Maryknoll Sisters Center Walking Tour

Since 1928, the  Maryknoll Sisters  have called the East side of Pinesbridge Road their home. Nearly 70 acres constitutes the Center, a majority of which remains as a natural forest. The parts that have been developed were beautified with trees, flowers, and natural greenery. At the heart of the Sisters' Center is a connection to the natural world and all the beauty of the Earth. This Walking Tour aims to celebrate the beauty and history present at the Maryknoll Sisters' Center. The tour will feature entries on the following nine points of interest: Motherhouse, Garden of Beatitude, Centennial Garden, Good Shepherd Shrine, Rogers Building, Sisters' Cemetery, Conservation Easement, Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto, and Statue of Kateri Tekakwitha.

Each entry will first provide some history and background information regarding the site, followed by a meditative walk through that location. Listen and reflect on the beauty of the Earth at the place the Maryknoll Sisters call home.

Another Space – Maryknoll Poem by  Sr. Pauline Sticka, MM 

Not the mileless prairies of North Dakota, Not the great expanse of deep blue sea - But, corridors, corridors, corridors, corridors, Miles of them, Angle-ing and Linking Places and Sisters to each other Corridors permeated with silence Corridors resounding with laughter, Corridors embracing pain As Small Groups of Two or Three or Four Gather and Share With Each Other The pains, sufferings, and joys of another people Of other Earth Places, Bringing Mission home to the heart of the hearth, Finding healing in the memories of time Renewing friendships, embracing loved ones Strengthened once again to return to that Space of another Land, another People Who live in the space of our hearts. We are Maryknoll Women, Moving Along The Corridors of Time

Select Poems by  Sr. Ann Hayden, MM  To Listen…

Try to be still and quiet the body, thoughts and senses. A calm surfaces heightens inner awareness leaving doors and windows open in trust to hear the deep currents of truth that stir in the heart and speak.

A Path In Uncertain Times

In uncertain times there gathers and arises, out of the mists of the earth’s consciousness, a palpable yearning for a true, clear direction and for the courage to follow that path to fuller life. In pain and joy we are delivered into life and the search for truth haunts our memory yet remains ever illusive, a mysterious mix of my truth, your truth, our truth. Truth dwells at the core of our most courageous dreams; of our most urgent desires. The Truth dwells so profoundly deep; burns so intensely that it’s fire cracks open our heart and transforms our imagination. That is truth? Truth is the center of all that is and the edge of all that is becoming. We are the path. We are the courage. We are the dream, the desire and the transformation. Here and now, in the midst of silence and glad noise; of longing and the utter uncertainty, we must begin to live finally.

June 2, 2012, Centennial Garden Dedication Introduction Prayer For Dedication Read by  Sr. Mary T. Connell, MM  Divine Spirit, who awakened the Dream and Call to Mission in the heart of Mary Josephine Rogers on a summer evening in 1904, You guided and sustained her through years of uncertainty, difficulty, and challenge to the eventual fulfillment of her unique mission call as foundress of the Maryknoll Sisters. This Dream of global mission also sparked and moved the hearts of the early women who joined Mary Rogers in the fledgling community at Maryknoll.

Asia Area Read by  Sr. Sue Baldus, MM 

Creator of All, You instill deep spiritual awareness of Your Sacred Presence in the peoples of Asia, and they have revealed Your Face to us in countless ways. As we removed the sandals of our western habits, we understood we were walking on sacred ground, among the people to whom we were sent and called to serve. We remember, with deep gratitude, and thank all the peoples of Asia who have become a part of our lives, sharing their ancient wisdom to expand our hearts and capacity to love in return.

Pacific Islands Area Read by  Sr. Anastasia Lott, MM 

We offer our grateful thanks, God of Beauty, who fashioned coral reef, volcanic islands in the midst of vast Blue Ocean, dressing them in verdant splendor. You who paint the tropical sunrises and sunsets, the plumage of birds and delicate flowers. We thank you for the beauty and goodness reflected in the peoples of the Pacific Islands. Accompanying them in love and service, surrounded by the ageless conversation between vast sea and endless sky, the people revealed to us new vistas of the infinite horizons of God’s ever-present love.

Latin America Area Read by  Sr. Maureen Hanahoe, MM 

God, Creative Sculptor, you carved out the mighty rocks and majestic mountain ranges of the highlands of Latin America, then cupped your hands to form pristine lakes and flowing rivers. You delight in myriad expressions of your beauty and goodness, reflected in rainforest diversity and generous fertility of Pachamama, Mother Earth, Gift from God and nurturer of all life. We thank you for the great gift and privilege of accompanying the people of Latin America, The Aymara, Mayan, Quecha, mestizo and all peoples, who have reflected to us Your love, goodness, and generosity, as they taught and inspired us by their courage and steadfast faith.

Africa Area Read by  Sr. Rebecca Macugay, MM 

Holy Creator, Lover of Beauty, from the abundance of Your imagination, You took infinite delight in bringing forth the magnificent diversity of the African continent. From rich green Rainforest, to sweeping, endless Deserts, from terraced hills of Great Lakes, to vast grassy Savannahs. In this natural wilderness, you playfully shaped the diverse species of wildlife. Elephants, lions, cheetahs, hippos, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and many more. Then, in this Eden of natural beauty and diversity, you lovingly brought forth the diverse peoples of Africa, of innumerable tribes and cultures, whose diversity and vibrancy of life reflect your creativity and enduring love.

North America Area Read by  Sr. Mary Ellen Manz, MM 

Holy One, weaver of dreams and new beginnings, you ever delight in your Creation. Your Spirit hovers over life bearing waters, from sea to shining sea. Your vast openness fills spacious skies, evoking Earth’s fertile greening in fruited plains and amber fields of grain. For Centuries, the lands of North America were home to First Peoples, who walked gently and lived harmoniously with Mother Earth. They welcomed new pilgrim immigrants escaping religious persecution in Europe who were seeking a new life in freedom. We give you thanks, Inspirer of hope and new life, for bringing people of all races, cultures, religions, and traditions to the shores of North America.

Ancient Stone Prayer Read by  Sr. Mary T. Connell, MM 

The Ancient Stone at the Center of the Garden stands as a symbol and guardian of memories. Over 400 million years, Earth carefully stored one layer at a time the memory of her gradual formation, like the pages of her unfolding story. This Ancient Stone also symbolizes the communal memory of the Maryknoll Sisters, from our beginning to this very day. With lasting gratitude, we remember all who have made it possible for us to serve in global mission the past 100 years. Our families, friends, benefactors, and all our partners in mission around the world. All have become part of our unfolding story, held and cherished in the world embracing heart of the Maryknoll Sisters.

Blessing of the Good Shepherd Shrine By  Fr. Thomas J. Malone, MM 

Today’s little ceremony of blessing this shrine of the Good Shepherd is a very significant one for a foreign mission community. The commemorative plaque which has just been blessed sums up the meaning of the shrine and expresses the purpose of your community – “And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold and one shepherd.” It was practice of the great St. Teresa to construct little shrines and hermitages in the gardens of her convents to remind her daughters of the presence of God and to invite them to contemplation even during their recreational walks. It is good to see Mother Mary Joseph following this tradition which can promise much for the cultivation of a deeper religious life among her spiritual daughters who are privileged to live in such surroundings. The symbolism of God’s dealing with His people as a shepherd deals with his flock is of frequent occurrence in the Holy Scriptures. Sheep are mentioned over five hundred times in the Old and New Testaments. When Our Lord called Himself the door of the sheepfold; the good shepherd who lays down his life to protect his sheep; who fights wild beasts and robbers to safeguard them; who knows his sheep by name, He was talking of something that all His hearers understood well and which awakened in them a long line of memories, for many of Our Lord’s forerunners were shepherds. It was an occupation that seemed to bring one close to God.

Speech to the Students of Rogers College By  Mother Mary Colman, MM   September 12, 1966 To be a student at Mary Rogers College is to follow a balanced educational program in a tradition of seeking truth, desiring knowledge, acquiring skills designed for the development of the whole woman - social and religious, intellectual, emotional and professional - in the expectation of serving others with ability and dedication in the context of their culture in the light and grace of the full Christian commitment. We are not so much preparing for a future as seeking to be true Sisters - missionary Sisters, today. All the attitudes of cooperation, personal responsibility, in community, a spirit of charity and prayer, are vitally necessary in our living together here and now, that the presence of Christ may be among us. Community is not just the school, as in a mission country, it will not just be in the Convent. All united in unity and charity - that is our Maryknoll family, here, as all over the world.

Remember Your Origins Selections From a Reflection By  Sister Joan Metzner, MM  “Remember thou art God’s and unto God thou shalt return.” From time to time I spend moments in the cemetery pondering both sides of this phrase. Where did I come from? Where Am I Going? I know I am not this body. I know I am not this brain. I am not even this breath. I am in this world, but not of this world. I am God’s. I am of God. There is never a time when “I am” ceases. The body returns to dust and ashes, but the “I am” returns to its Source. I will always belong to God, even when the vision eludes me. Sometimes we don’t see it, but the fact remains. “Remember thou art God’s and unto God thou shalt return.” It resounds from the Beginning and enters into a surprise symphony of praise and exultation. It leads us into the dawning of a new Reality, which is great Peace. The Dawn will come. The Spirit will prevail.

Land Preservation Ceremony, June 3, 2012

 Sr. Janice McLaughlin, MM   President of the Maryknoll Sisters The Land Easement, that protects the forest and woodlands and wetlands around us, is a visible, concrete commitment to the future. Let us rejoice Today, be glad, and give thanks…

Candice Schafer President of the Westchester Land Trust

The environmental goals you determined for this land have been incorporated into a legal document, and it’s been recorded. And this will assure us that these 42 plus acres will remain undeveloped, and remain a habitat for our native species and forests, our watershed and its protection, and for contemplation and recreation.

Selections From MY GARDEN - OUR GARDEN A Poem By  Sr. Pauline Sticka, MM  A place of beauty unfathomed, I will never know all that happens there       never see all that grows there       never hear all its sounds       never taste all its fruits       never smell all its fragrance       never touch all its beauty. But — as I sit here — somewhere in the midst of it I see the distant and nearby mountains      the forest of pine and green of every shade      water and lake and flowers     the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds I hear insects, crows, birds and music,     winds blowing through the pines, I have tasted of what grows in the earth      and what hangs on the trees and plants. I smell and breathe clean air,      the flowers, the plants, grass and rain. I touch a plant, a tree trunk, a flower, a petal,      a blade of grass, a stone, the earth. I touch Heaven and I touch Earth. I feel rather than know profound depths. And I know there is a God, for God gave us a garden; to live in, to play in, to take care of.

Walking Meditation - The Cave This grotto, this cave, represents primitive, human habitation. It is really the Earth that cares for us; gives us a home from which we can reflect upon and enjoy life’s riches, and create anew from those riches. Let yourself dream of being the ‘understanding heart of the universe.’ We are the newcomers here. On the clock of the universe, we arrived on the scene only seconds before midnight. But look at what we have done in our short history. Our search for the securities of habitat has let us distance ourselves from nature. And yet, at some level, we know that we are a part of nature, and that we are nature reflecting on itself. We need to rediscover our true home.

Walking Meditation - The Meditation Garden Look around at this meditation garden. Kateri Tekakwitha, the Lily of the Mohawks, was a young woman who integrated her Native American culture and heritage with her Christian faith. She was born at Auriesville, NY in 1656, Baptized in 1676 and died in Canada in 1680. Stand with her, and feel a sense of completeness as you breathe deeply.  Look at the trees, become aware of their height, their gracefulness. Sense their strength. Like Kateri, patron of ecology and environment, who truly understood and revered the earth and all its magnificent beauty, let these trees speak to you of your connectedness to those around you, to the air, to the sun, to the seasons. Look for the sacredness in all creatures. We stand at a fork in the path, and must decide which direction will lead to our future. We need to move out of ourselves, out of the prisons we have made of our cultures and religions. Rediscover the sacred places in nature, reflections of our own sacredness.

The inspiration for this Walking Tour comes from the charism of the Maryknoll Sisters, who believe that we are all part of  One Earth Community  - that all of us are connected as a human family, with each other and with all creation. Through this community, the Sisters advocate for the preservation of Mother Earth's natural beauty and brilliance. In honor of its creation,  Sr. Margarita Jamias, MM  wrote a poem presented in this video.

Co-creators Of One Earth Community Read by  Sr. Margarita Jamias, MM 

Wisdom Women, Heritage Bearers, Women of deep prayer, immersed in reality, Diverse, Multicultural, sharing gifts in community. Reconcilers, peace-builders, breach repairers, Healing brokenness of war, violence, and poverty, Reaching out in compassion and self-giving. Committed to the Great Work: Whole Makers, Living, fostering, enhancing Earth-human relationships, Interconnected in a web of life, ONE with ALL-that-is. Grateful, joyful, STAR-followers, In awe of Great Mystery, Dancing, birthing, One Earth Community.

As we finish this walking tour, the  Maryknoll Mission Archives  would like to acknowledge all those who co-created this project with us.

Thank You to the  Maryknoll Sisters  for supporting the creation of this Walking Tour and sharing the history and beauty of their Buildings and Grounds.

Thank You to the Sisters whose words were used as the meditations for the videos: Mother Mary Colman Coleman, MM Sr. Ann Hayden, MM Sr. Margarita Jamias, MM Sr. Joan Metzner, MM Sr. Pauline Sticka, MM

The photos included in this walking tour were sourced from the  Maryknoll Sisters Archives , the  Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Archives  and the  Maryknoll Lay Missioners Archives , with special credit to photographer Sean Sprague. And an Extra Special Thank You to the Sisters who offered their voices for the Centennial Garden and One Earth Community Videos: Sr. Sue Baldus, MM Sr. Maureen Hanahoe, MM Sr. Margarita Jamias, MM Sr. Anastasia Lott, MM Sr. Rebecca Macugay, MM Sr. Mary Ellen Manz, MM