how the sss got started by one sick nun
Years ago, just when professional social work began in the United States... there was this grey sister from Hungary who was dedicated to the Holy Spirit... a social worker and a Sister. This is her story.
Hungary. Fredrica was married to a handsome young Captain. He got killed in a war. She was sad.
She was dedicated to the Holy Spirit. Joined a group of Catholic Women and they were doing a “Rare (Um) Nova Rum” More on that later...
She got sick. Doctor said: “You're gonna die if you don't go to the U. S. and get better.”
She moved to New York.
Doctor said, “This weather will kill ya. Move to California!” (The air was cleaner then).
She moved.
She got better.
People loved her.
People said: can you help?
She said: “Egan” --which is Hungarian for “yes.”
Working in Los Angeles, Bishop said: “You're great. Can you stay?” She said, “Uh...” He sent a letter to the boss-nun. She said: “Our women are sick.” He said: “That's ok, send them!”
They came, they worked, they prayed... the people said: “Koozonem.” And the people said: “Gracias.”
Other nuns said: “You're no nun.”
They kept working, praying, singing. Women joined them. They bought a house.
Other nuns said: “You're no nuns.”
They kept working, praying, singing. More women joined them. They bought a car.
Other nuns said: “You can't do that”
They kept working, praying, singing. They had to get a bigger house.
They opened retreat center, settlement houses, camps, community agencies. They worked in real-politics: “Hey, Dude, where's my car, insurance?” And law: (need justice). And education (need smarts). And medicine (need health). And campus ministry (need prayer). And nursing (need care). And community organizing (need others). And pastoral counseling (need hope). And kids clubs (need play)...
More women joined them. They moved to other countries. The other nuns said, “Nice job; not bad.”
How did they get started?
There was this one sick nun...
this is the history of the Sisters of Social Service.
Become a Spirit-Volunteer. Work, Pray, Sing, with the Sisters of Social Service.
Volunteer for a year and live in a community assisting vulnerable persons.
Contact: OneSickNun@gmail.com