Lest We Forget
Sister Anthony Marie Baldini, CSJP
Thank you for your presence here this morning to help us celebrate the life of our Sister Anthony Marie. On behalf of the CSJPs and our Associates, I express our profound sympathies to Sister’s niece Theresa and nephew Ronald. Theresa husband and mother are also with us.
I hope that our sadness at her passing is tempered with joy. A joy from the realization that Sister Anthony is home with her God.
Sr. Anthony Marie first met the CSJPs as a student at St. James School in Penns Grove, NJ. After completing two years of high school, in 1933, on the feast of St. Ann, she came to St. Michael’s where she continued her classes. Later, she graduated from Seton Hall University and was certified to teach the visually impaired and handicapped.
Her ministry of teaching spanned nearly 50 years, and included St. Joseph School for the Blind, Jersey City; St. Luke’s School, Ho-Ho-Kus; Holy Cross School, Wayne, and Our Lady of Victories, Landisville, where she also did parish work. Additionally, she ministered at Holy Name Hospital, St. Michael’s Novitiate and St. Joseph’s Home for Boys here in Englewood Cliffs.
Her ministry at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind encompassed working with those who were blind, as well as sighted. She tells us that during this time she learned the meaning of healing, as she became enriched by the people with whom she journeyed. One of her former students, Ed Lucas, is with us here this morning.
Sr. Anthony Marie retired to St. Michael Villa in 1993. Her prayer ministry continued non-stop. As she says, “It couldn’t have been better.” She had an abiding confidence in her God. I need to tell you that many of us here at St. Michael’s often went to her, asking for her prayers.
And so, Sr. Anthony Marie:
May the light of God’s presence surround you
May the holy spirits lead you
May the gatherer of souls call you
May the homeward path rise up and lead you safely home.
Welcoming Remarks - January 14, 2012 - Sr. Ann Rutan
Liturgy Celebrating the Life of Sr. Mary Rose Gill