National Catholic Sisters Week ~ 70 Year Diamonds!

Greetings from our sisters celebrating 70 years of profession,

Each day of National Catholic Sisters Week, we will be sharing the story of our Jubilarian Sisters, those celebrating significant anniversaries in religious life!

Sister Evangeline grew up on a farm near Harrold, SD with her parents and six siblings. After graduation she worked a year hoping to save for college. Little did she know then what role college was to play in her future life.

She entered Sacred Heart Convent in 1942 and found out college was included in the formation program. After a few years teaching on the elementary and high school level she earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Catholic University of America. She states her superior’s request for philosophy “had never occurred to her, but in retrospect, philosophy brought me into contact with a world of study that has made so much difference to my life.”

She then served at Mount Marty College, teaching philosophy and serving as dean of women, director of development and of financial aid, vice president of financial affairs, and a 17-year term as president. In 1989, she was appointed sub-prioress. It was a an exciting time as she became involved in future planning and development in the monastic way of life.

The February 1997 fire remains a memorable mark on her term as sub-prioress. S. Evangeline writes: “My Benedictine life has been 70 years of fulfillment in ways I never could have imagined or hoped for. To be a part of a loving community that has supported me, challenged me and given me countless opportunities for growth has been pure gift, for which I am extremely grateful.”

 Sister Marie Helene Werdel was the second of seven children having an older brother and five sisters. Her parents built their home on prairie lands east of Stephan, SD. It was there the family experienced the hardships of life during the depression, especially after the death of her father.

S. Marie Helene left the wide ranch lands of western South Dakota in response to what she felt was a call to be a Sister in 1942. After first profession as a Benedictine Sister on June 24, 1944, S. Marie Helene began what she expected to be a long teaching career. She taught in schools at Dimock, SD, Yankton, SD, Pueblo, CO, Albion, NE and Richardton, ND.

Her appointment as community procurator and business manager at Mount Marty College in 1957 led to 37 years of work, including director of maintenance at the college, director of plant operations, manager of the MMC Bookstore, and Buildings and Grounds supervisor. At the Monastery she served as sacristan for eight years. She currently helps in the Gift Shop and mail room, tutors, and enjoys keeping the birds, turkeys and squirrels from going hungry.

Of her Jubilee, S. Marie Helene says, “My years as a Benedictine have been wonderful. I am forever grateful for God’s blessing and generosity and for my community these many years. It has been more rewarding than I ever dreamed. I pray my life has been of help to others.”

We will conclude our National Catholic Sisters Week with one final Diamond...

Curious about more of our stories? Follow this link to our "Meet the Sisters" page. You can 'click' on different sisters names to find out more about their story, our vows, and living as a Benedictine Sister! Or follow the "Vocation" link at the top of our blog to request more information!