For these three Sisters in service at Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine, answering God’s call has been a blessing many times over

By Patricia Nugent

From “Nunsense” to “Sister Act,” “Sound of Music,” and “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up,” if you believe the portrayals of nuns in shows and movies, fearsome flowing robes and well-rubbed rosary beads, brandished crucifixes and stiff habits may come to mind.

The reality is far different.

Here are the stories of three delightful Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity from Our Lady of Lourdes National Shrine in Euclid.

Before interviewing these dear ladies, I spent the afternoon with Sister Phyllis Ann, who is head administrator at the Shrine. We laughed a lot. She tells the best stories. We may have even belted out a few lines wondering how to solve “A Problem like Maria.”

Growing up in the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel parish on Cleveland’s near west side, she enjoyed doing service for the nuns in her school and decided to follow her own vocation at age 19.

Meet Sister Mary, Sister Josephine, Sister Marie Paule
As the receptionist for the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe, Sister Mary works three days a week scheduling, organizing events and manning the phone.

She entered the sisterhood after earning a degree in elementary education.

“As soon as I stepped foot on the beautiful and peaceful grounds, I knew this was home,” she says. “I enjoy being part of an active community that offers charity and service to others and pray that other young women will seek the joy and solitude I’ve found here.”

Sister. Josephine is juggling a full plate, too. She oversees religious education and the PSR program at Immaculate Conception in Willoughby, helping students and their families learn about religion and prepare for the sacraments. She’s also taking graduate classes at the seminary.

A native of Madagascar, Sr. Josephine attended Catholic schools growing up, having to leave her parents and their village at age 7. After high school, she was accepted into law school and was considering it when she received a letter from the sisters at the convent asking her to return. She decided to become a sister and hasn’t looked back once.

“When I came to this country, I was able to get my undergrad from Ursuline and master’s degree in education from Baldwin-Wallace,” she says.

Sister. Marie Paule teaches religion full time to middle schoolers at Mater Dei Academy in Wickliffe.

Also from Madagascar, she started her vocation there, then made her final vows in this country in 1997.

“I love serving people of all ages, whether in the classroom or at the Shrine,” she says. “It’s said that it’s better to give than to receive. For me, this is what true happiness means.”

Hearing the Call
Sister Phyllis Ann feels that people today may be too distracted to hear the calling of a religious vocation.

“I wonder if when people talk to God, are they really listening for an answer?” she asks. “I think each of us in the world is seeking how to answer the question, ‘What does God want from me?’”

To become a Catholic nun, the first three years of training, a woman lives in the community being immersed in theology and history. After the third year they become a novice and work in the community while continuing religious training. You don’t take your final vows until the ninth year in the community.

“If someone feels they want to take a journey with God and to God, we hope she’ll give us a call, make a visit, and find out why this is such a special path to take,” she adds.

She points out that Pope Francis has opened the door for more equality for women in the church. “He said both women and men are needed in the church to fulfill our roles, which are equally important,” she says.

The Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity and National Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes is located at 21281 Chardon Road in Euclid. The Shrine and grounds are owned and operated solely by the sisters, 100% aided by private donations, which can be made online. All the funds donated go directly to the 501(c)3 charity. Call 216-481-0900 or visit SRSTrinity.com for more information.