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Sr.
Andrea Kantner, OSF
Sisters
of St. Francis of the Holy Eucharist
Independence,
Mo.
Taking the name Andrea after her father Andrew,
Sr. Andrea’s patron saint became Andrew the Apostle who immediately,
upon finding Jesus, went to tell others of the Messiah.
Following in his footsteps, Sister has constantly taken this
message of Jesus to all the
world wherever she has been called.
In
her 50 years as a religious, Sr. Andrea taught, preached, and witnessed
to the love of God through a variety of ministeries and callings:
·
As a young religious, worked
as cook, housekeeper, school custodian, and piano teacher at St.John
LaLande in
Blue Springs
·
Served as Formation Director, Vocations Director, and Council Member for
the Sisters
·
Labored in the mission fields of Brazil, taking the Eucharist by boat
and on foot, often to people who might see a priest only once or twice a
year
·
Actively promoted vocations to the
priesthood and consecrated life
·
Inspired Father Steve Cook,
Father Matthew Rotert, and others to consider the priesthood and
consecrated life
Being a golden jubilarian has not slowed Sister’s enthusiasm for
the Missions nor her passion for fostering vocations.
Each day, begun and ended before the Blessed Sacrament, includes
prayer in thanksgiving for all the blessings and crosses she has
received, for strength to carry on another day in God’s service,
for the grace of conversion in her own life, and the right words
to say to whomever God sends her way.
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Sr.
Harriet Koutsoumpas CSJ
Sisters
of St. Joseph of
Carondelet
Across the nation, scores of professed
religious men and women are reaching retirement age. Often their lives
form a miniature gospel of dedication and commitment.
Sister Harriet Koutsoumpas, CSJ, most recently left behind her 30
year tenure at St. Teresa’s Academy to take up residence at Nazareth
Convent, St. Louis,
because of failing health.
St. Teresa’s Academy opened in the Fall of
1866 with 150 pupils, and for the next 25 years it was the only Catholic
school providing more than an elementary education for girls in
Kansas City.
The Academy continues to flourish, and one stands in awe when
considering how many thousands of young Catholic women have been molded
during their teenage years in its classrooms.
Sister Harriet was a phenomenal teacher in
chemistry, physics, and mathematics, but as she grew older, she sought
to be useful in the English Resource
Center, in the library,
and in the Business Office.
The effect she has had on countless young women is known only to God,
but she inspired them all to actualize their potentialities in myriads
of ways. She cared for the
person, not just the student, and she was a constant reminder during her
tenure of the dedication of generations of other CSJ’s who devoted their
lives to education.
The “Little Way” of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, coupled with the
zeal of a St. Francis Xavier to bring young people to God marked the
years of dedication to education of Sister Harriet Koutsoumpas.
May we be blessed with many
more like Sister Harriet who are called to challenge the minds and
enrich the lives of generations to come!
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