities for the Archeparchy, Sister Elaine is the copy editor for the BCW.
Sister Carol, who background is in Formative Spirituality, continues in her position as Director of the House of Prayer. Offering spiritual direction individually, retreats and workshops is the main focus of this ministry. Additionally, Sister Carol is the coordinator for the Annual Pilgrimage.
The epistle read at the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving was from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in which he speaks of the gifts of the spirit. In listening to this reading, one could not help but reflect upon the many gifts poured out in the lives of our Sister Jubilarians. At the festive dinner following the Liturgy, Sister Ruth, Provincial, congratulated the Jubilarians and thanked them for so generously offering the treasures of their gifts throughout these many years. For all of them, she wished that each could now draw interest from this treasury, as they continue to be a praying, healing and life-giving presence.