The psalmist says it well. ...from my youth you taught me ...God has always been a part of S. Bernadette Curristan’s life. In her younger years she enjoyed an Irish Catholic upbringing in Donegal under the watchful eyes of her parents, Hugh and Mary Ann and her 13 siblings. We know little of that time, except that she was baptized Roseleen on January 21, 1912 two days after her birth.

As history records it, she entered the DSSP congregation as the great war ended in January 1945 at the age of 33. There must have been great challenge for a young religious during those post war years and ...proclaiming god’s wondrous deeds ...gave her energy and conviction.

It was for the next twenty years that S. Bernadette took on the ministry of nursing the poor in Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus Ohio, as well as Minneapolis, Minnesota and Boston, Massachusetts. Besides this public call she also served the congregation on the local level in roles as bursar, sacristan and infirmarian.

It was in 1968 that she returned to New York and settled in Ossining combining the ministry of sacristan for the newly erected motherhouse at Mariandale with the ministry promotion (what we term now development.)

During the next years she formed a lasting relationship with Sister Virgine Swift who became her mentor, superior and her friend. She told me, and many others, how blessed she was to have a friend like Sister Virgine, who accepted her for whom she was.

My personal memory of S. Bernadette was when I was younger and discerning the call to religious life. I was summoned to meet with the then superior general, Sister Rose Xavier, in our Bronx house. I rang the doorbell to this very medieval fortress and the dark heavy door was opened by a small, bright, perky sister who introduced herself as S. Bernadette. I will forever be in her debt as her quick quips immediately put this very tense young woman at ease.

While S. Bernadette labored in God’s service, as with many before her, she labored with her own personal demons. She labored with relationships, misunderstandings, a quick temper - yet - the deep desire to do God’s will. Her faith gave her the strength to endure and her God...did not forsake her.

For those of us who knew her remember her in the role of impeccable sacristan, energetic driver, classy dresser - even in the habit and a woman of perfection. Her tiny stature endured her to many and she preached the word in life and deed to our many volunteers and fund-raisers.

She loved to swim and was able to find a morning companion to accompany her to the Ossining pool from the day it was open to the day it closed.

She had a great love for her family, visiting Ireland frequently and welcoming the Irish relatives when they visited the States. She also surrounded herself with things Irish-artifacts, sweaters, woolens and loved to make herself clothes from Irish wool.

Living for ninety years is considered by many as a great gift, a grace. I am sure living for ninety years can also be a great struggle - a struggle between community and aloneness, activity and diminishment, independence and dependence. A struggle well known to S. Bernadette.

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me...

Perhaps that was her prayer in 1999 when she left her home in Ossining and moved to Siena Hall. It was not what she wished for herself. In her diminishment she struggled and through that struggle finally found peace.

We thank you, Bernadette for your faithfulness and pray….
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall soft upon your fields.
And may God be holding you in the palm of his hand.

Veronica Miller, OP