It is with great humility and honor that I am standing before you to give reflection on Sister Christine’s life. As quietly as Sister Christine left us; she quietly lived her life; not wanting anything more than to be with, and of service to Her God.

Sister Christine was a woman of gentle, quiet ways with a strong and deep prayer life, a love for God, family and Community. Many of us who knew her through the years or a very short time, were touched by her Simplicity of Living and Deep Prayer Life, and generous spirit. Sister was known not to complain; always willing to go where she was needed; whether it was Being Sent out on Mission, or day to day Community Living.

It was said that Sister Christine served as a receptionist in Fall River for many years; It has also been said by Sr. Rose Gravel how Christine would willingly replace her at the reception desk without a moment’s hesitation (when Sr. Rose or anyone else was unable to be there.)

As a Dominican, she valued and integrated the Four Pillars of the Dominican Way of Life: Prayer, Study, Community, and Ministry.

In her ministry life, Christine was a seamstress and did cooking in different missions. I recall her cooking in North Dartmouth, when I was a young sister; because it meant on the days she cooked the young sisters didn’t have to do it.

She also had a love for children, I recall at Dominican Academy, Sister doing after school supervision between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. before the students had study hall; the children would always have stories to Share and Sister was such a good listener. Also, before Sister came to us in the Congregation, Sister was so proud to tell us how she used to baby-sit for her nephew (Lester) who is here with us today.

Sister loved nature. She loved to go for walks, admiring the beauty that God had created. Her walks were also a reflective time for her where she could walk with her God. And since her coming to Newburgh from Fall River; she was able to appreciate God’s majesty in the mountains and river.

Sister Christine loved being with her Sisters in Community; she enjoyed playing Scrabble and doing Jigsaw puzzles. In Fall River, you could always find Sister Christine working on puzzles or playing scrabble with Sister Gilbert and anyone else who would come into the Siena Suite on the third floor. Whether you were an amateur or experienced, Christine was always welcoming and glad to have you there participating in the activity.

We know that Sister Christine’s move from Fall River was not an easy one. However being a servant of the Lord, and knowing her God was with her and that she would be with her sisters in community she risked the journey, and did celebrate Hope with her new community—the Siena Community who welcomed her with open arms and hearts; and Christine was happy and at home.

We know Christine was an avid reader; and as a true Dominican she was ever inquisitive to learn about the things she did not know, and read books to search out the truth to find the answers.

Sister Christine was a woman of understanding and compassion for others. It is said that a couple of days before her death (a time when she was weak and failing) Christine was concerned about Sister Mary Gilbert, that she was doing too much, and she would get sick; and Chrissie did not want to see that happen.

These qualities and stories, are just but a few strands of Sr. Christine’s life as a Dominican Sister. They will continue to be woven as more shared moments are expressed and will flow into a more complete tapestry of who Sister Christine was.

Chrissie, be at peace; we thank you for sharing your life with us, and we carry you in our hearts.

Sister Sue Flynn, OP
January 30, 2003

BACK