Mama May 31, 2023
Louise Haight
By Louise Haight
March is wonderful for many reasons: bright yellow daffodil buds start pushing through the muddy garden; preschoolers wear Kiss Me I’m Irish T-shirts as they run around the yard looking for tiny green shamrocks, and women’s myriad achievements are celebrated across the nation during National Women’s History Month.
A woman I’ve always admired, Mother Teresa, is also known as St. Teresa of Calcutta after she was canonized. According to the Convoy of Hope website, “Mother Teresa firmly believed in the power of peace and sought to foster harmony among people of different backgrounds and religions. She actively encouraged dialogue, understanding, and cooperation as essential steps toward building a more peaceful and compassionate world.” She was given many awards, topped by the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, for her love and dedication to the poor who are our brothers and sisters.
In the summer of 1997, my daughter Kristen and friends of St. Patrick’s Cathedral Young Adult Volunteers, were notified that Mother Teresa was visiting her South Bronx Convent, Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity Order.
One by one, they were invited in to see this tiny lady sitting in her wheelchair happily greeting each one, as she blessed and gave them a Miraculous Medal and merrily sent them on their way. The only one left was Kristen, who was so touched by the solemnity of this moment, that she immediately fell to her knees and actually kissed Mother Teresa’s hand, and tearfully said she could see Heaven in her loving eyes.
Mother Teresa’s values and sentiments are as important today as they were when she was alive and doting on people who were most shunned and ignored. Her small stature may have made some folks doubt her strength, but her faith in God and in humankind was always larger than herself.
Palm weaving is an intricate art at Sacred Heart Parish, where gifted parishioners gather to continue this lovely tradition. From ancient times, Christians have brought palm branches home from church on Palm Sunday. Sister Ana Sasso, F.M.I. and her dedicated and talented crew are hard at work and will be teaching this art every day during Lent from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday thru Friday in the back chapel at Sacred Heart.
Good Will Fire District Annual Installation Dinner and Awards was held on March 2, at Villa Borghese Caterers in Wappingers Falls. The evening led off with a happy and formal cocktail hour as guests arrived, and the joy of firefighters and their families coming together, in happiness and celebration for this evening’s event created the perfect ambience of what true family is, and it’s all about heart.
Master of Ceremonies: Jeff Holmes; Welcome: John Connor; Pledge to the Flag: Jeff Holmes; Invocation: Deacon Peter Haight; Amy Kosturik: Introduction of Company Officers; Chief Tom Van Zandt: Firematic Oficers; John Conner; Fire Commissioners; Anthony Novella: Benevolent Assn.: Rose Wright: Ladies Aux.; Installation of 2024 Officers: William Haight; Awards: Chief Tom Van Zandt, Chris Wilson, Rick Bartley, Amy Kosturik.
May you always have an angel at your side.