Sister Cecile Marquis is about to celebrate her 96th birthday next week . A bash like nothing she has ever experienced awaits her. Her life, unlike “extreme” games or “extreme” makeovers, has been simple, straightforward, uncomplicated, prayerful, and loving. She was a voice of clarity and sanity.

It was in 1952, that’s 55 years ago, that I first met Sister Cecile. She had been assigned as our fifth grade teacher at St. Anne School in Fall River, Massachusetts. She shared with us early on that this was her 25th year of teaching. From a ten year old perspective the “new” nun was quickly viewed as “old” rather than as seasoned and still in her prime. Age was soon forgotten, though, because she was very kind, caring, patient, fair, genuine, and sincere, but no push-over. Even back then children were wired for authenticity. She was real and had good common sense like my mother. I felt at home there. She was gently steadfast in her efforts to enable students to understand and to succeed. Today we would describe such a teacher as student-centered, mission-oriented, focused, intentional.

Formal congregational justice committees did not exist in the early 50’s, however, Sister Cecile resolved conflicts, built peace, respected diversity, promoted human dignity, and challenged us to feed the hungry. She truly lived what she taught, the gospel of Jesus.

Though Sister did not seek affirmation she must have realized the impact of its long-term effects as she affirmed each student on a regular basis. I was affirmed in this classroom as in no other. The impression is indelible. It is not surprising that she served as unofficial mentor for many new teachers, always eager to share and to encourage. It is also not surprising that many former students stayed in touch with her for many years. Why? Because she moved hearts as Jesus moved hearts. He didn’t move mountains. She heard the call of the gospel, “Use your talents well. Be good servants. Do what you have been asked to do and trust that God will supply the rest.” She did just that in her prayer, her simple faith, and in her daily choices. When she was entrusted with responsibility she took it seriously. That same call comes to all of us. Our reward is to know that what we are doing is the right thing and it is enough.

As an adult I learned more about Cecile’s family and her loyal dedication to Dominican religious life. Though relatively small, Cecile’s family was for her a reliable and dedicated haven of joy, support, devotedness, love and tenderness. She was imminently interested in all their doings and was fiercely proud of all their accomplishments, especially those of her nieces.

It was Cecile’s deep well of gratitude and inner resources that allowed her to keep as priority her commitment to living religious life to the full. She was a true community woman and a true witness to gospel values. She never doubted that she was being led by the Spirit. Of course there were constant reminders since her religious name was Sister Mary of the Holy Spirit or as Soeur Marie du St. Esprit as we all knew her.

Cecile personified our motto as former Fall River Dominicans, “Le bien se fait sans bruit.” Loosely translated: good things, right decisions are accomplished quietly without ostentation or fanfare. That was Cecile – no politics, no ulterior motive, no double-talk, no pushing to get ahead – but no Pollyanna either. Standing as a wisdom figure, strong and grounded, she was transparently in love with God, her family, her community, and her students.

It may have been the simplicity and the humility of the Blessed Mother that attracted Cecile to her. We know her devotion to Mary was noteworthy. No doubt Mary will remember this at the 96th birthday bash next week which occurs on one of her feastdays, Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Not only did Cecile love life (she had a certain “joie de vivre”), she loved people and she loved sweets. For quite some time one of her friends would periodically send her boxes of chocolates, dozens at a time. The yellow brick road at the motherhouse was paved with chocolate and led to Sister Cecile’s room. She readily shared when other chocoholics knocked. Having chocolate was like having a swimming pool. She found friends she never knew she had.

One fear that Cecile shared was that she would eventually suffer from dementia like her mother. Unfortunately this fear was realized. Slowly she lost much of her spark. But as of today it has already been restored.

The story of the valiant woman from Proverbs (31;10-31) comes to mind when summing up the life of Sister Cecile. I quote the last two verses: Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Cecile, you have earned the reward you now claim. You have left us a legacy to treasure. We give you our final thanks and farewell using the same words that were repeated each day at the close of the school day: Au revoir et merci, ma soeur!

December 6, 2007
Louise Levesque, OP