Today, I learned of the death of a former professor of mine, Sister Marygrace "Ginger" Peters, OP (on the left in the picture). Sister Marygrace died on Feb 21, 2009 after a long battle with lung cancer. Of late she was the Prioress General of the Houston Dominican Sisters.
When I was doing studies in St. Louis, MO, I had five classes at Aquinas Institute of Theology, for one of the classes Sister was my Church History professor. At all times Sister Marygrace was a terriffic presence: happy, faithful, positive and prayerful. All what you would expect and cherish in a Dominican sister. Plus, she was a New Englander which was a consolation many times!
May the soul of Sister Marygrace rest in the peace and love of our Lord!
Ring them bells, for the city that dreams
Ring them bells from the sanctuaries
Cross the valleys and streams
For they're deep and they're wide
And the world's on its side
Ring them bells
For the lines they are long
And they're breaking down the distance
Between right and wrong.
John Donne
Paul, it's slightly more than a year since Sr. Marygrace (Ginger) died. I went on-line to see if I could find a copy of the eulogy from her memorial service in Houston, which I attended. I wanted to re-read it prior to a course I'm taking in Grief Counseling, primarily because her life was so positive. In the end, her death, while a time of sorrow for those of us who loved her, also proved to be a very uplifting celebration of life. I'm always glad when I think of her.
When your site came up, I was truly pleased to see the John Donne poem you'd included. I believe Ginger would have been delighted that you'd included it as a part of her remembrance. She was committed to justice and defeating the 'forces of darkness,' for sure.
She was also one-of-a kind, and yet as ordinary, in many ways, as a house sparrow. She was always fun, imaginative, creative and curious about Life and people; always ready for a challenge and just as willing to sit back and listen or to have a glass of wine and linger over a good meal! And how she loved to study and learn! I'd have given either arm to study with her at Aquinas ~ sigh! What a privilege you enjoyed!
Our connection dates back to my late teens and her 20's. We were in the Dominicans together, in what now seems like ancient history. We remained friends throughout our lives, despite very differing paths. Even when we lived continents away from each other, the bond remained. We took turns living in Europe, the US and UK. No matter what or where, she was 'there,' totally with you when she was in your presence. Ginger had a remarkable ability to remain involved as a true friend.
Thanks for remembering her so well. This made my day. I'll keep you in my prayers as you work toward your ordination. (Several years after leaving the Dominicans, I met and married an Episcopal priest. I'd been raised half Catholic/half Episcopalian). Ginger came to our wedding, celebrating she said, "The end of King Henry VIII's little spat!" -- it was a church history joke we shared, knowing that Henry's annulments had little to do with the actual reasons for the split.)
Over the ensuing years, she/we visited many times. She adored our two daughters, and our family, though distant in miles -- counted her as family, too. My husband, Bob, and I still have the cross she gave us 36 years ago as a wedding gift hanging in our front hall. It's a poignant and constant reminder of our roots. Ergo, as the wife of an 'ersatz' priest, I can pray for you with a certain amount of compassion! Ordained ministry is a calling, no doubt about it!
The Lord bless and keep you.
C. Morris